A selection of identity tags, the pressed cardboard was standard issue (along with another round green one) the others would of been private purchase, soldiers were worried that if they fell the standard tags would quickly deteriorate (which they did) and they wouldn't be identified so private purchase was the other option.
Some of the standard issue equipment of the British and Commonwealth soldier, a SMLE - short magazine Lee Enfield rifle, this one being of 1918 manufacture and deactivated, complete with bayonet. Also a Brodie helmet, this one being a first pattern model, designed in 1915 and entered service in small numbers in late 1915, by the summer of 1916 they were issued to all troops.
"Active Service" Testament 1916
Pte 5887 - Sidney George Fitch, 2/4th battalion, born 1893, residence - 12 Brook Bank, Syston, attested - 9/12/15, posted - 27/1/16, discharged - 12/10/16 through ill health, succumbed to sickness - 1/11/18 and named on the Syston war memorial. "A gift from Dublin" the 2/4th battalion had been sent to Ireland in April 1916 to quell the troubles there.
A charming but emotive locket with a cut out photo and entitled on the reverse "Our darling boy" Pte 13238 - Oliver Henry Pratt, 8th Leicesters, Died of wounds - 1st January 1916, age 21, son of Oliver and Fanny Pratt of Hugglescote, Leicester, Native of Donington-Le-Heath, Leicestershire. Olivers parent were notified that their son had died of his wounds on new years day from wounds received in action on the 27th of December, Oliver was hit in the back by a shell. Buried - Beauval Communal Cemetery
This a officers dress cap named inside to AK PURDY, 2nd Leiutenant - Arthur Kershaw Purdy served with the 1st Leicesters and was Killed in action during the attack on the Hindenburg Line on 20.11.1917, aged 23, note - the slight indentation in the peak, this is from Purdys thumb from lifting the cap off and putting it back on again. He is buried at Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich, Nord, France. Many thanks to Tim Thurlow for sharing........ UPDATE...... I have managed to purchase a few items to Arthur Purdy, one of which is a image of him, possibly the only one left, he is wearing this cap and the indentation is there to be seen
andy@ww1leicestertigers.com