FAR FROM HOME: World War I Troops, almost certainly from Oruru/Peria. The man standing second left is Farrier Sergeant Phillip Roland Francis, of Oruru.
Marlene Dawson recognises Phillip Roland Francis, standing second left, in the photograph above, which was sent as a postcard (dated November 1915) to her grandfather Gussie Yates, but would be delighted to hear from anyone who can name any of the others.
Amateur war historian Ross Beddows has come up
with some information though. He believes the men to be mounted riflemen, and that the photo was taken in Egypt.
"Their hats were not common to infantry at that time, but were worn by the mounted riflemen in Egypt and Palestine," he said.
"It may have been a group of mates who were left behind at the base camp in Egypt because of their occupations as farriers and blacksmiths.
"Phillip Francis arrived in Egypt in mid-September 1915 with the 6th Reinforcements but did not go to Gallipoli, instead remaining in Egypt, probably to look after the horses. He rejoined his unit on active service in Palestine after the evacuation from Gallipoli in December 1915."
