Western Front
Paris first shelled by long-range gun (from Crépy-en-Valois, 75 miles distant) (see August 15th). Note: this gun, for some abysmally stupid reason sometimes referred to as “Big Bertha” was one mount, with several replacement barrels. It was a special 8.26in Krupp design. The first bombardment, lasting until May 1, consists of 183 shells. Overall, the daily shelling of Paris continues until August 9), for a total of 303 rounds fired, with 23 shots at range of 74 miles (256 killed, 620 wounded).
Unternehmen Michael. Second Battle of the Somme. Battle of St Quentin: Battle of St Quentin phase ends. Germans take Monchy-le-Preux, cross Tortille river. British lose line of Crozat Canal: Gough decides to continue retreat to western bank of the Somme. Germans enter Ham and Peronne (evacuated) and pursue to there; some bridges lost more or less intact. French infantry (5 divisions ordered) begin to arrive by lorry to take over front south of Peronne, 1 regiment in action. Byng’s Third Army abandons Flesquieres (Cambrai) Salient.
A British tank Mark IV (female) in the ruined streets of Peronne, shortly before evacuation:
https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ronne.jpg?ssl=1
French refugees leaving the commune of Ham in order to escape the German Spring Offensive: © IWM (Q 10828):
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...818313245462529
A wounded British soldier at Peronne after fighting the Germans at St. Quentin: © IWM (Q 10779):
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...864864168759297
U.S. Marine receiving first aid in a trench in the Toulon Sector, France:
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...879964447526914
German forces claim the capture of 25,000 British prisoners, 400 artillery guns, and 300 machine guns so far in its offensive:
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...151747700510721
British soldiers setting up an improvised barrier in Peronne as defenses against the German offensive: © IWM (Q 11568):
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...181956847865857
British air-raid on Konz (near Treves) by night.
French fighters reinforce Royal Flying Corps (38 planes lost including 6 in Flanders; Germans claim 29 Allied aircraft for loss of 14) between the Oise and Somme (until March 24) who claim 36 German aircraft as weather improves.
Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: 4 British echo-ranging East Coast stations accurately fix Dover Patrol monitors bombarding Zeebrugge.
Dardanelles: British destroyer HMS
Arno sunk in collision.
Western Mediterranean: Italian minelayer
Partenope sunk by
UC-67 off Tunisia after firing her last shell.
Political, etc
Germany: Russian and Romanian treaties adopted by Reichstag.