Call it a favour to an old friend
Its an interesting one for sure Mr R , so far all I've managed is to confirm your thoughts on the era.
The first Washington Infantry units were born of necessity, as Indian warriors waged war with the American settlers in that region in 1855. Acting Governor Charles H. Mason called for a Regiment of Infantry on 11 October of that year. Govern Major Isaac Stevens, ironically in Montana on a treaty-making trip, returned to his state to hear of the uprising. He mustered two companies at Spokane Falls, and the so-called Walla Walla Battalion marched 700 miles through hostile territory without making contact. They were then disbanded.
Two battalions were constituted in March 1886 and April 1887 in the Washington Territory, comprising the existing independent companies mustered between 1880 and 1884. The military in Washington was redesignated the Washington (Territory) National Guard in 1888. Redesignations and reorganizations resulted in the 1st Regiment, Washington Volunteer Infantry being mustered into Federal service 6-13 May 1898 at Tacoma and then mustered out 1 November 1898 at San Francisco, California. An Independent Battalion, Washington Volunteer Infantry, served briefly in Federal service from July to October 1898 in Vancouver, Washington.
The Washington National Guard was organized in 1898, and the previous infantry units were reorganized as the 1st Infantry Regiment. Other reorganizations followed, with some companies converting to Coastal Artillery.
Two regiments of Washington infantry were briefly mustered for the dispute with Mexico in 1916, serving between June and November of that year. The 1st Washington Infantry was ordered to active duty in March 1917 to guard State installations, and then drafted into Federal service for World War I. The 1st and 2nd Washington Infantry became the 161st Infantry Regiment, part of the 81st Infantry Brigade of the 41st Division. The Division arrived in France in December 1917 - eventually some 33 divisions would participate in the US war effort in France. The 161st Regiment was given a replacement and training assignment. It performed those duties, as well as assistance in construction, until rejoining the 41st Division in August 1918, and eventual transit home in January and February of 1919.
http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/a...ates/161.htmIt would appear the 2nd Inf wasnt around long at all in that guise
1898-1917.
Now that the ground is laid and we have the era definate..well.. ill keep looking and theres every chance a collector will come along and know what Lieut Todd signifys
Posted 06/23/2009 12:15 pm
