Essex Regiment Officers in Grimsby during WW2.

A large group photograph in a folder by Spencer’s Pictorial Press, 236 Hainton Avenue, Grimsby. Spencer’s were particularly active during WW2.

What were the Essex Regiment doing in Grimsby?

We are indebted to military historian Les Emery from Perth, Western Australia who provides the answers:

The 6th Bn. The Essex Regiment was a Territorial Army battalion, which was converted into a searchlight unit in 1938. Initially, it remained part of the regiment until it was absorbed by the Royal Artillery in August 1940, when it was retitled as the 64th (Essex Regiment) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. [This would explain the Essex Regiment cap badge and the Royal Artillery flaming bombs.]

Also I notice that the Lt Colonel in the centre is wearing a medal ribbon which looks like the Distinguished Service Cross, post 1942 the DSC was also awarded to army officers involved with naval operations. Alternatively if it is a DSC it could have been awarded during WW1for naval related actions? This may be a clue to his identityAlso I notice that the Lt Colonel in the centre is wearing a medal ribbon which looks like the Distinguished Service Cross, post 1942 the DSC was also awarded to army officers involved with naval operations. Alternatively if it is a DSC it could have been awarded during WW1for naval related actions? This may be a clue to his identity.

So, presumably, they manned the searchlights over the south bank of the Humber.