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Thank you, Alan. The process of elimination now firmly points at Reginald Albert Smart (1910–1988),my mother's brother. I have no idea of the regiment but clearly a cavalry unit, judging from the photo.

Hi Andy
Firstly, thank you for the insight into the uniform and possible dating. Boots or puttees remain the question!
I've spent over 20 years researching my father's side of the family and have been looking at my mother's side for less than a fortnight! You are quite correct that his birth date is indeed in 1879. Untangling Reginald Charles John Smart's life has been interesting and he was certainly elusive. He was married to Catherine Polly Capewell, you are correct. He separated from her in 1901. There appears to have been 2 children from this marriage before he 'married' Emily Louisa Timms. He didn't actually marry her until 1944, despite the additional 9 children, my mother being the last. My mother clearly never knew about any of this!

A pity about his service record but his elusiveness was clearly carried to his grave. Many thanks for all of your time and help.

SURNAME: Smart
LOCATION: United Kingdom
I would be grateful if anyone is able to give an approximate date to this photo. It's either my mother's brother (born 1910) which would make it WW2, or her father (born 1870) so likely from WW1. Both served in the British Army. A regiment would be even better but thanks in advance for a response.
Steve

Bookbox

Fascinating! Thanks for the link

Steve

Bookbox

A lot better! Confirms the suspected Quaker marriage, too.
Thanks