Bert Topham and his nautical sextant at Castlefield Observatory, circa 1940.  Photo courtesy of Lynn Kirk.

Bert Topham's Castlefield Observatory, circa 1940.  Photo courtesy of Lynn Kirk.

Bert Topham with his nautical sextant at his Castlefield Observatory, circa 1940.  Photo courtesy of Lynn Kirk.

Bert Topham (left) during WWI. Photo courtesy of Lynn Kirk.

Bert Topham during WWI (France, June 20th, 1917).  The little hole in the belt is where a fragment of shell went, but at an angle. Photo courtesy of Lynn Kirk.

Bert Topham during WWI. Photo courtesy of Lynn Kirk.

Bert Topham, circa WWI. Photo courtesy Lynn Kirk.