we don't promise this as
part of our Christmas nibbles
Canterbury Branch celebrated Christmas with a party. Part of the evening was devoted to problem solving Members’ family photos whilst we all tucked into a lovely spread of nibbles organised by Joan Wood, and others. Joan also organised the raffle.
The first photo was of a Fireman. It was difficult to judge his age but it was suggested he was in his 40s. He was a member’s maternal grandfather and his occupations in life were Confectioner, Sugar Boiler and Labourer with Hornsey Borough Council. There are no family stories suggesting he had served in the Fire brigade. The London Fire brigade records had been checked to no avail. It was suggested from the addresses where he lived in London that he could have served with the Essex brigade. Although, there was a thought that the Fire Brigade may not have been formed that early. There was an unclear insignia on his jacket and the reflection off the helmet also gave no clues to any brigade. It was also suggested maybe that he wasn’t a fireman but he dressed up as a Fireman from items in the photographic studios prop box.
The next photo was of a group in uniform outside a building. Possibly a hospital as there were three nurses in the photo and the member’s grandfather who was in the picture served in a medical unit in WWI. The confusion was that grandfather had Corporal stripes in the group photo but another taken later with his wife was produced with him wearing Lance Corporal’s stripes. The member had been under the impression that the latter photo was taken in WWII from the age of her grandmother. Interesting discussions went back and forth giving food for thought about WWI & II military uniforms. The internet was consulted and Mick's knowledge from his military service was helpful. Some members were convinced it was first world war, whilst others thought WWII. In the end it was the length of the nurses’ skirts that hinted that it must have been taken in WWII. It was suggested the member sent copies of the photos to the regiment in which her grandfather served to see if their experts could throw any light on which of the world wars it was taken.
A successful evening and it was thought that photo discussions should be reprised at a future meeting in 2024.