Military Chat

Hi, Can anyone tell me if there would be photos of WW1 Army Personnel anywhere or how I would start to investigate if any existed of my Great Grandfather. He served in the 19th London Battalion and died in France in 1917. I have tracked down where he is buried and his medal record but would love to track down a photo of him. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Might these be of help

http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/londonrgt-gw.php

If he had any siblings, track down their descendents. Its possible that they may be the custodians of any surviving photos.

If his death was reported in his local newspaper, there may be a photo

Hello Zara and welcome to the Community boards.



(I'll let Zara know how to find her replies) :-)

Thanks all. I've looked at the wartime memories project site, and it has lots of useful info but not a photo unfortunately.
I'll check out the local paper- hadn't thought of that one! Thanks. The story is all the more tragic as my Great Grandmother died in the Summer of that year whilst my Great Grandfather was in France- so my grandmother and siblings were orphaned in 1917...

Would The National Archive hold any photos? Would Army Battalions have had pictures of service personnel in their records?

As you are probably aware, up to 70% of WW1 records have been destroyed. Of those that remain, none have a mug-shot attached. Consequently, if any have been taken, its probably rare for the person to be named

The Battalion might have a group photos (think class photos from school) but would you able to identify your g grandfather?

Thanks 'DetEcTive'. I was aware some WW1 files had been destroyed but not so many. I don't have any idea what my G Grandfather looks like so wouldn't be able to identify him in a group shot :-(