World War I Military Life

Vintage photographs of soldiers, trench work, and military functions during WWI, offering insights into historical military life.

A supply train is halted in a small town in France that has been heavily damaged by shellfire during World War One. The photograph, taken by the Signal Corps, is numbered as 50,129 and offers a glimpse into the brutal realities of warfare during this time. The exact location and date of the photo are not provided in the description.

French sappers working on a trench near Les Eparges during World War One. The image shows them putting the finishing touches on a communicating trench. The photograph, labeled as 111-SC-6795, was taken by photographer Neco Desorption. This image is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities collection, showcased under the official symbol PO and the identifier 775.

A band performing at Love Field in Texas. Image captured in 1919 during World War I.

Maj. Gen. Edward F. McGlachlin, Jr., commander of the 1st Division, can be seen on the extreme right side of the image. He is shown decorating members of the 16th Infantry with Distinguished Service Crosses at Mertert, Luxembourg. The photograph was taken on January 17, 1919.

French officers taking shelter against ruins in Marne, protected quarters, during World War One. French Prime Minister, Georges Clemenceau, seen conversing with the officers. (Photographer: REC TAKES)

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.

Convalescent soldiers working in the Q.M.C. gardens in Versailles, France. Many of these soldiers have been gassed and are improving their health through farm work. Wounded soldiers are responsible for maintaining the gardens. This photo was taken by L.E. Drucker on September 3rd, 1918, and released by the A.E.F. Censor on November 22nd, 1918.

Cpl. K. Polk, s.c., photographed Major Charles Whittlesley and his "Lost Battalion" of the 77th Division near Apremont in the Argonne Forest, France on October 29, 1918. This image is a record of the bravery and resilience shown by American soldiers during World War I.

A supply train is halted in a small town in France that has been heavily damaged by shellfire during World War One. The photograph, taken by the Signal Corps, is numbered as 50,129 and offers a glimpse into the brutal realities of warfare during this time. The exact location and date of the photo are not provided in the description.

Mess in camp at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. This photograph, taken by Photographer MED on July 22, 1918, is labeled as P.N. 574. The description on the photo indicates that it was received from the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Military Academy, and the photograph is labeled as "AU." The notes on the photo specify that it is for official use only.

Cavalry and Field Artillery review at Fort Myer, Virginia. Battery F. 19th Field Artillery depicted moving out "Right by Sections". The photo was taken on May 11, 1920, with the photographer identified as Sot. Warners C. Captioned as "Takes 430-1920, Issued A2". Additional notes mention that this is an official photo with a review score of 3-0.

United States Marines in France during World War I, receiving instruction from a French officer on the usage of hand and rifle grenades. This photograph is part of a series depicting American military activities during the war. Released to the Committee of Public Information on January 11, 1918.

American military personnel bring horses over an international bridge from Spanish territory for use by the A.E.F. in Hendaye, Basses Pyrenees, France during World War One. This image (38554) was captured on December 15, 1918, and the photographer received it on February 13, 1919.

American soldiers taking part in agricultural activities in Italy during World War I. The soldiers are seen working on a field, possibly assisting Italian farmers with their crops. This photograph was taken by the Signal Corps and is numbered 15,308 in their collection. It was taken as part of the documentation of American military activities during the war.

Group of American and French soldiers standing near a gravestone. The grave belongs to Lt. Quentin Roosevelt, an aviator killed on July 14, 1918, in Chamerey, France. The photo was taken on August 24, 1918, and featured an ornamented fence donated by the French government. Released by A.E.F. censor on November 22, 1918.

Infantry soldiers at Camp Devens, Ayer, Massachusetts, conduct a demonstration of trench mortar NUMBER 69,213 issued to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) in July 1920. This photo was taken at the infantry camp and is part of a documentation of American military activities during World War One.

This photograph shows a general view of a coal pile at a forwarding camp in Le Mans, Sarthe, France. The image was captured by Sergeant Ryden, a photographer for the S.C. The photograph has the ID number 49121 and was recorded on March 1, 1919. The actual date the picture was taken is January 20, 1919. The description mentions that the photo was issued by Kunber General for viewing.

US Marines operating a Lewis Machine Gun during World War One. The photograph, numbered 7081, was taken in 1918 by an unidentified photographer. It shows American soldiers handling the machine gun, symbolizing their participation in military activities.

Soldiers at Camp Devens in Ayer, Mass., participating in R.O.T.C training. The photograph shows infantrymen being instructed in operating one-pounder guns, a type of artillery widely used during World War I. The photo was taken by Sgt. Joe Htta, S.C. in July 1920.

French Memorial Honors - The regimental standard of France's First Army in Belgium is carried at a ceremony to honor Guynemer, a famous aviator. General Anthoine of France's Last Army in Belgium is present. Photograph taken by a French official photographer. Source: French Aviators.

French officers inspecting a shell-pitted territory after the German invaders had been pushed back. The photograph was taken by the Reconnaissance Department and issued as number 290. The image shows the officers examining the ground that had been recently reconquered.

French and American officials, including General Benat, reviewing troops after a decoration ceremony in Aube. The photo captures a moment of camaraderie between the French and American forces during World War One.

Italian Sailors engaged in combat on land during World War I.

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.

French soldiers taking a lunch break during their march towards the Italian front lines in Italy during World War One. The photograph, number 4040, was taken in 1919 and showcases the soldiers pausing for a midday rest.

The photograph shows a method of elevating a 240mm trench mortar, specifically a Stokes mortar, at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. The photo was taken by a photographer for the U.S. Signal Corps on May 29, 1918. The caption notes that this photo is not for publication and provides a reference number.

Soldiers from the 80th Division gather and rest at a clearing ground in Camp Lee, Virginia in June 1918. This location served as a resting and organizing point for troops during World War I.

A platoon at Machine Gun School in Rengsdorf, Germany is preparing Browning Machine Guns for firing. This marks the first use of both the Browning Machine Gun and the Browning Automatic Rifle within the 32nd Division. 2nd Lt. E.F. Murray of the 120th Machine Gun Battalion is in charge of the platoon.

A group of French officials standing together as part of a campaign to identify and capture troublemakers in the Greek army during World War I. This photo, marked 111-SC-4423, shows the efforts to dismantle any attempts to sabotage the Greek government and endanger the country.

Soldiers constructing barbed-wire entanglements near French trenches during World War One. The image shows individuals actively working on setting up the wire for defensive purposes.

June 1918 - Officers in a military meeting. Seated from left to right are Col. F.S. Cocheu of the 319th Infantry, Brig. Gen. L.M. Brett, commanding the 160th Brigade, and Col. W.H. Waldron, Chief of Staff for the 80th Division. Standing is Lt. Col. A.G. Goodwyn, Inspector for the 80th Division at Camp Lee, VA. Photo number 12,622.

Men of Co. B, 2nd Platoon, 325th Regt. Inf., 82nd Division, can be seen in a front line trench in Belgrade, France on July 1, 1918. The photograph was taken by Pvt. E.R. Trabold and was approved by the A.E.F. censor on August 2, 1918. Notes indicate the photo as 16:262.

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.

Preparatory training in France during World War One. A group of soldiers enjoying a meal with a plentiful supply of food. The photo shows the importance of providing adequate nutrition for the men during training. Photo taken by SC photographer.

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.

Close-up of the wrecked motor in airplane #3,341 at Scott Field in Belleville, Illinois. This image shows the damage caused to the motor, which occurred during a crash that injured Lieutenant Robert L. McClean in Jefferson City, Missouri on December 1st, 1918. This photograph is not to be published and is for official use only.

US soldiers survey the aftermath of war in Italy. The ruins speak to the devastation caused by the conflict. This photograph captures the reality and destruction. The soldiers are seen examining the scene as a symbol of the toll of war.

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.

This image depicts police officers patrolling the grounds of Camp Rex in Vosges, France during World War I in June 1918. The soldiers belonged to the 80th Division and were assigned to maintain order and security within the camp. The photograph was taken by an unidentified photographer.

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.

Grecian soldiers participating in an intensive training course for the Allied forces during World War I. This photograph, taken by C. Syrdol in 1919, shows the soldiers in action as they prepare for military activities on behalf of Greece. The image captures the dedication and discipline of the soldiers during their training.

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.

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.

United States Marines in France receive instruction on a firing range from French officers and soldiers of the Alpine Chasseurs at Training Camp NUMBER Bee. This photograph was taken on January 11, 1918 and released to C.P.I.

Lieutenant Horton Edmunds of the 104th Infantry, 26th Division of the American military is being decorated by General Passage, the Commanding General of the 32nd French Army Corps, with the Croix de Guerre in Boucq, Meurthe et Moselle, France on April 28, 1919. The 104th Infantry was previously known as the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, with detachments from the 6th and 8th Massachusetts Infantry.

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.

Members of the Italian Bersaglieri Regiment can be seen stacking arms on the grounds of the White House. This photograph was taken by Pvt. A. J. Lubbe on October 5th, 1918 and released by the M.I.D. Censor on October 15th, 1918. Noteworthy. Image number: 20998.

American soldiers seek refuge in a bomb-proof shelter in France during World War One. The photo, labeled 111-SC-12150, was taken in 1919 by an unidentified photographer and carries the EU symbol. The soldiers can be seen safely stationed inside the shelter, which protected them from enemy attacks. CC SOTES.

A group of elderly French people expressing their gratitude to the American military forces as they liberate Northern France during World War I. This photograph was taken by the Signal Corps U.S.A. on February 19, 1921. The image is labeled with the code use 32080) 50048 and can be found in the collection titled "Photographs of American Military Activities during World War I."

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.

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.

Allied troops engaged in the reconstruction of roads in Belgium during World War One. This photograph, taken in 1919, demonstrates their efforts in repairing the damage caused by the war. The image captures a moment of collaboration and reconstruction between the different nations involved in the conflict.

French soldiers receiving France's highest honors, the Cross of War and the Legion of Honor, from General Anthoine during World War One. These medals are given to soldiers bravely fighting under the tri-color, as a tribute to their heroism and dedication to their country.

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.

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.

Italian troops entering a town during World War One. The photograph, taken in 1919, shows a group of soldiers marching through the streets, marked by the symbol "BU". This image is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities collection, with identifier number 16030. EDC notes indicate that the photograph was taken by RECO in 1919.

German trenches located in Soizy aux Bois during World War One. This photograph, numbered 67916, was taken by a photographer from the RECO team on March 9, 1920. It is an official copy issued by the European Union with the symbol "C EU". Official copies of war pictures were produced for documentation purposes. This specific image shows German trenches in the area mentioned.

Serbian soldiers wearing French uniforms engage in trench duty during World War One.

Sgt. G. Ryden, a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 329th Infantry, is seen in this photograph undergoing bayonet training during the first week of October 1918 in La Manns, Sarthe, France. The photograph was taken by a photographer with the identification number 25987 and was subsequently released by the A.E.F. censor on November 15, 1918. The image is part of the collection labeled M NOTES 25187.

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.

Night shift workers at Bassens Docks in Bordeaux, France, prepare for work during World War I. This photo was taken in April 1918 and issued on May 9, 1918. Please note that it was not meant for publication on May 31, 1918. See image number 10245 for additional information.

American soldiers in Panama participate in a shark hunting expedition off the Panama coast in the Canal Zone. This photograph is courtesy of Underwood and Underwood, taken on May 24, 1920. The image is labeled "NURAGE 136 Bt courtesy of Underwood and Underwood" and "DESCRIPTION SYMBOL A TAKEN 5/24/20." It should be noted that the photograph was issued for official use only, and the reference number is H NOTF 67136 Ar Goverchr Cres & Li.

Pvt. R. Antrim of the Soldiers' Club is seen operating a donkey engine in Sergy, France. This engine was originally made by the Baldwin works in America for the French Government but was captured and used by the Germans before being recaptured and used by the Americans. Officers seen in the photo are Captains Ed. K. Miller and J.J. Ring, as well as Lieutenant C.R. Bliss and J.B Lawrence, all from different engineering divisions.

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.

This photograph depicts Major General George B. Duncan, commanding officer of the 32nd Division, and Miss F. Fitzpatrick, who are both prominent Red Cross workers. The image was taken in the town of Prauthey, Haute-Marne, France, on November 25, 1918.

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.

A black and white photograph showing a group of American soldiers during World War I. The soldiers are wearing military uniforms and standing in formation. They appear to be in a field or training ground, with a line of trees in the background.

French official M. Clemenceau inspecting military position and fortification works during World War One. Photo taken by the official photographer. Description and issue number provided, indicating the photo's official recognition.

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.

American and French military personnel are seen looking east over the Bois de Septsarges in Montfaucon, France, which was captured from the Germans during World War One. The photograph was taken on November 3, 1918, by 2nd Lieutenant Charles Stone. It is a historic image that highlights the allied forces' progress in reclaiming territory from the enemy. The photo was approved by the A.E.P. censor but the exact date of issuance is unknown.

"Divisional Review at Camp Kearny, Linda Vista, California. Lt. E.N. Jackson, Sig. R.C captured the photograph on March 27, 1918. The image shows regiments of the 40th Division passing the reviewing stand. The photograph was issued on March 23, 1918, after being censored and released by W.C.D."

A French Infantry regiment on the march to the front lines during World War One. The photograph captures the soldiers in formation as they make their way towards their destination. This image was taken by a photographer who was officially issued permissions to document military activities. The photo is identified with the reference number 8046 F.O.969-3.

Caption: "American machine gun company passes through a village destroyed by American artillery prior to the advance into the St. Mihiel salient during World War One. Photograph taken on October 5, 1918. A.E.P. censor approved."

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.

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.

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.

Members of the 110th and 111th Regiments Infantry from the 28th Division were entertained by Mr. Claude Shafer, a Cincinnati cartoonist, at Abbeye d' Igny, France. This photograph was taken on August 29, 1918. Caption information: 111-SC-22625, Members of 110th and 111th Regiments Infantry being entertained by Mr. Claude Shafer. Abbeye d' Igny, France. 28th Division. August 29, 1918.

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.

Lieutenant Paul W. Cloud of the Signal Corps captured this photograph on October 12, 1918. It shows a tank company undergoing repairs in Bods de Hesse, north of Ricicourt, Meuse, France. The repairs were being done while the company awaited orders for the drive north of Verdun. The image was approved for release by the A.E.F. censor, although the exact date of approval is unknown.

Private Campbell photographing Chaplain John Sheridan Zellie, a Presbyterian attached to the 111th Field Hospital, 28th Division, in Heudicourt, Meuse, France. The photo was taken on October 31, 1918, and passed by the A.E.F. censor. No additional information provided.

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.

Canadian women, seen in this photograph taken during World War One, are busily engaged in agricultural activities. This image, numbered 111-SC-6929 and taken by the Committee of Public Information, captures a moment in which these patriotic women contribute to the war effort through their hard work in farming.

American soldiers transporting supplies and equipment on horse-drawn wagons during World War One. The photograph was taken by the Signal Corps in 1919 and is labeled as Symbol 20465. This image is part of the collection of American Military Activities during the war.

Artillery on the move through a ruined village. This photograph was taken on November 24, 1918, by Sgt. Warolin, S.C. The drawing of the scene was done by Capt. G. Harding, E.R.C. S.C. This image was released by A.E.P. Censor on December 23, 1918.

Soldier in uniform standing at attention next to a French official during World War One. The photographer is Reed. The photo is from the collection 111-SC-5844 and was issued for distribution. The photo is marked with the symbol "FO". It was taken in 1918.

"Private Brotherhood of the South Carolina regiment. This photograph was taken on January 22, 1919, showing the advance guard of the 18th Infantry, 1st Division, crossing the border line between Lorraine and Luxembourg. The boundary is marked by a stone tablet on the left. A crowd of civilians can be seen waving a warm welcome to the American soldiers. The photo passed by the A.E.F. censor, but the exact date is unknown."

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.

Pvt. A. W. Schuwerk, Pvt. H. H. Hoarlow, Pvt. R. L. Worden, and Pvt. Ralph R. Gurner are seen in the image wearing captured German breast plates and helmets. They are holding guns captured by the 80th Division. A Mauser Rifle is seen second from right, along with machine guns on the left and a 41-pound tank gun on the right. The location of the photo is Bethincourt, Meuse, France. The date of the photo is unknown. The description is provided by Lt. R. W. Sears, S. R. C., and the photograph is attributed to RECO (Photo reconnaissance). The photo has been passed by the A. E. P. Censor.

A photograph of four German howitzers captured by the 79th Division in Vaucherauville, Meuse, France during World War One. The photograph was taken by WM Fox, and has the issued number 3324-08. The description notes that the howitzers were taken by the division.

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.

Cpl. K. Polk of the 77th Division oversees men from the 304th Machine Gun En. during a practice session in the Argonne Sector near Abri Du Crochet in the Argonne Forest, France. Photograph taken on March 12, 1919. Mc Number: 10-29-18.

Soldiers from the 130th Infantry, 33rd Division employing 37mm guns to launch an attack. The photograph captures the exact moment of firing, executed at a range of 750 yards in Vianden, Luxembourg. This image is labeled "51081" and was taken by photographer S.C. H. Jackson.

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.

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.

Soldiers enjoying recreation at Washington Barracks in 1919. The image shows soldiers engaged in various activities, possibly including sports or leisurely outdoor gatherings. Note 755 refers to the photograph number and the photographer is unknown.

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.

Soldiers gather for a mess call in a small town in France during World War One. In the photograph, a bugler can be seen blowing the call to alert the men. This image is one of many taken by the Signal Corps as part of their documentation of American military activities in France.

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.

American soldier erecting a sign for a French school teacher during World War One. The photograph, taken by a Signal Corps photographer, depicts the soldier performing a task for communication purposes. The sign serves as a symbol of support and cooperation between American and French forces.

Russian troops in Siberia are seen greeting their commander upon his arrival. The photograph, number 50,236 in the Signal Corps collection, depicts the type of Russian troops deployed in Siberia during World War One. The troops were stationed in Siberia as part of military activities carried out by the Russian forces.

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.

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