Tag Archives: Première Guerre mondiale

Travel Tips: Ignore the Coronavirus Noise and Make Plans to Visit the Battlefields in 2020

February 1, 2020 by Randy
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Humans tend to be afraid of what they don’t know—and right now it is the coronavirus.  Headlines seem to be incessant:  There are at least six confirmed cases in the USA, all of whom recently visited China.  Cruise ships and airlines are cancelling services.  Chinese officials are extending the Chinese New Year holiday to reduce hopefully slow transmission.  Etc. I would suggest that readers step back, take a breath, and then continue making plans to visit the battlefields in 2020.  Near-term airline bargains could be Continue reading →

La Vie en France #43: Podcast Explores Cultural Differences Between France and USA

January 30, 2020 by Randy
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https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/12896063/tdest_id/389346 Above is a link to the second “Battles of the First World War Podcast” that the Webmaster has done with Mike Cunha. Together with cross-cultural trainer and author Carol Kieffer, the three participants spend about an hour talking about a wide range of cultural differences between France and the U.S.A. The goal of this podcast is to give potential first-time (or second- or third-time) travelers to France a more pleasant experience, because they will have some idea of what to expect. Together, the three Continue reading →

Then and (Not Quite) Now: 315th Inf. Regt. Celebrating Thanksgiving 1918 in Damvillers

November 28, 2019 by Randy
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In 2017 the Webmaster and a client explored this series of Signal Corps photos showing troops of the 315th Inf. Regt. , 79 Division, A.E.F. celebrating Thanksgiving 1918 in Damvillers. These were taken on 28 November, 1918–101 years ago from the date of this post. The first three photos show Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn addressing troops in the town square. Photos taken there are easy to line up because the uniquely-shaped Mairie (Village Hall) still stands. Unfortunately, the Webmaster lost his “now” photos, so Continue reading →

One Year Ago: Meet and Greet Dinner, Aubreville, France–Friday, 21 Sept. 2018

September 20, 2019 by Randy
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The ABMC Centennial Commemorations at the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne American Cemeteries on 22 and 23 September 2018, respectively, provided a large crowd of Americans in Lorraine, France and a wonderful opportunity for networking and broadening one’s horizons.  With this in mind, webmaster Randy Gaulke and German tour guide, Markus Klauer, teamed up to sponsor a Meet and Greet Dinner on Friday night, 21 September that became one of their favorite events of the year.  The location selected was the Hotel-Restaurant du Commerce in Aubréville, Continue reading →

People of the Meuse-Argonne: Peter Wever

September 15, 2019 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? Peter Wever, from the Netherlands, medical doctor in a general hospital.  Hence the nickname “Doc.”   2)  Which Continue reading →

Books & Movies: American Armies and Battlefields in Europe (1938)

September 10, 2019 by Randy
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    Why write a review for a book written in 1938?  Because the book remains the bible (small “b”) for battlefield visitors!  The Webmaster gets numerous emails from information seekers, and his responses ALWAYS recommend this book as a good starting point for pilgrims.  Likewise, hundreds of people have joined the Meuse-Argonne Facebook group over the last several months looking for more information on their ancestor’s experience in WW1.  Again, this provides a great start. American Armies and Battlefields in Europe was first published Continue reading →

La Vie en France #42: Overcome Fear and Start Planning Your Trip Today

June 17, 2019 by Randy
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    The Webmaster and his wife just returned from a week in Normandy where a local organization, Association Soldat Mickael Burik, organized a commemoration for American soldiers killed near Mortain, France during WW2.  His wife’s uncle was a fighter pilot shot down on 9 August 1944.  Over the last two years, the Association identified more than 5,000 soldiers killed in a 20km (12 mile) radius.  It researched 1,500 fallen soldiers, finding 1,800 related family members and sending 800 emails.  It received dozens of responses, Continue reading →

Website Update: Map Case Page has been Constructed. View it for Details.

May 29, 2019 by Randy
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This is just a simple note to let readers know that the Webmaster has (finally) constructed the page:  “Features / Map Case.”  It includes details on where to find maps for the Offensive and the A.E.F. in general.  It also includes three NARA finding guides for maps in the National Archives’ collections and the numbers of IGN 1:25,000 scale maps relevant for touring the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Feedback or additional sources of maps is appreciated.

In Memoriam: Harry Rupert (2 June 1946 – 18 May 2019)

May 18, 2019 by Randy
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    I woke up to sad news this morning:  Harry Rupert passed away over night at the age of 72.  For readers who do not know Harry, he was a Dutchman who was retired and who has lived in Chatel-Chéhéry with his wife, Riecky, since 2011.  He was also an active participant in the Meuse-Argonne.com Facebook Group.   Harry was best known for his passion for WW1 history—including the AEF during the Meuse-Argonne campaign—and for his penchant to question everything and look at the Continue reading →

People of the Meuse-Argonne: James F. Shetler

May 16, 2019 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. The Webmaster had the pleasure of meeting Jim for a few days during the September 2018 Small Group Tour that he and Markus Klauer led.  Since then, the Continue reading →