Western Front
Unternehmen Mars: Local attacks near Albert repulsed. British war poet and painter Pte Isaac Rosenberg killed aged 27 east of Arras (4th Division).
Grivesnes (southern Moreuil) heavily attacked but remains in French hands.
At Hebuterne (Bucquoy) heavy local fighting.
Germany: During April 8 German divisions transfer to Western Front.
British soldiers taking a rest near Amiens to eat during their retreat from the German offensive: © IWM (Q 10842):
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...152775211470848
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is formed by the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). The Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) is also formed from those serving in air units of Women's Royal Naval Service, Women's Auxiliary Army Corps, the Voluntary Aid Detachment and the Women's Legion.
The Royal Aircraft Establishment is formed from the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough.
That’s the for realz note. Wikipedia reports this as: Wikipedia's report on this is: 1918 – The British Armed Forces started to grant personnel the power to fly.
All ex-RNAS units (add 60 to squadron numbers and 200 to wing nos); RNAS officers receive military ranks; 63 RAF squadrons and 1 Special Duty Flight in France. Includes RAF Nos 100 and 216 night bombing Squadrons transferred to French zone to raid rail targets in Chalons-sur-Marne sector on six 6 nights (until May 9).
Two mascot dogs of the British No. 22 Squadron on top of a Bristol Fighter: © IWM (Q 11991):
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...425817019879426
England: In April London Air Defence Area has 282 fighters on 14 airfields, 260 guns and 353 searchlights.
France: 7 Gotha bombers drop 21 bombs on Paris.
Men of the South African Scottish brigade with their pet baboon holding a rifle: © IWM (Q 10841):
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...167872914903046
British tanks at Mont-Saint-Éloi to meet the German offensive: © IWM (Q 338):
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...395613782241280
German (??) observation balloons being sent up over Coblenz:
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...456017409560577
Eastern Front
Finish Civil War: German Expeditionary Force for Finland leaves Danzig.
Whites close ring on 1,000 Reds in Battle of Rautu (until April 5).
USSR: Red Army now 114,678 soldiers strong, 30 divisors planned (88 in May).
Ukraine: During April French Captain E Bordes, officially helping Red Ukraine C-in-C Antonov, moves 3,000 rail wagons of munitions to Samara on Volga, out of German reach. Similar convoys (including strategic minerals) to Tsaritsyn and Baku.
Southern Front
Mediterranean: RAF HQ at Malta, 6 aircraft/seaplane carriers based there or at Alexandria and Mudros.
Salonika: No 150 Squadron RAF formed with flights from Nos 17 and 47 Squadrons, destroys or captures 36 Bulgarian aircraft for loss of 1 (until September 18).
Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: British destroyer HMS
Falcon sunk in collision.
Atlantic: In April fast US troop convoys begin, transporting 1,037,000 troops for loss of 3 transports;
Aquitania carries 60,000 men in 9 voyages.
An American troop convoy is approaching the French coast with the safety of airships:
https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...itzug.jpg?ssl=1
Mediterranean: In April First Sea Lord and Royal Navy Intelligence chief Rear-Admiral Hall visit Malta to reorganize C-in-C’s staff to reduce shipping losses. Fixed Otranto Barrage begun (until September) but 121 U-boat passages (until August) despite 58 depth charge attacks.
Britain: In April HMS Simoom, first S-class destroyer completed (ordered Apr 1917), 18 more completed by Armistice. During April Allied shipbuilding for first time exceeds lost tonnage and does so for duration of war.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: Strong Turkish resistance near Amman; British retire to Es Salt.
During April one British anti-aircraft section of 2 guns (17 sections with EEF) in action 76 times, firing average of 100 rounds, Germans especially note hampering of reconnaissance during April 13-19.
Persia: Enzeli evacuated by the Russian regular forces (see February 17th).
Martinsyde Scout of No 72 Squadron RAF joins Dunsterville at Hamadan.
Mesopotamia: British troops 73 miles beyond Ana (Middle Euphrates).
Political, etc
Germany: Berlin reports the despatch of ultimatum to Russia on subject of Finland.
Canada: Anti-conscription riots continue in Quebec. Troops fire on rioters.