IrishGunner

Then I am happy I didn't set the bar too high.

It's only January. You have time.

Five feet tall. Locomotive driver. Wonder why he didn't become a Panzer driver. I'm thinking he dodged some serious HEAT.

Great story! Only 3-weeks in the "cooler"? In the movies it would have been to the "Eastern Front" with Herr Lang! And probably it was for many others.

I saw several of these for sale on French eBay. My guess is that these are all from the later period. Hopefully, one of our French experts will chime in soon...

Hardy, I agree - either deliberate or a Rohrkrepierer. If it was a Volltreffer, I would think the gun would have been knocked from it's firing position. It looks as if it hasn't moved; only the gun tube is destroyed and some collateral damage to the wheels.

Hardy, that is an outstanding photo of the gun! It's an interesting weapon because the gun tube is a shortened version of the same cannon on the Krupp 7.7 cm Feldkanone 96 neuer Art - the standard gun of the Field Artillery. This shortened tube was then mounted on a mountain gun carriage (the reason it can come apart into pieces). The first Infanteriegeschütz was made from captured Russian Putilov 7.62mm field guns. Of course, Krupp's piece was considered superior as suggested by the writer's review you translated.

If you haven't noticed, aussiesoldier has posted several British cavalry photos to the gallery, "C19th & C20th Cavalry uniforms, weapons, photographs" We always have a lot of infantry and artillery discussions, it's good to see the cavalry get some attention. He's included some very informative captions. Have a look.

If you haven't noticed, aussiesoldier has posted several Imperial German cavalry photos to the gallery, "C19th & C20th Cavalry uniforms, weapons, photographs" We always have a lot of infantry and artillery discussions, it's good to see the cavalry get some attention. He's included some very informative captions. Have a look.

Dan, an interesting unit. Unfortunately, I cannot help you with authenticity of the badge. However, you might want to try and post a better image. The one you have posted appears quite blurry when enlarged. Also, a scan/image of the reverse might be helpful. Are there any makers marks on the reverse? The 53e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins appears to have a lengthy First World War history, but only a very short history in the Second World War, 1939-40. The battalion also came back as a reserve unit from 1979-94; is it possible the badge is from this later period?

Another curious question: Where did your "older gentleman" friend get the bust? Is it a family heirloom? Estate sale? Antique store?

Would be great to find this book: "A War History of the Sixth U.S. Infantry, 1798 to 1903" by Elkanah Babcock, published in 1903. Might find it a library somewhere. (But it's also for sale on eBay right now...)

George, I am not a US uniform expert. (I wonder what happened to Captain Albert, a GMIC member who is expert in this era of US military.) But a quick Google search (less than 10 minutes) shows that the tunic is similar to the M1895 Officer's Blue Undress Blouse. In 1902, the service dress changed to an olive drab, with blue being reserved for formal or mess wear. In 1917, the wearing of blue for any uniform was suspended (it was brought back in 1928). So, your my best guess is that your bust depicts an officer after 1895 and likely prior to 1902. So, your guess of Spanish American War period is a good one. Officer on left wears a the M1895 Undress Blouse that looks very much like your bust. So, let's consider what Google can tell us about the history of the 6th US Infantry during that time... Spanish-American War: The 6th US Infantry was at San Juan Hill and was involved in heavy fighting. I recommend you see if you can find details - some names might give you some clues and then you can try and find a picture that looks like your bust. The 6th Infantry then went to the Philippines and fought several hard engagements from 1899-1902. Another place to look for officers and possible pictures to see if someone looks like your bust. I'd start with trying to find a picture of Captain Bernard A. Byrne, an officer of the regiment who won the Medal of Honor for action in the Philippines in 1899. (Another rapid search result suggests he may have been the first 6th Infantry soldier to win the MOH - adding to my suspicion that this is a bust of Byrne.) I did another quick Google search for an image of Byrne, but came up naught. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery though.

It's not Cavalry. Those are crossed rifles. Looks like 6th Infantry Regiment. A famous US regiment. George, have you or your friend done any basic research? If you have any clues to help us help you, that would be useful. As Rogi suggests it is likely a notable member of the regiment. A basic look at the history of the 6th Infantry from Spanish-American War to WWI might reveal some clues. Let us know what you find and perhaps we can dig deeper with those clues.

An excellent and impressive analogy. I think this may be your best work yet, Brian. Seriously, this could be published. Nonetheless, I have a few questions: 1) Did you get ketchup on your shirt? 2) Did the half inch of ketchup on your plate make your eggs inedible? 3) Does the OC charge additional for ketchup? If the answer to these questions is "No" - then I say: No harm, no foul. Discussing politics can be equally "energetic" as dispensing condiments, but in the end, could result in no real harm, yet adding considerable flavor to the effort. Of course, I find ketchup too pedestrian for my taste and prefer something with a little more bite - like hot sauce (cue Chris B). So, if politics are ketchup, then I'll pass. Too bland. From my view, I think discussing politics is more like opening a bottle of hot sauce. A little adds spice and flavor to an otherwise bland dish (e.g. eggs). Too much and it can overwhelm the subtle flavor of the dish. To the extreme, it can burn the palate and leave the whole experience best forgotten. By the way, are you going to eat that sausage? I'm famished.

So, the rebound was war-period? Or later?

Is that blau/weiss string a usual item for a Bavarian Pass?

Always enjoy the unusual Pass with entries like battles on the Greek border. Gebirgs makes it even better. Thanks for sharing.

Great to have the diary description of the man in the photo. Priceless history

Since the British Home Service Helmet is said to be adopted from the Prussian Pickelhaube, perhaps an answer can be found in the development of the Kugelhelm. The Pickelhaube with spike was adopted for all troops in 1842, with the artillery going to the ball...or Kugelhelm...in 1844...allegedly for symbolic reasons rather than any supposed safety factor. While I have no reference other than kaisersbunker for this info, it makes sense when one considers the Bavarian adaptation. Bavaria adopted the Pickelhaube for all mounted troops...with spike...in 1886...and didn't change the spike until 1915/1916. So, either the Bavarians didn't care about the safety of their horses/mounted troops; or they simply didn't see the symbolism. Also, don't forget, Kürassier and Jäger zu Pferde also had spikes... So, they also weren't concerned about the supposed safety element...at least for horses. I suspect, the change for the British Home Service Helmet was similar. Purely symbolic with no supposed safety reasons.

"Sunday Morning Almanac - Th..." The YouTube account associated with this video has been terminated due to multiple third-party notifications of copyright infringement. Hmmm... One might consider a conspiracy theory... Dr. No? Blofeld? Goldfinger? Drax?

J.B., I've often wondered this myself. I've seen the "story" phrased alternatively as "first shots" as well as "first artillery shots". I've not seen a reference to the first infantry rifle shots, but then again I haven't looked. But I don't think it should be that difficult to research.

Nice photo. Fancy haircut!

Bernhard, I bet your Legionnaire buddies would have enjoyed that photo! ;)

Identifiable? Only 366 awarded from the sources I've seen. Interesting reverse...