Unknown family photograph

[Steven P]

This is a puzzling one! I always thought that this was a WWI photograph, but it seems more 'modern' with it being greyscale rather than sepia.

I would love to know who the soldier is and whether he is a family member.

There are no clues at all written on it. It is not a studio printed image. The only writing is velox, which I think is the paper manufacturer.

I don't know of any family members that served after WWI until WWII started and it looks earlier than that.

If it is a family member it could be a Garnham. They were all born on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, but were living in Rotherham at the end of WWI. It could be a Beech or Skelton, who were all from Rotherham or Sheffield.

All that I know is that it belonged to my grandparents (or great grandparents), so it was someone important to them.

If anyone can help identify him that would be truly amazing. Thank you.

[Treetotal]

Hi Steven,
I thought I would clean up your lovely photo. This is a WW1 image taken around 1914 after which, the pleats were removed from the jacket for economic reasons.
I hope this helps you to identify him.
Regards.
Carol

[jim1]

I don't want to be picky but it was 1916 when the economy
tunic was introduced.
The man is wearing riding breeches & a bandolier so does narrow it a bit.
Could be a driver RFA or possibly RE.
The uniform changed back to the pre economy version post war & then to the
WW2 style in the late 30's so could 1920'or 30's.

[Steven P]

Hi Carol,

Love the photograph. Thank you very much for that. It is very much appreciated.

Also, thanks for the information both Carol and Jim. My grandfather had an uncle, George Herbert Garnham, who was a driver for the Royal Field Artillery. He was gassed in 1918 and died in 1919. His grave is quite local to me.

I have also been told that it could possibly be the uniform of the Machine Gun Corp? My grandfather also had an uncle that served with them, Albert George Peeling, who was killed at Estaires in 1918. The yard that he is sat in looks very much like the family's business yard in Northwold, Norfolk.

[jim1]

I have also been told that it could possibly be the uniform of the Machine Gun Corp

I'm afraid you were misinformed.
The uniform of the MGC was identical to the infantry uniform.

[Steven P]

Thanks Jim,

I guess that it's more likely to be George Garnham then of the RFA.