Tag Archives: WW1 Battlefield Tours

La Vie en France #7: Welcome to the Punch Bowl

May 20, 2017 by Randy
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La Vie en France #6 proved to be quite popular, as there seems to be a good bit of interest in seeing where the Webmaster is living during his six months in France.  Le Vie en France #7 shows a panoramic view of the “Punch Bowl” encircling Doulcon.  It is taken from a hillside along the D164 perhaps a kilometer West of Doulcon.     Western portion of the punch bowl.     Eastern portion showing Doulcon and Dun-sur-Meuse.  The church on the Hillside at Continue reading →

La Vie en France #6: An Evening Walk in Doulcon

May 16, 2017 by Randy
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Situated in the Department of the Meuse and the Region of Lorraine, Doulcon has  a population of around 430 inhabitants.  As travelers to the region know, this is not a wealthy port city along the coast.  Rather, Doulcon is situated in the heart of farming country; and its houses and streets reflect the increasing difficulties of farming–even in the heart of France with all its farm subsidies.  Luckily, the region also attracts thousands of tourists a year:  Tourists, such as the Dutch, who love the natural beauty Continue reading →

La Vie en France: Post #4. Eight Weeks Holiday Before France.

May 14, 2017 by Randy
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Friday, May 12, 2017 excerpt from my diary… So, two days prior to departure, how did I do regarding using my eight weeks to prepare for the trip?  Answer, pretty poorly in most categories; but strongest in the category that counts the most—spending quality time with my wife (who will be alone for several months.) o   Walking / hiking to get in shape:  2/3 (out of 10.)  Didn’t do often enough and didn’t really exert myself; largely because most walks were with Laurie. o   Reading Continue reading →

Research Tips: The “Griffin Group” Photos in the National Archives

April 30, 2017 by Randy
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A special shout-out is due to Marc Romanych of Digital History Archive who introduced the Webmaster to the Griffin Group photos!!!  As a result, the Webmaster spent the last two days in the National Archives “walking” the Western Front shortly after war’s end.   National Archives record group 120-G is a collection of 2,262 photographs of the American battlefields of the Western Front taken in early 1919 under the direction of Major T. H. Griffin of G-2.  His team of photographers was tasked with taking Continue reading →

La Vie en France: Post #3. Skills and Talent Residence Permit Visa Obtained!!!

April 24, 2017 by Randy
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A key part of the Webmaster’s plan to work in France as a freelance battlefield tour guide was obtaining the “Skills and Talent” residence permit visa.  Per the France in New York website: “If you have a project, the three-year, renewable “Compétences et Talents” card allows you to exercise the professional activity of your choice in connection with your project.” However, at the Visa Section of the French Consulate-General one will not find a life coach who will guide one through the process.  Rather, one 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 & Events–Stateside: 100 Cities / 100 Memorials Program Announced to Help Restore and Preserve Local WW1 Memorials

July 18, 2016 by Randy
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  The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library are announcing a new program to help people across the country restore and preserve their local WW1 memorials.   The 100 Cities / 100 Memorials program is a fund-matching program, where groups or individuals can A) identify local WW1 memorials in their area, B) put together a conservation treatment proposal, C) submit their plan for consideration for matching grant funds, and D) have the memorial treated by an accredited conservator, Continue reading →

People of the Meuse-Argonne: Connie Ruzich

July 1, 2016 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? Connie Ruzich, American, University Professor of English at Robert Morris University and author of the blog Behind Their Lines (forgotten voices Continue reading →