This studio photograph of a smart looking young man named Charles Gunn is a mystery to Gill the owner.
Charles was known to be living in Argle Street Mansfield Woodhouse from 1916. On the back of the photo is written ‘Boys Brigade.’ However it is questionable if this is the uniform of the Boys Brigade.
Charles was a Private in the West Yorks Regiments but it does not appear to be a military uniform, he was discharged due to being wounded in August 1918 He is wearing two medals, are these from his army service?
There’s a possibility the uniform could be linked to music as it is believed he played the bugle.
Very little about Charles as he died in 1930.
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The medals Charles is wearing are the British War Medal and Victory Medal, both awarded for his service during World War 1.
Charles’ regimental number was 56915 and he was a private serving in the West Yorks Regiment when he was discharged on 7 November 1918 due to disability. He had enlisted the year before on 17 June 1917.
Further to my last, I omitted to mention that the identification of his role is further corroborated by the drummer’s badge worn midway up both arms. At that time both the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and the British Red Cross followed a quasi military style with much of their dress and accoutrements based on those of the British Army.
The collar badge identifies him as being in the St John’s Ambulance. The shoulder cords and wings on each collar are in this case the mark of a drummer in a marching band.
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