Photograph ID

[janwhin]

I believe that this is a photograph of my grandad's brother, John Robert (Jack) Gray of Radcliffe but he seems to be on the Absent Voters List as a private in the NF

Can one of you badge whizzes identify his cap badge for me.

[Coquet]

He's a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery.

[janwhin]

Thanks for that, Coquet.

[janwhin]

Here is the medal card of John R Gray of Radcliffe who is on the Absent Voters List. Am I right in my interpretation that he enlisted in 1909? If so that is not my JR Gray and I'm back with my sergeant from the RA.

[Coquet]

Yes definitely enlisted 27th July 1909. That type of card is a Silver War Badge Card, but they often are use to record medal details, but not in this case as no medals are shown, just a reference to the War badge roll:- O /3510/1 - "O" is the York infantry Records Office, which is correct for our area. The numbers are page references in the roll.

You can search for him here on the badge roll:

http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=2456


I could not find him searching by name, but you can also browse the records - right hand side of that page - pick the York Infantry office from the drop down and find the relevant list and navigate to the page.


I've done it anyway. he's here: O / 3510/1

again that confirms no overseas service, (therefore no medals) and the cause of discharge as KR 392 XV1a. Now there is a page here which details the 'KRs' - King's Regulations so you can work out cause of discharge.


Although that is all academic as it's not your man!

[Coquet]

I should say the chap in the photo is in the "Royal Regiment of Artillery" which included the Royal Horse Artillery, Royal Garrison Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. The cap badge was the same.

The Honourable Artillery Company also wore a similar badge but he is unlikely to be in that unit.

[janwhin]

That's excellent Coquet.....you never know what you don't know I've often wondered about that Silver Badge section on Ancestry and have never bothered to look at it.

I wonder who that John R Gray is?

[janwhin]

I'm so impressed by your skill and expertise that I'm hoping you can rise to the challenge of ID for this photo. It is my serjeant's brother and the only possible clue, as I see it, might be the belt

[Coquet]

That's a hard one. Can I phone a friend? No seriously can I post them both on a different forum for any opinions?
For instance I think the great coat in the first photo is the mounted other ranks type but I'm not sure. Not my field clothing! (50% of the Artillery must have been mounted so it wouldn't be a surprise!)

emailing them to me at higher resolution would be good Janwhin.

[janwhin]

That would be good. Will do.