2014-2019 marks the centennial Anniversary of World War I. To commemorate this event the Special Collections and Archives of Wright State University has gathered materials related to World War I from its collections. This series contains many letters, diaries, photographs, and other ephemera from Ohio natives. The creators of these materials give the user a glimpse at the impact of World War I from a unique and individual perspective. Though these materials often record factual data, a closer inspection will often reveal content of a more personal nature.
The World War I Collections include materials from the following series:
Dayton-Wright Airplane Company Photographs (MS-152)
The 91st Observation Squadron Photographs (MS-293)
Palmer Coombs WWI Materials: Diaries and Papers (MS-293)
Fred F. Marshall Papers (MS-53)
World War I Glass Plate Stereoviews (MS-457)
War Camp Community Service Song Sheet (SC-174)
For more information on these collections, please visit Wright State University Special Collections and Archives. For more information about the Centennial Anniversary of World War I please visit The United States World War One Centennial Commission.
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De Havilland DH-4 built by the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company that crashed
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photograph shows a De Havilland DH-4 built by the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company that crashed, circa 1919. The DH-4 has the wings broken and heavy damage to the front-end. The tail number of the aircraft is A.S. 63432. A note on the back of the print reads, "Wreck of DH-4 at Springfield, Ohio. Plane was en route to Mt. Clemens, Michigan and struck a tree and crashed. Photo shows advantage in change of pilots seat."
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De Havilland DH-4 fuselage at Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The fuselage of the De Havilland DH-4 is seen with a Liberty 12 cylinder engine, landing gear, and the front cockpit trim installed. The rear fuselage is attached to the front fuselage. The rear fuselage is held down by a ball and chain. In the background another De Havilland DH-4 is visible but without an engine installed. On the side of the front fuselage is written B # 26. The title of the negative reads "Dayton Wright Airplane." This image was taken circa 1918.
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De Havilland DH-4 fuselage at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The fuselage of the De Havilland DH-4 is seen with a Liberty 12 cylinder engine installed, landing gear, and the front cockpit trim installed at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company. The rear fuselage is attached to the front fuselage. The rear fuselage is held down by a ball and chain. In the background another De Havilland DH-4 is visible but the aircraft does not have the Liberty Engine installed. On the side of the front fuselage is written B # 26. The title of the negative reads "Dayton Wright Airplane" and is labeled 19. This image was taken circa 1918.
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De Havilland DH-4 fuselage before packaging at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photographic print shows the fuselage of a De Havilland DH-4 with the tail section attached. The fuselage is on the base of the packaging crate. The engine is covered by the hood and the Scarff ring is installed. In front of the fuselage is two crates with airplanes inside and numbered 32065 and 32063. In the background another DH-4 is being prepared for packaging and Dayton-Wright Airplane Company employees are working. Aircraft wings can also be seen packaged in crates. This image was taken circa 1918.
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De Havilland DH-4 Fuselage in a crate at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
A De Havilland DH-4 in a packaging crate at the shipping department of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, circa 1918. The photograph shows the rear view of the fuselage looking from the second cockpit toward the engine. The Scarff ring is attached to the second cockpit. The crate that holds the DH-4 only needs the top and sides attached to be ready for shipment. In the background another completed crate is visible. A United States flag hangs from the rafters and a Blue Star Banner hangs next to the United States flag. Near the shipping offices an early tractor or motorized tug cart is visible with a cart full of equipment and supplies attached to the rear. Other shipping supplies can be seen throughout the image.
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De Havilland DH-4 fuselage in Dayton-Wright Airplane Company factory
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The fuselage of a De Havilland DH-4 is seen in the photograph at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, circa 1918. The rear fuselage, landing gear, and the gas tank are installed but no other parts are visible. In the background are fuselages of other DH-4s. The title of the negative is "Dayton Wright Airplane" and is labeled 12.
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De Havilland DH-4 fuselage packed for shipment at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photograph shows the front fuselage of a De Havilland DH-4 in the shipping crate, circa 1918. A wooden X is used in place of the propeller as a stabilizer. The hood is off and the Liberty Engine is exposed. In the background other De Havilland DH-4s are being prepared for packaging.
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De Havilland DH-4 fuselages in a Dayton-Wright Airplane Company factory
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The completed fuselages of the De Havilland DH-4 can be seen in this photograph at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company taken in circa 1918. Some of the fuselages do not have the hoods secured and the Liberty Engines are exposed. In the background a United States flag can been seen hanging from the rafters. The negative is titled "Dayton Wright Airplane" and labeled 21.
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De Havilland DH-4 Fuselages in a Dayton-Wright Airplane Company factory
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The completed fuselages of the De Havilland DH-4 can be seen in this photograph taken circa 1918. The fuselages are all inside of the plant and are finished. Some of the fuselages have the hoods open so that the Liberty Engine is exposed. In the background a United States flag can been seen hanging from the rafters. The negative is titled "Dayton Wright Airplane."
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De Havilland DH-4 fuselage with engine in Dayton-Wright Airplane Company factory
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The fuselage of the De Havilland DH-4 is on the floor of a Dayton-Wright Airplane Company factory resting on the shipping pallet. The rear fuselage section and both cockpits are installed. The Scarff ring is visible on the rear cockpit. Other parts of the DH-4 along with packing and shipping supplies are in the background. This image was taken circa 1918.
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De Havilland DH-4 rear cockpit control stick at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The De Havilland DH-4 rear cockpit control stick is the subject of the photograph at a Dayton-Wright Airplane Company factory, circa 1918. When the stick moves forward and backward it pivots the horizontal bar. The elevators are connected to the bar by cables that run to the arms at the ends of the bar. If the stick moves side to side pivoting on the assembly attached to the bar it twists the bar connected to it. This bar is attached to a swivel bracket on the front stick and moves the front stick in the same direction. The front stick is connected to the ailerons and the elevators through the rear stick.
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De Havilland DH-4s being packaged for shipment at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
Three employees of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company work on packing a De Havilland DH-4 for shipment, circa 1918. The front end of the fuselage is visible as the lid of the crate is being lowered over the aircraft. In the background other employees work on dismantling and crating other DH-4s. A large Blue Star Banner hangs from the rafters with four stars. A sign attached to the Blue Star Banner reads "This department 100% 4th Liberty Loan." The negative is titled "Dayton-Wright Airplane" and labeled 46.
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De Havilland DH-4 showing the bottom of the fuselage and landing gear at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The bottom of the fuselage and landing gear of a De Havilland DH-4 are the center of focus in this photographic print at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, circa 1918. The completed airplane is outside on a set of ramps with the entire bottom visible.
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De Havilland DH-4s lined up at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photograph shows the fuselages of the De Havilland DH-4 at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, circa 1918. One airplane in the foreground is complete and the remainder are just the fuselage with no wings. Residential buildings can be seen in the background. The title of the photograph is "Dayton-Wright Airplane Company." A note on the back of the print lists the location of the image as the Moraine Field. Similar image to MS152_050.
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De Havilland DH-4s lined up outside of a factory of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photograph shows fuselages of the De Havilland DH-4 lined up in a row along a driveway that leads to the entrance to a factory, circa 1918. The aircraft do not have wings or tails and some lack propellers. Employees of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company work outside of the factory and construction materials are seen throughout the image. Other buildings and power lines are visible in the background.
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De Havilland DH-4s lined up outside of a factory of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company July 24, 1918
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photograph shows fuselages of the De Havilland DH-4 lined up in a row along a driveway that leads to the entrance to a factory. The aircraft do not have wings or completed tails. Employees of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company work outside of the factory and construction materials are seen in the foreground. Other buildings marked with P1 and P and power lines are visible in the background. The negative is titled "The Dayton-Wright Airplane Co. July 24-18."
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De Havilland DH-4s packed into shipping crates at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photographic print shows the fuselages of the De Havilland DH-4 loaded and packed into shipping crates at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, circa 1918. The DH-4s are packed into the crates which still need the sides and tops attached before shipping. Employees of Dayton-Wright observe as the photograph is taken. Other DH-4 parts can be seen in the background with supplies and tools. The title of the photograph is "Dayton-Wright Airplane."
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De Havilland DH-4s stored in the factory at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
De Havilland DH-4s are seen in the photograph in a Dayton-Wright Airplane Company factory with a section of a biplane wing labeled "Spruce" in the foreground, circa 1918. In the background work is performed on one of the DH-4s. One of the DH-4s has the tail number 32514. The negative is labeled 42.
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De Havilland DH-4 wings being packaged for shipment at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The wings of a De Havilland DH-4 are placed in a crate and being prepared to be shipped out from the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company. Five wings are visible in the crate and three open spaces still remain showing that the crate could hold eight wings total. Written on the crate are the numbers 30105 and 30127. In the background the fuselage of a DH-4 is packed as well. Other crates and supplies can be seen throughout the image. Behind the wings stands a chemical fire cart with a tank and hose attached. The cart is labeled as Chemical Deluge and has an axe attached to the handle. This image was taken circa 1918.
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De Havilland DH-4 with a Cadillac built Liberty Engine at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company Plant 1, July 5, 1918
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
A De Havilland DH-4 with a Liberty Engine built by Cadillac is the center of the photograph. The aircraft is piloted by Bernard Whelan and the passenger in the second cockpit is unidentified. The Liberty Engine is exposed in the aircraft and the tail number of the aircraft is 32652. Another DH-4 is seen in the background and a sign painted on the side of a barn reads, "For best results use Lowe Bros Paints." The title of the photograph is, "The Dayton-Wright Airplane Co. Plant 1. "Cadillac Motor" July 5-18."
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De Havilland DH-4 with a Nordyke Marmon motor at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company July 16, 1918
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
A De Havilland DH-4 with a Liberty Engine built by the Nordyke Marmon Company is the subject of this photograph at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company. The completed airplane is parked on a cement pad outside. The tail number of the aircraft is 32568. In the background Dayton-Wright employees work in hangars that are marked as P-1, P-2, P-3, and P-4. The title of the negative is "The Dayton-Wright Airplane Co. "Nordyke Marmon Motor" July 16-18."
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De Havilland DH-4 with military equipment and weapons at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photograph shows a De Havilland DH-4 with military markings, weapons and equipment at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, circa 1918. The aircraft is sitting in an open field. Navigation lights and flare dispensers are visible on the wings as well as Mark V release mechanisms for bombs. The landing gear has two generators attached to provide electricity for the lights, communication lines, flares, and heated suits. The Aldis sight is visible at the pilots cockpit but the twin Marlin guns are missing. Twin Lewis guns appear to be mounted on the Scarff ring in the second cockpit and they are covered. The tail number of the aircraft is 40044. In the background residential buildings are visible.
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De Havilland DH-4 with military markings at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company South Field
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
A De Havilland DH-4 with military markings, gun sites at the front cockpit, and what appears to be a set of guns covered on the Scarff ring of the second cockpit is the center of the photograph taken at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company South Field, circa 1918. Generators that are attached to the landing gear were used for heat, lights, and electric power. Navigation lights and a flare dispenser are visible on the wing. The tail number of the aircraft is 40044. Hangars are visible to the right of the aircraft and the background shows local farms. A sign that lies on the ground behind the aircraft reads "Please Keep Off The Grass".
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De Havilland DH-4 with military weapons and equipment at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
The photograph shows a De Havilland DH-4 with military markings, weapons, and equipment at the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, circa 1918. The aircraft has twin Lewis guns mounted on the Scarff ring and fixed Marlin machine guns at the pilot's cockpit. The aircraft is equipped with navigation lights and flare dispensers. Under the wings Mark III high explosive bombs hang on Mark V release mechanisms. Two generators are attached to the legs of the landing gear to create electricity for heated suits, radio equipment, and lights. Residential buildings are seen in the background. A barn in the background has a sign painted on it that reads "For best results use Lowes Bros Paints." The negative is labeled 64.
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Detailing the tail section of an aircraft at the Star Department of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company July 8, 1918
The Dayton-Wright Airplane Company
Female employees of the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company apply the star to the tail section of an aircraft. The tail is covered in a red, white, and blue color scheme. In the background other employees of Dayton-Wright work with parts, and supplies are stacked around the area. The title of the negative is "The Dayton-Wright Airplane Co. Star Dept. - July 8-18" and is labeled 34.
