Identity bracelet : Private C G Congdon, 58th Battalion, AIF

Hand-made concave heart-shaped metal identity bracelet on which is engraved '2717 C G CONGDON B COY 58 BATT AIF B _'. There are two suspension holes drilled on either side of the bracelet.

Associated with the service of 2717 Private C G Congdon, 58th Battalion, AIF. Born in Geelong, Victoria in 1893, Charles Congdon was working as a painter when he enlisted in the AIF in July 1915. On 26 August 1915, Congdon embarked at Melbourne aboard HMAT Anchises with the 8th Reinforcements to the 7th Battalion. He was transferred to the 58th Battalion with the expansion of the AIF in March 1916 and saw action at Fromelles in July 1916 where he suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh. He rejoined his unit in March 1917 and was wounded for the second time 12 days later during the fighting near Morchies in the approach battles to the Hindenburg Line. Rejoining his unit a month later, Private Congdon continued to serve with the 58th Battalion until he was wounded for the third time on 1 July 1918 during a trench raid. Private Congdon returned to Australia aboard HMAT Exeter in March 1919.