Identifying WWI soldier in photo - South Lancs

[RJones]

Hello,

I'd appreciate some help identifying a young soldier of the 6th Btn South Lancashire Regiment who appears in the below photograph. Standing on the right is my great great uncle from Wigan, Pte John-Henry (Harry) Jones, who was lost at Gallipoli in August 1915, aged just 20. The identity of his seated companion is a complete mystery. We presume he was a friend of Harry's, likely from the Wigan area and also in the South Lancs. I would be most grateful for any suggestions as to how we could identify him. Does there exist a South Lancs group or forum I could approach?

On the back of this postcard it says in pencil 'standing 1241', and what looks to be an abbreviation of 'seated/sitting' with the numbers 1759 40. Harry's service number was 12842, so this can't be what the numbers refer to. Perhaps someone is familiar with how these photographs were produced and labelled/numbered? The picture is labelled as being taken in Wigan.

Many thanks in advance for any help or advice.

(Apologies if the pic is too big - I tried making it smaller but it wouldn't resize)

Ros Jones

[high wood]

The pencilled number on the back of the postcard will be the job order number; in this case probably to do an enlargement of the standing figure. The photographic plate number, in this case 19, appears on the front of the postcard at the bottom left. None of these numbers relate to a soldier's service number.

The original order number would relate to making x number of postcard sized photographs from plate number 19 taken on a particular date. At a subsequent date, a relative has taken a copy of the photograph in to have an enlargement made, hence the second order number and instructions.

[RJones]

Thank you very much! That helps explain a lot.

[RJones]

I've been doing a bit more research and may have a name. Appreciate any thoughts on whether it's wishful thinking or if it's a good avenue to follow....

Service records show a 19 year old John Mahoney enlisting in the South Lancashire Regiment on 6th September 1914 in Wigan (same day and place as Harry Jones). His regimental number is the next in sequence - Harry's was 12842 and John's was 12843 - but I know that's not necessarily proof of anything. He was a collier from Ince living very close to Harry's family, and the physical description on his papers matches the photo. If they'd grown up together it wouldn't be suprising that they signed up together and had a double photograph taken imo. In a tragic quirk of fate his half-brother, Isaiah Walker, who was in the Loyals, was killed on 9th August 1915 in Gallipoli, as was Harry. John had 7 half-siblings and, helpfully for me, there are a number of different surnames I can follow up in the area. I've also left messages on gen-forums in hope someone recognises the names. I've not found any other names that fit as well as this one.

My main train of thought though is that John Mahoney was awarded the DCM, and I understand it's possible there is a picture alongside his citation in whatever papers it was announced in? If I could find such a photo I could prove straight away if it's him or not. Are there any resources online that may be able to help? People on the Wigan World website have told me such clippings would be available in the local heritage museum, but I'm nowhere near Lancashire so it's not really an option.

Many thanks!

Ros