OT - French color photography from WWI

[RSY]

Very interesting and good quality photos @ http://www.mediatheque-patrimoine.cultu ... romes.html

An example - French and Swiss border details at the gate:

[Old Savage]

Fancy gate.

[CEMENTHEAD]

Fancy gate.

You wouldn't want a "real" gate to get in the way of those retreating French would you?

Just kidding around....neat photo otherwise.

Thanks, Tom

[olyinaz]

Some amazing photos for sure.





Thanks for posting!

Oly

[gak]

It is amazing how you get to thinking over time these wars were fought in black & white! Good photos and link - thanks!

[RSY]

You wouldn't want a "real" gate to get in the way of those retreating French would you?

Not in WWI. The French did most of the Allied heavy lifting in that war. They suffered massive casualties, had superior tactics, etc., etc. They were "the Man," so to speak.

[bdhold]

It is amazing how you get to thinking over time these wars were fought in black & white! Good photos and link - thanks!

very good point, and with bumpy shutter speeds, too.

Beautiful photos, but you notice they stuck to the cities.
But I'm not sure I'd want to see the trenches in color, anyway...

[Ben_Rumson]

Neat link!.. Loved the Rail Gun!

[olyinaz]

Not in WWI. The French did most of the Allied heavy lifting in that war. They suffered massive casualties, had superior tactics, etc., etc. They were "the Man," so to speak.

Indeed. And most Americans are oblivious to the situation in France after the long Great Depression leading up to WWII. The country was on the verge of all out civil war and many French fascists welcomed the Nazis (initially at least - heck, they held to many of the same beliefs). Between fascism and communism, movements that had become powerful and almost universally troublesome across Europe, France was a mess but all of that has nothing to do with the historical fact that France, the French, and before them the Franks have fought with valor and tenacity for thousands of years. Heck, they LOVE to fight. And if I recall correctly, following WWII the French had to deal with continued problems from these far-left/far-right groups for over a decade and lost their grip on Vietnam in the process (impending civil war and failed coups no doubt seeming the more pressing issue). The following map shows the French Empire and satellite states in the early 19th Centrury. Although short lived, as was Hitler's 3rd Reich over a hundred years later, it speaks to the fact that the French were not and are not today pushovers.



When it comes to large military arms contracts around the world France is a constant competitor and I know many Ratheon folks here in Tucson who tell me that the French play to win. France refuses to kiss America's (or anyone's) butt and of course that drives Americans nuts and fuels the fire when it comes to making fun of the French. Hey, I'm game! I just wish more folks had a better grip on French history (and I don't consider myself any kind of expert on the subject) given how important they've been to Christendom and our European heritage in general.

Cheers,
Oly

[Rusty]

Several years ago I checked out from the local library, a book on tape called "Over there" about The U.S. involvement in WWI. After reading the book I lost what little respect I had for the French. I found out that The French transported American troops with French trucks and then billed us for the service. They also sold us artillery shells to use to support our troops.

[olyinaz]

Several years ago I checked out from the local library, a book on tape called "Over there" about The U.S. involvement in WWI. After reading the book I lost what little respect I had for the French. I found out that The French transported American troops with French trucks and then billed us for the service. They also sold us artillery shells to use to support our troops.

They had been at war for years and were going broke with their country in ruins while we sat it out. Frankly, I think we should have STAYED out of it but at the end of the day you should view what you describe above as nothing more than financial aid in my opinion. I would imagine that they billed us for airplanes to equip our flying squadrons as well, but I don't know if that's so.

Oly

[olyinaz]

Neat link!.. Loved the Rail Gun!

Yes! Although "rail gun" takes on a different meaning today.

Speaking of which. Here is a video of the Navy's rail gun accelerating a 7 pound projectile to 8,200fps:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1q_rRicAwI&NR=1

Oly

[bdhold]

They had been at war for years and were going broke with their country in ruins while we sat it out. Frankly, I think we should have STAYED out of it but at the end of the day you should view what you describe above as nothing more than financial aid in my opinion. I would imagine that they billed us for airplanes to equip our flying squadrons as well, but I don't know if that's so.

Oly

that was all part of the politics because Gen Pershing refused to make American troops subordinate to French command and also refused to provide American troops as French reinforcements - American troops were only commanded by American officers.