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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: finta on Thursday 02 July 15 08:42 BST (UK)

Title: 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
Post by: finta on Thursday 02 July 15 08:42 BST (UK)

I would very much appreciate some help identifying a major from the 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers).

I can't upload the photo as it's from an email and is too many KB to upload here.  I do not know how to reduce it.

The man I would like to identify is a major.
The date is between 1881 (formation of unit) and 1901 (the Queen's head is visible on helmet and uniform).
The man's name I am hoping to find is ? ROBERTSON.  He was living in Hebburn/Jarrow at the time of the photo.

If there are any Army Lists I would be very grateful for a look up.

Thank you,

Finta

Title: Re: 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
Post by: km1971 on Thursday 02 July 15 15:22 BST (UK)

I have checked the February 1902 Army List and he is not listed. I have a few lists closer to 1881 and I will check them tonight. In 1902 HQ was in Jarrow.

Is he showing any kind of medal or ribbon?

Ken

Title: Re: 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
Post by: finta on Thursday 02 July 15 17:38 BST (UK)

Thanks for your reply Ken and for checking Army lists.

The scan of the photo I have was too large to attach, so I've tried again to post it.

I've been told the badges on the helmet and uniform have Victoria's head on them so he'd be
pre 1901.

finta

Title: Re: 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
Post by: km1971 on Thursday 02 July 15 17:50 BST (UK)

Not her head, but her crown - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=victorian+royal+engineers+helmet&newwindow=1&tbm=isch&imgil=Q0TtFRVGoD0aKM%253A%253By6oTkD-SwHkm0M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.rubylane.com%25252Fitem%25252F802481-3485%25252FVictorian-Royal-Engineers-Spiked-Black-Cloth&source=iu&pf=m&fir=Q0TtFRVGoD0aKM%253A%252Cy6oTkD-SwHkm0M%252C_&biw=2088&bih=920&usg=__RwDJlSZspJaCYY2bDxRs-VLSzIM%3D&ved=0CC0Qyjc&ei=h2uVVeCGCIKxsAHH3q3oDA#imgrc=Q0TtFRVGoD0aKM%3A&usg=__RwDJlSZspJaCYY2bDxRs-VLSzIM%3D - below the lion. Also probably on the belt clasp.

Ken

Title: Re: 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
Post by: finta on Thursday 02 July 15 18:02 BST (UK)

You are, of course, quite right Ken.  I shall reprimand my source forthwith ;)

Title: Re: 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
Post by: km1971 on Friday 03 July 15 07:29 BST (UK)

The 1882 Army List does not list the Volunteers.

Ken

Title: Re: 1st Durham Royal Engineers (Volunteers)
Post by: finta on Friday 03 July 15 08:25 BST (UK)

Thank you for looking, Ken.

I'd guess the photo was taken in the 1890s, judging by the likely age of the man.  He bears a family resemblance to his brothers, and if I am right, was born in 1856.  All the men on that side of the family went grey early in life!

Edward G Brevis (the photographer) was active at the Victoria Art Studios (as on photograph) from 1895-1908, which limits the likely date 1895-1901.

finta