Summary

Alternative Name(s): Identity Discs, Dog Tags, Dead Meat Tickets, Identity Bracelet

Two identification discs and an identity bracelet on a chain, bearing the name of Sapper Alfred George Finlay Galbraith. Issued during World War I.

Born in Maryborough, Sapper Alfred George Finlay Galbraith was the son of Alfred and Amy C. Galbraith, of W.R. Institute, Flinders Street, Station Buildings, Melbourne. He trained as electrical engineer and enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of 20, in July 1915. His father gave written permission for him to join 'the Military Forces to serve the Empire abroad' (his mother had already died).

Galbraith served in the 5th Division Signalling Company, Australian Engineers, AIF, embarking from Melbourne on 23 November 1915 on the 'Ceramic'. He went to Egypt for further training, then was shipped to France, disembarking 27 June 1916 at Marseilles. Less than three weeks later, on 15 July, he received a wound in the thigh and a 'penetrating wound in the neck'. He died the same day at the 8th Australian Field Ambulance. He is buried at 254 Sailly-Sur-La-Lys Canadian Cemetery, France.

After he was killed in action, these identity tags were shipped with Sapper Galbraith's other personal effects to his next-of-kin, his father Alfred Galbraith. Included in the packet were a bible, two wallets, letters, photographs, two diaries, a pipe in a case, a cigarette holder, a tie clip, a steel mirror and six coins.

Physical Description

Two thin, circular, silver-metal discs attached on a loop to two silver-metal chains. The chain meets at a thin oval identity tag, creating an identity bracelet. There are engraved inscriptions on all three discs.

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