Mary Allen
Introduction: World War II Dog Tags in the UK
Dog tags are small metal pieces worn by soldiers to identify them in case they get killed, wounded, or lost during combat. During World War II, every soldier was issued a dog tag that contained vital information about them. These pieces of metal have become valuable artifacts, and they are used as a means of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by veterans. In this article, we will discuss the methods for reading World War II dog tags in the UK.
Understanding the Importance of Dog Tags
Dog tags were introduced during World War I as a means of identifying soldiers who had been wounded or killed in action. The system was later improved during World War II and became an integral part of the military uniform. Dog tags were used to provide essential information about the soldier, such as their name, service number, blood type, and next of kin. The information on the dog tag could help identify the soldier if they were killed, wounded, or missing in action.
Overview of the Dog Tag System
World War II dog tags were made of metal and were worn around the neck of the soldier. They contained vital information about the soldier, such as their name, serial number, service branch, blood type, and religion. The information on the dog tag was used to identify the soldier in case they were killed, wounded, or missing in action. The dog tag system was critical in helping to identify soldiers and notify their next of kin during the war.
How to Read the Dog Tag Information
Reading a dog tag may seem complicated, but it is relatively simple once you understand the system. The dog tag contains several pieces of information, such as the service branch, serial number, blood type, next of kin, and religious affiliation. Here is a breakdown of how to read the information on a dog tag:
Identifying the Service Branch
The first line on the dog tag indicates the branch of service. The service branch is abbreviated, and the codes used during World War II were:
- A – Army
- N – Navy
- M – Marines
- T – Coast Guard
- P – Public Health Service
Deciphering the Serial Number
The second line on the dog tag is the serial number. The serial number is unique to each soldier and is used to identify them. During World War II, the serial number was typically six to eight digits long and contained no letters.
Understanding the Blood Type
The third line on the dog tag indicates the soldier’s blood type. The blood type is essential in case the soldier needs a blood transfusion. During World War II, the blood types were abbreviated, and the codes used were:
- A – Type A
- B – Type B
- AB – Type AB
- O – Type O
Finding the Next of Kin
The fourth line on the dog tag indicates the soldier’s next of kin. The next of kin is the person who will be notified in case the soldier is killed or wounded. The information on the dog tag may include the name, address, and relationship of the next of kin.
Interpreting Religious Affiliations
The fifth line on the dog tag indicates the soldier’s religious affiliation. The religious affiliation is essential for providing the soldier with the appropriate religious support. The codes used during World War II were:
- P – Protestant
- C – Catholic
- H – Hebrew
- NO – No preference
Translating Medical Information
The sixth line on the dog tag contains medical information about the soldier. The information may include allergies, medical conditions, or medications that the soldier is taking. The information is essential for the medical team in case the soldier is injured or wounded.
What to Do with Found Dog Tags
If you find a World War II dog tag, it is essential to return it to the soldier’s family or the appropriate authorities. The dog tag is a valuable artifact that represents the sacrifice made by the soldier. The dog tag may also contain sensitive information that should not be disclosed to the public.
Conclusion: Honoring Veterans with Dog Tags
World War II dog tags are valuable artifacts that represent the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war. Reading the information on a dog tag may seem complicated, but it is relatively simple once you understand the system. The information on the dog tag is essential for identifying soldiers and notifying their next of kin in case of injury or death. It is important to honor veterans and their families by preserving and protecting these valuable artifacts.