The 7th New York Regiment.

[rsm2ndbtnlf]

Gents,

For many years now I've known of the existance of a US Division, during the early existance of the AEF in France, which was issued with British weapons and equipment.

I first learned about it whilst a member of a WW1 duscission group in England during the 1970's. Since that time I've not given much thought to the issue. In fact, I've tried many times to recall the divisions details... make-up, strengths, etc,. Well, that was until today whilst browsing another WW1 discussion forum. I came across a series of photographs in connection to a mention of WW1 memorials.

The memorial in question commemerates the US 107th Infantry [known pre-war as: The 7th Infantry Regiment]. What immediatelly springs to the fore when scanning the photograph's is the service rifle in the hands of the figures: An SMLE... the standard British and Commonwealth service rifle of The Great War. Could this unit be a factor from the AEF Division I have for so long been trying to remember and find reference to?

Come on chaps... any help on this would be gratefully appreciated, and also be of interest to everyone in the GWHS.

Incidentally, this '107th Infantry Memorial' can be found located at ... Central Park East 67th Street.







Seph

[Radford]

Dear Seph and List-

You are of course referring to the 27th Division, "O"Ryans Roughnecks". The 27th is a member unit of the Great War Association. They have a web site at:

www.oryansroughnecks.org/

[Larry Dunn]

Great photo--it's interesting that three soldiers are depicted with SMLE's, while the one on the left appears to have a Springfield. I suspect the statue was modeled on a photograph.

-Larry

[rsm2ndbtnlf]

Thanks Radford... appreciated. I'll certainly be kicking off the cobwebs if I can.

Seph

[Robert Maxwell]

The 27th and 30th Divisions fought under the British 2nd Corps. Those are the only two divisions that General Pershing released to fight under a foreign army. They are also responsible for breaking the Hindenburg Line. They traided out their 1917 enfields for the SMLE rifle. My grandfather was in the 27th Division. NYNG 108th Inf. Co. I.

[rsm2ndbtnlf]

Thanks for that information Robert. Very interesting that you have a family link. I'd be interested to find out any links you have to information on the two divisions.

Seph