The Great War

Season 0, Episode 2

Episode Title: The Finished Fighter

Overview:

This rarely-seen American War Department 35mm silent film shot during the latter half of the Great War shows battle-hardened British 'Tommies' sharing their combat experience with the unbloodied American soldiers of the 83rd Division. In particular they stress the effective and deadly use of the bayonet and other hand-to-hand combat techniques - preparing the Americans for the grim reality of trench warfare on the Western Front. A French officer then instructs them on the use of the Chauchat machine gun. The 83rd are also seen drilling and practicing with rifles, field artillery, trench mortars and gas attack survival techniques. They are reviewed by Major General E.F. Glenn, Inspector General Chamberlaine and Assistant Secretary of War Benjamin Crowell.