Jack Welch’s luggage label

Market Lavington man Jack Welch was a volunteer or reservist soldier before the outbreak of World War One. He served in the 1^st/4^th Wilts regiment.

On the outbreak of war this regiment was sent to India to replace regular soldiers, fully trained, who could come back to Europe to engage in the fighting in France and Belgium.

Jack spent several years in India and you can read the letters he sent home on https://jackwelchdiaries.wordpress.com/

In amongst a collection of items recently given to us we came across a luggage label which we imagine Jack made. It takes the form of a piece of sheet metal into which a destination or identity card can be slotted. It has a ring for allowing it to be tied to luggage.

Jack Welch’s luggage label has probably went from Market Lavington to India and back during World War One

In this case the card gave his name, regimental number and rank and also said he was in C Company. Jack has also embossed his name into the metal – readable from the back.

The back of the frame with embossed information

That’s clear to read – number 1267 Welch of the ¼ Wilts Regiment.

We can imagine this label has been to India and back – a well-travelled item.

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Tags: First World War, luggage label, world war 1, WW1