Hertfordshire Genealogy: Places: Watford: First World War Troops

Shortly after war had been declared the 2nd London Division took up war stations in Hertfordshire, with the headquarters in St Albans and troops stationed in the surrounding towns and villages. Extensive details are given in the book The London Gunners come to Town and pictures were published in the Watford Illustrated.

The local photographers were quickly on the scene with to produce postcards that the soldiers could send home to their nearest and dearest. Unfortunately few of the ones I have seen clearly identify either the soldier, his unit, or the area in which he was billeted. However the following postcards were all taken by Watford photographers.

If you can identify any of the soldiers, etc., please let me know.

Photograph by L. L. Christmas, 90 The Broadway, Queens Road, Watford
Posted from Hemel Hempstead, 27th August 1914
Three of the men have Royal Field Artillery cap badges, and as the R.F.A. units marched to Hemel Hempstead on 16th August, and stayed there until March 1915, the photograph may well have been taken there. The card is to a female friend living in Shepherds Bush and the soldier is hoping to be able to take the Sunday off to visit her.

Photographer not identified
Posted from Watford, 5th November 1914

Photographer not identified
Posted from Watford, 5th November 1914
D Company, 15th Battalion, London Regiment, 10 Essex Road, Watford
Dear Aunt. Many thanks for both belts which are very useful. Am now in a fine private billet as above for the winter. Sid and all at home are very well, as am I. Hope you all are too. Your affect. nephew, Bob
[I have not identified the cap badges but they are definitely not the 15th Battalion - so presumably Bob is not one of the soldiers in the photograph.]


Pictures by Harry Robert Cull, Watford

Card from Osmonds Studios, 56A Chester Road, Watford

Badge unidentified

Photographer A. C. Ferguson, 1 Clifford Street, Watford

Soldiers at Cassiobury Lock
Published by E G Boyle, Post Office, The Parade, High Steet, Watford
Posted 1920