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Stromness Life Boys. The only person I can name is Annabella Smith, schoolteacher, 2nd from right (my Aunt Anna). She always looked remarkably young for her age, so this could just be a 1940s picture, though more likely 1930s. (Photographer unknown.) Some of this fine group must be alive and kicking, so come on, identify yourselves and tell us all about it.
View Large VersionPicture added on 22 October 2009 at 17:37
Is the boy 3rd from the left Pat Tulloch?
Added by Liz Firth on 23 October 2009
On reflection it can't be Pat.He's not that old???
Added by Liz Firth on 23 October 2009
A year on, and no names for the boys. I can't believe there isn't somebody out there who can help.
Added by Ian Hourston on 03 November 2010
Just a response Ian seeing you are not getting any from Stromness.
As a former member of the 1st Kirkwall Team in the war years (1942 to 1945)and much later as a lieutenant in the same team, I can honsstly say that I have never seen white topped headgear worn.
Unless this was a seasonal "habit" at this time.
It would be interesting to know.
Best regards
As a former member of the 1st Kirkwall Team in the war years (1942 to 1945)and much later as a lieutenant in the same team, I can honsstly say that I have never seen white topped headgear worn.
Unless this was a seasonal "habit" at this time.
It would be interesting to know.
Best regards
Added by Peter Burges on 02 September 2012
Though briefly a Life Boy myself, I can't shed any light on the headgear Peter.
Added by Ian Hourston on 04 September 2012
In 1938 Pat was minus 9
Added by W Watters on 05 September 2012
The Life Boys were formed as the Boy Reserves in 1917. They adopted a sailor-style hat. Some groups eventually began to wear a white cover on the hat and in 1921 this was sanctioned for use from May to September so you were right Ian that it was seasonal. Later it was sanctioned for all the year round but I don't think it was ever worn by more than a minority of teams.
Added by David Partner on 21 February 2013
I'd have been happy if this lot hadn't had white tops. In my scan of the original, every blessed one of them was over-exposed.
But still no names?
(The term 'Boy Reserves' has an ominous ring to it. As if they might have been 'Death Boys' had the need arisen.)
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But still no names?
(The term 'Boy Reserves' has an ominous ring to it. As if they might have been 'Death Boys' had the need arisen.)
Added by Ian Hourston on 23 February 2013
Stromness
