Hi, I recently received a copy of this picture of my grandfather and great grandfather in uniform. I know that my grandfather fought in WWI for the Austro Hungarian army. I assumed that he was part of the infantry. Could anyone of you confirm that they are both wearing an infantry uniform. Would this picture be taken around 1914? I was also wondering if it was common for father and son to serve together? The picture was taken in Slovakia. My grandfather was born in Madacka and my great grandfather was born in Ohrada. Any help with this picture would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much

What were their names?

Hi Carl, Thanks very much for replying to my query. My great grandfather was Pavel Hrutka b. 10 Nov 1874 in Ohrada d. 1964 in Slovakia. My grandfather was Jan Hrutka b. 31 May 1896 in Madacka, Slovakia d. May 1980 North Bay Ontario Canada. Thanks so much, Anne

Anne,
Unfortunately, I don't really don't know much about the uniforms but others on this board do and will hopefully respond to you. I just wanted to see if there were any records for them in the casualty reports (sick, wounded, killed or captured soldiers). I took a quick look but did not see anything. Do you know the Hungarian names of the two towns. I'm having trouble finding the Hungarian versions. (The military records will list the towns by their Hungarian names and not the Slovak ones)

Carl, I think the Hungarian name for Madacka is Madacsi, but I'm not sure. Hope that helps

Hi Again Carl, I do know that my grandfather had an old scar on his arm. He said a bullet went through his arm during the war. My Dad said that Grandpa didn't talk about the war much but one thing he did say was that after the Armistice he walked home from Italy. Don't know if this would be of any help or not.

I'm sorry, but I can not find any wounded reports for your grandfather. But that just probably means that he was not sent to a hospital.

It is really sad that most of the WWI records for AH soldiers have been destroyed. The questions to this board constantly ask for help in finding those WWI records.

My recommendation is to go back another generation or more and look for your earlier ancestor's military records which have thankfully been preserved.

If you are lucky enough to have a photo of your ancestor in a WWI uniform, you should be very happy. It is part of your family history and you should put it into your book that you will write on the history or your family. :>)
CK

Yes, standard uniforms for A-H army in WWI. In this photo there is nothing to further narrow down their unit or branch of arms.

Looks like a field studio where a photographer went out to the troops to do business.

Hi Carl, Thanks very much for looking for an injury report for my grandfather. I appreciate your efforts. I was thrilled to receive a picture of my grandfather and great grandfather in uniform. It was something he never talked about. Thanks again for all your efforts. Anne

Hi, Thanks very much for your reply. I appreciate it very much. I didn't realize that photographers went to the front to ply their trade. Interesting.....thanks so much again. Anne