This morning I had a very pleasant surprise when the post was delivered. A large envelope with my sisters distinctive handwriting had been delivered and I had an idea what was inside. For several months my sister had been looking for a Photograph in a picture frame that I knew was always on display at my fathers before he died. As she has no scanner facilities I asked her when she located it to copy it and send me the copy, as I did not want a repetition of original documents going missing in the post. I believe that this is the latest photograph of my father before his demob in the Summer of 1947. The 4th Recce Regt, together with others were sent to Greece in a Policing/fighting role. The authorities thought that they had performed well and as a thankyou sent them and others to a similar action around Trieste when General Tito was rattling his sabre. This would account for the picture being sent with greetings from Trieste. I am pleased that this picture shows off his Reconnaissance cap badge as from my other photos only one other shows it, and then it is hardly visible. My father appears to be very smart on this occasion, unlike the only photo of 4th Recce Regt I have ever seen which I attach for reference. Regards Tom
What a debonair looking chap, Tom!! He does scrub up well! Was he involved in these actions around Trieste?
Thanks for sharing Tom, its always nice when a lost photo turns up, when my mother passed away I discovered many such mementoes. Regards Peter.
Gotthard, I know that he was in the area according to books that I have read, but my father only mentioned the place occasionally. I thought I was looking at myself for a moment when I opened up the photograph. It appears that I was a chip off the old block, so to speak. When you compare my Grandfather, father and myself at around the same age, it is quite remarkable seeing the close resemblance. Regards Tom
Tom Great that you have this, and I've said it before you Dad was very dashing indeed. Uncanny resemblance, esp around the eyes! D
Really nice photos Tom. Very sensible to have copies made and sent. I remember how cross you were when the BC went AWOL. Cheers - Rob.
TCS - Watch your back - Tito was known as Marshall Tito - and sensitive about it ! How did the 4th Wreccy get seven men into one Staghound ? Cheers
TCC, Thanks for the Marshall reminder. As for the Staghounds, first come, first served! They looked a mottly bunch, but were apparently well respected. Regards Tom
Paul, et al, Thanks for the comments. I am glad that my sister found this photograph and sent me a copy. It is the only real close up photo taken which shows his Reconnaissance Badge and must have been taken about 7 months or so beore his demob in the Summer of 1947. Regards Tom
These kinds of memory photos are wonderful to have. Cudos to your sister for the kindness. cheers, phil
A line of research elsewhere has led to a Miss B Barrett in Fernhead Road, Paddington in 1944. I'm trying to trace anything about her for friends in Canada as she had a RCAF boyfriend lost on a raid on Leipzig in Dec 1943. In my cyber travels, I have come across 4 Barretts in Paddington Cemetery Barrett, Doris Ivy, b. unknown d. Sep. 26, 1940 Paddington Cemetery Barrett, James J, b. unknown d. Oct. 16, 1940 Paddington Cemetery Barrett, Jessie J, b. unknown d. Mar. 22, 1944 Paddington Cemetery Barrett, Thomas Patrick, b. unknown d. Mar. 22, 1944 Paddington Cemetery Now I know anyone reading this will also spot that 2 died close together in 1940 and 2 in March 1944. I suspect that they are all related and it seems tragic that they appear to have been raid victims, perhaps Blitz and V1. Does anyone have any further information, or where I might find it on air raids, V1 sites that might add further light into this family, such as ages and addresses? I fear they are related to "my" Miss B Barrett and i so, that family paid a very high price, as well as losing her boyfriend. Thanks in advance for any help.
Jess, I have scanned the photograph, and it is now in my photo collection and a copy printed off on satin finish photopaper. It looks good and so I will frame it. Regards Tom