Mystery VC Recipient - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Mike Jackson · #1 11-01-16, 10:13 AM

A representative of a VC/GC Forum has asked if a badge expert could identify this man's collar badges to aid his identification. The image featured on a postcard showing a rather smug child saying "Mummy says Daddy's a VC" - it's a long shot, but a badge expert might be able to help. Thanks. Mike
Mystery VC.jpg

Sonofacqms · #2 11-01-16, 11:00 AM

From the LH collar I would say South Staffordshire Regt.

Rob

Charliedog012012 · #3 11-01-16, 09:33 PM

[url]http://staffordshireregimentmuseum.com/victoria-cross

The photo does appear to resemble that of Thomas Barrett, VC on the Staffordshire Museum website......but that is my opinion only and may only be wishful thinking.

Staffsyeoman · #4 11-01-16, 10:34 PM

Problem for me is that the photo is an officer, and Thomas Barratt of the South Staffs was a Private when killed in his VC action.

Sonofacqms · #5 12-01-16, 09:19 AM

The South Staffordshire Regt was the nearest badge I could come up with. On second thoughts it could be the Loyal North Lancs but again, only a guess as the photo is so indistinct.

Having looked at a picture of Thomas Barratt of the South Staffs, there is a similarity, but I'm sure it's not the same man and as he was only a private when KIA as Staffsyeoman says.

Rob

Mike Jackson · #6 12-01-16, 05:21 PM

Many thanks for all your ongoing efforts. Mike

Charliedog012012 · #7 12-01-16, 09:09 PM

Should the insignia be Loyal North Lancs Regiment, there were 3 recipients during WW1. The first was Pricate Kenny at Loos In 1915.
The other two were:
Lieutenant Richard Basil Brandram Jones, 8th (Service) Battalion - Vimy 21 May 1916 - Posthumous.

Lieutenant (Temporary) Thomas Orde Lawder Wilkinson , 7th (Service) Battalion - 5th July 1916 - Posthumous.

Of course, the identification of the insignia is very difficult because of the graininess of the photo but the suggestions made are very good ones.......I would never have managed to suggest a possible regiment so I offer my compliments to 'Sonofacqms'.

A quick google of Richard Jones, VC 1916 and Thomas Wilkinson, VC 1916 brought up Links to the Regimental museum and there is a photo of one and a painting if the other. Resemblance to the photo will have to be judged by having a look at the images.

Sonofacqms · #8 13-01-16, 08:22 AM

I think we may have been going in the wrong direction regarding collar badges for identification of this VC winner, a useful link, but should we not be looking at a recipient who was a family man?

This would narrow the field presuming the quote is correct.

Rob

Sonofacqms · #9 14-01-16, 11:53 AM

Another angle on this man is that he may have transferred to another Regiment when he was awarded his VC.

Rob

Charliedog012012 · #10 14-01-16, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

Another angle on this man is that he may have transferred to another Regiment when he was awarded his VC.

Rob

Hello, I was so intrigued by this that I tried looking through the lists of all VC winners from WW1 who held the rank of lieutenant and above whose photographs were available. The nearest one I got was James Edward Tait, VC born in Scotland, Married but who fought with the CEF. The photo is like a mirror image of the Unknown VC but though there seems to be a similarity it (in my mind) probably is not a match. I communicated the information to Mike but I fear that the identification of the Unknown VC will remain in doubt. I got to the point after looking at so many photos of VC winners that I felt as if I was trying to convince myself that one of them was the one for whom we search. If you have a look at James Edward Tait, VC I think you will see elements of similarity.

Arthur R · #11 14-01-16, 05:55 PM

Is this actually a photo of a genuine VC winner?

It seems rather odd for someone to have postcards printed to advertise that he'd been awarded the VC. If he did, why not include his name and regiment while he was about it?

Might this not be a photo of a model in military uniform, or a stock photo of a soldier? No medal ribbons are visible in the photo.

Mike Jackson · #12 14-01-16, 09:24 PM

I'm trying to obtain an image of the full card - that might give a clue. Mike

Blackadder1916 · #13 15-01-16, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

I'm trying to obtain an image of the full card - that might give a clue. Mike

http://www.ebay.it/itm/POSTCARD-MILI...3D231704756306

At least a view of the front, copyright info and description (if any) would probably be on the reverse.

Arthur R · #14 15-01-16, 07:32 AM

Thanks for the link to the photo.

I find it hard to believe that this would be a genuine VC recipient (or even a genuine soldier). The focus is on the child, who is not at all camera-shy. His hair has obviously been painted or heavily retouched, and he is holding something that looks like a cigarette between the first two fingers of his right hand.

My guess would be that this postcard was a commercial advertising give-away. Perhaps VC was the initials of a brand of cigarettes.