N.Y. National Guard - South Texas -July, 1916

[butlersrangers]

Photos from Bain News Service photo Collection - viewable on Library of Congress website.

New York National Guard regiments were 'ordered up' and quickly mobilized for Mexican Border Service in July, 1916.

The 14th N.Y. Infantry photo, shows the men armed with 1903 Springfield rifles with "14 INF. N.Y.", and possibly a rack number, neatly stenciled on the Right-side of rifle butt.

The 7th N.Y. Infantry photo, has stacked Springfield rifles with a plethora of gear hanging on the arms.

Both regiments were encamped in South Texas near Brownsville.

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[Rick the Librarian]

I would imagine both units became part of the 27th Division the next year and fought in Flanders with the British in 1918.

[butlersrangers]

Some New York Troops felt prepared for WW1, because a 'cadre' had seen service and gained practical experience on the Mexican Border.

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[Rick the Librarian]

From what I read, opinion seems to be divided. Some said the duty did them good and several months of field service made them better soldiers; others said it was the wrong type of training that bore no relation to what they'd be facing in France.

[clintonhater]

I would imagine both units became part of the 27th Division the next year and fought in Flanders with the British in 1918.

I know this happened, but have wondered how, after Pershing had previously made such an issue of US troops fighting under their own commanders, it came to pass; considering, especially, that after being absorbed into the British 4th Army, they were required to exchange their beautiful '03s for those funky-looking SMLEs!

[Rick the Librarian]

By the time it took place, Pershing felt he could "spare" the 27th and 30th divisions (which formed II Corps under the British). Not only M1903s did the soldier give up, but they used nearly every other piece of British equipment.

[clintonhater]

...Not only M1903s did the soldier give up, but they used nearly every other piece of British equipment.

In one respect, this was not so bad, because the Brits were liberally supplied with the best light MG of the war, the wonderful Lewis gun!

[m1ashooter]

Thank you for sharing.