Veteran's History Project Timeline - Frank Woodruff Buckles (All used sources on document)
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Period: to
Frank's Lifespan
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Start of the War
The assassination of Franz Ferdinand was what kicked off the chain reaction of WWI. Austra-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and a whole list goes on because of the other major powers involved. Germany helped Austria-Hungary, Russia backed Serbia, and France and Britain allied with them as well. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archduke_Franz_Ferdinand_of_Austria -
Christmas Truce
Frank said he was a part of the Christmas truce, happening more than once he says. It involved soldiers singing carols, and seeing each other as real human beings rather than enemies. It was a ceasefire from December 24-26. Not everybody followed this though. https://www.history.com/news/christmas-truce-1914-world-war-i-soldier-accounts -
Chemical Warfare Begins
First used by Germans in 1915, chemical warfare started to arise during this time. With chlorine gas being the first chemical weapon used, it caused severe respiratory issues and death among those on the battlefield. Mustard gas was particularly used later on because of its painful effects on victims. This gas would still affect soldiers even after the initial attack, creating trauma and serious injuries. -
Trench Warfare
Somewhere in 1916, trench warfare was used to protect soldiers from enemy fire, These trenches would be dug for miles. Life in these would be brutal; mice, rats, mud, anything that makes living in these a nightmare. Battles using these resulted in high casualties, and little ground gained. -
The Battle of Jutland
May 31 1916-June 1, 1916
The battle of Jutland, also known for being World War 1’s largest naval conflict, was the first and only battle between German and British battleships. On the coast of Denmark, 250 ships and over 100,000 men would take part in this battle. Both sides would lose thousands of men, several ships, and in the end had no clear successor. Britain was able to secure North Sea shipping lanes. This battle was crucial in the victory of the Allies later on. -
Frank Enlists
Frank Woodruff Buckles enlisted in the war at 16 during the summer of 1917. At a recruiting station in Witchita, they turned him away. But later on, he went to Oklahoma City, lying about his age again saying he was 21. He was sent to Logan, Colorado, where he had been sworn into the United States Army.
https://www.loc.gov/resource/afc2001001.01070.pm0008001/?sp=1
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/us/01buckles.html (Image) -
Frank Departs to the Seas
In December of 1917, Frank departed overseas expecting to go to France. They were diverted to Winchester, England instead to relieve the unit of the Sixth Marines at a camp hospital. During his time in Winchester, he drove a motorcycle and a car, which were both Fords.
(Image) https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/11931 -
Work in France
In France somewhere around early 1918, he drove an ambulance and a car in small towns and districts. During his time here, he told his commander he wanted to fight. He found out his commander wanted to too, but couldn’t because he was only following orders. He never fought. -
Incidents while in Service
When it was his task to escort prisoners, he got into an argument with one. Two of the other Germans took him by the shoulders, telling them what they’d get. The entire campo would get into trouble if they fought, so they had to make up, which they did. He describes that the German prisoners also had their own orchestra.
(Image) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoners_of_war_in_World_War_I -
End of the War
Armistice day (known as Veteran’s Day today) on November 11, 1918 was the unofficial day the war was over. Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies. Before this, Germany had suffered dire consequences, and an economic collapse. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, was then the official thing that ended the war.