who was the first soldier killed in ww1
John Parr (British Army soldier) While Parr is believed to be the first Commonwealth soldier killed in action, several soldiers had been killed by friendly fire and accidental shooting after the declaration of war but before troops were sent overseas, starting with Cpl Arthur Rawson on 9 August 1914.[10] Even earlier, on 6 August 1914, the cruiser HMSÂ Amphion (1911) hit a German mine and sank, killing about 150 sailors.
Military history of the United States during World War II Prior to America's entry into World War II in December 1941, individual Americans volunteered to fight against the Axis powers in other nations' armed forces. Although under American law, it was illegal for United States citizens to join the armed forces of foreign nations and in doing so, they lost their citizenship, many American volunteers changed their nationality to Canadian. However Congress passed a blanket pardon in 1944.[8] American mercenary Colonel Charles Sweeny living in London began recruiting American citizens to fight as a U.S. volunteer detachment in the French Air force, however France fell before this was implemented.[8] During the Battle of Britain, 11 American pilots flew in the RAF, one of whom was killed,[9] Charles Sweeney's nephew, also called Charles formed a Home Guard unit from American volunteers living in London.[8]