Thanks to the message that has been handwritten in black ink on the back of this real photographic postcard, we know the names of the parents in this family group, and when the photograph was taken. The message reads: ‘Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas from Harry & Nellie / Xmas 1916 / Taken Nov 20th 1916’. We also know the name and whereabouts of the photographic studio that they visited, for it is also printed on the reverse: ‘Brown & Co., Royal Studio, 21 Regent St., Weston-S-Mare i.e., Weston-super-Mare, in Somerset. The girls’ soldier–father’s cap badge appears to be that of the Royal Engineers. Their mother’s wedding ring is discernible, and the well-worn condition of the older girl’s boots is notable. || A real photographic postcard || || Photograph || Harry, Nellie and their daughters

A real photographic postcard || Both father and daughter look ill at ease in this photograph, which was produced, as is printed on the reverse, by ‘GALE’S STUDIOS LTD / BRANCHES EVERYWHERE’, these being listed as ‘Manchester / Glasgow / Liverpool / Blackpool / Leeds / Nottingham / Birmingham / Leicester / Cardiff / Bristol / Newcastle-on-Tyne / Portsmouth / Sheffield / Etc. Etc.’. The girl wears a mobcap and a light-coloured dress, and stands rather awkwardly on a chair next to her father. He is wearing a British soldier’s uniform and a white lanyard, but his uniform has no other distinguishing features. || || Photograph || A photograph of a British soldier and his daughter

A real photographic postcard || This poignant photograph depicts a young soldier in a studio setting, holding a document and gazing into space. Inset above is a portrait of a little girl, no doubt his daughter. There is nothing on the front or back of this real photographic postcard to tell us who the girl and her soldier–father are, or where he was pictured. || || A photograph of a British soldier with one of his daughter inset || Photograph || Front