Here is one of my Dads photos (right hand side looking down) and 2 of his mates from the 4th Royal Tanks. It looks like they have found another use for bully beef, I have searched on line and can't seem to find a matching tin from that time. I know its a blurred pic but it looks like white writing on the top and a block of writing or picture underneath anybody have any ideas?, of course I maybe completely wrong and it may not be bully beef. I know Dad used to say it was not very appetising in the hot desert. The date on the back of the photo says Tobruk Dec 1941.
As a whole.I think bully beef was supplied in 7 lb tins to the troops. No doubt there may have been 1 lb cans issued in the field but generally the 7 lb tin was common for mass catering.
It's probably the one-man 'iron ration' 'bully beef and biscuits' size tin - the lid appears to be open, making it look larger. Thought I might have something on it but it's not revealing itself at the moment.
Looks like Libby's branding. The word at the top of the tin might be "Libbys". However it could be some cheap knock off brand manufactured somewhere in the middle east.
Fairly new to your site. But I was always under the impression that the "Bully Beef" came in individual containers. It's possible that the "mess" halls would have larger containers, but the troops generally were issued individual cans. The opener was attached to the bottom. I would always get a "rash" from someone that said.... "The British didn't use Libby's Corned Beef". Then I would show them the next photo, which clearly shows a box (upside down) of Libby's Corned Beef .
Re bully beef. Given the angle and shape of the chap's helmet, surely the tin would have slid off and not stayed put for a photo op, maybe it's spam, or maybe your dad has the can on a stick as his arms are not visible? good photo though. She
The chap on the left is my grandad Norman Brown as i have a scanned image of the same photo. Would love to know if you had any others featuring him or any details of his service with your grandad?
Hi Ian that is amazing, I do have at least one more image with what looks like your grandad on. Do you just have the one image? I will have a look through my stuff and post what I have on here.
Hi Gazz, Yes, it was 7882286. I don't have many photos at all so it was great to see your post and I remembered the picture from a few years back. This is another one I have scanned but no date or location .
I have this one which looks like your Grandad 2nd from the right and my Dad 2nd from the left also dated Dec 1941 Tobruk. I have what look like the oiginal photographs have you got actual photographs or just recents scans?.
Hi Gazz, Yes, that's Grandad Again, this picture is new to me so many thanks for sharing it. The original photo I had scanned is somewhere in the family but was in poor condition - I had hopes of restoring it from the digital image using Adobe (along with other family pics) but to date, I have not started it. I will have a search around for anything else of interest but I don't recall there being much in the way of wartime pictures. I wonder if there is any chance you would be able to scan these two for me sometime? I can lift copies from your post but a digital image would be great to work with - the family has been very interested to see these new (to us) pictures. Very best wishes Ian
I will see what I can do regards the scanning. It does look like the chap stood next to your Grandad on your photo is stood next to him on my group photo as well. What was your Grandads role in the RTR?, My Dad was a tank driver in the Middle East. Do you know your Grandad was part of the BEF and was at Dunkirk as well.
Hi Gazz Yes he was with the BEF and evacuated at Dunkirk. I, unfortunately, do not know his role in the 4th RT but he was a very experienced trooper having enlisted in 1930-6, and then a reservist until called up in 1939.. I have found two more photos that are worse for wear and not dated:
My Dad also enlisted before war broke out, in 1936, and it also looks like they were the same rank Corporals. I have the war 4 RTR war diaries for the BEF and Middle east, and your Grandad is mentioned in the 1939 BEF roll He was part of B company.
My Dad got captured at Tobruk and ended up in Italy as POW and escaped and evaded till 1944. Did your Grandad end up a POW?
Hi Gazz I understand Grandad was evacuated from Tripoli either sick or wounded at some point and returned to active service later.
A screenshot from the Tankies documentary showing Smithfield Corned beef in small tins in the desert.
