Identity tags on cord
2023.1.6
Two (2) metal Identity tags on cord. They show service number, religion, blood type and name.
Name/Title
Identity tags on cordEntry/Object ID
2023.1.6Description
Original set of identity tags, aka "dog tags", belonging to S19958 Pte. Edward Verdun Thomas Carter 27th Infantry Battalion (The South Australia Scottish Regiment).Use
Dog tags are an integral part of military personnel equipment. These are used to identify the wearer. During the Second World War, these discs remained the primary, and frequently only, method of being able to identify the dead. Not wearing identity discs would be treated as a breach of discipline as per various General Routine Orders (GRO). All units were ordered to periodically check (in intervals of no more than three months) that discs were being correctly worn and had been correctly marked. Disc No. 1 was worn around the neck on a piece of cord, with Disc No. 2 attached to it with a shorter length of cord. Metal tags replaced the original the original fibre discs that were used in the First World War, with the green octagonal disc (No. 1) and the red circular disc (No. 2). This was due to the humid tropical conditions of the South West Pacific Area. Quotes from soldier’s correspondence to friends and family back home, referring to the challenges of identifying bodies due to the deterioration of the fibre discs in the tropics. These new discs were first used in 1943 and continued until the cessation of hostilities in 1945. Second World War army discs do not include unit or rank. Unlike the First World War, all officers were allocated a service number and this was recorded on their discs, like other ranks and NCOs. Most discs are marked using 1/4 inch letter and number punches, but you also find 1/8 inch punches used on some discs.Category
Military Uniform, Equipment, War Memorabilia