Junk Shop Find

[peterwyndavies]

I came across this framed photograph in a junk shop and noticed that someone had gone to a lot of trouble to cut the photograph so that it would fit in that frame.
I thought that it deserved to be seen by more people and possibly some suggestions could be made regarding as to how he might be identified.
Thanks,
Peter

[ROBB]

Promoted from the ranks ? Looks like a military medal ribbon . Nice photo looks to be plenty of info on the back . Rob

[peterwyndavies]

Hi ROBB,
I thought that it looked like a Military Medal ribbon. There is some writing on the picture side which I think is signed Ralph, so possibly his name?
There are puzzlingly two details of 2 different addresses on the back.
Peter

[popskipa]

I don't think it is an Military Medal ribbon. In my opinion it looks more like a Kings Police medal or Egypt medal?

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks popskipa
I will have to get my medal year book out and have a look.
Peter

[paddywhack]

Italian medal ribbon maybe?

[Brian R]

I don't think it is an Military Medal ribbon. In my opinion it looks more like a Kings Police medal or Egypt medal?

I agree, it is not a MM.

[ROBB]

Looks like a MM to me It’s the only single medal ribbon from this period that makes sense. The Egypt medal is a no and Kings Police medal is a no.
Brian what do you think it is ? Rob

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks paddywhack, Brian and ROBB.
i have had a look and can only agree with ROBB, it seems to be a MM, but would be interested in anyone else’s opinion.
He is obviously Royal Artillery, and I am not sure if his rank insignia is that of a Major or 2nd Lieutenant, but am leaning towards the latter.
Thanks,
Peter

[paddywhack]

I had a really good look after work and I had a good look at any foreign ribbons he could have got and have to agree more then likely a MM

[Robert Shoaf]

Thanks paddywhack, Brian and ROBB.
i have had a look and can only agree with ROBB, it seems to be a MM, but would be interested in anyone else’s opinion.
He is obviously Royal Artillery, and I am not sure if his rank insignia is that of a Major or 2nd Lieutenant, but am leaning towards the latter.
Thanks,
Peter

Rank is 2nd lieut, with one pip. Also, a major & above would have three horizontal lace bands around the cuffs on this type tunic.

Bob Shoaf

[Brian R]

I believe you guys are right and I was wrong. I was thrown off by the border colors but then I recalled the many Imperial German pics I have seen over the years. In this case, the blue is lighter than the red, but red basically always appears dark in these period photos. MM it is!! Great pic!

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks paddywhack, Bob and Brian.
I think we are all agreed that it is an MM. Trying to identify him is I think going to be quite a bit more difficult.
Thanks,
Peter

[Harry047]

!3 Roper street is still in existence, the other address 7 or 9 Derwent street is gone, The local library will have the electoral roll for both addresses. A long shot but worth a try.

[CollectorDon]

Plenty to go on to identify the recipient -

First name: Ralph
Regiment: Artillery
Decoration: MM
1x Wound Stripe

Given he was awarded an MM, we know he would have served in the ranks before being commissioned. If it were me, I would identify all Artillerymen called Ralph who were awarded an MM and were then Commissioned. If there are more than one (which I doubt) you could then look to see if any of the candidates were wounded.

A cursory search identifies 29 men from the Artillery called Ralph who were awarded the MM -