THIS poignant picture shows the Redditch Territorials of the 8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, who were based at the Drill Hall in Church Road.

These were infantrymen, not to be confused with the pre-war territorials based in Easemore Road, who were artillery.

The men are seen here on summer camp in Porthcawl in 1938, a year before being called up and posted to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force at the outbreak of war.

Sadly, almost all were killed in action or taken prisoner when the Germans stormed through Holland and Belgium before the Dunkirk evacuations.

The photograph was kindly loaned by John Such, of Studley, whose father, CSM Jim Such, is seen second from left in the front row.

He survived the war after he was called back to England because of his age and rank to help train young conscripts.

Mr Such, who himself served as a sergeant in the Middle East, said: "Fourth from left in the front row is Alf Bott, who was killed in action. His nephew, now a pensioner like me, recognises him.

"I think lots of family descendants might be able to see their relatives in this photograph."

Old photographs can be sent to Julian Seva at the Advertiser and will be returned once used.