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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: Joybaloo on Sunday 20 November 16 19:44 GMT (UK)
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About 40 years ago in Cornwall I acquired a wallet of old scratched dusty negatives, source unknown. I threw them into a box of junk and forgot about them. I recently found them again and spent days cleaning and printing them. I have no idea who the people are. Is this the right place to post a few in the hope someone can identify them so I can reunite them?
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It is very difficult to identify people from old photos I'm afraid, even if you know which family they are from.
I have a lovely album of old photos, only one has a name on, but I presume the others are family members too, but I really can't identify who is who.
By all means post them, but probably the best that anybody can do is date them..
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About 40 years ago in Cornwall I acquired a wallet of old scratched dusty negatives, source unknown. I threw them into a box of junk and forgot about them. I recently found them again and spent days cleaning and printing them. I have no idea who the people are. Is this the right place to post a few in the hope someone can identify them so I can reunite them?
Its worth posting some of them on the forum. This is one of the most popular genealogy sites. You never know! ;D
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Oh yes please! We'd love to see them!
There was a thread a while back where a series of old photos was posted - the house and family were eventually identified. I remember another example which I thought had no hope of being identified, but someone recognised a person in the photo.
A lot depends on the era, if the family were a prominent one in the area, if there are any identifiable houses etc ... and a bit of good luck.
Depending on how many photos you have it can often help to post them in batches, eg a series of photos taken in the same location or on the same day (people wearing the same outfits).
I look forward to seeing them.
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Hi Joybaloo,
Welcome to Rootschat.
Please post some of them. You would be surprised the success that people have had in the past on here.
Steve
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Hello, thanks for your advice. I have tried twice to upload some photos but they don't seem to appear on site. Perhaps because we can't be sure if the people are still alive. Perhaps I haven't been a member long enough. I'll give it one more try and then try something else. Thanks for your help anyway. I love this community.
Joybaloo
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Excellent photos.
The woman by the signpost looks expensively dressed in designer outfit
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I agree with SB, a family with a bit of money I would think.
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The "pot" or porcelain item on the porch looks as though it was purchased abroad by a Navy man or a soldier and brought home as a gift.
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These photos will probably mean the world to someone. The question is who? lol.
I hope they are re-united with the owner. Well done to you for saving them. Maybe a cornwall family history society can put the word out for you?
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Great photos. Let's see more. I'm also trying to identify people from an old photo collection.
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The old Gent with the white beard looks like Sigmund Freud. It would be amazing if it was him. Im sure there are lots of old gents with white beards lol.
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"A quiet Puff" taken in Egypt or similar - cactus in the photo, so a family with overseas service connections?
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Is the item "at the door". An African drum I wonder?
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You may be correct ScouseBoy. To me it looks like some kind of seat?
Looks as if some oriental figures are tending to an ox/animal of the side of it.
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Ok, I think its called a Chinese Drum Seat/Stool.
If you notice on that black and white picture there are holes in the side. I wonder if this was to place some poles through to carry it?
Some pictures here from ebay of Drum Seat/Stool. It also has holes in the side.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/y~kAAOSw4shX-Sp1/s-l1600.jpg)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/i3wAAOSw8gVX-Spa/s-l1600.jpg)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Marvelous-Antique-Chinese-Porcelain-Drum-Stool-With-Fabulous-Details-/282245416592?hash=item41b7234690:g:i3wAAOSw8gVX-Spa
So those people must of been wealthy I think.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/quick-history-chinese-garden-s-128824
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"A quiet Puff" taken in Egypt or similar - cactus in the photo, so a family with overseas service connections?
. You probably know that Egypt was very close to the British Empire right up to 1945 or soon after. There were a lot of British company's based there.
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Certainly must have been wealthy to leave something like that outside! Perhaps using it as an umbrella stand?
I wonder if the soldier is about to depart for somewhere, is that a trunk behind him?
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Thank you all for your interest. Many of the other photos suggest a military link with Egypt. Unfortunately they don't help with ID. No idea about the house. But I'd probably not post any more, don't want to get into trouble with you all.
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Hi, is the officer walking through the arch wearing a "Black Armband"?
Frank.
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Certainly looks like
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Oh please post some more. The first one of the 2nd batch is similar to some I have of a British owned gold mine where my grandfather work in the interior of Brazil. Probably not connected at all, but the style of houses look so familiar to photos I have.
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The first one is a 1920s image.
Carol
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The Archway picture, looks like Egypt, Israel, Palestine area to me.
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The sign on the archway has led me to this
(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/view-of-western-tourists-outside-saint-marys-bath-traditional-of-the-picture-id592410974?s=594x594)
http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/view-of-western-tourists-outside-saint-marys-bath-news-photo/592410974#view-of-western-tourists-outside-saint-marys-bath-traditional-of-the-picture-id592410974
St Mary's Bath - Israel
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Great find Matthew, I was just searching Mary's Bath but you beat me to it - well done :)
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WOW! Incredible detective work!
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Cracking find Matthewj64 :o
Frank.
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WOW! Incredible detective work!
There are some amazing detectives here on Rootschat who can identify a location with very little to go on. We love a location hunt ;D
Please feel free to post more of your amazing photos Joybaloo, we would love to see them and help locate them if we can.
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Well done Mathew
I also think the building in the 1st photo should be recognizable. The ( I could be wrong) Art Deco front should prick some memories.
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Well done, Matthew.
I wonder if anyone can identify the regiment of the man wearing the armband, or perhaps give a rough date?
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Well done, Matthew.
I wonder if anyone can identify the regiment of the man wearing the armband, or perhaps give a rough date?
it could have been during WW2 as one possibility.
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Excellent photos - fascinating!
Very impressive detective work Matthew! :)
What do others think about the best way to post these photos for (possible) identification?
I tend to think that posting in large numbers at the same time can get confusing, and a bit overwhelming, with the likelihood of some photos being overlooked.
How do you prefer to see them posted? One photo per thread (as per Caz and others ID photos)? In "batches" if possible to identify "batches", or just randomly?
It might take a bit of sorting but my preference would be for military ones together in series of 3 to 5, and similar for others catalogued by location?
Alternatively, if the slides were developed in a series which may tell a story, that would be a good way to put together a time line of events. For example in this series, the chap at the front door in his uniform possibly packed up to go off to war, then the same chap appearing in some of the photos taken during his service abroad. :)
Just my thoughts. :)
May I ask how many slides/photos you have Joy? They are a joy ;D to see and I hope we will be able to find interested descendants who will delight in having them returned to the family.
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I agree, Ruskie. Perhaps the ones obviously taken in the UK could be posted here, a few at a time, and the military ones on the Armed Forces board where people with more military knowledge may be able to date them better?
Hopefully if some of the UK places can be identified that may help to find the family, especially if a pattern emerges.
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Very true groom. :) For ID purposes it would be more useful to start with the UK photos.
Though interesting, the military ones look like thousands of other military photos, and there is no way to identify any names associated with them, even if someone can work out dates or campaigns, or locations or regiments .... :-\
:)
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Thanks all, a sign that's readable for once made the difference :)
Just a thought on the subject of displaying for identifying, it would be interesting to see them all together in the one place - photobucket, flickr or the like - to try to spot connections. For instance, I'm wondering if the older man holding a glass of sherry in the doorway is also the soldier smoking a pipe?
M
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Thanks all, a sign that's readable for once made the difference :)
Just a thought on the subject of displaying for identifying, it would be interesting to see them all together in the one place - photobucket, flickr or the like - to try to spot connections,
M
.... and is smartly dressed woman an older version of the one in the glass of sherry photo?
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Thanks all, a sign that's readable for once made the difference :)
Just a thought on the subject of displaying for identifying, it would be interesting to see them all together in the one place - photobucket, flickr or the like - to try to spot connections,
M
.... and is smartly dressed woman an older version of the one in the glass of sherry photo?
Don't think so, the check pattern dress photo has a 1930s feel to it and the sherry-on-the-porch photo looks 1940s to me
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Hi, one question which has been puzzling me,.... "If" the chap under the archway is wearing a black armband on his uniform, why?
Was a man in the forces who looks to be a officer allowed to do this?, could it have been to signify the death of perhaps a well known public or military figure? just a thought.
Frank.
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Hi, one question which has been puzzling me,.... "If" the chap under the archway is wearing a black armband on his uniform, why?
Was a man in the forces who looks to be a officer allowed to do this?, could it have been to signify the death of perhaps a well known public or military figure? just a thought.
Frank.
Could it be a Derby Scheme Armband?
http://dbgmilitaria.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2801
Carol
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It could have been an official "Day of mourning" for an important government or Royal person or a senior religious office holder. Or he may have been the escort for a funeral procession.
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I'm not sure to be honest Carol, I think the Derby armband was only worn on civilian clothes but could be wrong :-\
It could have been an official "Day of mourning" for an important government or Royal person or a senior religious office holder.
That was my line of thought SB, I also think he may be wearing medal ribbons but can't enlarge the photo enough.
Frank.
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He is wearing collar patches (or gorget patches) which signify senior officer. This could have been when the area was called Palestine.
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Thanks all, a sign that's readable for once made the difference :)
Just a thought on the subject of displaying for identifying, it would be interesting to see them all together in the one place - photobucket, flickr or the like - to try to spot connections,
M
.... and is smartly dressed woman an older version of the one in the glass of sherry photo?
Don't think so, the check pattern dress photo has a 1930s feel to it and the sherry-on-the-porch photo looks 1940s to me
True. They have a similar look about the face though - possibly related.
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I downloaded pic. 7 and blew it up to 150%. Sentry at left in WWI European uniform. Officer has collar tabs denoting 'staff' but he's not a general. Armband appears to be two colours, no idea what it denotes. Pic. is probably 1919 at earliest.
Pic 6, no rank or regimental badges. Just the badge on the epaulettes. He has officer status but some specialist function, don't know what. Lady is the clue, blouse and pleated skirt. More 1940's, maybe as late as 1950. Have to wait for a fashion expert's opinion.
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Can anyone look up funerals. Of notable people in Jerusalem over a span of years?
The senior officer was not wearing head gear Nora side arm or asword
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Can anyone look up funerals. Of notable people in Jerusalem over a span of years?
The senior officer was not wearing head gear Nora side arm or asword
How would that help with identifying the family? Might not even have been a death there, could be anywhere.
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News paper reports in the Times maybe?
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News paper reports in the Times maybe?
As we have no idea who the family are, how would this help?
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News paper reports in the Times maybe?
As we have no idea who the family are, how would this help?
Sometimes postings of officers from prominent family's would be noticed the major newspapers. As the place in one of the photos is Jerusalem, its not a bad idea.
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Dont forget the British army was in Palestine/Jerusalem for the British mandate. It may date from that period in history.
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My dad was in Jerusalem for a short time during WW2, but I think he wa on leave
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My dad was in Jerusalem for a short time during WW2, but I think he wa on leave
My grandfather was in Palestine, Egypt, Italy etc. ;D
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Scouseboy,
May I suggest that you might like to do some searching for newspaper reports in The Times, rather than asking other people look it up? Though as groom says, if we don't know the name of the person, looking in The Times isn't going to get us very far is it? Maybe you can work some of your magic?
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Scouseboy,
May I suggest that you might like to do some searching for newspaper reports in The Times, rather than asking other people look it up? Though as groom says, if we don't know the name of the person, looking in The Times isn't going to get us very far is it? Maybe you can work some of your magic?
Dont understand your tone with ScouseBoy? Its not a bad suggestion. Often you will find details of units posting in major newspapers. Sometimes prominent officers are mentioned. Even the smallest detail can help, can it not?
Hes not forcing anyone to do anything, he is just making a suggestion.
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That's fine RTT - if you think it's a sound idea, go for it. ;D
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That's fine RTT - if you think it's a sound idea, go for it. ;D
;D
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Hi, one question which has been puzzling me,.... "If" the chap under the archway is wearing a black armband on his uniform, why?
Was a man in the forces who looks to be a officer allowed to do this?, could it have been to signify the death of perhaps a well known public or military figure? just a thought.
Frank.
Hi, my reason for this little bit of input was, if a notable death could have been found in a certain time span then perhaps a date could have been attached to the photograph, I fully understand that it was perhaps clutching at straws, but, hey ho, not to worry, I apologise as it seems to have caused a bit of friction between certain posters.
Frank.
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Its not a bad suggestion. Often you will find details of units posting in major newspapers. Sometimes prominent officers are mentioned. Even the smallest detail can help, can it not?
I still don't see how this would help as we have no idea who the family are, or dates and there must have been lots of officers mentioned. Although the negatives were found in Cornwall, we don't even know where the family came from. It would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Surely rather than anyone wasting time, it would be far better trying to identify places from UK photos and then maybe look for a link?
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Its not a bad suggestion. Often you will find details of units posting in major newspapers. Sometimes prominent officers are mentioned. Even the smallest detail can help, can it not?
I still don't see how this would help as we have no idea who the family are, or dates and there must have been lots of officers mentioned. Although the negatives were found in Cornwall, we don't even know where the family came from. It would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Surely rather than anyone wasting time, it would be far better trying to identify places from UK photos and then maybe look for a link?
Im not sure you need to know a name initially. If we could find a unit which was there at that time, then its possible to find who was there in that unit. We may be able to find the unit from the uniform type etc.
I dont think there is a set method of how to find out information, all routes may lead to something, even if its very small.
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If we could find a unit which was there at that time,
But we don't even have a date do we, in fact we don't even know why he was wearing the armband? I don't want to be negative, but I can't see how we could make a link. (Sorry no pun intended there!)
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Joybaloo,
Is it possible to make the image of the smart lady clearer? I am wondering if the sign might be decipherable?
(once again though knowing what the sign says will not help identify the family or even where they lived as this might be a holiday snap)
In amongst the slides are there any of the family outside a house (possibly another version of the drinking sherry photo) or any other buildings or landmarks - photos along the lines of the first two you posted?
Added: Frank, don't worry about it. ;D Your innocent comment has taken on a life of it's own. ;D
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Hi, one question which has been puzzling me,.... "If" the chap under the archway is wearing a black armband on his uniform, why?
Was a man in the forces who looks to be a officer allowed to do this?, could it have been to signify the death of perhaps a well known public or military figure? just a thought.
Frank.
Hi, my reason for this little bit of input was, if a notable death could have been found in a certain time span then perhaps a date could have been attached to the photograph, I fully understand that it was perhaps clutching at straws, but, hey ho, not to worry, I apologise as it seems to have caused a bit of friction between certain posters.
Frank.
I thought the same as you Frank, that the officer with the arm band was a senior staff officer, who may be easy to find his name.
He may have been escort to the Funeral Procession.
The Funeral could have been for a very important person in the Civilian or Religious leadership of the City. The officer may have been the most senior British officer in the City. Therefore we may be able to discover his name by studying references to British presence in Jerusalem.
Perhaps some Rootschat members do not realise (like we do) of the significance of his Collar patches.
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If we could find a unit which was there at that time,
But we don't even have a date do we, in fact we don't even know why he was wearing the armband? I don't want to be negative, but I can't see how we could make a link. (Sorry no pun intended there!)
To me looks like around 1920 Jerusalem, British Officer. He is walking under the arch next to Burj Laqlaq Road in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. Probably not long after the fall of the Ottoman empire.
Anyway. I off to watch salvage hunters!
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Or .... he might have been on a secret mission SB.
;D
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The officer may have been the most senior British officer in the City. Therefore we may be able to discover his name by studying references to British presence in Jerusalem.
Perhaps some Rootschat members do not realise (like we do) of the significance of his Collar patches.
Over to you then SB - I'll be interested to see what name you come up with. Too many "maybes and might haves" at the moment as far as I see it.
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The officer may have been the most senior British officer in the City. Therefore we may be able to discover his name by studying references to British presence in Jerusalem.
Perhaps some Rootschat members do not realise (like we do) of the significance of his Collar patches.
Over to you then SB - I'll be interested to see what name you come up with. Too many "maybes and might haves" at the moment as far as I see it.
I don't think Mr SB is up to that challenge, I'm afraid groom. ::)
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I have no more buildings/houses. All other family pics have people but nothing to ID place. The 'military' pics are mainly landscapes. I've rescanned the sign as suggested, at 4800. I think I can see:
The ***********
Arms
************
Ales
Or maybe not. I don't think it helps, but it's fun trying.
Perhaps someone will say: Hey, That's Grandad!
Some of the negs are really scruffy. If I find anything useful I'll post immediately. Thanks for looking, my wife and I appreciate your efforts
The Joybaloo
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Joybaloo, I too can see Arms and Ales when I stand back from my laptop, and I think I can also see Green Ales
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OH thinks it reads Tetley Ales :-\
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I wonder if it says:
ABBEY
ARMS
GREEN
ALES.
Just a thought :-\
Frank.
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I think it says Gales Ales. Brewery established in 1847 in Horndean, nr Portsmouth.
Image needs to be shrunk down to "concentrate" the print.
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Thanks for the additional information Joybaloo. Shame they are mainly landscapes .... :-\
I keep going back to the first picture, as the building the people are standing in front of is quite distinctive, and the photo of the grand building with the entrance on an angle between L shaped wings. Once again distinctive.
Now that Portsmouth has been mentioned, I can say that did wonder if the art deco looking building in photo 1 was by the sea. Off to have a google. :)
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Good evening,
The "senior officer" may be anything from a general down to a staff captain. As we can't see his rank there is no way to tell. If the date line is as many think then there were quite a few units present in Palestine not just one or two.
The bottom of the sign reads "CASK ALES" but I can't make out the bit above.
John915
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The bottom of the sign reads "CASK ALES" but I can't make out the bit above.
John915
Strange how it jumps out when someone gets it ;D
Could the chap under the archway be a member of the Palestine police? (Not that it helps I hasten to add :-X )
Frank.
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I was wondering whether the armband was something to do with the officer's role. ie Military Police where armbands - don't think this one is an MP though. Military expert might know.
Just a thought
Jan
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British Army General Staff Armbands:
Different armbands were worn to show which headquarters the officer was at
eg.
Army Division
Army Corps
Why is the officer not wearing headdress?
He could be carrying a cap in his left hand.
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I was wondering whether the armband was something to do with the officer's role. ie Military Police where armbands - don't think this one is an MP though. Military expert might know.
Just a thought
Jan
The letters M P would be in bold red and would have stood out on the photograph.
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Bad editing on my part. The archway soldier is carrying a pith helmet in his left hand. I appreciate all your efforts, I too find a lot of fun in the chase. But the other military pics are landscapes, certainly nothing distinctive. And the family are just more of the same faces against hedges and walls. If no-one recognizes Grandpa I think we might be finished. I've added a couple more pics - looks like the officer's hands are bandaged! Thanks to everyone for your efforts.
The Joybaloo
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The first two are two small to see much detail, and when I zoom in definition is lost. :-\ it may be due to the process of turning them from negative to photo - the men look Amazonian too - as though the photo has been streched. :)
Maybe try posting them again? See what others think. I don't know if there is anything identifiable in the photos.
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Good evening,
I was wondering whether the armband was something to do with the officer's role. ie Military Police where armbands - don't think this one is an MP though. Military expert might know.
Just a thought
Jan
The letters M P would be in bold red and would have stood out on the photograph.
Red letters on black band was WW2 normally they would be black letters on red band. As we seem to be talking 1920s.............
John915
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Black and red are not too different tonally, so a fairly unclear black and white photo would not show much difference between black and red.
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Hello to Everyone. I wish you a great 2017
Thanks to everyone for the interest and help with my search. Based on your observations I searched the Imperial War Museum and found many similar photos. I am now sure the military photos are from 1915-1920 Palestine/Syria. I still have no idea about the family.
I am going to put the pics on www.dustysunbeams.co.uk very shortly so I can spread my search.
I am marking this item as closed here, as I don't think we can go much further. But I thank everyone who offered help and advice. You are a great community, and you have proved invaluable in pointing me in the right direction. Thanks again.
The Joybaloo