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1. Mystery Captain Photograph
Time: 00:02:15
Summary: The questioner has an old photograph of a man believed to be a “mystery captain,” possibly a close friend of their parents. The image likely dates from the 1930s–1950s. They are seeking expert guidance on identifying the uniform, dating the photograph more precisely, and any clues that could help establish the man’s identity.
2. Possible WW1 Photograph
Time: 00:04:02
Summary: The questioner has attached a photograph they believe depicts a First World War soldier. They are asking for help confirming whether the image is indeed from WW1 and whether the uniform, insignia, or other visible details can provide information about the soldier’s unit, rank, or service period.
3. Albert James Cole – Service History
Time: 00:12:45
Summary: The question concerns the military service of the questioner’s maternal grandfather, Albert James Cole. They are seeking clarification on his enlistment, units served, and overall wartime experience, using available records and family information to better understand his role and movements during the war.
4. Father’s Re-enlistment Role
Time: 00:20:20
Summary: The questioner explains that their father, born in 1890, served in the First World War and later re-enlisted. They are asking what his specific role may have been during re-enlistment, how this fit into his broader service record, and what responsibilities or duties he was likely assigned.
5. Understanding WW2 Records
Time: 00:30:40
Summary: The questioner has obtained their father’s Second World War service records and is seeking help interpreting them. They want assistance understanding postings, units, dates, and abbreviations, and how these records reflect what their father actually did during the war.
6. Edwin Louis Ryan – Pre-war Life
Time: 00:43:46
Summary: This question focuses on researching Edwin Louis Ryan, with particular interest in his life and activities before military service. The questioner is looking to confirm whether he served in India, and a military injury.
7. Identifying an Unknown Soldier (Photo Album)
Time: 00:58:26
Summary: The questioner has inherited an album of old photographs from their father and is trying to identify a particular soldier featured in the images. They are seeking help using uniforms, insignia, and contextual clues from the photographs to determine who the soldier was and when and where the photos were taken.
8. Unknown Soldier from Kildare, Ireland
Time: 01:03:49
Summary: The questioner has inherited a photograph through their mother or grandmother and believes it may show a soldier from Kildare, Ireland. They are asking for help identifying the individual, the regiment, and the period of service based on the photograph and any associated family history.
April 2025
Graham Bandy has spent most of his life either in the army, in nursing, or doing both. He runs Living Military History and specialises in military history research and the identification of military photographs, uniforms and cap badges. He is the military expert at Family Tree magazine, the expert here at the SoG Armed Forces Advice Hour and a much sought after speaker at family history events. Graham is the author of two books: Identifying Cap Badges and Nursing at the Frontline: A WW2 Diary from North Africa and Italy. He is feverishly working away at four more books which are all due by the end of the year. His next one is due with his editor imminently…!
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