57666: Photo of Walter Powell and two women

Note on reverse explains that Walter Powell is returning to Chester after some leave. The woman on his left might be Miss Humphreys M.A. (other photos of her are in this collection).

The cut of Walter Powell's uniform and his cap might mean that this was taken after he was issued with "poshed-up" uniform in May 1917 for a job as footman in the royal cavalcade for the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to North Wales. He was photographed in a photographer's studio near

Llandrindod Wells in this new uniform soon after the event.

Part of a collection relating to Walter H. Powell, Llandrindod Wells, (private / driver M2-267205 Mechanised Transport Army Service Corps). Born 1898, Walter tried to join up under-age on a number of occasions, finally succeeding in 1916. He served many months - (more than 2 years?) - in different army units in Britain, before going over to France. He served as a despatch rider for an anti-aircraft battery in 1918-1919. Walter was gassed "suffering the effects all his life". He was a founder member of Toc-H in Llandrindod, and a keen footballer - he died in 1994 aged 96. However Walter's older brothers (Cliff and Percy Powell) and his uncle (Humphrey Powell) died of wounds sustained during the war.