Among Jack’s negatives is this photograph of a German arm badge with a particularly interesting family history.
Jack’s original negative envelope reads:
“A German’s arm badge, Jagers.? Taken from a German P.O.W. by C.S.M. Johnstone 1914-18 war.
Believed to be the German Army’s champion shot for 1911. Now in the Imperial War Museum, London. Given by me A.S.J. 1960.”
The C.S.M. Johnstone referred to was Company Sergeant Major Company Sergeant Major Leonard Campbell Johnstone.
According to Jack’s note, Leonard took the badge from a German prisoner of war during the First World War. It was believed to have belonged to the German Army’s champion shot of 1911.
Jack later donated the badge to the Imperial War Museum in 1960, signing the note with his original initials, A.S.J. — Alfred Sinclair Johnstone.
The badge itself left the family collection, but Jack’s photograph and envelope preserve both its appearance and its provenance.