Attempting to identify WW1-era uniform/cap

[SRJ]

Hello

The attached WW1-era photo was located in a collection of photos which recently came into my possession.

I have no idea of the identity of the subject, nor of the uniform/cap, nor of the large badge attached to the front of the tunic. Clearly a young man, though possibly old enough to have served in WW1 - I had initially wondered if it was actually an organisation such as the Boys' Brigade.

On the back, in pencil, is written "died & buried 4th Sep & 8th 1917". This suggests a death linked to WW1, although if he had died in service abroad, I doubt the family would have known of a specific date of burial.

Thank you.

[leigh kitchen]

The cap badge appears to be "576", "375" or similar.
A tram conductor, a Messener? General Post Office?

[mike_vee]

Close up.

[vigilo23]

The badge looks metal and very wide. Puts me in mind of US railroad companies badges or some Canadian railways rather than UK GPO messenger or boys uniformed organisation?

[leigh kitchen]

Link to a photo of a "London District Messenger", - the uniform worn in the photo in question:

https://www.agefotostock.com/age/en/...messenger.html

[leigh kitchen]

Found quite a few photos including colourised showing the uniform but can't post links.
https://www.alamyimages.fr/photo-ima...105345185.html

[vigilo23]

Flash of inspiration - googled US messenger boys rather than USPS and found the attached

https://picryl.com/media/small-messe...chester-f1e4e0

Appears there was at least one private Metropolitan Messenger and Mailing Company which issued large badges such as these, but on peaked caps.

So, were there similar private messenger companies (or subsidiaries) in the UK or Canada? Starting to look like a Messenger of some sort, but not obviously Royal Mail to me.

[leigh kitchen]

Having problems posting links, but I'm still going for British Messenger, images are an exact match for uniform including insignia.

[vigilo23]

You cracked it Leigh. The District Messenger and Theatre Ticket Company Ltd. I had no knowledge of these messengers only the GPO and Bank varieties.

Thanks for adding to my knowledge of "Old London"

[leigh kitchen]

A few screenshots:

[mike_vee]

London District Messenger :

London District Messenger Service - Messenger boy in distinctive uniform with cap at jaunty angle. Date: circa 1905

https://www.prints-online.com/london...-11575535.html


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[norfolk regt man]

Well done everyone who took part in identifying this uniform, a great job.

[mike_vee]

Found a photo which show the numbered cap badge and matching numbered round chest badge :

https://www.prints-online.com/new-im...-20150707.html


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[leigh kitchen]

Ta, I posted a link and little screenshot of those photos but couldn't post direct links to the images.
I wonder if there are rolls of honour for the Messengers, for those died on Messenger service and for those on military service (or a CWGC entry somewhere for a fatality of 4/9/1917 with occupation of Messenger).

[SRJ]

Thanks all, and particularly to Leigh. This is fascinating - I'll look forward to digging into the potential of records having survived for the messenger service. If I habe any luck, I'll certainly let ypu know.