Two KIAs same number

[Baird]

Whilst researching something entirely different , I came across a mention of Acting Corporal 10576 Anthony Ashton , 8th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers killed in action 29th April 1916. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.
I have a relative , Private 10576 Thomas Baird, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders killed in action 14th October 1916 .He is buried in Serre Road #2 Cemetery.
My relative had this number pre outbreak of war as he was a regular soldier so it could not have been issued to him after the death od Corporal Ashton.
Would appreciate an explanation please.
Baird

[SmallTownGirl]

Up until 1920 all regiments had their own numbering system, so it's perfectly possible for men in different regiments to have the same number.  In fact, some battalions within the same regiment had their own numbering system, so you could have men with the same number in the same regiment, but in different battalions. 

Hope this makes sense!

STG

[MaxD]

STG is absolutely right.  To illustrate the point, there are medal records for 38 men with the number 10576 (including one Royal Navy seaman and a man in the Macedonian Mule Corps)

MaxD

[SmallTownGirl]

... the Macedonian Mule Corps)

Now that's a phrase you probably didn't imagine you'd type today 

STG

[MaxD]

Great rivals of the Maltese Mule Drivers, the Zion Mule Corps and the Authorised Private Followers (there was only one of them) - fine fellows all.


MaxD

[Baird]

STG and MaxD,
                       very many thanks for the information and the morning chuckle. Sounds like the Goon Show but no doubt fine fellows all.
Raises the point as to what information was on the dog tags in 1916. Must have been nore than their number then for identification purposes?

Thanks again,
Baird

[MaxD]

As well as the number, their name and initials and regiment, sometime battalion, were on the discs.  Religion and rank were initially on them (1907) but as this meant re-issue every time something changed, this was discontinued.  Caveat - there were changes to the discs during the war but the basics, name and initials, regiment (taken off 1920) and numbers remained.


MaxD

[Baird]

Thank you Max,  must have been well made as they didn't find my relative till 1932 and he was identified by his "discs".
Very interesting, thank you.
Baird