Photos Photos of WW1 by Ermile Tokhadze

[Gordus]

A collection of WW1 photos from the National Library of Georgia, taken by photographer Ermile Tokhadze (1887 - 1922). Date and location are unknown though most likely Georgia or the Caucasus theatre in general. So imperial Russian army.

 

[Bombardier]

Great photos mate, now to name all the aircraft and equipment


The aircraft 3rd and 5th down are Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2

 

[Bombardier]

The first and second photos look very much like the French Voisin Biplane, two-seat reconnaissance aircraft or night bomber

 

[Gordus]

now to name all the aircraft and equipment

please be my guest ^^

 

[Bombardier]

Struggling with the artillery guns but the German Helmets or Pickelhaube that are marked with L29 & R20 would have belonged to soldiers of the 29th Division and the 20th Division or the number could relate to their Regimental numbers not sure so any help would be well received


UPDATE

It would seem that the L on the helmet may refer to the Landwehr

Landwehr, or Landeswehr, is a German language term used in referring to certain national armies, or militias found in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Europe. In different context it refers to large-scale, low-strength fortifications.

I even found a photo of a German soldier with exactly the same markings on his helmet

 

[Gordus]

wow nice finds Bombardier. Yes its Landwehr. I will add more photos from Tokhadze later

 

[Bombardier]

wow nice finds Bombardier. Yes its Landwehr. I will add more photos from Tokhadze later

I have found references stating that the letter 'R' referred to reserve units



The two identical bayonets 2nd & 4th from the right look like Bayonet type M1898/05

http://www.gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/98bayonets/98bayonets2.htm

 

[NebrHogger]

From the bajonet pic - top is called a "crank handle" which was often used as a fighting knife. From the left, 1st 3rd and last are ersatz Mauser bajonets. The three shown together are called "butcher blades" by collectors.

The rifle in the pic added just above this is a GEW88 which was issued mostly to reserve units not long after the war began. That he's wearing a pickelhaube indicates the pic was from earlier in the war. The Gew88s have a more narrow bore that later 8mmx57 rifles. .318" bore diameter vs. .323" for the later cartridge. Some Gew88s were converted to the later diameter and have an "S" stamped prominently on the receiver.

That's a great set of pics and I look forward to more!!

 

[NebrHogger]

The monoplane shown above certainly resembles a Rumpler "Taube" but I'm not able to verify that.

 

[Gordus]

Great info NebrHogger, thanks

More and likely last pictures from Tokhadze. There are more WW1 related photos I will collect and post in the main thread as soon as I can.

Plane trying to eat its comrade

The writing says: "Drinking water, only drinkable when boiled"

 

[NebrHogger]

Excellent pics!

 

[Gordus]

Thanks

The library has some realy good and rare ones.

 

[Connaught Ranger]

Funeral of a pilot, rear of the truck has a wooden aircraft propeller which will be used as a headstone.