WW1 77th Division I'D Helmet

[CWG]

Alfred Wilkinson was born September 1st, 1888 in Preston Lanacashire England to Joseph and Elizabeth Wilkinson. In 1907 at the age of 19 Alfred filed papers for naturalization into the USA. On his 29th birthday Alfred would marry Mary Bures. But like most men saw war on the horizon and felt it was his duty to serve his new beloved country. A month later on October 11th, 1917 Alfred enlisted in New York City and would soon be sent off to Camp Upton in Yaphank, New York. He would learn how to show a hun that he was a “Son of a gun” with men of Battery E, 304th FA, 77th Division. Alfred would arrive in France on April 24th, 1918 and would be apart of Lorraine; Oisne-Aisne; Meuse Argonne. While overseas Alfred would achieve the rank of Pvt 1C, Corporal, and Sergeant all within a couple of months or so of each-other. On April 21st, 1919 after a year “Over There” Alfred would begin his voyage back to the USA on the Leviathan along with 12,050 fellow soldiers. He would be discharged at Camp Mills on May 10th, 1919. He would live happily married with his wife Mary until his death in 1953. Alfred Wilkinson is the textbook example of a newfound love for a country and your pride with that country. Alfred no longer bowed down to the king in England he was a American and proved it through his 8 years of being a good samaritan. The helmet itself is a American made doughboy helmet, with interesting machine pressed rivets that are flat instead of round like typically seen on American lids. The helmet also presents a small inch and a quarter long dent. The shell still retains its trench dirt in the rim and liner. Overall a nice complete painted M1917. These are becoming harder and harder to find. This helmet came straight out the woodwork last month straight from Queens, New York which is where Alfred and his family lived. Interestingly his sons WW2 helmet, and uniform were also being sold. The final picture displayed truly speaks for the men that fought in the Great War. A whole generation of young men who hadn’t quite understood or comprehended the modern warfare that was going to effect them for the rest of their lives. In-fact 16 men of Battery E, 304th FA never made it back home to their loved ones. Their bodies are buried "Over There" in France along with the other 130,000 who's final resting place was the very land they were defending.

 

If anyone knows how to identify Mr. Wilkinson in the group photo please let me know.

 

Big thanks to Matt Nation for the help with researching.

 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to comment or PM me. Thank you all!

 

[CWG]

The 77th Division had a lot of soldiers that were recent immigrants to the country. This is because of the melting pot that was taking place in New York City, because of this the 77th was unlike any other division in the AEF. Truly an incredible time in world history.

[M24 Chaffee]

Really nice helmet and history!

 

Frank

[katieony]

Very nice helmet and even better to have an ID on who wore it!

 

Mike

[patches]

Great Helmet and a Great Post.