WW1 Uniform Question

[JBinIll]

32nd was formed from the Michigan and Wisconsin NG. Each division had three MG battalions: one assigned to each brigade and one under division control. 63rd brigade was Michigan whereas 64th was Wisconsin.

Funny thing, and coincidence, that you mention cavalry and the trousers. WW1 divisions were huge. Much bigger units than prewar. The 64th brigade, having two regiments of infantry, ate the 4 Wisconsin pre-war regiments. Add the associated parts and it ate the fifth Wisconsin infantry regiment and associated units. Generically for the NG->WW1 divisions that held true. They fed the State infantry regiments into the new ones. So where did the MG battalion men typically come from?

The State Cavalry units.

Sometimes,not always-

[5MadFarmers]

Sometimes,not always-

Yup, an exception. Typically that's where they came from.

[John Sukey]

If the blouse was heavily padded on the shoulders it would make sense for a machine gun unit. Carrying the gun or the tripod on your shoulder.