The Suffolk branch of the WFA hold monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month
at The Royal British Legion, 8 Tavern Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1PH.
They are open to members and non-members of the association.
Wednesday 12th August 2026
Tony Tailor-Neale
The US Army in the First World War
Having won what many historians have called the first modern war in 1865 (American Civil War) the skills
developed were lost by 1898 when US faced the remains of the Spanish Empire.
With a population supporting neutrality in the First World War the US. Army could only watch, and plan
for its probable entry on the Western Front.
From a small volunteer force there were many problems to surmount in creating a mass army – recruiting,
training, equipping, and finding the necessary leaders with the skills and vision to lead to the effort in moving
a mass army across the Atlantic. All the time weighed down by being an “Associated” and not an “Allied”
power – as imposed by President Wilson.
The initial German view of the army, and its reaction to its entry on the Western Front is investigated.
It was over a year after the declaration of war that American combat units fought their first serious planned
engagement at Cantigny. How the subsequent engagements from Belleau Wood to the Argonne Forest escalated
in size and complexity showed an army learning its trade from private to Commander, and highlights some of the
outstanding officers.
There is an assessment of just what was the significance of the US contribution to Allied victory in 1918, and
how the veterans were subsequently treated.
The meetings usually last an hour followed by an interval of half an hour and then a Q&A session.
We suggest a minimum donation of £5.00 per person towards the Branch’s expenses. An individual buffet box is provided during the interval and drinks can be purchased at the club’s bar. We also hold a raffle ticket where the prizes vary from books to something to eat or drink.