Oldest soldiers in town
 

Two Royal Engineer's group photos here showing older uniformed soldier's and some older gents in civvies. No tunnellers insignia, not that means a lot. One chap (front row second photo) is wearing some insignia on his right upper sleeve, but I don't know it is. Probably never know what they did, but I find the groups interesting
Billyh

The arm badge is that of a Saddler, Harness Maker.

Thanks Leigh
Billyh

"No tunnellers insignia"

Can you expand on that comment Billy please.

regards

Saddler and Harness Maker badge - a trade required in all mounted units and those with horse drawn transport.

Your photo might be a party of Royal Engineers and civilian contractors erecting huts at Bovington.

Tim

You could well be right re the civvies Tim. Simon it's my understanding that tunnelling companies had a letter T patch, which I know isn't shown as being worn on lots of tunnellers photos. Am I wrong about that?
Billyh

Engineers - pipe - smoke - train?

Pipe smokers!
 

Hi

A small area of interest for me has been pipes that have been personalised by their (military) owners.

Some are true works of art (especially those from the Anglo-Boer War, although most have a certain sameness to them suggesting that they were purchased ready made;)).

Anyone else share this interest? Will post a couple of photos later.

Look forward to seeing them. I seen one before, quite good. A bit like scrimshaw
Billyh

Lovely photo's Billy, thanks for sharing - Regards Mark

No prroblem.
Billyh

Billy,

Yes you are wrong.

The unofficial T in wreath badge is seen on the arm of soldiers who normally also have a signalling qualification and is believed to be Telegraphist.

As for tunnellers no specific arm badge exists.

regards

Hi Billy

Sure, I'll be happy to post some pics. I've not added to the collection for a while but I would always be pleased to see other examples.

I have one for a soldier that I assume is Canadian who must have added the name of every place he stopped at. Sort of a WW1 travel blog...

What makes me think he is Canadian is that he starts at Valcartier and ends up at Ypres and Polygon Wood.

There is a large "Y" (Ypres?) cut into the bowl and "1917" has also been chiseled out. Both these would have had silver letters (or gold...) let into them but they have been "robbed" by some idiot.

A friend has offered to replace them but he is always busy so I might have to get it done elsewhere.

Still a nice record of one man's war.

This Army and Navy Special Blend cigarette tin and its contents may be of interest. Contains 'Native' beads, a cartridge clip, bullet, musket ball, piece of shrapnel and a pipe carved with place names and a portrait of Boer Leader REITZ.

Tim

Lovely thing Tim, thanks for sharing, some treasures out there for sure! Regards Mark