Name/Title
StereographEntry/Object ID
2023.055.3.0118Description
A black and white stereograph. Image is of a group of men walking along a wooden bridge, there are row boats below the planks with sailors standing at attention a command tent is visible on the opposite shore in the background. Above the image "W24 (Star)" is printed, below the image "18079 Inspecting a Nearly Completed Pontoon Brigde in the French Sector of the West Front." is printed, to the left of the image "Keystone View Company Copyrighted Manufacturers MADE IN U.S.A. Publishers" is printed, to the right of the image "Meadville, Pa., New York, N. Y., Chicago, Ill., London, England." is printed. On the reverse the following is printed:
18079
INSPECTING A PONTOON BRIDGE IN THE FRENCH SECTION NEARING COMPLETION
We are looking here upon a fine example of a very necessary device of warfare - the pontoon bridge. On rivers and streams where no permanent bridges exist or where they have been destoryed, pontoon bridges are usually the only means for crossing an army, and evey well-equipped army carries with it a large train of pontoon boats, together with the planks and timbers for making the roadway. In the hands of men trained to the work a pontoon bridge can be laid in a surprisingly short time, even under fire, and such bridges of boats have been used since very ancient times.
Improved types of pontoon bridges, like the one before us, played a very important part in the World War. The Russians, the Germans and the Austrians all used them extensively in crossing the large rivers of Poland and Galicia during the many advances and retreats on the Eastern front. At the battle of Mons (pronunciation guide), Belgium, in August, 1914, the British artillery wrecked several pontoon bridges by which the Gemans sought to cross the Mons-Conde Canal, inflicting heavy losses and greatly delaying their advance. Many such bridges were laid by both sides during the first battle of the Marne, aiding the armies to cross the difficult stream where the permanent bridges had been blown up. During October and November, 1918, American engineer troops showed the utmost gallantry in throwing pontoon bridges and foot bridges across the Meuse River under terrific German fire, thus enabling the American divisions to reach the east side of the stream in pursuit of the retiring Germans.Collection
Photograph Collection