Rifle Volunteer Officer Identification

[gympy]

I have inherited two photographs of of an officer in the Manchester regt along with his Volunteer Decoration, but no  one knows his name. He appears to have been quite a good shot and no doubt appeared in local papers. The photo with sword etc has the name of an Eccles photographer. Can anyone in the forum help me identify my man? Jim Paul

[gympy]

Attachments.

higher res photos available if necessary

[sphinx]

Hello,

Lt. Colonel John Heap V.D. an officer of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, The Manchester Regiment and probably one of the greatest shots the country has seen, shooting for the England National Team on many occasions from 1880 to 1902.

The bottom photo along with many of his shooting medals can be seen in the Museum of The Manchester Regiment (If it wasnt all in boxes!!!)

If you wish to sell the photos I would buy them as I have an interest in him.

regards

[gympy]

Many thanks for your reply ref photos.I can now find out how he fits in to the family tree. His daughter married Edwin Parkes who was the town clerk for Eccles during WW! and was in charge of special constables for which he got an MBE and Special Constable medal. Will keep in touch ref photos/ gympy