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Hi

Can anyone identify what this brass sign would have been used for, please? John Glidewell served in the Bedfordshire Regt in the Boer War - number 1586. I have his service record and he went to Malta, India and South Africa before his discharge in 1906. Prior to enlisting he was a shoemaker.


Any suggestions would be appreciated. It is made of brass and measures approx 4ins x 2ins.

Many thanks
Mo

Hi Mo

I believe this a bed-plate , also known as a duty plate. They were issued by each regiment and marked the soldier's bed space. I believe they were reversed if the individual was away on duty/ leave and removed completely if a soldier was under punishment, and then restored. Having said that, I don't think I've seen one with these slots cut out. Have a look on the web for more info.

Patrick

Think you! That gives me something to go on.
Mo

I have looked on the net and sure enough there are identical items, called bed plates. Thanks everyone for looking at this post. Brilliant site!
Mo

Many thanks Patrick. I have learnt something this morning.

Hi
Just seen your brass plate, I am interested in J Glidewell as I live in the village. Of North Crawley. The Glidewell family still live here.
As part of the historical society I was wondering if you had any more info on John.
I believe if this is him we have a photo of him in his uniform, it appears to be Royal Military Police, and his father was the local shoemaker.
Look forward to here from you
Shaun