Stevejm Posted 7 February , 2021 Share Posted 7 February , 2021 (edited) My latest project is researching the military service of my great grandfather, Ernest Mead who served with the 12th ( later 6th) Btn Lancs Fusiliers. We have this photo of him ( he is on the right) that we believe was taken when he was home on leave in Aug/September 1918 and I wondered if anyone can advise the meaning of the epaulette lanyard that he is wearing. Edited 7 February , 2021 by Stevejm correction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 7 February , 2021 Admin Share Posted 7 February , 2021 I think (though I am very happy to be corrected) that the lanyard was attached to a clasp knife. Michelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 7 February , 2021 Share Posted 7 February , 2021 (edited) Michelle is correct as she so often is. The lanyard was generally attached to the issue clasp knife, which soldiers were ordered to keep in their top left pocket. It is just about possible to discern the Lancashire Fusiliers shoulder title. Edited 7 February , 2021 by FROGSMILE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevejm Posted 7 February , 2021 Author Share Posted 7 February , 2021 Thanks to both of you for your prompt replies. Mystery solved! I presume that the knife could be released for use Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 7 February , 2021 Share Posted 7 February , 2021 (edited) 10 minutes ago, Stevejm said: Thanks to both of you for your prompt replies. Mystery solved! I presume that the knife could be released for use The lanyard was quite long when issued Steve, but many men shortened it by plaiting or weaving. It was quite straightforward to unfasten it from the shoulder for use. Images courtesy of the Imperial War Museum. Edited 7 February , 2021 by FROGSMILE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevejm Posted 7 February , 2021 Author Share Posted 7 February , 2021 Brilliant. Thanks for the info again. Fortunately Ernest survived the war after serving in Salonika then France otherwise I wouldn't be here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 7 February , 2021 Share Posted 7 February , 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Stevejm said: Brilliant. Thanks for the info again. Fortunately Ernest survived the war after serving in Salonika then France otherwise I wouldn't be here! Yes I think that quite a large chunk of those who frequent this forum can say the same thing Steve. Edited 7 February , 2021 by FROGSMILE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevejm Posted 7 February , 2021 Author Share Posted 7 February , 2021 I have been assuming that the photo was taken whilst on leave in England because according to his record he was promoted to sergeant on 3rd August 1918 and he went on leave on 31st August but I also wonder whether the the photo was taken in France. Any clues from the uniform? There is no photographer's info on the back of the original photo just the number 1134. Any thoughts would be appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 7 February , 2021 Share Posted 7 February , 2021 (edited) 6 hours ago, Stevejm said: I have been assuming that the photo was taken whilst on leave in England because according to his record he was promoted to sergeant on 3rd August 1918 and he went on leave on 31st August but I also wonder whether the the photo was taken in France. Any clues from the uniform? There is no photographer's info on the back of the original photo just the number 1134. Any thoughts would be appreciated The photo has more of a home look to it. A majority of photos taken in France and Flanders seem to have been taken in improvised studios, often outdoors, and usually with a more disheveled appearance, including gas mask haversacks, or other field dress. It’s not possible to be 100% certain but they look a bit too pristine to be overseas. Edited 7 February , 2021 by FROGSMILE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevejm Posted 8 February , 2021 Author Share Posted 8 February , 2021 4 hours ago, FROGSMILE said: The photo has more of a home look to it. A majority of photos taken in France and Flanders seem to have been taken in improvised studios, often outdoors, and usually with a more disheveled appearance, including gas mask haversacks, or other field dress. It’s not possible to be 100% certain but they look a bit too pristine to be overseas. That makes sense. Thanks for the reply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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