• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

John T Hornick

Great photos Lawrence. In the photo post #29, I love the way one PC has not stood to attention for the photo and couldn't resist resting his leg up on the wooden beam.

Your second photo in post #31 is especially interesting as it looks like a totally mixed group: policemen, soldiers and young cadets. Do you know why? Any ideas about their role here? Viv.
 
Sort of wondering if it was a specialist training or a training exercise collaboration. Maybe someone on the forum can help us on this Laurence. Viv.
 
I've been searching for a possible i d of the soldiers cap badge, it could possibly be The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) but the photo doesn't blow up well.
I should imagine that the soldiers were there to assist the police during the strike and the sailors may have been crewing RN vessels that would also have been used for patrolling.
In the mid-sixties our regiment had to take some vehicles to the London docks and before we set off we were warned not to say anything to the dockers in case we sparked off another strike.
There's nothing new under the sun, so they say.
 
The more you look at photo #31 the more details come out. It's not a formal photo. It's a photo of the group back at their camp (tents) and there seems to be much bonding between the men - hands on other men's shoulders, not just between the different forces. So I presume this mixed group had been together for a while. There's a man in a very different uniform to the right too. In the background is a building like a warehouse with a wharf for unloading/loading. Maybe they were guarding that building during the Grays strike? Viv.
 
I notice the sign on the warehouse in post#29 says

Purfleet
Wharf Saw Mills
Cargoes of Every Description
Discharged Overside Unloaded
For Millars Australian Hardwoods
72, Bishopgate Street.

Probably explains the presence of the large beam ... interesting photos.
 
Purfleet Wharf & Saw Mills was quite big as this map , admittedly dated c1920, shows. Also, then at least, next to an oil depot, so a target for disruption. Reckon the shed behind is the big one with the rail lines running into it

map c 1920 showing purfleet whaf & saw mills.jpg
 
I had a look at britainfromabove aerial views of Purfleet and the buildings seen in the photo post#29 are visible in a view dated 1921.

Close up of the building with the sign writing just about visible.
1_Purfleet_1921.JPG
Larger view below with building in the centre and by 1921 more buildings in the background.
2_1921PurfleetWharf.JPG
 
Last edited:
This photo might have been taken on the rail pier , by looking at your map Mike and your photo Oldmohawk
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20170508_201502.jpg
    IMG_20170508_201502.jpg
    512.8 KB · Views: 21
Last edited:
I have found another photo I have inherited containing my grandfather John T Hornick in Birmingham 1910. He is the best man it looks like, standing top left. The wedding party seem very well to do! I haven't a clue who they and I would be glad for any ideas!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20180506_103129~2.jpg
    IMG_20180506_103129~2.jpg
    434.6 KB · Views: 14
Back
Top