Category Archives: World War I

Rare Photographs of New York City’s Parade at the End of World War I

On March 25, 1919, 20,000 men of the New York National Guard’s 27th Division owned the streets of Manhattan. Two million people turned out to see the division march five miles up Fifth Avenue after they came home from World War I. City officials estimated Manhattan’s population grew by 500,000 as people came from upstateContinue reading “Rare Photographs of New York City’s Parade at the End of World War I”

Amazing Vintage Photos of London Buses Used to Take British Soldiers to the Western Front During World War I

When the First World War broke out, the era of the horse bus drew to a close. London’s largest bus operator, the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC), had replaced all its horse buses with motor buses in 1911 and 1912. A few other bus operators continued to use horses until August 1914. These new vehicles,Continue reading “Amazing Vintage Photos of London Buses Used to Take British Soldiers to the Western Front During World War I”

Amazing Photographs of World War I in 1914

World War I or The First World War, often abbreviated as WWI or WW1 began on the 28th of July, 1914 and ended on the 11th of November, 1918. Referred to by contemporaries as the “Great War”, belligerents included much of Europe, Russia, the United States and Turkey, with fighting also expanding into the MiddleContinue reading “Amazing Photographs of World War I in 1914”

39 Colorized Photos of the French Army During World War 1

From August 1914 to early 1917, the French Army shouldered much of the the fighting on the Western Front – and with astonishing endurance. In one two-week period – August 16-31, 1914 – they suffered 210,993 casualties. By comparison, British casualties numbered 164,709 in the opening month – July 1916 – of the Somme offensive.Continue reading “39 Colorized Photos of the French Army During World War 1”

Faces From the Front: Incredible Before and After Photos Show World War I Soldiers’ Horrific Facial Injuries

These incredible before and after photographs show how British and French soldiers had to have their faces completely rebuilt having been maimed during World War One. The photos are part of a book, Faces from the Front, looking at the early development of plastic surgery. It highlights the work of young surgeon Harold Gillies, whoContinue reading “Faces From the Front: Incredible Before and After Photos Show World War I Soldiers’ Horrific Facial Injuries”

The Amazing Story of a Black German Soldier During World War 1

A group that is rarely talked about in regards to German history and it’s dealings with people from different continents are the Africans. Most know the Askari, who fought with von Lettow-Vorbeck in the First World War. Yet rarely any know of those that actually traveled to Germany and lived most or even all ofContinue reading “The Amazing Story of a Black German Soldier During World War 1”

The Dazzle Ship Mauretania, 1918

Launched in 1906 by the Duchess of Roxburghe, the British RMS Mauretania was, for five years, the largest ship in the world – and, until 1929, the fastest. Her lavish interiors utilised marble, tapestry, and some twenty-eight separate types of wood – her grand staircase was made of entirely walnut. Yet the ship had aContinue reading “The Dazzle Ship Mauretania, 1918”

12 Facts About British Women During the First World War

Women in World War I were mobilized in unprecedented numbers on all sides. The vast majority of these women were drafted into the civilian work force to replace conscripted men or to work in greatly expanded munitions factories. Thousands served in the military in support roles, and in some countries many saw combat as well.Continue reading “12 Facts About British Women During the First World War”

27 Vintage Photographs That Show How Soldiers Made Their Homes in Dugouts and Trenches During World War I

Dugouts were protective holes dug out of the sides of trenches. The size of dugouts varied a great deal and sometimes could house over ten men. A manual published by the British Army recommended dugouts that were between 2 ft. and 4 ft. 6 in. wide, roofed with corrugated iron or brushwood and then coveredContinue reading “27 Vintage Photographs That Show How Soldiers Made Their Homes in Dugouts and Trenches During World War I”