Map of Australia identity bracelet : 3347 Sergeant D E Coyne, 31 Battalion, AIF

Aluminium identity bracelet in the form of a map of Australia, fixed to a chain. Map is impressed "3347 COYNE D E - D COY 31ST BATT AIF RC"

This bracelet was worn by 3347 Sergeant David Emmet Coyne during his First World War service with 31 Battalion AIF. Coyne was a farmer from Mackay in Queensland and joined the AIF in January 1916 as a 20 year old. He embarked as part of the 7th reinforcements to 31 Battalion, joining the unit on the Somme in December 1916. By 1918 he had seen considerable service and had become an expert in bombing (grenades), with the rank of sergeant.

On 15 May 1918 he was seriously injured, receiving over 20 wounds when he attempted to protect his comrades by smothering a grenade with his body. He subsequently died of his injuries, and was posthumously awarded the Albert Medal in gold. He was the only member of the AIF to receive this award. He is buried at Vignacourt British Cemetery near Amiens.