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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Aberdeenshire => Topic started by: jfdandmewebb on Monday 05 March 18 17:30 GMT (UK)
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Please can anyone help? This photograph in my collection has, written on the back, the words "Sinclair who", followed by "my uncle", written by my grandfather (Francis Edmond 1881-1966), whose mother was a Sinclair. The family came from Aberdeen, and the coastline certainly looks as if it could be Aberdeenshire. I have been unable to work out who this is, and wondered if I had a clue as to the uniform it might help?
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This query is associated with the uniform query earlier. I've attached an enlargement of the medals on my grandfather's uncle's chest in the hope that someone might recognise them? Unless I'm mistaken, medals worn on the right (left as you look at the image) usually signifies that they were awarded to another family member, such as a father or uncle. Does anyone recognise either of these two? Many thanks for your help.
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Cant help with the uniform , don't think its an armed service one.
The background looks like an studio backdrop so may not mean to represent anywhere in particular
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No idea about the uniform but I wonder if the lighthouse could be Todhead? If so it's Kincardineshire.
See http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NO8676
It doesn't look like Girdleness http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NJ9705.
It is definitely not Rattray Head http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NJ9705
The foreground isn't right for Kinnaird Head http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NJ9967
Though as rossdad says it might not be a specific lightouse.
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Sorry - should have pointed out that the background was just that - a studio background, very popular at the time. The family being from the Aberdeen area I assumed it would be local, and now it has been pointed out, from what little I've seen, Kincardineshire seems more likely. Many thanks for your input - I'll do a little research on Todhead.
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Hi,
It might be a complete red herring, but I read at the weekend that awards for life saving could be worn on the right for Royal Navy personnel. I was watching Kenneth More in the film'Sink the Bismarck' and wondered why one of the admirals had a medal ribbon on the right, as well as a clutch of ribbons on the left where one would expect them to be ::)
If your man was connected to the sea (or lighthouses as suggested on the other thread) it might be something worth exploring.
Best wishes
Brian
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Please note I have merged these 2 topics
Regards,
flst
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Thanks, Brian - I'm keen to follow up on any herrings, red or otherwise. John
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Thanks to Forfarian - looks like Todhead is the answer - see attached photo.
John
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Would it be worth contacting the Northern Lighthouse Board to see if it might be a lighthouse keeper. I don't know if they wore uniforms in those days but it's possible? https://www.nlb.org.uk/
Or the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses? http://lighthousemuseum.org.uk/ (one of my absolutely favourite museums).
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The nearest that I got was an old police uniform. I note that there is no badge on the cap, but there seels to be shoulder buttons. The fit in the picture does not seem quite right for the gentleman wearing it, and the hanging of the "medals" seems to have been pinned in a slapdash way. I wonder if the uniform etc are just studio props.
Malky
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I take on board both comments, and will certainly explore the possibility that he had something to do with the lighthouse, although I suspect that the backdrop was coincidence. Many thanks for your interest.
John
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I also dont think the uniform or the medals are military. The star is similar to some campaign medals but lacks the crossed swords.
The suggestion of Lighthouse Keeper uniform or even Railway Station Master , Tram Driver or similar may be worth following up. Have a look at the uniforms on this link.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=early+railway+uniforms&dcr=0&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=Ga3USom-Cx5ORM%253A%252CbwmZC60TlKPOsM%252C_&usg=__XVP97tdbIkH_at0ABMbMSOBSDg0%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwihj-KWkNjZAhVCDMAKHSKTCzgQ9QEINDAC#imgrc=Fu7XEgxdtbp5GM:
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Many thanks. Had a good look through the very comprehensive collection without any luck. I also looked at the uniforms page for ACT (Aberdeen Corporation Tramways), and while there are similarities, there are no twisted braid epaulettes and cap bands, and no sleeve/cuff markings. These seem to be the key. The search continues.
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Trying to find one with the sleeve braids, single breasted and a mandarin collar is proving difficult except for Canada.
Malky