A REMARKABLE find in an antique shop has local man Michael Bates trying to solve a mystery.

Mr Bates is trying to put names to the faces of three soldiers, featured in photographs taken by the iconic Marchant Studios Gawler.

Having had an interest in military history for some time, Mr Bates said he thinks he might know of one of the soldiers, pictured in the centre of the frame – but is stumped on the identities of the other two.

“Walter Hetley Waters was a fruit grower from Renmark who came back from the war a lieutenant and with a Distinguished Conduct Medal,” Mr Bates said.

“He joined up in 1914, straight when war was declared, in the 10th Infantry Battalion, and reading his records I don’t think he actually went to Gallipoli but stayed in the Middle East.

Military records show Waters was transferred to the 13th Brigade from 50th Battalion, and saw action on the Western Front.

He was discharged in 1919, then part of the 4th Machine Gun Battalion, having also earned a Belgium Croix de Guerre for bravery on the battlefield.

Mr Bates said he recognises the man’s features from a photograph he was once helping to upload to the SA Pictorial Honour Board, which would have been taken at the end of his service.

However, he only has his own eyes as evidence and is wondering if others may be able to corroborate.

The uniform on the man pictured in the photograph on the far left, indicates he was Field Ambulance, and potentially attached to the Light Horse unit, part of which was raised in Gawler.

All men bear a resemblance to each other so could be related as cousins.

Mr Bates said the picture frame was found in an antique store on Churchill Road, and failed to offer any clues to their identity.

“I’ve opened it up and had a look but nothing,” he said.

“It’s over 100 years old, so it probably has disappeared into someone’s shed for a while, but this one has been reasonably looked after.”

Anyone with information can contact Ellouise at The Bunyip, on 8522 1233 or (ellouise.crawford@bunyippress.com.au).