Within the ‘Barker Collection’ of postcards was a portrait a a Senior NCO taken at a studio in Matlock – Percy Rowbottom, Matlock Ltd.

[Many thanks to FROGSMILE, RNCVR, PRC and SteveE of the Great War Forum, who provided help and advice on the identity of this man]

On the back of the card is written…..

Dear Jennie

A very Happy Xmas is the sincere wish of yours sincerely

S a L C

‘Jennie’ could very well refer to Charles’ elder sister Mary Jane, who was born in 1875 and was single on the 1911 Census.

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What we do know

He is a Colour Sergeant Instructor of Musketry (Regular Permanent Staff) with a Volunteer Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters (‘Derbyshire’ – later ‘Notts & Derby’ Regiment), photographed sometime between the 2nd Boer War and WW1. He has a Musketry Prize Badge on his left lower sleeve.

He is wearing an India General Service Medal with two campaign/battle clasps, Queens South Africa Medal with 4 clasps, & Army Long Service Medal with a King Edward VII head.

The search for the man’s identity now begins by cross referencing the names of the Permanent Staff of the 2 Volunteer Battalion, 1/6th Battalion and 4th Militia with the relevant Medal Roles !