New Feature Article Added: A Meuse-Argonne Tour and Driver’s Guide

July 11, 2015 by Randy
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In 2007 the webmaster was offered the opportunity to lead the second half (six days) of the Western Front Association’s U.S. Branch Tour; which included four days in the Meuse-Argonne, participation in the Memorial Day Celebration at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, and two days in the St. Mihiel Salient. The author prepared a Study Guide and Driving Directions for that tour; and they have been added to the website under the Features/Articles section. Broadly speaking, the tour was organized to give one or two days Continue reading →

WW1 in USPS Stamps: The Role of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

July 4, 2015 by Randy
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Do readers want to see a series of USPS stamps commemorating America’s involvement in the war in 1917-18?  Let your voices be heard.   On its recent weekly call, the World War One Centennial Commission is encouraging all interested to WRITE VIA SNAIL MAIL a letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee encouraging them to produce a series of stamps commemorating America’s involvement in the war.  Readers can include suggestions of stamps they might like to see:  Major leaders, heroes, major battles, etc. It is Continue reading →

Then and Now: German Pionierlager (Engineer’s Camp) Varennes-en-Argonne

May 31, 2015 by Randy
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Caption:  Situated two to three kilometers behind the lines, the relatively good-size town of Varennes-en-Argonne was used by the occupying Germans for several purposes–including an engineer’s camp situated on the D-38a, west of Varennes.  (The Narrow Gauge Railroad Station in the previous Then and Now post was part of the camp.  As usual, the Germans took full advantage of the steep slopes of the hill as well as the fairly protected level ground just below the hill.  The map also shows the web of German narrow gauge tracks Continue reading →

In Memoriam: Stephen Matthews

December 31, 2014 by Randy
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The webmaster lost a dear friend and battlefield enthusiast to Alzheimer’s:  Stephen Matthews of Doylestown, PA passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 at the age of 82.  Stephen was an active member of the Western Front Association; taking part in meetings and in battlefield tours.  He served as Tours Officer of the U.S. and East Coast Branches for several years; keeping members informed of travel opportunities.  He and the webmaster also worked with Tony and Teddy Noyes of Flanders Tours to plan the first Continue reading →

New Feature Article Added: The Lonesome Death of Marvin Stainton

December 3, 2014 by Randy
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Blog readers are encourgaed to check out a new Feature Article on the website:  “The Lonesome Death of Marvin Stainton.”  The article is an excerpt from James Carl Nelson’s book, The Remains of Company D:  A Story of the Great War. Mr. Nelson’s book is essentially an effort to learn more about the war-time experiences of his Grandfather, John Nelson; but he skillfully brings to life the other members of Co. D, 28th Inf. Regt., 1st Division, AEF as well.  What caught the webmaster’s attention Continue reading →

Armistice Day Photos: NYC Vetarans’ Day Parade 2014

November 23, 2014 by Randy
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Pictured are WW1 reenactors who marched in New York City’s 2014 Veterans’ Day Parade.  The three people on the right of the back row are the Webmaster’s son, Graham, the Webmaster and his wife, Laurie.   The uniform worn by Graham was an original uniform that belonged to Frank Tatyrek, a native of Maplewood, NJ.  Based on the uniform details, Mr. Tatyrek served overseas in the 228th Aero squadron.  Pictured above are Al Tatyrek, the original owner’s son, and Graham Gaulke.  The uniform found its way to the Webmaster through a Continue reading →

Armistice Day Photos: Frank W. Buckles’ Funeral, March 15, 2011

November 11, 2014 by Randy
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Frank W. Buckles, America’s last doughboy, passed away on February 27, 2011 at age 110.  He was buried with full military honors in Plot 34 at Arlington National Cemetery; near the grave of  John J. Pershing, General of the Armies of the United States.  The funeral date was March 15, 2011.  The webmaster was fortunate to be able to attend the funeral service.            

Armistice Day Poem: One by One, by C.E. Baker

November 11, 2014 by Randy
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One by one old soldiers die, One by one they are no more, And their comrades mourn their loss, As they leave this mortal shore.   Standing by an open grave, One more flag-draped coffin rests, Friends and comrades gather ’round, As they pay their last respects.   When the solemn rites are done, And the chaplain turns away, Mournful notes of bugle stir, Mem’ries of a bygone day.   One by one they drop from rank, Just as did the blue and gray, Soldier Continue reading →

Happiness is… Exploring the Battlefield with (International) Friends

September 14, 2014 by Randy
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The webmaster and his son together with Markus Paulick and family from Germany and Wim Degrande and his son from Belgium.  In August 2014 this group spent two days exploring areas where the 28th Division AEF fought, including le Chene Tondu and areas around Montblainville.  With Wim’s knowledge and research of the area they looked at two semaphore bunkers (Blinknetzstellen), two German camps (Lager) and the Geman hospital located on the Eastern edge of le Chene Tondu.  When one moves off the beaten path, one gains a Continue reading →