This film is comprised of U.S. Army official news reels from the years of 1916 to 1918 showing activities of USA forces in France during the First World War. It also shows some footage shot after the war, perhaps as late as 1920. The film was originally released by Gaumont News, but this sound version (with narration) likely dates to the 1930s (:08). A Gaumont Newsreel headline opens the film notifying viewers it begins on the Picardy Front as U.S. Army artillery shells hit German lines. The Battle of Amiens (also known as the Hundred Day Offensive) was the first phase of the Allied offensive against the Germans in 1918 and would ultimately lead to the end of the first world war. US troops march into France (:28). German prisoners head to internment camps (1:15) after combat ends. Allied forces move towards Potsdam and the location of the largest gun base known as Big Bertha (2:07). Troops move a wounded soldier on a litter near Chateau-Thierry (2:31) following the battle of Chateau-Thierry on July 18th 1918. A former enemy spy plane is seen decimated after being shot down (2:53). A religious shrine was used as a German sniper post (3:10). Remnants of a church in Lucy after the battle ended include the crucifix (3:18) and an organ (3:29). The youngest son of Theodore Roosevelt, Quentin Roosevelt was shot down in combat over Chamery (3:44). Near Quentin’s grave, a German rifle is located (4:04). Ambulances move Allied casualties to safety (4:20). Troops walk captured German flame throwers down streets (4:34). Signal Corps men lay telephone wire in order to connect various batteries (5:04). An enemy military balloon is captured (5:38) and used for Allied use. War heroes including Aviator Captain David Peterson, Lieutenant Eddie Rickenbacker, and Lieutenant Meisner are decorated by General Gerard (5:57), Commander of the French Army. This war brought aviators into the limelight. Major General Edwards and the staff of the 26th division are pictured at the decoration (6:11). The 94th Aero Squadron (6:25) follows. Constructed as a protective measure against bombardment, the 305 Military Police set up fortifications (6:32). During the war effort, anything that could be salvaged and put to use was as spans of captured ammunition are seen in heaps (6:54). A demolished German tank sits behind enemy lines (7:10). Doctors sit with wounded soldiers in order to write letters home for these men whom had fought at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry (7:22). Graduates from the Naval Academy’s class of 1918 are viewed in Annapolis, Maryland (7:46). Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy (8:28) delivers diplomas to graduates. For reprieve, soldiers conduct the snake dance (8:39). Admirals of the War fleet are called to meet by Secretary Daniels (9:11). The Bosch tank is looked at (9:33) as it mows a stone wall over. At a first aide station, those affected from mustard gas receive treatment (10:47) with a new type of respirator (11:14). A primitive washing machine cleans clothes (11:42). Other soldiers take to hand washing clothes around a watering hole (12:00). During down time, some men doctor clothing (12:19) as others play music (12:35). The 167th Infantry’s observation post is visited (12:44). Other soldiers are seen in trenches awaiting attack (12:55). Major General Cronkite and Brigadier General Babbitt meet in an old fortress over campaign plans (13:38). A machine gun nest is depicted (13:49). The Salvation Army delivers donuts and coffee to men on the war front (14:28). Troops are forced out from trenches (14:42) as others set out on a reconnaissance mission for information on the enemy’s position (15:04). The film begins to wrap up as American soldiers fire to maintain their positions (15:42) while more soldiers advance under the protection of gun fire (16:00).

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com