Actual History: 100 Years Ago Today

[gekkogecko]

Something I've been doing for a different website, thought I'd start it up here. Cobbling together things from different websites, comparing sources, and more-or-less liveblogging the First World War. Just 100 years late.

I have chosen today to start because one of the most significant developments of the entire War started today. To whit, the disastrous Battle of the Somme, which, despite much British propaganda to the contrary, did not in fact, result in the attrition of the German Armies in the West to a significantly greater degree than that of the British & French Armies. In fact, quite the opposite happened.

Western Front
Battle of Verdun: German forces at Verdun suspend their attack on Fort Souville due to heavy casualties. Heavy fighting at Fleury and west of Thiaumont. French thwart attempted German advance west of Fort Thiaumont. French gains in Fumin-Chenois Woods. War Minister General Roques visits.

Preliminary British bombardment along Somme front and northwards. British and French forces, stocked with 3 million artillery shells, begin preparatory bombardment of German lines at the Somme. (This much is standard Allied propaganda. What they don’t tell you is that the week-long bombardment was largely a failure, due to several factors:
1. Many, many, many of the British shells were duds, due to poor quality control & manufacturing practices in the British munitions industry.
2. A mistaken belief that shrapnel (actual shrapnel shell, a specific type of shell, unlike the more modern meaning of the word ‘shrapnel’) was effective in cutting barbed wire. In fact, shrapnel is almost useless for this purpose. As a result, roughly 75% of the shells fired by the british were shrapnel. Only about ¼ of the shells were high explosive.
3. Many of the British & French guns were the subset of Artillery known as “Guns” (as opposed to Howitzers or Mortars), which had insufficient elevation to hit a lot of the obstacles & trenches the Germans had installed on reverse slopes.
4. The Germans had partially adopted the idea of “Defense in Depth”: that is, the outermost line of fortifications & defensive positions, which usually (and at the battle did) receive the heaviest bombardment, were only lightly held. Most of the defensive troops were held in the second or third lines (where available), or sometimes even further back, for counterattacks. As a result, many of the German soldiers weren’t touched by the initial bombardment.)

British and French troops at Bray-sur-Somme as the Allied troops prepare to launch its offensive : http://imgur.com/4ioByXX

Royal Flying Corps spots 154 targets (5 German batteries silenced), fights 16 air combats and shoots down 6 German kite-balloons.

Flanders: BEF shell Lens.


Eastern Front
Russian advance from Bukovina; fighting on Dniester.


Southern Front
Trentino: Italians retake Asiago, Posina and Arslero regained (June 27), as Austrians begin silent and orderly general retreat from salient (night June 25) to prepared line holding 2/3 of gains since May 15 (until June 26).
Salonika: Sarrail told he may have to attack soon with French and Serbs alone.
Armenia: Turks after surprise crossing of Pontic Alps overwhelm 19th Turkistanski Regiment. By June 30 within 15 miles of coast road but held at ‘Serpent Rock Hill’.


Political, etc.
Roger Casement trial begins.

President of the German Food Regulations Board admits the rationing of meat is currently being considered for September onwards.

British War Office announces 500 more women have been accepted as army cooks, bringing the total up to 2000.

French Chamber of Deputies appropriates 25 million Francs for propaganda purposes overseas.

Araba Revolt: British in Cairo intercepts Djemal radio message to Fakhri Pasha in Medina allowing £5,000 spending in English gold. In Cyrenaica, Sayyid Idris meets Allied Mission for talks (until September).

Anglo-Italian Agreement not to sign separate deal with Senussi (June 31, France adheres March 1917).


Naval and Overseas Operations:

An Admiralty post-Battle of Jutland inquest with Jellicoe and Beatty agrees to improve armor protection.

[jseal]

The Battle of the Somme (http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/somme.htm)

[Oldfart]

BEF shell Lens.

British Expeditionary Force shells town of Lens.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of Verdun: French gain near Thiaumont work, but two-brigade attack fails at Fleury. German attacks west of Hill 304 and near Fleury. French 407th Regiments 1,200 survivors (from 2,800 on June 21) withdrawn.
British patrols active.
Battle Of the Somme: Allied bombardment continues. Royal Flying Corps observers engage 161 targets. 5 F. E. 2bs (1 lost) of No 25 Squadron including Capt A W Tedder (future Air Marshal of RAF) shoot down 2 Fokker Es; 3 German kite-balloons brought down in flames.

Eastern Front
German troops from the Western Front replace Austro-Hungarian troops from Kovel to Brody in order to face the Russians.

Southern Front
Austria-Hungary retreats along a 20-mile front in Trentino, Italy to transfer troops to the Eastern Theater.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians advance west in northern Persia.
Turks prepare to leave Mosul.
Turks driven from Lake Urmia (Persia).

Political, etc.
General demobilisation ordered in Greece.
Germans threaten to stop Swiss coal supply if their cotton purchases are not delivered.
Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia announces it is producing gas bombs, incendiary bombs, and grenades for the U.S. Army.
Serb Prime Minister Pasic visits Paris.
President Wilson rejects a proposal by Latin American diplomats who offered to mediate between the U.S. and Mexico to avoid war.
Funeral of former President and Emperor of China Yuan Shikai takes place in Peking.
Rumania: 9 killed in Galati workers anti-war demo.
Britain: 7,000 Vickers Barrow engineers lose strike against partial call-up (until July 3).

[jseal]

The Battle of Verdun (http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/verdun.htm), 1916

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British bombardment continues. Despite Allied bombardment at the Somme, German “dugouts are still good. The [Germans] appear to remain…completely sheltered.” [Allied Intelligence report]
157 active German batteries reported by Royal Flying Corps.
Photo showing gas attacks by the British against German lines at the Somme: http://imgur.com/05227Sk
Battle of Verdun: Further local German attacks repulsed at Fleury.
German attack repulsed at Ypres.
British reconnaissance raids from La Bassee canal to Somme line.


Eastern Front
German troops under von Linsingen capture Russian positions in Volhynia, while German aeroplanes bomb Dvinsk (Daugavpils).
Germans repulsed in Riga and Dvinsk areas. (Note: these were likely ‘raids’, rather than attacks with intent to seize ground, thus, ‘repulsed’ is likely an overstatement).
Russian advance from Kolomea (Bukovina).

Southern Front
Trentino: Italians take Posina and Arsiero; continued advance from the Bernta to the Adige. But otherwise, the Italians resume pursuit too slowly.
Carnia: Italian XII Corps ‘rectification operations’ (until June 29) cost 3,662 casualties.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arab Revolt: Fakhri Pasha sorties from Medina, massacres Arab suburb; Feisal blockades at distance.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
East Africa: British Lake Force (2,000 soldiers, Crewe GOC since June 17) advances south from river Kagera and via Lake Victoria. Major-General Gill and part of 3,000-strong Portuguese Expeditionary Force land (until September 6) at Lourenco Marques.

Political, etc.
Austria: A letter from the ambassador in Berlin says ‘Monarchy can no longer survive the war’.
Greece: King signs demobilization decree.
German Hentig enters Chinese Turkestan, escapes Russian cordon.
Recommendations of Allied Economic Conference ratified (see 14th). [http://www.greatwar.co.uk/timeline/ww1-events-1916.htm#june]
Chinese navy threatens to revolt.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
{Brief repetition, as it's the immediate root}
Onehundredtwo years ago, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated by Serbian nationalist during a motorcade in Sarajevo, sparking World war I.
James Hutchinson VC (9 July 1895 – 22 January 1972) was 20 years old, and a private (Fusilier) in the 2/5th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers on 28 June 1916 when his actions in Ficheux, France earned him the Victoria Cross.
Citation:
For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy's position this soldier was the leading man, and, entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the traverses.
After our object had been gained and retirement ordered, Private Hutchinson, on his own initiative, undertook the dangerous task of covering the retirement, and he did this with such gallantry and determination that the wounded were removed into safety. During all this time this gallant soldier was exposed to fierce fire from machine-guns and rifles at close quarters.
He later achieved the rank of corporal.
Battle of the Somme: Zero day for Allied offensive postponed until 1 July (rain). As a result, the British continue their bombardment, combined with small raids as part of probing attacks.
Royal Garrison Artillery gunners carrying trench mortar ammunition at the Somme: http://imgur.com/l7heySL ©IWM (Q 747)
Heavy rains and low cloud until June 30 restricts aerial operations. 111 Royal Flying Corps personnel casualties since June 1 and 17,000 hours flown.
Verdun: French grenade attacks near Hill 329 and Thiaumont Works. German counter-attacks fail.


Eastern Front
Brusilov offensive, Galicia – Battle of Kolomea (June 24 to July 6): Lechitski shatters Austrian Seventh Army on 25-mile front east of Kolomea, taking 10,421 PoWs and 4 guns; enters Kolomea on June 29, reaches 12 miles south [until June 30].
Despite German use of gas, Russian troops repel German attacks south of Riga and on the Dvina River.
Heavy fighting on Lutsk salient.


Southern Front
Trentino: Italian cavalry reach Pedescala northeast of Arsiero.
Isonzo – First major gas attack on Italian Front (until June 29): with help of hydrocyanide gas shell Austrians inflict 6,600 casualties on sleeping Italian 21st and 22nd Divisions between Mt Cosich and sea in night raid before Regina Brigade and 10th Regiment regain trenches, but Austrians lose 1,988 (416 PoWs) men including gas fatalities from blowback.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arab Revolt: 3 British ships land 8 Egyptian mountain guns, 4 MGs and 3,000 rifles at Jeddah.
Persia: Baratov’s 8,500 men and 14 guns hold Turk 2nd Division at Karind until night retreat on Kermanshah (evacuated on June 30).

Naval and Overseas Operations:
SS Messanabie arrives at Liverpool from Canada with troops including Filip Konowal (Canadian Infantry) who will win the Victoria Cross in August 1917.
A Danish & an Italian ship are lost due to shipping accidents, whereas, the UK dredger Mercurius strucks a mine in the North Sea with the loss of 6 of her 7 crew.
East Africa: British Lake Force (2,000 soldiers, Crewe GOC since June 17) advances south from river Kagera and via Lake Victoria. Major-General Gill and part of 3,000-strong Portuguese Expeditionary Force land (until September 6) at Lourenco Marques.

Political, etc.
Britain and France completely [that is, formally] abandon London Declaration; they had been long ignoring it anyway. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Declaration_concerning_the_Laws_of_Naval_War
Russia: CoS Alexeiev suggests to Tsar a military dictator for supply. A bill to permanently ban vodka is being discussed in the Russian Duma.
Germany: Karl Liebknecht, a German Socialist in opposition to the war, is given 2 and a half years hard labor (increased to 4 years on August 23) and dismissed from Army; 55,000 workers hold 3-day protest strikes.
Britain: 400 German firms reported still trading.
Report shows that the U.S. trade in May reached record highs due to the war. The favorable trade balance was $243 million.
Mexico deploys 40,000 troops along railways near the U.S. border in order to face a possible U.S. invasion.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British bombardment continues.
Battle of Verdun: German attack on Hill 304 repulsed.
Champagne: German first and second line trenches taken at Tahure.
French 400 mm railway gun firing near Ravin d’Harbonnieres: http://imgur.com/ezCd1gV* © IWM (Q 70036)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Russian troops piece three lines of Austro-Hungarian lines near the city of Kolomea and claims the capture of 10,000 prisoners.
Germans repulsed north-east of Vilna.

Southern Front
Italian advance in Trentino continues, and troops recapture Fort Mattassone and the ridge of Monte Trappola.
Italy forms 78a Squadriglia.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Royal Navy Air Service detachment withdrawn but 4 Royal Navy Air Service kite-balloons arrive in Mesopotamia.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
Turkish steamers sunk by Russians in the Black Sea.
Italy loses two sailing vessels to SMA U-35; the UK loses a steamer to the same source, and a minesweeping trawler strikes a mine and sinks (a not uncommon occurrence).

Political, etc.
Roger Casement, Irish nationalist, is sentenced to death for treason. Roger Casement was sentenced based on reinterpreting the Treason Act of 1351. Casement writes he will be “hanged on a comma.” He is escorted to Pentonville Prison: http://imgur.com/49IVuFH
British Foreign Office send Casement diary homosexual extracts to US; Foreign Minister Grey rules against further copying on June 30.
New York City is experiencing a polio outbreak. 32 cases are identified today, bringing the total up to 206.
Győző Zemplén, Hungarian physicist in the field of hydrodynamics and kinetic theory of gases, is killed in action.
U.S. demands apology from Austria for the sinking of the "Petrolite".
Austria: Vienna Crown Council attacks CoS Conrad for first time, Emperor orders him to give more info.

[dicksbro]

Lots of good info. Thanks guys!

[jseal]

President Hollande will be the first French head of state at a Somme commemoration in more than 80 years. (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36585199)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British bombardment continues. Nelson Victor Carter VC (6 April 1887 – 30 June 1916) was born on 6 April 1887 to Richard Carter, of Hailsham; husband of Kathleen Carter, of 33 Greys Road, Old Town, Eastbourne. His date of birth is often stated as the ninth, but his birth certificate states the sixth.
He was 29 years old, and a company sergeant major in the 12th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. He was awarded the VC for his actions on 30 June 1916 at Boar's Head, Richebourg L’Avoue, France. At 03:15 two battalions of the Royal Sussex Regiment, the 12th and 13th, with the 11th in reserve, go over the top at The Boar’s Head salient in the German lines near the small village of Richebourg l’Avoue in northern France. This is a diversionary attack is meant to confuse the enemy as to the extent of attacks on the Somme tomorrow.
Citation:
For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack he was in command of the fourth wave of the assault. Under intense shell and machine gun fire he penetrated, with a few men, into the enemy's second line and inflicted heavy casualties with bombs. When forced to retire to the enemy's first line, he captured a machine gun and shot the gunner with his revolver. Finally, after carrying several wounded men into safety, he was himself mortally wounded and died in a few minutes. His conduct throughout the day was magnificent.
Battle of Verdun: French recapture Fort Thiaumont, but heavy back-and-forth fighting continues. 65 French divisions have engaged against 47 German. June losses: French 67,000, German 51,567 (including 4 divisions which were losing 71-90% of their infantry). [Note: casualty figure for the Germans are highly suspect].
6 R.E. 7s of No 21 Squadron Royal Flying Corps bomb Lille St Saveur station engine sheds (repeated and successfully with 336 lb bomb, first use from 7,000-8,000 ft on July 1). Escort on both raids 2 Martinsyde and 2 Morane planes.
Ruins of a church in the village of Miraumont: http://imgur.com/DpCPrJ3 © IWM (Q 78454)

Eastern Front
Battle of the Strypa ends (see 11th).
Brusilov offensive, Galicia: 2 Austrian divisions from Italian Front begin arriving at Nadworna and Delatyn.

Southern Front
Trentino: Italian counter-offensive in the Trentino continues

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: General Abatsiev’s 10,000 men capture Bitlis after surprise night bayonet charge in blizzard, taking 1,000 PoW and 20 guns. 2 Russian battalions land at Atina to advance on Trebizond, 60 miles in the west, more land at Mapavri (night 6/7). General Lyakhov occupies Rize, port 30 miles from Trebizond (March 8), drives Turks beyond river Kalopotamus on March 9.

Mesopotamia: Gertrude Bell arrives at Basra to be Arab Bureau representative.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
Baltic: Indecisive small British naval action.
North Sea: First Royal Navy minelaying submarine E24 lays minefield close to Elbe, but lost on next sortie.
First German 15 inch-gun battleship Bayern joins Fleet (sister Baden likewise February 1917).
British loose another cargo steamer to German submarines, another minesweeping trawler to mines (told you it was common), whereas the Germans loose U-10 to mines, as well.
During June German U-boats sink 43 merchant ships or 67,125t out of total (all seas) 87,293 t. French Marine Ministry rebukes Bizerta Prefet Maritime for suggesting convoy answer to U-boats.


Political, etc.
Germany: Chancellor Bethmann again informs Admiral Scheer of his opposition to unrestricted U¬-boat operations.
USA: Krupp representative Captain Tauscher acquitted of conspiracy charges. US Commissioner of Navigation reports 125,000t of shipping building for foreign owners (mainly British).
Gore-Mclemore Senate Resolution against American sailing in belligerent ships and denying passports, but defeated on March 7.
France: Alcohol duties increased.
Britain: Army Council takes over 1916 hay and straw crops.
Trades Union Congress, representing 3 million workers, meets in London to ask the British government to set food prices.
D H Lawrence rejected for military service at Bodmin.
British Government conclude further agreement with the Netherlands Overseas Trust for rationing of Holland.
Portugal: Portuguese seize 4 German ships at Madeira.

[jseal]

How is it being commemorated and why was it so important? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/30/battle-of-the-somme-centenary-how-is-it-being-commemorated-and-w/)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
ANGLO-FRENCH OFFENSIVE, BATTLE OF THE SOMME BEGINS (until November 18).
First phase: Battle of Albert: (until July 13). After 224,221 shells in 65 mins and explosion of 10 mines (0728 hours) Allied attack begins at 0730 hours. Combined Franco-British attack (19 divisions) on 25-mile front north and south of Somme. Despite the mines and heavy Allied bombardment, most German positions have survived intact: http://imgur.com/RsKArWD © IWM (Q 27637)
Aftermath of the Lochnagar mine explosion underneath German lines: http://imgur.com/iI6qIIZ
66,000 (later 100,000). British soldiers capture Montauban (early creeping barrage) and Mametz. French XX and I Colonial Corps strike for Peronne reach Hardecourt and Curlu outskirts taking c.80 guns and 3,000 PoWs. Northwest of Albert-Bapaume road British make little progress against strong German defences; small gain at Leipzig Redoubt south of Thiepval. British attacks at Gommecourt, Serre, Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval and La Boiselle all fail.
At 1900 hours Rawlinson’s casualties estimate 16,000, but in fact British casualties total 57,470 (incl. 19,240 killed and 2,152 missing (585 PoWs) largely to c. 100 German MG teams).*HEAVIEST LOSS EVER SUFFERED BY THE BRITISH ARMY IN ONE DAY: 32 battalions lose an average of 500 casualties. German casualties estimate 8,000.
French attack towards Peronne; reach outskirts of Hardecourt and Curlu; take Dompierre, Becquincourt, Bussus, and Fay.
Anglo-French aerial supremacy continues. 185 British (out of 421 RFC with 14 balloons) and 201 French against 129 German aircraft. Verdun and commitments elsewhere (plus Immelmann’s death) mean Germans have only 19 fighters against up to 66 British (Nos 24, 29, 32 and 60 Squadrons) and c. 72 French Nieuport 11s; DH2s andFE2s play havoc with reconnaissance planes and balloons and brush aside German fighters. BE2s and RE7s hit railways, trains, roads, headquarters, dumps; RFC drop 39t bombs (July 1-16), Farmans and Caudrons often at night; RFC reconnaissance and artillery observation units fly virtually unhindered while German aircraft are forced to defend within their own lines or over their own bases. But, from mid-July German reinforcements reach the Somme. Contact patrol, or liaison with infantry, first instituted in the Royal Flying Corps.
Battle of Verdun: 132nd day of battle.
During July Germans form 2nd Storm Battalion, 14 in all by December 31.
German combatant strength in West 2,260,000 soldiers. French Army 1,447,000 infantry; 93,500 cavalry; 495.000 artillery; 125.000 engineers; 24,000 air service in 4,677,000 mobilized strength.
Major Rees commander of No 32 Squadron Royal Flying Corps single-handedly disperses 10 two-seaters near Festubert and forces down 2 (Rees wounded, wins Victoria Cross. 7 RFC aircraft missing (14 aircrew casualties) including 4 who cause 170 casualties to 22nd Reserve Division at St Quentin station.
Citation
On 1 July 1916 at Double Crassieurs, France, Major Rees, whilst on flying duties, sighted what he thought was a bombing party of our machines returning home, but were in fact enemy aircraft. Major Rees was attacked by one of them, but after a short encounter it disappeared, damaged. The others then attacked him at long range, but he dispersed them, seriously damaging two of the machines. He chased two others but was wounded in the thigh, temporarily losing control of his aircraft. He righted it and closed with the enemy, using up all his ammunition, firing at very close range. He then returned home, landing his aircraft safely.
It should also be noted that there were several other Victoria Crosses awarded as a result of the generally disastrous day for the British. I have chosen to highlight Major Rees’, not to slight the others, but because his was unusual, being the result of aerial combat. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_First_World_War_Victoria_Cross_recipients


Eastern Front
German combatant strength only 590,000 soldiers.
River Pruth: Russians advance north-west of Kolomea.
Pripet: Austro-Germans progress north-west of Tarnopol. Austro-Germans regain 3 miles southwest of Lutsk (until July 2).
Brusilov Offensive: Carpathians: Lechitski advances northwest of Kolomea, cuts railway at Mikolichin (July 4), despite Austro-German counter-attacks (July 2-3). Russian troops attack Austro-Hungarian lines along the Carpathians, capturing 14,574 prisoners.

Southern Front
Italian Front: Italian losses 524,760 men since January 1, including 275,190 sick, but 800,000 called to colors in same period.
Isonzo: Italian VII Corps launches diversion at Sell (Carso, south of Gorizia), some gains and PoWs (until July 3).
Salonika: In July 6 Royal Navy Air Service aircraft and French flight on Thasos island drop incendiary bombs on ripening crops in south Bulgaria.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Royal Flying Corps Middle East Brigade (total 8 squadrons) formed under Brigade-General W Salmond to administer Salonika, Mesopotamia and East Africa units as well.
Persia: c.16,000 Turks (Ali Ihsan Pasha) reoccupy Kermanshah, defeat Russians to north (until July 19).
Arab Revolt – Yemen: Idrisi’s tribe captures Qunfidah on coast.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
Adriatic: Austrian raid on Straits of Otranto.
Mediterranean: During July U-boat ace Arnauld de la Periere perfects technique of destroying ships by long-range (8,000 yards) gunfire with new 4.1-inch deck gun (replaces 3.5-inch/88 mm), saving torpedoes and lessening risks to U-boats, who also, through signals intelligence and captured documents learn which Allied routes are patrolled, sink 33 ships (86,432 t) in July.
Baltic: In July Russian submarines and destroyers sink or capture 4 German steamers.

Political, etc.
Britain: Retail Food Price 61%, now 766,000 women in industry and commerce. Record low union unemployment of 0.4%. Somme barrage heard on Hampstead Heath.
France: In July Le Canard enchaine satirical journal first published. Heavier excess profit taxes. French Ministry of Interior reports that 46,263 houses, 331 churches, and 900 public buildings have been wrecked due to war.
Germany: In July radical anti-war art weekly Kampf founded at Duisburg.
Santo Domingo: US Marines defeat rebels.

[gekkogecko]

BTW, I would like to thank Jseal for his addenda to my posts. Quite relevant supplements, they are.

[dicksbro]

I'll again thank both of you guys for this historical commentary on WWI. Fascinating information presented in a great, clear-cut way. Thanks.

[jseal]

The end of the age of European empires did, indeed, change the world.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Allied forces at the Somme have managed to push in 6 miles in some areas (mainly in the southern, French, sector) and claim to have captured 10,000 Germans. British capture Fricourt; relinquish captured trenches at Gommecourt. French take Curlu, Frise, Bois de Mereaucourt and Herbecourt.
A dump of empty 18-pounder shell cases, expended during the British bombardment at the Somme: http://imgur.com/EHNTtnt* © IWM (Q 111)


Eastern Front
Battle of Baranovichi begins (see July 9th): Russians take offensive at Smorgon and Baranovichi, and penetrate German lines.
Germans continue advance on Lutsk salient. South of Dniester they regain Tlumacz.

Southern Front
Skirmishes near Salonika; artillery duels on lower bank of Vardar.
Heavy artillery fire and sharp infantry attacks in Trentino and Carso.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Turks consolidate Kermanshah; Russians driven east on road to Hamadan.

Political, etc.
Germany: Former German Chancellor von Buelow warns that the Allies will be “unforgiving” towards Germany after the war.
It is estimated that around 500,000 Jewish men are currently fighting on both sides of the war.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French capture Chapitre Wood, Feuilleres, Buscourt, Flaucourt; also Assevillers to the South. British capture Ovillers-La Boisselle, 9th Scottish Division captures Bernafay Wood (east of Montauban). Falkenhayn visits Fritz von Below at St Quentin, replaces his Chief-of-Staff for allowing withdrawal south of Somme; Below obediently orders counter-attacks ‘I forbid the voluntary evacuation of trenches’.
“Y” Wood & German trenches at the Somme. Snow-like appearance on ground is due to bombardment: http://imgur.com/HbxSZ6T ©IWM (Q49323)
Battle of Verdun: Germans take and lose Damloup work, their attacks on Avocourt and Hill 304 fail on July 5.
North of Ancre actions indecisive.
12,300 prisoners to date.
30 Anglo-German air combats. Royal Flying Corps (7 aircraft missing) bomb Cambrai, and Comines stations, shoot down 3 German aircraft. Haig and Rawlinson thank RFC for its work.


Eastern Front
Battle of Baranovichi continues south of Vilna.

Southern Front
Italian Second Army reformed (HQ Cividale) for Isonzo offensive.
French air raid on Sofia from Salonika.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians again resume offensive in Armenia, west of Erzerum.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
North Sea: Two lines of U-boats patrol Heligoland Bight in support of the High Seas Fleet (until August 4).
Russian sea-attack on German lines near Riga.
British advance in East Africa, in region between Lake Tanganyika and Victoria Nyanza.

Political, etc.
Alfred Kleiner, a Swiss physicist & Albert Einstein’s doctoral advisor at the University of Zurich, passed away.
Russo-Japanese Far East mutual consultation treaty, Russia cedes 60 miles of Chinese Eastern Railway.
Easter Rising: Irish Rebellion Commission Report published makes Chief Secretary ‘primarily responsible’.
Stock Exchange minimum prices finally removed, first wartime free market.
Germany: Settlement Law for military pensions farm purchase, esp. in Baltic area.

[gekkogecko]

Addendum to the Battle of Verdun: Falkenhayn issues (Possibly yesterday, the records are unclear) ‘The unequivocal order for the complete cessation of the attack’, begins to transfer 60 heavy guns to the Somme, 2 divisions from Verdun plus a division from every other army on Western Front.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: A thunderstorm causes a cold wet day. Low clouds inhibit both flying and ground operations (until July 6). British attack La Boisselle (until July 6), take Bernafay Wood, east of Montauban; manage to make air attacks on Comines, Combles, St. Quentin, despite the weather. Gough’s Reserve Army in command of 8 divisions on British left flank, La Boisselle-Hebuterne (8 miles). French capture Estrees, Belloy-en-Santerre, and Sormont Farm: advance from Curlu towards Hem, south of the Somme River (US war poet Alan Seeger (uncle of folk singer Pete Seeger) is killed at Belloy-en-Santerre, aged 28, with Foreign Legion: http://imgur.com/VJGxpQ5), now have 4,000 PoWs and 6 miles of German second line.
Battle of Verdun: Germans regain Thiaumont for the fourth time.

Eastern Front
Battle of Baronovichi (until July 14): Ragoza’s Fourth Army (1,000 guns, 21 infantry and 5 cavalry divisions) takes Austrian front line after shelling since July 2.
Brusilov Offensive, Pripet: second Great Russian advance: Lesch’s Third Army crosses river Styr at Kolki and Rafalovka, drives Linsingen west to river Stokhod. Further south they cut Carpathian railway at Mikolichin.

Southern Front
Trentino: Italian advance continues (until July 7).

Naval and Overseas Operations:
East Africa: NRFF resumes advance through 6,000-ft Ukinga Mountains.
North Sea: Admiral Scheer’s report on the Battle of the Skagerrak (known in English as the Battle of Jutland to Kaiser stresses ‘A victorious end … can only be achieved by using the U-boats against British trade’. Beatty’s Battlecruiser Fleet Gunnery committee reports on Jutland.
Black Sea: Goeben and Breslau shell Tuapse and Lazarevskoye, sinking steamer Kniaz Obolensky.
Eastern Mediterranean: Colonel Kress requests U-boat support for imminent Turk Suez Canal offensive, but only one sent, too late.

Political, etc.
Rumania: Prime Minister Bratianu puts three intervention conditions to French Ambassador. These terms include Salonika offensive against Bulgars.
Mexico: Conciliatory Carranza answer to US June notes; joint commis*sion proposed July 12, US accepts July 28.
Germany: Colonial and Interior Ministers visit Hindenburg’s HQ until July 6. Mueller diary: Kaiser ‘suffers so from loneliness’.
Prince Wilhelm, grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm, is made lieutenant in the 1st Guards Regiment at the age of 10.
United Kingdom: Ignatius Tribitch Lincoln, ex-M.P., sentenced to three years penal servitude for forgery.
United States: U.S. Census Bureau announces that there are 21 million able-bodied men of military age in the United States.
New York City closes down all motion picture theaters in the city to children under age 16 in order to combat the polio epidemic.

[dicksbro]

Really interesting stuff! Thanks for all the work you're going to remind us of this major part of 20th Century history. :thumbs;

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British storm Horseshoe Trench, improve their position between Somme and Ancre; advance slightly in some sectors.
Germans massing in Mametz Wood, and recapture Estrees south of Somme.
French capture the village of Hem; north of Somme they repel counter-attacks at Belloy-en-Santerre. French Foreign Legion (869 casualties) relieved after sending back 730 PoWs and 4 MGs and repulsing 2 night counter-attacks.
A German shell exploding near a British camp near Albert: http://imgur.com/T6oRXSo* © IWM (Q 778).
Battle of Verdun: German attacks at Verdun on Avocourt and Hill 304 “fail.”


Eastern Front
Battle of Baronovichi (until July 14): On the Riga and Baranovichi sectors, fighting continues.
Brusilov Offensive: In Galicia, Russians continue their attacks south of Dniester. Russian Army cuts the Delatyn-Korosmezo railway, which supplies the Austro-Hungarian Army defending Galicia.

Southern Front
Risings and guerrilla warfare in Serbia and Montenegro, owing to weakening of Austrian garrisons; continue for duration of war.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Ottoman troops drive out the Russians from the Persian town of Kermanshah after two days of fighting.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
Eastern Mediterranean: U-39 sails, lands Lieutenant Todenwarth and 7 men with munitions for Senussi, North Africa (fetched back October 13).
North Sea: U-boat campaign against fishing vessels begins (36 sunk).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: King George V decides to confer peerage on Sir Edward Grey, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Mexican government agrees to negotiate with the U.S. in order to defuse tensions, and U.S. decides not to further reinforce the border.
Germany remains confident in their defense of the Somme, with Major Moraht accurately stating that Allied advances are “very scant.”

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Allied advance stalls as they consolidate gains and face German counterattacks. Britain makes slight gains at Thiepval.
Battle of Verdun: Artillery active.
UK troops stage two successful raids on Loos salient.

Eastern Front
Brusilov offensive: Disorderly German retreat in Chartorysk salient between river Styr and river Stokhod; 30,000 PoWs and 30 guns lost since July 4. Russian troops force Austro-Hungarian units to retreat five miles to Kolomea and claim the capture of 13,000 more prisoners.

Southern Front
Italian pressure on the Trentino and Isonzo fronts continued.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arab Revolt: Sherif gets £125,000 per month by 27 for duration of war. Murray to prepare to occupy El Arish and Aqaba. GIGS cables him suggesting helping Arabs sabotage Hejaz Railway.
Russian troops in Iraq have retreated more than 80 miles from the Tigris due to Ottoman attacks and the intense desert heat.


Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Hospital ships land 10,112 Somme wounded at South¬ampton and Dover. MI5 circular warns Chief Constables that Germans seeking to recruit circus and stage performers as spies.
Ministerial changes: Mr. Lloyd George becomes Secretary of State for War. Lord Derby, Under Secretary for War. Sir Edward Grey raised to Peerage as Viscount Grey of Falldon.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British 38th Division (nearly 4,000 casualties until July 12) repulsed at Mametz Wood; they capture a part of the Leipzig Redoubt (and night July 8-9), Contalmaison (lost in evening). 2 division commanders replaced for failure on July 9. Fighting at Ovillers and east of La Boiselle. Contalmaison won but not held.
British fighter pilot, Captain Albert Ball is awarded the Military Cross.

Eastern Front
Hindenburg cables Falkenhayn urging one Eastern Front command.
Brusilov offensive: Russians reach Manevichi station on Kovel-Sarni railway in northern Lutsk salient.
Austrian generals sabre back fleeing German troops in front of Russian general Lechitskl.

Southern Front
Trentino: Italians advance between Brenta and Adige; they carry two enemy positions north of Asiago.
Italian counter-offensive then ends (see June 16th).


Naval and Overseas Operations:
British submarine HMS E26 is reported lost with all 30 hands in the North Sea. Cause of sinking is unknown. (May have been reported for yesterday.)
Tanga (German East Africa) occupied by Royal Navy and 500 Indian infantrymen (landed on July 5) (see November 5th, 1914).
Minelayer sub UC-7 depth-charged off Lowestoft by HM motor boat Salmon. Royal Navy strengthens cruiser patrol north of Shetlands. Minelayer U-77 sunk by Royal Navy escorts.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Heavy rain continues to hamper operations. Despite this, c. 7 RNAS aircraft and a balloon direct Anglo-French heavy gun shelling of Tirpitz Battery at Ostend (until July 9); photo-reconnaissance plane hit by anti-aircraft fire at 13,000 ft (better photos taken from 14,000 ft on July 29).
Battle of the Somme: British 30th Division penetrates southern part of Trones Wood; hand to hand fighting in Ovillers. German shelling and counter-attack compels withdrawal.
French take Hardecourt. French Foreign Legion has 433 casualties failing to storm ‘Chancellor’s Trench’ (until July 9), (not captured till August 1).
British soldiers wounded at the Somme leaving Charing Cross Station: http://imgur.com/S3ZdUSz © IWM (Q 56277)
Battle of Verdun: Violent artillery duel, but there is little infantry action.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Pripet: Russians break through north of Lutsk and cross Upper Stokhod at Ugli and Arsenovich, having advanced 25 miles in four days on a 40-mile front. Kaiedin’s cavalry blocked 25 miles from Kovel. South of Dniester they capture Delatyn and threaten right flank of Bothmer's army.
Carpathians: Lechitski captures Delatyn rail junction, under 32 miles from Hungarian border.
Due to the Russian offensive, German and Austro-Hungarian troops are forced to abandon the Styr River & retreat to the Stochod River.

Political, etc.
The polio epidemic that started in New York City has now spread to the Midwest and Canada.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Better weather enables 24 Anglo-German air combats (RFC lose 3 aircraft, Germans 2); RFC makes 7 bombing raids including Cambrai and Bapaume stations.
Battle of the Somme: English make slight progress at Ovillers; fighting continues in Trones Wood until July 14.
French advance along Bray-Peronne road, taking Biaches and Hill 97 with La Maisonette Farm (July 10); repulse counter-attacks there (July 15 and 17), reach outskirts of Barleux.
Two German aeroplane raids on south-east coast of England, no damage.
French air squadrons bomb Ham and Bolancourt.

Eastern Front
There is a claim that the Battle of Baronovichi ends today, but there is conflicting information that it continued until 14 July, 1916.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Turks threaten attack on Tigris.
Up to 16,000 Turks (3rd Division under Kress) with German technical units march mainly at night from Sheilah, northwest of Beersheba, in direction of Suez Canal.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
Austrian cruiser Novara (Horthy) sinks 2 RN Otranto barrage drifters; damages 2 more and takes 9 British PoWs, line later moved south (37 drifters in 5 groups on July 13; but 75 really needed).
Battlecruiser Goeben only slightly damaged by 3 RNAS bombs dropped on Stenia Creek by Handley-Page bomber flown from Hendon, north of London (May 22) via France, Italy, Salonika and Mudros (June 8).
German cargo submarine Deutschland breaks the British blockade and arrives in Norfolk (Virginia) from Bremen; proceeds with mails and cargo to Baltimore (Maryland): http://imgur.com/RBSmZ55
Russian hospital ship "Yperyod" torpedoed in Black Sea.

Political, etc.
Germany: Socialist members of the Berlin City Council attacks the German government’s claim that there is no hunger in the city.
Official German casualties now number 3,012,637 men, with 757,327 of them killed in action.
United Kingdom: Winston Churchill: “No democratic country like Great Britain, the United States or France…can plan and prepare an aggressive war.”
Edwin Samuel Montagu is appointed the new Secretary of Munitions to succeed Lloyd George.
London clergymen, including the Dean of Westminster, urge people to abstain from drinking in order to “save” Britain.
Belgian government accuses Germany of forcing Belgian citizens into the German Army.
Argentina celebrates the centennial of its Declaration of Independence today.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Very hot weather, no wind. British 38th Division attacks Mametz Wood; most of wood secured until July 11 and finally occupied at noon of July 12 (c.2,400 Germans evacuated it on night July 11-12) by British 62nd Bdrigade of 21st Division. Green Howards of 23rd Division capture remains of Contalmaison village and taking 188 PoWs. Germans regain footing in Trones Wood.
British gain ground east of Ovillers.
French advance further towards Peronne; take Hill 97 (south-east of Biaches) with La Maisonette Farm.
British Intelligence now claims German casualties at 40,187 excluding lightly wounded.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Russians claim 300,000 PoWs since June 4.
Pripet: Germans stiffen resistance (reinforced July 11) on Stokhod West bank.
Austrians concentrate troops for big offensive on south side of Lutsk salient.

Southern Front
Trentino: Alpini battalion fails to take Corno di Vallarsa, 2 Expatriate Austrian Trentino volunteers with it captured, court-martialled and shot by Austrians at Trent.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russians retake Mamahatun.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
Italian destroyer Impetuoso torpedoed and sunk by Austrian submarine U-17 in Lower Adriatic.
North Sea: British freighter*Calypso*torpedoed.
The crew of the German cargo submarine Deutschland, which traveled from Germany to Baltimore: http://imgur.com/YC3bErX

Political, etc.
Germany: Berlin opens municipal kitchens and eating houses, capable of feeding 7000 people daily, in order to combat food shortages.
United Kingdom: Premier Asquith makes an appeal to the House of Commons, urging them to accept the Irish Home Rule plan.
United States: 40 soldiers of the 9th Massachusetts Infantry get food poisoning from eating canned salmon and are sent to hospitals.

[dicksbro]

More good stuff. I love the little details like the food poisoning from canned salmon. Seems to add "life" to the story being related to us. Thanks for all the work you guys are doing on this. :)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British repel counter-attacks on Contalmaison. BEF now claims 7,500 PoWs and 26 guns captured. [Interesting that the reference is still to the “British Expeditionary Force”, when in fact, that designation had long been superceded.]
Lt-Col Dowding commander of RFC 9th Wing (Later, Air marshal during the Battle of Britain, 1940) wounded by German fighters leading 17 aircraft bombing of Bois d’Havrincourt.
Battle of Verdun: 5 German divisions attack, 30 German soldiers reach outskirts of Fort Souville (all killed), but overall gains 436 yds deep by 872 yds (until July 12), south of Fleury, all lost to counter-attacks; further gains in Damloup battery and east of Firmin and Chenois Woods.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Germans receive reinforcements and heavy artillery to defend passage of the Stokhod. Russia claims to have captured 271,000 prisoners since the Brusilov Offensive’s start.

Southern Front
60,000 Austro-Hungarian troops used in the occupation of Serbia and Montenegro are transported to the eastern front to face Russia.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians begin a fresh offensive in Armenia.
Mesopotamia: General Maude takes over British Tigris Corps from General Gorringe. [yes, his surname rhymes with “orange”]

Naval and Overseas Operations:
HM armed trawlers Era, Nellie, Nutten, and Onward sunk by gunfire by U-46, U-49, U-52 and U-69. U-69 shells Seaham (Durham), 1 woman killed. [Another source states that it was a man who was killed].

Political, etc.
United States: President Wilson makes a speech in front of 50,000 people at a Ford plant in Detroit, stating the Democratic Party is a friend of business.

[gekkogecko]

Remember, the salmon is what did everybody in at the dinner party in "The Meaning of Life."

No canned salmon today, but take a look at the Mesopotamian note.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
French ace-to-be Xavier de Sevin scores his first victory over Chamouille (Champagne).
Battle of the Somme: British repulse further counter-attacks at Contalmaison. RFC No. 18 Squadron night bombs 8 targets (night 11-12) including La Bassee.
French medical orderlies walking through the ruins of Meharicourt: http://imgur.com/nJri7Ke © IWM (Q 61233)
Battle of Verdun: Germans gain some ground at Chapelle St. Fine, at intersection of Fleury-Vaux roads.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Furious fighting continues on the Stokhod, with no decisive results.

Southern Front
An Austrian attack on the Adige driven back.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians under General Yudenich advance west of Erzerum on the Erzingan road; Mamakhatun (Armenia) again taken by Russian forces (see May 31st).

Political, etc.
United States: President Wilson signs the Federal Aid Road Act, which provides the first federal highway funding in the U.S. Polio epidemic continues in New York City with 195 new cases and 32 deaths in the past 24 hours. $100,000 reward is offered for a cure.

[dicksbro]

More interesting stuff! Thanks.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Albert ends; British capture German howitzers and munitions.
Champagne: French trench raid success.
Flanders: German raids west of Wytschaete and south of La Bassee Canal repulsed.
French soldiers with a Chauchat machine gun at Chalons-sur-Marne: http://imgur.com/1BN6gDl © IWM (Q 99246)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Heavy fighting in Südarmee centre northwest of Buczacz on river Styrpa; Russian Seventh Army claims to take 12,000 PoWs.
Still no decisive results on the Stokhod.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
German submarine sinks two trawlers and two fishing boats off Whitby.

Political, etc.
Finance ministers of Britain, France, Russia and Italy meet in London to discuss the coordination of finances for the war (continues until 15th).
United Kingdom: Lloyd George on Battle of the Somme: “We have crossed the watershed and now victory is beginning to flow in our direction.”
Premier Asquith asks munition workers to dispense with their August holidays, as a constant supply of shells is needed for the Somme.
Bank Holiday suspended.
France: Government announces that tax revenues for the first six months of 1916 were 14% higher than last year at 1.7 billion francs.
United States: Shark attacks today along Jersey Shore results in two deaths and one injury, bringing the total to five attacks in the past 2 weeks.
Americans offer up to $50,000 (today $1.1 million) to travel in a submarine to Germany. North German Lloyd Line refuses the offers.
President Wilson meets with a delegation of Polish organizations and promises aid to relieve the “tragical” situation in Poland.
Greece: Tatoi Forest fire nearly consumes royal summer palace and King.
Spain: Martial law declared across the country due to a railroad strike, which has caused rioting and a standstill in transportation.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: The next phase, The Battle of Bazentin Ridge begins (see July 17th). 4 BEF divisions (22,000 men) break into German second position on 3 1/2-mile front after dawn 0325 hours surprise attack and 5-minutes bombardment, (660 pounds of shells were expended for every yard of German trench), capture Longueval and Bazentin le Petit with 2,000 PoWs. 2nd Cavalry Division (102 casualties) rides on High Wood, has one charge causing 48 casualties (withdrawn at nightfall); 18th Division secures Trones Wood. Haig and Foch visit Rawlinson to congratulate him on success. Germans hurry 3 divisions up to plug gap.
France celebrates Bastille Day today, as heavy fighting continues at Verdun and the Somme: http://imgur.com/g9NwEhU

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Battle of Baronovichi ends: Russian losses 80,000, mainly to shellfire. STAVKA decided to abandon it, German losses 16,000 men.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
After repelling Ottoman attacks, Russian forces recapture Kermanshah in Persia and move towards Bayburt in Turkey.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
SMS U -51 torpedoed by HM submarine H-5 in Ems estuary.
Damaged Italian submarine Balilla scuttles off Cape Pianka, northwest of Lissa island, to escape surrender to two Austrian torpedo boats.
Mwanza, on Victoria Nyanza (German Fast Africa) taken by British forces, but 500-man garrison escapes south.
Deventer’s 2nd Division takes Mpondi on Central Railway, resumes advance south ( until July 19). German rearguard mauls 2 Belgian battalions at Djobahika.

[dicksbro]

This is really fascinating reading. :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme:
Royal Flying Corps bombs 13 targets and claims 6 German aircraft for no loss.
Battle of Bazentin Ridge: Battle of Delville Wood (Yes, the Battle of the Somme is so elaborate, even the various phases have sub-phases (until July 20, but another sources until September 3)):
3,153-strong South African Brigade, ordered to capture and hold wood at all costs, secures most of it. For five nights and 6 days South Africans hold out against 3 divisions counter-attacks and shelling by 180 guns. British cavalry fail to break through at High Wood, withdraw on July 16. British claim 2,000 prisoners taken; second defence lines penetrated.
Comparison photo of German trenches at “The Point” south of Thiepval on June 1st and July 15th: http://imgur.com/dKKDlyf © IWM (Q 63950)
South of Somme, Germans re-enter Biaches and La Maisonette, and are again driven out by French.
Battle of Verdun: French recapture and then lose Battery C and CP 119 near Fleury (until July 16).


Eastern Front
Riga front Russians, supported by sea and land artillery, make slight advance west of Kemmern.
Brusilov Offensive, Pripet: Sakharov’s Eleventh Army (night July 15-16) pre-empts Marwitz attack on Southern Lutsk salient thanks to agent network’s warning, reaches river Lipa, takes Mikhailovka and claims 13,000 PoWs.
German troops launched three attacks against Russian lines at Baranovichi today, but all are repulsed with heavy losses.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
The Middle East (Air) Brigade is formed in Egypt under the command of Brigadier General W.G.H. Salmond, concentrating all Royal Flying Corps units in Macedonia, Mesopotamia, Palestine and East Africa under one headquarters.
Armenia: Russian right wing, under General Yudenich, occupies evacuated Bayburl (also spelled Baiburt); the left drives back Turks south-west of Mush.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
Adriatic: British submarine H-3 mined and sunk off Cattaro.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg meets with the Kaiser to discuss whether or not to resume unrestricted submarine warfare.
United Kingdom: Sir Edward Grey: “Every week now the Allies are gaining confidence and the enemy is losing it.”
France: A French commander had criticized the British attack, describing it as “an attack organized for amateurs by amateurs.”
United States: Municipal Pier (later Navy Pier) opens in Chicago, Illinois. The pier under construction: http://imgur.com/Fj8BdkF
Austria: Ex-Reichsrath Trentino deputy Cesare Battisti (Italian PoW) executed as traitor.
A partial lunar eclipse occurs, visible the most in South America and Antarctica.

[gekkogecko]

William E. Boeing incorporates the "Pacific Aero Products Co"., later to become the Boeing Company.

[jseal]

... and the echoes of the end of the age of European empires continue to shake our world.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British troops launch four assaults on German lines at Ovillers and Bazentin-le-Petit, but fail to make further advances. British consolidate their positions; withdraw from Bois des Foureaux (High Wood).
German troops attacked and captured La Maisonette and Biaches, but a French counterattack recaptures the towns.
British 62nd Brigade relieved at Mametz Wood (night July 15-16). Since July 12, heavy German guns have inflicted 950 casualties.
Battle of Verdun: French make slight advance west of Fleury.
Russian and French patrols work together on the Champagne front in one of the first actions by the Russians on the Western Front.
German prisoners carrying a wounded soldier in a sheet: http://imgur.com/3jIfgCc © IWM (Q 3971)

Eastern Front
Slight Siberian (Russian Twelfth Army) advance southeast of Riga peters out against Below’s Eighth Army (until July 21).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arab Revolt: Egyptian 4-gun mountain battery shells Taif, a Turk stronghold.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: “War Savings Week” begins today in Britain to encourage citizens to invest in the financing of the war.
Sir Victor Horsley, a British physician and neuroscientist, passes away in Iraq while serving in the Army.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Bazentin Ridge at the Somme comes to an end with most British objectives completed, but German lines still hold. British storm and capture German second line positions on front of 1,500 yards. Take Waterlot Farm, east of Longueval; Ovillers cleared of the remaining Germans by 48th Division.
French repulse attacks at Biaches and La Maisonette Farm.
Allied forces report that only a single French civilian has been found alive in the 30 villages retaken at the Somme.
Two British and a German wounded help each other reach a dressing station: http://imgur.com/© IWM (Q 3974)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Russians make progress in the Carpathians, claim 13,000 prisoners are taken.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Serbs begin to move to take over 60 miles of front west of river Vardar. Sarrail told to be ready to attack on August 1 in combination with Russo-Rumanian thrust south of Danube. (See Political developments, below).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
In Sinai Peninsula a Turkish and German force under von Kressenstein advances westward on Katiya.

Naval and Overseas Operations:
British capture two German steamers on Lake Victoria Nyanza.

Political, etc.
Germany: German HQ: “Never has the world experienced anything so stupendous as the present battles. Never has an army braved what ours has braved.”
United Kingdom: Trade Unions recommend postponement of all holidays in connection with munitions production.
Munition workers pay rates fixed, 4 1/2 d per hour for over 18 years old.
Daily cost of war, six millions.
Austria: Count Mihály Károlyi of the Hungarian Parliament declares Austria as corrupt and demands peace for Hungary.
Romania: Draft Russo-Rumanian treaty sent to Bucharest, envisages August 7 war entry.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: North of Ovillers British advance on 1,000 yards front. Strong German counter-attacks at Longueval and Delville Wood, retake part of the latter.
Germans again repulsed at Biaches (Somme).
Battle of Verdun: For third day, close fighting round Fleury (Verdun).

Eastern Front
German seaplanes drop bombs on Reval (G. of Bothnia).
Brusilov Offensive: Sakharov continues pressure against Austrians; drives them south of the Lipa.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russians occupy Gumusane, capture 800 Turks 15 miles southwest of Bayburt. Also capture Kighi, an important junction on Erzerum-Baiburt road.
Arabia: British government ratifies treaty with Ibn Saud, Emir of Nejd (see December 26th, 1915).

Naval and Overseas Operations:
General Smuts reports steady clearance of Usambara district; enemy forces driven down Pangani river.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm: “Give the men in the trenches my greeting, and…tell them how important it is that they keep firm reliance on God.”
United Kingdom: London Gazette blacklists c.80 US firms trading with enemy.
Employers and unions agree to postpone holidays during war (see entry for yesterday).
General Haig at the Somme: “At this moment we are engaged in the greatest battle the British Army has ever fought.”
Mr. Asquith makes short statement on Mesopotamia in House of Commons and refuses papers.

Uruguay wins the first ever Copa América. The tournament was a single round-robin tournament; Uruguay tied Argentina 0-0 for the last match.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Flanders: British First Army diversionary attack but inept daylight attack at Fromelles (until July 20) fails spectacularly, new 5th Australian Division has 5,500 casualties. Labeled “The worst 24 hours in Australian history”: (Yes, worse than any single day at Gallipoli) https://www.awm.gov.au/wartime/36/article/ Only 3 out of the pictured survive, all wounded: http://imgur.com/qc8iN2o
Battle of the Somme: Germans outflank left flank of South African Delville Wood garrison and compress pocket. German attacks on Longueval, Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood. German Second Army north of Somme becomes new First Army (General F v Below), from the Somme to river Cologne (northwest of St Quentin), Second Army (General v Gallwitz, latter also Army Group Commander). Royal Navy Division becomes 63rd (Naval) Division.
30-40 German aircraft seen over BEF Fourth Army front (12 combats).
Battle of Verdun: General von Francois replaces von Gallwitz (to Somme) in command west of the Meuse. Bombardment of Verdun front.
French Nieuport Scout armed with Le Prieur incendiary rockets at Toul: http://imgur.com/6MWhWCa* © IWM (Q 56665)

Eastern Front
German aeroplanes again bombard the Russian harbor of Reval (Tallinn), causing fires to break out at the port facilities.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Second Turk Offensive against the Suez Canal begins from Oghratina. Stotzingen ordered from Damascus to Beersheba (July 20). RFC discover 8,000 Turks preparing for offensive (Brigadier-General E Chaytor, GOC NZ Mounted Rifle Brigade, was observer on this reconnaissance flight).
East Persia: Action of Gusht Defile (until July 21): Dyer defeats Sarhad tribesmen.
In Persia, Russians are defeated and driven back north of Kermanshah by Turks.

Political, etc.
United States: Quarantine of New York City is considered in an effort to contain the polio epidemic, as 121 cases & 26 deaths are reported in the past day.
New York City manufacturers receive an $1 million order to make artificial limbs for wounded Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Flanders: Out of 7,080 Allied casualties resulting from the Battle of Fromelles yesterday, 5,533 were incurred by the Australians.
Battle of the Somme: Struggle in Longueval and Delville Wood continued; 778 surviving South Africans relieved at Delville Wood. British advance 1,000 yards between Bazentin and Longueval. 4 British divisions begin attacks on High Wood (until July 30).
North of Somme French carry enemy trenches from Hardecourt Hill to the river. South, they take enemy first position from Estrees to Vermandovillers, and Barleaux to Soyecourt.
Battle of Verdun: Mangin’s French attack in Souville-Thiaumont sector gains ground (and on July 24 and 28). French gain a position south of Fleury.
French airman drops leaflets over Berlin; is captured in Poland.

Eastern Front
Heavy fighting on Riga front resumed.
Brusilov Offensive: Sakharov defeats Austrians on south-west of Lutsk salient; attacks and captures Berestechko on river Styr, Galician border, crosses river taking 14,000 PoWs (until July 21).
Heir apparent Austrian Archduke Charles in command ofSuedarmee, Seventh and Third Armies.

Southern Front
Demobilisation of the Greek army nearly completed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: V Caucasus Corps occupies Ardasa. Russians continue advance; they capture Gumishkhanek, on Trebizond-Erzingan road.
Turkish aeroplanes bomb Suez and Port Tewfik.
Mesopotamia: Shamal northwest wind begins 6 weeks late.
Persia: Niedermayer arrives in Tehran from Afghanistan via Russian Turkestan (invalided home from Baghdad in February 1917).

Naval and Overseas Operations:
East Africa: British main body meets troops from Tanga. Anglo-Belgian Entebbe Conference (until July 23).
Lake Tanganyika: Major-General Wahle evacuates Kigoma.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Debate on Mesopotamia campaign in both Houses of Parliament. Premier Asquith promises to investigate the defeats that the Dardanelles and Kut after heated debate in the House of Commons.
Russia: Russia mobilizes indigenous men in Turkestan, Astrakhan, and Sakhalin for non-frontline duties.
Greece: An Anglo-French Loan of £800,000 is made to Greek Government.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
4 German bombers of Fl Abt 40 attack Andruicq munitions dump on Calais-St Omer railway: 23 sheds and 8,000t ammunition, 1 mile of track destroyed (night July 21-22). Lieutenant Otto Parschau, one of the first flying aces, is killed after being wounded over Grévillers: http://imgur.com/kCCU81M
Battle of the Somme: British advance into Foureaux wood (High Wood).. German counterattack, supported by gas shells, recaptures part of wood, but British hold most gains. Heavy bombing attacks by Germans south of Thiepval on Leipzig Redoubt. French repulse counter-attacks on their new front at Soyecourt; also south of Chaulnes.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Pripet: Bezobrazov‘s Guard Army (11 divisions, 134,000 men and 396 guns) formed.
Galicia: Austrians retreat and begin to evacuate Brody. Heavy rain (July 23-28) delays Brusilov’s Seventh and Ninth Armies’ resumed offensive. Russian forces advance south of the Lypa River, capturing 15 miles of Austro-Hungarain lines.

Naval and Overseas Operations
A U.S. Navy torpedo boat destroyer flotilla off Eastport, Maine: http://imgur.com/wYBYwQd

Political, etc.
Russia: Russia warns the Ottoman Empire that hospital ships will be sunk, in retaliation for the sinking of the Russian hospital ship Portugal.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British attack along whole front from Pozieres to Guillemont; violent fighting.
French repel counter-attacks south of Amiens-Peronne high road.
Major-General Edward Charles Ingouville-Williams, commander of the British 34th Division, is killed in action: http://imgur.com/FyrszWU
French aeroplanes bomb Mulheim (Rhine) and other German towns.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Galicia: Austrians, retreating before Sakharov, begin to evacuate Brody.

Southern Front
Trentino: Alpini battalion and 154th Regiment night attack and gain footing north of Mt Cimone summit (July 23) dominating Arsiero to south (Austrian counter-attacks repelled on July 31), but attack on Bocchetta di Portule (6,395 ft) fails.
Dolomites: Italian I and XVIII Corps take Rolle Pass and two peaks, occupy Paneveggio village (July 31) in Val Travignolo.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: Light cruiser Breslau escapes new Russian dreadnought battleship Imperatritsa Maria with stern splinter damage.
Launch of the Isaac Peral class submarine, built in the U.S. for the Spanish Navy: http://imgur.com/hGKapJ2

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: General Maxwell's despatches on Irish rebellion published in Times.
Silver badge granted for those disabled.
France: 87 Socialist members in the French Chamber of Deputies oppose economic warfare against the Central Powers after the end of the war.
Russia: M. Sazonov, Russian Foreign Minister, resigns [Appointed in 1910.] and is succeeded by M. Stürmer (see February 1st and November 24th).
United States: Department of Commerce reports that the cost of living in Ireland has increased by 41.2 percent since the war’s start.
James Whitcomb Riley, American writer and poet known for “Little Orphan Annie” and other works, passed away.
Bomb kills 9 and wounds 40 in San Francisco (War) Preparedness Parade: 2 radical labour leaders given life sentence (released 1939).
US Senate votes naval building programme.
Spain: Martial law is lifted in Spain after the end of the railway strike, but press censorship continues.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: The next phase of the battle, the Battle of Pozières Ridge begins (until September 3rd). Anzac Corps captures Pozieres village, XIII Corps recaptures most of Delville Wood. Heavy fighting continues in and around Pozières. The villages of Longueval and Guillemont change hands multiple times.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Russians advance 12 miles near Kemmern.
Kuropatkin's troops drive Germans back south-east of Riga.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians steadily close in on Erzingan (Armenia); the Turks retreat.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Running fight in North Sea near mouth of Scheldt between British ships and six German destroyers; no decisive results.
East Africa: Navy Force occupies Pangani on coast and Mkwaja (July 27). Botha visits Msiha Camp.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: William Ramsay, Scottish chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering noble gases, passed away.
British female munition workers parade in their uniforms while carrying tools and shell cases: http://imgur.com/QOUhEKE © IWM (Q 103689)
France: Paul Painlevé, French Minister of Public Instruction, urges schoolboys to use their summer vacations to help with gathering the harvest.
Russia: Russo-Rumanian military convention signed at Chantilly, but Rumanian counter-proposal on July 25.
The Netherlands: The Dutch government publishes the “Orange Book,” which details the difficulties the nation faced as a neutral state in the war.

[dicksbro]

More good info! Loving it. Thanks.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attacks at High Woodand Guillemont. BEF has advanced 3 1/4 miles on 6-mile front, taken 11,119 PoWs and 56 guns while engaged 16 German divisions (8 drawn into reserve); 2,090 British guns have fired 4.5 million shells, since the beginning of the offensive. General Sir Douglas Haig praises the First Australian Division for “a very gallant, skillful and successful attack on Pozieres village…”
“Mining Activity on the British Front”, showing a dramatized account of mining operations at the Somme: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/45146
Near Estrees, French capture enemy battery.

Battle of Verdun: French take a redoubt west of Thiaumont (south-west of Douaumont).


Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Russian forces under General Kuropatkin drive back Germans south of Riga on a 30-mile front, with a depth of 12 miles at furthest point.

Southern Front
Italian advance on Asiago Plateau and Trentino border continues; after a night attack troops capture Monte Cismone.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: 16,000 Turks advance to within 10 miles of Romani and entrench.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: NRFF (1,200 soldiers) defeats Captain Braunschweig’s Southern Detachment at Malangali, drives it towards Iringa. Belgian battalion takes Kasulu.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm to wounded troops: “It is the most poignant grief of my life that I am unable to take a more active part in this war.”
United Kingdom: Record credit (£ 450 millions) voted in House of Commons. Total for 1916-1917 £ 1.05 billon.
David Lloyd George predicts victory in the next few months: “I feel confident that victory is assured to us.”
Easter Rising: Irish Home Rule is defeated in Parliament due to opposition by the Unionists. Irish members cry “traitor” to Premier Asquith. Irish Home Rule debates continue until July 31.
British Memorandum in reply to American complaints regarding censorship of neutral mails, published.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: All German troops cleared from Pozieres village. Haig, Foch and Fayolle agree joint attack for July 30. With fresh reinforcements the Germans counter-attack near Longueval and Bazentin are repulsed. British push along Albert-Bapaume road towards Hill 160.
French progress south of Estrees and north of Vermandovillers.
Rawlinson diary on Battle of the Somme film ‘Some of it very good but I cut out many of the horrors in dead and wounded’.
In Alsace a sharp attack north of Altkirch is repulsed.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia:
Sakharov advances on Brody (within 5 miles on July 27), defeats Linsingen on river Slonuvka despite arrived Austrian 106th Landsturm Division from Italian Front.

Southern Front
Reconstituted Serbian army comes into action on Salonika front (see April 15th).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Erzinjan (Armenia) captured by Russian forces. [This was the furthest point west reached by Russian forces. It was evacuated subsequently without further fighting.] The Russians managed to split and rout the Turkish Third Army, 34,000 casualties (17,000 PoWs) by July 28.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm to his troops: “Your duty is to break the English offensive, and to prove once more that Germany is invincible…”
Russia: Death of Lenin‘s mother in Petrograd, his sister Anna arrested by September 19.
United States: US Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Gerard, protests against Ruhleben Camp inhumanity; published in the Times.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: General Haig announces that British troops have captured the village of Pozieres at the Somme. Lord Derby on the Pozieres capture: “Nothing worse than this house-to-house fighting can be imagined, but we got what we went after.”
British advance continues northwards towards Hill 160.
French capture some fortified houses south of Estrees.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Western Desert: British-Italian armored car raid from Sollum.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Admiral Bacon's report on work of Dover Patrol published in the Times.
Gold Coast Regiment lands at Mombasa (2nd West Indian Regiment arrives on July 27).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Commissions of Enquiry into Mesopotamia and Dardanelles campaigns announced (names of members). Lord G. Hamilton and Lord Cromer respective chairmen.
Lloyd George vilifies conscientious objectors. Central Tribunal (July 27) finds 4,378 genuine cases (692 refuse to appear); 250 sent to Dyce near Aberdeen stone quarries late August for 8d pd, 1 dies early September.
United States: 150 new polio cases are reported in New York City. Children under the age of 16 are forbidden from leaving the state without permission. The SPCA has killed 72,000 cats and 8000 dogs in New York City since July 1st to curb the deadly polio epidemic.
U.S. makes an agreement with Denmark to buy the Danish West Indies for $25 million ($552 million today).
Canada: An extreme heat wave in Montreal causes several hundred deaths, including 250 children the past week.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British advance in Delville Wood, fighting continues near Pozieres and at Longueval.
French make progress east of Estrees.
Aisne and Champagne: German diversionary attacks.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Sakharov reaches Klekotov position, near Brody in the Lviv (Lvov) region and claim the capture of 6378 Austro-Hungarian troops.

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes drop bombs on Bari and Otranto.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arab Revolt: Yenbo, port of Medina (including Stotzingen mission to Yemen), surrenders to Arab forces (see June 5th).
Persia: Sykes’ 500 men leave Kerman for Yezd. Turks and Germans begin to move from Katiya line.
Russians advance towards Sivas (west of Erzingan); a Turkish attack near Mosul is repulsed. Russian troops capture 5000 grenades, 1000 artillery shells, and 600 cases of ammo from the Ottomans.

Political, etc.
Germany: Captain Fryatt, of British S.S. "Brussels" is found by German court-martial to be a franc-tireur for attempting to ram a U-boat in 1915. He is then shot. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fryatt
Kaiser Wilhelm: “The iron hurricane rages against our brave German men at the Somme. Everything is at stake.”
United Kingdom: Laurence Ginnell, Irish Nationalist MP, is suspended from the House of Commons for calling Herbert Samuel “insolent.”
Premier Asquith revokes British titles from the two German Dukes and one German Prince.

[gekkogecko]

Today marks the second year since the start of the Great War.
Western Front
French 73 mm trench mortar outside of Lamotte-en-Santerre: http://imgur.com/HdlT33Q* © IWM (Q 93187)
6 German Navy airships drop 69 bombs over Norfolk and Lines (night July 28-29, no civilian casualties).
4 Martinsyde Scouts of 27 Squadron successfully bomb (2x112lb, 3x20lb) Mons station; 14 Anglo-German air combats.
Battle of the Somme: Georges Guynemer’s Nieuport survives 86 hits and he shoots down an LVG for his 11th victory.
British consolidate Delville Wood and Longueval village; make further progress near Pozieres.
Aisne and Champagne: Enemy raids near Neuve Chapelle repulsed.
Battle of Verdun: More slight French gains west of Thiaumont.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Pripet: 250,000 Russians (gas shell barrage on part of sector) against 115,000 Austro-German troops. Lesch and Kaledin partly cross Upper Stokhod; Guard Army takes 3 villages, 46 guns, 65 MGs and 11,000 PoWs.
Galicia: Sakharov enters Brody (40,000 PoWs, 49 guns and 100 MGs since July 15)(also reported for yesterday). Brusilov’s Seventh and Ninth Armies attack astride Dniester, former crosses river Koropyets to north (July 31), having taken c. 8,000 PoWs and 33 guns.


Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Patrol engagements with Turks east of Suez Canal.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: South African Motorcycle Corps (Deventer‘s 2nd Division) occupies Dodoma on Central Railway, 100 miles of it in British hands.
Lake Tanganyika: Belgian Southern Brigade occupy Kigoma rail terminus, scuttled gunboat and one gun of cruiser Königsberg found.

Political, etc.
United States: United States Government formally protest to British Government against "Black List" policy (see October 22nd, 1914, December 23rd, 1915 and January 26th, 1916).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Two failed German attempts to retake Delville Wood. Hand-to-hand fighting north of Pozieres; Germans repulse Australian attack on the Windmill. CIGS letter to Haig, ‘The Powers that be are beginning to get a little uneasy … the casualties are mounting up’.
Flanders: Activity south of Ypres and in Loos salient.

Eastern Front
Falkenhayn, Conrad and Colonel Gancev (Bulgaria) sign convention for action against Rumania; Mackensen given Danube Army for it.
Brusilov Offensive: In the past two days, Russia has claimed an advance along a 100-mile front and the capture of 32,000 more prisoners in Volhynia & Galicia.

Southern Front
Serbian troops launch attacks against the Bulgarian lines in Macedonia for the 1st time since last fall, but results in no gains.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: General Lake reports to CIGS no advance until troops and transport refitted; CIGS agrees (July 31).
Arab Revolt: Britain re-affirms Holy Places’ Muslim independence.
Armenia, First Battle of Ognot (until August 1): Yudenich‘s IV Caucasus Corps attacks Turk Second Army.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Dodoma (East Africa) occupied by British.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Government send Note to United States Government rejecting British offer to permit passage of foodstuffs to Poland from United States of America.
Canada: Duke of Devonshire appointed Governor-General of Canada.

[dicksbro]

The fight goes on. It's amazing that the war really started for pretty petty reasons (petty compared to the millions who died). :(

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
First aerial operations carried out by combined French and British air services on French Western front.
Battle of the Somme: Combined Allied advance north of Somme, from Delville Wood to the river. British make progress east of Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood; French reach outskirts of Maurepas. The drive wins around 800 meters along an 8-mile front.
Battle of Verdun: German attack on left bank of Meuse repulsed.
Water (or rum) given to wounded British soldiers and German prisoners: http://imgur.com/jiw5GUH* © IWM (Q 4057)
Burial of a French officer in a German prison camp: http://imgur.com/D94Hklv

Eastern Front
Hindenburg and Ludendorff take over Front down to Lemberg with 3 Army groups (July 31)
Brusilov Offensive: Brusilov’s Intelligence Section casualties estimates since June 4: Russian Southwest Front 450,000; Austrian 600,000, 330 guns (only 5,000 German PoWs).
Galicia: Russians still pursue Austrians in the direction of Kovel and in the region south of the Dniester towards Stanislau,
Ottoman soldiers are sent through Bulgaria to reinforce Austro-Hungarian troops in Galicia against the Russian attack.

Southern Front
Austrian attack in Tofana and in the Adige Valley repulsed. Austrians reinforced, attack three times in Travignolo Valley without success.
Russian troops land at Salonika and join Allied force (see April 20th; http://www.greatwar.co.uk/timeline/ww1-events-1916.htm#july).

Naval and Overseas Operations
British occupy Kikombo (East Africa).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Royal Navy Q-ship crews to wear War Service Badges (plus certificates later) to prevent any captured being shot as pirates.
Russia: Martial law in Turkestan following Muslim rising against reserve work conscription; 3,309 Government casualties before order restored.
United States: At a munitions depot on Black Tom island in New York Harbor, German saboteurs light a series of small fires, causing a huge explosion. The munitions were destined for the Allies. The explosion causes 7 deaths and $20 million in damages. The explosion damages the Statue of Liberty and rakes Ellis Island with artillery shells. Jersey City after: http://imgur.com/u4fvauK

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
5 German divisions sent from Western Front to Eastern Front during July. Joffre summons Foch to get him to persuade (vainly) Haig to launch broad-front attacks.
8 airships attempting to bomb Great Britain are dispersed by unpredicted winds, 103 bombs (another source says ‘about 60’) scattered over 6 counties (no casualties), Kent-Notts (night July 31 – August 1).
11 Anglo-German air combats.
Battle of the Somme: German casualties since July 1; 160,000 (a highly suspect number, accounting according to mainly British Intelligence) including in at least 67 counter-attacks; BEF 196,081 (158,786 on Somme) worst month of war; French casualties 49,859.
Battle of Verdun: French casualties 31,000; German 25,969 casualties (again, highly suspect, but probably closer to actual number; accounting according to mainly French Intelligence) during July.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Galicia: Russian troops continue their advance from the Stokhid River line towards Kovel.
Russians north of Dniester have crossed Koropyets River.

Southern Front
In the Astico Valley (Trentino) Austrian attack on positions of Monte Cimone repulsed.
South-west of Castelletto, Austrian attack repulsed by Italians.
In the Travignolo valley, Italians occupy Paneveggio.


Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
The pursuit of the Turks from Erzingan (Armenia) continues in the face of a stubborn defence.
Arab Revolt: The port town of Yanbu on the Red Sea and the Ottoman fort falls to rebels as the Arab revolt grows in power.


Naval and Overseas Operations
South African troops take Saranda and Kilmatinde on Central Railway. By July sick ratio to battle casualties 31.4:1; Smuts 200 doctors short.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: British War Office film, “Home on Leave”: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/45147
Premier Asquith promises reprisals for the death of Charles Fryatt.
Mr. H. E. Duke becomes Chief Secretary for Ireland.
United States: Near Fort Hancock, Texas, two Americans are killed and one wounded in clash with Mexican bandits who crossed the border.
Charles E. Hughes, former Supreme Court Justice & Gov. of New York, formally begins campaigning for President as the Republican nominee.
China: Supporters of the Kuomintang riot in Hankou, China, demanding a greater representation in the country’s future.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German attack north of Bazentin-le-Petit fails. Repeated British assaults on Thiepval Salient (August 1-5); south side driven in c.1,000 yards by August 5. German counter-attack west of High Wood failed. (Note: perhaps only a ‘raid’ than a determined counter-attack).
French capture string work between Hem Wood and Monacu Farm.
Battle of Verdun: German troops launch attacks west and south of Thiaumont, but are repulsed.
In August the first flight of DH4 day bomber. Constantinesco MG/airscrew synchronizer gear flight-tested in BE2.
Future British Ace Edward Mannock transfers to Royal Flying Corps despite eye defect, pilot’s certificate November 28.
In August, Germany begins the development of Gatling-type engine-driven ‘motor guns’ for aircraft.

Southern Front
10 Italian Caproni bombers drop 4t bombs on Austrian Whitehead torpedo factory, Fiume; extensive fire and damage.
Macedonia: Allies spread over 170-mile front but not yet ready due to heat, poor roads and supply difficulties. Russian Brigade of 5,000 soldiers lands at Salonika. Offensive postponed to August 4, then till Rumania signs agreement with Allies (not until August 17).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russian 66th Divison captures Ognol. In August Turk Government of Sivas estimates 30,000 deserters in his area.

Naval and Overseas Operations
English Channel: During August UB boats from Flanders UB flotilla sink 18 ships (6747 t).
Adriatic: Italian submarine Pullino goes aground on Galiola reef, captured but sinks in tow.
North Sea: During August Royal Navy deploys simulated fishing fleet in attempt to trap marauding U-boats.
Baltic: Royal Navy submarines made a separate flotilla under Commodore Cromie DSO.
British and Belgian soldiers capture the port of Pangani in German East Africa. 4000 heads of cattle are also captured.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm: “The German nation has been through two years of unprecedentedly heroic deeds and suffering.”
United Kingdom: First RFP (Retail Food Price) fall, by 1%. Petrol rationing for commercial and private users.
Announcement in House of Commons regarding deaths among troops on trains from Karachi.
United States: French $100 million loan opens. New British £ 50 million loan terms announced on August 16.
Parcel post between the U.S. and China begins, starting at 12 cents ($2.65 today) a pound.
New Zealand: Institutes conscription for duration of war.

[Teddy Bear]

Good read.

Its interesting to see what was important back then. For example: On todays they listed that '4000 heads of cattle are also captured'. I don't know, would a report today contain that news?

[gekkogecko]

TB, it is interesting and in fact important to the situation: 4000 head of cattle can feed quite an army.
It also allows the generals at the front to claim some measure of success: it is all very well and good to say, "we are advancing", but without some tangible measure of advance, the phrase becomes meaningless. In the Vietnam war, for example, the US Army became nearly obsessed with body counts. Which, of course, were usually exaggerated, both to inflate their own egos, and convince the folks back home that "we" are winning.
It is for this reason that the details of the fighting on the Somme was reported in such detail: on the small-scale maps provided for public consumption, the gains often looked significant, whereas in reality, they were minor, at a huge cost in lives. Take for example, the note about the Thiepval Salient yesterday: 5 days to drive 1000 yards (about 2/3 of a mile). That's about 200 yards a day. During Operation Barbarossa in World War 2, the Germans thought they were doing well to advance 20 miles a day into the Soviet Union (and they were, by most measures): but even that wasn't enough to win the war for them.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
6 Zeppelins raid East Anglia (night August 2-3, 1 civilian casualties) despite HMS Vindex launching a Bristol Scout attack (first carrier home defence operation).
6 B.E. 2s and 3 Moranes (1 lost) in 5-hours long-range attack on Brussels Zeppelin sheds (4 near misses); 16 RNAS aircraft strike St Denis Westrem airfield (southwest of Ghent) and RFC bomb Coutrai and Bapaume stations. In Belgium aircraft of No.4 and No.5 Wings, Royal Naval Air Service, experiment with new bombing technique. Guided by signal flares from a Sopwith 1½ Strutter, 11 bombers in line astern attack a target near Ghent.
Battle of the Somme: Very hot day (88°F). RFC helps range 19 batteries and finds 6 MG emplacements. German attack on Delville Wood (Somme) repulsed.
German counter-attack on French at Estrees (southern Somme) repulsed.
(Again, these two may or may not have been more “raids” than determined counter-attacks.)
British and French artillery officers near Saint-Leger-aux-Bois: http://imgur.com/GLCaXYl © IWM (Q 78214)
Battle of Verdun: German trenches carried south of Fleury, 800 prisoners taken. French then lose Fleury and regain it on August 4.

Eastern Front
Hindenburg appointed to command whole front (he and Ludendorff visit Kovel and Lemberg on August 3 but Austrians then withdraw consent).
German gas attack in region of Smorgon (east Vilna) repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Turkish counter-attack takes Mush and Bitlis (Armenia) (until August 15): Kemal’s XVI Corps attacks 9,000 Russians at Mus and Bitlis.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Loss of Italian dreadnought "Lionardo da Vinci", at Taranto, by fire and explosion (248 killed); The Italians originally blamed Austro-Hungarian saboteurs for her loss, but the explosion was probably accidental. Italy makes no public announcement but 1917 raid in Zürich on Austrian consulate “proves” sabotage.
Adriatic: 4 Franco-Italian destroyers pursue 2 Austrian destroyers to within 15 miles of Cattaro and on return, survive an ambush from U-4.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Bundesrat adopts a decree authorizing the Chancellor to liquidate British firms’ assets in Germany.
United Kingdom: Government attitude to Resolutions adopted by Allies at Economic Conference in Paris explained by Mr. Asquith.
Two important State Papers on alleged “barbarity” of Germans published.
United States: President Wilson signs a resolution establishing Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Charles E. Hughes, the Republican nominee for President, announces he supports a constitutional amendment for women’s voting rights.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Royal Flying Corps ranges 127 targets; 5 Martinsydes (1 lost) bomb Zeppelin sheds at Cognelee and Ronet sidings, Namur.
Royal Marine Artillery gunners with 15-inch shells with messages to the Germans: http://imgur.com/cilLtf2 © IWM (Q 943)
Battle of the Somme: British advance west of Pozieres.
Battle of Verdun: French retake Fleury (also reported for yesterday) and make progress towards Thiaumont, 1,750 prisoners taken (another source says only 800, which is probably more accurate).

Eastern Front
German heavy bomber unit Rfa 501 (Riesenflugzeug Abetilung, Giant Airplane Section 501) formed at Vilna-Porubanok.
Brusilov Offensive:
Brusilov meets Kaledin and Bezobrazov at Lutsk, decides to renew drive for Kovel. Desperate fighting near Lyubashevo and Guledichi (east Kovel).
Pripet: I Turkestan Corps captures village 4 miles west of river Stokhod but Austro-German Polish Legion counter-attack forces it east (until August 4).
Carpathians: Austrian counter-offensive makes few gains (until August 14). German 1st Infantry Division arrives at Kirlibaba Pass (August 10).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians capture Turk trenches at Ognut (Armenia).
Turks advance to attack on Major-General Hon. H. Lawrence's force at Romani (northern Sinai).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Britain puts the first of 17 accident-prone, fast steam-powered K-class large submarines into Royal Navy service.
North Sea: 4 Royal Navy C-class submarines sail from Lerwick Island (Shetland) under tow on epic 3,500-mile voyage to Baltic via Archangel (August 21), rivers and canals by barge, reach Petrograd on September 9, but hampered by unusable electric batteries so manage only two patrols before winter.
Ujiji, on Lake Tanganyika (German East Africa), occupied by Belgian forces.

Political, etc.
Germany: The German blockade-runner submarine Deutschland leaves Baltimore and heads back to Germany.
United Kingdom: Easter Rising: Casement hanged at Pentonville Prison.
Balfour second anniversary naval statement.
With yesterday’s publication of the Anglo-French paper, British War Propaganda Bureau claims: ‘We swept the German news out of the American papers’.
The interim report of the Committee of Inquiry chaired by Mr Justice Bailhache into the administration of the Air Services (the Bailhache Committee) is released. The Committee recommended that there should be one Department charged with the equipment of both flying services.
Prime Minister receives deputation from Miners, Railway Men, and Transport Workers. Union ‘Triple Alliance’ discuss demobilization with Prime Minister.
United States: President Wilson states he still supports the right of states to decide whether or not women get the right to vote. (Note: may have happened yesterday, in response to Hughes’ announcement of support for the right of women to vote.)
Austria-Hungary: Four Czech deputies in touch with Masaryk imprisoned.
Italy: Italy breaks off the German-Italian commercial treaty of 1891. While Italy is at war with Austria-Hungary, it is still neutral with Germany.

[Teddy Bear]

TB, it is interesting and in fact important to the situation: 4000 head of cattle can feed quite an army.
It also allows the generals at the front to claim some measure of success: it is all very well and good to say, "we are advancing", but without some tangible measure of advance, the phrase becomes meaningless..........

Thank you for explaining. It makes sense. :)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British gain German second line system on a front of 2,000 yards north of Pozieres, several hundred prisoners.
Battle of Verdun: Germans retake Fleury but lose it again to French. Furious German counter-attacks at Thiaumont work repulsed.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Galicia: Sakharov renews offensive south of Brody, takes 8,581 PoWs and 7 villages (until August 6); only 4 miles northeast of Lemberg-Tarnopol railway away on August 10. Fierce fighting in progress on the Graberko and Sereth. Russians take 1,300 prisoners. Germans by an enveloping movement regain Rudka-Mirynska.
Romanian and Bulgarian troops exchange fire on the Danube River near the town of Giurgiu.

Southern Front
SIXTH BATTLE OF THE ISONZO (until August 17) begins after elaborate preparation including air photographs with feint in Monfalcone coastal sector by 14th and 16th Divisions (29 battalions and 199 guns) (until August 10). Duke of Aosta’s Third Army has 16 divisions and 1,251 guns (533 heavy or medium) plus 774 mortars (138 heavy 10-inch mortars) for cutting wire entanglements against Austrian Fifth Army (Borcovic) with 9 divisions and 540 guns (147 heavy).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Battle of Rumani (Sinai); Around 8000 Ottoman troops with 30 guns and 38 MGs launch a night attack against British and ANZAC forces (see July 19th). Two Australian Light Horse Brigades are driven back; Turks reach Wellington Ridge, but NZ and 5th Mounted Brigades retake it forcing Turk retreat (August 5). Turk casualties 5,000 men and 4 guns. British loss 1,140 and 9 MGs (until August 9) out of 25,000.
Up to 17 Royal Flying Corps aircraft (1 lost to anti-aircraft fire) active backing Battle of Romani (until August 9), shoot down 1 German aircraft and direct monitor fire.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Aegean: British escorts sink German coastal submarine UB-44.

Political, etc.
Germany: German newspapers comment on the execution of Roger Casement, stating he was an “idealist” and “martyr.”
Russia: Grand Duke Nicholas inspects Royal Navy Armored Car Unit at Sarikamish (Armenia); in action by August 27.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Fighter pilot Major L.W.B. Rees of the Royal Flying Corps, wins the Victoria Cross. While flying an Airco DH2 he spotted a formation of eight enemy aircraft and decided to attack. Despite the odds, and injuries, Major Rees managed to force two aircraft down out of control before his ammunition ran out.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Galicia: Hindenburg visits Zborov behind Suedarmee which fights Battle of Zalozce (August 7-10).

Southern Front
Macedonia: Bulgars cross Greek frontier to south of Monastir and occupy two villages (until August 7).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Kemal reoccupies Bitlis and Mus (August 6), taking 2 guns and 2 Mgs. Successful Russian offensive continued 30 miles north of Erzingan.
British counter-attack Turks with success near Romani (northern Sinai). British pursuit continues for 18 miles. Ottoman soldiers captured during the Battle of Romani: http://imgur.com/wLiUgqP

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Smuts resumes main advance through Nguru Mountains on Morogoro (Central Railway): 7,000 men and 36 guns against c.2,000 Germans (see 11th).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: King George addresses the Entente nations on the 2nd anniversary of Britain’s entry into the war, stating Britain will continue to fight on.
Belgium: Brussels refuses to pay a fine of 5 million marks to the German occupation, which was imposed on the city due to anti-German demonstrations.

[dicksbro]

Tell ya' how eyes can play funny tricks on you. When I was reading the post for the 5th of August on the Southern Front ... I first read "Macedonia: Burglers cross ...". :faint:

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
French ace Fonck forces undamaged Rumpler two-seater to land and alights nearby to take the crew as PoWs. (he will end the war with 75 confirmed victories). Royal Flying Corps Sopwiths break up German 10-bomber formation east of Bapaume.
Battle of the Somme: German troops launch three counterattacks against Australian forces at Pozieres, but are driven back. Slight British advance east of Pozieres. Reserve Army begins struggle for Mouquet Farm (until September 3).
Battle of Verdun: German counter-attack defeated, but regains Thiaumont work twice (August 8-9).
French gunners manning a 155mm artillery gun at Le Reichberg: http://imgur.com/LPPB6em* © IWM (Q 78830)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Galicia: Russian troops drive back Austro-Hungarian troops along the Siret river, and Graberko (south Brody) and repel German counter-attacks; Russians capture 3000 more Austro-Hungarian prisoners.

Southern Front
Main phase of the Battle of Gorizia (6th Battle of the Isonzo) begins (see 17th). Main Italian assault at 1600 hours after 9 hours intensest artillery barrage yet against Austrian 58th Division (General Zeidler on leave), 42 guns, 65 MGs involves Capello’s VI Corps’ 6 divisions, 603 guns and 390 mortars. They storm Mt Sabatino (1,998 ft) in 45 minutes and part of Podgora, taking 8,000 PoWs, 11 guns and 100 MGs. Former success much aided by Colonel Badoglio’s exhaustive reconnaissance and planning as CoS VI Corps and his leading of 6 battalions of 45th Division to assault.
Abruzzi Brigade storms Oslavia and Hill 165 to south, Cuneo Brigade takes Grafenberg on Podgora; Pavia Brigade storms Mt Calvario (603 ft). Italian XI Corps (87 battalions and 217 guns) captures all 4 humps of Mt Michele (Carso) and enters village taking 1,000 PoWs from Austrian VII Corps then gains whole of Northern Carso (until August 9).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: British reoccupy Katia, Turk rearguard actions against mounted troops until August 7.
Armenia: Determined Turk attacks repulsed by Russians north of the Upper Euphrates and in region of Mush-Bitlis.
Persia: Russians driven back by the Turks east of Kermanshah.

Political, etc.
Germany: Franz Eckert, German composer who composed the national anthem of Japan and the Korean Empire, passed away.
Romania: Romanian government warns Bulgaria on border clashes, stating it is “not in accordance with the good relations between the two countries.”

[Teddy Bear]

Tell ya' how eyes can play funny tricks on you. When I was reading the post for the 5th of August on the Southern Front ... I first read "Macedonia: Burglers cross ...". :faint:

DB... So did I !!!! It was really confusing for me cause I'm not grasping everything I read anyway. Made for a good giggle once I figured it out.

Was thinking that was a new war tactic. Rob everyone.

[dicksbro]

Rob everyone.

You mean they don't already? :faint:


:D

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German attacks north and northeast of Pozieres. British attack outskirts of Guillemont. French advance north of Hardecourt.
Battle of Verdun: French progress at Fleury and the Thiaumont work.
British Premier Asquith with Major Edward Gerald Thompson at the RFC headquarters at Fienvillers: http://imgur.com/RUIPgCP © IWM (Q 11866)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Lechitski resumes offensive with gas shell preparation, advances 12 miles to Stanislau, takes it with 10,581 (3,500 German) PoWs (August 10), but rains and marshy ground slow progress. Russians identify German Karpatenkorps arriving from Verdun (August 8).

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Lambro and Etna Brigades storm Hill 188 and Peurna heights. Some Cuneo patrols reach Isonzo in night. Monte Sabatino, Monte San Michele and bridgehead of Gorizia captured. 8,000 prisoners, 11 guns and 100 machine guns taken. Austrians blow up rail bridge and counterattack at Grafenberg.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Stiff fighting at Romani; British threaten Turkish flanks.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Italy: Royal navy transfers 4 ‘W’-class submarines (some of them on August 23) small submarines to Italian Navy.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: London workers demonstrate in Trafalgar Square, demanding the hanging of Kaiser Wilhelm for the execution of Charles Fryatt.
Admiralty deny allegation in German press that British Hospital Ships are being used as transports.
France: National Council of French Socialists votes 1,824 to 1,075 to sever relations with the German Socialists.

[gekkogecko]

Rob everyone.

You mean they don't already? :faint:
:D

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

[Teddy Bear]

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

"Keep your friends close but your enemies closer." Who said that and why?

[jseal]

Michael (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfHJDLoGInM), so he can be as aware as possible of what his enemies may do and so protect himself and his family from them.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
9 Zeppelins scatter 173 bombs over East England and Scotland (night August 8-9, 21 of 26 casualties in Hull). Admiralty now has 114 warships with anti-aircraft guns able to engage Zeppelins.
3 FE 2bs of No 25 Squadron defeat 6 Roland biplanes over Bethune, forcing them to jettison bombs over own lines.
Battle of the Somme: British gain 400 yards at Guillemont – Germans still hold south end of village, repulse Allied attacks on August 9. British 2nd Division attacks Waterlot Farm to northwest (until August 9). German troops launch further counterattacks against British positions near Pozieres and recapture at least 50 yards of trenches. Two German attacks beaten back east of Monacu Farm (northern Somme).
Battle of Verdun: Fierce fighting in Verdun region: Germans gain and lose Thiaumont work.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Pripet: Russian Guard and Third Armies attack towards Kovel, make no gains (until August 9). Guard losses 55,292 men; July 25 – August 9. Russian troops secure 9 villages in their drive towards Stanislau (Ivano-Frankivsk) including Tysmienica (Stanislau, Galicia), capture between 7,400 and 8,500 prisoners.

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Italians clear western bank of middle Isonzo, secure all Podgora; 4 battalions cross road bridge to enter Gorizia on east side, also claim the capture of 10,000 Austro-Hungarians. Lieutenant Baruzzi (28th Regiment, 12th Division) first in, raises Italian flag on station, winning gold medal.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Turks abandon Oghratina but repulse Anzac Mounted Division pursuit (322 casualties) at el-Abd (August 9), but evacuate it on August 11.
Armenia: Turks occupy Mush and Bitlis.
Turks abandon Oghratina and fall back to cover Bir el Abd (Sinai).

Political, etc.
Germany: Lily Braun, German journalist and feminist writer, passed away: http://imgur.com/OCKXk6i
United Kingdom: King George V and Prince Edward arrive in Calais to inspect British and ANZAC operations.
Portugal: Portugal decides to extend military help in war at Europe (see November 23rd, 1914, December 4th, 1914 and January 3rd, 1917).
Romania: Allies agree on terms for Rumania.

[Teddy Bear]

Michael (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfHJDLoGInM), so he can be as aware as possible of what his enemies may do and so protect himself and his family from them.

TY jseal, I knew somebody would know. :)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German 18th Reserve Division has 8,288 casualties (ie over 50%) since July 24.
Germans driven back and French advance north of Hem Wood.
King George V watching a practice attack of British soldiers at Ligny-Saint-Flochel: http://imgur.com/nVXla58 © IWM (Q 961)
Battle of Verdun: Germans regain Thiaumont work.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Russians gain junction of Chryplin (Stanislau).

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Italian troops capture the city of Gorizia from Austria-Hungary after three days of battle. Italians occupy hills on line Rosenthal-Vertoibica. Heavy Austrian attack beaten back on left bank of Isonzo.
Salonika: Local Allied offensive: Allies shell Bulgar line south of Lake Doiran, French 17th Colonial Division (15,000) occupies abandoned station and Hill 227 (until August 10).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Turks press back British cavalry east of Romani (Suez), but are repulsed and lose heavily.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Royal Navy submarine B-10 destroyed by Austrian air raid on Venice dockyard,

Political, etc.
United States: Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company awards a $2.5 million contract to build a plant in St. Louis for a new non-alcoholic beverage (Bevo).
Italy: Guido Gozzano, Italian poet who lead the poetic school Crepuscolarismo (twilight school) passed away: http://imgur.com/kjjhACt

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: King George visits the front (until August 15), tells Rawlinson of a ‘cabal’ (including Lord French, Churchill and F E Smith) which plans to oust Haig and curtail Somme offensive. Slight British advance north-west of Pozieres.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Stanislau again taken by Russian forces (see June 8th, 1915 and July 24th, 1917).
Russians cross the Sereth and repulse repeated enemy counter-attacks.
Russians cross the Zlota-Lipa and advance on Halicz.

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: On Carso, the Austro-Hungarian Doberdo-Monfalcone line collapses into full retreat for the Vallone, but Italian 23rd Division forces them out. Austro-Hungarians establish new line northeast of Goriza with 3 divisions and 4 brigades of reinforcements (including 2 divisions from Eastern Front) that block Italian VI and VIII Corps. Italy has claimed the capture of 22,000 Austro-Hungarian soldiers in the past four days.
Serbia: General Winckler replaces General Gallwitz in command of German Eleventh Army, 2 German divisions (1 from Vosges, Western Front) reinforce Bulgars.
Allied offensive begins in Macedonia. French bombard Doiran (Serbo-Greek frontier), and occupy Hill 227, south of Doiran.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Persia: Hamadan, Daulabad, and Bijar taken by Turkish forces [Approximate date.] (see December 14th, 1915, and March 2nd, 1917).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Kraut checks British pursuit at Matamondo for day after evacuating Ruhungu position (August 8-9). Deventer’s 2nd Division begins 60-mile Central Railway advance to Kilosa (until August 22) against five rearguard stands.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Chancellor Mr. McKenna, spoke in the House of Commons on the British financial position, estimates £3.44 billion war debt by March 31, 1917. Distilling fixed at 70% of previous output.
British protest re: shooting of Captain Fryatt published.
Russia: Tsar Nicholas II awards General Brusilov a sword of the Order of St. George for his victories against Germany and Austro-Hungary.
Turkey: Decree removes Armenian churches from Etchmiadzin to Jerusalem Catholicate.
Japan: Admiral Katō Tomosaburō of the Imperial Japanese Navy (future Prime Minister of Japna); picture taken today: http://imgur.com/tWkO7dt
United States: New York City will not open schools on September 11 for the new school year due to polio epidemic. 187 new polio cases are reported today.

[dicksbro]

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

Ah, POGO! My longtime favorite cartoon series. -- sigh --

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Long distance British air-raids into Belgium.
Battle of the Somme: Joffre dissatisfied with offensive developing into innumerable minor actions, demands return to Allied attacks on broad front and writes to Haig proposing capture of line Thiepvall –High Wood–Ginchy–Combles–river Somme by 3 operations beginning on August 22. Then (c. September 1 ) attack to be against Grandcourt–Courcelette–Martinpuich–Flers–Morval–Rancourt-Bouchavesnes. French capture German trenches south of Maurepas.

Southern Front
21 Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes drop three tons of bombs on Venice, causing fires to break out in the city.
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Italians cross the Vallone and make progress on the northern edge of the Carso.
Salonika: Italian 35th Division (11,000 men) and 32 guns lands (until August 25), relieves French 57th Division by August 27. General Cordonnier now in command of French Army of the Orient.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Turks attack at Bayud and evacuate it.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: German resistance broken at Matamondo (east of Nguru Mountains); they retreat south.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: War Office releases the “Battle of the Somme,” recounting the battle so far: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/47231
United States: John J. Loud, American inventor who designed the first ballpoint pen, passed away.

[dicksbro]

I want to compliment you, again. This recounting of the First World War is fascinating. Thank you much!

[gekkogecko]

I want to compliment you, again. This recounting of the First World War is fascinating. Thank you much!

What I find even more interesting is secondary events caused by, but not directly related to, the war.

You're welcome.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Two German seaplanes raid Dover, dropping four bombs, which results in the injury of 7 soldiers.
France: Joffre (with Foch) and Haig confer at Beauquesne. Haig proposes prelim combined attack from the Somme to High Wood on August 18. King George and President Poincare also meet at Beauquesne (5 miles south-south-east of Doullens). General Joffre, President Poincare, King George, General Foch, and General Haig at Beauquesne: http://imgur.com/DncURw6 © IWM (Q 949)
Battle of the Somme: British advance on a mile front northwest of Pozieres. German High Wood counter-attack (and on August 17-19). French gain German third line trenches north of river.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Brusilov now claims 378,408 PoWs; 405 guns; 1,326 MGs, 367 mortars, 100 searchlights and 15,000 square miles of territory at cost of 550,000 casualties.
Galicia: Suedarmee finally yields Strypa winter line and retreats by night 10 miles to river Zlota Lipa. Russians cross the Zlota-Lipa and occupy Mariampol. Lechitski occupies Nadworna.

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Lombardia Brigade storms Nad Logern and San Grado di Morna, while Regina Brigade occupies Oppachiasella ruins; claims 1,565 PoWs in all. End of Battle of Gorizia.
General Cadorna, Chief of the Italian General Staff, on current operations: “All goes marvelously well.”
Salonika: Italian troops land at Salonika and join Allied force (see October 3rd, 1915 and July 30th, 1916).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Turkish III Corps engages 5th Caucasus Rifle Division in Boran area but is blocked (until August 13).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British occupy Mpapwa.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Official casualty figures for the Germans are now 3,135,177 men killed, wounded, captured, or missing. It does not include naval or colonial losses.
Russia: Russian Premier and Foreign Minister Stürmer states he “will strive to strengthen the friendship between Russia, England and France.”

[Teddy Bear]

I want to compliment you, again. This recounting of the First World War is fascinating. Thank you much!

I agree. Very interesting.

Thank you.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
RFC bombs Douai airfield 3 times (86 bombs).
Battle of the Somme: British 15th Division captures Munster Alley. Artillery duels north and south of the river on August 14. British troops gain ground toward Martinpuich and make 300-400 yard advances northwest of Pozieres.
Minor French progress south-west of Estrees.
Battle of Verdun: Grenade attacks in progress at Fleury.


Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Russian troops advance on a 100-mile front. West of Nadvirna, they capture 12 Austro-Hungarian officers, 1000 soldiers, and 7 machine guns.
German attack repulsed in region of the Stokhod (Volhynia).
Transylvania: Austrian First Army (Arz) formed against Rumania.

Southern Front
Isonzo: Italians consolidate after the battle; Catanzaro Brigade takes Hill 246 and three other positions with 900 PoWs gained at heavy cost.
Salonika:

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: RFC No 30 Squadron (13 serviceable BE2cs plus 14 arriving or being overhauled) scores first victory, a Fokker over Shumran airfield (bombed at night August 14).

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: Dutch convoy escort destroyer HMS Lassoo mined and sunk (another source says the German submarine SM UB-10 was responsible for the sinking).


Political, etc.
United Kingdom: First 6 Tank Mk Is leave for France.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: A German counterattack manages to win back 700 yards of trenches north of Pozieres, reversing yesterday’s gains by the British. Great artillery activity north and south of the Somme.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Russian troops cross the Zolota Lypa River at several points and also put the city of Halych within range of Russian guns.

Southern Front
Isonzo: General Italian attack all along line (until August 17) without appreciable gains but heavy losses, claim 1400 prisoners. East of Gorizia, heavy fighting.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Ottoman forces continue their advance against the Russians in Persia in the Hamadan plain, taking 30 miles in five days.

Political, etc.
Germany: Hoffmann diary: ‘Continual friction with the Austrians and almost more with OHL’. (Oberkommando des Heeresleitung, the Army High Command).
United Kingdom: Final meeting between Italian and British delegates; complete understanding on economic questions.
Russia: Third and Guard (now Special) Armies returned to Western Front command.
Italy: Italy calls on its boy scouts to guard railroad stations, hospitals, and aeroplane hangars to free up manpower.

[Teddy Bear]

[QUOTE=gekkogecko]Western Front
RFC bombs Douai airfield 3 times (86 bombs).
Battle of the Somme: British 15th Division captures Munster Alley. Artillery duels north and south of the river on August 14. British troops gain ground toward Martinpuich and make 300-400 yard advances northwest of Pozieres.

[Transylvania: Austrian First Army (Arz) formed against Rumania.]

They advanced only 300-400 yards at a time?!!! Wow.
And were was Dracula during all this?

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Oddly enough, none of my sources list anything for this day; the Battle of the Somme was entering a 'relatively' quiet phase, as the British consolidated, and prepared for the next push; likewise, both sides on the Battle of Verdun were pretty much licking their wounds.
All Quiet on the Western Front?

Eastern Front
Fighter Ace Oswald Boelcke on visit to Kovel; invites Manfred von Richthofen to join his new unit on the Western Front.
Brusilov Offensive: Brusilov has received 26 extra divisions since June 12 (but Austro-Germans 33 1/2, including 23 German).
Galicia: Lechitski reaches Solotwina west of Stanislau, gains heights south of Jablonitsa Pass (August 22). Another Russian force reaches Zlota-Lipa, south of Brzezany.

Southern Front
Isonzo: Italians take more trenches east of Gorizia.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Mush and Bitlis reoccupied by Turkish forces (see 24th, February 18th and March 2nd). Fighting starts south of Kigi between Turkish IV Corps and new 6th Caucasus Rifle Division which drives former south of Ognot (August 18-25).

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: Royal Navy submarines E-41 and E-4 collide and sink on exercise (15 survivors); both boats salvaged and E-41 reused.
East Africa: Bagamoyo occupied by British forces. British clear of Nguru Mts., drive enemy force southward and eastward.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: British newspapers call for a quarantine of the U.S. to prevent the polio epidemic in New York City from spreading.
Britain announce an agreement with Italy to supply it with coal and other supplies necessary for the war effort.
The King returns from a visit to the Armies on Western Front.
United States: President Wilson meets with union leaders representing 400,000 trainmen to avert a possible national railway strike.
Treaty transferring the Danish West Indies to the U.S. for $25 million (about $553 million today) is signed.

[gekkogecko]

[QUOTE=gekkogecko]
Battle of the Somme: British troops gain ground toward Martinpuich and make 300-400 yard advances northwest of Pozieres.

They advanced only 300-400 yards at a time?!!! Wow.

IMNSHO, Douglas Haig was one of the worst Generals of all time; despite evidence to the contrary, he persisted in the utterly useless offensives, throwing away British lives for no or minimal advantage. He also consistently lied to the British Government about what was happening, suppressed press reports from the scene, passed on only those which showed the British in the best possible light, well and truly acknowledged intelligence reports which showed the Germans 'about to crack' (for literally, months on end). To this day, the German casualties on the Somme are vastly exaggerated. After the war, Haig wrote a self-apologetic memoir, claiming that his strategy all along was to wear down the German Armies, costing them inordinate amounts of manpower in exchange for all those British casualties. Utter rot, and honestly, Haig should have been court-martialled and shot for being one of the most effective German commanders of the war. And he was, of course, the British Commander-in-Cheif at the time.


And were was Dracula during all this?

Romania hasn't entered the war yet; their utterly cynical entry-entering the war only because they were bribed by the Western Allies, mainly with promises of territorial aggrandizement at the expense of Austria-Hungary-will be on the agenda soon. The Central Powers were utterly unsurprised by this; hence, the formation of the Transylvanian Army.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Second Lieutenant Albert Ball in Nieuport 17 attacks 5 Rolands, forcing 2 down, destroys 2 more on August 22 in 11 Squadron action with about 15 German aircraft (4 lost); makes another kill (with 60 Squadron on August 28) from 4 aircraft attacked; 2 more kills (on August 31).
Battle of the Somme: Foch visits Haig, latter then replies to Joffre‘s letter of August 11; certain local operations are inevitable, Haig has arranged with Foch a combined attack for August 18; another to follow August 22. But Haig can make no promises of subsequent operations dates, insufficient forces for early large-scale attack on Thiepval front.
British advance west and southwest of Guillemont. French capture trenches along 12-mile sector astride river with 1,300 PoWs, repel German attacks north of Maurepas on August 18.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Heavy Russian attacks west of Sereth.
Total of Russian captures published. (It is unclear if this means Austro-Hungarian & German prisoners captured by the Russians, or the total number of Russians captured by the Central Powers).

Southern Front
Isonzo: Artillery active.
Salonika: French 17th Colonial Division captures La Tortue at second attempt but twice forced out Doljeli (second on August 17); 1,100 casualties since August 9. British battallion captures Horseshoe Hill in support to west on August 17.

Political, etc.
Germany: German authorities arrest 106 people for smuggling in food to Berlin and selling them at 300% profit.
United Kingdom: Terms of new British War Loan to be raised in U.S.A. announced.
Special Register Bill postponed.
France: Report shows that France is spending $397.4 million (about $8.8 billion today) a month for the war effort.
United States: U.S. House of Representatives approves Senate plan to build 157 warships in three years.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British capture trench northwest of Bazentin. German counter-attack held northwest of Pozieres.
Violent artillery fighting north and south of the Somme.
The ruins of St. Quentin Cathedral after it was hit by British artillery: http://imgur.com/bMvrRZV © IWM (Q 87814)
Battle of Verdun: French Moroccan Colonial Regiment secure Fleury and Thiaumont (August 18) for good, repel German attacks (August 19 and 27-28).

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: End of "Brusilov's Offensive" [Approximate date.] (see June 4th).
Russia announces a claim that they have taken 358,602 Germans and Austro-Hungarians prisoners during the Brusilov offensive.

Southern Front
Isonzo: At 1800 Cadorna suspends most successful Isonzo offensive yet after 3-4 mile gains on 15-mile front for 51,232 casualties (12,128 missing) vs estimated 49,035 Austrian (20,000 PoWs) and 30 guns.
Macedonia: Battle of Florina begins (see 19th): Pre-emptive Bulgar offensive into Greece (until August 28): 2 Bulgar columns attack Serb Danube Division near Florina and capture station, deploy 18,000 men (until August 19) to drive back Serb Third Army at West end of Allied line while Bulgar Second Army at east end begins advance to Struma.

Political, etc.
Germany: Meat ration fixed.
German and Bulgar notes to justify seizing Greek territory. {additional note: this highly implies that the German, Autro-Hungarian & Bulgarian incursions into Greece were otherwise unjustified, and illegal according to International law as it was understood in 1916. In reality, the Western Allies, France Especially, Russia & Serbia had long been unjustifiably & illegally (according to International Law as it was understood in 1916) occupying Greece & using it to launch attacks against the Central Powers.}
United Kingdom: Lloyd George: “Britain’s honor is not dead; her might is unbroken, her destiny unfulfilled, her ideals unshattered by her enemies.”
English writer Houston Stewart Chamberlain, a propagandist for Germany, becomes naturalized as a German citizen: http://imgur.com/EeNlAIY
United States: JP Morgan Bank announces $250 million two-year loan to Russia.
Romania: Government formally agrees to join the Allies by entering the war by August 28; signs military convention at Bukharest.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British 33rd Division attack at High Wood fails (German counter-attack, also August 23 and 24), British advances towards Ginchy and Guillemont.
France takes parts of Maurepas village.
Violent German counter-attacks north of Maurepas beaten back by French.
Battle of Verdun: French take the whole of Fleury and make incremental progress at Thiaumont.

Southern Front
French forces establish the Autonomous Albanian Republic of Korçë after they captured the city of Korçë, Albania.
Macedonia: Bulgars take Florina, also occupy several Greek forts.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: Whole High Seas Fleet puts to sea (until August 19) for penultimate time until April 1918 with aim of shelling Sunderland and drawing British warships onto five lines of U-boats (24 in all); 8 Zeppelins scout. Royal Navy submarine E-23 (one of 25 subs on patrol) puts 2 torpedoes into battleship Westfalen (one of 18 battleships and pre-dreadnoughts, together with 2 battlecruisers) forcing her back to port, but Scheer persists and Room 40 aided Jellicoe has sailed to meet him at 1700 hours, 5 hours before Scheer sorties.
East Africa: General Northey occupied Lupembe.

Political, etc.
Germany: Falkenhayn, Conrad and Enver sign convention for action against Rumania.
Russia: General Nikolai Ruzsky is appointed the commander-in-chief of the Russian northern armies.
United States: Gasoline prices in the U.S. drops to 23 cents per gallon, compared to 26 cents at the beginning of the week.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Since March 19, Escadrille 3 of French Cigognes (Stork) Group (Brocard) has scored 39 confirmed victories and 26 probable in 338 air combats over Verdun and Somme.
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack until August 20. British advance to Thiepval Ridge.
Battle of Verdun: German attacks at Fleury repulsed; again, these were more likely mere raids, not actually designed to be attacks to gain some territorial advantage.

Eastern Front
German counterattacks against the Russians halt their advance towards Lemberg (Lviv) and recapture territory around Cârlibaba.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Battle of Florina [German name and dates.] ends (see 17th).

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: British Grand Fleet cruisers Nottingham and Falmouth (3 hits each) sunk in actions between 0557 hours and noon (August 20) by U-52, U-63 and U-66, forcing Jellicoe’s 29 battleships northward during fleet moves that bring Beatty (6 battlecruisers) 42 miles north of Scheer before latter turns for home. Harwich Force (5 cruisers and 20 destroyers) shadows but not able to make night torpedo attack as Jellicoe wanted. British mistakenly claim two German submarines destroyed.

Political, etc.
Germany: Ruhr coal miners strike against food shortages and inflation (until around August 28).
Germany apologizes for sinking the Dutch steamer Rijndijk, which was carrying food aid supplies to Belgium.
United Kingdom: Lloyd George on war progress: “I feel for the first time in two years that the nippers are gripping and before long we will hear the crack.”
British news film “Topical Budget,” showing a bomb throwing contest, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5386
British government bans British subjects who have been abroad since March 1st and foreigners from entering Ireland.
United States: A hurricane makes landfall on Texas, resulting in 24 deaths and $28.6 million in damages (about $632 million today).
Greece: Crisis in Greece, owing to Bulgar occupation of Greek territory.

[Teddy Bear]

Love the old film!! The donkey races were so funny.

A little break from the war and all the terrible stuff.

Makes ya wonder how the guys survived mentality.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Britain makes small gains north of Bazentin-le-Petit and France advances in the woods between Guillemont and Maurepas.
Great artillery activity on the Somme.

Southern Front
Salonika: Bulgaria takes two Greek forts near the river Struma and advances towards the port city of Kavala.
Sarrail and his five Allied commanders agree to postpone offensive but launch counter-offensive as Bulgar 7th Division causes 380 casualties to retreating French. Serbian General Jurisic-Stürm replaced in command of Third Army by General Vassic.
Serbs throw back Bulgarians in Moglena sector (Balkans).
Secret War: Austro-Hungarians crack new Italian cipher system in 38 hours.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: IV Caucasus Corps retakes Mus bridge and 500 PoWs.
Persia: Baratov halts on Sultanbulak Pass 50 miles north of Hamadan, has 7,000 fit troops and 22 guns against 17,000 exhausted Turks.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Mediterranean: U-35 (Arnauld) returns to Cattaro after record-breaking 25-day cruise (since July 26) total sinkings with 900 shells and 4 torpedoes: 54 ships (32 Italian carrying 50,000t coal), totalling 91.000t mainly in Western Mediterranean (French patrol areas).

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany announces that this year’s crops exceed those during peace and that there is no need to worry about food supplies.
United Kingdom: Sir Charles Monro is appointed the new commander in chief of British troops in India: http://imgur.com/U5kdGE9
Austria-Hungary: Austro-Montenegrin peace talks broken off.
Canada: A fire at a black powder factory in Drummondville, Quebec results in the deaths of five workers and over a dozen injuries.
United States: President Wilson: “The eight-hour [work] day now undoubtedly has the sanction of the judgement of society in its favor…”

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Fresh German counter-attack near Thiepval (2 more to south fail on August 22). Fighting south of Thiepval ends in slight British gain (August 23). British advance on 1/2-mile front northwest of Pozieres.

Southern Front
Salonika: British raiders (4 casualties) blow up 5 bridges east of river Struma (and on August 23).
Allied forces counterattack against Bulgaria, as Anglo-French troops cross the Struma River and Serbian troops move against Monastir.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: Royal Navy submarine E-54 torpedoes and sinks German mine-laying sub UC-10 at Schouwen Bank. The British submarine E-54 running on high speed: http://i0.wp.com/world-war-one.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/E54.jpg

Political, etc.
Germany: Due to protests, Germany cancels a $250,000 fine it levied on occupied Brussels for celebrating Belgian National Day.
Germany and Austria-Hungary warns Romania that allowing Russian troops passage through the country will result in war.
United Kingdom: Almost all exports to Sweden prohibited. Directorate of Graves Registration and Enquiries formed.
Premier Asquith states Germany has yet “to agree to peace except on terms that would be intolerable or humiliating to some of the Allies.”
United States: U.S. men’s soccer (football) team plays its first international match against Sweden in Stockholm. U.S. wins 3-2.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Haig chides Rawlinson for failing to take Guillemont. German counter-attacks at Guillemont repulsed on August 23.
Germans gain a footing in trenches held by French south of Estrees (southern Somme).
Heavy aerial fighting on Somme front.

Eastern Front
Galicia: Turkish 19th (arrived August 13) and 20th Divisions (Gallipoli veterans) take over 12-mile sector between Suedarmee German divisions.
Russians gain heights south of Jablonica Pass (Carpathians).
German attack with gas south-east of Vilna, repulsed.

Southern Front
Italian successes in Dolomites (and on August 24).
Julius Arigi & Johann Lasi of the Austro-Hungarian air force become the 1st “ace in a day” by shooting down 5 Italian aircraft today.
Macedonia: Bulgarian First Army storms Serb ridge west of lake Ostrovo five times only to be thrown off; take only one position on August 23. British lorries bring up Serb reinforcements.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russian offensive west of Lake Van.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: British submarine HMS E-16 is sunk by a mine in Heligoland Blight with the loss of all hands.
Kilosa (German East Africa) taken by British forces. Germans fall back on Morogoro.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Mr. Lloyd George in the House of Commons gives survey of military situation; announces 35 Zeppelins destroyed by Allies.
Romania: German correspondent in Bucharest, Romania reports the city has become “grave,” as the “country is getting ready for war.”

[Teddy Bear]

I don't know why but I found todays entry made me really sad. For some reason I kept thinking about the civilians. It doesn't say anything about the bomb shelters, all the homes and families blown away and the unknown to us fear. How did they make it through?

"United Kingdom: Mr. Lloyd George in the House of Commons gives survey of military situation; announces 35 Zeppelins destroyed by Allies."
35 Zeppelins..... and how many fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and lovers were killed?

Gonna go do something fun. :)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Zeppelin raid on east coast of England; LZ-97 scatters 34 bombs over Suffolk (night 23/24), no casualties.
Battle of the Somme: Fighting south of Thiepval results in a slight British gain.
Strong German attacks at Guillemont repulsed.
Fierce artillery duel on French section of Somme front.
Germans form first regular fighter squadron, Jasta (Jagdstaffel) 1 (Captain Martin Zander), Boelcke’s Jasta 2 (August 30), both and two more units assigned to Somme.
Battle of Verdun: French progress south of Fleury.

Southern Front
Italian XVIII Corps begins advance to drive Austrians from Fassa Alp.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russians retake Bitlis (lower Vau).
Persia: Turks defeated at Rayat; 2,300 prisoners.


Naval and Overseas Operations
Return of submarine "Deutschland" to Germany.
East Africa: Smuts’ main advance resumes from Dakawa, but 2nd SA Mounted Brigade checked at Mlali (August 24-26) though 2 German naval guns abandoned.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Female workers spinning aeroplane cord at a factory in Wakefield, England: http://imgur.com/SDTKz7N © IWM (Q 109940)
British government reports that German Zeppelin raids against Britain have resulted in 334 civilian deaths and 50 military deaths.
Lloyd George states he sees the end of the war is approaching, while Churchill warns Britain must be prepared to fight even longer.
France: Escort of French General Frachet d’Esperey (nicknamed by the British as “Desperate Franky”) at Saint-Clemens: http://imgur.com/rxSrqQ7 © IWM (Q 70647)
United States: U.S. warns the Ottoman Empire that any massacre of Armenians in Persia will be “regraded with great disfavor.”

[gekkogecko]

It doesn't say anything about the bomb shelters, all the homes and families blown away and the unknown to us fear. How did they make it through?


Strategic bombardment fromt he air was still new enough experience that there weren't any bomb shelters (that is, no effort to provide civilians with such); people sheltered in their basements and such like, as they desired. Some Londoners, in a preview of the Second World War, took shelter in the subways.
The National Air & Space Museum, in its Aviation int he First World War gallery, has a German propaganda poster, with a picture of a dirigible hovering over London, searchlights blaring, trying to find it, and a huge crowd, panicked and running for the tube entrance. The caption reads, "Zeppelin kommt!" (The Zeppelin is coming!).
In fact, there is no record of anyone panicking due to an air raid, either by dirigibles, or by fixed-wing aircraft; although one of the earliest civilian deaths in Britain is that of an old lady by heart attack, claimed to have been brought onto by the shock of being bombed from the air.
British civilians were often slow to take cover, in fact: several of the casualties atributed to German bombs, were in fact, caused by falling pieces of anti-aircraft shells.

"United Kingdom: Mr. Lloyd George in the House of Commons gives survey of military situation; announces 35 Zeppelins destroyed by Allies."
35 Zeppelins..... and how many fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and lovers were killed?

While the number of dirigibles (not by a long shot were all of them "Zeppelins") imagined destroyed to date was far in excess of those that actually were, the actual number is quibbling. You point still stands. And from there, we can logically proceed to those killed and maimed at sea, in the wasteful Battles of the Somme & Verdun on the Western front, the something like 12 Battles of the Isonzo in Italy, the failed offensives by Russia in Eastern Europe, the...yeah, the list really is never ending.

[Teddy Bear]

So sad and such a waste of lives.

Ahhhh.... that's the way it goes I guess.

OK, now i'll read todays post and think only of the facts. ;) :)


PS. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I did not know there were no bomb shelters then.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
6 of 12 Zeppelins (L-13 damaged by cruiser Conquest) cross Eastern Coast, L-31 drops 44 bombs on East London (first since October 14, 1915), causing 49 civilian casualties (night August 24-25); 2 of 15 defending aircraft crash on landing (thunderstorms thwart 8-Zeppelin raid on August 29).
French Morane biplane at the Esquennoy aerodrome: http://imgur.com/TKrqohs © IWM (Q 56599)
Battle of the Somme: British GHQ letter to General Rawlinson (Fourth Army) emphasizes it is vital to secure Ginchy, Guillemont and Falfemont Farm without delay. Foch’s co-operation secured (August 25); attack to be launched on August 29 but thunderstorms postpone it repeatedly to September 3. German attacks west of Ginchy. British advance towards Thiepval and Delville Wood. French battalion Frere (2nd battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Division) advances 250 yards and completes the capture of Maurepas village (until August 25) from Bavarians.

Southern Front
Italian troops continue their advance in the Dolomites, taking positions in the Fassa valley from Austria-Hungary.
Salonika: Greek IV Corps hands over forts north of Kavalla to Bulgars. Royal Navy monitor Picton shells the Bulgar troops in two villages on coast.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Mush and 2,300 prisoners again taken by Russian forces (see 15th, and April 30th, 1917) on way to Mosul.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: British Battleships Valiant and Warspite (only just out of Battle of Jutland repairs) collide, repairs until September 28.
H.M.S. Duke of Albany, boarding S.S., torpedoed and sunk.

Political, etc.
Germany: German government announces that meat will be rationed starting on October 2nd with a maximum 250 grams of meat per week.
United Kingdom: Harold Cressy, teacher, activist, and the first black man to earn a degree in South Africa, passed away: http://imgur.com/KVVtlTb
France: Anglo-French Conference on finance held at Calais.
French Army orders its soldiers to shave except their mustaches. An estimated 120 tons of beards will be shaved.
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary increases its control and surveillance of ethnic Romanians in its territory as Romania prepares to enter the war.
Austria-Hungary loots the artifacts and treasures of Visoki Dečani, a Serbian Orthodox monastery built in the 14th century.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British secure Delville Wood and repulse attacks south of Thiepval.
Champagne: German attack west of Tahure repulsed.
Ypres: New 4th Canadian Division arrives.
Battle of Verdun: Germans active in Verdun region.

Eastern Front
Dobruja: Russian Dobruja Detachment (50,000 men in 3 divisions) crosses Danube into Rumania, invades Bulgaria (August 27).

Southern Front
Macedonia: Bulgars occupy Seres in northeast Greece.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Correspondence between British and Swedish Governments about the detention of mail packets by either Government is published.
United States: New York City estimates the ongoing polio epidemic in the city has caused 1760+ deaths & left 1000 children crippled for life.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack near Thiepval. Australians capture heavily fortified Mouquet Farm. (Both also reported for yesterday). 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment returning from Thiepval and wearing captured German trophies: http://imgur.com/5P5uqj4 © IWM (Q 3930)
British take a short length of German trench north of Bazentin-le-Petit.

Eastern Front
2 French pilots arrive at Bucharest, Romania, from Verdun via London, Oslo and Archangel; request 50 pilots and 55 aircraft from Paris.
Galicia: Russians make slight advance towards Halicz.

Southern Front
Salonika: Activity on left flank of Salonika front.
Serbs beat off Bulgar counter-attacks north-west of Kukuruz and progress in Ostrovo region.
Macedonia: Bulgarian troops continue to push into Greece and have captured 50 square miles of Eastern Macedonia.
General Moschopoulos appointed Chief of Greek General Staff in place of General Dusmanis.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Austrian air raid sinks a Royal Navy Otranto drifter (96 on strength on September 10; spending 10 days at sea, 3 1/2 in port).
East Africa: Rhodesians and Baluchis occupy Morogoro on Central Railway (Smuts enters August 27), 115 miles east of Dar-es-Salaam; 28,000 British oxen lost since May 25. Lake Force begins advance south on Tabora, awaits news from Belgians 50 miles to west.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm attempts to send Duke Albrecht as a special envoy to the Romanian King, but King Ferdinand rebuffs the Kaiser’s moves.
United States: President Wilson signs the “Organic Act,” which establishes the U.S. National Park Service.
Romania: Romanian Council of Ministers increases credit for its army from $40 million to $120 million, as Romania prepares for war.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Storms hit the Western Front, bringing to a halt major operations. Small attacks are beaten back by both sides.
British and French aeroplanes bomb Ghent and hit an ammunition depot, causing several civilian casualties.
France claims they shot down five German aeroplanes today; Germany also claims they shot down 5 Allied planes.
Battle of the Somme: British 3rd Brigade attack Grevillers.

Eastern Front
In nothing short of a blatant land-grab, Rumanian Government orders mobilisation and declares war on Austria-Hungary (see 17th and 28th). RUMANIA INVADES HUNGARIAN TRANSYLVANIA (Austria-Hungary) via eight major passes, a month earlier than Falkenhayn expected; Kaiser’s reaction ‘The war is lost’.
Russians attempt to revive the Brusilov offensive, in the Carpathians: Lechitski (17 divisions) attacks on 75-mile front between Nadworna and Dorna Watra, takes Mt Pantyr (August 29).

Southern Front
Italy declares war on Germany (to this date, having only officially been at war with Austria-Hungary, and possibly Bulgaria.)
Salonika: Some ground gained by Serbs near Vetrenik in a general offensive.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British 1st and 2nd Divisions link on Railway 12 miles east of Kilosa.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm orders the postponement of any executions of French prisoners both civilian and military.
United Kingdom: British railroad union members march in Hyde Park to protest the increasing cost of living.
Russia: Russia states it is willing to cooperate with the U.S. to feed starving Polish civilians under German occupation.
Romania: During the Crown Council session at Cotroceni Palace, King Ferdinand rebuffs opposition to split with Berlin ‘Then I have conquered the Hohenzollern who was in me, I fear no one’.
United States: Democratic Senator Reed of Missouri accuses the Republican “old guard, in control of the party and the candidate, want a corrupt election.”
Greece: Venizelos addresses Athens protest meeting against King’s policy (Metaxas dismissed August 26).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Army Group Crown Prince Rupprecht created for duration. General Gallwitz in command of German Second Army records that since June 26 1,068 field guns of 1,208 plus 379 of 820 heavy guns have been captured, destroyed or become unserviceable in his two armies.
British troops eating rations in a ruined house in Mametz: http://imgur.com/YL4UT0G © IWM (Q 4182)
Battle of Verdun: French gain ground south-east of Thiaumont work and repulse German attacks against Fleury and against a position near Vaux Fort.

Eastern Front
Germany declares war on Romania.
Prince Leopold of Bavaria replaces Hindenburg as C-in-C East (Hoffmann his CoS is the “real” chief; the reflects a widely misunderstood aspect of the German Command Structure.).
Austro-Hungarian river monitors shell Danube towns in Romania.
First German Army Zeppelin raid on Bucharest (night August 28/29, 4 more in September).

Southern Front
Serbians progress east of Cherna River.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
General Sir Stanley Maude succeeds Lieut.-General Sir Percy Lake as Commander-in-Chief, Mesopotamia. Major-General Cobbe (Victoria Cross) takes over Tigris Corps which now has 64 river steamers supplying 460t per day (but 560t needed), 3 railways being built. 11,000 troops invalided out in August.
Armenia: Encounters take place south of Erzerum.

Political, etc.
France: Around a thousand Chinese laborers arrive at Lyons, France to work in munition factories.

[Teddy Bear]

Thanks for including the old pictures. A picture tells a thousand words.

I am surprised at the quality of them actually. And surprised they are still around.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Germany: ERICH von FALKENHAYN (German CoS) DISMISSED BY KAISER, REPLACED BY FM PAUL von HINDENBURG WITH GENERAL ERICH LUDENDORFF (1st QMG) AS HIS ASSISTANT.
Battle of the Somme: Since July 1, British have taken 15,469 PoWs, 86 guns and 160 MGs.
French soldier using a rifle with a periscopic attachment at Pont-Arcy: http://imgur.com/6cnxmAz © IWM (Q 45927)
Ruins of the French village of Tracy-le-Val: http://imgur.com/8NpSQ5S © IWM (Q 78219)

Eastern Front
Germany: PAUL von HINDENBURG CHIEF OF STAFF, ERICH LUDENDORFF FIRST QMG (GHQ at Pless until February 1917).
Transylvania: Rumanians occupy evacuated Kronstadt, Petrosani, Brasov, and Kezdiasarhely (see 28th, and October 7th).
On the borders of Bukovina, Romanian and Russian troops join forces to strike at Austria-Hungary.
Russians capture Mount Pantyr (north-west of Jablonica Pass, Carpathians).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Iringa taken by British forces (760 Germans evacuate on August 27) in Southern Highlands, 250 miles marched since May 25. Hannyngton’s 2nd East African Brigade (1st Division) crosses river Msumbisi in heavy rain.

Political, etc.
France: President Poincare of France congratulates Romania and Italy for declaring war on Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Turkey: Sipahsalar A'zam, Persian Prime Minister, resigns, and is succeeded by Vossuq ed Douleh, who also acts as Foreign Minister (see March 6th, 1916, and May 29th, 1917).
United States: Army and Navy Appropriation Acts authorize $580 million spending and create Council of National Defense. Marine Corps Reserve created and USMC increased to 15,578 men.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
British No 24 Squadron encounters first time 3 Albatros D-I Destroyer-Scouts (Jasta 1). http://i0.wp.com/world-war-one.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Albatros-D1.jpg
France: Colonel Estienne promoted Brigade-General and commander of French Assault Artillery (tanks).
Battle of the Somme: Bavarians surrender south of Martinpuich.

Eastern Front
Turkey declares war on Romania.

Southern Front
Tepelini (Albania) occupied by Italians.
Allied air raid on Buk bridges northeast of Drama.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Germans retire from Morogoro over Ruwu river. British 1st Division pursues across (August 31 – September 1).

Political, etc.
Romania: Romania severs diplomatic relations with Bulgaria
United States: U.S. Congress enacts the “Jones Law,” which creates a fully-elected legislature in the Philippines, a U.S. colony:
USS Tennessee is wrecked in Santo Domingo harbour due to heavy storms, resulting in 43 dead or missing: http://imgur.com/s1mEfld
Greece: A coup is launched by Greek officers in Thessaloniki who want to fight the Central Powers. Venizelist revolt in Salonika (see September 25th and October 9th); seize Salonika barracks and proclaim provisional republic.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: 4 German counter-attacks fail at Delville Wood; British XV Corps suffers heavy casualties. Fierce German counter-attacks between Ginchy and High Wood. By this time BEF has consulting psychiatrist and neurologist for ‘shell shock’ cases.
German aircraft losses in combat since July 1 are 51. Royal Flying Corps on Western Front destroyed and missing are 66.
Artois/Flanders: British gas attacks at Arras and Armentieres.
Battle of Verdun: French defensive Battle of Verdun ends [This is the French date. The German list carries the battle up to September 9th.]
French 305 mm railway gun firing near Lihons: http://imgur.com/kGEVvz9 © IWM (Q 78885)
A captured German Rumpler C-IV biplane at Ricquebourg aerodrome, France: http://imgur.com/ziUYcwc © IWM (Q 55598)

Eastern Front
Austro-Hungarian losses since 4 June 614,000, German 150,000 including 15,000 today.
Transylvania: Romania allows Russian troops to pass through the Dobruja region as they prepare to push further into Transylvania.
Fighting at Halicz and east of Lemberg; many prisoners taken in Lutsk area by Russians.

Southern Front
Buk (north-east Drama, Macedonia) air raid on bridges.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Allied shipping losses 205,000t (British 23 ships worth 43,354t with 8 lives lost). Total including 77 ships (129,368t) to U-boats in Mediterranean. 2 U-boats lost.
At Pless Hindenburg and Ludendorff press for unrestricted U-boat war without delay, Bethmann-Hollweg’s opposition now confined to timing and fear of breach with Scandinavia. Fronts must be stabilized lest Holland or Denmark declare war while Germany has no reserves.
East Africa: Smuts’ advance split by Uluguru Mountains; 600 South African mounted troops go round west side, 1,900 British march on Dar-es-Salaam.
Western Desert: British armoured cars capture Senussi convoy northwest of Jaghbub
West Africa: Slavery formally abolished in Nigeria.

Political, etc.
Germany: Hindenburg letter to War Minister demands doubled munitions, trebled artillery and machine-gun production by May 1917.
Germany moves Russian Navy prisoners to “reprisal camps” in retaliation for the harsh treatment of German Navy prisoners in Siberia.
Canada: Canadian casualties to date (published 22 September 1916): 8,644 killed (or died), 27,212 wounded, 2,005 missing.
Romania: Romania bans the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages across the country.
United States: U.S. War Department pulls back 15,000 National Guardsmen from the U.S.-Mexican border.
Ford Motor Company announces they made a record $1 million per week during the past year due to rising demand.
U.S. railway companies recruit 2000 strikebreakers in case the railroad general strike goes ahead.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: 4 German counterattacks fail at High Wood (and on September 3, 8 and 15) but they recapture East side of Delville Wood.

Eastern Front
Bulgaria declares war on Romania.
Turkish VI Corps placed under Mackensen.
Transylvania: Romanians capture Hermannstadt. Sibiu also taken by Rumanian forces (see 26th).
Fresh successful Russian advance in Volhynia.
Galicia: Russian General Shcherbachev takes 19,000 PoWs on river Zlota Lipa (until September 4).

Southern Front
Bulgars in possession of 17 Greek forts.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Turk IV Corps attacks south of Kigi but Russian reinforcements stabilize front by September 10. French Arab Mission reaches Alexandria.
Mesopotamia: Chormuk, N. Euphrates, captured by Russians.
25 bombs dropped on Port Said.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Channel, North Sea: Flanders UB-type boats sink over 30 ships in a week without encountering one warship (570 ASW vessels available); 1,949 British merchantmen now armed with guns.
Black Sea: New Russian dreadnought battleship Imperatritsa Maria fires at and pursues Goeben (rescues Turk seaplane) to within 60 miles of Bosphorus.
Aegean: 23 Allied warships and 4 transports (from Salonika) anchor 4 miles off Piraeus near Greek Fleet at Salamis, in a “demonstration” of Allied fleet.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Russian and British Governments conclude "Sykes-Picot" agreement as to eventual partition of Asia Minor (see April 26th, and May 9th and 23rd).
Retail Food Price 65% (up 5%). Munition factories total 4,212 (with 435 canteens for 640,000 workers). Civilian war prisoners to be supplied to private firms. In September War Propaganda Bureau starts monthly War Pictorial magazine (circ 750,000 by November 1917).
Russia: In September Anglo-Russian Bureau (propaganda) opens in Petrograd.
United States: In New York, value of German Mark at 30% discount.
New Zealand: Compulsory Military Service Bill comes into operation (see June 10th).
Greece: Allied fleet seizes 13 interned Austro-German ships.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Combined raid on London by 12 Navy and 4 Army dirigibles (“Zeppelins”) thwarted by adverse weather, navigational and technical problems; (another report: The raid was a failure. The raiders were scattered by adverse winds, heavy rain and high-altitude icing, and only one airship came within seven miles of Charing Cross.) c. 16t bombs scattered across 11 counties and North London suburbs (only 16 casualties) (again, another source is more specific: 4 Britons were killed and a further 12 injured. ). At 0223 hours Second Lieutenant Leefe Robinson (awarded VC, first in Britain) in BE2 of No 39 Squadron Royal Flying Corps destroys SL 11 (Schramm) at Cuffley, Herts (all 16 crew killed).
17 RNAS aircraft drop 82 bombs on Ghistelles airfield southeast of Ostend (repeated September 9 and 23), St Denis Westrem attacked by 18 aircraft (September 7), as well as Zeppelin sheds near Brussels (September 27).
Hoboken, near Antwerp, British drop bombs on shipbuilding yards.
 Rawlinson inspects British Tank Mk I force and is dissatisfied with readiness.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Romania troops capture the city of Orsova, pushing Austro-Hungarian forces across the Cerna River.
Bulgarian 3rd Army attacks the Romanian fortress of Tutrakan/Turtucaia, defended by the Romanian 3rd Army.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: Commanding general and McMahon confer on Arab Revolt at Ismailia.
Arabia: Turkish Berne Legation press release denigrates Sherif’s revolt, most Arabs fighting for Sultan.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Aegean: Greek arsenal seized at Athens; three more German vessels seized at Piraeus by Allies,

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Vienna introduces the “third meatless day” to conserve food, but mutton can still be eaten.
Canada: The city of Berlin, Ontario officially changes its name to Kitchener, after the late Lord Kitchener, due to anti-German sentiment.
United States: The U.S. House, by a vote 239 to 56, approves a bill mandating an 8-hour workday to prevent a possible railroad strike. (Possibly actually yesterday). U.S. Senate approves a bill mandating an 8-hour workday for interstate railroad workers by a vote 43 to 28.
Greece: Allies demand control of posts and telegraphs.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Fourth major joint Allied push to aid Rumania. At 1200 hours French Sixth Army attacks north of Somme, captures most of Ciery and German defences along road north to Le Forest and Le Forest village, but at junction with BEF (on extreme left) little help possible and Germans launch strong counter-attacks (September 4).
Battle of Guillemont sub-phase of the Battle of the Somme begins (until September 6): large-scale British attack, 20th Division captures Guillemont and part of Mouquet Farm.
Battle of Pozieres sub-phase of the Battle of the Somme Ridge ends. Continuous fighting near Falfemont Farm. British attacks on Schwaben Redoubt and High Wood fail.
Battle of Verdun: German attack fails on Vaux-Chapitre defences. French gradual if costly advances (until September 13).
Ypres: I Canadian Corps hands sector to I Anzac Corps and is switched to Somme.
British naval air squadron effectively attacks Ghistelles (five miles south-east Ostend).
The “Zeppelin” SL 11 in flames in the night sky. All crewmembers were killed: http://imgur.com/39JreZM
Margaret Lloyd George inspecting the ruins of “Zeppelin” SL 11: http://imgur.com/neGsJva © IWM (Q 73559)

“Zeppelin” is in quotes, because the British consistently referred to all German dirigibles as “Zeppelins”. In reality, the initials S-L stand for Schüte-Lanz, the manufacturer of the dirigible in question. As a further note, it seems that members of any particular nation are systematically incapable of correctly identifying another nations’s military equipment-witness the Germans constantly mis-identifying the Royal Aircraft Factory F. E. 2 as a “Vickers” (similar configuration, but the Vickers was an early pusher type that had long since been withdrawn from front-line service).


Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Carpathians: Lechitski success near Dorna Watra, takes 4,500 PoWs southeast of Halicz (September 5). Russians close to Zlota Lipa capture position near Brzezany, taking many prisoners. Near Orsova on Danube, Austro-Hungarians withdraw to west bank of Cherna.
Dobruja: Mackensen’s tri-national Danube Army invades Rumania.
Constanza (Romania) bombed.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Germany: Unrestricted U-boat warfare to be postponed until peace initiative (Pless council, Chancellor, Admiral Holtzendorff, Hindenburg and Ludendorff present).
East Africa: Dar-es-Salaam, capital of German East Africa, surrenders to British Naval Forces.

Political, etc.
United States: President Wilson signs the Adamson Act, which mandates an eight-hour day and extra pay for overtime work for interstate railroad workers.

[jseal]

On an more individual level: How an Olympic hammer thrower chosen to hurl grenades at the Germans died on first day of the Somme. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/03/how-olympic-hammer-thrower-chosen-to-hurl-grenades-at-the-german/)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French troops advance on a 12-mile front, capturing three villages (Barleux to south of Chaulnes, village of Chilly), and claiming 6000 German prisoners.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Carpathians: Russian troops break through the Zolota Lypa line and claim the capture of 19,405 Austro-Hungarians and Germans in 4 days.
Unsuccessful German gas attacks near Baronovichi (C.).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: South-west of Lake Nimrud, west of Lake Van, British armoured cars engage Kurdish forces.
Armenia: South of River Elen, west of Trebizond, Russian offensive continues; over 500 prisoners.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Dutch East Indies: Rebellion in Sumatra against Dutch colonial control grows, rebel forces take control of four towns on the island.

Political, etc.
Germany: Prince Leopold of Bavaria says the Romanians “will get their whacks, you may be sure, and if others come in they will get their whacks too.”
Greece: Due to military pressure, Greece allows the Allied forces to take control of the country’s postal, telegraph, and wireless systems.
Athens reports that King Constantine will reconsider the attitude of Greece.

[gekkogecko]

Excellent supplementary information, jseal. Thank you.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Leefe Robinson, the first British pilot to destroy a Zeppelin over Britain, is awarded the Victoria Cross: http://imgur.com/iDCHdnv

Captain William Leefe Robinson, V.C. - Awarded the Victoria Cross

On Monday Major General W. Shaw memoed Lieutenant General Henderson Commander of the Royal Flying Corps, on Lord French's behalf.
"The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has seen the attached reports, and will be glad to know if you have any recommendation to make with regard to any reward which you may consider the Officer concerned may be deserving of. He will be glad of an early reply."

Lieutenant General Henderson's reply was immediate.
"I recommend Lieut W. L. Robinson for the Victoria Cross for the most conspicuous gallantry displayed in this successful attack."

On the 5th September 1916, the London Gazette announced the award;
"War Office 5th September 1916. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned officer, Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson, Worcestershire Regiment and Royal Flying Corps. For most conspicuous bravery. He attacked an enemy airship under circumstances of great difficulty and danger, and sent it crashing to the ground as a flaming wreck. He had been in the air for more than two hours and had previously attacked another airship during his flight."

The evening papers on Tuesday carried the headline "The Zepp. V.C. for Airman," and the celebrations, which had hardly died away, began again. Now the hero of Cuffley was to receive the highest award for gallantry there was no restraining the tide of adulation, the picture postcards, the reams of bad prose and terrible poetry, the matchbox covers, the medals, and still the letters and telegrams. Robinson was a modest man, not at all an extrovert. He was also good looking. The British public had the perfect 'gentleman' hero.
Battle of the Somme: The battle rages across a 30-mile front. French troops make further gains, taking Omiécourt. The Allies hold most of Leuze Wood, and occupy the whole of Germany's former second line on the Somme.

Eastern Front
Seven miles south-east of Halicz the Russians claim success; ‘many’ prisoners taken.
Russian and Bulgarian troops clash for the first time during a cavalry engagement in the Romanian province of the Dobruja.

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes bomb Venice, Lucinico, Sdraussina, and Gorizia today.
Bucharest bombed by Bulgars.
In the Dolomites operations now developing, the whole of Val Cismone “free”.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
British bomb Turkish aerodrome at El Arish (90 miles east of Port Said).

Political, etc.
Germany, Austria-Hungary: Polish autonomy granted by Central Powers.
United Kingdom: Mr. Balfour at Glasgow appeals to local trade unions re: shipyard labour.
Trade Union Congress at Birmingham rejects invitation of U.S.A. Federation of Labor, re: "Terms of Peace".
France: During the two years of war, the French government has spent $12.2 billion (about $270 billion today) on its budget.
United States: D.W. Griffith’s “Intolerance,” considered a masterpiece of the silent era of film, is released: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Intolerance_%281916%29.ogv

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
British news-film “The Topical Budget,” showing footage of the downed dirigible, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5390
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Guillemont phase of the Battle of the Somme ends (see 3rd).
British gain Leuze Wood.
South-west of Barleux and south of Belloy, Generals von Stein and Kirchbach make ten attempts against the French, all counter-attacks beaten by "75's" and "105" guns.

Eastern Front
Tutrakan (Dobrudja) taken by Bulgarian forces (see 2nd).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: At Mazar, British airmen raid camps, supply depots and camel lines, good results.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British checked north of Kissaki (Uluguru Mountains).


Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Trades Union Congress insists on restoration of Trade Union customs and practices after the war.
Simla, India: Viceroy's important speech, re: supply of labour to Colonies, and record of India's great services during the War.

[dicksbro]

Almost hard to believe that virtually every day during that long war there were so many battles fought in so many places and how "human intensive" those battles were. Lord, have mercy on mankind as we flounder our way through life. :(

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Footage of the funeral for the crew of the SL 11, a German zeppelin shot down over Britain: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/45623


Eastern Front
Halicz (on the Dniester) on fire, and taken by Russians. Turk XV Corps loses 1,500 casualties (until September 8) but stands firm after 10-mile retreat.
Orsova (Austrian bank of Danube) occupied by Romanians.
In connection with yesterday’s capture of Tutrakan bythe Bulgars; they claim 20,000 prisoners and 100 guns.
Bulgarian troops win the Battle of Dobrich, pushing back Romanian and Russian troops from Southern Dobruja.


Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British pursuit of retreating German force in East Africa checked at Affair of Kisaki: (until September 8): c.2,600 Germans with 22 MGs beat 1,700 South Africans troops, forcing retreat and halt.
Kilwa (Kivinje), 135 miles south of Dar-es-Salaam, and Kilwa Kissiwani, still further south, surrender to British naval forces.

Political, etc.
Turkey: Baghdad railway, over Taurus Mountains being constructed by Turkish peasants, large bodies of Turkish troops moving to Aleppo, for Mesopotamia.
United States: US Shipping Board created to form Government-owned merchant fleet. Congress authorizes Wilson to retaliate against Britain, signs legislation (September 8). Emergency Revenue Act doubles normal income tax (September 8).
Around 2,500 railway and subway workers in New York City go on strike, crippling transportation in the city.
Piggly Wiggly, the first self-service grocery store in the U.S., is founded in Memphis, Tennessee.
Greece: Baron von Schenck and other Germans and Austrians expelled from Athens.

[gekkogecko]

Almost hard to believe that virtually every day during that long war there were so many battles fought in so many places and how "human intensive" those battles were.

Really make you understand what "World" War means. Yet another reason the war was so influential: it was the first, full-scale industrial war the world had ever experienced.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Hindenburg and Ludendorff, in first visit to Western Front, hold meeting at Cambrai to develop new tactical doctrine of defence in-depth; OHL publishes key lessons.
Dutch soldiers shoot at a German aeroplane that wandered over Dutch territory, forcing the pilot to land in the Netherlands.
British naval aeroplanes bomb aerodrome at St. Denis Westrem (5 miles west of Ghent).
Battle of the Somme: Glos Regiment suffers heavy casualties in attack near West end of High Wood. German counter-attacks on Mouquet Farm (until September 12).
From Vermandovillers to Chaulnes, Germans make four massed attacks; the French take 200 prisoners.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Dover Patrol monitors shell Flanders coast between Middlekerke and Westende (until September 15) as diversion for Somme offensive.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
German GHQ transferred from Charleville to Pless.
Colonel Lossberg, CoS German First Army, awarded Pour le Merite for outstanding Western Front service.
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Ginchy begins and ends; British 16th (Irish) Division (Irish nationalist and poet Lt Tom Kettle killed, aged 36) capture Ginchy, 7 miles east of Albert and trenches west and east of Leuze Wood.
Southern sector of Somme front: Germans begin counter-attacks against French Tenth Army round Berny and recover some ground (until September 12).
French troops claim the capture of 7700 Germans, including 100 officers, during the last 7 days at the Somme.
Battle of Verdun: Before Douaumont, east of Fleury, French carry whole system of German trenches.
French airmen drop bombs on Rottweil (Wurttemberg).
Naval air raid on Ghistelles, Handzaeme and Lichtervelde (Ostend).

Eastern Front
Kaiser visits Kovel, awards Carl Hoffmann Pour le Merite. Carl Hoffman was the Chief of Staff of the German 8th Army, and chief architect of the plan which resulted the annihilation of the Russian armies at the Battles of Tannerberg & the Masurian Lakes at the start of the First World War.
Transylvania Battle of Selimbar: Rumanians advance southwest of Hermannstadt.
Dobruja: Mackensen’s Bulgarian cavalry of 1st Infantry Divisions takes Silistria on Danube southern bank.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Main British advance of 1st Division reaches Tulo but Lettow’s 2,200 men with 24 MGs check it at river Dutumi (until September 12).

Political, etc.
Germany: Hindenburg and Ludendorff meet industrialists Gustav Krupp and Carl Duisberg (IG Farben) to discuss workforce shortage and Hindenburg programme.
United Kingdom: Cardiff: South Wales railwaymen resolve to strike, demanding increase of 10 shillings weekly on wages.
France: Paris, during last week, French and British Ministers for War and Munitions held conferences.
Austria-Hungary: Common Ministers Council discuss food crisis, War Minister mentions malnutrition signs in Army.
United States: U.S. Congress establishes the U.S. International Trade Commission, which provides trade expertise for the government.
Revenue Act of 1916 is passed in the US, raising the lowest income tax rate from 1% to 2% & the top rate to 15%. Estate tax is also created. (Apparently actually yesterday).
Greece: ‘Greek reservists’ (actually a false-flag operation initiated by the French) shoot at French Athens legation, Government apologies on September 11 (for what is really a secret French ploy).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack fails at Ginchy, British advance east of Guillemont, Rawlinson discusses tanks’ role in forthcoming attack. British troops have advanced 6000 yards in the last week and are now 1000 yards east of Ginchy.
Picture of two Japanese Army Lieutenants sent to Europe to study military aviation: http://imgur.com/UW4peQh

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Carpathians: Karl von Pflanzer-Baltin sacked from Austrian Seventh Army, Günther von Kirchbach replaces. Austrians retreat west of the Gyergyo and Czik valley.
Transylvania Russian and Romanian forces in contact.
Dobruja: Bulgarian and German troops continue their advance into Romania after they seize the city of Silistra.

Southern Front
Salonika: 6 British detachments demonstrate (161 casualties) along river Struma, further cross-river raids on September 15 and 23.
Corfu, Serbian Parliament assembles here, all ministers present.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British 2nd Division occupies Kidodi and halts with 1,946 of 6,696 men unfit. Belgian Southern Brigade fights at Lulanguru (until September 12) in railway advance on Tabora.
French Voltaire-Class Battleship at Toulon: http://imgur.com/gdTr9Wc © IWM (Q 71055)

Political, etc.
Germany: Official casualty lists from Germany total 3,375,000 men killed, wounded, captured, and missing since the war’s start.
United Kingdom: Lloyd George, the British Minister of Munitions, visits Verdun with General Dubois and M. Albert Thomas, and makes a speech praising the French defenders.

[Oldfart]

"6 British detachments demonstrate (161 casualties) along river Struma"

I'm not sure of the meaning of demonstrate in this sentence. :(

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British guns detonate German munition dump near Grandcourt. Rawlinson issues orders for third great British assault.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Carpathians: Lechitski takes Mt Capel Kapul (5,000 ft) and links with Rumanian Fourth Army on September 12, claim ‘many’ prisoners.
Alexandru Averescu given Third Army.

: Turkish 50th Division (11,979 men with 16 guns and 12 MGs) begins taking over Drama seaward sector of Bulgarian line.
British troops in Greece cross the Struma River into Bulgaria, capturing four villages.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Brooking’s 1,900 British soldiers (196 casualties) with 14 guns beat c.5,000 Arabs (est 1,200 casualties) at As Sahilan northeast of Nasiriya (Euphrates).
Southern Persia: Sykes reaches Isfahan.
Russia announce the capture of the city of Baneh in Persia from the Ottomans.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: Two Bulgarian torpedo boats hit Russian mines of Varna (1 sunk).

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm and King Ferdinand of Bulgaria meet to discuss strategy in the Balkan theater of the war.
Russia: General Averyanov to STAVKA: ‘… we are close to complete exhaustion of the manpower reserve’.
Canada: Quebec Bridge collapses during construction, killing 13 workers. The bridge had also collapsed in 1907. http://imgur.com/h3Bu3Ni
Greece: PM Alexandros Zaimis resigns; Kalogeroulos succeeds on September 16.

[gekkogecko]

"6 British detachments demonstrate (161 casualties) along river Struma"

I'm not sure of the meaning of demonstrate in this sentence. :(


Yeah, 'demonstrate' is one of those weasel words in a military context. It can be anything from a mere parade, to a full-scale attack.

For example, in an earlier post, the British naval forces "demonstrated" in an attempt to intimidate the government in Athens (it worked).

Here, the British "demonstrated" their military muscle: in the context of this sentence, it would have been in the context of a raid.

[Oldfart]

Thanks GG.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: After 6-day delay (bad weather and muddy ground) French Sixth Army resumes offensive after Allied bombardment opens at 0600 hours: ‘Good progress’ reported with Bois d’Anderu and Bouchavesnes captured on Bapaume-St Quentin road.
Lloyd George, General Joffre, General Haig, and Albert Thomas (right to left) meeting at the Somme: http://imgur.com/JrR90al
Lloyd George, British Minister of Munitions, visiting captured German trenches at Fricourt: http://imgur.com/a8XQsch* © IWM (Q 1179)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Romanians advance on Kronstadt (Brasso), their right flank.
Dobruja: Field Marshall von Mackensen in supreme command of German-Bulgarian forces.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allied offensive begins on west flank at 0600 hours. Serb First Army captures foothills of Mt Kajmakcalan (‘butter-churn’; 8,284 ft) 25 miles east-south-east of Monastir. Bulgars occupy Kavalla port. French 156th Division attacks west to Florina, 6 miles east by September 17.
4th Greek Corps of 25,000 men at Kavalla deserts (under Colonel Hatzopoulos) to the Germans. Sent to Germany as "guests".

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French I Corps advance southeast of Combles; VII Corps repulses heavy counter-attacks at Bouchavesnes.
Battle of Verdun: At citadel President Poincare confers Legion of Honour on the fortress ‘against whose walls the highest ambitions of Imperial Germany have broken’; Petain, Joffre, Nivelle and Mangin all present.

Southern Front
22 Italian Caproni bombers with Italian-built Nieuport fighter escort bomb Trieste.
Salonika: British 65th Brigade (22nd Division) storms German 59th Regiment’s Machukovo village salient, taking c.70 PoWs and 9 MGs for 586 casualties but loses it again until September 14.
French and Serbian troops in Macedonia attack on a 30-mile front against Bulgarian troops between Lake Ostrovo and Sorovitz.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British occupy Mikindani (southernmost post in German East Africa).

Political, etc.
Germany: HINDENBURG ACHIEVES DE FACTO COMMAND OF CENTRAL POWERS’ ARMIES. OHL (German Supreme Forces Command) for the purpose becomes OKL (Supreme War Command).
Kaiser, Hindenburg, Bethmann, Enver and Tsar Ferdinand confer at Pless.
Australia: Melbourne: Mr. Hughes' bill, referendum for conscription in Australia, read first time.
Spain: Antonio Maura, former Spanish Premier and leader of the Conservatives, declares Spain must take sides in the war.

[dicksbro]

Some of the little or never heard of details are really fascinating. :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British storm trenches southeast of Thiepval and 11th Div the ‘Wonderwork’. Haig and Rawlinson confer, Haig urges determined assault on Martinpuich. French I Corps captures Le Priez Farm; French XXIII and VII Corps both stalemated; 78 German counter-attacks since September 1. Fruitless counter-attacks of a German division from Verdun front.
British armoured car and wounded soldiers near Guillemont: http://imgur.com/D0aEy4W* © IWM (Q 1222)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Merisor-Petrosani (until September 22) north of Vulcan Pass: Rumanian First Army attacks towards Hatszeg. Austrian codebreakers get a warning of Rumanian counter-attack.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo (until September 17): Alter lengthy artillery preparation including gas shells Italian Third Army (14 divisions, 966 guns, 584 mortars) attacks at 0900 hours on 6-mile front, captures Nova Vas Hills 144, 265 and 208 (Carso) with 1,800 PoWs, later regained by Austrians (Fifth Army, 101 battalions with 409 guns).
Macedonia: Italians and French make diversionary attacks in Doiran-Vardar sector. Serbs break through at Gornichevo on Florina road and capture 32 Bulgarian guns. British gain ground towards Machukova (south of Gevgeli)
Kavalla (Greek Macedonia) occupied by Bulgarians.

Political, etc.
Turkey: Ottoman government gives permission to the U.S. State Department to send aid to Syrians.
United States: Josiah Royce, American philosopher of the objective idealism school, has passed away: http://imgur.com/5XrcQfU
(Possibly yesterday) San Francisco Chamber of Congress reports that Chinese immigrants to the U.S. have not been “accorded a square deal...”
Greece: Popular indignation in Greece at Kavalla news.

[gekkogecko]

Not precisely 100 years ago today, but during the First World War, and ongoing for the several years of it. A bit of archaeology, the "White War": http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/global-warming-is-thawed-out-the-frozen-corpses-of-a-forgotten-wwi-battle?utm_source=mbfbads&utm_campaign=posteng

Which in and of itself is fascinating, but also goes to show why there were 13 Battles of the Isonzo: that sector on the Austro-Hungarian/Italian front was practically the only path to cmoparatively military operations.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Great (only “Great” compared to earlie disasterous British advances) British advance (third phase) on the Somme, a six-mile front to depth of 2 or 3,000 yards. Flers, Martinpuich, Courcelette and whole of High Wood taken.
New heavy armoured vehicles (Tanks) used for first time, north of Pozieres to east of Guillemont:
Battle of Flers-Courcelette begins (see 22nd). From 0620 hours, after 40-minutes shelling, 14 divisions (2 Canandian and 1 NZ) and 32 of 49 FIRST TANK MK I‘s IN ACTION (see July 28th, 1917). The British Mark 1 tank is a huge shock to the German defenders. The first official tank photograph: http://imgur.com/GJWd2Z6 © IWM (Q 2488)
Four Mark I tanks being refueled at Chimpanzee Valley: http://imgur.com/GQBIOkt* © IWM (Q 5576). Despite the shock, not everything goes well with the tanks: 5 ditched, 9 break down, 10 hit.
Aeroplane co-operation with tanks instituted by the British Flying Corps:
During the Battle of Fleurs-Courcelette, No.7 and No.34 Squadrons, Royal Flying Corps, support the British Army's first tank attack. Royal Flying Corps helps engage 85 German batteries (29 silenced) and drops 8t bombs on 15 targets; claims 15 German aircraft, loses 14 aircrew and 6 aircraft. Second Lieutenant Ball destroys or forces down 10 German aircraft until September 28.
French capture trenches south of Rancourt, and system of trenches north of Le Priez Farm, south of Somme, east of Deniecourt, etc. the french also repulse frequent counter-attacks. Micheler regrets lack of reserves prevents follow-up operations.
146 extra heavy guns sent to German First and Second Armies at the Somme and 144 worn*out guns replaced (until October 8).
Hindenburg issues his first formal operation order: ‘The main task of the Armies is now to hold fast all positions on the Western, Eastern, Italian and Macedonian fronts and to employ all other available forces against Rumania’.
Situation map at the Somme, with the shaded regions denoting Allied advances: http://imgur.com/18P5xv7
(note the lack of scale on the map, making the gain look a whole lot bigger than they actually were).

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: General Kaledin with Eighth Army HQ transferred south to command, troops between Lechitski and Sakharov, Gourko’s Special Army takes over Brusilov’s northern flank.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo: Lower Isonzo: Italians take San Grado, strong entrenchments towards Loquizza, and claim over 1,800 prisoners.
Monte Rosa Alpini Batallion captures Mt Cauriol (7,605 ft) at 4th assault, then Mt Gardinal (7,723 ft) to northeast (September 23), beats of Austrian attacks until September 28.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Southern Tunisia: 4 French Farmans bomb Senussi base, but 1 crashes.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: French submarine Foucault is scuttled while on patrol off Cattaro after being damaged by two Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes. Austrian Lohner flying-boats then land and save crew.
East Africa: General Smuts' columns reach south of Uluguru Hills, and join near, and occupy, Kissaki; Van Deventer approaching the Great Ruaha river towards Mahenge.
Sudi Bay occupied by British naval forces.

Political, etc.
Romania: Crown Council decides to transfer half Transylvanian Armies to face Bulgaria.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Navy airships L-6 and L-9 destroyed in accidental fire on ground.
Battle of the Somme: British repulse counter-attack near Courcelette, but 5 German relief divisions now oppose exploitation. Allies capture Dunibe (Danube?) Trench. NZ Division advances north and west of Flers, Mouquet farm (Thiepval) captured.
Hindenburg arrives at Cambrai, orders construction of semi-permanent defence line (5-30 miles) to the rear (called by the Western Allies the “Hindenburg Line”; the German name was “Siegfriedstellung” (Siegfried Line)).
Royal Flying Corps aircraft and balloon collide with fatal results. (I wish I could find more information on this: http://www.rcawsey.co.uk/Acc1916.htm doesn’t even list it).

Eastern Front
Ex-CoS Falkenhayn takes command of Ninth Army.
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Second Battle of the Narajowka and Zlota Lipa (until September 17): 4 Russian divisions with gas attack Turkish XV Corps which holds despite c.5,000 casualties. Along the Narajowka many Germans taken as well as Turks.
Transylvania: Rumanian Second Army occupies Baraoltu dominating Kronstadt-Foldvar railway 30 miles from frontier.
Dobruja: Mackensen attacks Rasova-Tuzla line (until September 20), but retires to re-stock with heavy shell. Turk 25th Division repulses Rumanian counter-attacks on September 22.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo: Italians capture San Grado di Merna, Hill 208S, and all of Hill 144, but fail to take Hill 123 and Veliki Kribach farther east.
Macedonia: Serbs fighting Bulgars in forest on Mt Kajmakcalan foothills (until September 18).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Lindi (port in southern German East Africa) occupied by British.

Political, etc.
Germany: 39 industrialists tell War Ministry workers cannot exceed 9 hours per day. Army to release skilled workers and ‘open the great Belgian labour basin’.
United Kingdom: Lloyd George, British Secretary of War, claims there is a German plot to drive a wedge between U.S.-British relations.
Churchill to Fisher: ‘My poor land battleships have been let off prematurely and on a petty scale. In that idea resided one real victory’.
Austria-Hungary: A German-led Central Powers Supreme War Council agreed but Emperor Charles revokes Austrian signature after November 21.
Canada: Frank McGee, Canadian hockey player (later inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame), is killed in action at the Somme: http://imgur.com/toj4JyH
Italy: Lieutenant Colonel Douhet, CoS Italian 5th Division and air power advocate, arrested for writing strong criticisms of Commndo Supremo to War Minister; court-martial imprisons him for a year from October 15.
Greece: Nikolas Kalogeropoulos forms new Greek Ministry, becomes the new Prime Minister: http://imgur.com/VxwzEgH Expected to observe “benevolent neutrality” towards Entente.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French attack, taking Vermandovillers and Berny, Deniecourt surrounded, German reserves much cut up, ‘many’ prisoners.

Jasta 2 (Full name: Jagdstaffel 2) has its combat debut. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdstaffel_2 and http://jasta2.org/history.php
After Max Immelmann's death, Kaiser Wilhelm II had ordered Oswald Boelcke grounded for a month to avoid losing him in combat soon after Zimmerman. He had become such an important hero to the German public, as well as such an authority on aerial warfare, that he could not be risked. Given a choice between a desk job and a tour of the Middle East, Boelcke downed a Nieuport over Douaumont on 27 June and reported to headquarters. Boelcke was detailed to share his expertise with the head of German military aviation. What had been known previously as the Deutsches Heer's Fliegertruppen des deutschen Kaiserreiches was being reorganized into the Luftstreitkräfte in mid-1916; this reorganization was inspired by Boelcke. At this time, Boelcke codified his Dicta. He also shared his views on creation of a fighter arm, and the organization of fighter squadrons.
Boelcke was sent on a tour of the Balkans. He transited Austria to visit Turkey. Upon his return swing, he visited Bulgaria and the Russian Front. Boelcke would be visiting Wilhelm in Kovel when he received a telegram from the head of German aviation, Feldflugchef (Aviation Chief of Staff) Oberstleutnant Hermann von der Lieth-Thomsen, appointing him to raise, organize and command Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 2. Boelcke, by then a Hauptman, was given permission to choose his own pilots to form a fighter squadron. Among his first selections upon his return were Manfred von Richthofen, Erwin Böhme and Hans Reimann. The first aircraft arrived on 1 September; two Fokker DIIIs and an Albatros D.I. On 16 September, Boelcke's new squadron received five new Albatros D.Is for the pilots, and an improved Albatros D.II for the Staffelfuhrer. Boelcke promptly put the new planes in the air on the first-ever fighter unit effort to gain local air superiority. At 1300 hours 16 September, Boelcke and five of his pilots took off; they intercepted a British bombing raid on Marcoing Railway Station. While Boelcke held aside, his five wingmen bounced a British formation of 14 planes, broke it up, and shot down two; one of them an F.E. 2, by von Richthofen. The master himself added another. (Another source says 5 total British aircraft fell). That night, a German army tradition was ditched and a new German air force custom established when the enlisted men were invited into the Jasta's social center.
Captain Tom Rees becomes the first official confirmed kill of Manfred von Richthofen (the future Red Baron): http://imgur.com/q2N07Bn

Edit to add: A friend on another forum managed to track down details on yesterdays: Royal Flying Corps aircraft and balloon collide with fatal results. The details:
Lieutenant Clarence Edwards Nooth Cooper RFC 6 Kite Balloon Section - Died of accidental injuries 16 September 1916 aged 25, following balloon cable being struck by FE2b 6971 of 18 Squadron, kite balloon was cut adrift and his parachute failed to open, he fell to the ground near Montauban. LIEUTENANT C. E. N COOPER, Lincolnshire Regiment, attached R. F. C., who fell on September 16, in his 26th year, was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Nooth Cooper, of South Norwood. He was educated at Whitgift Grammar School, Croydon, and after six years service in the Mercantile Marine, he obtained an appointment with Messrs. Geo. Cradock and Co., wire rope makers, of Wakefield, Yorks. He enlisted in the Queen Victoria Rifles in October, 1914, and obtained his commission in the Lincolnshire Regiment Special Reserve, in February, 1915. In April, 1915, he was sent to the front and served there with his regiment until about three months ago, when he was lent to the Royal Flying Corps as a balloon observation officer. His death was caused by his parachute failing to act when compelled by an accident to descend from his balloon.’

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Romanians between Petrozseny and Hatszeg.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo: Italian offensive suspended due to bad weather after 17,000 casualties and 4,500 captured Austrian PoWs. Breaches in wire not wide enough for rapid infantry assault. Another source realistically reports: 7th Battle of the Isonzo comes to an end with the Italian offensive achieving little gains for heavy casualties.
Italian success (as defined how ?) on the Carso. (What is this Carso of which they speak? There’s a “Monte Carso” in what is now Trieste Province, Italy; but Trieste at the time, belonged to Austria-Hungary, and the Italians got nowhere near the mountain. I don’t know what this means, but it was reported by: http://www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1916_09_17.htm
Macedonia: Russian Brigade and French 57th Division recapture Florina; Bulgars retreat slightly north to river Brod by September 20.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: German Fokker thwarts Royal Navy bombardment of El Arish by shooting down 2 Sopwith Baby seaplanes (another lost to MG ground fire) and bombing the 4 warships. But German squadron later withdrawn to Beersheba.
Anzac Mounted Division attacks Mazar 45 miles east of Romani; 2,200 Turks evacuate 18 miles to El Arish (September 19).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Lindi, on East African wash, occupied by British naval forces.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: News describe tanks for the 1st time, comparing them “to armadillos & measuring worms & to many other weird creeping or crawling objects.”
Prince Albert, 2nd son of King George V, has been invalided home due to an abdominal abscess.
Japan: Japanese aviators graduating at the Tokorozawa Aerodrome near Tokyo: http://imgur.com/DqYhCGp

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: South of the Ancre, British advance, taking "Quadrilateral" between Bouleaux Wood and Ginchy, on a front of a mile, to a depth of 1,000 yards.
French I Corps executes two successful local (evening) surprise attacks and gain ground south and southeast of Combles. And take Deniecourt.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Russian forces under General Brusilov launch further attacks against Lemberg, Halicz, and Krasne.
Transylvania: Heavy fighting at Merisor, Romanians moving towards Hatszeg. However, German troops launch a counterattack against Romanian forces in Hațeg, bringing a temporary halt to the Romanian offensive in Transylvania.
Dobruja: Russo-Romanians fall back to Rasova-Tuzla line.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Franco-Russian troops enter Florina, Bulgarians start retreating on Monastir.
Serbs occupy parts of Mt. Kaymakchlan.
Greek IVth Army Corps at Kavala surrenders voluntarily to German forces.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: British aeroplanes bomb enemy aerodrome in the Shumran bend (above Kut-el-Amara).
Sinai: British raid Bir-el-Tawal (30 miles south of El Kubri, Suez).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: General Haig: “Our armored cars [tanks] gallantly led the action, causing indescribable demoralization in the enemy’s ranks.”
United States: Colonel Robert M. Thompson, President of the U.S. Navy League, predicts German can hold out until 1921.
“Joy Riding” from the New York Tribune: http://imgur.com/HDUPZvz
Australia: New South Wales: Political Labour League carries resolution expelling Prime Minister, Mr. Hughes, from the Labour movement.

[dicksbro]

More terrific detail on the day-to-day conduct of WWI. Thanks, GG! Very informative.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Haig submits a request to War Office for 1,000 tanks.
Battle of the Somme: Bad weather hinders both British and French operations. French repulse counter-attacks east of Clery (night 19/20).

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Shcherbachev’s Seventh Army claims to have taken 25,000 PoWs (including 8,000 Germans) and 22 guns since August 31.
Desperate fighting on Narajowka river, Halicz region. Germans claim success here and on Stokhod (Pripet); ‘many’ prisoners.
Transylvania: Falkenhayn’s Ninth Army attacks Rumanian First Army in Merisor defile, drives it south of Petrosani (September 20), but Rumanian 11th Division counter-attack re-enters town (September 25).
Dobruja: Romanians holding the Rasova-Tuzla position, defending the railway Bucharest-Constanza, heavily engaged.

Southern Front
Macedonia: The Serbo-Russian-French Army advances, making great turning movement in their march on Monastir. Serb Drina Division takes Mt Kajmakcalan‘s 7,769 ft eastern peak but evicted by Bulgars.

Naval and Overseas Operations
French cruiser Jurien de la Graviere coming into Toulon’s dock for inspection and repair: http://imgur.com/RlUVlDC* © IWM (Q 68331)
Mediterranean: Allies commence blockade of Greek Macedonian coast from mouth of the Struma to mouth of the Mesta (see December 15th, 1915).
East Africa: Belgians occupy Tabora (largest inland town) after 400-mile march, take 2,000 captives and release c.195 interned civilians. 2,700 Portugese invade across river Rovuma, occupy Menasi Bay on September 29. 1st division KAR ford river Mgeta (bridged on September 25) but floods and strong defence restrict bridgehead till December.

Political, etc.
France: Aristide Briand speaks against the dissident socialist faction of the Chamber.
United States: William J. Calhoun, former U.S. diplomat to China, passes away due to a stroke: http://imgur.com/vlm4vnX
Greece: New Greek PM offers to join Allies and enter war on fixed date as soon as Greek forces helped to prepare.
The Netherlands: Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, during the opening of Parliament, expresses thankfulness for the neutrality of her country in the war.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Rawlinson delays next Fourth Army attack to September 23, he and Haig agree that British cavalry should be withdrawn. Fierce German counter-attack almost retakes Bouchavesnes but driven out after desperate fighting. Canadian Corps pull out of line after 6,000 casualties but fighting again on September 26. German counter-offensive against French fails. [Again, probably no more than a ‘raid’, not a determined counter-attack]. From Combles to the river, an attack with six divisions suffered heavy losses.
South of the Ancre, Germans during night attacked New Zealand troops without success.
Captured German pillbox nicknamed the “Gibraltar” at the Somme near Pozieres: http://imgur.com/RcuXidM* © IWM (Q 1089)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Pripet: One source reports: Germans repulsed near Kovel–Rovno railway and along river Stokhod. Another source reports: German and Austro-Hungarian counteroffensive against the Russians at Stokhid leads to the capture of four trenches and 2,500 prisoners.
Dobruja: Mackensen halts in Dobruja: Germans, Bulgars and Turks in retreat, after severe repulse.

Southern Front
Italians advance east of Gorizia, near Santa Caterina, and on the Carso, east of the Vallone.
Macedonia: Serbian troops repel Bulgarian counterattacks in Florina and advance, capturing three more towns.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Batlic: Much abler Vice Admiral A J Nepenin replaces Vasilii Kanin as Russian Baltic Fleet C-in-C, but Supreme War Council forbids intensified submarine offensive.
East Africa: Portuguese troops cross the Rovuma river, separating German from Portuguese East Africa; the Germans, after feeble resistance, abandon their trenches.
British occupy Kisiwere Port.

Political, etc.
France: French Premier Briand: “If peace were made now it would be a peace of war and a menace to future generations.”
Romania: Government requests French Military Mission, as the nation is now facing 38 Central Powers divisions.
Greece: Albanian Government of Essad Pasha set up in Salonika.
Greek Government demands from Germany the return of the 4th Army Corps surrendered at Kavalla and sent to Germany.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: NZ troops take ‘Cough Drop Alley’ and a section of Flers line. British 1st Division captures ‘Starfish Trench’.
French gunner loading a Cellerie mortar at the instruction camp at Bitry: http://imgur.com/KAxLSop* © IWM (Q 93191)
Spahi cavalrymen of the French Army watering their horses at Cayeux: http://imgur.com/QnMbc9x* © IWM (Q 78958)
Battle of Verdun: French take trenches south-east of Thiaumont Work and over 100 prisoners.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Brusilov offensive comes to an end with around 500,000 Russian casualties and claimed 1,325,000 Central Powers casualties: http://imgur.com/cTuKYtI
Transylvania: Romanian left held up near Vulkan Pass (south of Petrozseny). Fighting in Kealeman and Gorgeny mountains, Romanians taking prisoners.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allies pressing along the roads north of Florina.
Serbians within sight of Monastir.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: German warships capture SS Colchester (Dutch convoy straggler) and take her into Zeebrugge.
Mediterranean: German submarine destroyed at Hagios-Kosmos (east of Phaleron, Greece). [Note: I can find no information about this claimed loss. http://uboat.net/wwi/fates/losses.html doesn’t list it.]

Political, etc.
France: General Pierre Georges Duport gazetted Chief of the Staff, staff attached to Ministry of War.
Australia: Australian Parliament passes a conscription bill on its third reading by a vote of 47 to 11.
Norway: Premier Knudsen of Norway reveals Norway signed a treaty with Sweden in 1914 to never war on each other.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Flers-Courcelette ends. British advance east of Courcelette on fine sunny day. Robertson and Rawlinson take tea; CIGS intimates that Lloyd George concerned about casualties toll and Haig’s direction of battle.
Scottish troops in kilts carrying sandbags to the front during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette: http://imgur.com/1lt07CN* © IWM (Q 4358)
The ruined Town Hall at Maricourt at the Somme: http://imgur.com/Morouc1* © IWM (Q 78280)
Strong British aeroplane raid on important railway stations, much damage done.
Aeroplane raid on Kent, no damage.

Eastern Front
Galicia: Russians reported about 50 miles from Lemberg.

Southern Front
On the left bank of the Struma British troops attacked; on British left Bulgarian counter-attacks repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Ghalib Pasha’s 2,000-Turkish Taif garrison surrenders to Abdulla.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Germany uses its influence to eject three Austrian Archdukes from military posts and assign them to harmless civilian positions.
Canada: Due to the fighting at the Somme, Canadian casualties reach around 40,000 men.
United States: Mayor of New York City threatens to use militia troops on strikers if the rioting of the past few days continues.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Twelve Zeppelins of the German Navy were dispatched to attack London and the Midlands. Nine of the 12 Zeppelins reach East England (night September 23-24), drop 371 bombs causing 170 civilian casualties (151 in London). Of these, two 'super Zeppelins', the L32 and the L33, were shot down by the defences. L33 was seriously damaged by anti-aircraft fire over London and subsequently received further damage from a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c of No.39 Squadron. The airship eventually grounded near Little Wigborough in Essex. L32 was shot down by a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c, flown by Second Lieutenant Frederick Sowrey of No.39 Squadron, near Billericay in Essex. For many subsequent nights Londoners take refuge in underground railway from 1730 hours.
Kiffin Rockwell, an American aviator volunteer in France and the 1st American to shoot down an enemy craft, is killed in action. Rockwell was one of the founding members of the Lafayette Escadrille. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette_Escadrille
Battle of the Somme: After another victory Guynemer’s Spad VII hit by French 75mm anti-aircraft fire, but only suffers bruised knee on landing. Richthofen scores second victory, a Martinsyde of 27 Squadron (3 lost to Jasta 2 for 1 Albatros collision). Heavy aerial combat occurs over the Somme, with 54 kills in total claimed by both sides.
Germans begin work on the Siegfried (aka “HINDENBURG") Line. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_Line
Rawlinson postpones today’s operations to September 25. British 23rd Division advances east of Martinpuich.
French 305 mm railway gun near Bronfay Farm, Bray-sur-Somme: http://imgur.com/E8PdwHy* © IWM (Q 78978)

Southern Front
Italian XVIII Corps captures Mt Cardinal in Cadore area but Austro-Hungarian mine explosion regains Mt Cimone d’Arsiero (Astico valley, Trentino) lost on July 23.
A battalion of Greek soldiers in Thessalonica defy orders and head to the front, as the country becomes further divided over neutrality.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: RFC bomb Shumran bend German airfield near Kut, destroy 1 aircraft on ground (another hit on November 2).

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany blacklists 6 Dutch firms for trading with the Allied powers.

[dicksbro]

I'm just amazed that every day seems filled with "action" reports. You'd almost think there'd be a few "idle" days, wouldn't you?

Thanks, GG, for sharing this with us.

[gekkogecko]

Well, there was action *somewhere* nearly every day. The "World" War moniker is quite real.

[gekkogecko]

To whit, today is a somewhat "quiet" day, but we still have:
Western Front
60 RFC fighters (3 lost) destroy at least 4 German aircraft, in group attacks on Cambrai area airfields.
Dunkirk has 17 casualties to German bombs (1 raider shot down).
2 French aircraft drop 12 bombs on Krupp works, Essen.
British authorities examine the wreckage of the Zeppelin L-33, destroyed in the overnight raid. German crew are all captured: http://imgur.com/tZBTj8l
Battle of the Somme: British repulse counter-attack west of Lesboeufs.

Eastern Front
A Zeppelin attacks Bucharest, and drops three bombs.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Sherif of Mecca reports he has forced Taif (60 miles south-east of Mecca) to surrender; garrison Turkish, many prisoners, guns and stores.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Socialist Party members vote 251 to 5 in support of the war to maintain German territorial integrity, but oppose any conquests.
Canada: £20 million war loan; £16m over-subscribed.
United States: The cover of “Verboten!” a “pro-German number” from Puck, a U.S. humor magazine: http://imgur.com/QV9udGT

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Six of 9 Zeppelins drop 127 bombs on Lines, Yorks, and Lanes (74 casualties night September 24-25). L-31 (Mathy) scouts Portsmouth.
Battle of the Somme: At the Somme, French and British troops resume their attacks, but are hampered by rain and mud. Battle of Morval phase begins (until September 28): Allied attack at 1235 hours. British with 2 tanks capture Lesboeufs and Morval and almost surround Combles. Slight French Sixth Army advance at Rancourt (captured), Les Priez Farm and Fregicourt (until September 26). RFC 4th Brigade helps silence 34 German batteries. 1st Brigade (17 aircraft) hits 2 troop trains, Libercourt station (Douai-Lille main line) and 2nd Brigade Lille station (night September 25-26).
French progress at Rancourt, Le Priez Farm and Fregicourt.

Eastern Front
Bulgarian right wing in Dobruja having retreated, they begin fortifying new positions.

Southern Front
East of Florina (north of Greece) considerable Bulgarian forces attack the French beyond Armenohov.
West of Florina, French and Russian troops engaged, north of Armensko, taking prisoners and machine guns.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sir A.J. Murray's despatch of 1 June 1916 (10 January to 31 May) published.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany announces it will lower German officer’s salaries, starting on October 1st, to $250 a month, a decrease of $12.
United Kingdom: British Army Council requisitions leather.
W B Yeats writes ‘Easter 1916’ poem about the uprising. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/resources/learning/core-poems/detail/43289
Japan: Mass meeting of the Doshi-kai (constitutional Unionist party) resolves to amalgamate the three parties supporting the Government.
Greece: Eleftherios Venizelos and Admiral Koundouriotis withdraw from Athens, sail for Crete (rebelled September 24), escorted by French torpedo boat; form provisional government (September 29).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Thiepval Ridge begins (until 28th). British with 13 Tank Mk I capture Thiepval (18th Division German soldier writes ‘… it was absolutely crushing’), 56th Division with 2 tanks and 2 French regiments captures Combles, and Gird Trench; first air-tank co-operation with 21st Division at Guedecourt (400 PoWs) captures 500 yds of trench for 5 casualties. This is the first major attack by the British Reserve Army, later renamed the Fifth Army.
Foch redirects main French attack due north on Sailly – Sallisel (V Corps covers their flank) but launched at 1600 hours achieves little (vainly repeated on September 27). Commander Fayolle tries to resign due to this failure. British cavalry pursues Germans. “Quantity” of stores and “many” (see above: “many” is 400) prisoners taken.
Soldier of the British Royal Fusiliers wearing a captured German helmet near Thiepval: http://imgur.com/PpyOHlk* © IWM (Q 1331)
View of Morval village at the Somme after its capture by the Allied forces: http://imgur.com/WjNt07b*© IWM (Q 4299)

Eastern Front
Vulkan Pass regained by Romanians.
Battle of Hermannstadt (until September 29): Falkenhayn’s Ninth Army attacks in fine weather towards Rotenturm Pass (11,555 ft) which German Alpenkorps crosses, Hermannstadt retaken (September 29); 3,000 Rumanian PoWs in First Army defeat.

Southern Front
Athens: Greek ships have joined the Allied fleet under Admiral du Fournet, the French Commander-in-Chief.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: First snow falls. Turks evacuate Mus, their Second Army losses 30,000 (since August 2) reducing it to 60,000 soldiers. Russian losses 50,000 since June including in Persia. Early winter quarters for both sides.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: General Sir C. Crewe occupies Igalulu, east of Tabora.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British attack Stuff Redoubt and advance north of Flers, to the east of Eaucourt l'Abbaye. Thiepval (ruins) captured by British after hand-to-hand fighting. [which is odd, because they claim to have captured it yessterday, with no intervening counter-attack].
A Mark 1 tank that broke down while crossing a British trench during the attack on Thiepval: http://imgur.com/tcofkNm* © IWM (Q 2486)
Battle of Verdun: French repulse attack at Thiaumont-Fleury, “with great loss [to the Germans].”

Eastern Front
Battle of Hermannstadt (until September 29): In the Jiu Valley (Vulkan Pass) Romanian troops attack and repulse enemy who is retreating towards the north and north-west.
Romanian Army occupies one-third of Transylvania as the result of one month's war.

Southern Front
Bulgarian troops counterattack Serbian forces on Kajmakcalan Ridge in Macedonia, resulting in heavy back-and forth fighting.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Belgians occupy Sikonge and Ipole before retiring to Tabora.
Ethiopia: Muslim ‘Emperor’ Lij Yasu, focus of Turco-German intrigue (supporters defeated by November 2) deposed for Empress Judith; Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie) regent and heir to throne.

Political, etc.
Germany: Due to excellent harvests, the German government announces an extra 500 grams of increased bread rations a week for those aged 12 to 17.
United States: Interview with Mr. Lloyd e on the war is published in American papers.
Greece: Greek generals reported in favour of war.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British capture most of Schwaben Redoubt and Canadian Corps advance 1,000 yds north and northeast of Courcelette (until September 30). French advance between Fregicourt and Morval. 
Russian expeditionary soldiers dancing at their camp in Mailly, France: http://imgur.com/UEEHH91* © IWM (Q 78071)
German prisoners coming in from Thiepval, with one carrying a wounded British soldier: http://imgur.com/Whh7HSs* © IWM (Q 1369)
Nothing remains of the Chateau that stood in Thiepval, Somme: http://imgur.com/zep25Dn* © IWM (Q 1329)

Eastern Front
Bucharest, Romania has been hit by four air raids in the past four days. Allied forces plan reprisals against Sofia, Bulgaria.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollwegg declares a German statesman who does not employ all weapons to shorten the war “should be hanged.”
United Kingdom: Asquith pledges not to recruit skilled workers Board of Trade organizes overland delivery of Italian fruit and vegetables {ed note: seriously, the original read “vegetarians”. See: http://world-war-one.net/diary-september-28-1916/ .} Munitions holiday (until October 1) replaces postponed Whitsuntide and August holidays. Churchill appears before Dardanelles Commission. Tory Morning Post tells Lloyd George to stick to his desk in Whitehall, possibly in response to this excuse:
Lloyd George: “There is neither clock nor calendar in the British army today…Only the result counts, not the time consumed in achieving it.”
France: Pres. Poincare says {the blatantly hypocritical} Belgium must be avenged or else “nothing would be left for us but to veil in eternal mourning the statues of justice.”
Austria-Hungary: Foreign Minister Burian submits peace offer proposals to Francis Joseph‘s ‘most sympathetic attention’.
German Ambassador describes economic climate as ‘simply wretched’; von Bethmann-Hollwegg forwards to Kaiser on September 30.
Greece: Former Greek Premier Venizelos establish a provisional government in Greek, stating he will revolt unless Greece enters the war. {on the side of the Allies}

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Britain announces that the RFC losses are 1,195 aircraft since June 12; 1725 gained. RFC personnel losses 415 (all causes) since June 12.
Battle of the Somme: British capture strongly fortified Destremont Farm. Colonel H Elles, aged 36, appointed to command British tank force. Haig orders offensive for October 12.
A German attack captures a fortified farm on the Bapaume-Albert road, but is driven back by a British counterattack.
General Joffre to General Haig: “I bow before those of your soldiers by whose bravery these successes have been achieved…”
Funeral of Max von Mulzer, the first Bavarian fighter ace: http://imgur.com/Q5Ql0j5* © IWM (Q 105728)

Eastern Front
Battle of Hermannstadt (until September 29): Battle of Sibiu (same as Hermannstadt) ends: city retaken by Austrian forces (see 1st and 26th).
Battle of Praid–Sovata (until October 3): Second Army launches last Rumanian offensive.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Portuguese occupy Bay of Menasi.

Political, etc.
Germany: General von Wandel, Deputy Minister of War for Germany, resigns, citing reasons of health.
Herr von Kuhlmann, German Minister at the Hague, appointed Ambassador to Turkey.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
German September losses 27 aircraft to 123 Anglo-French, RFC attacks 3 airfields. Trenchard writes to War Office via Haig for more numerous efficient fighters.
RFC has flown a record 22,500 hours (September) and suffered record 147 casualties. RFC takes 500 air photos of the Somme.
In September French Army retires its airships after c.60 sorties, they are transferred to anti-U-boat patrol work.
Battle of the Somme: British now hold all Thiepval Ridge except part of Schwaben Redoubt, advance south of Eaucourt l’Abbaye. The 6 German divisions from Le Transloy to the Ancre are replaced (until October 13) by 9 divisions (4 from Verdun, 2 from Flanders, 3 from Belgium). German guns fired 7,027,440 shells in September, 126 counter-attacks made.

Eastern Front
Yet another attempt is made to renew the Brusilov offensive in Galicia: Battle of Brzezany (until October 2): III Caucasus Corps attacks Turkish XV Corps, which loses 5,045 men but regains positions and takes 500 PoWs. Russians also advance in Brody region.
1st Romanian Army is defeated by General Falkenhayn in Transylvania and Roter-Turm Pass is recaptured by the Central Powers.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Serb Drina division finally captures both Mt Kajmakčalan peaks just inside Serbia. British 27th Division (364 casualties) launches major attack across river Struma via two bridges (laid on September 29), capturing villages southwest of Seres road and 250 PoWs with 3 Mgs. A second source says this fighting resulted in over 6000 deaths.
British cross Struma river at Orliak and capture villages left bank.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Allied September shipping losses 315,000t (British 42 ships worth 104,572t with 20 lives lost) including 45 ships worth 229,163t in Mediterranean to U-boats.
East Africa: Smuts writes to Gouverneur Schnee and Lettow suggesting honourable surrender and personal meeting; both refuse. 2/3 rds of the German colony now in British hands.


Political, etc.
Germany: German government states American volunteers serving in Europe does not constitute a breach in U.S. neutrality.
United Kingdom: British news-film “Topical Budget,” showing an Orthodox priest blessing ambulances and other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5395
British government report reveals Britain is spending around £10.6 million and 3,800 lives a day on the war.
United States: Former President Roosevelt criticizes Wilson’s foreign policies as “cowardly” and “following the lines of least resistance.”
Construction on the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City is completed after 4 years of construction: http://imgur.com/WuCZTvB
(reported for yesterday): John D. Rockefeller, American oil magnate, becomes the first billionaire in nominal U.S. dollars ($22 billion today).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Seven of 11 Zeppelins drop 201 bombs (57 on London), 2 civilian casualties. Second Lieutenant WJ Tempest in B.E. 2 of No 39 Squadron RFC shoots down Navy airship L-31 (Mathy) at Potters Bar, north of London, 19 dead, no survivors (night October 1-2).
In October German Army now has 205 divisions (198 in September), 128 in the West.
Battle of the Somme: The British begin two limited-objective attacks as sub-phases of the Battle of the Somme:
Battle of the Transloy Ridges (until October 18): British Fourth Army advance with 5 Tank Mk I between Eaucourt and Le Sars (on Albert-Bapaume road) on 3000-yards front. This is a joint attack with the French 6th and 10th armies.
Battle of the Ancre Heights (until November 11) begun by Reserve Army with 4 Tank Mk Is.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Petrosani (until October 3): Rumanians retreat to frontier. Falkenhayn put in command of Austrian First Army (Arz) as well.
Russian troops advance towards Lemberg (Lviv) and claim to have captured 4000 German and Austro-Hungarian prisoners.

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian troops save 7 Italian soldiers who were trapped for a week underneath the rubble of a bunker on Monte Cimone.
Italians take trenches in Transvenanzis Valley (Trentino).
Serbs progress north-east of Kaymakchlan, and occupy important Bulgar positions.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: In October Turkish Third Army (reformed into 6 divisions of I and II Caucasian Corps) has 50,000 deserters till heavy snow forces many back for food. Kemal takes over Second Army which loses 2 divisions to Mesopotamia and 3 more dissolved. Turks muster only c. 94,000 yet Russians estimate 344,000 so Yudenich overmans winter lines.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Germany: In October 119 U-boats in service, 96 available for operations. Flanders new longer-ranged coastal submarines UB-II type sink 298 ships (104 neutral) worth 289,558t (until January 31, 1917) esp British colliers supplying French industry (39% reduction of delivery). UC-II minelayers lay 128 new minefields (953 mines) that sink 60 (13 neutral) ships worth 82,379t between Flamborough Head (British East Coast) and Gironde estuary (Southwest France).
North Sea: Mediterranean: Kaiser telegram congratulates the Mediterranean based U-boats on sinking over 1 mt.
U-35 fetches German agent Lt Canaris from sailing boat off Cartagena for return to Germany from Spain; she sinks new British-built French sloop Rigel off Algiers (October 2).
East Africa: British begin to evacuate 12,000-15,000 malaria cases (until October 31). Over 12,000 South African soldiers sent home.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany moves back their clocks one hour as the very first daylight savings time ends for the country.
United Kingdom: Great Britain move back their clocks, as its daylight savings time also ends for the first time.
The time in Ireland is also adjusted to match the rest of Britain. Before, it was 25 minutes 21 seconds behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Major General F.B. Maurice: “We are perfectly satisfied…The tide has turned strongly against the Germans.”
United States: Galusha Pennypacker, an American Civil War veteran who was the youngest brigadier general at age 20, died: http://imgur.com/

[dicksbro]

More good stuff! Interesting are some of the side notes ... like DST ending in Germany and the UK. Or that Ireland adjusted their clocks by 25 min. and 21 sec. :)

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack at Eaucourt, and successfully win back part of Eaucourt l’Abbaye village. British lose Le Sars, weather breaks: ‘rain fell in torrents, and the battle area became a sea of mud … men died from the effort of carrying verbal messages’ (official historian General Edmonds). Preparations for another great British attack c. October 12 are soon abandoned.
German First Army report recommends that Germany produce her own tanks.
Haig tells President Poincare that Germans must not be given ‘a moment’s peace’.

Eastern Front
Brusilov offensive, Carpathians: Two regiments of VII Siberian Corps twice refuse to attack (until October 3); 3 soldiers shot and 6 imprisoned; first of more than 12 mutinies until January 13, 1917.
Transylvania: Rumanian First Army breaks through Rotenturm Pass taking 3,000 Bavarian PoWs and 13 guns.
Rumania: Manoeuvre of Flamandra: Averescu crosses Danube against Mackensen’s rear, takes 13 guns, but poor bridges, Austrian monitors, and sudden flood force withdrawal until October 3.
Zlota Lipa furious fighting continues. Russians take 1,000 prisoners, but front remains unchanged.
On the Brody-Zloczow road, the Autro-Hungarians claim recapture all positions lost on 30th.

Southern Front
Italian Front: Alpini seize crests of Mts Colbricon, Costabella (October 5), over 6,000 ft.
Albania: Italians occupy Santa Quaranta on coast (until October 4) and Premeti at inland on October 9.
Salonika: Bulgarian poet Dimcho Debelyanov killed, aged 29, in action with British between Dolno and Gorno villages.
In Kaymakchlan region Bulgars retire north in direction Monastir, and evacuate Mt. Starkov Grob.
Bulgarian counter-attack on Struma front repulsed by British.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Arctic: U-43, U-46 and U-48 carry out 8-day operation against Allied shipping off North Cape and Murmansk coast; 14 ships sunk, 9 captured. (In summer 600 steamers – mainly British - have delivered 1 mt of coal and 1 1/2 mt supplies to Russia.) In response, 3 RN submarines operate from Archangel.

Political, etc.
Germany: Field Marshal von Hindenburg celebrates his 69th birthday at his headquarters on the Eastern Front.
United States: Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth founds the Zoological Society of San Diego (San Diego Zoo): http://imgur.com/PcvRGx3
Greece: Greek Cabinet announces its resignation as the country becomes split into pro-war and anti-war factions. Further migration of Greek officers to Venizelos Provisional Government in Crete.

[gekkogecko]

And this one has one of the most interesting side notes that I've come accross in this effort: the San Diego Zoo.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Successful British 47th Division counter-attack at Eaucourt l’Abbaye.
Fighting continues at the Somme, but rains and mud prevent large-scale infantry attacks and artillery bombardment.
Battle of Verdun: 800 French guns begin silencing German artillery (until October 20).

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Kronstadt and the Geisterwald (until October 9): Falkenhayn attacks Rumanian Second Army, forces it from Fogaras (October 6) and retakes Kronstadt (October 8), takes Torzburg and pass (October 8-9). Rumanian Fourth Army continues advance in north.
Another source claims that the Romanian Second Army takes offensive near Fogaras and in region Roter Turm Pass.
Austro-Hungarian gunboats destroy a Romanian pontoon bridge over the Danube River.
Romanian Northern Army (4th) left wing, 12 miles south-east of Maros Vasarhely, continues to advance.
Brusilov offensive, Pripet: Russian Eighth Army gains some ground west of Lutsk (until October 5), objective Vladimir Volymski.

Southern Front
General Bulgarian retreat on whole line Nidje Planina to Krushograd (Florina).
After considerable fighting British take Yenikeui (also spelled Yenikoi ) on left bank Struma, and hold against Bulgarian attacks (until October 4), casualties 1,248 since September 30; 1,375 Bulgars killed; 342 PoWs taken.

Political, etc.
Japan: Japanese Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu announces his resignation due to a corruption scandal: http://imgur.com/TOCZW20
Belgium: Gouverneur-General Bissing decrees forced labour in Germany for Belgian unemployed; 15,000 deported by 24; 50,000 by November 19.
Greece: Greek Cabinet (Kalogeropoulos) resign; more officers leave to join Venizelos in Crete (see October 2).
Philippines: The first ever Senate elections are held in the Philippines, a U.S. colony. Manuel L. Quezon’s Nacionalista Party wins 20 out of 22 seats.

[Teddy Bear]

And this one has one of the most interesting side notes that I've come accross in this effort: the San Diego Zoo.

Very cool find. Everybody needs a good zoo. The Roger Williams Park Zoo, in RI, is great. I like the elephants and monkeys best.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Heavy rain and increasingly poor ground postpones Rawlinson’s planned offensive operations for 48 hours.
French carry German line between Morval and St. Pierre Vaast wood.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Romanian Second Army retreating, Fogaras evacuated. Troops who crossed Danube at Rjahovo withdrawn.
Romanians progress in Dubruja.
Battle west of Lutsk still in progress, Austro-Hungarians obstinately hold positions on Zlota Lipa (Galicia).

Southern Front
Allied forces reach Kenali (10 miles from Monastir).
East of Monastir, Serbs cross Cherna.
British make progress (Struma) towards Seres.
Italian success in the Travignolo Valley (Avisio region, Trentino).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Eastern Mediterranean: U-35 (Arnauld) sinks French auxiliary cruiser Gallia (14,900t) off Cape Matapan, carrying 2,000 French and Serb troops. Panic ensues, 600 dead. Coastal submarine UB-47 (Steinbauer) sinks empty British (ex-Cunard) troopship Franconia (18,150t) 195 miles southeast of Malta, 12 lives lost.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Viscount Bryce, former ambassador to the US, warns, “To indulge in revenge [against the Germans] will be to sow the seeds of future wars.”
Russia: Russia won’t negotiate a trade pact with US, as it “can’t spare the time now for any negotiations which has no direct bearing on the war.”
Japan: Lieutenant General Count Terauchi Masatake is named the new Prime Minister of Japan by the Emperor: http://imgur.com/y95nTD9
Sweden: Swedish Prime Minister Hammarskjöld states he seeks more “intensive collaboration of neutrals” to help stop the spread of war.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British advance northwest of Eaucourt; French advance east of Morval.
Battle of Verdun: OHL letter to German Crown Prince decrees that ‘every unnecessary saphead and length of trench must be evacuated’ to spare troops for the Somme.

Eastern Front
Germany and Austria announce an independent Kingdom of Poland.
Romania ends the Flămânda Offensive into Bulgaria due to pressure by gunboats on the Danube and the deteriorating situation in Transylvania.
Battle of the Cerna and Monastir begins, aimed at Bulgaria (see November 19th and December 11th).

Southern Front
After two days of fighting, Italian troops successfully defend Mont Colbricon from Austro-Hungarian attacks.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russian forces renew their offensive against the Ottomans, with the attack aimed at Sivas.

Political, etc.
France: Second War Loan (until October 29) earns Fr 10 billion.
United States: William Andrews Clark, Jr. donates $2 million he made in war profits to aid French widows and orphans.
Greece: Due to a shortage of cash, the Greek government suspends payments to civil servants and other financial obligations.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: View of the ruined village of Combles at the Somme: http://imgur.com/ZeLOAsc* © IWM (Q 58331)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Falkenhayn's offensive extending east against Kronstadt, Romanian retreat continues.
Brusilov offensive, Galicia: Third Battle of the Narajowka and Zlota Lipa: Russian Seventh Army attacks Turkish XV Corps (3,015 casualties).

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allied attack on Sarrail‘s orders, only Serbs gain shallow Crna bridgehead at Brod for heavy losses (until October 7) but Germans move 3 battalions to sector from Vardar (until October 10) after the Bulgarian battalion opposite Serbs mutinies.
Lively actions with seven miles of Monastir.
Trentino: Alpini Battalion repulse counter-attacks on Busa Alta (October 10).

Naval and Overseas Operations
German High Seas Fleet U-boats ordered to resume merchant shipping targeting, but no torpedoeing without warning (until January 31, 1917); also to send 4 more U-boats to Mediterranean.
East Africa: Deventer’s patrols reach Malongwe and Lake Force troops, whole Central Railway in Allied hands. First trolley vehicle reaches Dodoma.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Franco-British attack at 1345 hours on Albert-Bapaume road. British advance 1,000 yards and 23rd Division recaptures Le Sars; 5 divisions in attacks on Butte de Warlencourt (until November 5).
French advance northeast of Morval and threaten Sailly (gains there on October 8, fighting in village October 16-17).
Northumberland Fusiliers after attack on Le Sars; some are wearing captured German helmets: http://imgur.com/0X8ohUY* © IWM (Q 1359)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Brasov (7th/9th): city retaken by Austro-German forces (see August 29th).
Combined German-Austro-Hungarian forces retake Kronstadt and Szekely.
Romanian forces withdrawing to frontier on whole line Predeal to Orsova.

Southern Front
British advance towards Seres continues (Struma front).
Italians capture one of the peaks of the Busa Alta (Avisio, Trentino).

Naval and Overseas Operations
German U-boat U-53 visits Newport, Rhode Island: http://imgur.com/pF1KAlz* © IWM (Q 54420)

Political, etc.
Germany: German newspaper Die Zukunft is suppressed by the government for printing an article describing the horrors of war.
United Kingdom: British government prohibits the importation of cotton knit goods, aluminum powder, birds, bone, horn, ivory, and celluloid.
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary calls up all healthy men up to age 44 for military service.
Turkey: Provisional Law of Agricultural Service promulgated.
United States: Viscount James Bryce, former British ambassador, appeals to the U.S. to provide aid for the Armenians and Syrians.
The most lopsided college (American) football game occurs, with Georgia Tech beating Cumberland College with a score of 222-0.
Sweden: Sweden halts all exports to Britain due to a British requirement that no enemy interests” can be involved in goods shipped to Britain.

[dicksbro]

The most lopsided college (American) football game occurs, with Georgia Tech beating Cumberland College with a score of 222-0.

222-0!! :yikes:

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British advance north and east of Courcelette; German counter-attack achieves slight success. Canadians capture, then lose, Regina Trench and the ‘Quadrilateral’.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Brasov: Troops under Falkenhayn advance on a 75-mile front, forcing Romanian troop back towards their frontier of Transylvania at many points.
Germans occupy island in Danube near Ruschuk.

Southern Front
Artillery activity on whole Italian front.
Italians inflict heavy losses on Busa Alta.
Serbs occupy the Dobropolye summit (east of Kaymakachlan).

Naval and Overseas Operations
FIRST U-BOAT SINKING OFF US COAST: 5 merchant ships (3 British, 1 Dutch, 1 Norwegian) worth 20,388t captured and sunk off Newport (Rhode Island) by U-53 (Rose) after refuelling there (left base September 17, returns October 20).
Atlantic Ports International Merchant Marine orders no vessels to sail pending instructions.

Political, etc.
Germany: AIR FORCE (LUFTSTREITKRAEFTE) ESTABLISHED: Imperial Order in Council to amalgamate ‘all means of air combat and air defence with the Army, in the field and in the home areas, into one unit’.
United Kingdom: Prohibition on Sunday munitions work in force.
Denmark: Nielsine Nielsen, the first female physician and academic in Denmark, passed away.

[gekkogecko]

222-0!! :yikes:


I was wondering if anyone would notice that little item.

[dicksbro]

I bet the Georgia Tech receivers and running backs were tired by the end of the game. :faint:

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British advance east of Le Sars towards Butte de Warlencourt, 25th Division captures Stuff Redoubt.
French 320th Infantry Regiment on the road from Bussang to St. Amarin: http://imgur.com/2yPR3m0* © IWM (Q 58152)
After France published the names of 11 French flying aces, Germany responds by publishing a list of 29 German aces, 7 with 10+ kills.

Eastern Front
Germans take Torzburg (south-west of Kronstadt).
East of Brzezany (Galicia) Austro-German armies assume offensive, fighting on Volhynia front.

Southern Front
Eighth Battle of the Isonzo begins. Italian Second and Third Armies’ 225 battalions; 26 dismounted squadrons; 1,305 guns and 883 mortars against Austro-Hungrian Fifth Army 107 battalions with 538 guns. Bombardment begins.
Trentino: Italians regain north slope of Mt Pasubio, more progress in Vallarsa valley (October 11-15 and 17), repel counter-attacks (October 19); 372 PoWs and 8 guns taken.
Allied forces in Macedonia advance on both wings.
Serbs attack Bulgaria's 3rd and last line of defence in Cherna loop, capture positions at Slivitza; Bulgarians retire north of Brod.
British advanced posts within 5,000 yards of Seres.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: British Royal Commission on Wheat and Flour Control appointed.
Greece: M. Venizelos arrives at Salonika (see August 30th and September 25th and 29th). Lambros heads new official government.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Manfred von Richthofen (future Red Baron) earns his 5th aerial victory, making him a flying ace.
Battle of the Somme: French troops advance on a 5 km front, taking Bovent, outskirts of Ablaincourt, most of Chaulnes wood, and 1200 prisoners.
A different source, more details: In the south French Sixth Army resumes offensive (until October 21); woods captured northwest of Chaulnes and ground gained toward 3 villages with 1,400 PoWs on 3 1/2-mile frontage.

Eastern Front
Tsar’s order officially ends Brusilov Offensive.
Transylvania: Austro-German advance continues; Averescu takes over Second Army which halts in Predeal Pass (3,415 ft).

Southern Front
Eighth Battle of the Isonzo: Italians attack at 1450 hours in pouring rain, capturing in Austrian first line 5,034 PoWs, Hills 86 and 95, Mt Sober (east of Gorizia), Nova Vas village and Hill 144 (Carso). Futurist architect Antonio Sant’ Elia killed, aged 28.
Battle of the Carso commences; whole of Austro-Hungarian first line, Hill 208 and Nova Villa taken by Italians. 5,034 prisoners.
General Otto van Below made Army Group commander for Macedonia (until April 22, 1917; headquarters at Uskub = Skopje) to stiffen Bulgars, requests reinforcements (October 20); 6 battalions (3 Jäger) and 48 guns sent from Western and Eastern Fronts, formed into Division Hippel by mid-November. Another 6 battalions follow from Western Front.
Struma front, Seres railway cut by British, Bulgarians falling back to hills.
Serbs gain footing in Brod (Cherna front).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: New C-in-C India Monro (appointed October 1) at Basra, visits Tigris Front, cables GIGS (October 19) that forward positions easy to maintain.
Arabia: Feisal’s 7,000 Arabs retreat southwest from Bir Abbas to Hamra before Turkish advance from Medina (actually just 80 camel-men).
Sheikh Ahmed es Senussi leaves Baharia Oasis for Siwa.

Political, etc.
United States: 5-year-old Mart Payne, picking cotton in Comanche County, Oklahoma: http://imgur.com/BhHFKVK
The very first PGA Championship is held at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York.
Greece: Allied ultimatum for Greek Fleet’s surrender by noon (October 11) plus all but 3 coast batteries and Piraeus-Larissa railway, accepted on October 11.
Professor Lambros forms new Greek Ministry (see 3rd, September 29th, 1916 and May 3rd, 1917).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French, after sharp fighting, repulse counter-attacks at Bois de Chaulnes (south of Somme) and take 1,702 prisoners.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: First Battle of Oituz (until October 27): Rumanian Fourth Army (Prezan) eventually halts Arz’s Austro-Germans on border (until October 22).

Southern Front
Italian front carried forward 2,000 yards in direction of Mt. Pecenka, attack on Veliki Hriak.
“Decisive” fighting in Mt. Pasubio region.
Italian line advanced to foot of Mt. Roite (farther border of Cormagnon).
French carry Bulgarian first lines west of Gevgeli.
Battle of the Carso: Italian troops claim the capture of 5,034 Austro-Hungarians as they advance on the Carso Plateau.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: 1/2nd KAR defeat c.76 Germans in Kilwa, push to Fort Kibata (seized October 14).

Political, etc.
Germany: King Otto of Bavaria passed away. He had been deposed in 1913 due to mental illness: http://imgur.com/EQ6nk7T
United Kingdom: PM Asquith-“This war cannot be allowed to end in some patched-up, precarious & dishonoring compromise masquerading under the name of peace.”
United States: In Bayonne, New Jersey, 10,000 strikers clash with police, resulting in the shootings of 4 policemen and 21 strikers.
Greece: Greek Government accept Entente demands: 2 battleships and armored cruiser Averatt stripped of shells and breech blocks, crews reduced to 1/3. Allies tow cruiser Helle, 19 destroyers and torpedo boats, 2 submarines and 12 auxiliaries to Keratsini. French hoist tricolour on them and occupy Salamis Arsenal (November 7).
Norway: Norway prohibits belligerent submarines from using her territorial waters. (Ban extended to all foreign submarines on February 1, 1917).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Raymond Collishaw is credited with first aerial victory. He goes on to become the Royal Naval Air Service's leading ace, with a total of 60 kills.
No 3 Wing RNAS, first British strategic bombing unit, flies first major operation from Luxeuil (Vosges) with 21 aircraft (3 lost) against Mauser small-arms factory in Oberndorf; 34 French aircraft (6 lost) participate. German fighters attack at the target and back.
Battle of the Somme: British attack on 4-mile front Eaucourt-Bapaume, gain 500-1000 yards. French claim to have taken 40,125 PoWssince July 1.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: German and Austro-Hungarian troops pursue the Romanian 2nd Army to the frontier.
Fierce fighting round Brod (Cherna front).
Carso front Bulgarian counter-attacks completely repulsed.

Southern Front
Eighth Battle of the Isonzo ends (see 9th). Italians push Austrians east of river Vallano. Operations suspended in evening after a claimed total of 8,200 PoWs taken in 2-mile advance for 24,000 casualties.
Salonika: British War Office committee ‘We have had to deal with a specially virulent … malarial infection in a body of troops unseasoned to tropical conditions’ (304 deaths to November 11, 1916.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Publication of Despatch of 12 August 1916 from Lt.-Gen. Sir P. Lake relative to operations in Mesopotamia, 19 January to 30 April 1916.

Political, etc.
Germany: At the German Reichstag, Socialist leader Philipp Scheidemann declares, “We declare openly and clearly that the nation wants peace.”
United States: Wilson Women’s Wagon”-women supporters of President Wilson’s reelection: http://imgur.com/pa7PHt8
Greece: Admiral Fournet demands Allied control of police, no Greek citizens to carry arms, no war material to Thessaly, but wheat exports can be resumed.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Big Allied raid (40 aeroplanes) on Mauser factory at Oberndorf.
Battle of the Somme: A French armored car with a 47 mm gun near Sains-en-Amienois, Somme: http://imgur.com/TesBWEB* © IWM (Q 69716)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Rumanian Second Army checks pursuers in Predeal (town falls) and Badza Passes, but Falkenhayn advances through Torzburg Pass to Rucar 6 miles inside Rumania. Rumanians forced from Transylvania except in northeast. Germans also enter gap between Rumanian Fourth Army and Lechitski.

Southern Front
British forces pushing forward on Struma front.
Successful British raids on Doiran front.
Fighting in Carso continues.

Political, etc.
Germany: Returns 30,101 British PoWs.
United Kingdom: Returns 39,020 German PoWs.
Russia: Worst month for strikes, 189 (177 political) involve 189,776 strikers.
Austria-Hungary: Archduke Charles of Hungary opens HQ for Romanian front at Grosswardein.
Norway: Norwegian Government issue orders prohibiting belligerent submarines from using Norwegian territorial waters.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French gains south of river on 1 1/4-mile front, capturing the hamlet of Genermont and 800 German prisoners.
French bombardment of Sailly-Saillisel (Bapume-Peronne road) commences.
British 39th Division finally captures Schwaben Redoubt.
A congested road at Fricourt, Somme, as staff cars, soldiers, and supplies head to the trenches: http://imgur.com/9mDBMjM © IWM (Q 5794)
Battle of Verdun: General Nivelle, French commander at Verdun, claims the French are firing 100 artillery shells to one fired by the Germans.


Eastern Front
Transylvania: Transylvanian frontier of Rumania crossed by German forces (see August 28th and September 29th).
Austro-Hungarians advance through Torzburg Pass and reach Rucar (six miles within Romania).
Frontier ridge at Predeal won by Bulgarians and town burnt.
Romanians have now withdrawn from Transylvania, except in north-east corner.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allied frontal assault fails to take a single Bulgarian trench despite gas shell use; French 1,490 casualties, Russians 600. Sarrail has a final row with Cordonnier, cables Joffre (October 16) who agrees to recall him (October 19); General Leblois takes over (October 20).
End of offensive in Carso, Italians consolidate all positions, line advanced two miles; Italians claim 8,000 prisoners.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: Russian submarine captures Turkish armed transport Rodosto.
Mediterranean: Royal Navy SNO Malta Rear-Admiral Ballard proposes ‘three convoys per week system’ to Admiralty who study it, but French C-in-C opposes.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany admits its potato harvest this year has been disappointing and halts all trade in potato seeds until the situation is assessed.
Kaiser Wilhelm’s two slogans to his troops on the Eastern Front: “He [the enemy] shall not get through” and “He must be beaten.”
Romania: King Ferdinand of Romania appeals to the Allies to not let his country suffer the same fate as Serbia.
Greece: King Constantine of Greece on the country’s neutrality: “I prefer to lose my throne rather than endanger Greece.”

Also: Today is the 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, beginning the Norman Conquest of England.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Lieutenant Norman Prince (5 victories), American creator of Esc Lafayette, dies of wounds.
Battle of the Somme: 333 German aircraft support First Army against 293 aircraft of RFC (Western Front totals RFC 563, German c. 885 of which 451 against the French).
One source claims British make progress in Schwaben Redoubt and Thiepval neighbourhood.
However, another states: German gains near Schwaben Redoubt and Thiepval. Rawlinson inspects Longueval, Delville Wood and High Wood and discerns stiffening German resistance. In the south of the battlefield General Micheler (French Tenth Army) complains of being starved of reserves and ‘reduced to the role of a watchdog for Fayolle’ (Sixth Army).

Eastern Front
General Berthelot arrives at Bucharest (French Military Mission left Paris October 1, eventually 1,200 strong); having seen Alexeiev (October 11) at Mogilev who urges Rumanians to hold river Sereth not the Carpathians.
Intense fighting at Rucar.
Artillery activity on Danube.
Südarmee’s Battle of Lower Narajowka begins (until October 22).

Southern Front
Seres shelled by British.
Stubborn fighting on Cherna front.
Mt. Pasubio, Italians continue to advance.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: British raid Magharah.

Political, etc.
France: French General de Castelnau: “We now have the Germans by the ears & will continue to shake their heads until their brains are addled…”
Russia: Alexeiev reports to Tsar only 1.4m reserves after November 1, ie under 5 months supply.
Canada: Canadian wheat crop drops by more than half compared to last year due to wartime demand and crop failures.
United States: Jim Barnes, English golfer, wins the first PGA Championship: http://imgur.com/qIednZt
Greece: Anti-Entente demonstrations in Athens.

[dicksbro]

Oh, no! Don't tell me nothing happened on the 16th! Woe is me and here I thought it went on through most of 1918. ;)

jk ... I've just loved this series. So much information I had not known (apart from the almost infinite number of daily battles. Thanks GG!

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Five Anglo-French aircraft destroy 2 German aircraft, extensive RFC night bombing.
British troops advance 200 yards in the Thiepval region, capturing two trenches and 300 German prisoners.
French gain footing in Sailly (two miles east of Morval).

Eastern Front
Pripet: Last blow of Brusilov Offensive: Gourko’s Special Army attacks on 12-mile front towards Vladimir-Volinski (until October 17) but German artillery too powerful.
Carpathians: German and Austro-Hungarian forces defeat Romanian counterattacks in Transylvania, making the invasion of Romania nearly inevitable.
Austrian Seventh Army attacks Russo-Rumanian junction, Germans take Gyimen Pass (2364ft). Austro-German mountain troops fail to breakout across Rotenturm Pass (until October 18).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Captain T E Lawrence of Arab Bureau lands at Jeddah from HMS Lama; meets Abdulla and Ali (October 17). So far Arabs have received 3,260 rifles, 32 MGs, 16 guns and 3,344t of food.

Political, etc.
Greece: Allies land reinforcements to keep order after anti-Allied Athens demos (October 15) and seize 3 more Greek warships.
Admiral du Fournet hands fresh Note to Greek Government.
Greek Prime Minister Spyridon Lambros submits a proposal to the Allies for Greece’s entry into the war.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French gain new group of houses in Sailly-Saillisel.
French gunners loading a 65 mm mountain artillery gun in Alsace: http://imgur.com/rzzJSId* © IWM (Q 108324)

Eastern Front
Romanians maintain positions at Rucar, but retreat in the Gyimes Pass (Mold.); enemy penetrate eight miles into Romania and reach Agas, 8 miles inside frontier, but Austrians beaten in Uzul Valley (and on October 27).
Russian attacks against Lemberg (Lvov) fail to break through, and a German/AH counterattack north of Korytnitsa nets 2 km of trenches and 1900 prisoners.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Fighting in Dobropolye region (north of Kaymakchlan).
Italy: Italians capture Tooth of Pasubio (Trentino).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
British raid and take Dakhla oasis (175 miles south-west of Asyut).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Italian SS Bermuda rams and sinks Austrian U-16, after latter sinks Italian destroyer Nembo off Albania.

Political, etc.
United States: Margaret Sanger establishes the first birth control clinic in the U.S. in NYC (her organization later evolves into Planned Parenthood).
China: German envoy Hentig enters, returns home (arriving June 9, 1917) via USA.

[gekkogecko]

Busy day today, especially with non-war, political stuff:
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of the Transloy Ridges ends: British advance from 0340 hours north of Guedecourt and French take Sailly. French XXXIII Corps (Sixth Army) attacks south of Somme to broaden French salient at La Maisonnette (southeast of Biaches), but Germans push it back on October 21. Joffre urges a continued powerful BEF offensive (Haig and Rawlinson met on October 17 and had intended to suspend operations on October 20).

Eastern Front
Romanian troops counterattack German/AH forces and successfully drive them back to the Transylvanian border at several points.

Southern Front
Italy: In the Dolomites, Italian Alpine battalions capture an Austro-Hungarian fortress named the “Tooth of Pasubio.”
Serbia: Serbs capture Veljeselo 1 1/2 miles north of Brod, repel German counter-attack (over 350 casualties, and on October 20 and 22).

Naval and Overseas OperationsM
North Sea: HM submarine E.38 torpedoes small German cruiser München during brief High Seas Fleet sortie, last till April 23, 1918, peters out before Dogger Bank in rough seas and Scheer’s knowing British aware of it.
Alaunia, ex-Cunard liner, now a troopship, sunk. She struck a mine on 18 October 1916 in the English Channel off the Royal Sovereign Lightship of Hastings, East Sussex, laid earlier that day by SM*UC-16. After attempts to beach the ship and tow her to shore with tugs, her captain realized the ship was lost and finally gave the order to abandon ship. Two crew members lost their lives in her sinking.

Political, etc.
Germany: Austrian Baron Burian suggests peace initiative to von Bethmann-Hollweg at Pless, Kaiser approves it on October 25. Both ministers also agree to proclaim Polish independence as soon as possible.
United Kingdom: Men of 41 called up.
British government orders all shops to close at 7pm (8 on Saturday) to conserve electricity, starting October 30. Liquor sales are exempt.
Samuel Paull Andrews, the first working class man to become Member of Parliament in New Zealand, passed away: http://imgur.com/XQTEdnW
France: Dr Benes achieves an agreement with French to separate CzechPoWs*from other Austrian ones.
United States: “A Daughter of the Gods,” the 1st American film with $1 million budget & nude scene, is released (film is now lost): http://imgur.com/6Yj0RB6
Newspapers carry some of the first pictures of the “tank” made public: Newspapers carry some of the first pictures of the “tank” made public: http://imgur.com/ZycQORr
10,000 barbers in Harlem and Brooklyn go on strike to protest against long working hours.
Nikola Tesla testifies in federal court that he has found a way to “isolate” energy in the air to control and use it.
Egypt: New gold pound coinage removes Sultan of Turkey’s image.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
All quiet on the Western Front.

Eastern Front
Dobruja: Battle of Topraisar-Cobadinu (until October 21): Mackensen breaks through causing Rumanian retreat astride Russians and takes Tuzla on coast (October 20).

Southern Front
Italy: Sharp fighting Tooth of Pasubio (Trentino), Austro-Hungarian counter-attacks repulsed.
Serbia: Serbian troops break through Bulgarian lines in their drive toward Monastir, capturing 2 villages.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Austria’s most successful U-boat, U-27 (first of class of 8 coastal boats), launched at Pola, commissioned February 14, 1917.
East Africa: Last German post north of Central Railway cleared. Deventer contacts Northey. German attacks in Iringa and river Ruhuje districts.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Chancellor of the Exchequer McKenna states Britain is paying the U.S. $10 million a day for supplies needed for the war effort.
House of Commons passes a bill that would exclude Germans from becoming Rhodes Scholars.
France: French returns of prisoners.
Conference of Allies at Boulogne whereat Venizelos' National Provisional Government in Crete receives recognition.
United States: Polio epidemic in New York City dies down, as today is the 1st day in 4 months without a death. 2375 people died in the city in those months.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Coldest day of battle so far. British repulse heavy counter-attacks on Schwaben and Stuff Redoubts.
Battle of Verdun: Nivelle commits 603 guns (including two 15.7-in rail guns against forts) and 15,000t of shells to shelling 3 1/2-mile front; they silence all but 100 of c.450 German guns (until October 24) using 530,000 x 75mm and 100,000 x 155mm shells.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: Russian battleship "lmperatritsa Mariya" destroyed by internal explosion at Sevastopol.
East Africa: General Smuts reports Germans limited to south-east portion of Colony of which all ports and main lines of approach held by Allies.

Political, etc.
France: Anglo-French Conference held at Calais to discuss Greek participation in the war.
Ethiopia: Revolution in Abyssinia.
Greece: Greek Government agree to withdraw half Greek troops concentrated at Larissa and practically to place Greek Army on peace footing by October 25.
China: Germany protests to government over French hiring of 30,000 Chinese laborers.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
RFC helps engage 184 targets and bombs extensively. Germans bomb Querrieu, Gorbie and Amiens (night October 20-21).
Battle of the Somme: British advance taking 5,000 yards of trenches (with 1,018 PoWs) between Schwaben Redoubt and Le Sars plus 39th Division captures Stuff Trench.
French 120 mm guns in action near Feuilleres, Somme: http://imgur.com/pJFjIUc* © IWM (Q 79014)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Falkenhayn drives Rumanian Second Army 12 miles across frontier at Törzburg Pass, Austrians 7 miles inside across Bodza Pass.
Austrians seven miles within Romanian frontier through Buzeu Pass.
In other Passes, Romanians hold their ground.
Dobruja: Romanians retiring; Autro-Hungarians take Toprosari and Kobadinu.

Southern Front
Weather breaks and fighting in the Cherna region dies down.

Naval and Overseas Operations
British submarine torpedoes German cruiser, Kolberg class, in North Sea.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Dublin accepts a $2 million loan from a firm in Boston in order to rebuild the city after the Easter Uprising.
Austria-Hungary: Prince Henry of Prussia, the brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II, is named the grand admiral of the Austrian navy, an honorary title.
Karl von Stürgkh, Premier of Cisleithania (Austria), is assassinated by Social Democratic politician Friedrich Adler: http://imgur.com/hg7z9oi
Italy: Italian government orders all street lights and lights in stores, hotels, and cafés to be dimmed at 10:30 pm to save electricity.
United States: Despite the U-boat threat, 5 liners leave New York City today for Europe, carrying 1,800 passengers.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Two German aircraft (1 lost to Dunkirk RNAS) drop 4 bombs on Sheerness (no casualties); 1 aircraft’s drops 3 bombs on Margate and wounds 2 people (October 23).
48 Anglo-German air combats, RFC lose 2 aircraft, claim 7.
French troops with a 145 mm naval gun at Hardecourt-aux-Bois: http://imgur.com/006k3DA* © IWM (Q 78049)

Eastern Front
Dobruja: Constanza (Dobrudja) captured by German and Bulgarian forces.
Galicia: Stiff fighting north of Halicz (until October 23).

Southern Front
Macedonia: Bulgars reinforced by Germans, counter-attack; everywhere repulsed and lose ground (Cherna front).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Affairs in the Dakhla Oasis end (see 17th).

Naval and Overseas Operations
A squadron of German navy destroyers off Heligoland: http://imgur.com/3Nw0Zhh
East Africa: Portuguese now 8 miles north of river Rovuma. Major Kraut storms NRFF Hill at Mkapira and invests position (until October 30) until beaten over river Ruhuje after 124 casualties, 1 gun and 3 MGs lost.

Political, etc.
Belgium: In occupied Belgium, Ghent University is transformed into a Flemish academy by the Germans (nicknamed Von Bissing University).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Weather breaks, fog and rain restricts flying until October 25 and on October 27 in general. However, in Germany,13 Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutters of No 3 Wing RNAS damage 3 Thyssen blast furnaces at Hagendingen, north of Metz.
Aeroplane raid on Margate; two injured.
Battle of the Somme: British capture 1,000 yards of trenches towards Transloy.
French forces capture Ridge 128.
New Zealand Prime Minister William Massey and Deputy PM Sir Joseph Ward visiting the Somme: http://imgur.com/L6F5KHv* © IWM (Q 1483)
Battle of Verdun: Germans evacuate battered Fort Douaumont as untenable (night October 23-24). 

Eastern Front
Romania: Battle of Tirgu Jiu (until October 29) south of Vulcan Pass which Falkenhayn storms (October 24) despite snow.
A combined German-Bulgarian force under General Mackensen captures the strategic port city of Constanza in southern Romania.
Oil tanks burn in Constanza, Romania after shelling by German and Bulgarian troops: http://imgur.com/mHrhpeH* © IWM (Q 72737)
Battle in Halicz dies down.
Germans claim total repulse of Russians from west bank of Narajowka.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sir C. Dobell takes over command of Eastern (Sinai) force.

Naval and Overseas Operations
British mine-sweeper HMS Genista, sunk, fighting the German U-57.
East Africa: Major-General Wahle ambushes British force, breaks through to Lettow between Northey and Iringa in next 3 weeks; captures 50 British soldiers and 2 guns at Ngominji, southwest of Iringa on October 29.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Sir Edward Grey urges neutral nations to create a united “league” aimed at stopping future wars.
Canada: Canadian Premier appeals for more volunteers as “the climax of the war is rapidly approaching.” 370,000 Canadians have enlisted so far.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
German and Britain agree to exchange prisoners over the age of 45.
Battle of Verdun: "First Offensive Battle" of Verdun begins [French name and date.] (until December 18th). Nivelle and Mangin send 3 picked and compass-guided divisions (29 battalions) to assault 7 tired and depleted German divisions (only 16 battalions in front line) through mist, reoccupy Fort Douaumont (see February 25th, August 31st, October 23, and November 1st), and claim the capture 6,000 PoWs (two other sources say 4500). (French Army now back to positions held by it in May).

Eastern Front
Romania: Falkenhayn south of Torzburg Pass and fighting near Kimpulung.
Dobruja: Mackensen reaches Mejidia on Danube-Black Sea railway, occupies Cernavoda on Danube after Rumanians blow bridge on October 25. German and Bulgarian troops advance 16 miles north of Constanza, as Romanian forces fall back. German/Bulgarian forces claim 6,700 prisoners.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Serbian troops capture Bulgarian trenches on a front of 800 yards in the Cerna Valley and along the Vardar River.
To the west, communications established between Italians (at Koritsa) and the French (south-west of L. Prespa).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Lawrence first meets Feisal at Hamra, decides he is the potential leader. HMS Hardinge arrives at Rabegh with Egyptian mountain guns from Jeddah.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Allied (British naval and French) air raid on steel works (Hagendingen) north of Metz.
Battle of the Somme: Boelcke‘s Jasta 2 shoots down 3 RFC artillery observation aircraft.
Many supply trucks stuck in deep mud around Montauban, ammo shortages hamper Allied guns.
Battle of Verdun: Lieutenant Louis Franchet d’Esperey (son of general) of 401st Infantry Regiment killed before Fort Vaux, aged 18.
German counter-attacks at Verdun repulsed.
Stamp commemorating the French recapture of Douaumont at Verdun: http://imgur.com/pQRsexc
Maxime Lenoir, French flying ace with 11 aerial victories, is killed in action: http://imgur.com/oXxorxr

Eastern Front
Dobruja: Cernavoda captured by Bulgarian forces (see 22nd).
Russian victory at Dorna Vatra (Moldovia).

Southern Front
Macedonia: Five RNAS aircraft leave Imbros to fly to help Rumania, 4 reach Bucharest; 4 more aircraft sent on November 21.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sir Reginald Wingate's despatch of 8 August published describing revolt and conquest of Darfur (January 1915 to 22 May 1916).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Mediterranean: 26 U-boats assigned (including 4 in Black Sea and 8 en route or preparing to leave).
East Africa: General Gil with Portuguese, crosses River Rovuma.

Political, etc.
United States: Henry Ford grants women equal pay with men. All workers in his factories will receive minimum wage of $5 a day (about $110 today).
Due to a spinal injury, socialist writer and activist Helen Keller cancels her lecture engagements for the season to recover.
Greece: Greek Government issue decree disbanding class 1913 and the men called up on 10 September, and agree to transfer of two corps to Peloponnesus.
Reported at Athens that “Protecting” Powers had sanctioned loan to Salonika Provisional Government.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Private Thomas Alfred Jones is awarded the Victoria Cross today for capturing 102 Germans during the Battle of Morval.
Battle of Verdun: At Verdun, the Germans have made 9 counterattacks over the past two days to reverse French advances, but are driven off.

Eastern Front
Romania: Tirgu Jiu: Rumanian First Army routs lone 11th Bavarian Division (2,000 PoWs and 4 guns captured), pursues until November 2).
German and Austro-Hungarian troops begin their invasion of the Oltenia region in Romania.
British and French aircraft reach Bucharest.

Naval and Overseas Operations
First German destroyer raid in Dover Straits (night 26th/27th) (see April 20th, 1917). 11 German destroyers (Captain Michelsen) from Zeebrugge raid in Dover Straits (night October 26-27). 24 German ships transferred from High Seas Fleet (October 23) to aid U-boat passage of the Straits. 7 net barrage drifters and 2 destroyers sunk for no loss despite Dover Patrol‘s 18 alerted destroyers (6 ‘Tribals’ from Dover briefly engage). British destroyer Zulu mined, sister ship Nubian torpedoed (Nubian undamaged bow section and Zulu stern section salvaged and mated to create unique HMS Zubian; she sinks UC-50 (February 4, 1918). Von Bethmann-Hollweg informs German High command question of unrestricted U-boat warfare exclusively Kaiser’s concern as C-in-C.

Political, etc.
Germany: Von Bethmann-Hollweg visits Pless and opposes military age extension to 60; Groener promoted Lieutenant General to head new War Munitions Office (created November 1).
United Kingdom: £60m New York loan announced. Rumania Flag Day.
United States: Wilson tells Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce ‘I believe that the business of neutrality is over. The nature of modern war leaves no state untouched’. Further, “This present war is the last war of this or any kind involving the world that the United States can keep out of.”
New York City police raid the first birth control in the U.S., jailing its founder Margaret Sanger and her assistant.
Norway: Relations between Norway and Germany sour, after more than 20 Norwegian ships were sunk by U-boats in the past few days.
Greece: Under pressure from the Allies, the Greek government agrees to reduce its mobilized army from 60,000 to 35,000 men.

[gekkogecko]

Eastern Front
Romania: Romanian 1st Army in Jiu Valley (Wallachia) assume offensive, Romanians holding positions in Passes.
Western Russia: Russians forced to river Shchara east bank.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Serbs make progress in Cherna region.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Ethiopia: Battle of Chembebit (Sagalle, or Shano): Ras Tafari’s (Haile Selassie) 95,000 royal troops defeat Lij Yasu’s father Negus Ras Mikael of Wollo; he is led in chains to Addis Abeba but Lij Yasu escapes till January 1921.

Political, etc.
Australia: Three Cabinet Ministers resign because of conscription, referendum on October 28 defeats it by 72,476 votes.
Australian troops on the troopship Marathon departs from Brisbane: http://imgur.com/iRCPaA1

[Teddy Bear]

I haven't been to Pixies for a bit and fell behind in my reading this. Not sure where I left off. So picking up with this week.

gg, where are you getting all this information from? Thank you for presenting it in an easy to read, clear cut manner without talking it down to us less informed peeps.

I just started reading 'A Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway. Same war, different presentation.

[dicksbro]

Hi, TB! Good to see you back ... we miss you when you're not around! And, you're right, GG does a great job presenting this day-by-day narrative on WWI. I've really enjoyed it.

[Teddy Bear]

Thanks DB. :)

[gekkogecko]

I just started reading 'A Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway. Same war, different presentation.

I've never actually gotten around to reading it: I was always under the impression that it was about (possibly partially based on personal experiences in) the Spanish Civil War that proceeded world War 2.

Maybe I will have to check it out.

Yeah, see you do learn something every day.

As far as my sources go, I use a number of different on-line references, I'll have to list them in a separate post.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Captain Oswald Boelcke (40 victories), first great air combat tactician killed, aged 25, in Albatros mid-air collision over Pozieres with Jasta 2 wingman Lieutenant Erwin during a dogfight in which 8 German fighters down 3 RFC artillery observation aircraft and a Nieuport. One of 12 German aircraft losses in October. Boelcke was the man responsible for codifying the first well-known iteration of rules for aerial combat, the “Dicta Boelcke”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicta_Boelcke

Eastern Front
Romania: Romanians successful actions in north Transylvania Passes.
In Jiu Valley, the Germans/Bulgarians retire leaving 2,000 prisoners.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Bulgarian attack in force on Ormali (Struma front), repulsed with heavy losses.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Fighting near Hamadan (Persia), Russians capture two villages.

Naval and Overseas Operations
(Night of 27/28 October): 23 German torpedo boats raid the Dover Strait. They sink 1 destroyer, 6 naval drifters, and 1 troopship.
Donaldson liner Marina sunk by submarine without warning (18 lost, including six Americans) off Fastnet.
British hospital ship Galeka totally wrecked by mine off Havre: http://imgur.com/nfp8Xrp
U-boat sinks US SS Lanao off Portugal.

Political, etc.
Germany: Count von Roedern, German Secretary for the Treasury, estimates the war has cost $62 billion for all the belligerent countries.
Anglo-German Agreement to exchange interned civilians over 45 years of age.
United Kingdom: British news film “Tropical Budget” showing Serbian operations in Macedonia, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5400
Austria-Hungary: Dr. Ernest von Körber appointed Austrian Premier (see 21st and December 14th).
Turkey: Halil Bey, Ottoman Foreign Minister, states, “We stand or fall with the Central Powers…The Germans cannot be beaten in this war.
Australia: Australia holds a plebiscite on whether or not to impose conscription. “No” wins with 51.61% of the vote.
United States: Contributions to the Democratic campaign for the upcoming election pass $1 million ($22 million today).
Greece: Venizelos' Provisional Government installed at Salonika.

[gekkogecko]

The sources, principally are:
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/ particularly the "timeline" pages, which give a brief listing on what they think the major events are. It's a good starting place, but they do tend to miss a significant number of what other people consider to be "major".

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/history-of-aviation-timeline/interactive -aviation-timeline.aspx Again, the most useful pages on the site are the timeline; but they of course, tend to focus on the air war, and again, miss a number of events that don't directly involvespecifically British Military Aviation. The anniversary of the death of Oswald Boelcke, for example, isn't mentioned at all.

http://www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1914_08_05.htm has a day-to-day calendar, and give a great amount of detail that others often miss; but one of the weaknesses of this site is that it is positively jingoistic at times.

https://twitter.com/centuryagotoday is an excellent site for much of the non-warfare, political/social events that I list. This is also the original page that leads me into the side forays into imgur.

Finally, http://ww2-weapons.com/ which used to be labelled World War One .net, is a great supplemental source; often providing excellent details, on the level of the third listed reference, but with significantly less bias.

...and of course, there are occasional other sources I quote or link to, like the dreaded wikipedia; also, I've picked up a considerable amount of my own background knowledge over the years from some many different places, I can't possibly remember them.

[Teddy Bear]

I've never actually gotten around to reading it: I was always under the impression that it was about (possibly partially based on personal experiences in) the Spanish Civil War that proceeded world War 2.

Maybe I will have to check it out.

Yeah, see you do learn something every day.

As far as my sources go, I use a number of different on-line references, I'll have to list them in a separate post.

It is WW1. The bf of the main girl in the story was killed in the Somme. So far the story is taking place in Italy. A number of other things you've mentioned in this thread are talked about in the story. A true history buff like yourself may not like it because even though its based on facts it is a novel. It is a love story unfolding during the war. When you have a little time you might want to read it anyway. It's really good.

[Teddy Bear]

The sources, principally are:
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/ particularly the "timeline" pages, which give a brief listing on what they think the major events are. It's a good starting place, but they do tend to miss a significant number of what other people consider to be "major".

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/history-of-aviation-timeline/interactive -aviation-timeline.aspx Again, the most useful pages on the site are the timeline; but they of course, tend to focus on the air war, and again, miss a number of events that don't directly involvespecifically British Military Aviation. The anniversary of the death of Oswald Boelcke, for example, isn't mentioned at all.

http://www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1914_08_05.htm has a day-to-day calendar, and give a great amount of detail that others often miss; but one of the weaknesses of this site is that it is positively jingoistic at times.

https://twitter.com/centuryagotoday is an excellent site for much of the non-warfare, political/social events that I list. This is also the original page that leads me into the side forays into imgur.

Finally, http://ww2-weapons.com/ which used to be labelled World War One .net, is a great supplemental source; often providing excellent details, on the level of the third listed reference, but with significantly less bias.

...and of course, there are occasional other sources I quote or link to, like the dreaded wikipedia; also, I've picked up a considerable amount of my own background knowledge over the years from some many different places, I can't possibly remember them.

WOW!! You really are a history buff. I like history and enjoy threads like this but my problem is I can't remember much of it. I read it and forget it. It made test taking in high school really hard. Oh well, enough of that.... need to read todays entry. Thanks again gg. :)

[Oldfart]

All Quiet on the Western Front is also worth the read.

[gekkogecko]

It is WW1. The bf of the main girl in the story was killed in the Somme. A true history buff like yourself may not like it because even though its based on facts it is a novel.

That's pretty definitive, as the Spanish Civil War never involved any fighting in Italy, or in France.
As far as liking it or not based on the historical drama aspect:

All Quiet on the Western Front is also worth the read.


That one, I've read. Seen a couple of different movie adaptations, as well. It's an excellent read, as well as more sobering to the jingoists when it's remembered that it was written by a German, from a German point of view.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
According to several popular accounts, today in 1916, the Royal Flying Corps dropped a wreath over Jasta 2 which read, "To the memory of Captain Boelcke, a brave and chivalrous foe."
Battle of the Somme: Allies capture Dewdrop and Hazy trenches.

Eastern Front
Romania: Romanian counteroffensive in the Transylvanian passes continues, advancing 7 miles and capturing 3000 German and Austro-Hungarian prisoners.
In Dobruja, Romanians still retiring.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Hussein bin Ali, the Sharif of Mecca, proclaims himself the King of Hejaz and the King of the Arab lands: http://imgur.com/Kv4ZJx2

Naval and Overseas Operations
U-boat torpedoes Greek volunteer transport Angeliki.
2 RNAS seaplanes reconnoiter Schillig Roads ( https://www.google.com/maps/place/53%C2%B042'06.1%22N+8%C2%B001'23.9%22E/@53.7017,8.0233,11120m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d53.7017!4d8.0233 ) from carrier Vindex but fail to find boom; no CMB attack carried out.
Jellicoe warns of ‘…serious danger that our losses in merchant ships … may by the early summer of 1917 have such a serious effect … as to force us into accepting peace terms’.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Field Marshal Viscount French warns volunteers at Derby that a German invasion of Britain is a possibility, not a mere supposition.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British Reserve Army redesignated Fifth Army and reinforced with guns from Third Army and all available 52 Tank Mk I‘s for limited ops astride Ancre Valley.
German troops with flamethrowers counterattack French positions east of Peronne, but are driven back.
French take trenches north-west of Sailly-Saillisel.

Eastern Front
German/Austro-Hungarians retiring in Jiu Valley and in Vulkan Pass.
South-east of Roter Turm Pass, enemy capture heights.
Germans and Turks force back Russians near River Narajowka (Galicia).
Latter advance towards Lutsk.

Southern Front
Violent fighting along whole line in Cherna region.
Bulgarian attack on Kalendia (Struma) repulsed.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Allied Taranto conference on Otranto Barrage ducks single commander question but Italians will transfer 22 trawlers from Tyrrhenian, plus add 18 small torpedo boats and 38 aircraft (30 French aircrafts at Corfu).
Britain: Royal Navy has 47 antisubmarine ships, from drifters to medium-size steamers.
East Africa: British drive enemy over Ruhuje River, and repel them in Iringa district and at Lupembe (East Africa).* Main body of enemy south of Central Railway and about Rufiji river, Tabora force being near Iringa.

Political, etc.
Germany: Lieut.-General Hermann von Stein succeeds Lieut.-General Wild von Hohenborn as German Minister for War (see January 21st, 1915, and October 9th, 1918).
United Kingdom: Increased wages demanded by Cardiff miners.
United States: U.S. Army recruitment is down this year, and there are less than 100,000 regulars in service.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
In the air, Allied October losses 88 aircraft plus over 99 RFC personnel. RFC help engage 169 German batteries.
Battle of the Somme: German counterattacks succeed in gaining a foothold in the town of La Maisonnette.
British losses in the four months since the start of the Somme offensive number 414,202 men killed, wounded, captured, and missing.

Eastern Front
Following their success in Jiul Valley, Romanian troops also go on the offensive in Dobruja.
German Ninth Army facing the Romanians losses since September 11: 9,072 men.
Despite snowstorms, Romanian troops make further gains against German and AH troops in Jiul Valley and Bicaz, but fall back at Mieczysczow.
Austrian-Hungarians checked at Torzburg, but successful in Predeal Pass.

Southern Front
Italy: Ninth Battle of the Isonzo begins (see November 4th).
Struma front, British take Barakli Juma (in front of Rupel Pass), also Kumli.

Naval and Overseas Operations
In October 353,600t Allied and neutral shipping (49 British worth 176,248t with 197 lives, a record so far; including 44 ships or 125,152t to Mediterranean U-boats.
East Africa: British reorganised into two divisions (Hoskins and van Deventer), former about Kilwa, latter on Ruaha and Central Railway, Northey about Iringa.

Political, etc.
Germany: Field Marshal von Hindenburg declares German lines can hold for 30 years against Allied attacks.
Russia: Russian Sixth Army censor reports soldiers saying ‘after the war we’ll have to settle accounts with the internal enemy’. Russian losses so far 4,670,000 killed and wounded; 2,078,000 PoWs and over 1 million missing.
United States: The U.S. begins circulating its new 10-cent coin (nicknamed the Mercury Dime): http://imgur.com/U8Pq4tg
China: Huang Xing, Chinese revolutionary leader and one of the founders of the Kuomintang, passed away: http://imgur.com/yjx5SQG

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Joffre letter to Haig specifies broad lines of combined action in 1917 (Haig agrees by letter on November 6).
High winds and poor weather hampers air operations until November 8 and from November 12-15.
Battle of the Somme: French repulse counter-attack at Sailly-Saillisel and advance northeast of Lesboeufs. Other British and French attempts to reverse German gains fail, in part due to bad weather. Allies announce 72,901 PoWs; 303 guns; 215 mortars and 981 MGs captured since July 1, 1916.
Battle of Verdun: Fort Vaux evacuated by Germans, and recaptured by French forces (see June 2nd).

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Falkenhayn advances beyond Törzburg, Predeal and Rotenturm Passes (until November 5).
Dobruja: Sakharov replaces Zayonchkovski in command of Danube Army (now 8 divisions) and orders end to ‘shameful flight’. By November 5, 27 Russian divisions in Rumania (Fourth, Eighth and Danube Armies).
Airship LZ-97 raids Bucharest (German 1st Squadron raids on November 14, 20, 22 and December 12-15).

Southern Front
Ninth Battle of the Isonzo: Italian Second and Third Armies attack at 1110 hours east of Gorizia and on Carso. In former some ground gained on San Marco slopes despite waist-deep mud, in latter Toscana Brigade (D’Annunzio a vol) seizes Velike Kribach (1,125 ft), 5 other objectives taken and held or regained after Austrian attacks (night November 1-2).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Lawrence crosses Red Sea from Jeddah to Port Sudan in cruiser HMS Euryalus, goes on to Khartoum for talks.
Armenia: In November Turk getting only 1/3 rations despite German motor columns and efforts. Second Army Kharput hospital has 900 deaths per month. Third Army losses 60,000 men to cold, plague, lice and typhus (July 1916 to spring 1917).
British Appointment of Colonel L. Stack as acting Governor-General of Sudan and Sirdar.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Grand Fleet receives daily Room 40 summaries of all German naval movements and changes.
Adriatic: Italian torpedo boats raid Pola.
France: 12 Japanese-built Arabe-class destroyers ordered (completed September-October 1917).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: In November Air Board orders 8,000 Hispano-Suiza engines.
Italy: In early November Italian Navy discover French reading their codes, but this continues into 1918.
United States: Mercantile U-boat Deutschland reaches New London on second transatlantic voyage.
Greece: Greek royalist forces and those loyal to Venizelos clash near Thessalonica, resulting in several casualties.

[dicksbro]

Interesting that France apparently ordered 12 Arabe-class destroyers from Japan. Didn't know any of the western powers ordered any ships from Japan. I'd never heard that before. Thanks. Love this little tidbits. :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British capture trench east of Gueudecourt.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Austro-Hungarians attack in Predeal Pass; Romanians pursue Austrians in Vulkan Pass (northern Wallachia front).

Southern Front
Ninth Battle of the Isonzo: Italians occupy Faiti Hrib (dominating Kostanjevitsa-Isonzo front).
French 155mm heavy artillery guns near Cerne in Macedonia: http://imgur.com/xmJIZRq* © IWM (Q 79013)

Naval and Overseas Operations
Arctic: U-56 sunk by Russian patrol craft gunfire off Lapland.
Black Sea: Russian Fleet shells Constanza (and on November 4).
North Sea: British destroyers rescue Dutch*SS Oldambt, routing 5 German destroyers.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Asst Chief Commissioner Thomson meets Jewish master spy Alex Aaronsohn by St James’s Park; Aaronsohn arrives at Cairo on December 12.
British soldier carries away two dogs that had wandered into the parade grounds during the review: http://imgur.com/IWLRFDN* © IWM (Q 1500)
Russia: Declaration of Labor Group at Petrograd to working classes.
United States: Campaign ad for Charles E. Hughes, the Republican nominee for President: http://imgur.com/8xaYDr0
President Wilson says the GOP’s criticism of US foreign policy is “partisan” and “unpatriotic.”

[gekkogecko]

Didn't know any of the western powers ordered any ships from Japan. I'd never heard that before.

Yes, by then Japan had long been involved in the First World War, seizing many of Germany's former possessions in the Pacific. Japan's involvement was mainly a naval contribution, either directly when Japan sent destroyers to maintain anti-submarine patrols in the Mediterranean, or indirectly, as above. BTW, there is a Wikipedia article on the destroyers in question: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabe-class_destroyer

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: RFC help range 120 targets but lose 5 aircraft.
Battle of Verdun: Two more French patrols reoccupy Fort Vaux.
Aerial photo of Fort Douaumont at Verdun after its recapture by French forces: http://imgur.com/j6pZsx2

Eastern Front
German offensive against Russian lines on the Stokhid River leads to the capture of 1500 Russian prisoners.

Southern Front
Ninth Battle of the Isonzo: Four Italian brigades take Volkovniak, Dosso Faiti, Hills 123 and 126. Italian troops claim the capture of 5000 Austro-Hungarian soldiers.
Salonika: French War Minister General Roques visits (until November 12) and largely clears Sarrail from Allied complaints.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Major Huddleston occupies Kulme (Darfur).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: British and French authorities seized 41,000 bags of mail heading to or leaving Germany on neutral shipping during the last 10 months.
Romania: Prince Mircea, son of King Ferdinand of Romania, dies at age 3 due to typhoid fever (on right): http://imgur.com/rFRhBI2
Japan: Hirohito is formally declared the Crown Prince and heir apparent to the Japanese Empire.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Germany claims bombings by Allied aeroplanes have caused 3,348 civilian casualties in occupied Belgium and France.
Battle of the Somme: Aerial photo of German and British frontlines southwest of Beaumont Hamel-Hawthorn Ridge and Redoubt: http://imgur.com/jFY9SBW* © IWM
Battle of Verdun: French occupy Damloup.

Southern Front
Ninth Battle of the Isonzo ends: After turning move on Salone fails, Cadorna halts offensive due to bad weather and heavy losses (28,000 casualties); 9,000 Austro-Hungarian PoWs taken. Italian losses in Seventh to Ninth Isonzo battles (since September 14) 75,500 men; 21,500 Austrian PoWs taken in their c.63,000 loss.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Coal ship Retriever collides with the SS Connemara off the coast of Ireland, resulting in 97 deaths with only 1 survivor.
Black Sea: Russian fleet bombards Constanza.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany apologizes to the Netherlands after a Zeppelin flew over Dutch territory; says the pilot thought he was over Belgium.
United Kingdom: British news film “Topical Budget,” showing blinded soldiers learning new skills, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5401
Austria-Hungary: Emperor’s letter to Prime Minister states plan to give Galicia self-rule within new Poland.
Turkey: (Arabia): Sherif Hussein crowned ‘King of the Arabs’ at Mecca. Allies recognize him as de facto King of Hejaz (November 6) but do not attend coronation.
United States: U.S. Department of Justice claims that 60,000 African Americans have been brought from the South to illegally vote in northern states.
Norway: Norwegian Note to Germany; maintains right to forbid coasts to submarines.
Greece: Venizelists attack loyal troops at Ekaterini.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British in see-saw action near Butte de Warlencourt; attack on Le Transloy. French capture most of Saillisel and attack St Pierre Vaust Wood (advance continues on November 6). Anzacs capture, then lose Bayonet Trench.
Battle of Verdun: French 9th Division reoccupies whole of Vaux.

Eastern Front
Romania: Austro-German success south-west of Predeal and south-east of Roter Turm Passes.

Southern Front
Italy: In the Travignolo Valley, Italian troops use bayonets to fend off five Austro-Hungarian attacks on their lines.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: High Seas Fleet destroyers with battlecruiser Moltke and 3rd Battle Squadron rescue submarines U-30 and U-20 gone aground in fog off Borsbjerg, Denmark, but Royal Navy submarine J.1 (Laurence) torpedoes battleships Grosser Kurfürst and Kronprinz forcing them back to harbor. The U-20 was the submarine that had torpedoed the Lusitania in May of the prior year, and had originally run around; the Germans worried about the propaganda value to the Allies of having captured or destroyed this submarine, and so originally attempted to tow it off the mud bank with the U-30. Then the U-30 itself got stuck, and the rescue effort cascaded from there. Eventually, the U-30 was freed, but the Germans had to abandon the U-20.

Political, etc.
Poland: Germany and Austria-Hungary proclaim ‘Independent State of Poland’, Polish recruiting for German Army announced (November 16) gains only 370 volunteers from November 22.
Polish Legion officers in Warsaw after the declaration of the Kingdom of Poland: http://imgur.com/7KbAJ3s* © IWM (Q 70803)
Germany: German military report on the Somme, published in newspapers, declares that the Allied offensive is a failure.
United States: In Everett, Washington, “citizen deputies” and local law enforcement, working for the business of the town open fire on a peaceful demonstration by members of the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World), resulting in 7 deaths, 47 injuries.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British transport wagons in the mud near Maricourt, Somme: http://imgur.com/VRDVTr0* © IWM (Q 58341)
French progress in north of St. Pierre Vaast Wood; in Saillisel Germans regain ground.

Eastern Front
Bukovina: Russian general Lechitski success in two passes south of Dorna Watra against Austro-Hungarian troops, but Central Power reinforcements stall the advance.
Fierce fighting south-east of Roter Turm Pass.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Appointment of General Sir F. R. Wingate as High Commissioner of Egypt.

Naval and Overseas Operations
German auxiliary cruiser KronPrinz Wilhelm in dry dock after getting hit by a torpedo: http://imgur.com/x2wYNj2
Mediterranean: UB-43 (Mellenthin) torpedoes and sinks P&O armed liner Arabic (11 crew lost) off Cape Matapan.
Black Sea: Coastal submarine UB-45 mined off Varna, UC-15 also lost to unknown cause in November. UB-46 mined off Bosphorus on December 7.
East Africa: Affair of Gyuba (Darfur). The forces of Ali Dinar, ex-Sultan of Darfur, who launched a rebellion against the British, are defeated by Sudan force. Ali Dinar killed (see May 22nd).

Political, etc.
Poland: With the proclamation of the Kingdom of Poland, Germany asks volunteers to join the new Polish Army.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British gain ground east of Butte de Warlencourt and repulse night counter-attack at Beaumont Hamel. French capture Ablaincourt and Pressoir south of Somme, repulse German counter-attacks on November 12, 14 and 15.
French Farman F.40P biplane armed with Le Prieur rockets for use against Zeppelins: http://imgur.com/3GHwKLV* © IWM (Q 65576)

Eastern Front
Romania: Falkenhayn repulsed in Tolgyes Pass (northern) sector but drives beyond Vulcan and Predeal Passes. His Group Kraftt captures Sardoui 16 miles south of Rotenturm Pass (November 8).
Bukovina: Russian success south of Dorna Vatra (southern Bukovina).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: German attack at Kibata repulsed.

Political, etc.
Germany: von Bethmann-Hollweg tells Burian German war aims, latter calls them impossible (November 15).
United States: WILSON RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT. (“He kept us out of war!”) Jeanette Rankin (Montana) first woman elected to Congress.
China: Wu Tingfang is appointed the new foreign minister of China: http://imgur.com/V0yeN76
Greece: Admiral Fournet seizes Salamis naval arsenal, sees King on November 9.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack at Saillisel (slight gains), but French capture whole village (November 11-12).
Royal Engineers bridging the Ancre River at Aveluy, France: http://imgur.com/aIxGSB0* © IWM (Q 5843)

Eastern Front
Romania: Germans advance south of Roter Turm Pass; capture Sardoui (16 miles south).

Naval and Overseas Operations
US SS Columbian sunk by U-boat near Cape Finisterre (northwest Spain).
East Africa: Wahle attacks British Malangali post (until November 12) which is relieved by Murray’s 400 British soldiers.

Political, etc.
United States: (Top six listed for yesterday): Radio 2XG becomes the 1st to broadcast live returns of the U.S. presidential election through spoken word instead of Morse code.
Woodrow Wilson wins reelection with 277 electoral votes against Republican Charles E. Hughes with 254: http://imgur.com/I3I853i
However, due to the close race & slow counting in some states, the winner of the 1916 Presidential Race is not known for another 48 hours.
In the Senate, Democrats now have 54 Senate seats & the Republicans have 42.
In the House, Republicans have 216 seats, Democrats 214, Progressive 3, Socialist 1, and Prohibition 1.
Jeannette Rankin becomes the 1st woman in the US to hold federal office after being elected to the US House: http://imgur.com/WrSEeJo
In Boston, a trolley crashes through an open drawbridge, resulting in 46 people drowning to death: http://imgur.com/xm6x05S
Belgium: Heavy deportations of Belgians by Germans under decree of 3 October 1916.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Air War
Belgium: 6 RNAS Short seaplanes (1 FTR) bomb Ostend docks and Zeebrugge (repeated November 15 and 17), 19 RNAS bombers raid Ostend (November 10; 10 bombers repeat on November 12). Zeebrugge again bombed on November 22 and 28; little damage but German torpedo boats lie up at Bruges.
Battle of the Somme: RFC helps fire on 203 targets (40 direct hits) and discovers Hindenburg Line works. RNAS No 8 Squadron (from Dunkirk units) joins Somme fighting, destroys 24 aircraft for loss of 2 pilots (until December 31). Largest air battle yet: c.30 German fighters intercept 12 British bombers and 14 escorts destroying 5 (BE2c to Richthofen) and damaging 3; 26 other air combats.
Aerial photograph of German lines southeast of Beaumont Hamel in the Somme: http://imgur.com/S9vVOTd
End of 3rd Phase of Battle of the Somme.

Eastern Front
Western Russia: Germans take 3,400 PoWs at Skrobova.
Dobruja: Sakharov occupies with the aid of Danube naval forces, recapture the town of Hârșova (Hirsova), (also Topalu 12 miles southeast on November 11) and Dunarea on Danube eastern bank, fighting for Cernavoda Bridge (until November 12) ends in retreat to Dunarea.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Malangali post attacked (8-12 November) and relieved.

Political, etc.
Germany: von Bethmann-Hollweg Reichstag speech replies to Grey on causes of war; states Germany will accept peace if British rule over the seas is ended.
United Kingdom: Asquith Guildhall speech assures Venizelos and Armenians of British sympathy; no separate peace possible. “Peace…on one condition only—that the war, with its vast waste, its sacrifices, its untold sufferings…shall not have been in vain.”
France: French War Loan 454,000,000 francs.
Portugal: Portuguese troops ready to leave for European front.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: day begins with attempts by both sides to advance, which ends in failure even after hand-to-hand fighting.
Later, British troops capture east section of Regina Trench north of Thiepval. French troops capture some trenches northeast of Lesboeufs, while French capture several German trenches north-east of Lesboeufs.
French anti-aircraft guns at Villers-Bretonneux at the Somme: http://imgur.com/HqSP4I2* © IWM (Q 79000)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Second Battle of Oituz (until November 15).
Serbs advance towards Monastir; carry Chuke heights, etc.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: During attempted raid (night November 10-11) on Russian patrol lines in Gulf of Finland, near Reval, 7 wartime-built German torpedo boats (V-75, S-57, V-72, G-90, S-58, S-59 and V-76) out of 11 (10th Flotilla) sink in unsuspected minefields (400 survivors), largest single action destroyer loss; Admiral Langemarck relieved of command.
A German S or V (German torpedo boats were designated according to manufacturer, in this case, Schichau or Vulkan) type torpedo boat: http://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/German-S-or-V-destroyer.jpg
North Sea: RNAS seaplanes attack Ostend and Zeebrugge (and on November 15).
Britain: The King informed that Prime minister Asquith wants Beatty to succeed Jellicoe in command of Grand Fleet, the monarch approves heartily (November 22).

Political, etc.
Germany: German Note to Greek Government re: War Material
France: French government prepares a 100-page report alleging German atrocities in prisoner of war camps.
Sweeden: Nobel Prize for Literature for 1915, which had been held in reserve, is given to Romain Rolland. Verner von Heidenstam wins for 1916.
Greece: Review of troops by Greek National Government at Salonika.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of the Ancre Heights ends (also listed for yesterday). British artillery preparation begins, British infantry capture Farmers Road near Regina Trench.
French recapture most of Saillisel, and repulse German attack at Deniecourt.

Eastern Front
German and Austro-Hungarian counterattack regain ground around Halych, reversing some Russian gains during the Brusilov offensive.
Dobruja: Russo-Romanians occupy Topalu (right bank Danube) and advance south.
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: in Group Kuehn’s attack Lieutenant Rommel’s Wuerttemberg Mountain Company captures Mt Lescului (3,937 ft) and descends to plain on November 12.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Serbian troops defeat Bulgarian counterattacks around Polog, Macedonia, resulting in the capture of 1000 Bulgarian prisoners.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: 6 RFC aircraft apiece raid Maghdaba (100 miles east of Ismailia) and Beersheba. German aircraft bombs Cairo (and on November 13 with 39 casualties) and Suez (November 17) but little damage.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: J. L. Garvin, British journalist, states, “The Allies in the East have perpetrated almost every blunder left to them to commit…”
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary announces that Emperor Franz Joseph is suffering from catarrh, but otherwise is carrying out his duties.
United States: The newly-created Kingdom of Arab Countries asks the U.S. State Department for formal recognition.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German attack near Berny (north-east of Ablaincourt) repulsed.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Rumanian First Army retreats in Jiu and Aluta Valleys.
In the past few days, German attacks against Russian lines N. of Baranovichi leads to the capture of 4000 Russian prisons & 27 machine guns.
Failure of Russo-Romanians on Cerna Voda and retreat to Dunarea.

Southern Front
Macedonia: French and Serbs capture Iven (15 miles east of Monastir).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Shiraz (South Persia) occupied by British forces; Sykes organises 3,700 South Persian Rifles and 6 guns by December 1.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Portuguese troops occupy Lulindi.
British defeat Germans at Malangali.

Political, etc.
France: Evening dress is banned at Parisian operas that are subsidized by the French government.
United States: (Perhaps yesterday) Percival Lowell, American businessmen & astronomer who started the search for Planet X (Pluto), passed away: http://imgur.com/Y5fJEuL
Mexico: Count Bernstorff to German Mexico City Minister ‘The Imperial Government would see with the greatest of pleasure the Mexican Government’s consent to … a [U-boat] base in its territory’.
Netherlands: Dutch railways considers curtailing their services due to difficulty in obtaining coal from Britain, Germany, and Belgium.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of the Ancre begins (until November 18): with 10 divisions, 5 tanks and 282 heavy guns in wet fog at 0545 hours Fifth Army (Gough) storms Beaumont Hamel (1,200 PoWs) also St Pierre Divion and Beaucourt in mile-deep advance.
30,000lb ammonal mine detonated at Hawthorn Crater; c.360 men of 3rd Battalion German 62nd Regiment buried alive. The crater after capture: http://imgur.com/ijgZT6c* © IWM (Q 2006)
Operation until November 14 directed by Lieutenant-Colonel Freyberg, RND (thrice wounded and wins VC). Australian-born writer and RND Coy Company Commander F S Kelly killed at Beaucourt.
British soldier bringing in a captured wounded German during the Battle of Ancre at the Somme: http://imgur.com/cqp0pkZ* © IWM (Q 4502)
French official cameraman filming a wounded British soldier at the Somme: http://imgur.com/b1dPgJy* © IWM (Q 4504)
Frederick Septimus Kelly, Australian/British musician & rower who won gold in the 1908 Olympics, is KIA at the Somme: http://imgur.com/g1AOwFo

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Falkenhayn takes Kimpulung south of Toerzburg and retakes railhead south of Vulcan Pass.

Southern Front
Serbia: After fog lifts Serb troops reach ridges east of Crna and Monastir taking 600 German PoWs, [another source claims 16 artillery guns and 1000 prisoners,] forcing General Winckler to evacuate Kenali valley position (held since early October) during night November 14-15.

Asiatic and Egyptian
Egypt: Cairo bombed; little damage done.
One flight of No.14 Squadron, together with a Company of the Bedfordshire Regiment to act as aerodrome guard, are sent to the Red Sea port of Rabigh to assist Arab forces under the control of the Sherif of Mecca and Colonel T.E. Lawrence ('Lawrence of Arabia').

Political, etc.
Germany: German casualties since the start of the war now numbers 3,755,693 men killed, wounded, captured, and missing. Note: I am unsure of the source of this. It might be based on the fantastical claims of British Intelligence, which, throughout the war, and even to this day, grossly exaggerated the German casualty rate.]
United States: “Behind the Screen,” a short film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, is released: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Behind_the_screen_%281916%29.webm
Belgium: Désiré-Joseph Mercier, a Belgian cardinal, publishes a protest against German deportations and forced labor of Belgian civilians.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British 190th Brigade (63rd Royal Navy Division) with 2 Tank Mk I capture Beaucourt (Ancre) with 400 PoWs (5000 overall in this phase of the battle), driving major salient into German Ancre defences. Author Lieutenant-Sergeant H H Munro (‘Saki’) killed, aged 46, by sniper at Beaumont-Hamel. His last words: “Put that bloody cigarette out!” http://imgur.com/IMLaY1R
RFC ranges 157 German batteries; No 15 Squadron observers direct gunfire that annihilates c.1350 German infantry.
German attack at Ablaincourt and Pressoir largely repulsed.

Eastern Front
Romanians retreat south of Vulkan Pass; and below Torzburg Pass; severe fighting in Prahova Valley (south of Predeal Pass).
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: German and Austro-Hungarian troops pierce Romania lines at Jiul Valley and advance 14 miles beyond the Romanian border.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allies advance on Monastir.
Bulgars retreat on River Bistritza.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Aegean: U-73 mine (12 laid on October 28) in Zea Channel sinks 12,009t French armed liner Burdigala. This ship was formerly the German-owned Kaiser Friedrich.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Publication of White Paper re: U.S.A. "Black List" Protest of July 28.
Pensions Bill introduced.
Russia: Duma attacks on Prime Minister and by implication Tsarina, ‘Is this folly, or is this treason?’ (Miliukov).
Polish members of the Russian Duma denounce the German creation of the Kingdom of Poland.
United States: U.S government protests the German deportation and forced labor of Belgian civilians.
Special, 1910: Aviator Eugene Burton Ely performed the first takeoff from a ship, flying from a makeshift deck on the USS*Birmingham in Hampton Roads, Virginia, US.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Lieutenant-General E W von Hoeppner appointed C-in-C Air Force; Kommandierender General der Luftstreitkräfte (Kogenluft). Chief of Staff is Colonel Thomsen, previously Feldflugchef.
French gunners dragging a 155 mm artillery up a steep slope in Seine-et-Oise: http://imgur.com/p4V6Can* © IWM (Q 78089)
British seaplanes bombard Zeebrugge and Ostend.
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack north of Chaulnes.

Eastern Front
Russia: Brusilov says ‘Rumania is a difficult ally’. His Southwest Front has only 412 heavy guns (over 122mm).
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Romanian retreat continued; Falkenhayn brings heavy guns through Toerzburg Pass and captures Tirgu Jiu. He is now 20-25 miles inside Rumania.

Southern Front
Serbia: Advance on Monastir: French and Serbs capture monastery of Jaratok; French and Russians at River Viro (four miles south of Monastir).

Asiatic and Egyptian
Egypt: British advance into Sinai begins.
Persia: Tunnel through Taurus range on Baghdad railway pierced.
Third Affair of Hafiz Kor (North-West Frontier of India).

Political, etc.
Germany: 1918 conscript class, all under 19 year, begins to join for training; malnutrition a problem.
United Kingdom: Appointment of Food Controller and control of bread foreshadowed.
France: CHANTILLY CONFERENCE: (Joffre presiding) Allies discuss (a) 1917 offensives on Western, Eastern and Southern fronts to be timed from first fortnight of February 1917 to cause maximum dispersal of German forces; (b) the relations between Governments and Staffs; (c) Greece; (d) Poland. (Conference continued on 16th.)
Russia: Grand Duke Nicholas warns Tsar of Tsarina and Rasputin’s harmful influence. http://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/russian-royal-family.jpg
Poland: Henryk Sienkiewicz, Polish writer who received the Nobel Prize in Literature, passed away: http://imgur.com/GEH0kXX
United States: Standard Oil Company of California institutes an 8-hour workday for its workers for “humanitarian” reasons.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Haig asks for an extra 20 fighter squadrons by the spring of 1917. RFC capture first Albatros D-1 fighter, forced down by a B.E. 2. http://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Albatros-DI.jpg
Each BEF army forms anti-aircraft group under one commander with 36-64 guns each (until November 27).
Battle of the Somme: RFC helps knock out at least 10 German artillery guns (65 batteries engaged), destroys 3 German aircraft; 6 Martinsydes bomb Hirson station (Belgium). German night raid destroys 21 French aircraft at Cachy, 90 miles away.
British advance east of Beaucourt but lose some ground east of Butte de Warlencourt.
French regain ground east of Pressoir.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Romanian retreat continuing; severe fighting south-east of Tolgyes, near Campulung, and in valleys of Aluta and Jiu.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arrabia: Six No 14 Squadron RFC aircraft land at Rabegh to support Arabs; airfield built.

Naval and Overseas Operations
A war aeroplane is used for the first time in India, as they are used by the British to beat back a raid from the Afghan frontier. Ultimately, this results in the defeat of Pathans near Shabkadar (Peshawar valley).

Political, etc.
Germany: First of 11 German armored car MG platoons formed, mainly for Eastern Front.
German blockade-runner submarine Deutschland leaves New London, Connecticut after conducting trade with the U.S.
Russia: Russia declares the creation of the Kingdom of Poland by Germany and Austria-Hungary as illegal and void.
Poland: German governors in Poland issue an edict recognizing Judaism as a religion in the civil law.
United States: Luis Muñoz Rivera, Puerto Rican writer and journalist who advocated for Puerto Rico’s autonomy, passed away: http://imgur.com/cOFAKsk
Some New York hotels & restaurants announce that they will postpone New Year’s Eve celebration to Jan 1st, as Dec 31 falls on Sunday when alcohol is restricted.
60 border troops on the US-Mexican border desert their posts due to cold weather. They are all found and arrested.
Greece: Allies demand dismissal of Central Powers Ministers and surrender of war material.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
French bomber pilot Captain Beauchamp in Sopwith 1/2 Strutter ‘Ariel’ flies epic 812-mile first ever ‘shuttle’ raid from Luxeuil (Vosges) –Munich (rail station bombed)- San Donadi Piave (near Venice). Beauchamp killed in action over Verdun in December.
RFC ranges 141 targets, 16 aircraft in air combat (3 lost, 3 damaged), destroy 3 German planes in day and night bombing.
Sidney Cowan, Irish flying ace with 7 credited aerial victories, is killed in action in France after colliding with another British pilot.
Another raid of British naval aeroplanes and seaplanes on Ostend and Zeebrugge.
Battle of the Somme: First snow falls, night November 17-18.
British troops gain along the north bank of the Ancre River, but lose ground north of the Somme to the Germans.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Germans break Romanian front. German offensive into Romania continues to advance and captures 2,100 Romanian prisoners.

Southern Front
Macedonia: British capture Kavakli on left bank of Struma. Allied forces in Macedonia capture 12 villages and are now only 4 miles away from the city of Monastir (Bitola).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Suez bombed: Waterpipe reaches Romani.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Food regulations issued.
France: Jean Cruppi, former Foreign Minister of France, urges the French government to save Romania, which is defending against a German offensive.
Russia: Prime Minister Stuermer furious at pretended Russo-German peace talks.
United States: Washington DC will ban alcohol from midnight March 3 to March 5 for the inauguration of President Wilson’s 2nd term.
Belgium: Germans arrest Brussels Council. German deportation of Belgian civilians continues, as 40,000 Belgian men have been deported as forced labor so far.
Greece: Note of French Admiral to Greek Government demanding delivery of War material.
China: Chinese government borrows $5 million, based on assurances by the U.S. government, from the Continental & Commercial Bank of Chicago.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of the Ancre ends with 8 Tank Mk I participating. Existing tank companies expanded into battalions.
BATTLES OF THE SOMME END: In final attack, reluctantly allowed by Haig, 4th Canadian Division and part of 18th Division gain 1,000-yard deep bulge on front of 3 miles, but Grandcourt not reached by 32nd Division (commanding General relieved with two brigade commanders). German losses claimed to be 45,000 men since November 1 (BEF Nov total 46,238).
At the Somme, Britain suffered around 420,000 casualties, France 200,000 casualties, and Germany supposedly 424,000-500,000 casualties.
Battle of Verdun: Joffre agrees to one more Nivelle attack; preparations including 16 miles of roads and 6 miles of light railway.
French gunners near Martigny with a 90 mm artillery gun: http://imgur.com/R1H2HtL* © IWM (Q 80280)

Eastern Front
Romania: Romanian defenses in the Carpathian passes manage to halt the German offensive, but they are already 25 miles into Romanian territory.
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu:

Southern Front
Serbia: Despite deep snow Serb Danube Division captures Hill 1378, Italians storm Ostretz Hill and two other features (until November 19), French ford river Viro and Russians capture three villages south of Monastir. Germans and Bulgarian troops burn and evacuate it during night November 18-19 and retreat 4 miles.
Macedonia: 5,144 trained Greek troops now available with 5,184 animals.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Defeat of Germans at Lupembe by British.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Lloyd George tells Hankey that Somme offensive was ‘a bloody and disastrous failure’; not willing to stay in office if in 1917 repeated.
British news film “Topical Budget,” showing captured German soldiers at Macedonia, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5404
France: Protest of Allies re: Poland.
United States: U.S.A. explanation re: U-53. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM_U-53

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
British troops announce they captured 6,982 German troops at the Somme in the last six days of battle.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Falkenhayn‘s Group Kuehnereaches Filiasi road net 40 miles southeast of Tirgu Jiu; Captain Picht’s motorized battalion diverted west from Filiasi to open Iron Gates and railway from behind.
German and Austro-Hungarian troops force their way through the Jiul and Ait valley passes and enter the Wallachian plains of Romania.

Southern Front
Serbia: Monastir (Serbia) captured by Allied forces (see October 5th, 1916 and December 2nd, 1915). Serb and French cavalry ride in 4 years to the day since Serbs captured town from Turks in First Balkan War, 1912. Sarrail thanks all nations and claims first French victory since the Marne. Fighting to north of Monastir on November 22. Russian troops entering the city of Monastir (Bitola), Macedonia: http://imgur.com/y5b5Eft* © IWM (Q 32857)

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: British raid and take Farafra Oasis (180 miles west of Assiut).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Russian armored cruiser Rurik mined badly in bows, but operational again early 1917.

Political, etc.
Germany: German war minister says that fathers of several children, when possible, would not be sent to the frontlines.
United Kingdom: Crowded canteen for workers at the National Shell filling Factory at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire: http://imgur.com/QIzRJCB
United States: Wilson peace note to combatants.
President Wilson promises delegates of the American Federation of Labor that he will “close rifts” between the classes.
Ruth Law breaks the cross-America flight record by flying 590 miles non-stop between Chicago & New York state: http://imgur.com/HDopoat
Greece: Entente Governments demand dismissal of Ministers of Central Powers at Athens and surrender of Greek military material (see December 1st).

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
At the Somme, German troops use hand grenades to dislodge British soldiers from the western part of Grandcourt.

Eastern Front
Romania: German troops approach the Romanian city of Craiova, threatening the entrapment of Romanian troops in Western Wallachia.
Macedonia: With the capture of Monastir, Allied forces in Macedonia advance four miles north towards Prilep, the largest city in Macedonia.

Political, etc.
Germany: Herr von Jagow, German Foreign Minister, resigns (appointed January 1913) (see 21st).
United Kingdom: British government fixes the price of milk to 6 pence per quart, which will go into effect on Nov 27th.
Russia: Tsar summons Gourko from Special Army to act as Chief of Staff (Alexeiev ill until March 1917), he arrives at STAVKA on November 23.
Japan: Count Terauchi relinquishes temporary appointment as Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs (see 21st, aud October 9th).
Netherlands: The Dutch government sends a message to Germany that the deportations of Belgian civilians has produced a “painful impression” of Germany.

[gekkogecko]

Eastern Front
Romania: Falkenhayn‘s Cavalry Corps (Schmettow) occupies Craiova (capital of Western Wallachia), road to Bucharest open. General Janin at STAVKA finally gets Alexeiev to send 2 Russian divisions to aid Rumanians.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Aegean – Largest ship victim of war: British hospital ship (but without wounded aboard) 48,158t White Star liner Britannic (78 casualties and 1035 survivors ), sister ship of the Titantic, sunk in Zea Channel by U-73 mine http://imgur.com/gUxEFdS; hospital ship Braemar Castle mined on November 22.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: EMPEROR JOSEPH OF AUSTRIA peacefully died, aged 86, having told Prime Minister ‘if that is the case [domestic discontent] we must make peace without taking any ally into consideration at all’. Great nephew Archduke Charles succeeds, aged 29 (born 17 August 1887).
Germany: Artur Zimmermann becomes Foreign Minister and replacing Jagow.
United Kingdom: Rows of shells at the National Shell Filling Factory at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire: http://imgur.com/ozt3fj4
Robert P Houston, Member of Parliament, offers £2000 for any merchant ship that sinks a German submarine.
Italy: Pope Benedict XV celebrates his 62nd birthday and receives messages of congratulation from all around the world.
Japan: Viscount Motono becomes Foreign Minister.
Greece: Statement in British press by Venizelos re: Greek National Defence Movement.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
RFC destroy 2 German aircraft.

Eastern Front
Romania: Austro-Germans retake Orsova (Hungary) on Danube. Captain Picht seizes and just holds Turnu Severin against Rumanian 1st Division until relieved by Austrian cyclist brigade on November 24.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Fierce fighting north of Monastir.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: The only sailing raider of the World Wars; German square-rigged SMS Seeadler leaves Germany [approximate date] for South Seas disguised as Norwegian timber ship (had been British-built 1878 and US-owned until U-36 captured her July 24, 1915). Crew hides among cargo as ship passes through British Northern Patrol. http://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SMS-Seeadler.jpg

Political, etc.
France: French Cabinet decides that consumption of meat by Parisians should be prohibited two days a week in order to maintain food supplies.
Belgium: Further protest of Belgium to Neutral Powers re: deportations and forced labor.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
In what probably came closest to the stereotyped WW 1 “dogfight”, Major Lanoe G. Hawker VC ( http://imgur.com/KIh6Gea )is killed in a dogfight with Baron Manfred von Richthofen (the 'Red Baron'). Following a prolonged period of maneuvering, during which neither pilot was able to gain the advantage, fuel shortage forced Major Hawker to attempt to break off and run for the British lines. He then lost his life when his de Havilland DH2 pusher scout was shot down. Major Hawker was von Richthofen's eleventh victim.
RFC ranges 163 targets. No 25 Squadron F. E. 2bs including Captain Tedder (future Marshal of RAF) repulse 20 German fighters (2 crashed), 4 other German aircraft shot down and 3 damaged.
French gunners loading a 164 mm gun near Virginy: http://imgur.com/iTpyCgn* © IWM (Q 78887)

Eastern Front
Romania: German advance on Bucharest.
Mackensen's army effects passage of the Danube at 0400 hours in thick mist on 32-mile front between Islatz and Zimnitza with 40 battalions and 188 guns against 18 battalions with 48 guns. Austro-Hungarians build pontoon bridge by 1800 hours on November 25.
Prezan replaces lliescu as Rumanian CoS and effective C-in-C.
Field Marshal von Mackensen & General von Tappin watching troops cross the Danube near Sitovo: http://imgur.com/6Fq5hiw* © IWM (Q 52237)
German and Bulgarian troops, along with their livestock, crossing the Danube River: http://imgur.com/NNolzWv* © IWM (Q 61019)
west Germans take Orsova and Turnu-Severin; repulsed at Slatina (Aluta Valley) but cross Aluta near Caracula.

Southern Front
Macedonia: French and Serbs progress north of Monastir, taking three villages.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: German destroyers raid in Channel, north end of Downs; little damage.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: New Emperor Charles’ proclamation to Peoples, announces imminent coronation as King of Hungary. The new Austro-Hungarian Emperor Charles I pledges to continue the war until victory is achieved.
United States: With the Hughes’s concession, $3 million in winnings are paid to New Yorkers who bet on Wilson getting reelected.
New Zealand: First conscription ballot.
Greece: Greek Provisional Government (M. Venizelos) at Salonika declare war on Germany and Bulgaria (see September 29th, 1916 and June 27th, 1917).
Greek government refuses Entente demands that it surrenders its weapons and ammunition.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Nine RNAS bombers raid Dillingen air works and shoot down a German fighter near Trier (and on December 27).
British soldiers at an advanced dressing station near Beaumont-Hamel, France: http://imgur.com/om8Vb11* © IWM (Q 5798)

Eastern Front
Romania: The city of Orșova, Romania on the Danube River is captured by German and Bulgarian troops. Most of Western Wallachia has fallen.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: First bombing of Hejaz Railway: 2 RFC Martinsydes from Sinai cause only slight damage to targets north of Maan.

Political, etc.
Russia: Prime Minster and Foreign Minister Boris Stuermer resigns, due to his connections with Rasputin. http://imgur.com/fbm0cs8 Aleksandr Trepov succeeds. http://imgur.com/KiXj9TF
France: French Minister of War introduces a bill that would reexamine all men exempted from service in order to see if they can still be conscripted.
United Kingdom: Death of Sir Hiram Maxim, 1889 inventor of modern machine gun, aged 76, London. https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Maxim-machine-gun.jpg
Greece: Admiral Fournet demands 10 mountain batteries by December 1, sees King on November 26. (Other sources list this demand issued yesterday).
Mexico: Mexican rebels under Pancho Villa attack the city of Chihuahua and engage government troops in street-to-street fighting.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Artillery bombardment continues at the Somme, but many shells fail to explode due to heavy rain and mud.
French 164 mm naval gun at Belleville-sur-Meuse: http://imgur.com/MBP4IFp* © IWM (Q 78096)

Eastern Front
Romania: Falkenhayn‘s Group Kraftt occupies Rimnik south of Rotenturm Pass (Falkenhayn’s German troops foiled at Slatina November 25-26). Mackensen turns Aluta position by advancing towards Alexandria and Rosiori. Rumanian authorities begin leaving Bucharest for Jassy as general retreat ordered.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Eastern Atlantic: Unescorted French old battleship Suffren (making only 9 kts) sunk with all hands by U-52 off Lisbon.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Patriotic Auxiliary Service Bill presented to Reichstag.
Australia: Despite the embargo on Germany, report shows Australia imported £4000 worth of automobile parts of German origin in the first half of 1916.
United States: Inez Milholland, suffragist & lawyer, died. Her last words:“Mr President, how long must women wait for liberty?” http://imgur.com/PFu1Uov

[dicksbro]

Interesting note on Inez Milholland.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
German attacks against British east of Beaumont-Hamel are repulsed. 2 German attacks in Champagne against French lines are also defeated.
A captured German memorial for their fallen comrades at Beaumont Hamel: http://imgur.com/Qd55vpH* © IWM (Q 1525)
British troops in the ruined remains of the village of Beaumont Hamel: http://imgur.com/fHOoJGU* © IWM (Q 1558)
OHL issues equivocal instruction on role of forthcoming Siegfried Stellung (Hindenburg Line): ‘Just as in times of peace, we build fortresses, so we are now building rearward defences. Just as we have kept clear of our fortresses, so we shall keep at a distance from these rearward defences’.

Eastern Front
Romania: Mackensen reaches Alexandria, 50 miles from Bucharest, and contacts Falkenhayn.
Central Power Aeroplanes bombard Bucharest for five hours, as the Central Power’s armies are only 47 miles away from the Romanian capital.

Southern Front
Macedonia: French and Serbs capture Hill 1,050 (7 miles north-east of Monastir).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: East Sinai railway reaches Mazar.

Naval and Overseas Operations
French submarine Papin leaving Toulon on a reconnaissance mission: http://imgur.com/dxv1rZI* © IWM (Q 58292)
North Sea: Second German naval raid on Lowestoft (see April 25th); German destroyers raid Lowestoft (Royal Navy armed trawler Narval sunk) as diversion for German raider Möwe. Möwe sails from Kiel on second cruise (see March 4th, 1916 and March 22nd, 1917).
East Africa: Lake Nyasa: Wahle’s 303-strong rearguard with 1 gun and 3 MGs surrender at Ilembule to Murray’s 450 motorized troops.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
German airship raid on East coast of England: 7 of 10 Zeppelins raid Northern England, drop 206 bombs (41 civilian casualties: 4 killed, 37 injured), but 2 Zeppelins lost to 40 defence sorties (record so far). Second Lieutenant V Pyott of No 36 Squadron RFC in B E 2 shoots down L-34 (Dietrich) off Hartlepool with 71 rounds mixed incendiary/ball ammunition from his Lewis gun, 20 crew all killed (night November 27-28). RNAS Flt Sub-Lts E Cadbury and E Pulling shoot down L-21 (Frankenberg) after chase to 8 miles off Lowestoft.

Eastern Front
Romania: Central Power armies capture the entire Olt River defensive line in Romania. Germany reports Romanian resistance “is breaking.” Falkenhayn’s Alpenkorps captures Curtea de Arges and 41st Division Slatina on river Aluta. Bulgarian troops of Mackensen take Giurgevo on Danube.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Persia: Russians drive back Turks into Persia, taking much war material.

Naval and Overseas Operations
City of Birmingham sunk by German submarine (4 lost).

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany announces it will cut some civilian train services starting on Dec 1st to transport troops and save coal.
United Kingdom: Anglo-French-Italian wheat Executive formed in London.
Britain refuses to allow safe conduct for Count Tarnowski, the new Austro-Hungarian ambassador to the U.S.
United States: Federal Reserve Bank cautions member banks against further buying of belligerents’ war bonds.
16,000 lbs of turkeys, 2000 lbs of cranberries, & 4000 lbs of plum pudding are sent to U.S. soldiers in Mexico for Thanksgiving.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
First daylight aircraft raid on London: at 1150 hours LVG C-IV (llges and Brandt) drops 6 x 22lb bombs between Brompton Road and Victoria Station (10 civilians wounded). LVG later force-lands near Boulogne (crew taken PoW).
A LVG C biplane captured by the French: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/captured-LVG-C.jpg
On the Western Front in general, fog almost eliminates flying until December 3.

Eastern Front
Romania: Mackensen fighting at Calugarino, 17 miles south of Bucharest, forces river Niaslova on November 30.
Carpathians: Lechitski captures heights east of Jablonitsa and Kirlibaba Passes in relief offensive to aid Rumania (until December 13).

Southern Front
Bulgarians occupy Giurgevo (on Danube).
Successful British raid near Macukovo (left bank Vardar, south-west of Doiran).

Naval and Overseas Operations
British seaplanes have now been bombing Drama and Bulgarian coast for five days.
Brixham fishing fleet attacked by German submarine.
100 French sailors land at Piraeus.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Kaiser Wilhelm II arrives in Vienna to attend Hofburg Chapel lying instate.
Turkey: Ottoman government refuses to allow American citizens from leaving the empire, citing military reasons.
Romania: Romanian government officials and diplomatic authorities leave Bucharest and evacuate to Iași to escape the advancing Central Powers.
United States: Loans made by U.S. banks to the Allied powers since the war began now total $1.795 billion (around $39.8 billion today).
U.S. Federal Reserve Board warns against continued “unlimited participation” of U.S. bankers in foreign war loans.
Greece: Greek batteries (to be surrendered to Allies) removed to Chalcis, etc.
Mexico: Mexican rebels under Pancho Villa fully capture the city of Chihuahua, after driving back a Mexican government counterattack.
Dominican Republic: US-backed military government proclaimed.

[gekkogecko]

Eastern Front
Romania: BATTLE OF BUCHAREST (until December 3). Falkenhayn captures Ploesti. Rumanian First and Second Armies retreat behind river Arges west of capital at night November 29-30.
General von Falkenhayn, with German & Austro-Hungarian officers, observing the Battle of Ploesti: http://imgur.com/kgWAgGY* © IWM (Q 23855)

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarians massing troops on Carso front.
Fight east of Monastir continues in fog.
British seaplanes bomb Gereviz (Bulgaria).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Admiral Sir David Beatty appointed to succeed Admiral Sir John Jellicoe as Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet (see December 4th). Admiral Sir C Madden, Jellicoe‘s Chief-of-Staff, becomes second in command replacing Admiral Sir C Burney. Vice-Admiral Sir W Pakenham takes over battlecruisers.
Black Sea: Russians commission of 2 seaplane carriers (max 18 aircraft) and they soon sink German coaster Irmingard; 4 Rumanian-owned liners also converted.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Board of Trade takes over South Wales coalfield from 1 December 1916.
Japan: 39 Japanese soldiers are killed in Aomori Prefecture when their troop train collides with a cargo train.
United States: Further protest of U.S.A. against deportation of Belgians.
Australia: Constructing nearing completion on the HMAS Brisbane, the only cruiser built in Australia: http://imgur.com/GG1rXDk

[dicksbro]

Just a little side note ...

HMAS Brisbane was a Town class light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Built in Sydney between 1913 and 1916 to the Chatham subtype design, Brisbane operated in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Australian coastal waters during World War I.

Following the end of the war, the cruiser was decommissioned and recommissioned on several occasions, and was reclassified as a training ship in late 1925.

In 1935, Brisbane was reactivated to transport personnel for the new cruiser HMAS*Sydney to Britain, after which she was decommissioned and sold for breaking up as scrap.

[gekkogecko]

Kewl: nice supplement, DB.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
French aircraft bomb Thionville.
Battle of Verdun: Crown Prince gives up command of German army on Verdun front.

Eastern Front
Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: Russian troops launch counterattacks to stop the Central Power’s advance in Romania, but they are now only 12 miles from Bucharest.
Germans force passage of River Neajlovu.
Dobruja: Russian and RNAS armored cars (left Odessa November 13, arriving Hirsova on Danube November 27), lead attack (until December 1 with 7 armored cars damaged) at Topalul aiding IV Siberian Corps (over 9,000 casualties) to take two hills hold by Bulgarian troops.
Galicia: Russians repulsed on river Zlota Lipa.

Southern Front
General artillery action Italian front.
Greek army reported marching north.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Persia: Russians 30 miles south of northern Persian frontier.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: German raider (ex-liner) Wolf (Nerger, 458 mines, and a small seaplane) breaks out for worldwide 15-month cruise (until March 24, 1918) that sinks 15 ships for 38,391t.
Channel: Q-ship Penshurst sinks coastal submarine UB-19 (left Zeebruegge November 22). http://imgur.com/F6I7OoV
U-49 on maiden voyage (November) sinks 40,000t shipping in Channel and Biscay.
Britain: During November the shipping losses were 49 ships (7 to mines) worth 168,809t in total to U-boats of 325,218t of all nations (164,130t or 40 ships in Mediterranean).

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Francis Joseph‘s funeral: Kaiser Wilhelm II; Tsar Ferdinand; Kings of Bavaria and Saxony; Crown Princes of Germany, Sweden and Turkey attend.Francis Joseph’s coffin being placed on the hearse: http://imgur.com/qEipe4z* © IWM (Q 88236) Funeral procession of mourners on the way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral: http://imgur.com/NwxFBzT* © IWM (Q 88228) Coffin of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary at St. Stephen’s Cathedral: http://imgur.com/fusCFTk* © IWM (Q 112660)
Germany: German actress Dorrit Weixler, known for her comedic roles, commits suicide: http://imgur.com/t8Ht8VW
United Kingdom: British officials claim that Germans are supporting American pacifists in an effort to end the war in Germany’s favor.
Lord Derby on New Volunteer Army.
Italy: Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the radio, is tasked by Italy to organize Rome’s move away from gas to electricity for cooking & heating.
Greece: Reserve officers called up. Government refuses Allied demands; Allies land their troops at Piraeus. French authorities are expelled from Athens.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Britain: In December plan to expand RFC on Western Front to 106 regular and 95 reserve squadrons.
First flight of Royal Aircraft Factory SE5 single-seat fighter (prototype crashes January 1917).
During December RFC loses 27 aircraft in action, 17 within BEF lines.
Horses pulling artillery guns up a slope at a French artillery school in Bougainville: http://imgur.com/J5c6joO* © IWM (Q 58155)

Eastern Front
Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: Government leaves Bucharest for Jassy.
Battle of the Arges: (until December 5): 3 Rumanian divisions counter-stroke takes 3,000 PoWs and 20 guns from Mackensen, but Falkenhayn joins up to save 217th Division on December 2 and Russian 40th Division remains inactive till vain attacks on December 4 and 5.
Carpathians: Lechitski driven off Rakida and Kirlibaba heights but pushes up Trotus Valley on December 3, takes peak commanding Jablonitsa Pass on December 4.

Southern Front
Italy: Austrians bomb Vicenza.
Greece: King’s troops (over 40 killed) fight 3,000 Allied sailors and marines (227 casualties) for 3 1/2 hours in Athens outskirts until armistice leads to Allied withdrawal until December 2.
French C-in-C Admiral Dartigue involved in Athens fighting. Battleship Mirabeau fires 4 shells near Royal Palace forcing Constantine and family into cellar.
Macedonia: German and Bulgarian troops launch two counterattacks against Serbian and French lines in Macedonia, recapturing some trenches.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: Surrender reported of sons of Ali Dinar (late Sultan of Darfur); organised resistance ended.

Naval and Overseas Operations
During December U-boats sink 167 ships (39 British worth 109,936t; 58 Allied; 70 neutral) worth 276,400t.
Adriatic: In December British Monitor Earl of Peterborough arrives at Venice to support Italian Army.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: At Herceghalom, Hungary, 2 passenger trains collide, resulting in 69 deaths: the deadliest train accident in Hungary. Many of the passengers were mourners who attended yesterday's funeral of Emperor Franz Joseph. The crash site: http://imgur.com/bqaKaXm
Germany: Compared to 1910, the population of Berlin dropped by almost 300,000 and is now 1,712,679 people.
United Kingdom: Last meeting of War Committee of British Cabinet (see 9th and November 3rd, 1915).
British Admiral Baron Beresford warns about increased German submarine activity: “We are in a position of unparalleled gravity.
Publication of Despatch of 1 October 1916 from Sir A. Murray (operations 1 June - 30 September 1916).
Mr. Lloyd George declares his inability to remain in the Government.
United States: Professor Frederick M. Scott of the University of Michigan predicts the U.S. will have its own “American” language in the future.
President Wilson, accompanied by Secret Service men, goes through Washington’s shopping district to buy Christmas presents.
Greece: Greek Government refuse Entente demands (leads to fighting listed above).

[gekkogecko]

Eastern Front
Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: Fighting rages on three sides of Bucharest. Romanian troops recapture two villages to the south, but are pushed back in the north and west.
Heavy fighting at Cerna Voda (Dobruja).
Carpathians: In the Carpathians, Russian troops advance against Austria-Hungary and enter the village of Cârlibaba.

Southern Front
Greece: Allies declare blockade and embargo all Greek vessels. Venizelists fight Royalists in Athens (former massacred on December 6). Twohundred people are killed in Athens due to clashes between Entente and Greek troops. King Constantine of Greece agrees to a truce.
Serbs carry strong Bulgarian positions north of Gumishta; Turks assist Bulgarians at Seres and Drama.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British Kilwa Force occupies Ngarambi, 30 miles northwest of Fort Kibata.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: New Emperor Charles takes command of Armed Forces.
Russia: Russian Premier (M. Trepov) announces that the Allies have acknowledged Russia's right to Constantinople and the Bosphorus Straits (see March 12th and April 12th, 1915).
Duma attack on ‘dark forces’ behind throne.
United Kingdom: British news-film “Topical Budget” showing Serbian troops operating in Macedonia, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5406
Greece: As part of the truce, Greek Government agrees to surrender six (subsequently eight) field batteries.

[Oldfart]

"Russian Premier (M. Trepov) announces that the Allies have acknowledged Russia's right to Constantinople and the Bosphorus Straits."

Has anyone told Putin?

[dicksbro]

"Russian Premier (M. Trepov) announces that the Allies have acknowledged Russia's right to Constantinople and the Bosphorus Straits."

Has anyone told Putin?

I hope not. Maybe there was a proviso that the Czar had to be in power for this to be in effect and Lenin made sure that can't happen. :confused:

JK

[gekkogecko]

Eastern Front
Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: In Romania, Central Power troops cross the lower Arges River, which brings the capital Bucharest in range of artillery guns. Falkenhayn then signs 3-day armistice allowing Bucharest‘s evacuation (arsenal and forts blown up on December 4).
Carpathians: Severe fighting in Carpathian and Moldavian Valleys; Russians push up the Trotus.
Romanian retreat south-east; heavily beaten by Mackensen on Lower Arges.
Bulgarians repulse Russian assaults in the Dobruja.

Southern Front
Serbia: Serb Drina Division captures Gruniste east of Crna, then Staravina on December 4.
Greece: Outrages against Venizelists at Athens; 1,300 French troops landed at Piraeus, but re-embarked.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Funchal (Madeira) bombarded by German submarine U-38, (see December 12th, 1917, when U-156 repeats it), sinking 2 ships in harbor, and the French sloop Surprise off port.
British and French Governments conclude agreement (the "Clementel Agreement"): (1) to unite British ships in French service to those already employed; (2) to co-ordinate Allied tonnage; (3) to create inter-allied bureau to centralise charter of neutral shipping (see January 6th, November 3rd, and December 3rd, 1917).

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles I of Austria visits the Austro-Hungarian Army headquarters for the first time since ascending the throne.
Russia: Russian Premier Trepov promises that after the war, Russia will create a new Kingdom of Poland that encompasses all Polish territory.
Germany: Socialist members of the Reichstag denounce German forced labor and deportations of Belgian civilians.
United Kingdom: Admiral Sir Henry Jackson, First Sea Lord, Great Britain, resigns (see 4th, and May 28th, 1915).
David Lloyd George and other Conservative Cabinet members demands Premier Asquith to resign, or else they would resign. Mr. Asquith decides on re-construction of Government.
Wage dispute in South Wales settled in favor of miners.
Mexico: Pancho Villa retreats from the city of Chihuahua, Mexico after sacking it. Mexican government troops later retake the city.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
RFC loses 2 aircraft in air combat, claims 9 Germans shot or forced down.
French soldiers firing a 145 mm naval gun at Hardecourt-aux-Bois: http://imgur.com/h7FjIF3* © IWM (Q 79009)

Eastern Front
Romania: The three Central Power armies advancing on Bucharest, Romania join their fronts. 8000 Romanian soldiers & 35 artillery guns are captured.
German troops checking debris left by the retreating Romanian Army near Bucharest: http://imgur.com/xgR8p7h* © IWM (Q 87006)
Fighting in Stanislau and Tarnopol (Galicia).
Russians capture peak commanding Jablonitsa Pass (also listed for yesterday).

Southern Front
Salonika: Turkish XX Corps HQ arrives east of Struma, rest of formation by January 11, 1917.
Greece: Quieter at Athens; detachments (Allies) continue to re-embark.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Persia: Great aerial activity on Tigris front.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Britain: Jellicoe succeeds Admiral Sir H Jackson as First Sea Lord (post offered on November 22). He forms an Admiralty Anti-submarine Division under rear-admiral Duff.
Mediterranean: Caledonia (Anchor Line) torpedoed by submarine U-65. Crew saved, Captain Blaikie prisoner.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Lloyd George resigns, after prime minister Asquith changes mind over smaller war committee demand. The King approves of re-construction of Government.
Lord R. Cecil reports on “situation” in Greece.
Canada: Canadian War Department reports Canadian casualties now numbers 65,680 soldiers.
United States: Last stagecoach robbery takes place near Jarbridge, Nevada, & $4000 are stolen (the money is never found & still believed to be buried).
"The Rink,” directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, is released: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/The_Rink_%281916%29.webm

[PantyFanatic]

The Cosmos
Planet Earth: One hundred years ago, in the deep dark swamps of the Okefenokee there was an evil spirit from prehistoric time that long to take a form that would be able to cruelly torment future innocent people, (namely me). This demonic entity long ago decided to divide itself into two existences, a male form and a female form so to be able to confuse all people. First came Beelzebub, the male form, to practice and perfect the way for the true future of oppression and torture of the innocent from the female form. Now that she saw her spirit could put the entire world into a war and while she had to wait decades for her perfect victim, it was this day a century ago that she came into being.

Happy Birthday Lilith. :vamp:

[dicksbro]

The Cosmos
Planet Earth: One hundred years ago, in the deep dark swamps of the Okefenokee there was an evil spirit from prehistoric time that long to take a form that would be able to cruelly torment future innocent people, (namely me). This demonic entity long ago decided to divide itself into two existences, a male form and a female form so to be able to confuse all people. First came Beelzebub, the male form, to practice and perfect the way for the true future of oppression and torture of the innocent from the female form. Now that she saw her spirit could put the entire world into a war and while she had to wait decades for her perfect victim, it was this day a century ago that she came into being.

Happy Birthday Lilith. :vamp:
Ya' learn something new everyday. :yikes:

Oh, yeah, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LILITH!

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
View of the devastated Somme battlefield after rain: http://imgur.com/2bfhZ6r* © IWM (Q 2795)
The ruins of the village of Souchez, France: http://imgur.com/gxMddhn* © IWM (Q 70424)
A queue of prisoners outside a prisoner of war camp, by Nico Jungman: http://imgur.com/cHSocp7* © IWM (Art.IWM ART 526)

Eastern Front
Romania: Battle of the Arges ends (see 1st). Mackensen's demand for surrender of Bucharest refused; Austro-Germans advancing on Ploesti (oilfields);
Colonel Norton-Griffiths, Military Police, sabotages Ploesti oilfields (827,000t petrol lost) as Falkenhayn’s Group Morgen approaches and occupies on December 6.
Romanians abandon Predeal Pass; their Orsova rearguard gives battle on the Aluta.
Carpathians: Austro-Hungarian counter-attacks.

Southern Front
Greece: Much unrest at Athens, but comparative order.* Reservists concerned in attack dismissed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Turks retake Qunfideh on coast south of Mecca and drive Feisal back to Yanbo where Lawrence soon arrives.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Portugese invested at Newala, Marumba and Majembi but escape over river Rovuma to Nangedi which Germans occupy between December 8-20.

Political, etc.
Germany: Hindenburg Auxiliary Service law, all males from 17-60 years liable.
United Kingdom: King asks Bonar Law to form government but Asquith twice refuses to serve under him so Lloyd George becomes Prime Minister.
Barnbow National Shell Filling factory (near Leeds) explosion kills 35 munitionettes.
Belgium: Allies associate themselves with Belgian protest against German “slave raids” in Belgium.

[dicksbro]

Western Front

Portugese invested at Newala, Marumba and Majembi but escape over river Rovuma to Nangedi which Germans occupy between December 8-20.

Don't you turn left at Main St. and go three blocks to Marumba? :spin:

I love how news reports (old and new) are written like everyone would know just where all these locations are.

Oh, yeah, I think the Rovuma passes the Village Pharmacy on Glen. :faint:

:D

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of Verdun: Germans capture trenches at Hill 304, French recapture it on December 7.

Eastern Front
Romania: Bukharest capitulates to the German forces (see November 30th, 1918). Mackensen rides in on a white charger, on his 67th birthday. Kaiser celebrates with champagne. 8,000 survivors of Rumanian 1st Division with 26 guns surrender on river Aluta after 125-mile retreat to east.
German, Austro-Hungarian, and Bulgarian armies enter Bucharest, the capital of Romania: http://imgur.com/MnWB9Dj* © IWM (Q 87134)
Field Marshal August von Mackensen in Bucharest: http://imgur.com/zAWO26z* © IWM (Q 85937)
Austro-Hungarian cavalry entering Bucharest: http://imgur.com/3AA9VEQ* © IWM (Q 69958)
German troops and civilian onlookers in Bucharest: http://imgur.com/XThkCKj* © IWM (Q 87112)
Pripet: Fighting west of Lutsk, around Tarnopol and Stanislau (Galicia) and around Dorna Vatra (Bukovina).

Southern Front
Italy: Reciprocal air attacks on Trieste and Aquileia (Isonzo mouth).
Greece: Royalists at Athens in control. British legation prepares to leave. Massacre of Venizelists in Athens (see 1st, and November 23rd).
Bulgarian activity on the Carso checked.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Atlantic: Destroyer HMS Ariel sinks SM UC-19 with modified explosive sweep (high-speed paravane).
East Africa: Action at Fort Kibata (until December 9): Lettow attacks 800 British troops with 3 (German) guns and seizes Picquet Hill, causing 127 casualties.

Political, etc.
Germany: Berlin Casualty Office ceases to publish regular casualty lists (Verlustliste), giving names, regiments or other particulars. Henceforward alphabetical lists of individuals appear with no indication of unit or even the front concerned.
German newspapers react to Prime Minister Asquith’s resignation, predicting that the war will end soon.
United Kingdom: King George signs an Order in Council giving the Board of Agriculture power to seize land to grow food.
United States: Special Note: 1865 –Slavery in the United States was officially abolished when the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified.
Greece: Greek Provisional Government at Salonika denounces Royalist Government at Athens as unrepresentative.

[gekkogecko]

Don't you turn left at Main St. and go three blocks to Marumba?

Oh, yeah, I think the Rovuma passes the Village Pharmacy on Glen. :faint:



I knew I should have made that left turn at Albuquerque.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
Battle of Verdun: German attacks lead the capture of Hill 304 and 200 French prisoners; French subsequently regain trenches lost on Hill 304.

Eastern Front
Romania: Central Power armies in Romania capture 9000 Romanian troops, as its offensive continues after the fall of Bucharest.
Romanian retreat east on all fronts; Wallachia in Central Powers’ hands; latter checked on Moldavian frontier.
Russians attack in south-east Galicia.
Fighting in Oitoz and Trotus valleys.

Southern Front
Continued heavy fighting in Monastir region.
Action south of Seres.
Greece: Entente Governments announce forthcoming blockade of Greece from December 8th (see 1st). (Also reported for yesterday).
Sir G. Milne's despatch of 9 October 1916 issued, covering operations on Salonika front 9 July to 8 October 1916.
Troops from the Morea concentrating round Athens.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Philip Chetwode GOC of new Desert Column.
Aden: British brigade retakes Jabir and Haturn (over 150 Turk casualties).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Suffren, the French battleship, sunk earlier (see 26 November), reported lost with all hands.
Atlantic: SS Mount Temple, a ship that responded to the Titanic’s distress signal, is captured by German raider SMS Möwe. Mount Temple is scuttled, resulting in loss of its cargo, which included 710 horses and 22 crates of dinosaur fossils: http://imgur.com/xpJS6hd
Africa:
Algeria: 1,200 Senussi besiege Agades inside the Sahara (until March 3, 1917), wipe out 54 camelry men on December 28. Senegalese battalion sails from Marseilles to Dakar (arriving January 4, 1917) and crosses to Nigeria.
Mediterranean: German submarine UB-46 hits a Russian mine near Bosphorus, resulting in the deaths of all 20 crew. Wreckage today: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Ub-46-wreck-2.jpg/1280px-Ub-46-wreck-2.jpg

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany rejects Belgian protest as unfounded.
France: Government wins confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies 344-160.
United Kingdom: LLOYD GEORGE BECOMES PRIME MINISTER.
Call up of non-skilled munition workers agreed.
Turkey: Interior Ministry reports to Grand Vizir 702,900 Armenians ‘relocated’ by October 31.
Greece: “Persecution” of Venizelists continues. Official complicity in late outrages at Athens confirmed.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
French daggers on display at Les Invalides, Paris: http://imgur.com/6DggMzP* © IWM (Q 107536)

Eastern Front
Romania: Battle of River Cricov (until December 12) as Rumanians retreat northeast on Rimnicu Sarat. Germans claim 70,000 PoWs, 184 guns, 115 MGs between December 1 and 9 and advance 20 miles east of Ploesti by December 11. Hungarian 51st Honved Division occupies Sinaia south of Predeal Pass.
Heavy fighting in Galicia, in south of Bukovina, and on Moldavian frontier.

Southern Front
Greece: Entente Powers begin blockade of Greece (see 7th), as King Constantine remains friendly with Germany.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Italian battleship Regina Margherita blown up on Italian minefield.
East Africa: Portuguese retire from Nangadi (East Africa); Germans occupy it.

Political, etc.
Russia: Murman Railway (from Murmansk to Petrograd) declared open.
United Kingdom: Asquith and members of the Liberal Party agree to support David Lloyd George as the new Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Greece: Allied citizens leave Athens but Ambassadors see King on December 9.
Allies demand explanation of Greek troops concentrated round Athens.

[gekkogecko]

Eastern Front
Romania: Field Marshal von Mackensen, commander of the German forces in Romania, takes up quarters at the Royal palace in Bucharest.
In the past week, German forces in Romania have captured 70,000 prisoners, 184 artillery guns, and 120 machine guns.
Russian military warns that if Germany conquers Romania, then the Central Powers would be free to concentrate on Russia.

Southern Front
Continuous fighting throughout Russian southern front.
Bulgars cross Danube near Silistria and Tutrakan, capturing towns on left bank.
Fighting near Monastir.
Turkish posts taken south of Seres.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Distress caused in Canary Islands by German blockade.

Political, etc.
Russia: Tsar at Tsarskoe Selo (until December 19).
Germany: Hindenburg given the first 1914 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross.
Raw Materials Office merger/closure agreement on nonessential industries to save transport.
France: Terrier letter from Paris to Lyautey ‘The name that is in every mouth is …General Nivelle‘.
United Kingdom: War Cabinet formed in Great Britain.[The War Committee (see November 3rd, 1915) which held their last meeting on December 1st ceased to function on the formation of the War Cabinet which undertook the duties of the War Committee.] First Meeting held (see 1st).
Italy: Italian Chamber of Deputies votes 376 to 45 in confidence of their government’s conduct of the war.
Japan: Natsume Sōseki, the renowned Japanese novelist, passed away: http://imgur.com/4HzJHCZ
Greece: British and U.S.A. Ministers have audience of King Constantine.

[gekkogecko]

Eastern Front
Romania: Stubborn fighting in Carpathians, south Bukovina and Trotus Valley.
Fighting north of Ploesti.

Southern Front
Italy: Heavy snows hit the frontlines of Italy and Austria-Hungary in the Alps, as heavy artillery exchanges continue.
Serbia: Russo-Serb attacks against Hill 1050 fail (until December 11) against German Guard-Schützen Battalion.
Bulgarian forces cross the Danube from the Dobruja, in an effort to cut off the retreating Romanian army’s retreat.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: Merchant U-boat Deutschland returns to river Weser.
East Africa: British soldiers heading towards the wreck of the German cruiser SMS Königsberg in German East Africa: http://imgur.com/haPViHQ

Political, etc.
France: French government bans paper imports to help raise the exchange and to encourage the French paper industry.
United Kingdom: Members of Britain’s new War Cabinet are announced: Lloyd George, Earl Curzon, Andrew Bonar Law, Arthur Henderson, & Lord Milner.
British govt agrees to send railroad freight cars to France, as 20,000 freight cars are used to supply the British Expeditionary Force.
Japan: Field Marshal Prince Ōyama Iwao, one of the founders of the Imperial Japanese Army, passed away: http://imgur.com/Lp9bpQh
United States: Kirk Douglas (the future actor, producer, director & author), is born to an impoverished Jewish immigrant family in Amsterdam, NY. (Listed for yesterday)
Greece: Allies demand Greek demobilization and intercept King’s radio messages to Berlin.
Albania: The Autonomous Albanian Republic of Korçë is established by French forces in the occupied city of Korçë, Albania.

[gekkogecko]

Bad weather shutting most military opertions (most, not all), but massively active day in the political realm:
Western Front
Allied air-raids on Zeebrugge.
Somme: Violent Allied artillery bombardment.
Battle of Verdun: Preparatory French bombardment by 760 guns (350 heavy).

Eastern Front
Romania: Heavy rains fail to halt the German advance in Romania towards Buzău. Several thousand more Romanian prisoners are captured.

Southern Front
Battle of the Cerna and Monastir ends (see October 5th).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Vice-Admiral Adrian Nepenin’s Fleet order against non-saluting becomes unpopular with officers and men.

Political, etc.
Russia: State Council of Russia urges the government to work with the Legislature and eliminate “irresponsible influences” from state affairs.
Germany: German reply to U.S.A. Note re: Belgian deportations.
France: Heavy shakeup of the French government and military is in the works in response to the Allied failure in Romania and stalemate in the West.
United Kingdom: Mr. Lloyd George's Coalition Ministry formed in Great Britain (see 7th, and May 25th, 1915):
Lord Derby appointed Secretary of State for War, Great Britain, in succession to Mr. Lloyd George (see September 30th, 1915, and July 7th and April 20th, 1918).
Viscount Edward Grey, British Secretary for Foreign Affairs, resigns. (Appointed December 11th, 1905.)
Mr. Arthur Balfour, First Lord of the Admiralty, Great Britain, resigns, and is appointed Secretary for Foreign Affairs, (see 12th and May 28th, 1915).
Ministry of Labour formed in Great Britain.
Italy: Italian government announces it will take complete control of meat supplies after January 1st and will ban sales on Thursdays & Fridays.
Romania: King Ferdinand of Romania arrives in Reni, Bessarabia (Ukraine) to meet with Tsar Nicholas II.
United States: President Wilson announces that he will retain his current Cabinet members for his second term.
Greece: Allied Note presented to Greece demanding complete demobilisation (see 1st and 14th).
French Admiral Louis Fournet relieved of command for December 1 action. (The French felt he had not pursued a more vigorous bombardment when he could have).
Report Venizelist rising in the Cyclades.

[gekkogecko]

Western Front
The Army Council approves the expansion of the Royal Flying Corps to 106 frontline squadrons.
Battle of Verdun: French soldier at the hallowed out hills of Fort Vaux near Verdun: http://imgur.com/naiulNX

Eastern Front
Romania: Fighting continues round Tarnopol and Stanislau (Galicia) and in south Bukovina.
With help of Russians, Romanians feebly rally on the Jalomitsa and south-west of Buzeu.

Southern Front
Greece: Venizelist troops land at Syra which with other Cyclades comes under National Government.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
A lone British soldier in Mesopotamia (Iraq) looking towards Ottoman positions: http://imgur.com/nHeC7tC
British feint on Sanna-i-yat, and move on Shatt-el-Hai.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Identical Notes presented by Austro-Hungarian, Bulgarian, German and Turkish Governments to United States Ambassadors in their respective countries requesting them to inform the Governments of the Entente powers that the four Allied Central Powers are ready to negotiate for peace (see 30th).
Germany: German Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg (in concert with the note for Austria-Hungary, above) offers the Allied nations to start peace negotiations: http://imgur.com/hYUXa2Q
Von Bethmann-Hollweg reading the German government’s peace proposal at the Reichstag:
http://imgur.com/AJvJlof
Kaiser’s warlike speech to troops at Mulhouse, Alsace. General Groner addresses unique TU (Trade Union) Congress at Berlin, orders War Office bureaux to recognize unions (December 13).
France: Reorganisation of French Government. M. Aristide Briand remains Premier. New War Cabinet of five Ministers formed., includes Armaments Minister Albert Thomas. General Robert Nivelle becomes Commander-in-Chief of French Northern and North Eastern Groups of Armies (see May 15th, 1917); Nivelle cancels long-planned French blow south of Somme. General Joseph Joffre (see December 3rd, 1915) becomes Technical Military Adviser to the War Cabinet. Ferdinand Foch removed by Joffre from command of Northern Army Group (Franchet d’Esperey succeeds on December 27). Admiral Louis Dartigue relieved of command for Athens debacle, Vice-Admiral Dominique-Marie Gauchet takes over as French and titular Allied C-in-C (outside Adriatic and Aegean) on December 16, for duration of war.
United Kingdom: Sir Edward Carson succeeds Mr Balfour as First Lord of the Admiralty, Great Britain (see 11th and July 19th, 1917).
Munitions Ministry Trench Mortar committee formed.
Poland: Józef Piłsudski, founder of the Polish Legions, arrives in Warsaw in the newly-established Kingdom of Poland: http://imgur.com/BxtFXiu
United States: Wall Street reacts in turmoil to Germany’s announcement, and nearly 2.5 million shares are sold off.
Greece: King regrets Athens incidents via Paris Ambassador.
Netherlands: Government orders grain ships to only carry grain and to not mix cargo, in order to prevent them from being targeted by German submarines.