23 September 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: BEF losses 20,000 soldiers since September 20.
British troops at Zillebeke during the 3rd Battle of Ypres with a disabled British tank in the background: © IWM (Q 3224): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...223588568682496
A knocked-out British tank near Zonnebeke at the 3rd Battle of Ypres: © IWM (Q 6468): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...253801767772161
Flanders: Haig calls off long-planned and prepared amphibious landing by 24,000 troops near Westende, because Third Ypres battle bogged down.
Western Front: Lieutenant Werner Voss (48 victories since November 27, 1916), leader of Jasta 10 killed in action, aged 20 in Fokker triplane by Lieutenant Rhys-David (killed in action on October 27). Voss was fighting an entire flight (7 SE 5as) of No 56 Squadron.
Werner Voss, German ace with 48 aerial victories, is killed in action after dogfighting with 7 British planes (6 aces) in a “last stand.”: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...587251775303680
German pilots prepare for a sortie with Fokker Dr.I triplanes: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...nsatz.jpg?ssl=1
France: US Tank Corps founded.

Eastern Front
Kaiser Wilhelm touring the oil refineries captured at Campina, Romania: © IWM (Q 70277): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...526829810470912

Naval and Overseas Operations
British destroyer sunk in Channel, 50 survivors. [Note: I can find no other mention of this, I think this is a mistaken post; probably from an earlier report]

Political, etc
Germany: Severe shortage of paper in Germany leads to many newspapers unable to print the day’s editions.
Russia: Bolsheviks accuse Russian Premier Kerensky of orchestrating the recent coup to crush the proletariat and the soviet council.

24 September 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: A German artillery shell lands just yards away from the photographer Ernest Brooks during the 3rd Battle of Ypres: © IWM (Q 2890): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...647628449984518
Highland Light Infantry troops resting before the attack during the 3rd Battle of Ypres: © IWM (Q 6006): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...900257851670528
Airplane raid on London and south-east coast, 21 killed, 70 injured. 3 of 16 Gotha bombers reach London, 1 bomb causes 39 casualties (of total 91) in Southampton Row; 30 defence sorties including first from Biggin Hill.
German Gotha bomber in flight: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...light.jpg?ssl=1
11 Navy Zeppelins dispatched: 5 wander east and north counties; only 3 civilian casualties but 5 defence fighters crash (night September 24-25).
German attack north of Bezonvaux, Fosses and Chaume Woods, Verdun (north-east), repulsed. 50 Germans are captured.
Germans bomb Royal Navy Air Service St Pol depot near Dunkirk (until October 1), destroy 140 engines.

Eastern Front
Baltic: Around this date Russian Baltic staff learn from Room 40 that German battleships coming east.

Southern Front
Salonika: General Paul Grossetti leaves with food poisoning complaint (died January 7, 1918 aged 56), General Charles Regnault temporary C-in-C French Army of the Orient.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British destroy German food depots west of Kilwa; Belgian column within ten miles of Mahenge.
Mediterranean: around this date 5 old US destroyers arrive at Port Said from Philippines, go on to Gibraltar for escort work.

Political, etc
United Kingdom: Captain Marchese di Laureati flies from Turin to London, non-stop, 650 miles, 7 hours 22 minutes.
Great Britain apologizes to Denmark for Jutland violation on 1 September 1917, and offers indemnity.
United States: Herbert Hoover, head of the U.S. Food Administration, recommends that people eat less candy to preserve sugar supplies.
Satisfactory Japanese Mission (Viscount Ishii) to U.S.A.
U.S. House approves the creation of a special suffrage committee to deal with issues concerning giving women the vote.

25 September 1917
 

Western Front
Battle of the Menin Road Ridge phase of the Third Battle of Ypres ends (see. 20th). Germans penetrate between Tower Hamlets and Polygon Wood, but later retire.
Shelled village near Ypres. In the autumn of 1914 here was fiercely fought, and in 1917 Flanders was a battlefield again: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-dorf.jpg?ssl=1
RFC makes the utterly fantastical claim of 19 German aircraft for loss of 1 missing.
South-east London raided by German aeroplanes; 9 killed, 23 injured.
15 Gotha bombers (1 lost) dispatched, 4 reach London.
Zeppelins attack Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coasts, 3 injured. A bomb dropped from the Zeppelin attack on Kingston-upon-Hull, England last night: © IWM (Q 61164): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...251621530378241
Belgium: Royal Navy Air Service and Royal Flying Corps attack St Denis Westrem and Gontrode Gotha bases (until October 10) forcing bombers to disperse and use two other airfields.

Southern Front
Adriatic: Italians bomb Pola and Olivi Rock submarine base.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Ostend bombarded again.
Brigadier-General Northey's summary of his operations in East Africa published.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russian detachments attack Turks successfully near Ortobo (Bitlis).
Mesopotamia: Royal Flying Corps No 63 squadron loses 2 RE8s on first reconnaissance mission from Baghdad to German aircraft near Tikrit.

Political, etc
Germany: New Fatherland's Party meeting and declaration of von Tirpitz's policy.
Russia: Vladimir Lenin writes to Central committee (letter arriving September 27) that armed uprising necessary.
France: Anglo-French Conference assembles in Boulogne to discuss an Italian offensive and the extension of the British front in France (see 4th). British agree in principle to extending BEF front.
United Kingdom: British postal worker holds 3 packages that tried to smuggle food into Germany by wrapping them in newspaper: © IWM (Q 54114): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...979813430288384
Ireland: Death of Easter Rising rebel T Ashe (rearrested August 14) after forcible feeding in prison.
United States: U.S.A. declares itself not one of the "Allies".

26 September 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Polygon Wood begins (see October 3rd). British 0550 hours thrust (15,000 casualties) including 5 tanks and Anzac troops, gains almost all 1,200 yards planned, smashes 3 German Reserve divisions (12.5% casualties) in four counter-attacks and takes 1,600 PoWs. Four hostile counter-attacks fail after fierce fighting. Described as ‘A day of heavy fighting, accompanied by every circumstances that could cause us loss’ by Ludendorff.
A soldier wearing a German sniper mask made with ½ inch steel: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...342261903609858
Royal Flying Corps reports or ranges 260 German batteries. Both sides make low-flying attacks on troops (MGs bring down 5 of 11 German aircraft lost in day).
An Australian Army Vickers machine-gun team engages a low-flying enemy aircraft: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...afire.jpg?ssl=1

Southern Front
Fighting in Marmolada region.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Irish Sea: Royal Navy PC61 rams and sinks UC-33 in St George’s Channel.
East Africa: German-aligned native forces retire from strong post in Lukuledi valley (22 miles south-east of Lindi).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Hejaz railway bridge destroyed near Maan; train derailed, 80 prisoners.

Political, etc
Germany: Reichstag President denounces Mr. Wilson.
Russia: Central Georgian Council formed.
M. Aleksandr Kerenski resigns from Soviet.
United Kingdom: 75 strikes reported since September 19.
Canada: Conscription in force.
Australia: Australian strike: 50,000 unemployed in Sydney, etc.
Greece: Eleftherios Venizelos resigns War Ministry.
Argentina: The Argentine Chamber of Deputies votes 53 to 18 to cut diplomatic ties with Germany over its use of U-boats.

27 September 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Seven German counter-attacks east of Ypres repulsed. Another source states: British forces hold on to all gains made yesterday at Ypres against 3 German counterattacks. Over 1000 Germans are taken prisoner.
5th Australian Division completes recapture of Polygon Wood.
Stretcher-bearers carry a wounded soldier through the mud of Ypres which reaches their knees: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ypres.jpg?ssl=1
A captured German prisoner at Ypres looking through the barbed wire of a POW camp: © IWM (Q 3067): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...642937800003585
Australian 4th Division soldiers near Zonnebeke at Ypres wearing gas masks: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...005327653752833
Seaplanes raid St. Denis Westrem aerodrome: 15 Gothas hit.
A Royal Garrison Artillery gunner with his battery’s mascot, a goat: © IWM (Q 6005): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...733550440517638

Southern Front
Pola and Olivi Rock Austro-Hungarian submarine bases heavily bombed.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: First air-dropped mining success: Russian destroyer Okhotnik sinks on German aircraft-laid mine (one of 70 since July 1 ) off Zerel (Oesel island).
Britain: Order-in-Council improves Royal Navy pay and pensions, abolishes ‘hospital stoppages’.
East Africa: Kilwa Force action at Nahungu Hill (until September 28): another 3 column assault met by dusk counter-attack cover to German retreat; hospital and food store abandoned.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians fight Kurds near Oromaru.

Political, etc
Russia: Russian Democratic Congress at Moscow opens. Arrest of Vladimir Lenin ordered.
General Vladimir Sukhomlinov, the former Russian Minister of War, is sentenced to life in prison for leaving the Army unprepared for war.
United Kingdom: National War Bonds (5% and 4%), latter free of Income Tax started.
Premier David Lloyd George sues newspapers for libel for reporting that he left London to flee German air raids.
United States: Former President Roosevelt criticizes US military preparations, stating drafted men are drilling with broomsticks due to lack of rifles.

28 September 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Royal Flying Corps makes 20 bombing raids on a fine day, at least 8 German aircraft shot down.
A Royal Field Artillery gunner walking his puppy through the ruined streets of Ypres: © IWM (Q 2912): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...065747773083649
A British soldier at Ypres inside a captured German pill-box while German artillery fires on his position: © IWM (Q 2901): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...095941867044864
Airplane raid on south-east coast; raiders headed off from London; no damage. 2 Giant bombers for first time among 25 German aircraft sent (3 losses), 16 Gotha bombers turn back due to dense low cloud, only 9 manage to scatter bombs over Essex and Kent, 6 crash on return landing.
The Zeppelin-Staaken R-VI ‘Giant’: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeppe...R.VI_photo2.jpg
Zeebrugge and aerodromes bombed.

Southern Front
Italians gain ground on Monte S. Gabriele.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Big German supply centre 82 miles south-west of Kilwa captured. Linforce (99 casualties) drives Wahle from Mtua (until September 29), 3rd Nigerian battalion loses 110 casualties to Wahle at Nyengedi on September 30.
Rhodesian column ( NRFF column ) arrives 66 miles south-west of Liwale.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Action of Ramadi (28th/29th). Brooking (995 casualties) annihilates 4,100 Turks with 10 guns (3,456 PoWs), takes 4 small craft on Euphrates. Another source says: 3,455 prisoners (includes Turkish commander), and 13 guns.
Turkish PoWs captured at the Battle of Ramadi are led to the rear: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-pows.jpg?ssl=1
Red Cross river work.
Bolo Pasha arrested.

Political, etc
Germany: Von Kuhlmann on Papal Note in Reichstag.
Dr. Michaelis refuses to state German war aims.
Thailand: A new flag of Thailand is adopted by royal decree issued by King Rama VI: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...337519571337216

29 September 1917
 

Western Front
A night bombing raid on balloon shed near Quiery-la-Motte is undertaken by two Royal Naval Air Service Sopwith Camels.
Airplane raid on London; 3 machines penetrate defences, 14 killed, 87 injured.
Another source, more detail: 7 Gotha bombers (1 crash lands in Holland) and 3 Giants dispatched, 3 plus 1 (1 lost to Dover anti-aircraft fire) respectively bomb London, Waterloo Station damaged (127 civilian casualties).
Belgium: RNAS Handley Pages bomb Zeebrugge (nights until October 2) but 220 bombs fail to hit lock gates.

Southern Front
Italians improve position on Bainsizza Plateau, claiming 1,400 prisoners.
Another source, more detail: Italian 44th Division captures Na Kobil (2,552 ft) with 1,400 PoWs on Bainsizza Plateau (600 more on September 30), but victorious General Papa killed there on October 5.
An Austro-Hungarian gun in the ice tunnels of the Alps in Tyrol: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...429439949819904

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: ‘The mastery of the air has … passed over to the British’, Turco-Germans estimate Royal Flying Corps strength at 30-40 planes.

Political, etc
Germany: First tank unit formed, 113 men with 5 A7Vs (delivered December 8, more units created). German’s massive A7V entered service in late 1917 but had a high centre of gravity aqnd inadquate engines that gave it a poor cross-country capability: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...9/A7V.jpg?ssl=1
German Social Democratic Party has lost 76% of its membership since 1914 due to the war and schism within the party.
Russia: Russian government reaffirms its pledge to be committed to the “reconstruction of a free Polish people.”
Italy: King of Italy returns after visiting French and Belgian fronts.

I think it's so fascinating to read all of these "little things" that happened almost every day that probably no one even noticed for more than a few minutes. Gecko, I've really enjoyed this series. Thanks!

30 September 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Three German flame attacks between Tower Hamlets and Polygon Wood repulsed.
British soldiers resting on a mound of spent shell-casings beside the Ypres-Menin road: © IWM (Q 2915): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...092477736521728
Airplane raid on London: 4 machines penetrate defenses (another source says 6 of 11 dispatched) ; 14 killed, 38 injured.
Germans gain temporary footing at Berry-au-Bac (Aisne river).
St. Denis Westrem again bombed.
AEF (American Expedition Force) personnel in Europe total 61,927 soldiers.
British claim of 5,296 prisoners and 11 guns, etc., taken by British during September.
A large German trench mortar captured by the Canadians, with a dog inside the tube: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...819455276404736
German soldiers posing for the camera on the Western Front: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...122695255756801

Southern Front
(Listed for yeaterday): Italian troops extend their lines on the southeastern part of the Bainsizza (Banjšice) Plateau, taking 1,400 Austria-Hungarian prisoners.
Successful Italian attack on Bainsizza Plateau; 600 prisoners taken.
Italian Front: 56,000 Italian deserters (Cacdorna’s report of November 3), monthly desertion rate 5,500 (July to September) vs 650 in 1915.
RNAS Handley Page (Flt Cdr J Alcock) forced to ditch in Gulf of Xeros by Turk anti-aircraft fire, 3 crew PoWs.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Allied and neutral shipping loss to U-boats: 159 ships (68 British with 293 lives) lowest since January or 338,242t (German figure 353,602t including 111,241t in Mediterranean). Record of 11 U-boats lost. Only 6 ships lost over 50 miles from land (September to December), ie the convoy system is forcing U-boats inshore.
Ships of an Allied convoy arrive at an unknown port: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...onvoy.jpg?ssl=1
U.S. Navy makes the longest radio communication record, transmitting 5000 miles from Sayville, New York to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
British troops defeat and capture the Ottoman forces defending the city of Ramadi (Iraq).

Political, etc
Germany: During September Rear Admiral Souchon returns to Germany from Turkey to command High Seas Fleet 4th Battle Squadron, Vice-Admiral Rebeur-Paschwitz in command of Turkish Navy.
Russia: Non-Slav Congress at Kiev demands autonomy for all Russian nationalities.
Turkey: Mustafa Kemal protest letter to Enver Pasha and resignation as Seventh Army Commander at Aleppo. He urges defensive strategy and independence from Germany; best divisions lose 50% of strength before reaching Front in Palestine; ‘Public life is in full anarchy’. Fevzi Pasha replaces him.
United States: In these days Royal Flying Corps Advanced HQ opens at Fort Worth, Texas, helps train 10 American squadrons on 3 airfields for RFC (until April 1918).
China: Sun-yat-Sen arrested for organizing revolution at Canton.

1 October 1917
 

Western Front
The General Officer Commanding of the Royal Flying Corps in France is informed that enemy raids on England are interrupting munitions production and is tasked to undertake immediate action against German objectives that could be reached from Nancy. In response, the 41st Wing is formed to undertake independent bombing operations against targets inside Germany.
A row of tethered balloons holding a wire barrage in front of London, designed to slice through the wings of any aircraft whose crew failed to spot the wires in time: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ondon.jpg?ssl=1
Third Battle of Ypres: Five powerful German attacks repulsed between Ypres-Menin road and Polygon Wood and at Zonnebeke. British take 4,446 PoWs from October 1-5 (King George cables congratulations on October 5).
Verdun: Between Chaume Wood and Bezonvaux German success. German advance between Chaume Wood and Bezonvaux. French launch repeated counter-attacks on October 2 between Samogneux and Hill 344 (repulse small attack on October 4), but fail to dislodge attackers. Artillery duels on October 3.
French and British airmen bomb Rhine towns and Roulers; Dunkirk bombed by Germans, serious material damage.
Six of 18 Gothas sent bomb London; 6 others bomb Kent, Essex and Suffolk (11 killed, 41 injured). British first use 15ft spherical sound locator near Dover to detect German aircraft 12-15 miles out in Channel. During October First London balloon barrage operational, 10 by June 1918 despite first trial in Richmond Park (September 21) killing 2 air mechanics.
Germany: In October German Army reaches 238 divisions (147 in the West) with 18,416 guns, maximum till May 1918. It has 12,432 guns in the West against 6,000 BEF and 10,000 French.
France: French Army combatant strength 1,142,000 infantry; 71,000 cavalry; 522,000 gunners; 121,000 engineers; 35,000 airmen.
British troops getting ready for leave, waving their leave papers, at Poperinge, Belgium: © IWM (Q 3095): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...152879002460160

Eastern Front
Riga: German airmen bomb Oesel Island.

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian attack on Bainsizza Plateau repulsed. Others on Mt San Gabriele fail from October 2-3. Artillery active on October 7 and 13.
Macedonia: Peak Italian strength with 57,874 soldiers.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Britain: Admiralty staff now has Director of Minesweeping under ACNS. More efficient British ‘Nash Fish’ hydrophone comes into service (effective towed slowly, giving limited directionals); 54.2% U-boat attacks on British home waters shipping at night (until December 31) now moving inshore to areas before convoys assemble or after they disperse eg Northern Channel, St Catherine’s Point and the Smalls (Bristol Channel), 82% sinkings (August to December) under 50 miles from land (58% under 10 miles).
Germany: During October peak of 140 U-boats operational but German deadline for U-boat victory over Britain passes.
Mediterranean: During October record 52,500t Italian steamers (ie 16) sunk by Austro-German action. Royal Navy has 18 destroyers, 33 sloops, 69 armed trawlers, 5 yachts and 1 gunboat but not all free for convoy escort.
Flanders: U-boat Flotilla divided into two with 43 boats.
North Sea: Battlecruiser Repulse first capital ship to receive turret flying-off plattform, Squadron-Leader Rutland flies off with Sopwith Pup.
East Africa: Fighting proceeding in Mbemkuru Valley; 75 miles south of Kondoa Irangi (north of Cent. Rly.) a German guerilla detachment surrenders.
British troops meet strong resistance 30 miles south-west of Lindi.

Political, etc
Germany: The Max Planck Institute for Physics is founded in Berlin with Albert Einstein as its first director.
France: French cafes and restaurants cannot serve milk or cream after 9 in the morning in an effort to conserve supplies.
Japan: Great typhoon in Japan does vast damage.
United States: U.S. opens its 2nd Liberty Loan to raise $5 billion in bonds for the war effort.

2 October 1917
 

Western Front
Three Sopwith Pups make a low-level night bombing raid on German airfields at Kruishoutem and Waregem.
Third Battle of Ypres: Fierce artillery duels (and again on October 13).
Verdun: Germans attack in Beaumont (Reims), and between Samogneux and Hill 344 gain footing. French counter-attacks all day fail to drive out Germans.
French and British airmen bomb towns in Metz region, Cambrai and Courtrai and St. Denis Westrem aerodrome.
France: 22 Gothas and 2 other bombers drop c.10t of bombs on RNAS St Pol depot, destroy 23 aircraft being erected, damage 30. RNAS builds new depot near Calais.
British officer sitting next to a German “dud” shell on the Western Front: © IWM (Q 6027): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...543012302217216

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian attack on slopes of San Gabriele (Isonzo) fail. Italians gain ground in counter-attack.

Naval and Overseas Operations
H.M.S. Drake torpedoed and sunk by U-79 (Rohrbeck) in shallow water north of Ireland: 19 killed. The 14.100 tons cruiser ‘HMS Drake’ was from 1901: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...drake.jpg?ssl=1
East Atlantic: Q-Ship Q 10 (ex-sloop Begonia) sinks in collision with U-151 off Casablanca.
Baltic: Russian Fleet refuses to obey Governments orders (Bolsheviks dominate Cebtrobalt by October 30, 1917).

Political, etc
Germany: There is a claim of: Reichstag informed of mutiny at Wilhelmshaven. I think this is a mistaken note: AFAIK, there was no German naval mutiny until 1918. No other mention of this supposed revolt or mutiny exists.
Russia: Russian Democratic Conference decides against Coalition Government.
United Kingdom: British War Loan issued.
Italy: Second Papal Note to Allies announced in Italy.
United States: Columbia University in New York expels two professors, Dr. Henry W. L. Dana and Dr. J. McKeen Cattell, for their pacifist views.
Sweden: Swedish Government resigns.

Interesting that Columbia University expelled those two professors for their pacifist views. Today, it would almost more likely be the opposite. (Or so it seems)

3 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Polygon Wood ends (see September 26th). German attack repulsed north of Menin road between Tower Hamlets and Polygon Wood.
Champagne: Preparations for German attack east of Reims broken up.
Verdun: Violent artillery duel on Verdun front.

Eastern Front
Dvinsk: Intense artillery duel in Jakobstadt region.
Bukovina: Artillery stop fierce Central Powers’ attack 7 miles north of Romanian frontier.
Bulgarians attack Romanians north of mouth of Buzeu river.

Southern Front
Italians repel continued Austro-Hungarian attacks on San Gabriele.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Italian airmen bomb vessels in harbor of Cattaro.
Mediterranean: Local convoys start, through convoys by October 30, up to three per week from October 15. Indian Cape trade diverted to Port Said for through Mediterranean convoy (first two lose 5 ships, but next four unscathed). Japanese mainly escort troopships.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Russians take Nereman village, 50 miles north of Mosul.

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Count Czernin issues Peace program.
Germany: 350 crewmen of the German dreadnought Prinzregent Luitpold stage a protest against the war (2 are later executed, the rest imprisoned). (Perhaps this is the “mutiny” that was referenced a couple of days ago).
Kaiser Wilhelm II congratulating Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg on this 70th birthday at Spa, Belgium: © IWM (Q 79578): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...920549167587328
Russia: Meeting of Democratic Conference in Russia.
United Kingdom: Britain prohibits exports to neutral Netherlands & Scandinavian countries without license to prevent goods entering Germany through them.
British Board of Trade announces 1.256 million jobs formerly held by men before the war are now done by women.Winston Churchill, Minister of Munitions, says British artillery fired 4 times more shells at Ypres than at the Somme for the same period.
Canada: Sir W. Laurier (Canada) resigns.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBERENCES to the late Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg.

4 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Broodseinde phase begins. The attack by II ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) successfully achieved its objective on the first day of the battle and reached the high ground just below the summit of the Broodseinde Ridge.
This was one of the few attacks throughout the war where the actual Allied success on the ground matched what their propoganda continuously claimed. However, it was designed as a limited-scale attack, did not, and was not designed to achieve the massive breakthrough of the German lines that the Allied Generals wanted. Indeed, a large part of the massive success came about because it was designed as a limited attack.
British preemptive (without prelim bombardment) attack (including 12 tanks which help capture Poelcapelle) ridge on 8-mile front in drizzle, but gain on average only 700 yards. Heavy German losses compel Ludendorff to modify his latest tactic of packing more infantry into front line. He recommends Fourth Army form an ‘advanced zone’ of mobile troops in ‘No Man’s Land’ to slow down advancing Allied infantry so as to provide easier targets for artillery. British Second Army reaches crest of Ypres Ridge. Intermittent rain until October 7. 3,000 prisoners.
In counter-attack Germans regain some ground south-east of Polygon Wood.
The harvest of the battle of Ypres: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...attle.jpg?ssl=1
Despite rain, low clouds and high winds Royal Flying Corps manages 17 sorties and 49 with fire calls (similar on October 9).
An Australian soldier with German loot he took during the Battle of Polygon Wood at Ypres: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...268994885734400
Verdun: Small German attack repulsed on Hill 344.

Eastern Front
Baltic Provinces: Germans withdraw 5 divisions from Riga sector to Western Front (until October 18). German attack 28 miles east-northeast of Riga repulsed on October 7.

Southern Front
Adriatic: 12 Caproni bombers (moved from Milan to heel of Italy on September 25) cross Adriatic, bomb Cattaro U-boat base, torpedo store and seaplane hangars (night October 4-5) in 280-mile round trip.

Political, etc
Germany: German government orders cities in Western Germany to darken their lights at night to limit British air raids.
United Kingdom: Figures re: losses of British Overseas troops are published.
Premier Lloyd George promises he will repay German bombings of Britain “with compound interest.”
Bulgaria: Prime Minister Vasil Radoslavov on peace.
United States: (Listed for yesterday): War Revenue Act is signed by President Wilson to raise income taxes and lower exemptions to raise money for the war.
Peru: Peruvian Government issues ultimatum to Germany re: sinking ships.

Ah, missed this from a couple of days ago. Nice spot.

5 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Broodseinde: Number of German prisoners taken last five days on Ypres front totals 4,446. Congratulations from the King.
German regiment commander (center) and his staff captured by the British at the Battle of Broodseinde: © IWM (Q 2975): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...635168274239490
In 67 days’ fighting BEF has taken 36 square miles; 20,564 PoWs and 55 guns for 162,768 casualties.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Austrian torpedo boat TB-11 mutinies and deserts to Italians.
North Sea: Coastal submarine UB-41 mined and sunk off Flamborough Head.
East Africa: In Mbemkuru Valley (south-west Kilwa), German-aligned forces retiring before British, reach Nangano (35 miles south-east Liwali).
Column from Ruhuji river advance west.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: Royal Flying Corps Palestine Brigade formed for Allenby’s offensive under Brigade-General W Salmond, 5 new Bristol fighters fly first sortie on October 7 and destroy 2 German fighters on October 8 and 18.
British planes strafing a Turkish column in Palestine: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...stine.jpg?ssl=1

Political, etc
France: Louis Malvy, former French Interior Minister, is accused of treason for trying to give war plans to Germany.
United Kingdom: A munitions factory in Nottinghamshire damaged by an explosion: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...878008317186048
United States: 20,000 women of the Red Cross march in a parade in New York City. The Washington Ambulance Corps, led by Florence Jaffray Harriman: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...574755142569985
Sweden: Swedish Government protests against seizure of their ships lying in British ports. Four taken over on October 11 as mainly British-owned.
Peru: Peru severs diplomatic relations with Germany. Eight German ships interned at Callao, seized on June 14, 1918.

6 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: British repulse dusk attack on Polygon Wood, take 380 PoWs.
Australian soldiers heading to the frontlines at Ypres: © IWM (E(AUS) 833): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...998799079886849
Verdun: Transient penetration of French trenches at Hill 344.

Eastern Front
Bukovina: Heavy fighting 25 miles south of Czernowitz, Russians take 750 PoWs.
Russia: Georgia starts a separate army.

Southern Front
Italians have identified 43 Austro-German divisions. Intelligence warns of offensive for October 16-20.
Bavarian soldiers behind the Italian Front are waiting for the upcoming Austro-Hungarian-German offensive: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...front.jpg?ssl=1
Feldmarschall-leutnant Artur von Mecenseffy is killed on the frontlines with Italy, the highest ranking Austro-Hungarian officer to be KIA.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Mbemkuru column reaches point 30 miles from Nangano; Belgian troops engaged north and north-east of Mahenge; British troops in close touch with enemy 50 and 25 miles further South.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Lawrence with 150 Arabs blow up Turk supply train north of Maan. Lawrence sees Allenby on October 15 who asks for Arab support of his imminent offensive.

Political, etc
France: Socialist Conference at Bordeaux.
United States: Major-General Pershing, Commanding United States Army in France, and Brigadier General Tasker Bliss, Chief of Staff, promoted to full Generals (see June 13th).
Finland: (Listed for yesterday): Finland’s Diet reconvenes despite being banned by the Russian government for its pro-independence stance.

7 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: German attacks near Reutel repulsed. Steady rain falling. Haig refuses Plumer and Gough’s request to close down Ypres offensive.
Champagne: Powerful German raid repulsed by French.
The damaged cathedral at Albert, Somme, with the falling statue on the spire: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...330998144618496
Aisne: French (Maistre) attack Chemin des Dames and clear Germans from road after month-long series of bloody localized actions. Attack and counterattack fail round Craoone on October 8.

Eastern Front
Baltic Provinces: German attack 28 miles east-north-east of Riga repulsed.

Southern Front
Artillery active on Bainsizaa Plateau, and on Carso.
Austro-Hungarian attack on Massif of Costabella repulsed.
Salonika: Brigade-General Corkran arrives to be CIGS representative with Serbian Army.

Naval and Overseas Operations
German U-293, interned at Cadiz, escapes from Spain. Enquiry ordered by Spanish Prime Minister.
Insurance premiums for American vessels traveling across the Atlantic is reduced by 25% due to successful measures against U-boats.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: Great artillery activity on Gaza front

Political, etc.
Russia: M. Aleksandr Kerenski forms Coalition Government.
France: Paris Chamber announces scantiest harvest for 50 years in France. Luxuries cut down to make tonnage for import of grain.
Women and children plowing in France. Agriculture was back in pre-industrial times, while research and technology were on high-speed for warfare: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...reich.jpg?ssl=1
Uruguay: Uruguay breaks off diplomatic relations with Germany.

8 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Heavy rains yesterday in Ypres turn the battlefield into a field of mud and hamper Allied operations.
Haig letter to CIGS Robertson , reports ‘good progress’ at Ypres and assures Robertson that BEF can fight German Army with minimal Allied (ie French or Russian) assistance until arrival of US armies in 1918. Haig deplores ‘interference’ by Allies or Prime Minister Lloyd George.
Aisne: both German and French attacks round Craonne fail.
Reims: Germans brake up French attack south-west of Beaumont.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Russian encounter with German scouting-vessels between Oesel Island and north-west Courland.

Political, etc
Germany: Navy airship L-57 destroyed during a storm.
Russia: Railway strike begins in Russia. (another source states: 1.2 million rail workers on strike since October 6.)
Ukraine inaugurates autonomous Government.
Trotsky now Petrograd Soviet chairman denounces new Kerensky cabinet as a government of civil war. The Petrograd Soviet in session: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...oviet.jpg?ssl=1
France: Inter-ally Parliamentary Committee commences three-days' conference.
Japan: Japan provides the Russian government with a loan of 66.667 million yen as a sign of support for the Provisional Government.
United States: 247 Puerto Ricans are selected to be trained as officers in the U.S. military, and 12,000 men will also be drafted.
U.S. apologizes to Italy after an American patrol boat fired on an Italian submarine by mistake and killed 2 sailors.
Dr. Charles A. Beard, head of Columbia University’s poli-sci department, resigns after the uni fired 2 other professors for anti-war views.
Spain: Martial law ends in Spain, as “revolutionary disturbances” are suppressed in Catalonia and other provinces.

Interesting. Mis-spelling a word into another word doesn't change the meaning of the sentence. Brake or break ... in either case the French attack was stopped. :D

Ha, I was so exhausted from the con yesterday that I was barely able to type at all. I do remember staring at that line, trying to figure out what was wrong; gave up and let it ride.

9 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Poelcapelle (“Third” phase of Third Battle of Ypres): Franco-British attack east and north-east. Outskirts of Houthulst Forest taken. On 6-mile front 3 British divisions (nearly 7,000 casualties) make one-mile advance on Passchendaele Ridge, 2,000 prisoners. German counter-attack drives in advance troops south of Ypres-Staden railway on 2,000 yards front.
These are the remains of the village of Zonnebeke in the Ypres sailent – only the foundation walls of the church are still left: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...lacht.jpg?ssl=1
Men of the Coldstream Guards sitting on a captured German howitzer at Ypres: © IWM (Q 6046): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...433245419130880
Royal Flying Corps No 1 Squadron (1 Nieuport fighter hit) destroys at least 3 German fighters, score 200 since February 1, 1917.
Verdun: Keen artillery struggle, north of Chaume Wood. Germans penetrate first line of trenches north of it on October 10.

Eastern Front
Riga: Enemy air activity very marked round Oesel Island.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Germans embark troops for Operation Albion, sail from Libau on October 11; 11 German motorboats reconnaissance Gulf of Riga.
Atlantic: U-boat sinks AMC HMS Champagne (56 lives lost).
East Africa: North of Lake Eyassi (south-east Victoria Nyanza) last German-aligned guerrilla detachment captured.
Belgians occupy Mahenge, old German H.Q. in Highlands; 260 prisoners, but Captain Tafel escapes.
British Somaliland: Camel Corps (250 troops with 5 MGs, 10 casualties) kills over 70 of 300 dervishes at Endow Pass.
North Africa: German intrigue in Spanish Morocco.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Death of Hussein Kamel, Sultan of Egypt; succeeded by Ahmed Fuad, his youngest brother, born 1868: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...328842179665921

Political, etc
Germany: Speaking in Reichstag, Admiral Capelle asserts he has written proof ‘main architect’ of August mutiny, Reichpietsh, had presented plans to 3 USPD deputies and had received ‘full support’ in organizing same. There is uproar and German Navy’s efforts to outlaw USPD soon collapses.

10 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Poelcapelle: French extend their hold up valley of Corverbeck.
Verdun: Germans gain footing in first line trenches north of Chaume Wood.
Flanders: French advancing up Corverbeck valley. Petain again appeals to Haig for continued BEF attacks to divert German attention away from still recovering French Army. BEF Intelligence Chief Charteris concedes in diary ‘… now no chance of complete success here this year’.

Eastern Front
Riga: Germans bomb Russian tramsports at southern end of Oesel Island.

Naval and Overseas Operations
British hospital ship Goorkha damaged by mine off Malta.
Baltic: Kurland U-boat Flotilla disbanded.
East Africa: Portuguese capture German post at Mauta, 26 miles north of Rovuma rtiver. Kilwa Force No 1 Column takes Ruponda road and supply centre. Linforce (3,200 troops) resumes advance on Mtama.

Political, etc
Germany: Von Kuhlmann discussing Peace proposals says Germany will never give back Alsace-Lorraine; French press virulent on the subject. German Chancellor Michaelis states peace is impossible if the Allies demand any German territory.
United Kingdom: Beatty meets new Deputy First Sea Lord Weymss to discuss possible intervention in Holland, also argues for dawn 120 torpedo-plane strike from 8 seaplane carriers against High Seas Fleet, but Admiralty discouraging on October 20.

11 October 1917
 

Western Front
The 41st Wing of the Royal Flying Corps is formed at Ainville-sur-Madon under the command of Lieutenant Colonel C.L.N. Newall, with the task of bombing industrial targets in Germany. The Wing is equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory FE2bs, de Havilland DH4s and Handley Page 0/400s. Launches 13-month day/night strategic bombingcampaign against industrial targets in western Germany and Alsace-Lorraine up to 125 miles from Western Front front line.
Because of the fuel tank between pilot an observer, the Airco DH4 was nicknamed ‘Flaming Coffin’ by its crews. Nonetheless, it was built in extremely large numbers, its considerable virtues outweighing that major fault: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w.../DH-4.jpg?ssl=1
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Poelcapelle: French stop a German counter-attack east of Dreibank, Ypres.
Rupprecht reports to OHL: ‘In order to save material and men it may become necessary to withdraw the (Flanders) front so far from the enemy that he will be compelled to make a fresh deployment of his artillery.’
Heavy wind and rains hit the Ypres battlefields, as British artillery target German lines near Passchendaele.
Verdun: Germans gain temporary footing in advanced trenches north of Hill 344, but driven out by French.
Royal Field Artillery officers in a shelter at Langemarck, Belgium: © IWM (Q 6051): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...795654012940288

Eastern Front
Riga: Germans gain some ground south-east of Segewold and try to fraternize in Riga area.

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian stormtroopers preparing to assault: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...765471549775873

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Column in Mbemkuru valley occupies Ruponda on flank of enemy retreating before Nahango column. Large quantities of grain and ammunition captured.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Turkish attack in Armenia, 16 miles south-west of Erzingan, repulsed.

Political, etc
United Kingdom: Four ships flying Swedish flag and lying in British ports taken over by British, being mainly British owned, and liable to be treated as such by Germans.
British Government stops commercial cable communication with Holland.
(These are both repeats, aren’t they?)
Bulgaria: Kaiser visits Sofia. Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria in Sofia. They are wearing the others’ army uniforms: © IWM (Q 23738): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...069693952520192
United States: Columbia University students and faculty stage protests in response the recent firings of 2 professors for their anti-war views.

12 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: First Battle Of Passchendaele: II Anzac Corps attack attack north-east of Ypres on six-mile front from French right to Ypres-Roulers railway. Some progress all alone line, but rain stops big advance. New Zealand troops suffered more than 2,000 casualties, including more than 800 deaths, making it the nation's largest loss of life in one day.
German manpower wastage compels Ludendorff to divert 12 divisions, already moving from East Front to Italy, to Flanders.
Exhausted Australian stretcher bearers rest in the mud of Broodseinde Ridge at Ypres: © IWM (E(AUS) 941): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...130351951802368
British walking wounded coming back from the front, passing by incoming reinforcements at Ypres: © IWM (Q 3006): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...160414399172608
Morning after the 1st Battle of Passchendaele by Frank Hurley (photo is a composite): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...402657076772864
German “attacks” repulsed all along French front, notably in Champagne.

Eastern Front
Riga: Operation Albion with General Kathen’s 23,000 men (42nd Infantry Division); 5,000 horses; 1,400 vehicles and 54 guns in 19 transports from Libau, troops ashore in 5 hours. Ösel Island (Baltic) captured by German forces [Operations not completed until the 16th.] (see 11th and 18th).
Germans land at Tagga Bay north of Oesel Island and on Dago Island; attempt to capture pier on Moon Island repulsed.

Southern Front
Austrian attack repulsed in region of Mnt. Costabella.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: As part of Operation Albion, Russian coast batteries destroyed (German 8 battleships, 12 light craft, 40 T.B.D., etc.). Russians ships hinder German fleet entering between Dago and Oesel Islands. Another source gives German strength as: battlecruiser Moltke (Vice-Admiral Schmidt), 10 battleships (2 mined but carry on); 9 cruisers; 52 destroyers and light warships; 19 troop transports; 6 U-boats; 6 Zeppelins; 101 aircraft vs Vice-Admiral Mikhail K Bakhirev’s 2 battleships, 1 cruiser, c.24 destroyers, 13 minesweepers (1 operational), 6 submarines (including 4 British).
Zeppelin above a ‘Kaiser’ class battleship during Operation Albion: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...er-BB.jpg?ssl=1

Political, etc
Canada: Canadian War Cabinet formed by Sir Robert Borden.
Compulsory Service Act comes into operation in Canada (see July 6th).
Argentina: Count Luxburg is interned in Argentina.

The photos are always fantastic. They're unique and help bring the text to life. This is really a great series of posts. :thumbs:

13 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: First Battle Of Passchendaele: Haig cancels attacks until weather improves but approves Cambrai thrust for November 20 (Byng briefs corps commanders at Albert on October 26) for which tank-infantry training starts.
A soldier struggles forward in Flander’s field: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...nders.jpg?ssl=1
A knocked-out British tank half submerged in the mud near St. Julien at Ypres: © IWM (Q 6327: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...493264780644352
Control of British Air Service reorganised; Maj.-Gen. John Salmond succeeds Lt.-Gen. Sir David Henderson as Director-General.
Belgians repel German attack south-east of Mahenge.
French including Foch (at Chequers, England) demand BEF front extension before November 1, but matter left to C-in-Cs.
Portuguese soldiers watching Portugal President Bernardino Machado hand out decorations at Roquetoire, France: © IWM (Q 6067): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...805768949792768

Eastern Front
Riga: Operation Albion: Germans continue landing on Oesel Island. Detachments landed on Dago Island promptly ejected, Arensburg occupied.
Aerial view of German troops landing on the island of Saaremaa (Estonia) after Russian coastal batteries are destroyed: © IWM (Q 57970): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...463018639425536

Southern Front
Considerable artillery activity on Upper Isonzo.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Operation Albion: German mine-sweepers between Courland and Oesel Island. German minesweepers (1 lost) partially clear Soelo Sound between Oesel and Dagoe islands. Russian minelayer Pripiat refuses to lay mines in it (night October 13-14) and blockship runs aground.

Political, etc
Russia: Russian Army demobilizes some of its reserve forces, starting with soldiers 43 and 44-years old.

14 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Little to no activity today, due to continued heavy rains.
Operation Hush, the British plan to land on the Belgian coast, is cancelled, as the 3rd Battle of Ypres fails to make sufficient gains.
Australian troops at Passchendaele trying to dry themselves in front of a fire after returning from the frontlines: © IWM (E(AUS) 943): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...215720419901440
England: Special, 1066: Duke William of Normandy (later King William of England, aka William I, William the Bastard) kills King Harold in the Battle of Hastings, following the last successful invasion of England in history.

Eastern Front
Riga: Operation Albion: Tserel and Arensburg in flames. Russians guarding Irbek Strait cut off on Sworbe Peninsula. German warships land detachments on Islands of Runo and Abro. Germans advance along it and bar escape to Moon island on October 15, secure island on October 16 with 10,000 PoWs and 50 guns.

Southern Front
Salonika: British 27th Division (47 casualties) recaptures Homondos (night October 13-14) village with 153 Bulgars (79 killed) and 3 MGs and occupies two villages to cover taking up of ‘winter line’ in Struma valley.
Isonzo: Badoglio moved to XXVII Corps in path of imminent Austro-German offensive.
Bulgarian PoWs, captured by British soldiers with tropical uniforms: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-PoWs.jpg?ssl=1

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Operation Albion: Russian T.B.D.'s repel German effort to force passage of Moon Sound (Oesel Island). 4 German battleships silence Zorel battery on south point of Oesel (Russians blow up the four 12-inch guns). 13 German destroyers enter Soelo Sound and, covered by battleship, sink Russian destroyer Grom (of 4, plus one gunboat engaged).
North Sea/Atlantic: British minesweeper Bregonia and merchant cruiser Champagne sunk, 56 lost.

Political, etc
Russia: Russian government passes a resolution to set aside party differences to focus on defense against the German offensive approaching Petrograd.
Ukraine declares itself an autonomous nation and claims participation in future Peace Conference.
United Kingdom: (Listed for yesterday): Premier Lloyd George at a speech in London promises reprisals against German air raids.
More drastic measures taken in Great Britain to compete with growing shortages of foodstuffs, petrol and coal.
United States: American Bible Society predicts that Japan after the war will desert the Allies, form an alliance with Germany, and attack the U.S. [Note: this is the neutralist report. It leaves out majority of the tract that is rampant with racism and xenophobia. Whole bunch of “yellow peril” stuff.]
Uruguay: Uruguay wins the 2nd title at the 1917 South American Championship (Association Football: the Championship tournament is now known as the Copa América).

15 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Continued lack of activity today, due to continued heavy rains.
Aisne: German guns fire 90,000 rounds phosgene gas shell (until October 22) at French in Ailette Basin near Laffaux; 1,200 gassed (110 deaths). Artillery duels northeast of Soissons on October 17.
Bruges dock raided by British airmen.

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: Germans cut off retreat of Russians from Oesel Island to Moon Island via Mole and capture 3,500 prisoners. Germans advance along Sworbe Peninsula.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Battle of Nyangao and Mahiwa (until October 18): ‘An equatorial Gettysburg’ (largest battle of the war), c.4,950 British, 12 guns, 4 mortars, 147 MGs vs 3,000 Germans and c.3 guns. Wahle evacuates Mtana due to Nigerian Brigade and fights it north of Mahiwa. Lindi column drives German forces on Nyangoa by enveloping movement from north.
The Kashmiri Mountain Battery at the Battle of Nyangao and Mahlwa: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ahiwa.jpg?ssl=1

Political, etc
Germany: Ludendorff reports to War Office on OHL meetings with unions.
Germany extends conscription to 47-year-old men. Men previously declared unfit to serve will also be reexamined for service.
France: Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod, better known by her stage name of Mata Hari (an exotic dancer), shot at dawn (06:00) at the age of 41 by a French firing squad of Zouaves at Caserne de Vincennes on the outskirts of Paris, having been tried (and falsely convicted) as a spy. She refuses a blindfold and blows a kiss to the firing squad before the execution: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...593966059659265
Turkey: Kaiser Wilhelm in Constantinople with Ottoman Sultan Mehmed V and Minister of War Enver Pasha: © IWM (Q 70808)
United States: Shipping Board takes over private ocean-going ships.
Poland: Polish Regency Council appointed (see September 12th).

16 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Continued lack of activity today, due to continued heavy rains.
German air raid on Nancy.
French attack west of Craonne is repulsed by Germans. 1,800 French guns and 460 mortars prepare way for limited offensive (until October 22) on 7 1/2-mile front, ie maximum of 1 gun to 6 yards with 120,000t of shells.
Allied transshipment at Boulogne to distribute goods on the Western Front: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...platz.jpg?ssl=1

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: Oesel Island fully in German possession. Germans claim 10,000 prisoners and 50 guns.
German attempt to throw bridge across Dvina frustrated.
Russian civilians evacuate Reval (Estonia).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Operation Albion: Russian fleet assists defence in Moon Sound. Battleship Slava sunk. Royal Navy submarine C.27 (Sealy) torpedoes the minesweeper tender*Indianola, only success of numerous attacks.
East Africa: Battle of Nyangao and Mahiwa (until October 18): Whale evacuates Nyangao, but Lettow’s 1,000 men with 2 guns reinforce him to surround Nigerian Brigade in two groups, which loses 300 casualties and 1 gun. Belgians rescue convoy of prisoners south-east of Mahenge.
Northern Russia: Main body of Royal Navy Air Service Armoured Car Squadron sails from Archangel (most land at Newcastle on October 29).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Three Royal Flying Corps No 30 Squadron Martinsydes (1 forced down) bomb Kifri airfield (and on October 31, 4 aircraft lost).

Political, etc
Germany: Pan-German propaganda.
United Kingdom: Mr. Bonar-Law announces future Air Ministry Bill.
United States: Chicago White Sox wins the 1917 World Series, defeating the New York Giants 4 games to 2.

17 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Continued lack of activity today, due to continued heavy rains.
British soldiers pulling a 18-pounder gun through the mud near Langemarck during the 3rd Battle of Ypres: © IWM (Q 3007): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...922629741629440
Verdun: Germans enter French trenches at Hill 344.
Great artillery activity north-east of Soissons.
Germany: Eight DH4s of No 55 Squadron (41st Wing) RFC bomb Burbach works, near Saarbruecken (and on October 25), works and houses damaged (14 casualties).

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: German attempt to land on Dago Island supported by naval guns is repulsed.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Operation Albion: Naval engagements Gulf of Riga.
The Russian battleship Grashdanin was launched 1901 with only 13.210 tons and four 12-inch guns as main armament, while the sunken
Slava was from 1903 with 15,000 tons with the same armament: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...danin.jpg?ssl=1
East Africa: Battle of Nyangao and Mahiwa: O’Grady’s Linforce a mile from Nigerian Brigade as both sides retreat after ferocious, confused, close-quarter fighting. British lose 2,348 casualties (528 Nigerians), 1 gun and 9 MGs plus over 352 carriers. Lettow loses 519 men and abandons Königsberg gun. British claim 918 PoWs alone from October 15-18.
German cruiser-minelayers Bremse and Brummer surprise and destroy British-escorted Bergen-Lerwick-Britain convoy in North Sea and sink British destroyers Strongbow and Mary Rose (see December 12th), and nine merchantmen; 135 lost. No radio warning got off, 30 Royal Navy cruisers and 54 destroyers at sea, but powerless.
U.S. transport Antilles torpedoed: 67 lost.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Turkish air reconnaissance finds no Cyprus preparations for British landing in Gulf of Alexandretta.

Political, etc
Russia: Government prepares to move to Moscow from Petrograd.
Australia: Australian trans-continental railway joined up.
Turkey: Kaiser Wilhelm is made an honorary Marshal of the Ottoman Army in Constantinople: © IWM (Q 23735): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...998628516601856
United States: U.S. government begins censoring foreign newspapers that do not get a special license. [Note: again, not the full story. German-language newspapers mostly folded, due to deliberate bureaucratic delays which prevented them from getting the “special” license.
Veterans of the Siege of Vicksburg from both the Union and Confederacy meet together in Vicksburg, Mississippi: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...968432455426051
Netherlands: Holland replies to British Note re: transport of gravel and sand.

18 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Continued lack of activity today, due to continued heavy rains.
France: Haig and Petain meet at Amiens, former agrees by November 2 to extend BEF line to Oise.
Aisne: French repulse attack on Vauclere Plateau, west of Craonne.
Two Frenchwomen visit the site of their ruined home in Beaurains: © IWM (Q 6103): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...665019980791808

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: Moon Island and Dagö Island (Baltic) captured by German forces (see 11th and 12th).
Germans claim 5,000 PoWs.

Southern Front
Renewed local fighting on Trentino and Carnia fronts.

Naval and Overseas Operations
‘This destroyer is needed to sink Hun submarines’ reads the sign on the right. This US destroyer was built in 17 days: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...royer.jpg?ssl=1
The SS Antilles, a US transport, sunk yesterday by U-62, resulting in 62 deaths; the deadliest US military loss in the war so far: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...316979138871296
East Africa: Report re: German activity near Jibuti (French Somaliland).
Battle of Nyangao and Mahiwa: Fighting continues round Nyangoa; considerable casualties on both sides.
Harnorce KAR and Gold Coast Regiment with 2 armored cars just hold Major Kraut’s counter-attack at Lukuledi Mission and occupy it on October 19.

Political, etc
Germany: (Listed for yesterday): German Socialists in the Reichstag threaten to vote against a 10 billion Mark war loan unless Chancellor Michaelis resigns.
Russia: Kerensky decides to move capital to Moscow. Kuban Cossack Rada declares republic.
War Minister proposes 2.5 million reduction in Army to improve moral; all politics to cease after elections from November 15. 43,000 out of 210,000 Russian officers unemployed but still 121 Austro-German divisions on Eastern Front.
Turkey: Kaiser Wilhelm and Sultan Mehmed V visiting the Dardanelles: © IWM (Q 98410): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...301880311500807
United States: Dutch shipping in American ports to be utilised.
Navy Secretary Daniels calls Liberty loan U-boat*(on display New York) ‘this stiletto of modern warfare’; 58 German national aliens arrested at Hoboken Docks NJ (without warrant).
Hoover launches lower food price campaign.

19 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Continued lack of activity today, due to continued heavy rains.
Thirteen dirigibles attempt to raid east and north-east England and London; 11 German airships actually attack England. Larger type of Zeppelin used; 660lb bomb hits Piccadilly Circus; 36 killed, 55 injured. 78 defense sorties cost 4 wrecked aircraft. L-44 shot down at St. Clement by French anti-aircraft fire from 19,000ft; L-45 crash lands and burnt by crew west of Sisteron (Provence); L-46 shot down at Laragne; L-49 shot down at Bourbonne-les-Bains near Langres, falls into French hands on October 20th; L-50 disappears, is later thought to have been brought down in the Mediterranean on October 21st. (Last airship raid on London.) (See May 31st, 1915 and August 5th, 1918).
This is the gondola of L-54, which was to take part in the famous raid by 13 Zeppelins on this day, only to be scattered by high winds: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ndola.jpg?ssl=1
Troops of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) with a bottle of wine in the ruins of Arras: © IWM (Q 6099): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...695473647771648

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: Germans land on Dago Island. German forces strengthen control over the islands in the Gulf of Riga, claiming 10,000 Russian prisoners and 50 artillery guns.
Germans fail in effort to fraternise on Romanian front.

Naval and Overseas Operations
British armed mercantile cruiser Orana torpedoed and sunk; no lives lost.
East Africa: Battle of Nyangao and Mahiwa: Action of Nyangao (German East Africa) ends (see 16th). Deventer cancels another attack, replaces Beves with Cunliffe as GOC*Linforce. Lettow gains respite.

Political, etc
Russia: Russian government report reveals that the Russian Army morale is abysmal and soldiers are ready to lay down their arms and go home. Munition Works removed from Petrograd.
United States: U.S.A. embargo on trade with Northern Neutrals.
Spain: British films not allowed public screening.
Sweden: Liberal Swedish Cabinet formed by Professor Nils Eden: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...951410472058881

20 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: 45 Royal Flying Corps Sopwith Camel fghters and Spads (2 lost) attack Rumbeke airfield southeast of Roulers from 400ft, also claim 7 German aircraft in air combats.
Sopwith Camel fighter in flight: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...light.jpg?ssl=1
Horses struggling to pull supplies through the mud of Ypres: © IWM (E(AUS) 963): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...042257595322368
Violent artillery action on Aisne front.
The Jocks, an entertainment troupe of the British 15th Division, at Blangy, France: © IWM (Q 6107): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...981613147590657
German zeppelin LZ-85/L-49 (one is factory designation, the other naval designation) brought down in France after encountering mechanical problems and fuel leaks after bombing England: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...314802458226688

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: German conquest of the Baltic Islands completed. Islands of Dago and Schilden captured by Germans.
Germans retire to Skuli-Lemburg line 30 miles east of Riga to prepared positions.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Germans report French attack repulsed between Skumbi valley and L. Ochrida.
Italian Front: Czech officer deserter warns Italians of offensive on October 26 between Plezzo and sea; 2 Rumanian deserters warn of breakthrough to come at Tolmino. General Capello (flu) hands Second Army to newcomer General Montuori; returns from Padua on October 22 when attack imminent, but illness again forces relinquishment. Austro-German attack postponed from October 20 to 24, their guns begin to register.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Operation Albion: British submarine sinks German transport in Gulf of Riga.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Turkish troops driven across Diala river.

Political, etc
Russia: Lenin returns to Petrograd from Finland (by now estimated 240,000 Bolsheviks).
Poland: Allies recognise Polish National Committee.
Greece: Archbishop of Athens degraded for "Anathema" ceremony of 25 December 1916.

Those poor horses pulling supplies through the mud. Bet they'd rather have stayed in the barn that day. :(

21 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Continued lack of activity today, due to continued heavy rains.
Verdun: Germans make strong attack at Bezonvaux.
Saarbrucken bombed by British.
Dunkirk bombed by Germans.
Lorraine: US TROOPS ENTER LINE: US 1st Division joins French in Luneville sector. Each American unit is attached to a French unit.
March of American soldiers to the French Western Front: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...front.jpg?ssl=1
British tank at a training exercise at Wailly, France for the upcoming Battle of Cambrai: © IWM (Q 7281): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...708143779856384
X-ray being used to examine a bullet wound in a French soldier’s arm: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...799000248016897

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: Germans land on Russian mainland at Verder, but the Russians are able to repel German attempt to land eight miles north of Verder Peninsula.
Germans claim 20,000 prisoners and 100 guns in last nine days' fighting. (Another site is more specific: 20,130 PoWs and 141 guns since October 12 for 54 killed.)
Russian Southwest Front: 84,948 officers and men on [Workers’ and Soldiers’] committees.

Southern Front
Considerable artillery activity on Italian front.
Monastir shelled again.
Italian Front: Cadorna cables British DMO Major-General Maurice ‘The attack is coming but I am confident of being able to meet it.’

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Operation Albion: The bulk of the Russian fleet (20 ships) escapes north out of Moon Sound, and head to the Gulf of Finland.
North Sea: Ostend bombarded by British ships. Monitors Erebus and Terror (off Dunkirk) survive total of 4 torpedo hits (from 3 German torpedo boats) thanks to bulge protection.
East Africa: Hanforce saves Lukuledi prison and pushes German colonial forces 2 miles south towards Ndanda, but retires north back to Ruponda from October 22 to November 7.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Turkish attack on Arab stronghold at Petra repulsed.
British troops drive back Ottoman forces across the Diyala River north of Baghdad.

Political, etc
Russia: Russian Soviet's Peace Terms issued.
United Kingdom: British troops receiving their beer rations at Wimbledon Commons: © IWM (Q 53967): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...768795399536640

22 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Franco-British advance on 2.5-mile front between Poelcapelle and Houthulst Forest, southern end of Forest captured, 200 prisoners, but attackers are hampered by mud and rain.
Two Sopwith Camel fighters of No 45 Squadron strafe & temporarily scatter 2 German battalions on Staden-Houthulst road.

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: On the night 21-22 October Germans retire on wide front between Riga Bay and River Dvina.

Southern Front
Dolom: Italians repulse strong Austro-German attack on Cadore front.
Isonzo: German Fourteenth Army now in start positions. Tapped telephone warns Italians of artillery barrage from 0200 hours on October 24.
Italian deserters crossing no-man’s land toward Austro-Hungarian and German lines near Tolmin (Slovenia): © IWM (Q 61007): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...132987029925888
Officers and NCOs of an Austrian ‘Sturmpatrouille’, witing to strike on the Italian Front: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...opers.jpg?ssl=1

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Falkenhayn orders Turkish XVIII Corps (4000-6000 soldiers) south from Tikrit west of Tigris but soon retreats before General Cobbe on October 23, whom Maude orders on October 28 to attack Turkish position 12 miles south of Tikrit.

Political, etc
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm returns to Berlin for his wife Augusta Victoria’s birthday and to meet with the Chancellor.
Russia: Petrograd Soviet hold stormy meeting; Trotsky demands peace; accuses Kerenski of treason; defense of Petrograd arranged.
United States: U.S. begins appropriation of raw material for war purchased and stored by Germans in U.S. during first two years of war.
US War Department estimates 38 million men are armed in the war, 27.5 million of them on the Allies side.
“The Adventurer,” starring and directed by Charlie Chaplin, is released: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...%281917%29.webm

23 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Germans regain a little ground southern end Houthulst Forest. In evening Germans' seventh counter-attack on Ypres front since 22nd repulsed.
Aisne: Battle of La Malmaison (‘Laffaux Corner’, until November 1): A second 1917 triumph for Petain’s carefully planned limited attack strategy. Maistre’s Sixth Army attacks with 8 divisions at 0515 hours in fog and cold, aided later by c.80 tanks, captures 3 villages and Fort Malmaison; 8,000 PoWs and 70 guns in 2-mile advance. A German division is heavily gassed and routed. French advance on Chavignon in Laffaux salient; Germans withdraw behind Oise-Aisne Canal.
Attack of French Schneider tanks: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ion-1.jpg?ssl=1
Verdun: Germans gain footing north-east Hill 344 but driven out.
Germany: OHL appreciation: ‘The guiding principle of our general military situation remains…that the decision lies in the Western theater of war’; Major Wetzell of operations section submits proposals for a spring 1918 offensive on Western Front.
Lorraine: First American shot fired in a land theater of active operations. At 0605 hours by Sergeant Alex L Arch’s French-made 75mm gun of Battery C, 6th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division near Xanrey. First American wounded with AEF (a Second Lieutenant).
A Gordon Highlander soldier tending to his trench garden at Heninel, France: © IWM (Q 6131): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...421142102605824

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: Attempted German landing eight miles south of Verder repulsed. Germans have retired 20 miles since night October 21-22 from northeast of Riga, destroying bridges to shorten line. Russians follow up on October 24.

Southern Front
Isonzo: Strong Austro-Hungarian concentration towards Upper Isonzo and Bainsizza Plateau; Mt. Rombon to Bainsizza heavily shelled.

Political, etc
Russia: Bolshevik Central Committee votes 10-2 for Lenin’s armed uprising; Trotsky to organize 20,000-strong Red Guard (Petrograd armored car unit defects to Reds on October 24).
France: M. Louis Barthou succeeds M. Alexandre Ribot as French Foreign Minister (see September 12th and November 14th).
United Kingdom: Mr. John Redmond's motion on Irish Government.
United States: New York Police thwart Sinn Fein Easter 1918 Rising plot.

24 October 1917
 

Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: German attack in Houthulst Forest repulsed.
Aisne: Battle of La Malmaison (‘Laffaux Corner’, until November 1): French reach banks of Oise-Aisne Canal; claim 11,000 prisoners to date.
Verdun: Germans attack on Chaume Wood repulsed.
Germany: 9 Handley Page bombers (2 lost) of RNAS ‘A’ Squadron and 14 FE.2bs (2 lost) raid industrial and rail targets in Saarbruecken area.
Three German POWs, two of them wounded, captured on the Western Front near Arras: © IWM (Q 6134): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...496680292954118

Eastern Front
Operation Albion: Russians begin to evacuate Kronstadt.
Russian re-occupy area around Dvina, to 30 miles south-east of Riga.

Southern Front
Isonzo: Twelfth Battle Of Isonzo, aka, the Battle of Caporetto (until November 9): begins on misty, rainy day with 0200 hours hurricane bombardment of 4 hours (including 2 hours of gas shells that Italian gas masks unable to cope with so guns fall silent). Austro-German assault (10 divisions) at 0800 hours on 20-mile front penetrates along valleys up to 14 miles isolating, panicking and destroying 3 Italian divisions (18,000 PoWs and 100 guns) (another source claims only 10,000 PoWs) east of Upper Isonzo, although flanking armies’ attacks fail. German 12th (Silesian) Division takes Caporetto at 1530 hours. Cadorna belatedly calls up 9 reserve divisions and orders Tagliamento defences. Austrian Jewish-born lyric poet Lieutenant Franz Janowitz (2nd Tyrol Sharpshooter Regiment) mortally wounded by MG in assault on Mt Rombon, dies on November 4, aged 25.
German mortar at the Isonzo. For the offensive, Austrians and Germans organized the strongest artillery concentration in the Alpine area so far: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...sonzo.jpg?ssl=1
Caproni bombers make 18 raids on Austro-German troops (until c. November 14) but forced to move bases behind Piave.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Baltic: Operation Albion: Royal Navy submarine C.32, trapped in Gulf of Riga, beaches in Vaist Bay west of Pernau. Russian submarine Gepard probably mined on October 28, but trapped British C.26 (Downie) reaches Hangoe (Finland) at third attempt on December 13.
North Sea: Harwich Force flagship cruiser Centaur badly damaged by own depth charges washed overboard after vain night sortie to catch German destroyers.

Political, etc
United Kingdom: Premier Lloyd George claims the Germans are trying to arm Sinn Fein and aid another uprising in Ireland.
Brazil: Troops seizes 43 interned German merchant ships.