 A few years back I really developed an interest in WWI. In particular, the US train-up and deployment of the AEF in an incredibly condensed period of time. One thing that led to was some obsolete and non-standard rifles being pressed into service (mostly stateside) in order to properly arm American soldiers. Check out my article on that in American Rifleman via the button below!
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 Got the chance recently to go on a little hike with some of the AEF members of the PNW Great War group. It was definitely a fun opportunity to break in some of my kit, talk history with some fellow enthusiasts / random members of the public, and get a bit of exercise in the process. Kit setup was basically 1918 AEF since we all were carrying M1917 rifles, and I was rocking the M1917 uniform (M1912 on the way). Temperature was brisk in the 30s - low 40s, but the combo of moving and wool uniforms kept us nice and warm! Loadout of the day was just the haversack, sans pack / pack carrier. Carried in the haversack was the bacon tin (with some beef jerky, butter, and some onion), two tins of hardbread (homemade), an emergency ration, condiment can with coffee, salt, and some chocolate, to cans of corned beef, some toiletry articles, and a sterno canister. Everything clocked in around 28lbs, so not a bad little load.
Besides the haversack being wildly inconvenient to retrieve stuff from, it actually sits very nicely on your back! Another move means another house to decorate. Fortunately since Allie collects trench art, likes my propaganda posters, and doesn't mind a bunch of bayonets hanging on the wall in my study we are able to keep the "Live, Laugh, Love" stuff to a minimum!
I decided to switch it up a bit and try my hand at a quick video instead of a "wall of text" history post (Although never fear, I will continue to bludgeon you with those as well!).
On the 28th of June, 1918 Laura Hughes sat down in her Chicago, Illinois home and drafted a letter to the United States Secretary of War. Hughes had become aware of the fact that the US had taken delivery of some 20,000 straight-pull bolt action Ross rifles from Canada in order to get functional and somewhat modern rifles into the hands of military organizations. In response to this information Hughes condemned the use of these rifles by the U.S. Government, and claimed to have evidence that they "did not prove to be of any value in the field" -- a contention that was forwarded to the Chief of Ordnance, Brigadier General William Crozier, for disposition. (For this and other historic weapons documentation check out
Archival Research Group!) Click below to read more! On this day in history, June 18th 1916, National Guard units were mobilized for service along the Mexican border. While the whole Pancho Villa Punitive Expedition is extremely fascinating in its own right, what makes it even cooler to me is that the pictured rifle was actually there in the Texas scrub.
Click below to read more! On this day in history, June 1st 1918, a battle began that inspired two of the most Marine-like catch phrases ever uttered. This was the Battle of Belleau Wood, which not only quickly became significant in Marine Corps lore, but also drove home the point that the US was willing to pull its share of the fight -- even if we had a lot to learn.
Click below to read more!
On this day in history, May 14th 1918, an incredible act of heroism was performed that earned perhaps the most badass nickname ever bestowed upon a US Soldier. 102 years ago (William) Henry Johnson, fighting for his country, his friend, and his life, gained the moniker "Black Death".
Click below to read more! On this day in history, April 11th 1900, some (presumably) bored cavalry trooper stood in a line and turned in his carbine to be upgraded at the arsenal. And this pictured carbine MAY have been one of those. On this day, the 6th Cavalry Regiment turned in their Model 1896 carbines, presumably receiving fresh new Model 1899 carbines in return, shortly before shipping off to China.
Click below to read more! |
Jon K.Weapons collector, history buff, Army officer, Pug enthusiast. Archives
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