Tag Archives: WW1 Battlefield Tours

News & Events–Over There: Proposed Small-Group Battlefield Walk Series, 20-27 Sept., 2018

September 3, 2017 by Randy
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The Webmaster and German Associate, Markus Klauer, are proposing a Small-Group Battlefield Walk Series in the Meuse-Argonne and St. Mihiel Sectors from 20 – 27 September, 2018. Each day will feature a separate Army Corps; and each day will involve a morning intelligence briefing, a morning “monument tour” and an afternoon hike.  The afternoon portion is designed for individuals fit enough for moderate walking for five hours with rest breaks.  Distance travelled will likely be 8 km (about 5 miles); but it will include walking Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Proposed Centennial Dinner and Meet-and-Greet in France, 21 Sept., 2018

September 3, 2017 by Randy
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The Webmaster and German Associate, Markus Klauer, are proposing a Meuse-Argonne Centennial Dinner and Meet-and-Greet on Friday, 21 September, 2018 at the Hotel du Commerce in Aubréville, France. A cocktail hour will allow people to get to know each other a bit.  In addition, Markus will speak on “The German Side of the Meuse-Argonne” and the Webmaster will speak on “Bringing Sept. 26, 1918 to Life.” See the flyer below for more details. Centennial Dinner and Meet Draft Sept 3 The Webmaster welcomes any feedback Continue reading →

La Vie en France #17: Le Brouillard (the Fog)

September 3, 2017 by Randy
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The advent of cooler weather brings with it “le brouillard.”  In the morning and evening it can make driving on those lovely narrow French backroads a bit more challenging; but it also adds a certain atmosphere–especially for those touring the battlefields.  The good news is that it generally burns off by 10h00 or 10h30. Also, for those just learning French seeing the word itself is very menacing:  The oui blends together; The double ll becomes a Y sound; and the final d is silent because 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 →

La Vie en France #15: Some Thoughts on Diet and Exercise from Across the Pond

August 9, 2017 by Randy
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The large amount of battlefield remains that can still be seen is one feature that makes the Meuse-Argonne and Verdun battlefields special relative to more manicured battlefields such as the Somme, Ypres and Normandy.  However, in order to take advantage of that fact visitors: 1) need to know where those locations are and 2) need to be in good physical health to explore them.  Point 1, above, can be solved through research and contacts.  Point 2, above, can only be solved through exercise and preparation. 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 →

People of the Meuse-Argonne: Lillian Pfluke

July 15, 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 multi-year research or preservation projects.  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? Lillian Pfluke, US, Founder of American War Memorials Overseas.  Also adjunct math professor for the University of Maryland.   2)  Which Continue reading →