Share This Article


Influenza of 1918 and the U.S. Navy
A boxing match takes place on the USS Sibone forecastle, while she was at sea in the Atlantic Ocean, transporting troops either to or from France in 1918-1919. Notice the spectators are wearing masks as a precaution against the spread of influenza. This photo was included in the ‘Historical Souvenir of the U.S.S. Siboney’, published by the ship’s crew in 1919 as a momento of her service.

Image: U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph