Tom Grainger 1888-1931 England/Australia

[RoserAncestors]

The man on the right in the attached photo is, I believe, Tom Grainger 1888-1931. He was born in Stanningley, West Yorkshire, migrated to Sydney, Australia, in 1909 and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 19 April 1918 during the First World War.

I am trying to work out who the other man might be, on the left. Tom Grainger had a brother George Grainger 1895-1916 who also served in the AIF and died in France on 17 August 1916. I was wondering whether it could be him, but he was dead before his brother enlisted so maybe not?

Does anyone know what the uniform of the man on the left signifies? Perhaps this might help me narrow it down.

[Treetotal]

Hi...I have requested that your post be moved to the Armed Forces Board for a more informed response.
Carol

[matthewj64]

Hi - EDITboth the soldiers in the photo have stripes on their sleeves indicating promotions. The service record for George Grainger shows his rank as Private, so he cannot be the soldier on the left.
Service record here - http://soda.naa.gov.au/record/4669000/1

I can't see any promotions for Tom Grainger either, which could put doubts on this photo being of Tom. Service record here - http://soda.naa.gov.au/record/4671023/1

It would be good if others could check to confirm though, as these records can be difficult to interpret.

M

ADD - Apologies, the stripes on the lower sleeve are 'Overseas Service Chevrons', one for each year.

So maybe this is Tom and another relative?

[matthewj64]

I think the uniform on the left is Royal Artillery.

M

[RoserAncestors]

Thanks Carol, yes that's a better idea.

Thanks M, very much appreciated. I didn't know that about the stripes, and it would make sense that Tom would have one (joining in 1918) while other soldiers would have more. Yes I think you are right, both Tom and George were privates.

Thank you too for the hint about the Royal Artillery - I've just done a google search for that uniform and you are right - they look very similar. I think that answers my query.

[shume]

Yes, the soldier on the left is not AIF as he does not have rising sun insignia on cap or shirt collar.
Since he was born England, its a probability that the soldier on the left, if he is RA, could be closely related or friend.

[RoserAncestors]

Thanks for that confirmation Shume.

[raindownunder]

I’m in the process of researching my family history and believe Tom Grainger is my great grandfather.
Would you happen to have any further information on him?

[shanreagh]

The guy on the left appears to be wearing spurs.