PHOTO PAGE 96

Photo BM1 Please contact Brian Martin at :- brew.mart@ntworld.com This WW1 photograph shows Brian's Father, Gunner HENRY JAMES MARTIN of the ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY and his comrades. Henry is seated (far left). This is what his son Brian wrote, "My father's name was Henry James Martin (often referred to as Harry), and from an Army document in my possession it states the following..... He served from 26th. June 1915 until the 19th. June 1919 with the 156 Heavy Battery unit of the RGA. His regimental number was 317371, and the form also states, signed by his C.O. that he was" A very good gunner, honest, trustworthy and reliable" It is the 156 Battery Unit of which I have several photos, and hope that, as obviously there are other soldiers beside my father on these snaps, they could be of interest to others." None of Henry James Martin's comrades seen in any of the photographs sent by Brian, have been identified.

Photo BM2 Please contact Brian Martin at :- brew.mart@ntworld.com This is the second of Brian's photograph collection concerning his Father Gunner HENRY JAMES MARTIN of the ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY. In this photograph Henry is seated (far right). Amongst Henry's comrades seen here, is a Bombardier and a Sergeant (both seated). Both of these NCO's have three "good conduct" chevrons on their right lower sleeves which denote 6 years service in total, also both of the NCO's are wearing riding boots, riding breeches and the Sergeant is wearing spurs. This most probably means that they were also R.G.A. "Drivers" (drove the team of horses, whilst trailing the artillery piece and limber, whilst seated on a lead horse.) Can you help with identifying any of Gunner Martin's comrades? Can you perhaps help with identifying the location? Do you know what type of gun that is (partially) visible in the photograph. Any information would be very welcome.

To view a larger version of this photograph please click here > BM 2

Photo BM3 Please contact Brian Martin at :- brew.mart@ntworld.com This is the third photograph that Brian kindly sent in, Brian's Father is seated (right) and is identified with a white X. This is a wonderful photograph of men of (WW1) 156 Heavy Battery Unit of the Royal Garrison Artillery taken whilst they were preparing for a concert party.

Once again none of Gunner Martin's comrades have been identified, can you help please?

To view a larger version of this photograph please click here > BM 3

Photo RWG 6 Please Contact Ian Paterson at :- ian.paterson@bigfoot.com This extraordinary pre WW1 portrait is definitely not what it seems! The young man is not a sailor, but a British soldier. He was a member of THE TYNE SUBMARINE MINERS (Royal Engineers). Ian Paterson kindly sent the following information about the outfit,

"Here is the very brief history of the Tyne Submarine Miners, and the
photo, I think he is a relative of my Grandmother as it turned up in a
photo album past on to me. But as yet I have nothing but the photo. If
anyone wants any more information on this unit there is a full chapter
in the book. "The History of the Tyne Electrical Engineers, Royal Engineers. Published by Royal Engineers in 1935 "

Tyne Submarine Miners

In 1863 submarine mines were brought in as a defence system for
military and commercial ports. It wasn't until 1871 that a submarine
mining company was formed from the 4th Company, Royal Engineers. By April 1877 the number of regular submarine mining companies had risen to 5 and it wasn't long before this that the idea of some of the duty being undertaken by volunteer engineers. In 1880 the consolidation of a mining unit and signal unit took place, and the 1st Newcastle and Durham (Volunteers) Royal Engineers was established under the command of Lieut-Col C. M. Palmer, with it's headquarters at Jarrow upon Tyne.

In 1883 Sir Andrew Clarke proposed a the formation of "a volunteer submarine mining company for the defence of the Tyne". A few months later permission was promised on condition that Col. Palmer at his own expense find the craft etc for this unit and that the men be trained on the River Tyne. 60 men were selected from the Newcastle and Durham Corps and organised into a mining corps. The energy and enthusiasm was such that they were shortly reported as "highly qualified for carrying out this important duty." and thus began the submarine miners.

In all 9 Divisions were formed, 1 Tyne, 2 Severn, 3 Clyde, 4 Humber, 5 Tees, 6 Forth, 7 Tay, 8 Mersey and 9 Falmouth. The 1st Divison, received the title "Tyne Division Royal Engineers (Volunteers), Submarine Miners. The unit being in exsistance as the Tyne Submarine Miners from 1883 until 1907 when submarine mining was abolished by the army and the unit Converted to the Division of Electrical Engineers.

What are submarine mines? They are the fore runner of magnetic mines as used in WW II. The difference being that these were fired remotely and relied on the judgement as to how close a vessel was to the mine by the shore based firing party. When land based they wore their regular army uniform of the time, and while working on their water born craft their naval style uniform. Hence the photo!!

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