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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: DavidGreenall110 on Thursday 29 July 21 19:38 BST (UK)

Title: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: DavidGreenall110 on Thursday 29 July 21 19:38 BST (UK)

Hello All,

I'm trying to identify this cap badge for John Fairclough Houghton, Can't find any MRC's or Service Records under that name. He was from Wigan born around 1878 so, around 36-38 when he enlisted.
The picture was most probably taken in 1915-1916 by the age of the children.

Regards
Dave

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: MaxD on Thursday 29 July 21 20:08 BST (UK)

My stab - General Service Corps

MaxD

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: DavidGreenall110 on Thursday 29 July 21 21:09 BST (UK)

Thanks MaxD,

Was thinking that or the Manchester's?

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: MaxD on Thursday 29 July 21 22:14 BST (UK)

The word Manchester at the bottom of their badge gives the badge a flat bottom if that makes sense. The GSC badge has the upward indent seen on his badge. (Can't post pics on my less than smart phone!)

MaxD

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: DavidGreenall110 on Thursday 29 July 21 23:41 BST (UK)

Thanks, I'll see if I can find anything under that unit.

Dave

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: DavidGreenall110 on Friday 30 July 21 00:44 BST (UK)

Found him on the Absent Voters List as a Private in the 566th Home Service Employment Company Labour Corps

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: MaxD on Friday 30 July 21 09:38 BST (UK)

The photo would most probably have been taken before the Labour Corps, who had their own badge,  was formed.  Home Service (Employment) Companies were formed in July/August 1917. 566 Coy was employed in the Blackpool area.  These companies were formed from the least fit men who were already being employed on garrison type duties at home and provided batmen. cooks, storemen and the like. His number, if you have it, will give an indication as to when he was transferred to the Labour Corps, and may turn up a pension claim.

MaxD

Source - No Labour No Battle by Lee and Starling

Deletion - see later post

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: DavidGreenall110 on Friday 30 July 21 12:51 BST (UK)

Thanks MaxD,

That would probably make sense as it would most probably be 2 years down the line from the photo.

Can't find anything under his name or service number (498084) though!

Dave

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: MaxD on Friday 30 July 21 14:07 BST (UK)

His number was issued in the period October 1917 to Feb 1918 (No Labour No Battle).

 I should amend my earlier statement about the badge.  The Labour Corps wore the GSC badge until late 1918 when they received their own Corps badge although some continued to wear that badge.  We can at least sugest that the photo was after Jul/Aug 1917.
MaxD

Title: Re: Help with Cap Badge
Post by: DavidGreenall110 on Friday 30 July 21 14:14 BST (UK)

Thanks for all your help

Dave