Remember

We’re almost at the centenary of the very first battles of the First World War. Here are a few pictures to remind us why it was called a “World War”.

English friends

They came from the mountains...

... and from the Steppes.

They came from India (Hindou bakers)...

Not to mention Americans, Australians, Canadians, Africans ….

The arrival of the Americans

While I was preparing this card for auction this morning I was taken on an interesting journey through the history of U.S. WW1 uniforms. I wanted to check up on two of the hats, I wondered it they were Canadian, but no, they were worn by American soldiers. I discovered that the winter uniforms were made of wool. Very good for the winter but when it was wet they became very heavy and uncomfortable.

The Americans arrived in June 1917 and this photo was taken on July 4th at Les Invalides in Paris, which is the army museum where you can also see the tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte. Of all the people passing by do you think that anyone might possibly recognise one of these soldiers? I hope they all arrived back home safely.