The Griffin Group Photo Archive–Early Customer Feedback

May 5, 2018 by Randy
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In late April, 2018 Webmaster Randal Gaulke began to market copies of the Griffin Group Photo Archive, a collection of 2,300+ high-quality black and white photos that were taken by the Signal Corps in early 1919.  Details of the Griffin Group Photo Archive and a Q&A blogpost About the Griffin Group Photo Archive can be found on these links. Rather than hearing the Webmaster / Seller talk yet again about what a wonderful collection of photographs this is, readers can hear from some of the Continue reading →

About the Griffin Group Photo Archive: Q&A with Randal Gaulke

April 26, 2018 by Randy
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In early 1919 a group of professional Signal Corps photographers under the leadership of Major T.J. Griffin of the Intelligence Section <G-2> of the AEF General Staff took more than 2,300 high-quality b/w photographs of the American battlefields on the Western Front.  For years, the “Griffin Group” photo archive remained tucked away in the National Archives; known only to a handful of researchers.  In 2017 battlefield historian and tour guide Randal Gaulke viewed this photo collection and was astonished by the level of detail and Continue reading →

Business Opportunity: Two Wheel Moorings B&B, Dun-sur-Meuse

March 22, 2018 by Randy
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  For 14 years U.K. couple Carol and Ian Moore have run Two Wheel Moorings, a B&B in Dun-sur-Meuse that caters to motorcyclists touring the region; but they also have an interest in the First World War in the region and they have hosted many battlefield tourists over that time too!  Now, they have decided that it is time to sell the property and let someone else continue the business.  According to their website:  “What started as a ‘retirement hobby’ quickly developed into a full Continue reading →

Getting Back Into the Action

February 25, 2018 by Randy
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  Regular blog and Facebook Group readers have likely noticed a lack of posts since the Webmaster returned home from France in November 2017.  This has been due to several factors: Christmas and New Years activities with the wife and others after six months in France; Adjusting to life “away” from the trenches; Website re-design; Working on tour offerings with historians Markus Klauer and Robert Laplander; and Working on an upcoming DVD Release.  (More shortly.)   With 2018 progressing quickly, it’s time to have a Continue reading →

Where in the World is This?

February 4, 2018 by Randy
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    Most avid battlefield tourists are familiar with the “demarcation stones” erected in France and Belgium by the Touring Club de France and Touring Club de Belgique to mark the limit of the German advance in 1918.  According to Rose Coombs, MBE:  “They were designed by the sculptor Paul Moreau Vauthier who produced three basic types, differing mainly in the helmet of the capstone.  These were either of the British tin helmet or the French and Belgian ‘Poilu’s’ helmet design.  On the side of Continue reading →

Join the Friends of Romagne and Support the Romagne 14-18 Museum

April 25, 2017 by Randy
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  Jean-Paul de Vries’ Romagne 14-18 Museum one of the best known museums / attractions in the Meuse-Argonne, and it is visited by thousands each year.  (The Webmaster first visited the museum in 2004, right before it moved to its current location.)  However, as with most museums it takes a tremendous amount of work and funds to operate.  In order to ensure adequate financial support for the museum, the foundation “Friends of Romagne” has been established.  Below is a letter from the foundation’s Chairman encouraging visitors Continue reading →

Twist on a Famous Poster: Do You Know What Your Daddy (or Grandfather or Great Uncle) did in the War?

April 19, 2017 by Randy
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April 6, 2017 marked the beginning of the Centennial of U.S. involvement in World War 1; and yet many U.S. families know much less about the activities of their ancestors during 1917-1919 than during other time periods.  It’s not too late to correct that deficiency; and it’s also not too late to plan a customized battlefield tour following in the footsteps of your relative! Webmaster Randal Gaulke is making plans to live in France for several months in 2017.  During that period he will be working Continue reading →

News and Events–Stateside: American Experience Three-Part Special “The Great War” Premiers Tonight on PBS Stations Across the U.S.

April 10, 2017 by Randy
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    Most readers have seen the advertisements on public television stations, on friend’s Facebook pages, etc.  But for those who have not, here is a reminder:  The American Experience has published a three-part special covering U.S. involvement in the Great War.  It will air Monday, April 10; Tuesday, April 11; and Wednesday, April 12–starting at 9:00pm EST / 8:00pm CST.  Readers are advised to plan their viewing / DVR recording accordingly.  

It’s a Wonderful (Web) Life: The Meuse-Argonne Version

December 30, 2016 by Randy
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Frank Capra’s movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” has become a holiday classic in the U.S.; and likely in other countries too.  (The German title is “Ist das Leben nicht schoen?” and the French title is “La vie est belle.”)  In the film, the main star, George Bailey, learns just how much impact one person’s life can have on other people.  In the words of Clarence the Angel:  “Strange, isn’t it?  Each man’s life touches so many other lives.  When he isn’t around he leaves an Continue reading →

Ninety-Eight Years Ago Today: Remembering the Plight of the Lost Battalion (one day late)

October 9, 2016 by Randy
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On the afternoon of 8 October, 1918 194 officers and men of the “Lost Battalion” walked out of the Pocket in Charlevaux Ravine.  This represented a casualty rate (killed, wounded/sick, or missing/POW) of nearly 72%.  Seven Medals of Honor were awarded for this one five-day event–more than would be given out for any single modern combat event until the famous U.S. Army Air Forces raid on the Ploesti oil fields in 1943… Well-known historian and author, Robert J. Laplander, was generous enough to provide a well-written Continue reading →