Before we move to the next set of records and the next stage of Edwards journey, I am left with some final photos to record.
Without explanation they sit in the collection presumably for their links to the family rather than to document Edwards own tale. Much like those recorded previously they must therefore be both recorded and explored for their historic value and in the hope they contribute to the wider story at some stage.
Image one records eight figures in uniform armed and posing for the camera. Intriguingly three of the gentlemen are circled presumably known to the original owner.
Whilst quite obviously fascinating, I was initially excited by this image due to what was written on the reverse. What stood out is its location; Italy, the theatre Edward had found himself in during February 1944.
Disappointingly for this project the photo is dated 1943. What’s more the eight figures are named, non of whom carry the family name.
Given its location and date, it seems pretty likely this will have been taken towards the end of 1943 post September 3rd when the allies began their invasion of the mainland.
It appears to read:
Love to my dearest
Some of the lads
Ready to mount guard
Italy 1943
Love from Jim x
No Jim is named in the list of those photographed so I am left to presume he was witness to, or indeed captured the image himself. The circled figures must therefore be to highlight friends or individuals at a later date for an unspecified reason.
Having spoken with my Dad (Edwards son), he is aware a Jim Crosby married into the family making him possibly Edwards brother in law. If this collection were to have been originally collated by Edwards parents, its inclusion would certainly make sense. What is of further interest is that he had found himself in the same theatre of conflict, if not at different stages as Edward.
The names of those in the image are difficult to read but I have attempted to capture them below in the hope they may one day mean more (please contact me with any suggested edits or corrections).
L - R
1 - G.K?????? (London)
2 - ?.Bell (Isle of Man)
3 - Tommy.Mell??? ??? (South Shields)
4 - Frank Wood (Dartmouth)
5 - G.Stafford (?????) S Wales
6 - ??? Wadesworth? (Hull)
7 - T Lundy (Belfast)
8 - Paddy.Dawen? (?????) ????
(Increased exposure)
The second image is that of a parade. Again this image contains a marking indicating a known figure in the photo (this time a cross). Sadly there is nothing written to the back of the image and I had presumed it to be Edwards (or someone related to Edwards) passing out parade. This may be the case but due to the images limited resolution, and the moment taken capturing the figures all looking away from camera, we may never truly know.
The reverse of the image does however contain a very faded stamp mark. Whilst I cannot quite make out the text one word is clearer than the others, “Garten 12“.
Being the German word for garden this presents a number of possibilities. Does the image in fact present a scene of German origin, serving allied troops abroad, or is the stamp possibly related to the postal system used at that time? It is well documented for example that much of the Red Cross post came to Britain through Switzerland, a part German speaking nation.
We may never know the exact details of many images in the collection. Whats pleasing however is that I can at least end this post with one I can explain. For this side profile shot does carry a name, and his relationship to Edward is known well. His Brother, Thomas Henry Timothy (Henry to those who knew him).
Family memories suggest Thomas was a somewhat unwilling participant in the war, having initially refused his call up. However once located it is understood he served in Palestine.
Having completed a first review of the photo collection I intend to continue with Edwards story in my next post.
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