A Mix of Signallers

[John Cubin]

This undated photo is thought to be from WW1. The man second from right in the front row is Robert Thayne. Nothing more is known about it. Of interest is that the men are from different outfits, the HLI being well represented. Notice the different positions of the signaller badge, on some on the left forearm while others are on the right upper arm. There's a fair variety of stripes and the man in the front row has some nice shiny tackets on his boots. Presumably, they are on a signallers course. Anyone able to suggest a date for this photo?

John.

[Muerrisch]

I am not very hot on Scottish units but they look to me all from the same regiment.

This is probably "The Signallers" of one battalion ..... regulars not TF or SR, as the plethora of Good Conduct badges on left sleeve signify.

Qualified signallers wore crossed flags lower left, but Assistant Instructors Signalling wore the flags as an appointment badge upper right. There are two sergeants so qualified, and a L-Cpl .... at least.

Absent is the Signalling Officer, himself highly qualified, and required to do an intensive course.

My guess is this is pre-war, but not by much.

Thats for starters, others can take it from here!

[Ian Riley]

On the basis of the glengarries: Highland Light Infantry? Cameronians (although did they wear black buttons?) - there is a corporal in the middle row just right of centre who looks as though he may not be wearing brass buttons (though they might be leather rather than black or it is a trick of the light). The image seems too indistinct to make out bonnet badge and shoulder title

Ian

[John Cubin]

Grumpy, agree that they are all the same regiment. I was thrown by the badges (and my lack of knowledge) so thank you for putting me right. Ian, the 100kb limit can be a pain sometimes as detail is lost but I've been back to the scanner for higher res of some bits. "Black buttons" may be the light which seems to be from above but the chap in front of him is sitting at the same angle without the same effect. Why do some have shoulder titles of HLI and a bugle, some just have HLI and some nothing at all? Three are wearing a single medal ribbon as in the second pic and one bloke has two ribbons as in the small pic. Thanks again for replies.

John.

[Stereovaccine]

My Great Grandfather was Lance Sarjeant Robert Thayne 9849, 1st Bn., Highland Light Infantry who died on 09 January 1917 Age 29 - Mesopotamia (IRAQ) . Do you think that this is him? His name is on panel 64 at the Basra War Memorial.

Wow. If the person is Robert Thayne, how did you know his name? His wife was Mary and live on Nuneaton St in Bridgeton, Glasgow.

By the way, I should introduce myself. My name is Cameron Vincent Seddon and my brother is called Robert Thayne Seddon after the hero above. Thanks for any information in the future.

[MIDMED]

My Great Grandfather was Lance Sarjeant Robert Thayne 9849, 1st Bn., Highland Light Infantry who died on 09 January 1917 Age 29 - Mesopotamia (IRAQ) . Do you think that this is him? His name is on panel 64 at the Basra War Memorial.

Wow. If the person is Robert Thayne, how did you know his name? His wife was Mary and live on Nuneaton St in Bridgeton, Glasgow.

By the way, I should introduce myself. My name is Cameron Vincent Seddon and my brother is called Robert Thayne Seddon after the hero above. Thanks for any information in the future.

Agree with Grumpy in part "The Signallers" of one battalion Could be early war time image, perhapse of 2nd H.L.I at Aldershot. Part of 5th Brigade in 2nd Division in1914, but as a group on a course of instruction much more lilkly to be 3rd H.L.I the reserve depot battalion that moved as training unit (note mix of black L.I & General service buttons on tunics, variation of shoulder titles) from Hamilton to Portsmouth in 1914 if so again could well be image of Lance Sarjeant Robert Thayne 9849, who was perhaps later posted abroad to 1st HLI

The 1st Bn. Highland Light Infantry were in india and i believe moved direct to the western front in 1914, If 9849 Robert Thayne was stationed in india before1914 this i would say is unlikly to be him. Was he a pre war regular in india before the war.? if not then this could very well be an image of him training at Portsmouth.

[Muerrisch]

I have had another look and it does look like a regular battalion's "The signallers".

The presence of two sergeants is commonplace: battalions were ranked by signalling proficiency inter alia, and good ones ensured continuity.

Have a close look at the men with good-conduct badges lower left sleeve. These will be old soldiers, and can reasonably be expected to have HLI and separate bugle correctly displayed on the shoulder.

[John Cubin]

Stereovaccine. It seems that 'my' Robert Thayne is 'your' Robert Thayne, too. Background to my involvement is that Robert Thayne's grandson gave me that photo of his Grandad, knowing my interest in WW1. Futher info is that Robert Thayne married Mary Dunne in 1914 when he was 26. That ties in with his age at death. Also Robert Thayne had a middle name - Conacher. In 1914 he was a spirit salesman. If you can confirm some of these details, then we have proof positive. I will put you in touch with my pal, if it is mutually agreed. For me, this is a real treat. The Forum strikes again. Over to you.

John.

[John Cubin]

Thanks for replies and info. I had been hoping for a reply to my post #8 but, so far, no joy. Midmed, Thayne was indeed a pre-war regular. The 1911 census has him as a Private in the H.L.I. but Ancestry didn't include the first sheet which would have given the location. His MIC has him in 2HLI when going to war 14/8/14.

[Stereovaccine]

His name is indeed Robert Conacher Thayne - Here's infor from the 1901 Census

Robert Thayne – Private Age 24 in 1911

Robert Thayne 1901 Survey

Age:

14

Estimated Birth Year:

abt 1887

Relationship:

Son

Father's Name:

Robert Thayne

Mother's name:

Elizabeth Thayne

Gender:

Male

Where born:

Glasgow, Lanarkshire

Registration number:

644/4

Registration district:

Calton

Civil parish:

Glasgow Chalmers

County:

Lanarkshire

Address:

16 Market St

Occupation:

Scholar

ED:

5

Household schedule number:

109

Line:

12

Roll:

CSSCT1901_280

[Stereovaccine]

2/HLI 9489 Robert Thayne - Presumed Dead

[Stereovaccine]

THAYNE_ROBERT.pdf

Certificate as on War Graves Commission

[Stereovaccine]

Here's what I found from the 1906 HLI Chronicles which can be found at

http://www.rhf.org.uk/Books/HLIChronicle1906.pdf

Page 125

9849 Pte. R. Thayne, 'passed Class of Instruction in

Transport Duties, 15th September, 1906.

Page 128

CONCERT HELD IN THE DINING-TENT AT

STOBS CAMP, AT 8.30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, 31ST

JULY, 1906.-A most enjoyable evening was

provided by the combined talent of the 4th

N.B.R.S. and 2nd HLI at Stobs, on this

date. The tent was crowded with a large and

enthusiastic audience, who enjoyed the excellent

programme which the enterprise and

able management of Captain R. G. 1. Chichester

and C. S. Mauchan had provided.

The band 'of the 4th V.B.R.S., which took

part by kind permission of Colonel McCrae, V.D.

M.P., and Officers, 4th V.B.R.S., assisted

greatly to the marked success of the evening.

It would perhaps be invidious to single out

any among the able performers for especial

praise, but perhaps the most popular performers

were Master W. Hill, Bandsman McNaughton,

and Pte. Fowler .A word of praise is due

to the excellent accompanists, whose unobtrusive

task was carried out in the most

efficient and sympathetic manner. Programmes

of numbers as below : March

........... ; ................... , ..... Band, 4th V.B R.S.

Under Bandmaster Sharp.

(By kind permission of Col. McCrae, V.D ,M.P., and

Officers, 4th V.B.R 8.) ..

Cornet Solo ................. ~ ....................." Anthore "

lld.-Sergt.HiN.. 4th V.B.RS. .

Song ...................... : ......... ' ....... '.:" The Holy City."

Corpl. Baxter, 2nd H.L.I.

Song ....................................... " Bonnie Scotland."

Serllt. Doherty. 2nd H.L.I.S

Gramophone .......................................... ..

Song ..... , ........................... " The Deathless Army."

Bandsman McNaughton, 4th V.B.R.S.

(Comic) ................. , ................. "Tobermory."

Pte. A.. Fowler, 4th V.B.R S .

Recitation ................................... Tam 0' Bhanter."

CorpI. Bouter, 2nd H.L.I.

Indian Club Display ...................... Master W. Hill.

Selection ............................................ " Nautical."

Band, 4th V.B.R.S. '

Song ....................................... " Spanish Cavalier."

L .. Corpl. McKenzie, 4th V.B.R.S.

Song ..... , .................................... "The Grenadier."

Lieut. Davis, 2nd H.L.I.

Song ............................................" Mush, Mush."

Pte. Catanach, 4th V.B R.S.

Sword Dance ......... L .. Corpl. Richardson. 2nd H.L.I.

Song (Comic) ............. " Molly is a nice young lady."

L..Corpl. Foley, 2nd H.L.I.

Song ......................................... Hear the Pipers."

Master Anderson.

Song .......................................... " Ora Pro Nobis."

Pte. Neild, 2nd H. L. I.

Song (Comic) ... " Is there anything else you'd like?"

Pte. Thayne, 2nd H.L I. [see below for lyrics]

Song ............... ".Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep."

L .. Corpl. Baptie, 4th V.B.R.S.

Song.. .. ........ ... . ......................... " River of Years."

Sergt. Lawrie, 2nd H.L.I.

Song ..................... " Drinking, drinking, drinking."

Corpl. Richards 2nd H.L.I.

"God Save the King."

Accompanists-Privates R. L. Smith and A. Anderson.

"Is there anything else you'd like?"

Written & Composed by FRANK LEO – 1899

Performed by Wilkie Bard 1874 - 1944

Some men want to be borrowing everything they see

One day I met a fellow who borrowed a quid from me

He said, 'While you're about it, Billy, you may as well make it two.'

I said, 'certainly - make it a couple - I'd do anything for you,'

Chorus: 'Is there anything else you'd like?

Is there anything else you'd like?

P'raps you fancy my diamond pin?

My watch and chain and my signet ring?

Here, have a nice cigar, allow me the match to strike

And don't you trouble, I'll light it for you

Is there anything else you'd like?'

Last night I was aroused by a burglar in my room

I saw he was purloining my jewellery in the gloom

He was bunging my valuables and my cash-box into his bag

I said, 'Mister! just half a minute before you remove the swag,'

Chorus: 'Is there anything else you'd like?

Is there anything else you'd like?

Wait a minute till I get dressed

You come with me and we'll find the rest

Here, take this grand piano, and, here's my safety bike

And here's a barrow to wheel 'em home

Is there anything else you'd like?'

One night, just about seven, a fellow came round to me

He said, 'I've got a couple of seats for the Theatre free

I don't know any ladies, Bill, do you mind if I take your wife?'

I said, 'Certainly, Charlie, my boy, you can take my old pain and strife.'

Chorus: 'Is there anything else you'd like?

Is there anything else you'd like?

Wait, I'll lend you my evening clothes

And here's a tanner to buy a rose

Take my best overcoat, the cold is sure to strike

And here's a dollar to pay the cab

Is there anything else you'd like?'

I once had a good billet to wait at a restaurant

One cove, a regular customer, used to eat all day long

First he'd swallow a fowl or two, then a dozen good rounds of meat

I have said to him many a time when he couldn't get off the seat,'

Chorus: 'Is there anything else you'd like?

Is there anything else you'd like?

Veal and ham, or a steak or chop

Or game, a little bit off the top?

All sorts of kinds of fish - from a whiting to a pike

Before you have any dinner, old man

Is there anything else you'd like?

The song can be heard here http://www.loc.gov/jukebox/recordings/detail/id/8721/

Stobs training camp at Hawick is documented here

http://stobs-camp.bizhat.com/

[Stereovaccine]

Robert Thayne is on line 7. This lists a few more from the Infantry as well.

I hope that I've provided you with some interesting reading!

All the best John, from Cameron Seddon - Morecambe

[Stereovaccine]

Here's a snapshot of Robert Thayne in the Glasgow Roll of Honour 1914 - 1918.

Glasgow Roll Of Honour.doc

by the way, you can take it as RED that his middle name was Conacher but it's rarely documented. Any further info I'll post as soon as poss.

[John Cubin]

Cameron. That's wonderful stuff. My pal, Jake, will be delighted. The link to Stobs Camp is fascinating, and as for the song, well, that's icing on the cake. I've sent you a PM to arrange contact with Robert Thayne's grandson. Interestingly, Jake's eldest son's Christian name is - Cameron...............

Thanks a whole lot,

John.