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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Lanarkshire => Topic started by: telephonist on Monday 22 September 14 04:19 BST (UK)

Title: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: telephonist on Monday 22 September 14 04:19 BST (UK)
This photo was found being used as the backing for another photo in a house in Glasgow recently.
On the back it has the name of Whyte and Son, 20 Union Street, Glasgow
Anyone recognise persons in the photo or the occasion please
Thanks for any leads.
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: arthurk on Monday 22 September 14 16:43 BST (UK)
I think the women remind me of pictures of WW1 munitions workers, though I may be mistaken...

Arthur
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 22 September 14 16:56 BST (UK)
Yes Arthur I would agree with you:


http://www.mylearning.org/dick-kerrs-ladies-fc/images/1-4626/

Carol
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: arthurk on Monday 22 September 14 17:15 BST (UK)
 :) :)

(But I don't know anything about munitions factories in Glasgow, I'm afraid.)

Arthur
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: hepburn on Monday 22 September 14 17:49 BST (UK)
I see one of the lady's has a triangular badge on her collar.The same seen in this photo.

http://cookit.e2bn.org/historycookbook/22-111-Life-in-edwardians-and-ww1.html#
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: hepburn on Monday 22 September 14 17:50 BST (UK)
You have to scroll down the page to number 20.
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: scotmum on Monday 22 September 14 18:35 BST (UK)
Does it mention a forename with Whyte?

For example, there was:

Alexander Whyte and Son papermill at Milngavie
Thomas Whyte and Son Muslin manufacturer, Glasgow
Robert Whyte and Sons Upholsterers and Cabinet Makers, Glasgow
John Whyte & Son, Glasgow ..... possibly connection with flour

some of the above had a different forename, depending who was head at the time.

There may have been others.
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: scotmum on Monday 22 September 14 18:41 BST (UK)
There was a James Whyte, photographer, at 20 Union Street., so likely that is who took the photo, rather than the photo being of a company called Whyte & Sons.

Became Whyte & Son c1906.
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: deebel on Thursday 25 September 14 17:30 BST (UK)
Wonder if the carpet is significant. Could it be Templetons Carpet Factory (carpet makers to the Titanic and the "Queens") and a picture of staff volunteering for war production eg balloons parachutes etc.
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: arthurk on Thursday 25 September 14 20:11 BST (UK)
Wonder if the carpet is significant. Could it be Templetons Carpet Factory (carpet makers to the Titanic and the "Queens") and a picture of staff volunteering for war production eg balloons parachutes etc.
I doubt it - the carpet is rather small, and if you look closely, its front edge is a bit frayed. I think a high end carpet manufacturer would have done better than that. Also, I think what the women are wearing was issued specifically to those working with chemicals etc in munitions factories, but again I have a hazy recollection that it didn't give very good protection, and some women may have had long term health issues afterwards.

Arthur
Title: Re: WW1 photo mystery
Post by: Eve R on Friday 26 September 14 02:05 BST (UK)
The triangular badge could be a War Service Badge issued to munitions workers.  See http://www.barnesfamilyhistory.org.uk/firstworldwar/on_war_service_badges.htm

Evelyn