Posted 6 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This is a pair of Real Photo Postcards (RPPC) that date from WW1.
Each man worked as a boot and shoe shiner in a WW1 Training Camp. The men are identified in period ink as "Fatty" and "Bob". Fatty looks to be working on an officers riding boots, while Bob stands at attention in a borrowed uniform. Both are unusual 20th century occupationals.
The back of each postcard identifies the location as Camp Sevier. Camp Sevier was established in 1917 and was located near Greenville, SC.
Reproduction of these images in any form is prohibited.
scott
Interesting photos Scott. I never knew the military had boot shiners back in the day.
Thanks for looking scott. It isn't a military profession-- these were civilians who shined boots on the camp for soldiers.
scott
Thanks much gatekeeper and nobucks.
scott
Scott this image prompts a question from me: did African Americans serve as soldiers in WWI?
Indigenous Australians did serve but there was not a lot of them and their efforts were long forgotten. None were Officers, but some did move up the ranks very successfully. Fortunately we now remember and respect them as we do any other soldier.
Similar for America?
Yes-- they were in segregated units. African American Regiments started with the Civil War (about 170,000 during that conflict). Segregated units was the standard through WW2.
I recently acquired an image of an African American soldier who served in the 54th Mass., made famous in the move Glory.
I'll post it in the next few days.
scott
Thanks lens and official.
scott
Nice cards !!!! Very interesting !
Thanks mike and rade.
scott
Thanks much pb2019.
scott