WW1 AEF 31st Engineers snapshots, colored soldier

[Vincennes]

I bought a collection of about 140 WW1 snapshots at the flea market today. They were taken by someone in the 31st. Engineering Regiment in late 1918 and early 1919 while they were overseas in the AEF.

 

It is a great collection as over 80% of the photos are identified either front or back. The scenes include tourist, camp views, YMCA canteen, lots of railroad, 5 shots of Pershing, POW's, individual soldiers, band, football team, prize fight, etc. They range in size from 4.5x6.75' (like this photo) to 2.5x1.75".

 

I attach one photo here. On the back it says: "From left to right: Prisoners of War Escort, German Non-Coms. (2), Prisoners working on coal pile, U.S. Soldiers (Engineers & Firemen), 1 Southern Brunette Patrol."

 

Under the tree on the right is a colored soldier which I assume is the "Southern Brunette Patrol". I'll post an enlargement of that part of the photo below.

 

Paul

[Vincennes]

Here is an enlargement of the colored soldier. He even has a rifle on his shoulder. Is he French or US?

 

Paul

[P-40Warhawk]

Great photo, looks like they have M1917s.

[Salvage Sailor]

Very interesting headgear he's wearing. Also, the two engineers are wearing leather jerkins.

[RustyCanteen]

Very interesting headgear he's wearing.

 

That is the cold weather cap: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/32680-wwii-cold-weather-head-gear/#entry246380

[Salvage Sailor]

Thanks for the forum link! I knew it wasn't a forage or fatigue cap but I also knew I'd seen it before on USMF.

 

Very nice to see a period photograph of it in use.

[solcarlus]

Bonjour.

 

Very interesting. More photos.

 

solcarlus.

[Vincennes]

OK, Here are a couple more photos from the collection. The one of their mascot is self-explanatory. On the back of the other photo is written: "Yards, American Baldwins and shop.".

 

Paul

[solcarlus]

Merci ;-)

[Windsor5200]

Fascinating photos, many thanks for posting them. My grandfather served in A company 31st Engineering in France from 1918-19. Name was Calvin Leahy...

[Vincennes]

Windsor5200

 

I donated this collection  of photos and information to the National WW1 Museum in Kansas City, MO recently.

 

Paul

[Windsor5200]

Paul, thanks for your response and kudos to you for donating for posterity...

[postmanusnac]

That’s awesome that you donated them.

I picked up a small album many months ago that said Army and looked Army. Turned out it was a CCC camp in Wisc. I ended up donating to one of he museums in Wisc.

Btw... fantastic pictures.