WWI engraved identity disc made from a coin for Private Frank Bates

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1917

Overview

Metal identity disc made from a coin for British serviceman Frank Bates during World War One.
The detailing from the front of the coin has been removed to reveal a plain silver surface upon which Frank Bates' details have been engraved.
There is a border around the outside which has text reading 'Pte. F. Bates, MGC' at the top and his service number 'No. 66396' at the bottom.
The centre of the coin depicts a scene from Baghdad - three minarets or spires of churches with crosses on top, and two palm trees. The words 'Baghdad, 1917' appear at the bottom of the central area.
The back of the coin is original. The coin is an Iranian 2000 Dīnār. It features a wreath of oak and olive leaves, the Qajar coat of arms (lion and sun) and Kiani crown, all of which are well worn.

Historical information

This identity disc was made from an Iranian coin in 1917 for Private Frank Bates of the British Machine Gun Corps while he was stationed in Baghdad, Iran.

Frank Bates was born on 12 August 1897 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, the second of seven children born to Edwin Charles and Sarah Elizabeth Bates.
He enlisted with the British Army in World War One with the 238th Company, Machine Gun Corps, which was formed at Belton Park in Lincolnshire on 18 February 1917.
The company arrived at Le Havre on 14 July 1917 (10 officers, 177 other ranks, 54 horses), joined 41st Division at Meteren on 17 July 1917, left the Division on 1 October 1917 and departed from Marseilles on 14 October for service in Mesopotamia (Iraq).
On 8 November 1917, the company disembarked and moved to Magil Camp, after which they joined 18th Indian Division 30 December 1917 and merged into 18th Battalion (Indian) November 1918.
Frank married Edith Cox in 1921 and they had at least one daughter. Frank died on 2 September 1971 at Ruskington, Lincolnshire.

Identity discs on coins such as this were likely made by local street vendors and then personalised with the details of the soldier. Other examples with the same minaret/palm tree central motif can be found, while the name, regiment or battalion, service number and date differ.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00545

Item type

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1