My friends grandmother passed away (b1918) and they found a photo of a Scots Guard in her effects - all it said on the back was "from Rex" - and no one knows who Rex is. If anyone has any information - such as a date for the photo (based on the uniform?) or know any one called Rex in the Scots Guards please contact me or this Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/803787506966533/ thanks
I am by no means an expert on uniforms, that caveat aside here we go. B&W photos were the standard for WW1 and WW2. This photo looks like a posed studio photo, possibly prior to overseas service and glancing at images it could date from the Boer War, into WW1 and possibly later. Rex is not a full first name and is really a nickname? Though the CWGC list a small number killed in WW1 and WW2 whose first name was Rex. Note, none were Scots Guards. Have you tried asking the regiment? See: Archives and Family Research - The Guards Museum The Scots Guards have kept their records! Or the Brigade's Museum? I would expect them to be able to state when the photo was taken. See: About the museum - The Guards Museum An indirect approach would be to research the grandmother's family and life. Could he be a relative who died?
The CWGC list seven WW1 dead, serving with the Scots Guards, called Reginald, three are officers, so probably can be excluded, three were privates and one a Lance Sergeant. With one in WW2.
Hi, Scots Guards no longer solely hold all their records. Service records for men who enlisted prior to 1938 (some after that date up to 1944) are available via findmypast site. My own view is that it is a photograph from the interwar years - probably 1930’s. Likely taken whilst in London or Windsor whilst on public duties - not necessarily prior to an overseas posting. Steve
I'm inclined to think that the 'Mr. Whippy' haircut is more likely to be late 1920s than into the thirties by which time the army fashion was becoming slicked down and a little less brutally short round the back and sides.
Thanks for the ideas and suggestions so far. I will pass this back to my friend - an old colleague now living in New Zealand. I know they have tried all sorts of research and asked around the family and they have been in touch with the regiment who have not so far been able to provide anything that would help. I have a find my past subscription so will have a look on there too. I’ll keep you updated !
