SOMMESOLDIER Posted 28 May , 2005 Share Posted 28 May , 2005 Hi There, I have this photo, and on the back it says:- Bugle Band R.E. (T) Smethwick or Smethuck, or Smethick ?? Any ideas where or when this was taken ? Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 28 May , 2005 Share Posted 28 May , 2005 It's the Bugle Band of the 2nd North Midland Field Company, R.E., based in Smethwick (which is now part of the West Midlands connurbation, not quite either Birmingham or Black Country). The unit's drill hall remains standing as the Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre, built and doated to Smethwick Corporation and the Staffordshire Volunteer Reserves in 1893 in memory of his son, Henry. The photograph was probably taken on one of the unit's annual camps, as evidenced by the bell tent in the background. Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 29 May , 2005 Author Share Posted 29 May , 2005 Hi Graeme, Thats great. Many thanks for the information. Have you any idea as to what kind of year it might have been taken ? Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 29 May , 2005 Share Posted 29 May , 2005 I don't know why, but I'm thinking post-war? Send a copy to Smethwick Library, as they have the archives for the area, and I'm sure they'd be grateful. I'll get down there and check their other pictures. Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 31 May , 2005 Author Share Posted 31 May , 2005 Hi Graeme, Do you mean post ww1 or ww2 ? I'll do that regarding the Library. Also thanks for the help you have offered !! Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 1 June , 2005 Share Posted 1 June , 2005 Tim Might be well wrong, but I suspect 1920s. Just a feeling... Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERITAGE PLUS Posted 1 June , 2005 Share Posted 1 June , 2005 This is not just a bugle band. The first three rows may be put the rest certainly are not. There are two helical tubas clearly visible which would indicate that a full band follows drums and bugles. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 1 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 1 June , 2005 Tim Might be well wrong, but I suspect 1920s. Just a feeling... Graeme <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Graeme, I think, that you are probably right, that was my first thought when I saw it !1 Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 1 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 1 June , 2005 This is not just a bugle band. The first three rows may be put the rest certainly are not. There are two helical tubas clearly visible which would indicate that a full band follows drums and bugles. Dave <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Dave, Very interesting. I never thought of that. Very many thanks for the information. Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 1 June , 2005 Share Posted 1 June , 2005 This is not just a bugle band. The first three rows may be put the rest certainly are not. There are two helical tubas clearly visible which would indicate that a full band follows drums and bugles. Dave <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Helical tubas as opposed to what, Dave? Toooo much information! A story to tell, methinks. But yeah, you're right, it's the full kit and caboodle. I'm sure Smethwick Library have some more pictures of RE bands. I'll check.... Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewThornton Posted 3 June , 2005 Share Posted 3 June , 2005 The Field Company at Smethwick was 1st North Midland Field Company R.E., not the 2nd. 1st North Midland Field Company was formed from a cadre of former members of "H" and "I" Companies of the 1st Volunteer Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment in April 1908. 2nd North Midland Field Company was an entirely new unit raised in Norton Canes, near Cannock, at the same time as a result of the creation of the Territorial Force. The photo looks like it was taken in the 1920's. By this time 1st North Midland Field Company was called 212th Field Company, having been retitled on the reformation of the Territorial Army in 1921. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 4 June , 2005 Share Posted 4 June , 2005 Thanks for the correction, Andrew. I'm glad you agree with the timeline. Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERITAGE PLUS Posted 5 June , 2005 Share Posted 5 June , 2005 Helical tubas as opposed to what, Dave? As opposed to the convential tuba. The helical tuba wrapped around the players body in similar fashion to a Sousaphone making it lighter to carry when marching. As the bell of the instrument points outwards it is easily identifiable in the pic. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 6 June , 2005 Share Posted 6 June , 2005 Thanks, Dave Daft as it sounds, I rather enjoyed learning that! Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERITAGE PLUS Posted 7 June , 2005 Share Posted 7 June , 2005 Just to round off the info of helical tubas this photo of 5th Suffolks at Long Melford in 1909 shows the instrument. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 7 June , 2005 Share Posted 7 June , 2005 Nice one, Dave. I must take another trip to Smethwick archives, cos I'm sure thre's a couple of pictures of a band.... Give me a day or two. Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 8 June , 2005 Share Posted 8 June , 2005 I went to Smethwick Archives today, after searching out some really dodgy pub for someone...... I had believed that I had seen a picture similar to that of the Terriers' band, but havinfg had a look at their photographic archive, there's nothing. Sorry. But it would be worthwhile sending them a copy. Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOMMESOLDIER Posted 13 June , 2005 Author Share Posted 13 June , 2005 Hi There, Very many thanks for all the replies, it has been very interesting and informative. Cheers Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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