Unknown soldier in postcard - Blandford area

[RJones]

I've come into possession of the following WWI postcard photo and was hoping someone could tell me a little more about it, such as what the uniform reveals and maybe what regiment/area he may have been from? Stamp on the back says Oakfield Studio, Blandford.

Many thanks,

Ros

[abbrover]

The "sailor" in question is Royal Naval Division, hence the "rnd" shoulder title as a temporary cap badge. The RND were based at Blandford Camp for a number of years during the Great War.

Soldier

[RJones]

Fantastic, thank you! Had no idea he was a sailor.

[trenchtrotter]

Naval yes, sailor no! RND were an infantry division made up of surplus sailors in the reserve...not enough boats / needs! They retained naval traditions and wore both army and naval rank. Served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. A unique division and well documented. Worth research.

Nice PC.

Thanks for sharing.

TT

[mikerose]

the hood battalion by len sellers is a good read. my great uncle served with the hood and survived both Gallipoli and western front

[RJones]

Thank you! I'll do some further studying then. Does anything on the uniform suggest rank? Is the stick significant? (Sorry, I do know it has a proper name but I'm shamefully ignorant of the correct terminology....)

[mikerose]

i may be wrong but i beleive he may just be a seaman i cant see any rank markings.

[RJones]

Ok, thanks.

[Old Owl]

[quote name='RJones' timestamp='1322253678' post='167382

Is the stick significant?

The stick is a swagger stick which was probably given to him as a prop, ie to make the photo more interesting.

[RJones]

The stick is a swagger stick which was probably given to him as a prop, ie to make the photo more interesting.

Thank you.

[tipperary]

[quote name='old owl' timestamp='1322302416' post='1673951'

The stick is a swagger stick which was probably given to him as a prop, ie to make the photo more interesting.

Brave man i got fell on from a great height for implying similar on a recent thread. just going.john

[edcoyne]

R.Jones;Judging by his face he is a Boy Soldier/Sailor. Hopefully this will help you narrow it down as to who he is. Regards Ed