Tag Archives: AEF

News & Events Over There–2018 Event Schedule in France

October 6, 2017 by Randy
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As 2018 draws near, the Webmaster is receiving numerous inquiries about the 2018 event schedule in France.  Here is a brief summary, based on what he knows so far:       American Battle Monuments Commemorative Events See his June 1, 2017 post:  http://meuse-argonne.com/?p=2288. Note also that the 11 November, 2017 commemoration will include a partial luminary event (1/4 of graves), but that a full luminary event is anticipated for 11 November, 2018     U.S. Presidential/Official Events The Webmaster has no knowledge of what Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Luminary Event at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, 11 November, 2017

September 28, 2017 by Randy
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    At 3:00pm CET On Saturday, 11 November, the American Battle Monuments Commission will be hosting a (partial) luminary event to mark the 99th anniversary of the end of World War 1.  As dusk falls at the cemetery, approximately 3,500 (or 25% of the) headstones will be lit with candles, creating a powerful image of light overpowering darkness.  Attendees will have the chance to walk through the cemetery and to learn the stories of fifteen Americans honored within the hallowed grounds.  All are invited Continue reading →

Then and Now: Up the Nantillois – Cunel Road with the 3rd and 80th Divisions, AEF

September 6, 2017 by Randy
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Intro:  The D15 running from Nantillois to Cunel is perhaps one of the most travelled roads by American battlefield visitors.  Going back to 1938, the ABMC described the route as follows:  “From here [Cunel] to the next town, Nantillois, the tour goes opposite the direction of the American advance.  The view of the terrain is, therefore, that which was seen from the various German positions. The difficult character of the ground over which the American Army forced its way forward is illustrated by the country Continue reading →

Then and Now: St. Juvin–77th Division River Crossing and German Infrastructure

September 2, 2017 by Randy
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Introduction:  In this selection of Griffin Group then and now one has the opportunity to see areas that were hell for the 77th Division when attacking St. Juvin as well as the German rear-area infrastructure that existed in the Meuse-Argonne. One of the most vivid accounts of the capture of St. Juvin can be found on pages 342-6 of Ed Lengel’s book, “To Conquer Hell:  The Meuse-Argonne, 1918.”  He describes:  “The 306th’s First Battalion left Marcq at 8:30 A.M., but instead of Marching east as Continue reading →

Then and Now: Dannevoux (80th Division, 26 Sept., 1918)

August 11, 2017 by Randy
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Intro:  Dannevoux was taken by the 80th Division, AEF, on 26 September.  However, the Signal Corps photographers that were part of the Griffin Group took many pictures of Dannevoux and the surrounding area.  The then and now pictures shown here are just a small, but interesting, subset of those photos.  The Webmaster intends to do another “Then and Now” with additional photos.  However, readers can also view the “then” photos on the website below: http://www.80thdivision.com/Photos-Hazelgrove/Page1.htm For all of photos below, the source of the “then” Continue reading →

People of the Meuse-Argonne: Sjoerd van der Ven

August 10, 2017 by Randy
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Even today French locals, other Europeans and Americans find themselves drawn to the Meuse-Argonne region of France.  Once drawn there, many return time and again; often working on a multi-year research or preservation project.  In this irregular interview series, the Webmaster hopes to introduce readers to some of these individuals and their labors of love.     1.  What are your name, nationality and occupation? Sjoerd van der Ven; Dutch; Assistant Manager, Pall Mall Store   2.  Which languages do you speak, and how fluently Continue reading →

Then and Now: Bois de Consenvoye and Richene Hill–Part 2

July 20, 2017 by Randy
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Webmaster’s Note:  This is part to of the “Then and Now” blogpost focusing on Griffin Group photos in the Bois de Consenvoye and on Richêne Hill.  Readers are encourage to view Part 1, which appeared yesterday.  For reader’s convenience, the ABMC Summary of Operations map has been repeated below.         Caption:  Griffin Group Photo A.M. 162.  American Dead.  325.2 – 280.4.  8 January, 1919. Location:  Looking at the above map, the “then” photo was taken along the tree line just East of Continue reading →

Then and Now: Bois de Consenvoye and Richene Hill–Part 1

July 19, 2017 by Randy
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Webmaster’s notes:  This two-part then and now report will focus on Griffin Group photos in the Bois de Consenvoye and on Richêne Hill–excluding Molleville Ferme.  More details on the Griffin Group photos can be found in this 30 April, 2017 post:  http://meuseargonnerg.wpengine.com/?p=2179.     Readers are also reminded that the offensive East of the Meuse was begun on 8 October, almost two weeks after the main offensive, in order to “neutralize” the enemy artillery that was shelling AEF positions West of the Meuse River.  The Continue reading →

We Forget Today: Hunterdon County WW1 Exhibit at the Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton, NJ

July 15, 2017 by Randy
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We forget today just what an impact World War I had on the lives of its participants and their families.  This is the opening line for the Webmaster’s “We Forget Today” blogposts.  But the staff at the Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ have not forgotten.  In fact, for a small museum with a small exhibition space they’ve put together a wonderfully thorough exhibit outlining Hunterdon County’s role in WW1.  Readers in the area are encouraged to visit it.     What made this Continue reading →

Then and Now: Samogneux

May 25, 2017 by Randy
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    Caption:  Samogneux is on the D964 at the edge of the Verdun battlefield East of the Meuse.  In 1918, any of the American divisions (33rd, 29th and 79th) fighting East of the Meuse would have passed through it.  Unfortunately, trees block the view of the canal and river in the now photo.  However, the horizon matches up well.   The now photo is taken from in front of the statue in the town cemetery.  The cemetery is on a slight hill, which mirrors Continue reading →