Many of us would like to find a photograph of a particular soldier. It is one of the most difficult things to do, so set out in hope but be prepared to be disappointed. These tips might help.
When did soldiers have their photos taken?
There was no single organised or complete taking of photographs of soldiers. Men did not, for example, have their photos taken as a standard part of being enlisted.
Hundreds of thousands of men did have pictures taken privately, both at home and once overseas. These were generally done by local photographers, as a money-making venture. For example, most men are seen in photographic studios, and we can tell that many men were done at the same time as the backgrounds are the same. Soldiers would turn up, pay a small sum, and often had the prints made into postcards to send home. As they were a private arrangement, the regiments had no responsibility for them and these pictures have generally not ended up in regimental archives. They were sent home, kept in a pocket, etc. In most cases, when a family has a photo, it is one of these.
Some units had group photographs taken, mostly while in training at home before they went overseas. Some of these appear in regimental histories (for example, virtually every New Army platoon of the Manchester Regiment appears in their history) and many are now in regimental and other archives. Individuals are rarely identified but you might spot a soldier from known likeness. Not all units were photographed like this and even if they were in many cases prints have not survived.
Your own family
The most likely place to find a photo, by far, is from among your own family.
Local press
The second best place to look is the local newspaper. Many included photos of men in obituaries, reports of their enlistment, when they won any kind of award, etc.
Regimental histories
If you know your soldier’s regiment and unit, see if there are any group photos included in published histories.
The original Manchester Pals are particularly well catered for, with every officer, NCO and man named in group photos that appear in the “Manchester City Battalions Book of Honour”.
Imperial War Museum and other military archives
The IWM has a superb and huge collection of photographs, but in most cases individuals are not named. The National Army Museum, National Archives and other places also have them. It would be essential to know something of the man’s service (unit, places, dates) in order to make an effective search.
Ask around
The Great War Forum, local history forums, local history societies and similar groups are splendid sources for photographs. Someone out there may have researched your soldier’s unit before; they may already have a photo. Ask around; don’t forget to be as specific as you can (unit, places, dates) and don’t forget to offer your thanks if someone does come up trumps.
Postcard fairs
Pictures of soldiers turn up in their hundreds at postcard fairs, but your chances of finding a specific soldier are remote. It might be worth a try – but so might buying a lottery ticket.