WW1 Large and Original Portrait Photo - Machine Gun Corps - large cloth "1" on left arm

A large original sepia portrait photo mounted on card of a Lance Corporal of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC) with ribbon bars for the 1914 or 1914-15 star and what looks like a French medal such as a Medaille Commemorative De La Guerre, 1914 - 1918. Slight dent to photo to right side of his head otherwise in good condition, but mount appears to have been a bit crudely cut down. Image is 14.5cms wide and 24.5cms tall, excluding the mount. Some text to reverse may aid identification. It was acquired in the North East of England and there is an address which looks like 7 Ous burn (sic) Road (I believe this should read Ouseburn). Some other text which I cannot decipher. Perhaps the Absent Voters List may help in providing a name?

The best thing about it, apart from the quality of the image is the large cloth No '1' on the left upper sleeve. Presumably for the 1st Battalion MGC but happy to be corrected. A cracking image with only minor spotting and surface wear as well as the indent already mentioned.

No returns on this item, sold as seen.

Views sought on the identification in the Military Heraldry Society Bulletin "The Formation Sign" Issue 292 December 2023, and comment also about the medal ribbons in the same magazine Issue 293/4 January - June 2024.

Comm FB

Code: 66070