Royal Tank Regiment 1948

[grey_green_acorn]

Would the RTR experts take a look at this photo and assist member iaindh:

http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ictureid=34206

Taken in 1948 there are several 1 RTR personnel and a possible connection to 40th (The King's) RTR as the photo was taken in Bootle, Liverpool.

Comments appreciated. Soldier on the left of the photo appears to be wearing a white on red cloth shoulder title and an RTR cap badge and beret?

[Peter Brydon]

Just a thought, could attached personnel from other corps have worn the RTR beret and badge ?

( a bit like Noel Chavasse wearing the Liverpool Scottish glengarry and badge despite being a member of the RAMC )

P.B.

[Mike Jackson]

Could the soldier on the left be a member of 42 RTR (TA) (23rd London Regt) wearing the white on red title 23RD LONDON REGT? The dates fit.

[iaindh]

Hi Tim, thanks for putting it on the general forum, I never thought of that. I did think also if the troopers were 40th RTR (7th King's) would they have worn the King's badge or RTR. I recall that at the time my father may have been in a training position so it could account for a few things.
Iain

[Peter Brydon]

Iani,
I have sent you an E mail.

All the photos of the 40th (The Kings ) RTR I have seen show the RTR badge being worn.

P.B.

[iaindh]

Thanks for the input Guys, I have attached another photo of the wedding; this shows my Grandfather from a different angle and more insignia is visible. (sorry about the funny angle, I'm told it'll lose definition if I turn it. I'm not in possesion of the original album.) Iain

[Peter Brydon]

I just wonder if the Div sign could be West Lancs ACF ?

P.B.

[iaindh]

It looks simular, Peter, but I dont know the connection. Apparently the 40th RTR were reconstituted in 1947 having been placed in suspended animation in 46. That could account for the training? Also if the Lance Corporal on the left is 42 RTR (TA) (23rd London Regt) as Mike Jackson suggests, maybe he was also in a training capacity.
Another little point; what collar dogs is my Grandfather wearing? Doesnt look like RTR but the cap badge is.
I have asked my sister in the UK to have the photos recanned with higher definition as Tim suggested.

[Peter Brydon]

This is only an idea but the Christmas card attached is for the West Lancs ACF, it has the kings crown ACF badge which would make it late 1940`s or early 1950`s and as will be seen the Cadet units listed include the RTR which would almost certainly be affiliated to the 40th Kings RTR.

It would also tie in with the "training ". The collars in the photo might be RTR officers bronze collars ones.

P.B.

[iaindh]

Thanks Peter, you really are a mine of information!!!!!
Iain

[badjez]

With reference to the question of collar badges: might the No2 blues uniform have been borrowed or hired especially for the wedding, as I understand this was common, albeit unauthorised?

15.11.47. ACI 971: Ref AO 54 of 1947, decided that introduction of No1 Dress was indefinitely postponed.
TA units in 1948 had not been re-issued blues.

Do the medal ribbons tally with those awarded to the wearer? If not it might give a little credance to my suggestion.

Stephen.

[iaindh]

Thats a very good point Stephen, at that stage my father only had 4 medals, France & Germany Star, 39-45 Star, 39-45 Medal & the Defence Medal and there are possibly 7 medals on the Blues uniform.
Iain
mum & Dad good.jpg

[Alan O]

How long is his hair!

[REMEVMBEA1]

What's under your beret is your own the rest is the army's.

[iaindh]

Ja,its been a talking point for years; he used to comb it back but the wind was a bit strong that day I believe; should have put it in a pony!!!!!