Wigan Album

I can't identify his regiment, Neil, but I can identify hie eyes.....they are yours!

Can't identify the regiment,Neil but would the person in question be your Grandfather?

On Neil's behalf, Winder, I think this is his Uncle or perhaps great-uncle. Neil is away for a few days from tomorrow, culminating in a visit to Wigan early next week, but I know he wouldn't like to feel he had omitted to reply to your comment; I know he enjoys corresponding with you with regard to the old railways,pits etc. around Wigan, of which he has great interest.

Thanks, Irene.

My Uncle James Short, served in the first world war, in the Lancashire Fusiliers. He lived in Raven Street, Higher Ince. It would seem a lot of the Wigan lads served in that regiment. Ministry of Defence records should establish which regiment Albert served with.

my grandfather served in the Great War he was in the 5th Manchesters, as I believe were a lot from around here

Neil is away from home at the moment but I have informed him that people have commented on his great-uncle's photo and he will answer the comments when he returns home at the end of next week. He was very pleased with the interest shown.

You are correct farrie50, relative to your comment. After the great war, a lot of Wigan lads served in the 5th. Manchester(territorial) Regiment, especially in the early, to mid twenties.

Neil. Looking at the Ministry of Defence website. The only Albert Cains' registered, are.1. Albert, Northamptonshire Regiment,1917. 2. Albert Edward. Coldstream Guards, 1917. 3. Albert George. Middlesex Regiment,1917.. If you require any further details, Neil, you will have to go to the website yourself,in order to put your family details in, as they do require these details, before they will give any further information.

Possibly the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, not 100% on that though, can't make out the buttons. His jacket has rifle patches on and is pre 1914, more than likely the 08 pattern.

My Uncle served in the first World War with the 5th batt Manchester Regt.He survived but sadly my Grandfather perished in Greece serving with the 13th batt Manchesters. I agree with Joseph it is difficult to identify the regt of your relative,the shoulder insignia is indistinct as well.It could be any of the Lancashire Regiments.

Love the photo Neil and cant believe how much he looks like my brother Barry.

Thanks to everyone who commented and nice to hear from you Marlene. Hope all is well with you.Some of you have given me food for thought in that Albert may have been in the Army pre 1914. Never considered that. Also suggestion of Loyal North Lancs as Albert had an older brother killed at Passchendaele serving with that regiment. So thanks again everyone

The photographer's studio appears to be in Bolton. Would there have been a regiment with barracks in Bolton?

Neil, Bolton is where many lads joined the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Also my comment about the riffle patches on his pre 1914 jacket may indeed mean he was in the army prior to that date, but also these uniforms were issued for the Great War as well.

Neil. The Preston Library have an excellent collection of books relating to Lancashire Regiments'. Maybe the staff at the library could give you some guidance,on your query.

Thanks Joseph and Albert. I need to dig deeper obviously. Think I'll start by writing to the chap at Fulwood Barracks to check LNL Regt. record

Neil. If you do come to a successful conclusion,please leave a comment relative to it. I,for one, will come back to it, from time to time, to see if there has been any progress.

Will do Albert.

Did Albert Cain return from the war or is he A.Cain of the 11th Bn 5th Manchester Regiment who died? Leslie Bros were photographers at 22 Hope Street.

Kath I am fairly sure Albert survived the War and died in Liverpool in 1944. The Manchester's Archive Service say they didn't have an Albert Cain so I am leaning towards him having joined the Liverpool Regiment, or the Royal Field Artillery. Can't find an Albert Cain in the Loyal North Lancashires according to the Medal Rolls.

I have rung The M.O.D. and got told to ring Army Personnel Records, only to be told they only go back to 1921. Appears I need to visit Kew National Archives, which I aim to do somewhere down the line.

I have tried the National Archives medal rolls cross referenced with their list of soldiers. No real success. Best guess is that he served with the Liverpool Regt.