World War I Military Equipment

Images of military technology and personnel, including aviation training and chemical warfare equipment during World War I.

Men stationed high up on observation tower at the Naval Aviation Training Station in Warrington Beach, Pensacola, Florida. They are monitoring the progress of machines and reporting any accidents that may occur. This photo was taken on February 2, 1918, and is part of the Signal Corps collection of the U.S. Army.

Private W.J. Miller, a member of the SC (Signal Corps), is photographed handling a Pairnault flight wing. The photo was taken on November 10, 1918, and approved by the M.I.D. censor on November 19, 1918.

This image shows a 75 mm shrapnel shell containing white phosphorus, displayed on poles. The photograph was taken on April 2, 1919, by a Chemical Warfare Service photographer. The description and notes indicate that this image is part of a collection issued by the Chemical Warfare Service.

William G. Sharp, the United States Ambassador to France during World War One, is pictured delivering a Washington birthday address at the Washington Monument in Paris. This photo is part of a collection documenting American military activities during the war (Image: 111-SC-6960).

Training aviation cadets at Ellington Field, Texas in 1918. The photograph, number 11458, captured the scene of a bombing plane soaring through clouds. The picture was taken by photographer Kingsmore.S.C. This image showcases the training activities conducted at the field. Distinct details are noted under "NOTES: 9011458."

Image showing Signal Corps Apparatus S.C.R. radio apparatus in use during World War One. The specific model is WURDER 2883. The photograph was taken and issued by the Signal Corps. The apparatus was symbolized as S.C.R. and was used by the Signal Corps for communication purposes.

Photograph taken on November 10, 1918, featuring Private W.J. Miller of the Signal Corps (S.C.). The image depicts a model of the Fairnault flight wing, likely being examined or tested by Pvt. Miller. The photograph was passed by the M.I.D. censor on November 19, 1918.

Soldier extending their hand to attach a message carrier pigeon to its leg in the 5th position. This method of handling carrier pigeons was used during World War One. Photograph taken on October 31, 1919, by Sgt. Warner.S.C. (Source: Sumber 67232)

Pvt. W.J. Miller from South Carolina photographed a model of a Pairnault flight wing on November 10, 1918. The photograph was received on November 15, 1918. The model is a sumber model, and it depicts a Pairnault flight wing. The photograph was passed by the M.I.D. censor on November 19, 1918.

Americans flying in formation at great height during Secretary Newton D. Baker's visit to Issoudon Aviation School, France. This photograph was taken in February 1918. It shows American military activities during World War One.

Men stationed high up on observation tower at the Naval Aviation Training Station in Warrington Beach, Pensacola, Florida. They are monitoring the progress of machines and reporting any accidents that may occur. This photo was taken on February 2, 1918, and is part of the Signal Corps collection of the U.S. Army.

Photograph taken in 1918 at Kelly Field, Texas, showing aviation cadets in training. The image captures a plane flying overhead from multiple angles. Photographer Lieutenant Kingsmore captured the scene. This photo is cataloged under number 9550 in the 111-SC-9550 series, which was issued in 1918.

Wreck of airplane No. 22815 at Acceptance Field in Detroit, Michigan. The plane was piloted by Lt. John P. Roullot with Harry S. Dicran as the observer. This photograph was taken on August 2, 1918. It is part of a collection documenting American military activities during World War One and is for official use only.

The image shows a cadet being taught how to bank a plane at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas. The photograph was taken by photographer L.H.P. Kinganore on May 1, 1918, and was censored and released on May 17, 1918, by the Historical Branch of the Western Pacific Division.

Image depicting Private W.J. Miller of the Signal Corps with a model of the Fairnault Flight Wing during World War I. Date of the photograph is November 10, 1918, and it was received on November 15 of the same year. The image was approved by the M.I.D. censor on November 19, 1918.

Photograph showing aviation cadets at Kelly Field, Texas in 1918. The image captures them performing training maneuvers, specifically making figure eights in the air over the field. The photograph was taken by Lt. Kingsmore and is designated as photo number 9566 in the collection.

1st Lieutenant W. Miller, S.C., from the Training Section of the Air Division, in a cropped portrait. Photograph taken for record-keeping purposes. No specific description was issued for this photo. Image bears the reference number 7363 and was taken by the Signal Corps photographer.

Whittelsey type gas mask issued to American soldiers during World War One. The mask was made of a single piece and featured a seam under the chin. This photograph, taken on April 2, 1919, is part of the Chemical Warfare Service Reco collection. The mask was assigned the number AU and notes indicate it was labelled as 2459.

This image shows a tool case carried by engineer troops during World War One. The case is marked with the symbol "C AT-" which stands for engineer troops. It is labeled "MURDER -169 G." This photograph was received by the photographer in 1919 and is part of a collection of American military activities during the war.

American soldiers operating a Signal Corps radio apparatus during World War One. The photograph was taken in 1919 and is numbered 2219. The image shows the soldiers using the radio equipment, which played a crucial role in communication during the war.

Pvt. W.J. Miller is seen posing with a model of the Rairnault flight wing during World War One. The photograph was taken on November 10, 1918, and was approved by the Military Intelligence Division censor on November 19, 1918. The model's identification number is 9026234.

1st Lieutenant George Kadel, a member of the Photo Branch in the Training Section of the Air Division, captured in this photograph numbered 7357. The photo was taken on 15th April 1918. The symbol "H" and the initials "AU" appear in the description, indicating further details of the image.

Soldiers at the Radio Development Station in Washington, D.C. are shown testing a radio apparatus for airplane use. The apparatus includes a fan marked "Y", "G", and "E" and has a variable pitch. This photograph, taken by Corp. Klein on May 2, 1918, is part of the collection of photographs documenting American military activities during World War One. It was not designated for publication.

An unidentified Army officer from the Sund Syndol personnel is captured in this photograph taken in 1919. The image is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities during World War I collection, numbered 10672, and was captured by an unknown photographer. Additional information can be found by referencing the notes and catalog entry labeled "@0672".

Image: 111-SC-8124 depicts 1st Lieutenant W.H. Thurston Jr. from the U.S.R. Inspector's Department. The photograph was taken on April 19, 1918. The image is part of a series of photographs documenting American military activities during World War One.

An unidentified army officer is captured in this photograph taken during World War One. The personnel in the image stands confidently and is adorned with an officer's uniform. This snapshot showcases a symbol with the initials "AU" and is part of a larger collection of military activities archived under the number 10662. Additional notes can be found at reference number 10668.

A service buzzer kit being used at the Central Officers' Training School for F.A. at Camp Taylor in Louisville, KY. This photo was taken on December 21, 1918, by the Signal Corps photographer. The image is labeled as NOT FOR PUBLICATION and FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Image showing parts of a gun lighting device used for sighting during World War One. Sgt. 1cl.R.I. Gallivan took the photograph in Paris, France on December 10, 1918. The image is from the Research and Inspection Bureau, Signal Corps and is not intended for publication, but for official use only.

Title: 75mm Shrapnel Shell with Sulphur Trioxide and Black Powder Caption: A 75mm shrapnel shell, subject number 54836, contains 380 cc of sulphur trioxide (SO3) and 15 grams of black powder. This photograph was taken by a Chemical Warfare Service photographer on April 2, 1919. The shell was issued for use in military activities during World War One.

Cadet from the Collegiate Balloon School during a balloon instruction session at Camp Wheeler, Macon, GA. The photo was taken on February 4, 1918, and was released by W.C.D to the Photo Division, S.C on February 20, 1918.

An American soldier operates an automatic telephone sub-station set at Scituate Proving Grounds in Scituate, Massachusetts during World War One. The photograph was taken for a military activity documentation project.

Close-up photo comparing the sole of a new service shoe (identified as SUBJECTI 53342 Sgt. Hitz, S.c.) with an older, worn-out shoe. The photo, taken by a photographer on 5/21/19, is part of the RECORD DESCRIPTION: TAKE 5-1549, documenting American military activities during World War One. The note on the issued number is Mo NOTEB 53342.

Captain A.P. Devereaux, Jr., of the Enlisted Mechanics Branch, Training Section, Air Division poses for a photo. Devereaux played a crucial role in training military personnel during World War One.

A truck body built by the Heil Company, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is pictured in this photograph taken by the Signal Corps during World War One. The Heil Company is noted in Photograph 35154.

Soldier removing release pin on hand grenade prior to throwing, photographed in 1918. This image, known as 111-SC-10851, is classified and not intended for publication. Taken by Signal Corp Mat in May 1918.

An Army officer, whose identity remains unknown, captured in this photograph taken in 1919. The image is part of a collection of American military activities during World War One. Photo ID: 111-SC-10665. The officer is seen in his uniform, symbolizing the dedication of personnel during the war.

Caption: "202 airplanes participating in a peace celebration flight at Rockwell Field in San Diego, California. The photograph, issued on January 15, 1919, is part of a collection capturing American military activities during World War I."

Sgt. V.J. Palumbo of the Signal Corps in a photograph taken by a photographer in November 1918. The image shows Palumbo standing next to a Rice Dirigible Balloon. The photograph is marked as not for publication and intended for official use only. Caption: "Sgt. V.J. Palumbo beside a Rice Dirigible Balloon, November 1918."

Title: Numbering Radio Antennae Equipment Caption: Pvt. Price from the Research and Insp. Div. in Paris, France, is seen numbering radio antennae equipment for the Type A-1 Receiver, R-16. This photograph was taken on March 1, 1918. It is part of the series 111-SC-33923 and was held for internal use only.

"Private Moscioni is photographed standing near a group of telephone insulators in Tours, France on April 22, 1918. This image is categorized under subject number 33933. The photograph was taken by an undisclosed photographer and was received on January 7, 1919. It is marked as not for publication and was issued with the letter M."

A photograph capturing a Griman grenade werfer, or launcher, in firing position. The image was taken on April 27, 1918, by Lt. Hargan of the Signal Corps. It depicts the Army Trench Mortar School at Ft. de la Bonnelle in Langres, France. The photo was released by the A.F. Censor on January 7, 1919.

Major John S. Sullivan, part of the Photo Branch Training Section in the Air Service Division, captured this image (No. 9291) during World War I. The photo shows a soldier using a synol, an ocular attachment for aerodrome photography. Captured on 5/1/18.

During World War One, Pvt. McLaughlin captured this image of flag and signal rockets being used in trench warfare in Tours, France. The photograph was taken on August 12, 1918, and shows the activities of the Trench Warfare Section, Ordinance Department. This image has documentation number B 339681 and was held, not for publication. Additional notes include TR 33968.

Image 111-SC-3412, taken on 9/7/1917 at Aviation Experiment Station in Hampton, Virginia, shows wireless apparatus used for aerial work. The photograph was received from the commanding officer and approved for official use only. A brief description and identification details are included.

Soldier capturing photographs and videos using an Eastman 10' circuit camera during World War One. Photo taken on February 28, 1919. Identified as SGT. TYRELL, S.C. PHOTOGRAPHER. Picture taken for official use only. Note: Number reco 3-18-19, Taken 2-28-19.

A soldier operates a radio apparatus during World War One. The image shows a telephone transmitter, Type 7-3, including a breastplate and cords. The photograph was taken on February 21, 1918, with the identification number 111-SC-5069. The image was released on February 20, 1918, and labeled as *03069.

This photograph depicts a modified camp telephone for artillery anti-aircraft service during World War I. The photo was taken on June 24, 1918, by Lt. H.S. Drucker of the S.C. U.S.R. The image was intended for the Research and Inspection Division in Paris, France, and it is marked as not for publication and for official use only.

Close-up photograph of Army Corps and Division insignia belonging to the 1st Army in Vincennes, Seine, France. Taken by Lt. Thoner, the image was captured on January 27th, 1919, and issued on March 27th, 1919. The insignia features a design in black, white, and red.

Sgt. A. Mascioni at the Research and Inspection Laboratory in Paris, France on January 2, 1919. He is holding a low frequency amplifier, specifically the SCR-72 model. This photograph was taken as part of a research project and is not intended for publication or public distribution.

Image showing a Mark I and bomb sight, taken at the Ordnance Dept. office in the Ford Building, Washington D.C. Date of issuance is May 11th, 1918, and the photograph was taken by Sgt. Auskey S.C, with the photographer's mark "RED" and date May 16th, 1918. Not for publication. Notes stated as "@10014" and date as May 17th, 1918.

"Soldiers from the 25th Balloon Company of the 28th Division are seen being towed to their working position near Mont in preparation for army maneuvers. In the image, Sergeant H.C. Cafferty and M.S. Hetch can be observed in the balloon, which is about 300 feet in the air. Taken in Heudicourt, Meuse, France."

Pvt. E.E. Evans of the South Carolina division uses a French alidade periscope at the Ordnance Camp in Is-sur-Tille, Cote d'Or, France. This photograph was taken on October 22, 1918 and received by the photographer on November 25, 1918. The image is marked as "For official use only, Not for publication" with issued notes.

A photograph showing a Signal Corps apparatus with the symbol "SUMBER 67,808" indicated on it. The photograph was received by the Signal Corps photographer and the description states that the image captures the Signal Corps apparatus. Additional notes mention that it was issued with an attachment, without providing further details.

A photograph of Sergeant 1st Class James L. McGarrigle posing with a field signal radio outfit during World War One. The photograph was taken on September 13, 1918 and is labeled as not for publication and for official use only.

Holding up a ring and wind vane sight, an unidentified soldier is pictured here at the Ordnance Dep't Ford Building in Washington D.C. on May 1, 1918. The image is from a collection of American military activities during World War One. Note: This photo is not meant for publication. (Caption: 111-SC-9303, Sgt. Tauskey S.C., May 1, 1918)

Mar 13, 1918: Lt. H.P. King More, a Signal Corps photographer, captured this image at Camp McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. Pictured are Brig. Gen. Barber and his staff from the 29th Division (also known as the Blue & Gray Division). The photo was censored and released on Mar 14, 1918, by the War College Division Laboratory.

An unidentified army officer is seen in this photograph taken in 1919. The photograph was issued as part of a series showcasing American military activities during World War One. The individual in the image is wearing standard army attire, but no additional details are provided.

An interphone unit being used by American military personnel during World War 1. This photograph was taken on March 7, 1918, by photographer Reco. The interphone unit is labeled as SCR 57 and was not meant for publication. It is part of the laboratory notes with the identification number 04446.

Lieutenant David T. Hargan, S.C., seen in this photograph taken on May 31, 1918, is holding a German 77 mm "C" type stream line high explosive shell. The shell is equipped with an E.K. Z. 16" "C" fuze. This image was taken at the Ordnance Dept. Information Division headquarters in S.O.S. Tours, France, and was cleared by the A.E.P. censor (date not given).

This image shows the army corps and division insignia of the 1st Army located in Vincennes, Seine, France. The photograph was taken on January 27, 1919, by photographer Rico. The insignia features number 45018 with black and white colors and red highlights.

A cadet, being piloted by an instructor, executes his first volplane to the ground over the hangar, facing the flying field at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas. This photograph was taken on May 17, 1918, by Lt. H.P. Kinganore and is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities during World War One collection. It was issued on May 1, 1918, and censored and released on May 17, 1918, by the Historical Branch, W.P.D.

An unidentified army officer stands in front of a backdrop with the symbol "CC" and the words "AU MOTES #10674." The photo was taken in 1919 by an unknown photographer, as part of a collection documenting American military activities during World War One.

A signal corps photographer captured a close-up image, labeled as 111-SC-12982, showing a radio bushing. This apparatus was part of the Signal Corps equipment used during World War One. The photo was received and taken by the photographer and bears the issued symbol A.

CPL. Newberg pictured in this photograph taken on February 5, 1919, is seen with a set of drawing instruments and military protractors. This image, numbered as 37081 in the series, was officially issued for use on February 8, 1919, under notes labeled 37081.

d over the handlebar, on display during World War I. This photograph was taken by the Signal Corps and received on May 7, 1918. The bicycle is not intended for publication and is labeled as photo number 9341. Notes indicate to refer to photo number 19884.

Photograph of the officers' mess at night at the Signal Corps Aviation School in Ellington Field, Houston, Texas. The image was taken on June 6, 1918, by a photographer from the AU (presumably the Army's photographic unit). It was received from the Commanding Officer and labeled as Subject 56464. The description notes that it depicts the officers' mess at night. No further details are provided.

Types of light leg armor issued by the Engineering Division of the Ordnance Department. This photograph was taken in red 12-18 by the assigned photographer. The armor provided protection to the lower limbs of soldiers during World War One.

This photograph, taken on September 7, 1918, by the Ordnance Department, shows a defensive hand grenade. The image captures a section view of the grenade and its bouchon assembly. It is designated as item number 44837 and is marked for official use only.

American soldiers in Paris, France on September 16, 1918, inspecting various surveying tools including a plane table, tripod, alidade, slope rule, alidade telescopic, Peigne compass, declinator, and stadia rod. Cpl. Hillhouse is pictured in the photograph. This image is not intended for public use.

Lieut. David T. Harlan displays a dismantled German E.K. Z.16 "C" fuze at the Ordnance Department Information Division in Headquarters S.O.S Tours, France. The photograph was taken on May 31, 1918, and was paused by the A.E.F. censor. (111-SC-32631)

A soldier on February 21, 1918, is photographed with radio apparatus in his hands, specifically a hand reel, counterpoise, and past top insulator. The description for the photograph was issued on February 20, 1918, under the symbol "H."

This photograph shows a French aeroplane receiving set of Type No 2 in the Research & Inspection Lab in Paris, France during World War One. The image was released by the A.E.F. Censor on January 7th, 1919.

Image depicts aerial cameras used during World War One. The photographer is credited as VED in 1919. The description states that it was taken in ISBUD and shows syndol au photographs of aerial cameras. No additional notes are provided.

"Soldier demonstrating the Browning Machine Rifle, model of 1918, during World War I. This light-weight machine gun, weighing 15 pounds, was the authorized weapon of the U.S. Army during that time. It could be fired from the shoulder or hip in bursts of 20 rounds or single shots. The weapon utilized the same ammunition as Springfield or Modified Enfield rifles and had a cartridge magazine that could be changed in just 2 seconds. It was primarily used for offensive actions during the war."

US soldiers participating in artillery training during World War I, circa 1918. The soldiers can be seen operating a large artillery gun while a military officer observes. This photograph was taken by Mr. Guy Leonard from the Materials Department.

Sergeant A. Mascioni of the 8th Cavalry is seen in this photograph taken on January 2, 1919. The image shows the Low Frequency Amplifier, known as Type SCR-72, in the Research and Inspection Laboratory in Paris, France. This image is not intended for publication but for official use only.

A formation of five military aircraft flying over Love Field in Dallas, Texas during World War One. This photograph was taken on October 25, 1918. The image has been approved by the M.I.D. (Military Intelligence Division) censor and is number 27221 in the collection.

A photograph showing various types of German airplanes during World War One. In this particular image, a Rumpler Two-Seater can be seen. This image was taken in June 1918 and received by the photographer from the Military Intelligence Branch. The photograph is labeled with the symbol "BU" and the identifying number 211810.

A series of photographs taken at Fort Myer, Virginia, depicting a full-size cavalry standard. The images reveal a wide field on either side of the center, providing ample room for service stripes. The photographer, GT. Bonner.S.C., took these pictures on July 30, 1919. These images offer a detailed glimpse into military activities during World War One.

This photograph taken on February 21, 1918, features a radio apparatus with the designation VT-1. The device is of the vacuum tube type and was commonly used by the military during World War One. The symbol "A 9 *05071" indicates the official identification code associated with the equipment.

This photograph captured Revolutionary relics at Fortress Monroe in Virginia. The image, which was taken in November 1917, features various items from that era.

An American soldier operating a short-range radio telephone set in an airplane during World War One. The photo was taken on February 15, 1919, by the Radio Division photographer. The image shows the soldier using the issued number airplane radio telephone set for official use only.

Cpl. N.A. Combs of the Clothing and Equipment Division in Washington, D.C. is shown in this photograph taken on March 10, 1919. The image captures a new field shoe, displaying the hob nails and metal toe piece. The photo was approved by the M.I.D. censor on March 22, 1919.

Image 111-SC-9873 shows trench warfare material at the Ordnance Department in the Ford Building in Washington D.C. The image focuses on an experimental design nose release (closed) mechanism. The photograph was taken by Lt. M. S. Lentz, Signal Corps, on May 27, 1918, and the description number is 98731.

Photograph showing the shoulder insignia of the 35th Division and Army Corps in Vincennes, Seine, France. The photograph was taken by Lt. C. Thoner on 4-14-19. It was issued on 1-29-19 and bears the inventory number E. The shoulder insignia is black and corresponds to the 35th Division.

Soldiers using Tachometer type C by Van Sickler on May 22, 1918. Lt. E.M. deBerri from the Signal Corps took this photo on June 3, 1918. The photo has a number of 11152 and is marked "Not for publication." The tachometer's RPM ranges from 20 to 60.

Result of ordnance department body armor test at Fort de La Peigney, Langres, France. The medium weight armor, weighing 10 pounds, provided almost absolute protection to the heart, lungs, and stomach despite covering a small area. The test included a direct hit from a service rifle at 200 yards, with no effect on the steel armor. Not for publication, for official use only.

Cpl. Polk using a Type #2 French radio loop receiver in Paris, France during World War One. This photo was taken on March 28, 1918. The receiver is labeled as 339/3 351 Cadre Amplit Cristal M 2 Cristil. Not for publication.

Soldiers operating an LEWIS AIRCRAFT GUN STEM during World War I. This gun was manufactured by the Frederick Pearce Co. for the War Department. It was an official piece of equipment used by the military during the war.

Private EE Evans is seen in this photograph operating a Number 1 Aiming Circle, also known as a French Goniometer Boussole, at the Ordnance Camp in Is-sur-Tille, Cote d'OR, France. This image is for official use only and should not be published.

Soldiers transporting a bicycle with a Hotchkiss gun attached to the frame. The photograph shows a military activity during World War One.

An image of Private McLaughlin standing in front of the Number Telephone Train Dispatching Apparatus in Tours, France. The bell box is closed in the photograph. The image was taken on August 28, 1918, and received for publication on January 7, 1919.

"Camp and flying field of the 6th Aero Squadron on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, T.H. Viewed from an altitude of 1500 meters. The dark cleared and leveled area on the field. The white square on the edge of the field is the coral floor of a temporary hangar. Construction of a storehouse is barely visible near the hangar. Machine shop, Blacksmith shop, toilet, and tent camp are also visible. Officers' quarters and a coral road leading partway to them are visible in the photo."

This image shows Pvt. Earl E. Evans in Paris, France on December 2, 1918. He was part of the Research and Inspection Bureau, working on modifying monocord drop units. This photograph is not for publication and intended for official use only.

"Image depicting U.S. Army recruiting posters for the Quartermaster Corps. The posters promote the benefits of enlisting, specifically highlighting the attractive retired pay of a Quartermaster Sergeant, which is $90 per month. The message encourages young men to consider the financial advantages of joining the military compared to civilian life."

Us Military Cemetery At Marzanello Nuovo, Italy. The First American Soldier Was Buried Here 6 Nov. 1943.

Collection of World War I Photographs, 1914-1918 that depict the military activities of British and other nation's armed forces and personnel during World War I.

"War trophy belt taken from the German gunboat 'Geier' during World War I. This belt is part of a collection received on July 30, 1918, from C.P.I. Photographer. The belt is marked with the number 18 SUED and is a significant artifact from the war."

A photograph taken on 2/28/1919, featuring an Eastman 6 1/2 - 8 1/2 still and moving picture camera. The camera is open and fully extended. The photo was taken by Sergeant Tyrell, a SC photographer. It was received on 3-18-19 and officially issued. Additional notes indicate the reference number 399155 from 2006. It is for official use only.

Brig. General Walter J. Reed, Commanding General, 7th Air Force Service Command, Hawaii

111-SC-7466 depicts the radio field instruments used by the U.S. Signal Corps during World War One. Specifically, it shows a combined transmitting and receiving unit, type B.C. #13, for use with the S.C.R. #67 Radio Telephone Set. The image highlights the tuning controls of the instrument. The photograph was taken by Lieutenant B.M. deBerri of the Signal Corps.

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