TOPIC:

I'm trying to find out about 'dog tags' used in the Boer War. Reading around it is confusing, some sources say soldiers kept ID cards in their jacket pockets, others describe tapes, sewn into pockets. Can anyone clarify? And even better, have a picture of such ID?
Thanks

Clare
Illustrated here is the Description Card sewn into the lining of Other Ranks' jackets. Illustration from "With The Flag To Pretoria" Vol.I


Regards
IL.

Could I ask if anyone has an example of one of these ID tickets?

Lt Blake Knox, RAMC, wrote:

"…every soldier has a little pocket in the lower corner of his tunic, in which he carries a packet called the first field dressing, which comprises a roller bandage, a pad of gauze, another of wool, a piece of jaconet waterproof, and two safety-pins, together with a calico card on which are inscribed his name, number, regiment, and next-of-kin ; therefore, if these are lost, it may lead to his non-identification if killed, and if wounded to his bleeding to death... the identification of soldiers killed in action is very laborious, and often quite impossible. The present identification-ticket is sewn in a special pocket in a soldier's tunic ; men often take off their coats in action, and they are temporarily mislaid, or their coats may be taken off to dress their wounds. Should such men be killed or die, all means of identification may be lost; such cases have occurred. If every man wore a metal disc bearing his name, number, and corps on a chain or cord round his neck, identification would at all times be certain, provided the disc was not carried away by shell-fire"

I'd love to see a photo of these original items
Rob

Good Morning.....

Here is something that all came together, don't know if the tag is Boer or WW1.....

Mike

HAYES, G. W. (GEORGE, WILLIAM)
REG. NO.: 22332
RANK: GUNNER
REGT: 53rd BATTERY, ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY
BARS: DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH, LAING'S NEK, BELFAST, SOUTH AFRICA 1901

I see www.thefunkhole.co.uk/ make reproduction British ID tickets; they were similar to the Boer (Red Cross) ones.
I'm still looking for good photos of both British and Boer ID tickets - if any member has these in their collection, please get in touch.

The only one I have.
Active service was not kind to these fabric documents, so it is little surprise that few have survived.
Note the stitching holes around the edge, from where the ticket was sewn into Lieutenant Gladstone’s tunic.



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