How do you identify ww1 dog tags?

The half-dollar size tags were stamped with a soldier’s name, rank, company and regiment or corps, and they were attached to a cord or chain that went around the neck. The tags were worn under the field uniform. These original World War I dog tags belonged to Navy and Army veteran Thomas R.

Did First World War soldiers wear dog tags?

During World War I, military service members began wearing two identification tags–one remained attached to the body of the deceased while the second was used to mark the coffin or the grave site, often where they fought and died.

What were ww1 dog tags made of?

World War I Army Order 287 of September 1916 required the British Army provide all soldiers with two official tags, both made of vulcanised asbestos fibre (which were more comfortable to wear in hot climates) carrying identical details, again impressed one character at a time.

How were dead soldiers identified in ww1?

Identification would be through pay books, tags, and other physical means by men who did not know the individuals. – some men would be unidentifiable, if the damage to them was such that they ceased to exist as a body or where any form of identification had been lost.

How do I find information on a dog tag?

The National Archives website states that a service member or her next of kin can use dog tags in order to obtain the service record. The individual must complete a DD214 Form and state a clear reason for wanting to obtain the information. Wait 21 to 30 days to receive a response from the National Archives.

Why do soldiers get dog tags?

The main purpose of the military dog tags is to identify soldiers that are wounded or killed while they are in action. These dog tags are allotted to the soldiers as a replacement of the plastic printed identity cards because of their resistance to harsh weather conditions and durability.