Malton Museum seeks answers on photo found in Suddabys pub

Malton Museum was given the picture, which was taken during the First World War, after it was discovered during recent renovations at Suddabys in Wheelgate.

John Howard of the Museum Friends, said the photo was taken on the site of the Roman Fort, not far from the drill hall at the corner of Greengate and Maltongate.

He said: “The men are members of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division Royal Engineers Signals Company, and their telephone sets and semaphore flags can be seen in the foreground.

“There was one signals company allocated to a division; at full strength, it would number 162 men commanded by a major.  There were likely several detachments at other drill halls around the county, which came together when the 50th Division mobilised in 1914.

 “The sergeant to the left of the photograph carries two crossed flags above his chevrons, denoting he was a qualified signals instructor and probably commanded the detachment. The major in the centre, perhaps visiting for an inspection.

“There are no Royal Engineers recorded on the Malton War Memorial, but Maurice D’Hooge, Sapper 38614, is recorded on St Peter’s Memorial.  He died on 15 Feb 1919 from the effects of being gassed one year earlier and is buried in Norton Cemetery.”

If you recognise anyone in the photograph, please call into Malton Museum or contact them.

The museum is open Thursday  –  Saturday, 10:30 am  –  3:30 pm.

Phone number: 01653 691262

Email address: enquiries.maltonmuseum@gmail.com

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