Mystery Soldier

Turtle · 29-09-2014, 19:39

Some photos belonging to my late father recently surfaced after being lost for 15 years. One of them is of a soldier, WW1 I believe, seated for a portrait and also mounted. The photographer according to the back of the postcard is F.D. Shackley, Bamber Bridge, Nr. Preston. I have no idea who this man is, (although he must be related to my father in some way) and there is no one left alive who would know. All I can do is play detective, and ask for advice from those more knowledgeable than me. My father's family come from Salford, Stockport, or Tring areas. I know this isn't Accrington related, but I know there are one or two Accy Web members who are very well versed in WW1.

I looked up WW1 cap badges on the web, and think it might be the Cheshire regiment. Can anyone help me?

Eric · 29-09-2014, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

Some photos belonging to my late father recently surfaced after being lost for 15 years. One of them is of a soldier, WW1 I believe, seated for a portrait and also mounted. The photographer according to the back of the postcard is F.D. Shackley, Bamber Bridge, Nr. Preston. I have no idea who this man is, (although he must be related to my father in some way) and there is no one left alive who would know. All I can do is play detective, and ask for advice from those more knowledgeable than me. My father's family come from Salford, Stockport, or Tring areas. I know this isn't Accrington related, but I know there are one or two Accy Web members who are very well versed in WW1.

I looked up WW1 cap badges on the web, and think it might be the Cheshire regiment. Can anyone help me?

Try Retlaw ... give him a PM ...

DaveinGermany · 30-09-2014, 05:10

It appears to be 2 different people, the first because of the star shape could well be the Cheshires, what does the shoulder flash say? The second because of the size & shape resembles an RA cap badge. Stil,l as Eric says try Retlaw as WWI is his speciality.

gpick24 · 30-09-2014, 06:09

"ASC" on his shoulder DiG

Turtle · 30-09-2014, 11:34

Thank you Eric - I had thought of sending a PM to Retlaw, but didn't seem to be able to send him the photos that way. Hopefully he'll see them this way.

DiG - yes, I see what you mean - there may be two people here. Ah, the mystery deepens!

GPick: yes, that is 'ASC' on his shoulder. Is that Army Service Corps? One website suggested that this refers to someone who drove horses pulling equipment rather than cavalry.

Margaret Pilkington · 30-09-2014, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

Thank you Eric - I had thought of sending a PM to Retlaw, but didn't seem to be able to send him the photos that way. Hopefully he'll see them this way.

I don't think there is a way to send pictures in a PM.

cashman · 30-09-2014, 12:47

I cant send pics anyway at all, Techno useless.

Eric · 30-09-2014, 13:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

Is that Army Service Corps?

No ... it's Ally Sloper's Cavalry

Eric · 30-09-2014, 13:25

And just in case anyone is interested in stories about identifying those who fought in the First World War, here's an aside:

WWI Canadian soldiers' remains identified - Canada - CBC News

Retlaw · 30-09-2014, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

Some photos belonging to my late father recently surfaced after being lost for 15 years. One of them is of a soldier, WW1 I believe, seated for a portrait and also mounted. The photographer according to the back of the postcard is F.D. Shackley, Bamber Bridge, Nr. Preston. I have no idea who this man is, (although he must be related to my father in some way) and there is no one left alive who would know. All I can do is play detective, and ask for advice from those more knowledgeable than me. My father's family come from Salford, Stockport, or Tring areas. I know this isn't Accrington related, but I know there are one or two Accy Web members who are very well versed in WW1.

I looked up WW1 cap badges on the web, and think it might be the Cheshire regiment. Can anyone help me?

Don't know who he is, but his cap badge looks like Scots Guards, His shoulder tab looks like R.S.G.

Turtle · 30-09-2014, 16:14

Thank you Retlaw! And all those who chimed in.

I'll enjoy following these leads.

DaveinGermany · 30-09-2014, 18:14

If it is ASC (Army Service Corp) forerunners of the RASC - RCT - RLC, you're looking at cart 'osses, general transport & logistic support. Not exactly glamorous but most definitely essential to keep the 'Eroes fed watered & stocked with ammunition. As to the other fella on the 'Oss, looks like a gun bunny cap badge & the white lanyard.

gpick24 · 30-09-2014, 18:30

Don`t you lot know how to zoom in on a pic?

DaveinGermany · 30-09-2014, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpick24

Don`t you lot know how to zoom in on a pic?

Alright smartarse!

I used the on site one & it only let me enlarge it once, so while you're at it, have a skeg at the cap badge if you'd be so good & pop that up.

gpick24 · 30-09-2014, 18:55

Not much detail on the cap badges especially the mounted one, to zoom in on pics, click on attached thumbnail, then click on the pic to open it in a new tab (or right click and click "open link in new tab"), hold down ctrl button and tap + to zoom in.