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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: Calleva on Wednesday 06 September 23 09:46 BST (UK)

Title: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: Calleva on Wednesday 06 September 23 09:46 BST (UK)
It would be wonderful to see what the experts could do with this photo of two WW1 soldiers which I think shows my Great Uncle, James Smith from Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland (with the bandaged hand). Not sure who the other soldier is but possibly one of his brothers - both John (Grandfather) and George Smith served. They are all in the Morayshire Roll of Honour where mention is made that James had been wounded in the hand hence my assumption he is the one in the peaked cap.

https://digital.nls.uk/rolls-of-honour/archive/100233620?mode=gallery_list

Very much looking forward to seeing the results! Thank you.


Title: Re: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: loord74 on Sunday 10 September 23 21:09 BST (UK)
my try
Title: Re: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: PatBot on Sunday 10 September 23 21:58 BST (UK)
Quick try from me
Title: Re: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: skippy2 on Sunday 10 September 23 22:44 BST (UK)
Another one for you.

Cheers,

Skippy
Title: Re: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: japeflakes on Monday 11 September 23 08:04 BST (UK)
..
Title: Re: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: jmagarac on Tuesday 12 September 23 20:21 BST (UK)
My go at it...

Calleva... pm me sometime when you get a chance.
Title: Re: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 18 September 23 15:45 BST (UK)
Some really lovely work on this one given it's poor condition.
I wonder if they are wearing "Hospital Blues" under their greatcoats.

 https://greatwarphotos.com/2012/01/23/great-war-hospital-blues/

Carol
Title: Re: WW1 Great Uncle and Grandfather smith (?) Scotland
Post by: Calleva on Monday 18 September 23 19:52 BST (UK)
I have been moved by all these beautifully restored interpretations of the photo and thank everyone for taking the time and trouble. They are all very sensitively done, respectful and true to the original - thank you Loord74, patbot, Skippy2, Japeflakes and jmagarac!

I didn’t initially explain I was told that James (Jimmy), the one wounded in the hand, was badly affected by his experiences in the trenches and spent the rest of his life in and out of what would now be called psychiatric units. He never married and died in 1967 in what at the time was called Bilbohall Hospital, Elgin in the vicinity of Dr Gray’s Hospital.

https://historic-hospitals.com/gazetteer/moray/

He is buried in Spynie Churchyard, between Elgin and Lossiemouth, in the same grave as his Mum and Dad, my Great Grandparents whose photos have also been recently been restored by some of the same talented and kind people here! The Churchyard is a very peaceful place.

Finally, I think Treetotal may well be right that Jimmy is wearing Hospital Blues under his greatcoat. I’m not sure about his companion though - wondering if he is his brother George who emigrated to Canada and joined a Canadian Regiment who maybe met up with him on leave back in Blighty? I’ll speak to a cousin who is a mine of information on the family!

Thanks again and with best wishes.