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RARE 33rd DIVISION WWI SOUVENIR PHOTO BOOK - “ACROSS NO MAN’S LAND”, 1919

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This uncommonly found book was printed in limited numbers in 1919 and offered to veterans of the Division as part of a singular first edition by BARNETT W. HARRIS AND VIRGIL C. NICKERSON.  It consists of the photolog of Sergeant First Class Barnett W. Harris and illustrated by Private Dudley J. Nelson of the 132^nd Infantry.  A dedication page reads “THIS BOOK IS BUT A MODEST EFFORT TO PRESERVE FOR YOU A FEW PICTURES THAT WILL BECOME MORE PRECIOUS AS THE YEARS GO BY”.  The cover is cloth with two tones and finishes – a section of the black first cover layer is left exposed before being covered by a layer of gray with green undertones.  The front is embossed and painted with the Division patch and title. Right corners show very minor wear and covers have very scattered as slight surface stains in localized areas - typical for the age of the book.  All pages are crisp with sharp edges and binding remains strong.  92 pages of photos and photo collages. Overall measurements are 10.3” x 14.1”.

As result of its World War I service, the division remains the only US Army division that has fought as part of British Army and French Army corps.

In total, from the 33rd arriving in France to the German armistice on 11 November 1918, the division captured 13 units of heavy artillery and 87 pieces of light artillery. Also, they captured 460 machine guns and 430 light guns. In total, the entire division gained 40,300 meters of land in World War I. The 33rd Division was the only unit in the war to have machine gun barrage enemy nests while infantry turned the position. In total, the 33rd Division received 215 American decorations, 56 British decorations, and various others.

The 33rd Division was in reserve behind the British Fourth Army at the opening of the August, 1918 offensive for emergencies only. With the British III Corps attack stalling at Chipilly Ridge during the Battle of Amiens, the 131st Regiment of the 33rd Division was sent to assist on 9 August, which it did with distinction. The following day the Regiment was attached to the 4th Australian Division and remained there until 12 August. From 12 August until 20 August it was combined with the 13th Australian Brigade in what was called the Liaison Force commanded by Brigadier General E. A. Wisdom. This was designed to hold the front from the Somme to the Bray-Sur-Somme to Corbie Road to relieve the 4th Australian Division from the operation. After this, it returned to the 33rd US Division.

The first major battle in which elements of the 33rd Division took part was the Battle of Hamel on 4 July. Individual platoons from four companies from the 131st Infantry and 132nd Infantry were distributed among Australian battalions, to gain combat experience. This, however, occurred without official approval as there was controversy regarding the battlefield command of US troops by junior officers from other countries. Thus, while Hamel was a relatively minor battle by the standards of World War I, it was historically significant as the first occasion on which US Army personnel had fought alongside British Empire forces, and demonstrated that the previously inexperienced American troops could play an effective role in the war. The battle was also historically significant for the use of innovative assault tactics, devised by the Australian General John Monash, were demonstrated.

On 23 August, the division was moved to the Toul sector. The 33rd Division fought in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign from 26 September 1918 to the end of the battle on 10 November 1918. The last mission in which the 33rd Division took part was on 27 December 1918.

A prime piece for the WWI collector and worthy of a place in a discerning WWI period library.  [cm][ph:L]

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