Landships II

Take a look at the last photo in this thread - I think it's the same tank. As far as I can tell, the name is "Nixe".

If correct about the name, this thread has a link to a French forum that tells of a "Nixe II" that was packed onto a train at Reims in summer 1919, and may have ended up in the USA (my understanding of French is rather limited) until 1942 or so, when it was presumably scrapped.

-- Edited by TinCanTadpole on Wednesday 14th of November 2012 12:48:20 AM

Here is a larger view. The "V" between the crosses is visible.

Again, If anyone knows that tank off hand, I'd appreciate it.
(From what I've seen of this site, I'd be surprised if someone couldn't provide me with the rivet count and the name of the tank commander's milkman. I continue to be stunned and impressed with the depth of knowledge here.)

The next toy A7V I make will definitely be this one.

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I might be using the term trench art too broadly but I think of it as stuff made by soldiers from what is left around.

What I have from Jim's brother Ed is a letter opener that has an engraved brass blade and a bullet and cartridge body. I'll take a picture of it tonight but I believe it says "Chateau Thierry" on it

There is also a brass clip of some sort. (Seems too big to be a money clip) It is etched with his unit names, the date and place. Again, I'll post a picture.

I think the eagle is an optical illusion. If you close one eye, it's a Roman V over an old Iron Cross.

Roger,

Here are the two pieces from Jim's brother. They were from Minnesota and were both in the US Army.

My grandmother had three brothers who served and survived the war. She told me though that all three died within a year or two of returning home in accidents.

At least two of which involved railroad accidents.

Here is the letter opener. It looks to be an 8mm Lebel round manufactured in 1910.

I doubt it is something he made. It looks more like something he would have purchased as a souvenir.

Here is the clip that mentioned. Again, not sure of its use but I'm pretty sure it is his engravings. His name is on the narrow side not showing.

Front - World War 1914-1918 Sovenir (sic) (I just misspelled it above as well and corrected it. I guess it runs in the family

Rear - La Rochelle Apr 4.1919 France 31 ENGRS and a castle logo (for US Engineers).

So here is an interesting part - The 31st were Railway Engineers.

Don't know if the brothers were in the same unit or not but it would explain them working on the railroad once they got home. Also makes me wonder if they had anything to do with loading "Nixie II" on the train at Reims.

I also have a Victory Medal and some of my Grandfather's US Marine medals. He was in the service at the time but did not go overseas.

My mother's father did serve in France with the US Army even though he was very recent immigrant to the US who I doubt had vitually any English language skills at the time. His brother was in the Italian Army and was taken prisoner. He eventually ended up in the White Russian Army (!) and then found his way to the US and his brother. He died right before I was born, so I never got to meet him but heard stories growing up.

Thanks to everyone here who helped ID the tank for me. I now see the camo scheme that it needs to be painted in. When I build that toy, I'll be sure to post finished pictures.

Ironsides wrote:

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Hi TMD, Dont know if you have seen this...

http://portraitsofwar.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/wwi-photo-collection-31st-railway-engineers-in-france/

 

Cheers

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 Wow.

Funny, I saw that page for the first time last night before I posted the trench art pictures. The bottom of what Rob ID'ed as a possible match box cover has my great uncle's name and what I think says "131 Co." which doesn't make sense to me. It is a "one" not an "eye."  I'll give it another look tonight. Having said that.. I think the guy all the way to the right (A) with his arm on the other guy's shoulder looks like him.

On the other hand... The guy under "B" sure looks like Bob Crane, Colonel Hogan himself, to me. So safe to say, I may not be the best judge of these things.

This site has been a tresure trove for me. I really appreciate the friendly and free flow of information. Can't wait to share with my siblings.

Thanks again.

Ironsides,

Outstanding. Thanks for sending me that. It answers a big question for me.

On page 18 it says that on December 6,1918 Company A changed it's name to "1st Company, Transportation Corps, 14th Grand Division."

So, in April 1919 when he wrote "131 Co." it was because it was no longer Company A, but 1st Company.

I scanned for his name and his brother's but did see it. They were not officers. Besides the officer lists it is mainly groups like the band listed there.
I will go back and read more about where A/1st Company spent its time.

From what my grandmother told me, both of then died soon after returning to the US in railroad accidents. They wouldn't have been around to join any post-war reunion groups.

It is funny to find out about things about someone who died 40+ years before I was born based on just little trinkets that he held on to.
I'll start delving in a little deeper to find out more about  that side of my family now.

Great stuff. Thanks again to everyone here.

I couldn't help but notice the traffic on my blog from this website and came over to check it out.  What was your relatives name?  I have the company roster for Company A of the 31st and wouldn't mind tracking down his name.  Very cool! Glad my site was of some use.