Identity tag belonging to Captain Alan Bowles, 2nd Battalion The Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment), 1915 (c)

During the first two years of the war the Army issued soldiers with only one identity disc to be worn around the neck. It was printed with a soldier's name, number, unit and religion. However, if it was removed after death for administrative purposes, the body could be left unidentifiable. If it was left on the body, the death might go unrecorded. To remedy this situation soldiers like Bowles often purchased extra items like this bracelet with their personal details inscribed.