Date of photo? Unknown soldier

[chloerog]

Could anyone date this photo please? Sorry I haven’t had a chance to scan so this is the best I could get, the photo was found when clearing out my grandads house and I am unsure who the man is so I’m hoping a date might help a little.
Thanks in advance.

[Ruskie]

A wild guess ....

1940s? 

I think a good scan might help to show up some of the detail so will be interested to see that. 

[[Ray]]

Hi
Shoes and pale-coloured socks trendy in mid-50's?
R

[chloerog]

I tried scanning this photo but it came out horribly pixelated and I’m not sure why, so I sure my phone to take this and it came out a lot better than the scan. I’m trying to find out what the patch on his shoulder could be, I have been scrolling through google image and so far I’ve come up with nothing, I’d be grateful for any help 

[Crumblie]

The pale coloured socks may not be a thing to go by because he appears to be in a form of tropical dress and the socks would be issued with it. I would think though that it is 50s/60s.

[MaxD]

The headdress is a Cap General Service (or Cap Ridiculous) introduced in 1943 and replaced in 1950 so I'd suggest puts it as during the war.  The kit is khaki drill also introduced 1943 for the desert or tropical stations.   Cap badge isn't discernible to me at least!

The patches which were formation signs and arm of service strips were made slip on in khaki drill and taken off when the kit was washed.  I see no detail on them.

MaxD










 the kit could be washed withou

[Treetotal]

Thanks for popping in Max...I thought it was 1940s as i have a similar photo of my Uncle around the same time and I think he was in Malaya at the time.
Carol

[SiGr]

I cannot be certain but the single medal ribbon might be The Africa Star with a rosette in the centre. According to Wikipedia, this was instituted 8 July 1943. If correct this would make your photo no earlier than that date. Good luck with your research. Simon.

[MaxD]

If a rosette, then that indicates the clasp "N Africa 1942-43" for which service from Feb 42 to Feb 43 qualified so while the ribbon was not in issue yet, he could have been serving there as early as Jun 1940 to qualify for the Star itself.

Royal Engineer cap badge (although my 2 year optician check up is way overdue because of you know what!.

MaxD