Post by Young90th on Oct 3, 2008 22:38:34 GMT -5
Jim and other readers, as you have noticed I have been doing a detailed impressions a month and this is mine for October. The impression photos will be up soon but enjoy me research.
Lil Beav
Gravelotte Impression
Photo research:
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/49_small/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image017/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/014a/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image081/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image125/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image065/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/background18-2-2017-09-25-202/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image016/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/background28-2017-09-25-202/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/64/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image100/web.jpg
Notes:
Shoe wear: roughouts with leggings, combat boots, and overshoes
Helmets: Almost all helmets are left pair but there is a spattering of ¼ nets.
Uniform: I think I can write without a doubt that all the troops pictured wear a full wool uniform, and somewhere scarfs, sweaters, jeep caps, and other knitted caps.
Over layer: M43, M41, and some Tankers. (Due to wet weather Ponchos and rain coats must have been in use but all pictures I have of them in use are dated November Same goes for Overcoats)
Equipment: Of course the 1923 cartridge belt is mostly used, along with 1910 canteen covers, 1942 first Aid pouches, 1943 E-tools, 10” bayonets, and surprisingly early war .45 pouches and almost no later pattern. The 1928 haversack is in use along with three snap gasmask bags, but most men are pictured without packs at all. Shades of web gear vary from Khaki to OD7.
Appearance: Most soldiers are dirty and have beard growth but still a little clean. The 90th ID though never taken off the line as a whole did take regts off the line for times. The 358th had two weeks in reserve in which time they were given clean cloths and took showers in September.
Written Research:
BootPrints Chapter 11
“ We had Vacated Chamois, well west of Paris, on August 22. In three week we traveled five hundreds of miles… On the morning of September 10, when the entire Battalion shoved its way into Fontoy, west of Thionville… The next day, we assaulted the hills surrounding the city Algrange. …We spent two weeks in Division reserve at Sainte Marrie Aux Chenes… From Sainte Marie, we marched to Vionville… Our battalion drew the village of Gravelotte, just west of the Fortress city [Metz]… A single rifle Company, with attached heavy machine-guns and mortar crews, manned the town at a time. Every few days, one combined unit rotated out, while another rolled in [waiting in reserve in Vionville]… The rain fell in thick heavy sheets. Step by step, we grudgingly slopped forward… A string of enemy forts protected Metz from the west. Well within range, their big guns shelled us often. Fort Jeanne d’ Arc was not only the closest, but also, one of the fiercest [ most of the town was in ruble]… we traded time between water-filled trenches and shelled-out buildings… Almost nightly, we received special assignments. Small groups were routinely ordered to tackle specific targets. More like guerilla warfare, we nibbled at the fortifications.”
Battle History of the 358th 3rd Bn. Chapter 4 last 5 paragraphs.
“On the 27th the Battalion moved out of STE MARIE on foot to the town of VIONVILLE. From here, Company L moved up under cover of dark and relieved Company F, 359 Infantry in GRAVELOTTE. They stayed there until the 30th when relieved by Company I. All during our stay here, the enemy from concrete fortifications around METZ shelled GRAVELOTTE heavily, inflicting some casualties.
The Battalion less one company remained in VIONVILLE until the 11th of October. One Company was on line at GRAVELOTTE and was rotated every four days. While at VIONVILLE intensive training in reduction of a fortified area was held. Movies, clubmobiles, and PX rations made our stay here pleasant. A full scale demonstration of an attack on a fortified area was held October 7th for Brigadier General Weaver. The demonstration included tanks, 40 mm guns and flame throwers.
Following an alert at 1400, the Battalion moved out by motor at 1630 to ST HUBERT. Here the troops de-trucked and moved up to the line held by 3rd Battalion 357. Relief was completed by the morning of the 12th, and the Battalion commenced an aggressive patrolling policy into the towns of BRONVAUX, MARANGE, SILVANGE and TERNEL. It was while in this position that the first Combat Infantryman's Badges were presented to members of the Battalion.
Company I went to the Regimental Rest Center on the 19th while the rest of the Battalion moved by foot to VIONVILLE occupying the same billets as we had done before. While here the first to go on pass to PARIS left for 36 hours. Company K went to the Regtl. Rest Center on the 23rd.
Commencing at 1300 23-Oct. this Battalion relieved 1ST Battalion, 358 with the Battalion CP being in REZONVILLE and the three companies in position around GRAVELOTTE. The A & P Officer found 800 mines in one building in REZONVILLE and planned to use them in defense.. From the 23rd until the time when elements of the 10th Armored Division relieved us the Battalion conducted vigorous patrolling. The reserve company was rotated as frequently as possible, with every attempt being made to keep the troops dry.”
90th ID History Chapter 6
The 90th was ordered to extend southward to the area immediately west of Metz, relieving those elements of the 5th Infantry and the 7th Armored in that area. The relief was duly effected, and the Division’s line now extended from Garche on the north along the river line south to Talange, thence in an arc westward and southward to Gravelotte. As the days passed the reason for the existence of that arc became increasingly apparent. The western approaches to Metz are ringed by an imposing circle of hills, hills which must be taken by storm if at all. On those hills were erected powerful, mutually protecting fortresses capable of withstanding unlimited aerial and artillery poundings. From the fortresses the defenders boasted of ideal observation and an open field of fire. This was the outer ring of defense. Inside that ring lay another similar arc, more powerful, if possible, than the outer. It was against the outer ring of the Metz fortification that the 90th now pressed.
As the difficulties of the reduction of Fortress Metz became evident, the Division altered its plans radically. Frontal assaults on the city, which had successfully resisted such assaults for nearly one thousand years, were out of the question. The new plan called for attacks of limited nature, aggressive patrol, constant nibbling into the impregnable ring.
Throughout the remainder of the month the 90th ground steadily into the edges of the strongly—defended arc. Gains were small and indecisive. On the other, hand, all efforts of the enemy to throw the Division back were unsuccessful and high expensive. September drew to a close with the Third Army stalemated along the banks of the Moselle with the enemy holding firm. To the south the 5th Division was making little or no progress with its bridge head over the Moselle. The nutcracker around Metz had not yet been squeezed tightly enough.”
Impression
PIC
PIC
PIC
PIC
Uniform
Undershirt (modern civilian repro WHITHOUT “ridges”)
US GI Boxers (ATF repro)
1937 wool shirt (original)
1937 wool trouser (original or repro I do not know)
Sweater Vest (repro knitted by my Grandmother)
M41 Field Jacket (original from place in Gettysburg)
Scarf (original from WWII reproductions)
Jeep cap (ATF repro)
Wool leather palmed gloves (WPG repro)
Overcoat (Original from local surplus store)
Socks (original from local surplus store)
1943 Combat boots (Sturn Repro dubbed with original US Army dubbing)
Equipment
1923 Cartridge belt OD (Original from local surplus store)
1942 first aid pouch (ATF repro)
1943 E-tool Carrier (Original from vendor at Aberdeen field 2006)
1943 E-Tool (Original from vendor at Aberdeen field 2006)
1910 canteen case (ATF repro)
Canteen dated (Original from castle keeps)
Canteen cup dated (Original from RedJoshman)
M1 Helmet front seam (Original from J Murray)
M1 Helmet Liner (Original from ATF revamped by myself)
1928 Haversack (Bayonet Inc. Original)
Poncho (WPG repro)
Contents of 1928 haversack:
3 K Rations (WWII Supply Repro)
Long johns (Original from Gettysburg)
Toiletry role (Bayonet Inc Repro)
Contents of Toiletry Role:
Toothbrush (AW repro)
Tooth Powder (Original from unknown vendor)
Soap tin (Original from local surplus store)
Mirror (Original unknown vendor)
Red Cross sewing kit (WWII Supply Repro)
Weapons
M1 Garand Rifle (Airsoft repro from WWIIguns.com)
2 MK5 Hand Grenades (Repro Allied Axis Militaria)
10” M1 Garand Bayonet with scabbard (Original from Stewarts Antiques Note: scabbard marked Dutch)
Bandoleer with dummy enblocs (ATF repro and dummy rounds from Allied Axis militaria)
Satchel charge, explosive, friction igniter, and Detcord (WPG repro, WWII Reproductions, WWII Reproductions, and Homemade)
Personal Items
Civilian 40’s era watch (Original 40’s type)
ID bracelet (Original WWII Supply)
WAY MORE TO COME!!
Lil Beav
Gravelotte Impression
Photo research:
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/49_small/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image017/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/014a/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image081/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image125/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image065/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/background18-2-2017-09-25-202/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image016/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/background28-2017-09-25-202/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/64/web.jpg
gallery.me.com/tcm28/100106/image100/web.jpg
Notes:
Shoe wear: roughouts with leggings, combat boots, and overshoes
Helmets: Almost all helmets are left pair but there is a spattering of ¼ nets.
Uniform: I think I can write without a doubt that all the troops pictured wear a full wool uniform, and somewhere scarfs, sweaters, jeep caps, and other knitted caps.
Over layer: M43, M41, and some Tankers. (Due to wet weather Ponchos and rain coats must have been in use but all pictures I have of them in use are dated November Same goes for Overcoats)
Equipment: Of course the 1923 cartridge belt is mostly used, along with 1910 canteen covers, 1942 first Aid pouches, 1943 E-tools, 10” bayonets, and surprisingly early war .45 pouches and almost no later pattern. The 1928 haversack is in use along with three snap gasmask bags, but most men are pictured without packs at all. Shades of web gear vary from Khaki to OD7.
Appearance: Most soldiers are dirty and have beard growth but still a little clean. The 90th ID though never taken off the line as a whole did take regts off the line for times. The 358th had two weeks in reserve in which time they were given clean cloths and took showers in September.
Written Research:
BootPrints Chapter 11
“ We had Vacated Chamois, well west of Paris, on August 22. In three week we traveled five hundreds of miles… On the morning of September 10, when the entire Battalion shoved its way into Fontoy, west of Thionville… The next day, we assaulted the hills surrounding the city Algrange. …We spent two weeks in Division reserve at Sainte Marrie Aux Chenes… From Sainte Marie, we marched to Vionville… Our battalion drew the village of Gravelotte, just west of the Fortress city [Metz]… A single rifle Company, with attached heavy machine-guns and mortar crews, manned the town at a time. Every few days, one combined unit rotated out, while another rolled in [waiting in reserve in Vionville]… The rain fell in thick heavy sheets. Step by step, we grudgingly slopped forward… A string of enemy forts protected Metz from the west. Well within range, their big guns shelled us often. Fort Jeanne d’ Arc was not only the closest, but also, one of the fiercest [ most of the town was in ruble]… we traded time between water-filled trenches and shelled-out buildings… Almost nightly, we received special assignments. Small groups were routinely ordered to tackle specific targets. More like guerilla warfare, we nibbled at the fortifications.”
Battle History of the 358th 3rd Bn. Chapter 4 last 5 paragraphs.
“On the 27th the Battalion moved out of STE MARIE on foot to the town of VIONVILLE. From here, Company L moved up under cover of dark and relieved Company F, 359 Infantry in GRAVELOTTE. They stayed there until the 30th when relieved by Company I. All during our stay here, the enemy from concrete fortifications around METZ shelled GRAVELOTTE heavily, inflicting some casualties.
The Battalion less one company remained in VIONVILLE until the 11th of October. One Company was on line at GRAVELOTTE and was rotated every four days. While at VIONVILLE intensive training in reduction of a fortified area was held. Movies, clubmobiles, and PX rations made our stay here pleasant. A full scale demonstration of an attack on a fortified area was held October 7th for Brigadier General Weaver. The demonstration included tanks, 40 mm guns and flame throwers.
Following an alert at 1400, the Battalion moved out by motor at 1630 to ST HUBERT. Here the troops de-trucked and moved up to the line held by 3rd Battalion 357. Relief was completed by the morning of the 12th, and the Battalion commenced an aggressive patrolling policy into the towns of BRONVAUX, MARANGE, SILVANGE and TERNEL. It was while in this position that the first Combat Infantryman's Badges were presented to members of the Battalion.
Company I went to the Regimental Rest Center on the 19th while the rest of the Battalion moved by foot to VIONVILLE occupying the same billets as we had done before. While here the first to go on pass to PARIS left for 36 hours. Company K went to the Regtl. Rest Center on the 23rd.
Commencing at 1300 23-Oct. this Battalion relieved 1ST Battalion, 358 with the Battalion CP being in REZONVILLE and the three companies in position around GRAVELOTTE. The A & P Officer found 800 mines in one building in REZONVILLE and planned to use them in defense.. From the 23rd until the time when elements of the 10th Armored Division relieved us the Battalion conducted vigorous patrolling. The reserve company was rotated as frequently as possible, with every attempt being made to keep the troops dry.”
90th ID History Chapter 6
The 90th was ordered to extend southward to the area immediately west of Metz, relieving those elements of the 5th Infantry and the 7th Armored in that area. The relief was duly effected, and the Division’s line now extended from Garche on the north along the river line south to Talange, thence in an arc westward and southward to Gravelotte. As the days passed the reason for the existence of that arc became increasingly apparent. The western approaches to Metz are ringed by an imposing circle of hills, hills which must be taken by storm if at all. On those hills were erected powerful, mutually protecting fortresses capable of withstanding unlimited aerial and artillery poundings. From the fortresses the defenders boasted of ideal observation and an open field of fire. This was the outer ring of defense. Inside that ring lay another similar arc, more powerful, if possible, than the outer. It was against the outer ring of the Metz fortification that the 90th now pressed.
As the difficulties of the reduction of Fortress Metz became evident, the Division altered its plans radically. Frontal assaults on the city, which had successfully resisted such assaults for nearly one thousand years, were out of the question. The new plan called for attacks of limited nature, aggressive patrol, constant nibbling into the impregnable ring.
Throughout the remainder of the month the 90th ground steadily into the edges of the strongly—defended arc. Gains were small and indecisive. On the other, hand, all efforts of the enemy to throw the Division back were unsuccessful and high expensive. September drew to a close with the Third Army stalemated along the banks of the Moselle with the enemy holding firm. To the south the 5th Division was making little or no progress with its bridge head over the Moselle. The nutcracker around Metz had not yet been squeezed tightly enough.”
Impression
PIC
PIC
PIC
PIC
Uniform
Undershirt (modern civilian repro WHITHOUT “ridges”)
US GI Boxers (ATF repro)
1937 wool shirt (original)
1937 wool trouser (original or repro I do not know)
Sweater Vest (repro knitted by my Grandmother)
M41 Field Jacket (original from place in Gettysburg)
Scarf (original from WWII reproductions)
Jeep cap (ATF repro)
Wool leather palmed gloves (WPG repro)
Overcoat (Original from local surplus store)
Socks (original from local surplus store)
1943 Combat boots (Sturn Repro dubbed with original US Army dubbing)
Equipment
1923 Cartridge belt OD (Original from local surplus store)
1942 first aid pouch (ATF repro)
1943 E-tool Carrier (Original from vendor at Aberdeen field 2006)
1943 E-Tool (Original from vendor at Aberdeen field 2006)
1910 canteen case (ATF repro)
Canteen dated (Original from castle keeps)
Canteen cup dated (Original from RedJoshman)
M1 Helmet front seam (Original from J Murray)
M1 Helmet Liner (Original from ATF revamped by myself)
1928 Haversack (Bayonet Inc. Original)
Poncho (WPG repro)
Contents of 1928 haversack:
3 K Rations (WWII Supply Repro)
Long johns (Original from Gettysburg)
Toiletry role (Bayonet Inc Repro)
Contents of Toiletry Role:
Toothbrush (AW repro)
Tooth Powder (Original from unknown vendor)
Soap tin (Original from local surplus store)
Mirror (Original unknown vendor)
Red Cross sewing kit (WWII Supply Repro)
Weapons
M1 Garand Rifle (Airsoft repro from WWIIguns.com)
2 MK5 Hand Grenades (Repro Allied Axis Militaria)
10” M1 Garand Bayonet with scabbard (Original from Stewarts Antiques Note: scabbard marked Dutch)
Bandoleer with dummy enblocs (ATF repro and dummy rounds from Allied Axis militaria)
Satchel charge, explosive, friction igniter, and Detcord (WPG repro, WWII Reproductions, WWII Reproductions, and Homemade)
Personal Items
Civilian 40’s era watch (Original 40’s type)
ID bracelet (Original WWII Supply)
WAY MORE TO COME!!