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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: graemelove on Wednesday 27 August 25 21:48 BST (UK)

Title: War photo
Post by: graemelove on Wednesday 27 August 25 21:48 BST (UK)
Hi,

I'm not sure if the first line is a name or something else. The front of the photo is of my grandfather and another man, but my grandfather's name isn't on it so it might just be the name of the other person (Spud?), if it is a name at all.
The bottom line looks to be 'between Trittau and Kiel' which are about 50 miles apart in Germany.

Thanks.
Title: Re: War photo
Post by: Rockford on Wednesday 27 August 25 22:28 BST (UK)
It looks like it could be "Spud Murphy" - if it is, the "M" of Murphy's a bit flamboyant though!

Best wishes

Rockford
Title: Re: War photo
Post by: Neale1961 on Wednesday 27 August 25 23:06 BST (UK)

I also thought it looks like "Spud Murphy".
Title: Re: War photo
Post by: shanreagh on Wednesday 27 August 25 23:31 BST (UK)
I googled 'Spud as a nickname' as it was common in my childhood in NZ. My cousin married a 'Spud', (not his real name).

In NZ spud/spuds is also a verncular name for potatoes 'I've got 6 rows of spuds in this year"

Spud as a general nickname for people with Irish surnames names apparently is more common in NZ, as is the  use as a name for the potato.


Irish Connection:
Historically, "Spud" has also been a nickname for an Irishman, perhaps connected to the potato's importance in Irish culture and history.

Spud as a specific nickname for people with  Murphy is related to a type of potato called a Murphy

In the military context IN WW2 common nicknames in Aus/NZ troops abounded eg 'Dusty' Miller, 'Blue' (for a person with red hair).  Usually to celebrate the lack of class levels.
Title: Re: War photo
Post by: graemelove on Thursday 28 August 25 00:01 BST (UK)
Thanks everyone. I'll see if I can find any other photos with that name, or with the fancy 'M'.

I'm from Scotland and so was my grandfather. I think Trainspotting probably made me aware of the name Spud as a nickname.
Title: Re: War photo
Post by: shanreagh on Thursday 28 August 25 00:27 BST (UK)
Quote from: graemelove on Thursday 28 August 25 00:01 BST (UK)
Thanks everyone. I'll see if I can find any other photos with that name, or with the fancy 'M'.

I'm from Scotland and so was my grandfather. I think Trainspotting probably made me aware of the name Spud as a nickname.

The name looks like Murphy as has been said so look for Murphy as a name as well.  Lists of those who were in his unit/s may give clues.