(Dramatized) views of African American soldier's family after his World War 1 training in the U.S. Army in Louisville, Kentucky. An African American soldier's family as they read a letter from him. The letter written by the African American soldier, with text saying it is written from somewhere in France. Service star hanging in window to show that the family has a service member in the war. The father of the soldier takes out a sword from a shelf. He walks to a sharpening wheel in the outside yard. He sharpens the sword as his wife operates the hand machine.
U.S. troops leave United States during World War I. Exteriors of the United States Capitol. President of the United States Thomas Woodrow Wilson looks out from a window. He works at desk. Close-up view of document that is U.S. declaration of war against Germany. U.S. Soldiers march on city streets, bound for war. American soldiers board ship. Soldiers crowded on deck of the transport ship heading for war in France. U.S. Army General John Joseph Pershing on ship. Sunset at sea.
French sailors scramble to battle stations at stern of a French destroyer during World War 1. Wake indicates the ship has executed a sharp turn to port. Loaded depth charge launchers seen on the deck. Scene change to ship's company posing for photograph in winter dress uniforms, on occasion of medal awards. The ship's captain (Corvette Captain equivalent to Lieutenant Commander) is wearing two medals and holds a presentation case in his hand, containing a military cross decoration. Standing beside him are an ensign first class (Sublieutenant) and another officer, both wearing such medals. Scene shifts to the ship underway with officers on the bridge. (World War i; World War 1; WWI; WW1)
British soldiers inspect a German 38 cm SK L/45 Langer Max heavy siege gun, in fixed installation, captured in World War 1, on the Western Front. The barrel is partly buried, and there is considerable damage elsewhere. An officer uses a tape to measure the barrel diameter, and holds it up to his chest.
Opening slate refers to West Africans working at Allied munitions dumps. Scene shows French Colonial Senegalese infantrymen (Tirailleurs Senegalais) carrying ammunition boxes in a huge storage dump, under supervision of British officers. Some wear steel helmets, others wear British-style caps. They walk over paths between stacks of artillery shells. One appears to have a cigar in his mouth. They are followed by Several Allied soldiers, also carrying ammunition boxes. An Allied soldier in steel helmet smokes a cigarette, while standing next to large artillery shells. View of dirt road at side of the munitions dump, with a truck backed up to it. Many Allied soldiers are seen working around the periphery of the dump throughout the film.. (World War I; World War 1; WWI; WW1)
British artillery being moved forward under German shelling, during World War One. The British artillery pieces are being pulled by teams of horses, as German shells burst nearby. Soldiers are seen leading horses back to safer location after the move.