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Another Post Card Picture of the Pals in training in Sutton Park but again difficult to narrow the Platoon down. On the back of this card it does say Riley recommended for the Distinguish Conduct Medal (DCM) in June 1916. I have found a Riley in the book written by Terry Carter stating that...

Another picture post card of the Pals in Sutton Park. I have done a little research with the Birmingham battalions book. I have found one Platoon with a both Stait and Chatwin listed this being Platoon XVI of D Company the 2nd Pals. It is difficult to be sure as in these early days of the...

The Lapel badge were the same for all three Birmingham Pals Battalions, what distinguished the battalions were their cap badges, shoulder titles and buttons. The cap badge were very similar to the standard Warwickshire Cap badge but had a distinctive second scroll added at the bottom to...

Below is a photograph of a button hole badge or 'Mufti' badge that was issued to the three battalions, worn on the lapel. The badge was issued to the soldiers as they did not have a uniform to show they had enlisted. this was important as men who didn't were sometimes accused of cowardice and it...

Very nice posed picture of the 1st or 2nd Pals digging practice trenches . Some items of the blue tempory clothing is starting to appear due to the shortage of Khaki material, the Pals were to keep this colour of uniform for many months to come awaiting stocks of khaki to catch up with demand...

This Post card was written by Pte 233 Richard Findon to his parents, he also mentions the post card is from his brother Frank as well so perhaps both are on the picture? Sadly Richard was not to survive the war he was killed in the epic battle for High wood on the Somme on the 23rd July 1916...

This post card was written by Private 88 W Mc Millan of Platoon No 2 from A Company 2nd Pals. On the rear he apparently writes to his parents stating he will be going to the dental hospital and will 'slip away' to see them for a while. Unfortunately it is not shown which of the three men he is...

When the Battalions first started training the 1st and 2nd Pals were training in Sutton Park but they had nowhere to live as there was no living accommodation for them. To start with the residents of Sutton Coldfield were paid to give soldiers lodgings which solved that problem until huts were...

When the first World War broke out it was obvious to the Military chiefs that whilst Britain almost certainly had the best professional army in the world made up entirely of volunteers it was far to small to fight a European War with many nations involved. Many city's decided to raise a 1000...

Terry I didn't know that, interesting fact and a great thing to do to honour the soldiers. It is a popular place, I go there a few time a year, steeped in history. Steve R

Hello Nice memorial plaque and not one I have seen before. I have been to the Old Contemptible's PH a few times and they have paintings of soldiers on their walls and the old contemptible sign hanging above the door. I have been told that soldiers using the old Snow hill train on their way to...

Janice I have been studying both my postcard and your picture and believe you have it spot on. The windows and arch are all the same on the upper level. I will visit the shops and take my then and now picture thank you for your help. Steve R

Interesting picture of the 16th Royal Warwickshire Battalion (3rd Birmingham Pals) this may well have been taken on Alcester High street as it came with another post card with that written on it, probably taken during 1915 before they went to France in the November. They were certainly in...

Had a problem uploading this so hopefully it will come out OK. This is a sad reminder of the first War period being a sympathy card to soldiers next of kin. There must have been an anticipation of huge losses as this has been signed by Neville Chamberlain (Mayor) and his wife but never made out...

Hello Terry Yep I thought that about the blue caps. Unfortunately no dates. These came from an album full of soldiers from all regiments who all worked at the same factory in Birmingham but they are all broke up now. There were a couple of interesting pictures with names on one of which is a...

Just been looking through my collection and discovered these two pictures. There were taken from a much bigger album that I bid on at auction but lost only to see them on Ebay as separate items a few weeks later. There is a soldier from the Birmingham Pals battalion in each of the picture as...

Hello I have just had a look at the Website and can see a lot of work is being done. So many names of so many brave you men, you are making a valuable contribution to keeping there memories alive. I am a frequent visitor to the Somme battlefield and occasionally Belgium and if you require any...

My first time, very nice crowd of people I must say and nice to start putting a few faces and names together Steve R

Yep have to agree, I only read that thread a few days ago. A magnificent effort by all involved I must say. Well worth a read if you have seen it. Steve R

That is a pity, odds on this is in somebody's home, garage or collection. Perhaps some publicity might see it returned to its rightful place Steve R