WW1 Identity Disc
2023.220.1
Front of Pte A.T. Freeman's ID disc
Name/Title
WW1 Identity DiscEntry/Object ID
2023.220.1Description
WW1 identity tags fashioned into the shape of Australia. Made of electroplated nickel silver, it is inscribed on the front with the soldier's service number, name and unit. The reverse has shows the hallmark EPNS (electroplated nickel silver).Use
These identity discs were worn by Australians while being treated in English hospitals, after being wounded in France. This disc was owned by 4525 Private Aubrey Thomas FREEMAN, who was born in Sharps Wells, South Australia on October 25, 1892. He enlisted on October 10, 1916, embarking from Adelaide, South Australia for England on December 16, 1916. Two months later, Aubrey disembarked at Devonport, England to undertake further training, before embarking for France on September 25, 1917. Posted to the 43rd Battalion, he served in France until a gunshot wound to his chest on April 25, 1918, saw him sent back to England for treatment and recovery. It was whilst being treated for these wounds, that Private Freeman would have obtained this identity disc, like many of his Australian comrades. This injury would see Private Freeman sent home for a "GSW chest penetrating", embarking for Australia on July 31, 1918. Discharged as "Medically Unfit" as a result of the wounds he received in France, Private Aubrey Thomas Freeman was given his discharge papers on November 1, 1918. Three years later he would marry Mary Elizabeth Victoria Crook, before settling in Crystal Brook, South Australia working as a farmer. When war broke out again in 1939, Aubrey again enlisted in the Australian Military Forces. On April 24, 1942, he was posted to the 6 Volunteer Defence Corp (6th VDC) and served with this unit until he was discharged on October 16, 1945, due to its disbandment. Aubrey and Elizabeth had three children: Leslie Thomas, Maxwell John and Patricia Mary. Leslie and Maxwell also served during WW2, Leslie in the Northern Territory, Australia and Maxwell, like his father, with the 6 VDC. A veteran of two world wars, Private Aubrey Thomas Freeman died in Crystal Brook Hospital on August 16, 1974, at the age of 81.Category
Personal Effects