Bed, Brass and Beyond

Military duty plates, also known as bed plates, offer a small but revealing glimpse into everyday regimental life.

Usually hung from a bedpost or locker, these brass plates showed that a soldier was away on duty and therefore unable to be present during an inspection of his bed, uniform and kit. Some were engraved with the word ‘DUTY’ on the reverse, allowing the plate to remain in place and simply be turned around when needed.

Early versions were often simple pieces of brass with a slot into which the soldier’s regimental cap badge could be fitted, along with a hole for hanging. Names and service numbers were then punched or engraved into the surface. Some plates also carry a maker’s mark, with F. Narborough of Birmingham among the best-known suppliers.

The Somerset Light Infantry example pictured dates from around the early 1900s. The larger Scots Guards plate, complete with its top loop, is believed to date from the 1930s, before the Second World War. This general pattern remained in use until the 1950s, when duty plates largely disappeared from military life.

Also shown is an unissued Green Howards plate, with ‘DUTY’ lightly engraved on the reverse but no soldier’s details added.

Many plates were melted down during wartime metal shortages, making surviving examples particularly interesting. As with medals, those linked to unusual units or notable service histories can attract extra attention. Their aged patina is usually best left untouched, unless active staining threatens the metal itself.