Visual Record of U.S. Army Transition to Armored and Air Power Through Fort Lewis Training Imagery, circa 1930s

Tanks Aircraft and Artillery

Photograph

Boland, Marvin D., panoramic photograph archive, circa 1930s, documenting U.S. Army modernization at Fort Lewis, Washington, with emphasis on mechanization, motorized transport, and the expansion of Army Air Corps operations during the interwar period. The material identifies military training exercises, mechanized equipment deployment, airfield operations, and communications infrastructure associated with evolving doctrines of mechanized warfare and air power following World War I. Tanks, aircraft, transport vehicles, barrage balloons, and portable radio systems appear throughout coordinated training environments at Fort Lewis.

Archive comprises 24 silver gelatin panoramic photographs, each approximately 7 x 2.5 inches, signed “Boland,” and produced by Tacoma-based photographer Marvin D. Boland. The photographs depict a range of military activities and equipment at Fort Lewis, including formations of biplanes in flight, parked aircraft aligned on airfields, and a monoplane bearing U.S. Army Air Corps insignia. Several photographs show coordinated aerial exercises and tethered barrage balloons prepared by ground crews. Ground operations include M1 Combat Cars of the 41st Tank Company arranged in formation, as well as tanks navigating uneven terrain and obstacle courses under observation. Additional scenes document convoys of transport trucks, military ambulances, and logistical vehicles. Training activities include soldiers marching in formation, constructing field fortifications from stacked logs, and operating portable radio equipment. Temporary tent encampments appear throughout, indicating mobile training environments and field readiness exercises.

The photographs record a transitional phase in U.S. military history as the Army expanded beyond traditional infantry tactics toward integrated mechanized and aerial warfare capabilities. Fort Lewis served as a major training site following the establishment of its airfield in 1930, supporting aviation units later active during World War II. The archive concentrates on operational training, military infrastructure, mechanized transport, and aerial coordination during the interwar period. Minor curling and light edge wear; overall very good condition. A visual record of interwar military training, mechanization, and Army Air Corps development at Fort Lewis.

Item #21568

Price: $585.00