French soldiers and airmen gather around a Caproni Ca.3 bomber preparing for an aerial photography mission in World War 1. The identification number "Ca 2318" is stenciled on the airplane fuselage. The men load camera cases and equipment for the motion picture photographer, as officers watch. The Pilot takes his position in the front of the open cockpit as the photographer and second crewman sit side-by-side behind him. The pilot waves as they taxi out for takeoff. The next sequence contains views from the aircraft as it flies among clouds, and then shows Fort Douaumont clearly below, followed by the city of Verdun-sur-Meuse, and environs, including the Meuse River, bridges, buildings, and roads, without noticeable signs of any battles or damage, since the German offensive would not begin until the following year (1916).
Shows U.S. Army 102nd Infantry headquarters during World War 1 at Fort Malmaison and 103rd Infantry headquarters at Francinette in France. U.S. Army troops walk through damaged and ruined buildings. U.S. Army soldiers walk through trenches and sand bag walled fortifications that connect to hillside caves. A soldier pauses and studies a map or other paper in the trench.
Armed U.S. AEF troops from Fort Read pass at a review in Trinidad in World War II. Vice Admiral John H Hoover, General Henry C Pratt and other officers review the troops. Troops march in mechanized columns. Admiral Hoover and General Henry C Pratt walk and have a conversation. Troops and other people in the background.
Loads of timbers stacked at Fort Dix in New Jersey, USA. Wooden planks stacked and stored in the yard. Men at work in the background, building encampments to receive World War II draftees and new recruits for training.
U.S. Army first armored Division for cross country maneuvers at the Fort Knox military base in Kentucky, United States, shortly before America's entry into World War 2. Aerial view of tanks on ground. U.S. fighter aircraft in formation flight. Tanks move on ground. Army soldiers on motor bikes or motorcycles. Soldiers of the U.S. first armored division in boats crossing a water way. Water splashes as bombs are being dropped in practice battle drills. Soldiers climb a hill. Tank moves on an uneven ground. Tank smashes a trees. M2 Light Tanks and M2A1 Medium tanks smashing into trees, small houses, and shed buildings.
Exterior view of building number 20, the historic Federal Penitentiary Building (Built 1826) surrounded by trees in Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC. Bright sunlight streaming through trees.