ww1 motorcycle despatch rider

[pazz12345]

could anyone id this photo my grandfarther is front row 2nd left see previous post as well thanks

[pazz12345]

could anyone id cap badge for me and also what is the meaning of the white brading on the left shoulders thanks simon

[macintosh]

Probably Army Service Corps, the cap badges are very similar, They may even be drivers as opposed to Despatch riders, the vehicles at the time had no windscreens hence the googles.
The lack of pleats on tunic pockets suggest around 1916, The British Army started the war with box pleated pockets as material got scarce they reduced the ammount needed.

The Lanyard on shoulder may not have any regimental significance maybe a watch or clasp knife on the end of it.
Any other clues on the back of the pic?

James

[pazz12345]

hi James on the back it says recived may 24 1915 and m bennett bulford camp studio salisbury plain. I also have 3 other photos of him which i will post the 3rd is of him in ww2

[pazz12345]

This photo was taken from a motorcycle magazine from october 1916 and says the indian army corps signals in a french market square on the way to the front

[pazz12345]

This is Robert in ww2 i think it is east lancashire regiment he died in 1945

[macintosh]

The first pic is clearly Royal Engineers, The other pic I am sure I have seen on R/C before, The last one is East Lancs as you say, Though he reply I made this morning is not related to these pics, I thought it was Army Service Corps cap badge not RE s


James

[pazz12345]

Hi James yes i have looked on the net and as you have said it dose look like army service corps i suppose he could have started in ASC transfered to RE and then to indian army or indian army then to RE would that mean he would have had a different service number? thanks for your help

[macintosh]

It is quite likely he transferred to REs, they were primarily the main recruiters for Despatch riders when the war started, They would actively seek out recruits with motor cycle skills. It is also likely he would change regimental numbers on transfer.
Have you considered applying for his service records and medal information, he should have two sets having served in both wars, I know from this board that service records can take a long time to obtain but if you had them it would certainly make your research easier, his ww1 medals if any family member has them will indicate his serial number rank and regt.

James