Uncle Archie

Archibald Joseph Sayers Ince 1917-1943

This lovely photo of Mum’s brother is Archie and as the dates show, he died at just 26 years old. I have always been told it was a motorbike accident but was never sure if he died in the UK or India. However, as I write this post, I've just managed to find a mention of his death in The Civil and Military Gazette dated 6th July 1943, it reads:

The Commandant and staff of the R.I.A.S.C. (Royal Indian Army Service Corps) School, KAKUL, regret to announce the death as a result of a Motor Accident of Lieut. Archibald Joseph Sayers Ince, deeply regretted by all ranks.

Our cousins in Australia, Judy and Chris, recently sent a copy of a letter written by Archie to his Dad in 1939 from the UK. He was in England serving with the Royal Artillery Regiment in Colchester. I’m currently transcribing the letter so I can post it here.

This photo of Archie was in an old frame and was on display in my bedroom when I lived at The Ginnel. Mum would always tell me how much I looked like her brother. When I came to remove the photo from its frame, it was quite badly stuck to the glass. It was not possible to remove it without causing some damage. However, a quick fix in Photoshop and here is Uncle Archie looking like a truly handsome young man if I say so myself!

To Dearest Doris, With fondest love, Yours lovingly, Archie.

Yeovil Dorset, December 1941

Damaged photo.

Old photos should never been in direct contact with glass.
A window-mount or spacers should be used.

1943
Tap the image first and then zoom in for a closer look!