Training Photograph ID?, Unknown Location, Possibly Hyderabad Barracks Colchester

If anyone knows exactly where this photograph was taken, I would love to know. I think it is most likely Hyderabad Barracks in Colchester with men having just undergone basic training with the Somerset Light Infantry in early to mid 1943, but have never been able to prove it. My grandfather Bob is
featured (middle row 3rd in from the left).

 

SCC74005 - Old photograph of Guard House (MEE 1), Former Garrison Meeanee and Hyderabad Barracks, Colchester - Colchester Heritage Explorer

Google Maps

 

Meeanee and Hyderabad were next door to each other.

F

 

Meant to say yesterday, fantastic thank you!

Makes sense they must have used the entrance area for the pic.

Wonder, were the 2 barracks related to each other / both assigned to the Somerset Light Infantry.

 

The barracks were unrelated and just happened to be next to each. Both had parade squares and both had their own entrance. When I was based at Hyderabad with 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion King's Own Border Regiment were next door in Meeanee Barracks.

F

 

In 2000, it was 2 PARA in Meeanee and if I remember rightly a Scottish unit in Hyderabad until 3 PARA arrived.

 

I’ve spent a fair bit of time researching the barracks at Colchester. My grandad was in Meannee in 1934/5. All the barrack buildings were slightly different if I remember correctly. I’ll have a dig through.

 

Same spot today.

 

Just relooking at the family history side of things for some dates, Bob signed up on the 18th of March 1943 and was sent for Driver Training in Sheffield after basic training. Given the now highly probable location at Meeanee the photo was therefore most likely taken in March or April 1943.

BR
SH