Modern, WWI

The M40 Series Field Protective Mask

The M40 Series Field Protective Mask has been the protective mask of choice for the US military since 1992. It can protect the user from fifteen nerve, choking and blister agents as well as two different blood agents. It works by using an external C2  canister which can be attached on either side of the mask unlike the older M17 model which used internal filters. It also contains voicemitters to help with communication and a drinking system in case you needed to leave the mask on for a long period of time.
Ready for a little trivia?

The first gas mask has been traced back to 9th Century Iraq and was used to protect workers in polluted wells.

During the Middle Ages a variation of a gas mask was used to protect doctors from the plague. The masks had long bird like beaks that stored different herbs and other preventatives. (Also sort of helped with the smell of all the dead people.)

Masks with primitive respirators were used in Prussia in the late 18th Century for mine workers.

On April 22, 1915 though the true a terrible of the gas mask was finally found. On that day in the  village of Ypres on the Western Front of the quickly spiraling WWI the German Army used poison gas for the first time against Canadian and French colonial troops. At the time only cotton mouth pads were available for protection. With no sign that gas was going to leave the battlefield the war became a race to develop the best protection.

The M40 above is a direct ancestor of the masks developed all those years ago. The M40 is now being replaced by a new model, the M50. Protection must always evolve against the potential threats.

Civil War

The Polls Are Closed – Revisited

The Polls Are Closed

How fortunate that this post falls on the day that we as US citizens elect the next President. I had been trying to figure out what to post on this incredible tumultuous election day when I realized that this post already had captured what I wanted to say. No matter how the election turns out, no matter if your person wins or losses when you wake up on Wednesday morning you will still be an American and that puts you in a better place than most people in the world. What we do in the future as a people is up to us and always remember, those that we elect work for us and are accountable to us. That said enjoy this blast from the past:

The American Republic has always been a tenuous thing. In the Fall of 1864 is was undergoing one of its most dire tests as the Civil War raged on.  The war had been going on for over three years and the outcome was far from decided.

President Lincoln had led the United States through the early defeats at the hands of the Confederacy and was only now begging to see the end of the conflict in sight. There was one more obstacle ahead of him that even he was not sure what the outcome would be. 1864 brought the next Presidential Election, and the election was going to happen in spite of the war.

Opposing President Lincoln would be General George B. McClellan, a man who Lincoln had put in charge of the army twice. McClellan ran as a Democrat on the platform that they would negotiate a peace and end the war. While his actual skills in battle are up for debate, one thing that was not was the fact that his men loved him. It was felt that the support he had with the Army would give him enough votes to defeat Lincoln and end the war.

Besides the fact that the election was being held during a time of war, this election would be the first time that soldiers in the field would be able to vote. The poll book in the picture is the method that this was carried out.  Even in the throes of a civil war, the people would be heard from.

Against expectations almost 70% of the army voted for Lincoln and in effect a continuation of the war. Lincoln won the election handily by over 400,000 popular votes, winning all but three states that participated.

Without that victory the outcome of the war may have been completely different, and with it the fate of our country.

For more details on the 1864 election visit this site US History.Org

 

Movie Reviews, WWII

Movie Review: Fury

Fury [Blu-ray]
Directed: David Ayer
Starring: Brad Pitt
The story of World War Two is one that has seen more than a few movies and books produced about it. One by-product of that is that is it not often that a new take is seen on the big screen for sure. Fury is a movie that is new, but also oh so familiar in dealing with the subject matter.
The film takes place in the last month or so of WWII. Germany is on the ropes and the hard fighting tankers have seen their share of combat through France and Belgium and now into Germany. These men are war-weary veterans that have seen so much death and destruction that they are almost immune to it, almost. In the dirt and grime of their routine a new crew member is introduced who is seeing it all for the first time.  Is he the hero or are the men that make up the tank crew the hero? Honestly, are there any heroes left that close to the end of a war.
I don’t want to say that this is an anti-war movie but it sure is not pro-war. It is just a war movie. Dirty, bloody, horrible, terrible and at the same time glorious and honorable and full of bravery and sacrifice. Yes, the Germans are nameless faceless constructs out of a video game but in flashes you see that they too just want to go home. And to be totally honest the tank battles are top-notch, the best and are the highlight of the movie. The strange interlude in the middle probably wasn’t needed, but it fleshed out the two leads in away that may have been missed otherwise.
I can not recommend this enough, especially if you are a WWII fan. Actually here is my suggestion. Watch Saving Private Ryan, watch the Battle of the Bulge episodes of Band of Brothers, then finish off the war with Fury. That is the Machete Order for WWII.
Book Reviews, Civil War

Book Review: William Tecumseh Sherman: In the Service of My Country: A Life

General William Tecumseh Sherman was a man who falls into the category of having been at the right place at the right time. He missed out on the action of Th Mexican War and lamented a careering a military that never seemed to be quite enough, but was also the only life he felt he was capable of living. This biography ranks very high up in the list of the ones about this man. It may not change how you think of him, but seeing his story on its own and not part of a larger narrative does give you a bit of an understanding.
That is the highest praise that can be given about this book, It gives you more details than you ever had before and you get to see Sherman as a man who made tough decisions, right and wrong, and lived with their consequences. Having always believed himself that his campaign from Savannah and into North Carolina was hundred time more harrowing than his march through Georgia you get to feel his frustration and the later was the one most celebrated. You also get to grieve with the man who lost a number of children, whom he did love greatly and walk with him as the Civil War tore the Union apart. The life of Sherman is made all the more fascinating in contrast to the death that always seemed to be hovering near him.

James Lee McDonough tells this story and tells it well. With a subject like Sherman you can expect it to never be boring and McDonough does a good job of capturing the General’s spirit. In one passage near the end the author tells of Sherman, having outlived many of his famous military contemporaries, spent more and more time at funerals for the men that he fought alongside and even sometimes against. While the first part of book tells a tale a man of his time, the last part is about a man who time has passed on.

There is a reason that “Uncle Billy”, as his men called him, remains the quintessential American warrior. Few ever fought as hard or as steadfast and few will ever refuse to fade like the old warhorse. This book goes a long way to explaining why.
Civil War

The Confederate Navy

The Confederate States of America started life in a pretty good position. Having just broken away from the United States it pretty much had a template for a central government, a government infrastructure to start with and even a decent economy. Building an army to defend all of it was not even much of a challenge as tens of thousands of men flocked to the colors. There was however one area that they were going to lag far behind, they needed a navy.

In February 1861 the Confederate Navy had 30 ships of which only 13 were actually considered seaworthy. This was compared to the US that had over 90 ships in their fleet. They would never really catch up so they relied on technology and tactics to make up the lost ground.

The Confederate Navy would pioneer the use of ironclads and submarines and even a rough version of the torpedo (mines).  As the United States Navy attempted to control the rivers and coast of the Confederacy and implement a blockade against them the rebels fought the best they could, but soon focused their naval efforts on two fronts.

Running the blockade with war supplies, luxury items and other sundries was their lifeline and the navy was tasked helping to make that possible. Then of course were the privateers who became the living embodiment of the struggle on the seas as they made the US economy bleed.

Eventually the Confederate Navy would number over a hundred ships with names such as Virginia, Alabama and the infamous CSS Shenandoah who fought on after the war only surrendering her colors in November 1865, five full months after the war had ended.

 

Civil War

History in a Hat

 

In the distance of this photo sitting on the red background in an alarmed case, under lock and key and in constant sight of a museum worker is a very distinct and special historical artifact.  One of several stove-pipe hats that belonged, and was actually worn by, President Abraham Lincoln.

The tall black hat, usually felt sometimes silk, seemed somehow to make the tall man even taller. He was easily picked out of a crowd while wearing that hat and at least once the hat possibly saved his life.

See, in August 1864 with the Civil War in full swing President Lincoln was not a very popular man in some circles. In a time  before the Secret Service and twenty-four hour protection Lincoln too his life in his hands every time he stepped way from the White House. On this night he was riding his horse to the Soldiers Home, a small stone cottage a few miles north of Washington DC. Lincoln would spend time there sometimes when the pressure of the war would get to him during the summers.  Suddenly a shot rang out from the side of the road and the President’s hat flew off.

Private John W. Nichols of the Pennsylvania 150th Volunteers was standing guard duty at the Soldiers Home that night and witnessed the bareheaded President come riding down the road and through the gates. Later soldiers found the missing hat with a bullet hole just above the crown. It would seem that in the low light the would be assassin could not see where Lincoln’s head ended and his hat began.

The hat above is not that one but the story is still kind of neat. It should be mentioned that you are not allowed to take pictures inside the exhibit where the hat is currently being shown.  This pic was taken from a hallway and timed perfectly so that the wandering Docent didn’t see it. The things I do for you people…

 

 

Civil War

Red Pants and a Funny Name

In April 1861 The Confederate States of America fired on the Federal position at Ft. Sumter in Charleston Harbor. The war that had been simmering for years finally boiled over. The United States was split and the Civil War was underway. President Lincoln sent the call out for 75,000 volunteers to assist in putting down the rebellion. After putting out the order he reached out to one of his acquaintances, Elmer Ellsworth who deliver to him the 11th New York Zouaves whose baggy red pants you see in the (grainy) picture above.

in 1830 the French Army created the first of the Zouave light infantrymen regiments in Algeria. The first regiments were mixed Berber, Arab, Black and European volunteers who were known for fierce fighting and their unique uniforms. High boots, baggy pants and long sleeves, a very distinct look that became adopted by regiments in many countries.

Elmer Ellsworth in the United States had been touring a drill company across the country prior to the start of the Civil War. Demonstrating military drill and maneuvers in the bright and gaudy Zouave uniforms they put on quite a show. When President Lincoln reached out to him Ellsworth was in New York already putting together his regiment. He recruited from the volunteer fire departments from the city and put together a full strength regiment of 1,100 men, When the allotted money  for the regiment ran out they raised almost $60,000 to complete their fitting out including brand new red baggy pants and high-tech Sharpe’s rifles.

The 11th New York took place in the First Battle of Bull Run being in the worst of the fighting but maintaining enough cohesion to act as the rear guard of the retreating army.  The survivors would be sent back to New York to be refitted and to get replacements and would be sent to Virginia during the Peninsula Campaign. Ellsworth was killed in action very early in the war but the regiment would go on until June of 1862 when the regiment was mustered out of the service.

During the course of the war there were a number of Zouave regiments formed, both North and South. The unique uniforms will always be a reminder of the early days of the war and the enthusiasm that each side felt. Until the bullets started flying that is.

 

Frontier, Movie Reviews

Movie Review: The Last of the Mohicans: Director’s Definitive Cut

The Last of the Mohicans Director's Definitive Cut

 

Welcome to the first in the recurring feature of movie reviews. Since this is the first one of these features I’ll tell you a little bit about how I will be doing these. First I will say outright, I am not a professional movie reviewer. I will tell you what I like and don;t like, whether I think it is worth viewing and what not. When I can I will speak to the authenticity and how well the military aspects have been captured in the film. Also I will not limit myself to American Military History for this feature, so every era and conflict is fair game.

With all said let’s start with the first feature. The Last of the Mohicans: Director’s Definitive Cut is set in the American Colonies during the French & Indian War in the middle of the 18th century. Daniel day Lewis stars as Hawkeye a white man who was adopted into the Mohican tribe who falls in love with Madeline Stowe’s character Cora Munro the daughter of a British Colonel. Yep, a love story set against the frontier war fought between the French and British with both sides using the natives as pawns in the over all game of colonial conquest.

So the verdict? Considering that there are really a few movies that deal with this particular conflict in the Americas it sort of stands in the rare air. While the war itself plays out mostly in the background it does a fair job of showing the tactics and strategy involved when fighting on the frontier. The hit and run tactics of the natives, the ambushes, the sieges, all shown in fairly accurate detail.

Director Michael Mann tells a very good story and of course Daniel Day-Lewis takes Hawkeye to a different level. If you want a flavor of what warfare on the colonial frontier looks like, watch this movie. It runs 112 minutes but it flows well. Take the chance if the subject interests you.

American Revolution, Book Reviews

Book Review: Benedict Arnold’s Navy: The Ragtag Fleet That Lost the Battle of Lake Champlain but Won the American Revolution

Benedict Arnold’s Navy: The Ragtag Fleet That Lost the Battle of Lake Champlain but Won the American Revolution is a book that takes one of America’s greatest traitors and presents as the hero that he was until things turned sour.

In October 1776 the Americans forces had all but fled from Canada while British reinforcements threaten to sweep them from Lake Champlain and right down the Hudson River to Albany. Effectively splitting the colonies in two. The only thing standing in their way was Commodore Benedict Arnold and a rag tag fleet of American ships. As the two fleets sailed the great lake in a game of cat and mouse, Arnold showed a courage and uncanny leadership ability that would make him a star in the Continental Army and the ego and hubris that would come back to haunt him in the years to come.

Author James L. Nelson tells the story of Arnold’s Navy in a deft and efficient manner around the Battle of Valcour Island, in which a small American fleet, led by the Arnold, went toe to toe with the British navy, only to be overwhelmed and destroyed.

Using skills that shone in a dozen novels the Nelson presents a new Benedict Arnold. Not the egotistical traitor but a fearless and talented officer, One of General Washington’s favorites and a who capably led his men to hell and back.

If you really want to see a different side of the Arnold this book shows you a fair and honest look at one of the most pivotal moments in the American Revolution that put him center stage. this book may not change how you view Arnold, but it show you that if nothing else he was  a man of tremendous courage. It is recommended for those that like to dive a little deeper into what they have been told about the man. As always you can click the cover of the book to purchase yourself a copy!

Civil War

A Victory for Conservation at Gettysburg

The house in the photo (next to the cannon) is the  Mary Thompson House in Gettysburg, PA. In 2015 the house and grounds were purchased by the Civil War Trust and the effort was undertaken to return the house and the grounds to what they were in July 1864 when the town of Gettysburg became the site of the largest battle ever fought in North America.

Before the restoration work could be done in earnest several things needed to be done. First a Quality Inn that stood on the grounds needed to be torn down, honestly no real loss there.  Behind the house, not pictures (sorry I was on a bus that was moving) is a restaurant and brew pub which will be removed. This provides quite a challenge as it butts right up against the house in the rear.

Once that is done they will start (have started) remaking the landscape surrounding the house to way that it originally stood. Luckily there are a number of photos from about the right time as well as artist renderings. It should be noted that with the purchase the house has received a permanent easement for the first time and will be secure for many generations to come.

It is very important to note that when the Trust purchased the property on January 7, 2015 it did so with nearly 4.5 million dollars that were raised by private contributions. This was truly a piece of history saved by the people and for the people.

Oh, I nearly forgot. What makes this house so important? Well on the evening of July 1st, 1864 in the aftermath of the first days battle General Robert E. Lee arrived at the house and made it his headquarters for the rest of the battle.  We should all agree that for the sake being able to show future generations the story of those three days in July that was money well spent and victory for the cause of conservation.

Want to know more about the Civil War Trust? Maybe donate? Click here. We at Historia Militaris are members and always contribute whenever we can to this worth cause.

People, Places and Things from US Military History

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