Photo of the Week: In World War One, an average American infantryman’s pack (like the one seen below) weighed between 50 and 70 pounds. It allowed the soldier to carry his shelter, clothing, and extra rations on his back. To adequately supply the troops with such items represented an enormous undertaking, even for the most mundane of objects. For instance, the socks in an AEF soldier’s pack seen below had a tougher journey to the front than one might expect. These socks were made of wool, an important material, which the United States also needed to make blankets and clothing. By the time the war ended, the United States had taken possession of all wool within its territory to meet demand. Between April of 1917 and May of 1918, the United States had purchased 131.8 million pairs of wool socks to equip the troops. The end result supplied each soldier with four socks identical to the ones in the center of this picture. On average, equipping each soldier cost $156.71, or ten percent of the average 1917 American family’s income. Other items this money bought can be seen by searching the photo of the pack below. Can you spot the shaving kit? The toothbrush? On the bottom left-corner you can see supplies for half a shelter; the soldier would partner up with another to create a full tent. In the top left-corner, you can spot a metal helmet, which protected against most shrapnel but rarely defended from injury under a direct hit. In the center, notice the reserve rations along with an open mess can. On the right are two undershirts, a wool service coat, and a blanket. What else can you spot? Comment on the picture with your answers. Original Source for Photos: National Archives and Record Administration. Photos taken on 2/26/19 in Le Mans, France by Sgt. F.T. Jones from South Carolina.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 13:58:38 +0000
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