German troops man a firing line on the Eastern front in World War I. Opening scene shows German army officers and soldiers in a trench. They all wear cloth hats, except for one soldier wearing the new 1916 model steel helmet. They don't seem too concerned about possible enemy fire. An officer stands up, relatively exposed, and points out directions. Several soldiers lean forward in the trench, next to one manning a 1916 model MG-08/15 machine gun with wooden gunstock and a pistol grip (Maschinengewehr 08/15).The principal gunner is suddenly struck by an enemy bullet and falls back from the line. Two other soldiers seize the machine gun before it can fall from its position. (World War I; World War 1; WWI; WW1)
President Woodrow Wilson at the National Guard training grounds in Sea Girt New Jersey, to visit with troops returning from duty in Texas during the Mexican Border Campaign (aka Pancho Villa Expedition) of 1916. Brief glimpse of The President stepping from his 1916 Pierce Arrow 38-C Series 4 Brougham Limousine, parked next to a row of army tents. The car displays a unique American Eagle radiator cap ornament (and an AAA emblem on the radiator). He is surrounded by officers, who greet him. The next scene show the President and the unit's commanding Brigadier General, seated in rocking chairs in a tent. Wilson, in dress clothes, including top hat, mounts an army horse, and rides along with officers, to review the Guard troops drawn up in formation. He sits astride the horse, next to the General, and removes his hat in salute as the troops march in review.
Victorious Allied troops walk behind a British Mark I tank (male) on a dirt road in France, after the battle of the Ancre at end of the 1916 Battle of the Somme, in World War 1. The troops appear relieved at the pause in hostilities and many cheer. Later, a large group of Allied troops relaxes and enjoys a meal of field rations, in a captured German position. A bonfire helps them keep warm. (Note: From British Government documentary "Battle of the Ancre and Advance of the tanks" shot during the 1916 Battle of the Ancre.)
Montage of scenes related to European mobilization and preparations for World War I, from 1914 through 1919, plus brief views of Mark VIII tank maneuvers, circa 1924. Patriotic French citizens fill a street as France mobilizes for World War 1. Italian soldiers marching to war through a town. British King George V seen with Prime Minister David Lloyd George and other British officials. British First Lord of Admiralty, Winston Churchill poses and "mugs" for camera. British troops being transported along a country road on double-decker buses and slogging through the mud in France. Two French soldiers join the line of "tommies" to be photographed, and then step out of line to watch. King George V with Field Marshal Douglas Haig, and other officers, next to their automobiles in field, during the King's visit to his troops in 1916. The King and British officers observe tests of Mark IV tank, circa 1917. Scene shifts to August 10, 1916 showing the Prince of Wales and King George V, accompanied by Field Marshal Douglas Haig, and other officers, observing the Battle of Pozières (in Battle of the Somme) from a safe distance, using a telescope. U.S. Army Mark VIII International Tanks in daytime and nighttime maneuvers (likely at Fort Meade, Maryland) circa 1924.
A United States Army plane lands in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Present day Belgrade, Serbia). British and United States civilian and military officials disembark. Foreign officials greeted by Yugoslav officers. Official converses with the delegates.
Marshal Josip Broz Tito at the Beli dvor or White Palace (Beli Dvor, Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karađorđevića 96, Beograd, Serbia) in Dedinje, Belgrade. Marshal Tito in field uniform studies documents and sit at the desk. Tito goes through his morning mail and dictates to the secretary of his cabinet, Lieutenant Colonel Branco Vuchinich. Glasses on the blotter.