mpjbrennan Posted 23 February , 2005 Share Posted 23 February , 2005 The family photograph below simply has "Uncle George - 1916" on the reverse. His surname was Bell, but before I plough through all the Bells I hoped someone might be able to give me a clue from the rather distinctive uniform. He was from Newcastle, but I don't know which regiment he served in. patrick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkristof Posted 23 February , 2005 Share Posted 23 February , 2005 looks like a general staff badge ?????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 23 February , 2005 Share Posted 23 February , 2005 I would date this photo around 1900/05 (Boer War period); it certainly isn't 1916. The badge looks like a General Service badge; wasn't aware that they existed at that time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bob Juno Posted 23 February , 2005 Share Posted 23 February , 2005 How about 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons) for the cap badge? Although if he was from Newcastle seems unlikely. Any chance of a better scan of the cap badge? It might help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrB Posted 23 February , 2005 Share Posted 23 February , 2005 Kinda looks like what Bob Juno wrote...2nd County of London Yeo. The bandoleer was worn by the cav and some yeos, from about 1890 to 1902. Only odd thing is that crown worn above the cap badge. No badge picture I have shows that. Personal affectation or CO's whim? Also note glove on left hand, mounted? DrB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CROONAERT Posted 23 February , 2005 Share Posted 23 February , 2005 How about "Her Majesty's Reserve Regiments". This badge was worn by the Home Counties/Northern/Southern and Eastern regiments from March 1900 until circa 1903. The equipment is correct for this also, being the "Mounted Infantry" equipment with Slade Wallis belt (with QVC), riding crop, etc. Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpjbrennan Posted 24 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 24 February , 2005 I've posted a higher resolution scan of the cap badge below, but it isn't much better. Further information: - I've now examined the rear of the photo myself and it actually reads "Uncle George, died 1918 War" The photograph was taken by R.W. Elliott of 93 High Street and 8 The Arcade, Aldershot. The number on the photograph is 19890 (very faint) - I doubt if the catalogue still exists. Thanks to all for your observations. Patrick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackblue Posted 24 February , 2005 Share Posted 24 February , 2005 Do you have any more information Patrick...such as next of kin or where exactly in Newcastle he was from? If you are able to say where he was born, enlisted and lived....(and he did die during the war whilst in service)...there is a chance he may be traced via Soldiers Died in the Great War and Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I have looked at men on SDGW from Newcastle and ruled out most due to age listed on CWGC (must have been 30 or so when he died judging by photo circa 1903). These two men appear to be the only ones from Newcastle who remain. Neither have age or next of kin details listed on CWGC. 24/1377 Pte George Bell, 24th Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) KIA 28/04/1917 (No age listed on CWGC) (born and enlisted Newcastle-On-Tyne) 29/104 Pte George Bell, 23rd Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tynside Scottish) KIA 01/07/1916 (No age listed on CWGC) (born Newcastle-On-Tyne, enlisted Stanley Northumberland) Rgds Tim D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpjbrennan Posted 24 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 24 February , 2005 Hi Tim. He was born in 1887, so your estimate of his age is pretty accurate. I checked the cwgc site myself, and he is not listed among those with a recorded age or relatives. He was too young I think to have been in the Boer War, but I guess the picture could have been taken shortly afterwards - he could be as young as 16. Of course one possibility is that he died during WW1 - but not in it! thanks for help. patrick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raster Scanning Posted 24 February , 2005 Share Posted 24 February , 2005 How about 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons) for the cap badge? Any chance of a better scan of the cap badge? It might help. I think the scroll is the wrong shape for Westminster Dragoons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CROONAERT Posted 24 February , 2005 Share Posted 24 February , 2005 How about 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons) for the cap badge? Any chance of a better scan of the cap badge? It might help. I think the scroll is the wrong shape for Westminster Dragoons 99% certain its the badge of "H.M.R. Regiment". Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raster Scanning Posted 24 February , 2005 Share Posted 24 February , 2005 Hi Dave. Not familiar with that badge, do you have a picture? Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackblue Posted 24 February , 2005 Share Posted 24 February , 2005 Must say I agree with Dave, One of Her Majesty's Reserve Regiments......either Homes Counties, Northern, Southern or Eastern. From Gaylor p. 123. Plate 53. 'As the Imperial garrisons were emptied of first-line troops to serve in South Africa there was a need to replace them and this was filled by raising the Royal Reserve Regiments in March 1900'. 'The Infantry and the Guards wore their own hat badges while the Home Counties, Northern, Southern and Eastern Regiments wore the Royal Arms in brass'. Rgds Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raster Scanning Posted 25 February , 2005 Share Posted 25 February , 2005 Thanks Tim. Certainly matches. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrB Posted 25 February , 2005 Share Posted 25 February , 2005 No doubt now....I will bet it is the Royal Arms, but you can hang that one almost anywhere. It looks as though there is a separate button above the badge. Maybe that is the clue. DrB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CROONAERT Posted 25 February , 2005 Share Posted 25 February , 2005 It looks as though there is a separate button above the badge. That's the press-stud to keep the brim of the hat in place! Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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