Instruments of the AEF: U.S. Army Compasses from the Great War

This collection explores the compasses used by the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during World War I, showcasing their vital role in guiding troops through the unfamiliar terrain of Europe. As American soldiers joined the fight in 1917, reliable navigation became essential for trench advances, artillery coordination, and battlefield communication. Featuring a range of U.S. Army-issued compasses, trench maps, and personal gear, Instruments of the AEF highlights the ingenuity, adaptation, and precision behind these tools. Each artifact reflects the critical importance of direction and orientation in a conflict defined by movement, technology, and the harsh realities of modern warfare.