Old Military Photos

My knowledge of military transport is minimal. If anyone can provide details, I would love to learn more. I am assuming the photo is from the late 1940s. But I am only guessing.

These two photos were also part of this grouping.

I would love to know their history, their names, and the story behind this photo.

The negatives were extremely damaged. I did the best of my abilities to fix them. But you can tell the extent of the wear over the years.

This photo came in a group of numerous negatives. Many of the photos are military in nature. I am hoping to share them all with you over the next few months.

 

Lost Memories: A Man in Uniform

The photo, A Man in Uniform, is from a recently purchased group of negatives. The seller did not have any background information on the box of negatives. As I slowly digitalize them, I can tell many are old military photos. My knowledge of the military is slim. I have heard wonderful stories. Actually, many tales are from family members. I even volunteer with a group that sends care packages to military personnel stationed overseas. But, beyond the basics, I am clueless. 

So what do I notice about the man in the photo?

  • I believe he is in the Army. (Please do not yell at me if I got it wrong.)
  • I am assuming from the tents, he was stationed overseas.
  • Judging from the amount of dirt on his boots, the terrain is wet. Perhaps, they just had a rainfall.
  • I think the structure at the end of the tents is a mess hall or medical building.
  • The first four letters of his last name are: SMAL
  • Every tent has a trash can on the outside.

Did I miss anything? What do you see?

I would love to learn his story. Was the photo taken during wartime? Did he come home safely? Did he marry? Have children and grandchildren? I will probably never know.

Until next time…peace

Side View of the Hospital

In the photos I am currently digitalizing, I notice nurses in full uniform and military personnel. A few photos show a military base in a remote area (I will post those later, they need some extra work). Do I know this hospital photo is near the base…no? I am just guessing based on the other photos. A couple of the other photos were taken in California. But I cannot verify if this hospital was near there or not.  In my opinion, the hospital is a grand structure.

The photo was labeled “side view of the hospital”.  I am assuming the nurses were caring for patients and living on site. The photo dates for the rest of the pictures were 1942. But, there was not a date on this particular photo.

If anyone knows, where this hospital was or even if it still exists, I would love some information.

Until next time…peace

 

Man in Uniform

Photos are glimpses of the past. Everyday memories without any documented history. Many photos in my recent lot are military related. I believe this gentleman was in the Royal Air Force. I am not 100% positive. So if I am wrong, please let me know in the comments below.

But from my knowledge of history, I believe his patch is for a pilot. In fact, I think the top of the design is a crown and the initials R.A.F. I would love to know who this gentleman was. Did he serve in WWII? Again, I am guessing from the age of the other photos.

Did he get married? Where was this photo taken? All questions lost in everyday history.

Until next time…peace

Vintage Photo: Playing Horseshoes

I digitalize a lot of old photos with members of the military. I cannot tell you the branch or year. I am not that knowledgeable with history. But I do like this one, he has a smile on his face as he plays horseshoes.

Until next time….peace

38th Division Band

I can honestly state, I know little about the 38th Division Band. The Internet provides some information. But I cannot find a site to inform me about names or performances during the 1940’s. I will keep looking, I always do.

The back of this print reads, “This is our 38th Div. Band. 170 men and the drum major. The 37th Div. Band of 100 men is waiting on the sidelines. Picture taken before game, before much of a crowd had come.”

Written in pencil below the explanation of the photo is ” Rec’d. Jan. 7, 1942″.

The back of the photo contains a stamp, Hammond Photo Service, Meridian, MISS. with the date Dece. 30, 1941.

I am assuming a young person from the military attended the performance and game. The photograph was taken and sent back home to a loved one.  If I find anymore in the box relating to this photo, I will post it.

Until next time….peace