@Wackojacko: That's strange. Please can you confirm the model number and current Android version of your phone? If you're on Android 9 or higher, can you try opening the Gallery app > Tap the 3 dots in the top right > Recycle Bin, to see if the images have been moved here? If so, press and hold on an image, then select any others you'd like to restore, and tap 'Restore'.
