2. Identification Tag of Hendrik Louwman – Dordrecht
In the photos below you will find the military identification tag of Mr. Hendrik Louwman from Dordrecht. Hendrik Louwman was born on 26 April 1914 as the son of Willem Louwman and Dirksje van den Berg. He worked as a house painter and was called up on 4 October 1934 as a regular conscript with the 6th Infantry Regiment in Breda. After his initial period of service, he returned several times for training exercises.
On 29 August 1939 he returned as part of the extraordinary call‑up for the general mobilization. It is unclear what his exact mobilization assignment was, as his specific unit is not known. However, his service record makes it clear that he was still mobilized during May 1940, since he was released from captivity on 10 June 1940. The identification tag shown below belonged to his warpocketbook and was meant to be worn around the neck. It is an early model, still handwritten by using acid. The later models were stamped and therefore much easier to read. The identification tag, also known as the “dog tag” or “death‑fall tag,” lists the soldier’s name, date of birth, and place of birth. In many cases, the soldier’s unit could also be found on the tag. This particular tag is still intact and almost in its original condition. Someone did, however, later trace over his date of birth with a marker.
