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24 June 1918
Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: No Significant developments, but the battle continues. 8 squadrons of RAF day and night bombers attack German communications in La Bassee-Ypres area, 106t of bombs dropped until July 6. American soldiers laying down barbed wire on the Western Front: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...798446561906688 French troops enjoying coffee at the “English ladies Canteen” (Cantine des Dames Anglaises) at Revigny-sur-Ornain: © IWM (Q 106438): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...828646012129280 Southern Front Second Battle of the Piave: Right bank of Piave cleared of the last Austro-Hungarians; Italians attack Austro-Hungarians north-west of M. Grappa without much success. Italians claim a further 8,000 prisoners in the aftermath of the battle. Italian Third Army clears Austrian bridgehead at its Capo Sile mouth. 2,193,659 Allies with 7,081 guns in 57 divisions (36 in line) hold 188 miles of front (British and French divisions 4 miles each). Overall, the claim is that Italy and Allies suffered 87,000 casualties, while Austria-Hungary suffered 118,000. The ruins of the city of Nervesa after its recapture by Italian troops: © IWM (Q 65360): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...858849107087361 Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Palestine: Reported 261,990 Allies (ration strength) with 438 guns vs 131,000 Turco-Germans with 523 guns. Mesopotamia: Reported 212,131 British with 310 guns vs estimated 29,500 Turks with 112 guns. Siberia: Czech newspaper says Legion advance guard of Allied Armies on reformed Eastern Front. Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles again refuses resignation of Dr Ernst Ritter von Seidler. Germany: Speech in the Reichtag by Richard von Kühlmann on the situation. Russia: Left Socialist Revolutionaries (Russian peasant party) resolve on terrorism against Germans in Russia. United Kingdom: Speech of Mr. Lloyd George in House of Commons on the situation. War Cabinet Eastern committee debates Persian situation, gives India control of South and East Persia, Trans-Caspia and Turkestan operations. Ireland: Appeal of Irish Recruiting Council: Irish overseas aghast at inaction in Ireland. Canada: Canada conducts its first airmail flight, transporting mail from Montreal to Toronto: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...889052026032129 United States: US Navy and Marines Corps now 450,093 men strong, larger in manpower than Royal Navy. Recruitment poster for the United States Marine Corps: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...t-you.jpg?ssl=1 |
25 June 1918
Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: Minor American success near Belleau Wood. US 2nd Division and US 4th Marine Brigade (5,200 casualties) capture objective 5 miles west of Chateau-Thierry. An American priest at the funeral of twelve killed US soldiers: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...daten.jpg?ssl=1 British air attacks on Saarbrücken, Offenburg (13 miles south-east of Strasbourg) and Karlsrühe. 1 D.H.9 lost, forced landing. 1 aircraft hit by flak and lost; 2 fighters claimed shot down; 5 Handley Pages damage permanent way at Metz-Sablon. Rene Fonck destroys 3 German aircraft out of 7 lost today. American soldiers defending a position with a French 37 mm gun near Diefmatten: © IWM (Q 108328): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...231308880674817 Southern Front Austro-Hungarian prisoner (center) captured by Italian soldiers near Nervesa: © IWM (Q 65359): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...919249630593025 Political, etc Germany: German Foreign Secretary Richard von Kühlmann makes a speech admitting the war cannot be won with force alone and Germany must resort to diplomacy. The speech angers the German military and other militarists. Russia: Russian General Sergey Markov, a commander of the counterrevolutionary White forces, dies of his wounds suffered during a battle against the Bolsheviks: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...169640150642688 Ukraine: M. Markiewicz (Socialist) forms cabinet in Ukraine, vice M. Lyshub resigned. Germany establishes the Crimean Regional Government to administer the occupied Crimean Peninsula. United Kingdom: Speech of Chief Secretary for Ireland in House of Commons. General Smith-Dorrien Gouverneur of Gibraltar. United States: First of 45 Japan-built ships arrives. Now 5,810 US Army dentists; there were only 58 at outset. |
26 June 1918
Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, under command of Major Maurice E. Shearer, supported by two companies of the 4th Machine Gun Battalion and the 15th Company of the 6th Machine Gun Battalion, made an attack on Belleau Wood, which finally cleared that forest of Germans. On that day, Major Shearer submitted a report simply stating, "Woods now U.S. Marine Corps entirely", ending one of the bloodiest and most ferocious battles U.S. forces would fight in the war. British take point west of Vieux Berquin (10.5 miles west of Armentieres). German air-raid on Paris. 11 of 20 D.H.s (1 D.H.4, 2 D.H.9s lost) attack factories and railways at Karlsruhe; a D.H.9 of No 104 Squadron loses its way, violates Swiss border and is brought down by anti-aircraft fire (crew interned). 3 Handley Pages bomb Mannheim, Saarbrücken and Boulay airfields (night June 26-27). Royal Scots soldiers wearing gas masks in a trench at Meteren: © IWM (Q 6775): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...261500152000514 Foreign soldiers serving in the US 310th cavalry getting citizenship at a naturalization ceremony at Forth Ethan Allen, Vermont: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...276612359348226 German troops next to a captured 12.5 cm French gun at Mareuil: © IWM (Q 23809): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...321915754115072 Naval and Overseas Operations British Harwich shore-controlled minefield sinks UC-11. Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Chancellor or dictator United Kingdom: Labour Conference in London ends political truce. Prime Minister appeals to women to help harvest. Women harvesting the potato crop in place of their menfolk who had gone to the front: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ernte.jpg?ssl=1 House of Lords approves principle of League of Nations. Strike of aircraft workers. United States: Sugar rationing, 3lb per head per month (reduced to 2lb on July 26). |
27 June 1918
Western Front
Air-raid on Paris, 11 killed, 14 injured. Western Front: Lieutenant Steinbrecher of Jasta 46 in Albatros DVa shot down by Sopwith Camel fighters over Somme is first fighter pilot to descend successfully by parachute. Ernst Udet, on June 29 in Fokker D-VII shot down by French Breguet 14, parachutes and flies again same day. Germans claim 39 Allied aircraft for loss of 9. One of the parachutes from the final phase of the First World War: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...m-1wk.jpg?ssl=1 Germany: 27 D.H.s (1 lost) attacked by fighters over Thionville, claim 4 shot down. Canadian soldiers eating lunch in the trenches: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...925877536456706 Southern Front Italy: US 332nd Infantry Regiment lands at Genoa, enters line end of September. Badoglio promoted general for his able staff role in the Piave battle. Foch writes to Diaz urging offensive in mountains, repeats request on July 13. Italian troops on the Piave River cross over at several points, capturing several hundred Austro-Hungarian prisoners. Italian troops in a defensive position near Candelu on the Piave River: © IWM (Q 65345): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...623895319883780 Naval and Overseas Operations British hospital ship Llandovery Castle sunk by submarine SM U-86 off Irish coast. The sinking was the deadliest Canadian naval disaster of the war, and one of the most notorious atrocities. In violation of international law and standing orders of the Imperial German Navy, the commander of U-86, Helmut Patzig, surfaced, ran down all the lifeboats except one, and shot at the people in the water. Only the 24 people in the remaining lifeboat survived; 234 others died. After the war, Patzig and two of his lieutenants were arraigned for trial on war crimes, but Patzig fled to the Free City of Danzig, and his trial was stopped on 20 March 1931 by virtue of the Laws of Amnesty. Lieutenants Ludwig Dithmar and Johan Boldt were convicted and sentenced to four years in prison, but were released after only 4 months. Llandovery Castle: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...956088349036547 Four British destroyers fight eight German torpedo boats: no damage received. (Listed for yesterday): SS Wimmera, an Australian passenger ship, hits a mine laid by the German merchant raider SMS Wolf off the coast of New Zealand and sinks, resulting in 26 deaths: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...533288119394305 British, Australian, & New Zealand authorities suppress the news that a German raider is losse in the Pacific, leading to wild speculations about saboteurs being responsible for the sinking, and persecution of Australian nationals of German descent. Political, etc International: Agreement among Sweden, Finland and Germany for abolition of forts on Aaland Islands. Russia: 650 newly-elected members of Soviet enrolled. Georgia: Kyrion II of Georgia, the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, is murdered at his residence. The perpetrator and motive are unknown: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...563489339564032 France: British women carpenters constructing a workshop near Calais: © IWM (Q 6766): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...593697782353923 United Kingdom: Mr. Hughes in London. Chamber of Commerce declares for abandonment of policy of open door. Speech of M. Kerenski at Labour Conference, London. A London double-decker bus repurposed to act as a loft for carrier-pigeons: © IWM (Q 8999): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...654101334216705 Italy: Yugo-Slav deputation at Rome. United States: The U.S. conducts its 2nd draft lottery, drafting 800,000 additional men. Secretary of War Baker picks the first number: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...986283969896448 |
28 June 1918
Western Front
Aisne: Franco-American local counter-attack gains three villages and 1,200 PoWs on edge of Villers-Cotterets forest. French capture Cutry Plateau. Flanders: Action of La Becque: substantial raid by 5th and 31st divisions of British First Army northwest of Bethune advances nearly 1 mile on 3 1/2-mile front’ 440 PoWs. France: US Army Chemical Warfare Service created. Another air-raid on Paris. Germans claim 31 Allied aircraft for loss of 2 including record (so far) 23 victories in single army (Seventh) sector. Attack of German Fokker Dr-I triplanes and Fokker D-VII fighters over the Western Front: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-1918.jpg?ssl=1 American soldiers resting by a stream in France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...259449313071104 Eastern Front North Russia: Sir E Geddes on visit reports to Prime Minster that 5,000 troops via Archangel can reach Vologda rail junction and join Czechs. South Russia: Major-General Malleson’s Trans-Caspia Mission leaves Simla (India) for Meshed. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Arabia: Arabs capture Kalaat el Almar (200 miles north of Medina) from Turks. Political, etc Russia: SOVNARKOM decrees nationalization of major industry (c.2,000 firms). United Kingdom: A woman worker at the Govan Shipbuilding Yard melting down electric cables for scrap: © IWM (Q 110080): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...289711203934208 United States: Second U.S. communique in favor of “deliverance” of all Slavs from German or Austro-Hungarian rule |
29 June 1918
Western Front
French, south of River Ourcq, carry hill between Mosloy and Passy-en-Valois. American troops marching through Saint-Martin-au-Laert: © IWM (Q 85388): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...350227318280192 Canadian artillerymen playing musical chairs at a sports meet: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...616678868385792 German Crown Prince Wilhelm visiting the troops near Courlandon, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...646879803465728 Southern Front Serbia: Franchet d’Esperey visits Serbian front with Crown Prince and Field Marshal Misic and decides Serbs will have the main role in future offensive with 2 French divisions attached. Two Serbian infantrymen in Salonika in 1918, wearing US M1902 khaki field tunic with Serbian field caps. They have French leather equipment and carry 8mm Lebel 86/93 rifles: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-1918.jpg?ssl=1 Trentino: Italian Sixth Army recaptures (until June 30) Mt Val bella, Cols del Rosso and d’Echele with 2,087 PoWs, 8 guns and 82 MGs. Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater Azerbaijan: Azeri Tartars with Turkish troops attack and defeat 8 Armenian battalions (800 casualties) on heights east of Gök-cay (until June 30). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: 15,000 Czechs overthrow Vladivostok Soviet (see Political, below). Political, etc Germany: Vienna ambassador urges press campaign to prepare for German intervention against Austria’s collapse. Russia: Provisional Government proclaimed at Vladivostok (some members remaining at Tomsk). France: Government recognizes Czech right to independence and National Council as Allied government (Italy also on June 30); President Poincare presents flag to first Czech unit (21st Regiment) on Western Front at Darney (Vosges, June 30). |
30 June 1918
Western Front
Two air-raids on Paris. French success between Marne and Ourcq. German “attack” on British near Merris (River Lys) “repulsed”; British stage a successful raid north-west of Albert. Germany: Total German casualties since March 21 are estimated by British intelligence at 894,853 soldiers. USA to France: During June 6 US divisions land in France. Arrival of an American troop-transport in a French port: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...orter.jpg?ssl=1 In June peak French tactical bombing effort in 1918 – 642t (RAF 674t). Germans claim 505 Allied aircraft for loss of 153 during June. Canadian Army nurse feeding her pet dog: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...677079085789186 New Zealand Prime Minister William Massey and Deputy PM Joseph Ward arrive in Boulogne to visit the front: © IWM (Q 8969): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...737479827435521 New Zealand (Maori) Pioneer Battalion performing the haka at Bois-de-Warnimont, France for the Prime Minister and deputy PM of New Zealand: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...099864379576320 Czech and Slovak soldiers of the Czechoslovak Legion at an oath of allegiance ceremony in front of French and Czechoslovak independence movement officials: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...009266997940224 German soldiers using tree branches to camouflage railcars: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...039470617210880 American artillerymen wearing gas masks at Bois de Belleau, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...069672814731264 Two British soldiers competing in a pillow fight at the Guards Division Sports meet at Bavincourt, France: © IWM (Q 9186): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...084766990725123 Southern Front Italy: Italians capture Monte di Val Bello and Col del Rosso (Asiago). 2,000 prisoners (Another source says only 842). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: Murman Railway from Murmansk to Soroki seized by Allied forces (29th/30th) (see 23rd). Murmansk Soviet, led by non-Red ex-stoker, approves working with Allies. Naval and Overseas Operations Allied and neutral shipping losses to U-boats in June:101 ships (49 British with 453 lives) worth 252,637t (162,990t British including 2 ships mined), U-boat figure 110 ships worth 268,505t including 23 ships worth 58,248t in Mediterranean; 3 U-boats sunk. Lowest monthly tonnage loss since August 1916. Political, etc Between Allied Powers: Treaty signed between the Czecho-Slovaks and Italy, by which Italy recognises Czecho-Slovak Council and their jurisdiction over nationals. Russia: By now 517,000 Austro-German PoWs repatriated. United Kingdom: In June RAF Nursing Service formed. United States: NY Tribune Comic: “Our boys have stood the test of gas and drum fire and charges without flinching—but when they tried to introduce the English custom of tea for breakfast, wowie!” https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...707289684328448 |
1 July 1918
Western Front
Major A.S.C. MacLaren makes the first flight between England and Egypt, flying a Handley Page O/400 between Cranwell and Cairo. Aisne: French capture St. Pierre Aigle (village north-west of Forest of Villers-Cotterets). Americans capture Vaux (west of Chateau-Thierry). Aerial view of Vaux: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...371650820263936 British air raids on Mannheim, Coblenz, Thionville and Treves. Flanders: Reformed BEF Fifth Army (6 divisions) takes over Bethune-Merville sector. Germany: German rifle strength 100,000 below Allied. 1919 class recruits almost used up by July 31. Britain: 52 British effective divisions now in France. 1st Army Co-operation unit (No 8 Squadron RAF) attached to Tank Corps. Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, inspecting British troops in France: © IWM (Q 8991): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...403110809759744 Artois: Almost 50,000 Canadian troops celebrate Dominion Day at Tincques, 14 miles west of Arras; Canadian Prime Minister inspects 2 divisions on July 2. Women workers and nurses at the No.2 Canadian General Hospital at Le Tréport, France at a sports tournament held on Dominion Day: © IWM (Q 6813): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...433309278416896 Southern Front Italy: Italians gain positions in north-west of Monte Grappa. Five British airplanes bomb Austrian base at Cattaro. Naval and Overseas Operations British Home Waters: In July Air ASW (anti-submarine warfare) effort now going to convoy escort (310 aircraft and airships) rather than air patrols; 167 U-boats sighted (until November), 115 attacked and only 6 daylight attacks not frustrated. A British ‘Coastal’ class airship on convoy patrol: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...rship.jpg?ssl=1 North Sea: Northern Mine Barrage begins to inhibit return voyages. U-boats forced into mined Norwegian waters. U.S. transport Corrington (or maybe Covington) torpedoed and sunk by U-86, 6 lost. Mediterranean: During July 27 German U-boats deployed, but 5 in dock and 2 on Tripolitania supply runs, so average of 8 at sea for duration. Mozambique: Battle of Nyamakura. (also spelled Namakura then, now known as Nhamacurra). Near Quelimane (Portuguese East Africa). Germans, suffering only 25 casualties smash 630 Portuguese (528 casualties) and c.300 KAR (223 casualties), holding village sugar factory and rail station along river Likungo. Germans take 542 PoWs, 2 Portuguese guns, 10 MGs, c.350 rifles, clothing, ammo and 300t food. Allied 209 killed including many drowned or eaten by crocodiles. 155 Gold Coast Mounted Infantry sail from Port Amelia for Mussuril Bay of Mozambique Island. Von Lettow-Vorbeck’s force replaced their old rifles with new equipment and acquired machine guns and mortars. This was the most southerly point reached by Colonel von Lettow-Vorbeck's force. (1st/3rd). Political, etc Germany: During July Ruhr metal workers demand 56 not 60 hour week but no serious strikes. United Kingdom: Appointment of five M.P.'s to investigate Alien question and to advise action to be taken. Publication of Mr. Lloyd George's reply to deputation of Federalists. Serious explosion at shell factory in Midlands, 100 killed, 150 injured. The National Shell Filling Factory in Chilwell: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...341455539167232 RFP up 2% to record 110%. FLU PANDEMIC RAGES. Household fuel and lighting rationing. National Baby Week (until July 7). In July Sassoon’s second poetry volume Counter-Attack published. United States: Naval Appropriations Act grants $1.57 billion. |
2 July 1918
Western Front
Germans re-capture ground north-west of Albert. French advance north of River Aisne near Moulin sous Touvent (north-west of Soissons). Pershing attends Canadian Corps’ Dominion Day celebration. British captain at the Le Crotoy aerodrome in France with two dogs: © IWM (Q 12085): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...735308708450305 Southern Front Piave (Mt Grappa sector): Successful Italian attack on Austrians in Piave delta begins; Italians claim 1,900 prisoners. 3 Italian brigades recapture Col del Migio and Mt Solaroli but lose latter to counter-attack. Italian 4th and 54th divisions clear Austro-Hungarians from between old and new river delta channels, taking 3000 PoWs, 20 guns and 80 MGs unti July 6. Salonika: Franchet d’Esperey receives Paris directive for local attacks before autumn offensive. Georges Clemenceau soothes British at Supreme War Council over his unilateral action (exchange of C-in-C). British ration strength 162,332 lowest since November 1, 1916. Naval and Overseas Operations US troopships heead for Europe. The convoy systen was so successful tat not one loaded US troopship in convoy was lost: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...urope.jpg?ssl=1 Kaiser refuses to extend unrestricted U-boat war to US waters (see political, below), but 3 U-cruisers operate according to prize rules, sink c.100,000t of shipping (June 7 – October), 42 steamers and small craft. Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Publication of Austrian Socialists' Declaration re: peace. Germany: Kaiser and Chancellor hold war aims conference at Spa; veto proposed U-boat blockade of US East Coast, but Soviet Black Sea Fleet remnants to be German-crewed. Erich Ludendorff wants colonies, citizenship and conscription for German-speaking Russians. France: British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, Field Marshal Haig, General Henry Wilson, and U.S. General John Pershing in Versailles for the Supreme War Council: © IWM (Q 58100): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...765515372683266 United Kingdom: Opening of International Commercial Conference at Westminster; aim is postwar anti-German trade steps. Establishment of (British) Central Council of Agriculture. Statement of General Botha re: military and police measures. United States: Woodrow Wilson declares that over 1 million Americans have sailed for France (only 8,165 casualties-291 lost at sea-out of 1,019,115 US troops sent). |
3 July 1918
Western Front
French advance north of Aisne between Autreches on east and Moulin sous Touvent on west; 1,000 prisoners. Britain: First Sopwith ‘Cuckoo’ torpedo plane delivered to Torpedo Aeroplane School, Scotland for operational training. Western Front, general: Hermann Goering takes command of JG1 (at ex-French airfield of Beugneaux, southeast of Soissons, since July 1) with Ernst Udet as his aide after commander Wilhelm Reinhard dies in crash. Edward Mannock takes over No 85 Squadron despite flu attack during leave. Belgian troops marching in front of King Albert I of Belgium at Houthem: © IWM (Q 9017): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...827163446013953 Eastern Front Germans prepare to advance on Murman railway. Allied Supreme War Council approve Northern Russia intervention with 1,200 more British troops and French colonial battalion (Allied-Murmansk Soviet defense agreement on July 7). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: New Provisional Government established at Vladivostok. Naval and Overseas Operations The seaplane carrier HMS Nairana, carrying Fairey Campania, Sopwith Baby floatplanes and a single Sopwith Camel fighter, provides additional air support to the North Russian Expeditionary Force. Political, etc United Kingdom: Death of Lord Rhondda (British Food Controller). Ireland: Proclamation of Sinn Fein as dangerous organization. Turkey: Sultan Mohammed V of Turkey dies aged 73 at Yildiz. His brother, Mohammed VI (Vahid-ed-Din) succeeds to the throne (see November 14th, 1914). Funeral of Sultan Mohammed V in Istanbul: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...anbul.jpg?ssl=1 United States: An explosion at the Split Rock munitions factory in Syracuse, New York leads to the death of 50 workers: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...053649323122688 |
4 July 1918
Western Front
Somme: Battle of Le Hamel: Australians and Americans re-capture village of Hamel and Vaire Wood (east of Amiens). US troops, brigaded with British, in action for first time. Tank-aided (62 Mk V tanks, 3 lost) Australian Corps (Monash, 775 casualties) and 1,000 men of 33rd US Division (134 casualties) capture Hamel south of Somme in model 93-minute all-arms operation (600-gun creeping barrage) on 3 1/2 mile front to 1 1/2-mile depth; 1,472 PoWs; 2 guns; 171 MGs and 26 mortars taken. Australians advance 2,000 yards northeast of Villers-Bretroneux (July 5). Australian and American troops fighting together at the battle: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...452546474332161 First air supply in mobile battle. Aircraft of No.9 Squadron drop 93 boxes of small arms ammunition to attacking Australian troops on the opening day of the Battle of Hamel. The drops are conducted from an altitude of 200 feet and two of the twelve aircraft involved are shot down by German ground fire. (Overall, 5 RAF aircraft lost to 5 German fighters and a balloon). British pilots at Clairmarais aerodrome, France inspecting a map before a mission: © IWM (Q 12067): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...144251930775552 Champagne: Foch and Petain bring in reserves to meet impending German offensive (confirmed by PoWs and deserters on July 5). GQG 2eme Bureau (Intelligence) correctly says German main effort will be on Marne. Marne: US I Corps (Liggett) relieves French III Corps west of Chateau-Thierry. Allied Vickers MG gunners have settled in a discontinued German position: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...llung.jpg?ssl=1 British General Herbert Plumer decorating women ambulance drivers for their bravery during air raids: © IWM (Q 6790): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...174467969437696 Belgian troops march past and salute the US flag as part of American Independence Day celebrations: © IWM (Q 9037): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...437438272495617 A soldier of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in a recently-taken German trench in France: © IWM (Q 6819): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...482749628002304 Southern Front Continued Italian advance in Piave delta and in Grappa sector. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: Czechosovaks defeat Bolsheviks near Nikolaievsk (50 miles north of Vladivostok) and occupy the town. Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: 7 German Zeebrugge seaplanes damage 4 Felixstowe flying boats (1 shot down), down another British seaplane (July 18). Political, etc Russia: Siberian Council declare “Independence” (see 6th). France: American troops marching through Place de la Concorde in Paris to celebrate American Independence Day: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...543154555518979 United Kingdom: British Government reiterates British right of search, but waives it re: Dutch Convoy to East Indies. Churchill main speaker at Anglo-Saxon Fellowship, Central Hall, Westminster. Baseball game is played by US Army and US Navy servicemen at the Stamford Bridge football ground in London. King George V is in attendance: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...512969512837120 Ireland: Lord Lieutenant of Ireland John French restricts the activities of Sinn Fein, Irish Volunteers, and the Gaelic League, labeling them as “dangerous organizations.” Turkey: Proclamation at Constantinople of Vahid-ed-Din as Sultan. The former Sultan, Ottoman Sultan Mehmed V: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...114048357650433 And the last of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmed VI: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...416034181337088 United States: At Mt Vernon Independence Day celebration Wilson proclaims Allies’ 4 great aims: 1) ‘Destruction of arbitrary power’; 2) national self-determination; 3) national morality to be like individual’s; 4) peace organization to prevent war. |
5 July 1918
Western Front
Somme: Battle of Le Hamel: Australian and American soldiers beat back German counterattacks to retake Le Hamel, France. Total German prisoners captured numbers 1,500. Map showing French and German trenches at Apremont: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...856593593241600 Southern Front Albania: French and Italian offensive in southern Albania begins. Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater Azerbaijan: Lazar Bicherakov’s 1,200 Cossacks, 6 guns and 4 Duncars land at Alyat (sailed from Enzeli on July 3), 40 miles south of Baku, arrive at Kurdamir (July 8, Duncars in action July 9-19). Naval and Overseas Operations Dutch Government accepts conditions re: convoy; Convoy sails. Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Army survey reveals Over 250,000 military deserters, many in armed bands with MGs and even artillery. Germany: Treaty of Bucharest passes Reichstag. Russia: Vladimir Lenin’s speech to 5th Congress of Soviets interrupted by Left Socialist Revolutionary (Russian peasant party, expelled July 9). Lenin at a speech in 1918: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-1918.jpg?ssl=1 Vladimir Lenin and his sister in Moscow heading to the Fifth All-Russian Congress of Soviets: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...826341517156352 |
6 July 1918
Western Front
American medics inside a shell hole at Sérévillers, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...918103166341121 Eastern Front Left Socialist Revolutionary rebellion against local Reds; after the assassination of Graf von Mirbach (see below), they besiege Lenin in Kremlin (‘Comrade, can we hold out until morning?’) and in Petrograd. Savinkov rebels against Reds at Yaroslav north of Moscow (until July 21) but Red Army retakes town using artillery and poison gas (apparently). The aim of the Left Socialist Revolutionaries is to re-start the war against Germany. Southern Front Italy: Piave delta cleared of Austrians by 23rd Italian Corps; 21,000 men and 63 guns, etc., taken by Italians since 15 June. Albania: Italian offensive (until July 14): Ferrero’s XVI Corps (53 battalions) with 300 guns (+ 2 Royal Navy monitors) attacks north of its Valona entrenched camp and to east, crosses river Vojusa and General Nigra’s cavalry capture Fieri (July 8), 20 miles northeast, and Austrian Brigade HQ of Berat (July 10). 10-mile advance on on 60-mile front also gains 2000 PoWs, 26 guns and 6 aircraft for 850 casualties, but malaria subsequently creates havoc; French 57th Division conform in Devoli valley taking 700 PoWs. RAF drop 3t bombs and fire 3,000 MG rounds in support of Italian offensive (1 DH9 lost), but fail to hit Kuchi bridge (hit twice on July 8). An officer of the Italian Alpini supervises a mountain artillery battery in Albania: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...anien.jpg?ssl=1 Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater Anti-Red ‘Turkestan Union’ obtain 2 million roubles from British Colonel Redel at Meshed which General Malleson reaches on July 16, sends 250 troops to border (July 19-24). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: Cossacks fight Bolsheviks north-west of Nikolsk (between Vladivostok and Khabarovsk) and Czecho-Slovaks take Nikolsk. Vladivostok declared under Allied “protectorate”. President Wilson unilaterally suggests 12,000 Japanese troops for East Siberia to rescue Czechs. Czechoslovak troops in Vladivostok: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...144588879769600 Naval and Overseas Operations Northern Adriatic: Italian submarine F12 torpedoes and sinks Austrian U-20 off Tagliamento estuary. Political, etc Russia: Wilhelm, Graf von Mirbach, German Ambassador at Moscow, murdered (see April 9th). Declaration of Siberian Independence cancelled (see 4th). United Kingdom: Publication of Mantagu-Chemsford Report re: Indian Constitutional Reforms. Silver Wedding of Their Majesties. United States: U.S. first large airplane (British-designed, US-built Handley Page O/400) launched near New York. Steam boat Columbia hits a log in the Illinois River, which causes its decks to collapse, killing 88 people: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...887898095804416 |
7 July 1918
Western Front
Australian advance continued on each side of River Somme. German air-raid mistakenly targets ambulance park at La Panne (village behind Yser): 43 women drivers killed. 1st and 35th Austro-Hungarian divisions arrive on Western Front. 3-inch Stokes Mortar of Australian troops in action, July 1918: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...erfer.jpg?ssl=1 French Prime Minister Clemenceau visiting the headquarters of Canadian Major-General Sinclair Maclaghe at Bussy-lès-Daours: © IWM (Q 78841): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...4210048/photo/1 Eastern Front Volga: Stalin cables Lenin, demands full military powers. Moscow: The Bolsheviks in Moscow crush the Left Socialist-Revolutionary uprising. Bolsheviks are now the sole political power in Soviet Russia. Southern Front Albania: Italians attack on Middle and Lower Vojusa (southern Albania); overall, Italian and French troops advance in southern Albania against Austro-Hungarian forces, taking 1050 prisoners. Italian trenches in the Alps: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...9778304/photo/1 Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: Czechoslovaks defeat Bolsheviks near Chita (east of Irkutsk). Political, etc Among Allied powers: Agreement signed between France, Great Britain, United States of America, and Murman SOVDEP concerning Allied expedition to Murman Coast (see June 30th). |
8 July 1918
Western Front
Aisne: Successful French local attack north-west of Longpont (west of Villers-Cotterets); 346 prisoners. Flanders: British X Corps relieves last French corps. Members of the British Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps working on a car near Etaples: © IWM (Q 9047): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...2070528/photo/1 Canadian soldier visiting the graves near Vimy Ridge: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...0776960/photo/1 A French Salmson aeroplane under construction at Paris: © IWM (Q 51233): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...9815937/photo/1 What remains of an ammunition lorry after receiving a direct hit at Nieppe forest: © IWM (Q 6846): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...8098304/photo/1 Eastern Front Russia: Left Socialist Revolutionarys in Moscow disarmed by Colonel Vatsetis’ loyal Red Latvian riflemen whom Lenin visits after Red Guards mistakenly fire at his car. Southern Front Italians win passage of Vojusa and occupy Fieri (20 miles north-east of Valona); French and Italians threaten Berat (north-east of Valona). First American wounded in Italy is 18-year-old American Red Cross canteen driver Ernest Hemingway severely wounded at Fossalta di Piave with Arditi by Austrian heavy mortar; Despite his injuries, he assisted Italian soldiers to safety. He receives Croce de Guerra and is hospitalized at Milan. Ernest Hemingway in the hospital in Milan: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...iland.jpg?ssl=1 Naval and Overseas Operations British monitors aid Italian advance on Lower Vojusa. Black Sea: German naval staff meeting has acute problems trying to crew ex-Russian Fleet. Ludendorff opposes any gifts to Ukraine or Bulgaria (July 10); gets Kaiser approval (July 12) to put 1 battleship, 5 destroyers and submarines into German service. Political, etc Russia: Declaration of aims to Allies by Siberian Government. United Kingdom: Report of five M.P.'s re: enemy aliens, recommending stricter treatment. House of Commons prolongs life of current Parliament to 30 January 1919. |
9 July 1918
Western Front
Major James McCudden, VC is killed in a flying accident at Auxi-le-Chateau in France, when his airplane crashes soon after takeoff: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...317331633516544 American soldier using a Lewis machine gun mounted on a tree trunk to target German aeroplanes: © IWM (Q 102015): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...256925040807936 Eastern Front Volga: Red Eastern Front C-in-C Colonel Muraviev (militant Left Socialist Revolutionary) rebels at Kazan, sails down Volga to Simbirsk with 1,000 men. Bolsheviks take Sizran and Bulgulma, and reach Stavropol (north-west of Samara). Martial law at Moscow. Southern Front Successful Italian progress in Albania. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: General Horvath declares himself Provisional Ruler at Grodekovo northwest of Vladivostok. Naval and Overseas Operations Announced that ships lost homeward bound to U.K. since 1 January 1918 rather more than 1 per cent. USA: Henry Ford launches first ‘Eagle Boat’ patrol vessel. 60 of 100 ordered built, PE-1 commissions October 28, 1918. ‘Eagle Boat’ with 615 tons displacemenz and armament of 2x4in guns, 2x3in AA guns, 2 MGs, 1 Y-gun depth charge projector and depth charges. The crew was 72 men and maximum speed 18 knots with endurance of 3,500 miles: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-boat.jpg?ssl=1 Northern Adriatic: Austrian U-19 mined off Caorle, beaches and later plundered by Austrian troops. Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Salzburg Conference opens re: economic relations of Central Powers. Germany: Admiral Paul von Hintze succeeds Herr Richard von Kühlmann as German Foreign Minister (see August 5th, 1917 and October 4th, 1918). United Kingdom: Appointments of Mr. J. R. Clynes, M.P. as (British) Food Controller. |
10 July 1918
Western Front
French capture whole of Courcy (village east of Villers-Cotterets). French female air mechanics looking at a British R.E.8 airplane at Le Crotoy aerodrome: © IWM (Q 12082): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...347534896369666 American soldier using a Lewis machine gun at Watou, Belgium: © IWM (Q 64336): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...377730621952000 Eastern Front Ioakim Vatsetis named new Eastern Front Commander. A walk-over ? The Kaiser: ‘This is the doormat of our new premises’ – Emperor Karl: ‘Are you quite sure it’s dead?’: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-over.jpg?ssl=1 Southern Front Albania: Berat taken by Italian forces (see 6th and February 17th, 1916). Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater Armenia: Kress wires Berlin from Tiflis that Armenians threatened with extermination. Hindenburg cables Enver ‘as a Christian’ to let 500,000 starving go home (July 29). North Caucasus: Denikin’s Volunteer Army defeats Red Army (until July 14. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Persia: RAF plane flies to Urmia, arranges ammo convoy supply (July 22) for Christian Assyrian Jelus beset by Turks. Siberia: General Horvath (Czecho-Slovak Commander) establishes new Siberian Government at Grodekovo (north-west of Vladivostok). British government announce 25th Middlesex Regiment sailing from Hong Kong to Vladivostok. Political, etc Russia: 5th Congress of Soviets adopts RSFSR Constitution. United Kingdom: Mr. Herbert Asquith on President Wilson and League of Nations. |
11 July 1918
Western Front
Flanders: Successful Australian raid near Merris (north of River Lys). 74 British air-raids in Germany during June announced. Marne: French deserter informs Germans that Allied tank-led offensive imminent. Lorraine: First of 4 US radio stations (at Toul) starts to monitor German traffic. First AEF field code in service (July 15), 9 more by Armistice. French soldiers manning an infantry command post near Antheuil: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...712429034713088 American gas sentry in a shelter at Watou, Belgium: © IWM (Q 60980): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...727522279673861 Canadian journalists visiting the 42nd Battalion Scots in the reserve line: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...999310691618816 Eastern Front Russia: Red Simbirsk Province Chairman ambushes and kills Mikhail Muraviev, but Whites rise at Arzamas, Murom, Rostov (Yaroslav Province) and Rybinsk. Southern Front Saloniki: At Supreme War Council General Guillaumat says Balkans autumn offensive will succeed, Greeks had entered war to regain East Macedonia, Clemenceau (July 18) instructs d’Esperey to continue preparations. Albania: Allied troops extend their gains in southern Albania against Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian troops, advancing 25 miles and capturing 1800 prisoners in total: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...015834479333381 Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Palestine: Lawrence at Allenby’s HQ told outline of Palestine September offensive. Allenby informs CIGS that it will be mid-September (July 12), replies no winter reinforcements from France (July 20). Lawrence of Arabia: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...rabia.jpg?ssl=1 Naval and Overseas Operations Atlantic: US supply ship Westover (10 lost) sunk in European waters Political, etc Germany:[Listed for yeterday]: German Socialists in the Reichstag declare they will not vote on a budget unless Germany’s war aims are clarified. Count Georg von Hertling in Committee of Reichstag: “As long as [the Allies’] desire for out destruction exists, we must endure, together with our faithful nation.” Foreign policy to be unchanged. Russia:[Listed for yesterday]: Soviet Russia adopts its coat of arms with the hammer and sickle and the motto “Workers of the world, unite!”: Lithuania: Prince William of Urach (Wuerttemberg) accepts the title of Mindove II, King of Lithuania, from Council of State (Taryba). However, Germany, which occupies Lithuania, does not recognize the election: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...046178817609728 United Kingdom: British Government announces stricter treatment of “enemy aliens” to be adopted. |
12 July 1918
Western Front
Somme: French capture Castel-Auchin Farm, northwest of Montdidier. Foch asks Haig to be ready to attack in Flanders from La Bassee canal north to liberate Bethune mining district. Haig demurs citing ‘water-logged’ terrain, counter-proposes early advance ‘east and southeast of Amiens, so as to disengage that town and the railway’. Foch agrees and reveals that Debeney (French First Army) is ‘studying an offensive with the same objective’. Petain letter to Haig: ‘I have the honor to request a more complete participation of the British Army in the burdens … weighing on my armies for 3 1/2, months: either by … at least 3 divisions or by an attack launched before 18 July on a suitable part of the front.’ Ludendorff's 5th offensive postponed to July 15. Australian and American soldiers in a trench in the Villers-Bretonneux Area: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...076367215783936 Eastern Front Czechoslovaks capture Kazan (on River Volga). Southern Front Albania: French advance on both sides of River Devoli; Austro-Hungarians retreat. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Siberia: Czechoslovaks control Siberian Railway east of Penza. Naval and Overseas Operations Japanese Japan’s first dreadnought battleship, the 21,900t, Kawachi destroyed by internal explosion in Tokuyama Bay, 500-700 casualties. The Kawachi herself: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...317770021699585 Settsu, sister ship of the first Japanese dreadnought battleship Kawachi from 1911: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ettsu.jpg?ssl=1 Political, etc Germany: Count von Hertling in Reichstag on Belgium as a pawn. Prussian Upper House expels Prince Lichnowsky. Colonel Bauer note to Ludendorff ‘We will win if the Homeland no longer stabs the Army in the back.’; repeats the view to Düsseldorf Industry Club on July 20. United Kingdom: Announcement of Allied force on Murman coast. Denaturalisation Bill passes first and second reading in House of Commons. ‘Propaganda is advertising …’, by Northcliffe. Australia: Mr. Huges, Australian Premier, re: no return of German Pacific Islands. Minor Allies: Haiti declares war on Germany (see June 16th, 1917). |
13 July 1918
Western Front
France: Petain fixes Mangin’s D-day as July 18. General Haller made C-in-C Polish Army (1 regiment). Aisne: British XXII Corps transferred south to Ardre Sector. Erich Ludendorff postpones Operation Hagen indefinitely due to lack of manpower, mostly caused by the flu pandemic. British and French soldiers playing cards well behind the lines: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...diale.jpg?ssl=1 Testing a Rolls-Royce Eagle engine salvaged from a damaged airplane near Rang-du-Fliers, France: © IWM (Q 12069): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...347991869550593 Soldiers of the Royal Scots, 11th Battalion preparing to launch a daylight raid at Meteren. Their lead officer Lieutenant Charles Kavanagh is killed during the raid: © IWM (Q 11751): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...408574568321025 French soldier wearing a Tissot gas mask: © IWM (Q 61057): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...424625070944256 British infantry practicing an attack with a tank and a smoke screen at Sautricourt, France: © IWM (Q 9818): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...439743758471168 Portuguese gunners receiving instruction from the British on operating the 9.2-inch howitzer: © IWM (Q 7893): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...686340719308802 British officer and his dog at the Wavans War Cemetery: © IWM (Q 9042): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...746732292235264 Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater Turkestan: White Russian railway-men massacre Tashkent’s Cheka chief and bodyguard in Ashkabad, but Red Guards repulse drive on Tashkent (July 24). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Palestine: Turks attack British positions on Jordan and on Abu Tellul ridges (seven miles north of Jericho). Siberia: Irkutsk occupied by Czecho-Slovak forces (see October 14th). Political, etc France:[Listed for yesterday]: Pablo Picasso marries Ukrainian ballet dancer Olga Khoklova in Paris. Picasso’s “Portrait d'Olga dans un fauteuil”: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...378233975820288 United Kingdom: Demonstrators in Trafalgar Square urge the British government to intern all “enemy aliens”. United States: U.S. Senate unanimously adopts a resolution to celebrate Bastille Day to express friendship with France. Greece: French General A. Gramat appointed Chief of Staff to Greek Army. |
First time I was ever aware of our Senate's adoption of a Bastille Day resolution in honor of our French allies.
|
14 July 1918
Western Front
Marne: 27 German PoWs (chiefly Alsatian) reveal to French Fourth Army timings of impending Champagne-Marne offensive. Champagne and Marne: Germans gas shell US 3rd Division with 7,500 rounds (15t) mustard gas and phosgene; 600 gassed (9 deaths); US 26th Division at Chateau-Thierry endures 10,000 rounds (20t) mustard gas and phosgene (until July 17); 518 gassed (no deaths). 9 RAF squadrons fly to reinforce French in Champagne despite rainstorms, lose 15 aircraft in action (until July 17). British soldier bargaining at a market in Saint-Omer, France: © IWM (Q 11073): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...807149282615296 Southern Front Albania: French capture Austrian positions on River Devoli. Italian, French, and British officers in Granezza, celebrating the victory against the Austro-Hungarians at the Piave River: © IWM (Q 26904): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...124216850374656 Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Palestine: Action of Abu Tulul: 5800 Turks and Germans (1,000 casualties including 475 Germans and 510 PoWs, 6 MGs lost) attack 2,500 Anzacs and Indian cavalry (c.200 lancers cause 192 Turkish cavalry casualties east of Jordan), unsupported Germans repelled for 70 ALH (Australian Light Horse mounted infantry) casualties (189 total). Ultimate outcome was the defeat of Turks at passages of Jordan and on Abu Tellul ridges, 510 prisoners. Indian lancers and their British officers in Palestine: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...stina.jpg?ssl=1 Naval and Overseas Operations Mediterranean: Coastal submarine UB-105 sinks French transport Djemnah (442 lost) off Cyrenaica. British Australia-bound SS Barunga (ex-German SS Sumatra) sunk by U-boat. Political, etc Between warring powers: Provisional agreement between British and German delegates to Hague re: Prisoners of War. Austria-Hungary: Field Marshal Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf resigns from active service (especially due to Hungarian protests at Piave failure), is made Count and Colonel of all the Guards; General Alexandder von Krobatin (Tenth Army) takes over his Tyrol army group. France: France celebrates Bastille Day. French soldiers marching in Paris: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...078919428378624 Soldiers from other Allied forces also march in Paris for Bastille Day. Soldiers of the Czechoslovakian Legion in Paris: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...094020864757762 United Kingdom: National rationing for sugar (until November 29, 1920), butter (until May 30, 1920), margarine (until February 16, 1919) and lard (until December 16, 1918), national bacon and ham rationing discontinued on July 29. Local jam, cheese and tea rationing for 500,000 to 17.5 million people since early 1918. |
15 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne (German: Unternehmen Friedensturm) begins (see August 7th): Great German offensive on front of 50 miles east and west of Reims, from Chateau-Thierry on west to Main de Massiges on east. Seventh, First (watched by Kaiser) and Third Armies (0435-0530 hours) attack with 43 divisions on 50-mile front after 4-hour barrage (0010 hours, pre-empted by French from 2330 hours on July 14), Germans advance rapidly to the Marne at Fossoy. German fire 500,000 rounds (9,000t) mustard gas, phosgene and diphenylchlororsine; 2,600 gassed (47 deaths) (until July 18). On east Germans held in check. Petain’s ‘recoiling buffer method of defence’ (Liddell Hart) absorbs initial attack’s 2-mile impetus in lightly-held forward zone and awaits wearying, entangled attackers on a strong rear position. East of Reims German 21-division offensive fails on a 25-mile front north of Roman Road; 20 German tanks in sector all knocked out by French guns. On west Germans penetrate two or three miles on 20-mile front; cross Marne between Dormans and Fossoy (west of Chateau-Thierry). More success achieved west of Reims vs Italians (8th Division annihilated) and 2 French divisions. Foch countermands Petain’s 1000 hours order to Fayolle postponing July 18 attack. German 10th and 36th Divisions’ try to force Marne crossing against reinforced US 38th Infantry Regiment. Outnumbered 3:1, pounded by 336 German guns and with both flanks dangling, 3600 Americans stand firm in savage hand-to-hand fighting. 8 German divisions achieve 9-mile, 13-mile deep bridgehead astride Dormans to east. Paris Gun, in new emplacement near Fere-en-Tardenois, fires 14 shells at French capital (until July 19). German soldiers with captured British tanks at the Second Battle of the Marne: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...423691795943425 Champagne: Americans repulse Germans at Vaux. 225 French bombers (25 lost) in 20-30 formations drop 44t bombs on makeshift German Marne bridges. Constant air attacks (until July 20) till Germans evacuate bridgehead. Germans shoot down 37 Allied aircraft for loss of 9. Quentin Roosevelt, youngest son of President Theodore Roosevelt, is killed in action in aerial combat over France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...154419588919296 A French and British soldier fishing in the Somme River near Amiens: © IWM (Q 11072): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...169517585960961 An American Red Cross tent in Jouy, France damaged by shrapnel after it was bombed by German aeroplanes.: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...455151231635457 Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Palestine: Ottoman and German soldiers captured by British troops being escorted near Jericho, Palestine: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...485359745863681 Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Count Burian peace memo published. United Kingdom: British War Cabinet to inform Berlin that British Army will continue to use paper-cored bullets (instead of aluminium) as fully legal and not like ‘dum-dums’. Ex-Empress Eugenie to Colonel Vernier ‘This League of Nations, what folly!’ United States: US Treasury estimates Allies have 303 million people and $495 billion wealth vs Central Powers’ 147 million people and $134 billion. "Bath suit fashion parade" at Seal Beach, California: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...310457201954816 |
16 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne (German: Unternehmen Friedensturm): South of Dormans French and Americans counter-attack and take villages of St. Agneau and La Chapelle. Germans advance up Marne to Montvoison (seven miles from Epernay). Germany: 12 D.H.9s of No 99 Squadron and 6 D.H.4s of No 55 Squadron attack Thionville (over 93 casualties); 15-wagon munition train explodes; another train hit; serious fires started, and goods station badly damaged. Handley Pages drop 5 bombs in Saarbruecken center (heavy damage). 10 F.E.2s bomb Hagendingen; bomb destroys tunnel shelter (23 casualties) and burns large stocks of fodder and coal. Western Front, general: Germans claim 37 Allied aircraft for loss of 14. American soldiers advancing with tanks in a counterattack against the Germans during the 2nd Battle of the Marne : © IWM (Q 69951): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...772236835139584 New British recruits, mostly teenagers, at a base in Étaples, France: © IWM (Q 23584): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...802442455007232 British soldiers inside the destroyed church of St. Vaast at Béthune, France: © IWM (Q 11081): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...832644124168195 Eastern Front Ex-Tsar Nicholas II, ex-Tsaritsa and family executed at Ekaterinburg (see March 15th, 1917), capital of Red Ural, by order of Ural Regional Council. Tsarina’s sister and 5 Romanov princes executed in nearby Alapaevsk on July 17. The room with the wall in the Siberian Ykaterinburg, in which the Tsar with family was executed in the night of July 16.-17: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ordet.jpg?ssl=1 Naval and Overseas Operations North Atlantic: U-54 sinks sloop HMS Anchusa off Northern Ireland. Western Mediterranean: Destroyer night collision between HMS Cygnet and Italian Garibaldino sinks the latter off Villefranche (South France). Political, etc France: Trial of M. Louis-Jean Malvy, former French Minister of Interior, on charge of treason. |
17 July 1918
Western Front
Western Front at its longest, with 532 miles. Second Battle of the Marne (German: Unternehmen Friedensturm): Germans advancing on Epernay, reach Montasin-Chare la Rare (French later recapture. Chare) between Marne and Reims. East of Reims French defeat Germans south of Prunay. South-west of Reims French retake and lose Montvoison. South-east of Villers-Bretonneux Australians advance line. Germans reach Nanteuil-Pourcy but Italians counter-attack successfully. General Max von Boehn, Commander of the German Seventh Army: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...boehn.jpg?ssl=1 30 German divisions engaged. 17 D.H.s attack Thionville (alternate target for Stuttgart). German fighter units airborne 7 times trying to stem Allied air attacks on Marne bridges, claim overall 23 aircraft for loss of 6. General John Pershing, commanding U.S. Army, made (Honorary) G.C.B., and Generals Tasker Bliss and Peyton March (Honorary) G.C.M.G. At the 2nd Battle of the Marne, German troops continue advancing up the Marne, but lose ground to French and American counterattacks west of Épernay. German soldiers riding on a A7V tank: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...862847374319616 British troops targeting German aeroplanes near Les Essarts, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...893047348781056 Naval and Overseas Operations RMS Carpathia sunk by a German U-Boat in the Atlantic. This was the same ship which had rescued survivors from the RMS Titanic in April 1912 and which rescued Moina Michael and hundreds of other stranded Americans in Naples at the outbreak of the war in 1914. Political, etc United States: Definitive US memo on Siberian intervention proclaims the principle of political non-interference (Japan approves on July 18). |
18 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne (German: Unternehmen Friedensturm): High-water mark of the War. End of Unternehmen Friedensturm. Great Allied counter attack on 27-mile front between Fontenoy (6.5 miles north-west of Soissons) and Belleau (6 miles north-west of Chateau-Thierry). Franco-Americans, backed by 2000 guns, attack at 0435 hours. French Tenth Army (Mangin) including US 1st and 2nd Divisions (among 9) supported by 223 tanks (62 hit), achieves complete surprise, and advances up to 4 1/2 miles. French reach Monte de Paris (1 mile from Soissons) and 5 miles of Crise Valley, east of Buzancy. South of Ourcq, French and Americans secure line Marizy-Hautvesnes-Belleau. South of Marne Germans reach St. Agneau. East of Reims French retake Prunay and defeat Prussian Guard east of Prosnes. Allies take 12,000 PoWs and 250 guns from 11 German divisions. Flanders: Ludendorff holds morning Mons conference (with Rupprecht, army commanders and staffs for projected ‘final offensive’ Hagen scheduled early August), thrown into confusion by news of Marne debacle. Ludendorff immediately sends 2 divisions to threatened front, but news of fresh defeats abruptly ends conference. Army Group Crown Prince William orders 14 German divisions south of the Marne to retire, Ludendorff cancels planned thrusts around Reims and halts transfer of Bruchmueller’s artillery to Flanders. At 1535 hours Rupprecht is ordered to dispatch 2 more divisions to Reims, his diary comments ‘no doubt that we have passed the zenith of our successes’. Ludendorff rows with Hindenburg twice as latter insists on counter-attack from north of Soissons. French 1st Air Division gives close support to Allied ground attack (for heavy losses) at Chateau-Thierry and Soissons. Comprises 590 aircraft in 2 Groupements each with 12 escadrilles Spad S.13 fighters; 1st Groupement has 9 escadrilles Breguet 14 day bomber and reconnaissance aircraft; 2nd Groupement 6 Breguet escadrilles. RAF (aircraft attached to French XI Corps) also gives support. Allies lose 34 aircraft (14 to JG1) to 8 German. Sergeant Willi Gabriel of Jasta 11 scores 4 victories. Germans regain air supremacy over parts of Marne battlefield (July 22, when 41 Allied aircraft lost for 2 German; until August 6). French Schneider tanks: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...495765939548161 French Chasseurs cyclists resting near the forest of Villers-Cotterêts during the French counteroffensive: © IWM (Q 78084): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...556172171530240 Airplane raid on Kent; no casualties. British soldiers picking cherries near Robecq, France: © IWM (Q 11080): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...223985102442497 RAF officer training to fire a gun in a moving “cockpit”: © IWM (Q 10370): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...254190042906627 Ruined church of Saint-Venant, France: © IWM (Q 70565): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...586381071503361 British pilot holding a stuffed owl toy at the aerodrome near St. Omer: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...616588260171778 Eastern Front Following the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his family, Soviet Cheka agents execute several relatives of the Romanov family in Alapayevsk. Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich is shot, while the rest are thrown down a mining shaft and grenades are dropped in. Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Debate in Reichsrat re: "German Course" of Austrian policy. United Kingdom: Sir L. Worthington-Evans succeeds Lord Robert Cecil as British Minister for Blockade (see February 23rd, 1916). Japan: Japanese Diplomatic Council approves U.S.'s proposal for intervention in Siberia. South Africa: (Nelson) Rolihlahla Mandela is born in the village of Mvezo, South Africa. |
19 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: French and Americans advance on Soissons-Thierry line, taking Vierzy (north of Ourcq) and Neuilly St. Front (south of Ourcq). South of Marne, French retake Montvoison. Franco-American troops with 195 tanks (50 hit) take 3,000 PoWs and 150 guns, advance 2 miles towards Soissons-Chateau-Thierry road, but German 20th Division regains this artery; south of Marne Allies recapture Montoisin. Italian troops in France at the 2nd Marne Battle launch a counteroffensive against the Germans through the Ardre valley, forcing the Germans further back. However, the Italians suffer 9,334 casualties out of a total force of 24,000. British 51st and 62nd Divisions replace Italians. US 2nd Division relieved after 5,000 casualties. British capture Meteren (west of Bailleul), taking 300 prisoners. American postcard celebrating the battle: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...646783595646978 The first ever carrier-borne air strike takes place. From a position off the Lyngvig Light, HMS Furious launches seven Sopwith Camels (4 lost) modified to carry 2 x 50 pound bombs each, on a dawn strike against German dirigible sheds at Tondern at the mouth of the Elbe. The strike is successful, destroying Germany Navy Zeppelins L-54 and L-60 in their sheds. Three pilots fail to locate carrier, land in Denmark, another drowned at sea (future Air Marshal RAF Dickson one of the two pilots who returned). HMS Furious in 1918, after the after gun was replaced by a landing deck, allowing aircraft to land on the carrier again: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-1918.jpg?ssl=1 The planes on the deck of the HMS Furious: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...844305454845952 Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater North Caucasus: British operations in Trans-Caspia begin (see August 26th). Naval and Overseas Operations United States cruiser San Diego sunk by mine off Fire Island (Atlantic coast), 6 lost. French liner Australien (Messageries Maritimes) torpedoed in Mediterranean, 20 lost. Troopship Justicia (converted from a White Star liner) torpedoed off north coast of Ireland, 10 lost. Destroyer HMS Garry (ramming) and ML23 convoy escorts sink coastal submarine UB-110 off Yorkshire coast. Political, etc France: Franco-Swiss Economic Agreement. United Kingdom: British Ministerial changes. New British Assistance Foreign Secretary Lord Cecil’s statement of Allied trade policy. War Cabinet refuses Churchill’s plea to halt ‘combing out’ which has halved tank production, Milner wants men naw not machines later. National Service Ministry finally convince Army of civil doctor priority need. US Admiral William Sims made (honorary) G.C.M.G. Statement of Lord R. Cecil re: Allies Trade Policy. Denaturalisation Bill read third time in House of Commons. Sedition Committee Report (Rowlatt) published in India. Italy: Rumanians’ Action Committee formed to organize Rumanian PoWs of Austro-Hungarian Army into legions. United States: Baseball ‘non-essential’ under ‘Work or Fight’ law. Minor Allies: Honduras declares war on Germany (see May 17th, 1917). |
20 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: German forces retreat across the Marne (see 18th). Allies claim 20,000 prisoners and 400 guns since 18 July. British, French and Italians advance in Ardre valley, in Boise de Courton, and towards St. Euphraise. Charles Mangin has only 32 tanks but makes 8 attacks. British 51st and 62nd divisions attack but gain only a mile and 500 PoWs vs hidden MGs (Battle of Tardenois until July 31). Flanders: Erich Ludendorff cables Crown Prince Rupprecht: ‘In view of the situation of the Army Group Crown Prince Wilhelm which … will absorb a still great amount of troops, and … the possibility of a British offensive action the ‘Hagen’ operation will probably never come into execution.’ French troops take cover as one of their tanks is hit: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...k-hit.jpg?ssl=1 Last attempt to attack the British Isles with aeroplanes (unsuccessful) [There were altogether 59 airplane raids against the British Isles during which bombs were dropped. There were also 11 reconnaissance flights over parts of Great Britain or in the vicinity of the coast when no bombs were dropped. See also May 19th and August 5th.] (see December 21st, 1914, and August 5th, 1918). American soldiers advancing at Chateau-Thierry to lay down wire: © IWM (Q 70264): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...904713045790720 A kitten balancing on top of a 12-inch artillery shell of the Royal Garrison Artillery at Arras: © IWM (Q 6860): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...010408999051264 A German soldier captured in his dugout at Meteren: © IWM (Q 6847): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...233116592590848 British tanks advance at the 2nd Battle of the Marne, while German prisoners are made to carry the wounded back behind lines: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...263326394257410 British officers of the 39th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, with their dog mascot: © IWM (Q 9070): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...323729371553793 Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: British submarine HMS E.34 hits a mine and sinks with all hands off the Frisian islands: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...293530730803200 Atlantic: British destroyer Marne sinks German submarine UB-124, after the latter attacks troopship Justicia; Justicia sinks after long fight, following persistent attacks since July 19 by coastal submarine UB-64 (Schrader) and a coup de grace from UB-124. German submarine SM UB-110, seen here under construction is later raised for study by the British: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...934913141854208 Political, etc France: Ferdinand Foch asks Georges Clemenceau to call up 1920 conscript class at end of 1918. United Kingdom: Mr. Balfour replies to Hertling's "pawn" speech. “Threatening” meeting of munition workers at Birmingham. United States: Animated American propaganda film “The Sinking of the Lusitania” is released. It is one of the longest animated films for its time: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe....webm.480p.webm |
21 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Château-Thierry retaken by French forces, after Germans retreat 5 miles (night July 20-21) (see 18th, 20th, and May 31st). French reach Lassery-Chateau-Thierry road on broad front. Between Marne and Reims, Anglo-French recapture Bois de Courton, advance down Ardre valley, capture (then lose) Marfaux and Coutrim. US 1st Division relieved (7,200 casualties) by British 15th (Scottish) Division. French and British soldiers operate together, with a Hotchkiss mle 1900 machine-gun ready to provide fire support: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ss-mg.jpg?ssl=1 Allied troops close in against the Germans in the Marne Salient. Shaded lines are German gains in the recent offensive still in their hands, while solid black are areas recaptured in the Allied counteroffensive: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...702467187757058 Ruins of Meteren after its capture by the British during the 2nd Battle of the Marne: © IWM (Q 6837): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...338834784096256 Boys placing flowers at the graves for Canadian soldiers buried at Shorncliffe: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...335052218134528 American troops in a damaged church in Lucy, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...565303552552960 Indian troops resting on the road to Soissons on their way to relieve French and American forces: © IWM (Q 78897): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...595502340067328 American soldiers displaying a German mantrap found in no man’s land near Altkirch, France: © IWM (Q 80259): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...626964019806209 A mobile shower used by the Americans to degass soldiers exposed to poison gas: © IWM (Q 60978): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...687364480487424 Eastern Front Kuban: White guerilla Colonel Shkuto captures Stavropol by threatening artillery bombardment (no guns but Reds evacuate). Denikin has to help to keep town and barely repels Sorokin’s Red counter-stroke. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Palestine: Yeomanry Division renamed 4th Dav Division, 5th Cavalry Division joins DMC. Arabia: Hejaz Railway: 1,800 Arabs (over 80 killed), guns, armored car and RAF planes repulsed by Jerdun Station’s 400 Turks and Maan garrison resupplied. Naval and Overseas Operations Atlantic: German submarine SM U-156 shells the town of Orleans, Massachusetts, sinking 1 tugboat and 4 barges. There were no casualties, but it is the only German attack on the mainland US and the first foreign shelling since 1846. Mozambique: Battle between British and Germans at Namirrue (near confluence of Rivers Namirrue and Ligonya). Political, etc United Kingdom: Appeal of Ministry of Munitions to workers not to strike during critical battle. |
22 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Allies hold German counter-attacks between Ourcq and Marne, and cross Marne near Dormans at Chassons and Passy. Franco-Americans reach Bezu-Epieds. Ludendorff finally orders southern half of salient to be abandoned. General Henri Gouraud re-occupies former positions between the Suippe river and Massiges. An American company advancing. In July 1918, there were already one million US soldiers in France: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...arsch.jpg?ssl=1 France: General Harry Rogers AEF QMG (Quartermaster-general American Expedition Forces) at Tours. American medic treating a wounded soldier at Chateau-Thierry, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...974246959505409 Indra Lal Roy, the only Indian flying ace in the war with 10 victories, is killed in action over Carvin, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...004448406163457 American artillery in action near Torcy, France: © IWM (Q 58212): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...034651207503872 Southern Front Albania: Allied offensive in Albania checked (see 6th, 10th, and August 22nd). Naval and Overseas Operations Mozambique: Action at Fort Namirrue (until July 23): Paul von Lettow’s night attack destroys 3/3rd KAR Battalion of Fitzcol after its river crossing. Germans take fort and first mortar, some ex-German Askaris rejoin. Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Dr. Ernst Ritter von Seidler finally succeeds in resigning the office of Minister-President of Austria. Ex-Education Minister Baron Max Hussarek von Heinlein succeeds on July 24. Germany: At Avesnes Hindenburg tells Kaiser that the latest 1918 offensive is a failure; Wilhelm tells diners at Spa ‘I am a defeated War Lord to whom you must show consideration’. France: Civilian exodus back to Paris begins. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the US Assistant Secretary of the Navy, arrives in France on a trip to inspect Allied naval administrations. United Kingdom: Resignation of Lord Lee as Director-General of Food Production. Munitions Ministry declares threatened Coventry strike ‘an attempt to overthrow the policy of the state’. |
23 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Battle of Soissons or the Battle of Soissonais and of the Ourcq phase begins [British dates] (see August 2nd): German defence tenacious by 27 divisions in line, but British take Marfaux (south-west of Reims). French and Americans continue advance north and south of Ourcq, reaching Oulchy la Ville and occupying Bois du Chatelet. Somme: Battle of Moreuil or Sauvillers: French 3rd Division (1891 casualties) with 36 British tanks (11 disabled) advance 2 miles on 4-mile front towards Avre valley, capture the 3 villages, of Mailly-Raineval, Sauvillers, and Aubervillers, 1858 PoWs, 5 guns and 275 MGs. Foch letter to Petain urges one main thrust on Fereen-Tardenois. Allied losses over Marne (since July 16) 150 aircraft and 6 balloons to 27 German (since July 15). RAF Soptiwht Camel night fighter (Captain A Yuille) forces down a Gotha bomber over Etaples (3 PoWs), first of No 151 Squadron’s 26 bomber victims without loss (until November 11). French cavalrymen pass British soldiers. The cavalry were still held in reserve in case of the breakthrough that never came: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-brit.jpg?ssl=1 British troops advancing through Bois du Petit Champ, passing by a dead German soldier: © IWM (Q 11085): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...064850691305473 German prisoners bringing back a wounded soldier while under guard by British and French soldiers at the Bois de Reims: © IWM (Q 11099): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...336644140650496 A Swiss soldier working on a tunnel inside a mountain. Switzerland remains neutral while it continues to build up its defenses: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...366846963048449 British and French soldiers fighting together in Bois de Reims: © IWM (Q 11110): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...397055640653825 Naval and Overseas Operations Atlantic: British armed mercantile cruiser Marmora torpedoed and sunk by German submarine, 100 lost. Mozambique: Retreat of Germans at Namirrue. Political, etc Russia: Appointment of Herr Karl Theodor Helfferich (German ex-Minister of Interior) as Ambassador at Moscow. Siberian Government at Vladivostok reigns; Proclamation of Siberian Government Council; another try at independence, restores Duma and landowners, annuls Red decrees and appeals for Allied recognition on July 25. United Kingdom: Munition workers' strike at Coventry. Mr. Herbert Hoover (U.S. Food Controller) at Mansion House, London. King visits Grand Fleet. Japan: Rice riots begin in Toyama Province of Japan, as people protest rising rice prices (the protests spread across the country and lasted for 2 months, resulting in thousands of arrests). |
24 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Battle of Soissons or the Battle of Soissonais and of the Ourcq phase: French and Americans advance south of Ourcq towards Fere-en-Tardenois and along Marne in Forest of Fere (between Charteves and Jaulgonne). Army Group Crown Prince reports 18 divisions unbattleworthy. Allies advance north of Chateau-Thierry towards Fere-en-Tardenois, reach line Oulchy-le-Chateau-Gaulgonne, and push along the Marne in Fere Forest. British advance north of the Ardre. Bombon Conference of C-in-Cs at Foch’s HQ decides to expedite general counter-offensive. Foch aims first to free 3 great rail routes: (1) Paris-Verdun, (2) Paris-Amiens and (3) Verdun-Arricourt. (1) to be achieved by the ongoing French counter-offensive; (2) by Haig’s proposed Amiens offensive (Foch directive July 26); (3) by reducing St Mihiel salient (proposed by Pershing, Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall begins study today). Other follow-up operations to liberate North France coal mining districts and clear Calais-Dunkirk region. French Ninth Army (de Mitry) abolished due to narrowing front. The first 1,650 pound 'SN' bomb, the largest bomb to be used by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) during the First World War, is dropped on Middelkirke by a Handley Page 0/400 of No.214 Squadron. Bespectacled German soldier surrenders. With his best men dead, Ludendorff replaced them with the unfit, the very young, and the middle-aged: https//i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/deutscher-ergibt-sich.jpg?ssl=1 British troops resting inside a shell hole after the capture of Marfaux from the Germans: © IWM (Q 6867): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...428529936859138 French, British, and Italian wounded soldiers at a dressing station in the Bois de Reims: © IWM (Q 11114): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...670086883651584 Political, etc Austria-Hungary: Dr. Baron Max Hussarek von Heinlein Minister-President. Reichsrat secret session attacks military leadership and Piave failure. Germany: 29 British officer PoWs tunnel out of Holzminden camp, 10 get home. United Kingdom: General Smuts in London re: future of South Africa. Birmingham munition workers' strike. Scheme of Imperial Preference adopted. United States: Fuel Administrator orders 4 lightless nights per week. No German in letters sent from US allowed from August 15. |
25 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Battle of Soissons or the Battle of Soissonais and of the Ourcq phase: French retake Main de Messiges (east of Reims). Allies take Villemontoire (6 miles south of Soissons), Oulchy-le-Chateau (north of River Ourcq) and southern half of Forest of Fere. Ludendorff sanctions night pullback to Fare-en-Tardenois line for night July 27, orders Aisne-Vesle line defences on July 26. RAF drops over 288t bombs on German Amiens sector rear areas (until August 1). Germans claim 31 aircraft for loss of 4. Skeleton of a French gunner. Where the fighting did not allow burial, the dead are left behind: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...onier.jpg?ssl=1 French, British, and Italian officers eating lunch together in the Bois de Reims: © IWM (Q 11112): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...700286954524672 British soldiers taking captive a German prisoner in the Bois de Reims: © IWM (Q 11086): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...730488111824896 A British soldier looking at the recent graves of three German soldiers at the Bois de Reims: © IWM (Q 11091): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...792152534347779 American troops advancing towards German trenches at Choloy: © IWM (Q 70733): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...033731924709381 Eastern Front Czechoslovaks capture Simbirsk (granary on west bank of Volga, 130 miles from Samara). Czechs take Ekaterinburg and form Regional Government. Southern Front Turks bomb RAF Imbros station (night July 25-26), 60 bombs, one fires hangar destroying 7 Sopwith Camels. RAF retaliate vs Galata (July 25-26 and 27). Political, etc Russia: Allied Diplomatic Corps from Vologda reaches Archangel. United Kingdom: Minister for Labour George Henry Roberts warns that workers who persist in the Birmingham munitions strike will be called up to fight in the war. Speech of Mr. Lloyd George to Food Controllers of France, Italy and U.S.A. Mr. Balfour at inauguration of Yugoslav National War Aims Committee. Conference of National Engineering and Allied Trades' Council decides for strike if no settlement before 30 July. |
26 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Battle of Soissons or the Battle of Soissonais and of the Ourcq phase: General retreat of Germans on Marne toward Epernay. Partial capture of Buzancy by Scottish Division. With this, the Battle of Soissons peters out. Major Edward Mannock VC is shot down and killed by ground fire after shooting down a German LVG at very low altitude near the German front line at Lestrem. Although authors have quoted varying victory totals for this pilot, current research suggests that the LVG was Major Mannock's sixty-first kill. https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...447721058394112 A German baggage train on a congested road on the Western Front: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...tross.jpg?ssl=1 An American machine designed to dig trenches: © IWM (Q 70732): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...100434452971521 Black Watch soldiers about to encamp near Saint-Imoges during the 2nd Battle of the Marne: © IWM (Q 11093): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...160836821958657 Blind women putting together magazines and books written in braille for wounded soldiers blinded in the war: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...417523994779653 Eastern Front Bulk of French Expeditionary Force troops join the North Russia Expeditionary Force at Murmansk (see June 23rd). Southern Front A Swiss soldier in the high Alps observing the fighting between Italy and Austria-Hungary: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...063936479416320 Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater Azerbaijan: Central Caspian Dictatorship of five topple Reds in Baku and invite Dunsterforce. Turks capture 1 British Duncar and 2 lorries to west. Naval and Overseas Operations Mozambique: 28 Gold Coast Mounted Infantry surprise German baggage train on river Ligonha, take 21 porters and 2 Germans, but most captors and PoWs taken on July 27 leaving only 65 out of 165 troopers. Political, etc United Kingdom: British Government declare to M. Petrov that they have no intention of infringing the territorial integrity of Russia (see August 6th). Government issues official warning to striking munition workers: after 29 July, alternative is return to work or military service. Women factory workers arriving to work at a munitions factory in Gretna: © IWM (HU 82171): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...477927106129921 Japan: Japan announces that it will join the Allied intervention against Soviet Russia in order to assist the Czechoslovak legion and oppose Bolshevism. United States: Airplane number 1000 is completed inside the Dayton-Wright Airplane Company to be shipped to France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...130640223985669 |
27 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: General German retreat north of Marne; cavalry and tanks pursue, but the Germans have railway alternative to Soissons and still hold city. Allied troops reach line Bruyeres-Chaumuzy. (Bruyeres three miles west of Fere-en-Tardenois). Chaumuzy on River Ardre, south-west of Reims). Indian lancers of the British Army on the Western Front: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...front.jpg?ssl=1 RAF forms a Communications Squadron at Hendon to operate in the VIP transport role. French troops wounded and blinded by poison gas being led back from the front: © IWM (Q 6864): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...508138745016320 A French plane brought down behind German lines: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...777381382221825 American soldiers playing a game of craps at Winchester: © IWM (Q 70731): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...807581205651456 American and British officers resting at an officers’ club at Winchester: © IWM (Q 72742): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...837781549260800 Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Palestine: c.150 Sikhs mount a trench raid 3 miles from sea. Mesopotamia: Royal Navy parties from gunboats Moth and Mantis leave Baghdad with 3 guns for Caspian (Commander Norris follows on July 28). Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: Armed yacht Vanessa depth charges and sinks coastal submarine UB-107 off Scarborough. Political, etc United Kingdom: Mr. Montagu, Secretary of State for India, on Indian Constitutional Reform. Australia: Launching ceremony for the Australian light cruiser HMAS Adelaide: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...747180384362496 |
28 July 1918
Western Front
On this date in 1918, it was exactly four years since the start of the “Great War”, with the Austro-Hungarian declaration of war on Serbia. It is 106 days until the armistice which ended it (although much fighting continued in Eastern Europe, with the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Russian Civil War, various European nations wars of independence). Second Battle of the Marne: A relative lull in the battle; only some minor activity. Fère-en-Tardenois retaken by Allied forces. British retake Montagne de Bligny (Ardre valley). Since July 26, Allies (most of 5 US divisions engaged until July 31) have advanced 4 miles on 20-mile front. They cross the Ourcq. Dotted lines represent the farthest German advance, while the dark areas are the German’s current territory: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...139767100338176 Foch puts French First Army under Haig for Amiens operations and asks that Rawlinson’s planned August 20 attack be advanced to August 8 due to critical Marne situation. The British Commander-in-Chief on the Western Front, Sir Douglas Haig, is inspecting Canadian troops: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...uppen.jpg?ssl=1 Canadian journalists and nurses at the ruins of the No. 3 Canadian General Hospital at Doullens, France that was bombed by German airplanes: © IWM (Q 9125): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...898195838451714 German prisoners captured during the 2nd Battle of the Marne held at Mareuil: © IWM (Q 6876): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...171222509641731 American machine gun crew in action on the Western Front: © IWM (Q 108327): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...201422731427840 Political, etc Canada: Albert Goodwin, English labour activist active in Canada, is shot and killed while he was on the run for evading conscription. The killing causes widespread labour unrest in British Columbia: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...867982551269376 Minor Allies: Brazil: German banks ordered to cease operations (finally closed October 16). |
29 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: German positions north of Oulchy-le-Chateau stormed. French capture Grand Rozoy. French and British capture Buzancy. Australians capture Merris and advance in Morlancourt sector, south of Albert. British Amiens concentration begins at night, with camouflage and strict security. German General Cappard resists fiercely between Fare-en-Tardenois and St Euphrasie. Petain concedes Germans have escaped trap. German soldiers in action on the Western front: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...fecht.jpg?ssl=1 French FT-17 tanks after an attack near Grisolles: © IWM (Q 58238): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...231622664146945 Ruins of Cloth Hall in Ypres, a structure dating to the 13th century, destroyed by artillery: © IWM (Q 9174): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...261820944044034 British troops returning from the front after capturing Montagne de Bligny hill: © IWM (Q 11090): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...577658930671617 Southern Front Italian aircraft designer Gianni Caproni with his Ca.42 heavy bomber: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...517253084635137 Naval and Overseas Operations Eastern Mediterranean: British transport Hyperia (52 lives lost) sunk by U-boat 84 miles from Port Said. St George’s Channel: Asstistant USN Secretary Franklin Roosevelt and First Sea Lord Sir E Geddes visit Queenstown base, south Ireland. American destroyers using depth charges against a German submarine: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...487054708203521 Political, etc Russia: Facing the occupation of Arkhangelsk & Valdivostok, Lenin proclaims de facto state of war vs Allies. SOVNARKOM allows Trotsky to mobilize ex-officers (22,315 by November 30), those refusing to face concentration camps. Trotsky calls Czechoslovak Corps ‘Almost the most important factor.’ United Kingdom: Munition workers' strike at end, under threats of hefty fines and forced labor for life for strike leaders. United States: American surgeon and inventor George Fell, who led development into artificial ventilation and the first electric chair, passed away: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...547453772099584 |
30 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Strong German resistance all along line. At St. Euphraise (south-west of Reims) German counter-attack fails. Remigny captured by Allied forces. American poet and journalist Sergeant Joyce Kilmer killed on Ourcq (165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division). German paramedics in action in the trenches: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...raben.jpg?ssl=1 American soldiers digging a trench near Nanteuil-sur-Marne: © IWM (Q 69952): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...592754243399680 American 7th Infantry soldiers being transported after being relieved from the front: © IWM (Q 58203): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...835601643220992 Eastern Front Field-Marshal Hermann von Eichhorn, commanding German Army in The Ukraine, assassinated in Kiev (see April 29t, Boris Donskoy, a member of the Left Socialist Revolutionaries. General Günther von Kirchbach succeeds as German C-in-C Army Group Kiev (August 8); Hugo von Kathen replaces him in command of Eighth Army in Baltic area (July 31). Field Marshal Hermann von Eichhorn: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...865800665509888 Southern Front Frank Linke-Crawford, Austro-Hungarian ace with 27 victories, is killed in action over Italy: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...926203269361664 There is controversy surrounding his death, as with many of the WW I aces: his aircraft may have simply disintegrated, as he was flying Lohner-built Aviatik D-I during the fight; Lohner had deviated from the manufacturing specifications, and many of the Lohner-built aircraft crashed due to wing failure. Naval and Overseas Operations Channel: Collier Q-ship Stock Force (Lieutenant H Auten wins Victoria Cross) sunk after engaging coastal submarine UB-80 25 miles southwest of Start Point, near Plymouth (severely damaged). Political, etc United Kingdom: Wings of the British Handley Page bomber are folded up before being stored in a hangar at the Andover aerodrome: © IWM (Q 66103): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...896003051769856 United States: American soldiers and sailors enjoying the beach at Coney Island: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...607855008624640 Minor Allies: Onondaga Indians declare war on Germany. |
31 July 1918
Western Front
Second Battle of the Marne: Severe fighting round Seringes (north-east of Fere-en-Tardenois); finally left to Americans. French now control main east rail line between Chateau-Thierry and Epernay. The 4 British divisions return to BEF zone (until August 7). Meuse: German gas shell French Neuilly sector with 340,000 rounds (850t) mustard gas; 3,400 gassed (68 deaths). Germany: 12 DH9s (7 lost) of No 99 Squadron (Taylor) dispatched to Mainz (alternate Saarbrücken); 5 aircraft bomb Saarbrücken, attacks by 3 fighter waves (total 40) decimate formation; 2 fighters damaged, No 99 squadron non-operational until August 20. IAF’s July losses 15 bombers. Western Front, Air: German night bombing of Allied troops south of Aisne. Allies have lost 200 aircraft and balloons over German Seventh Army alone since July 15. French July loss of 67 aircraft worst month in 1918. During July Germans claim 505 Allied aircraft for loss of 129. Record 1,478 German aircraft delivered in July. Air combat between British and German fighters over the Western Front: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...front.jpg?ssl=1 France: During July Record 313,410 US troops land in Europe including 6 divisions and 34 aircraft (total now 1,210,703 men). American soldiers engaging with the Germans in Villers sur Fre, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...956410185474048 Bhupinder Singh of Patiala visits a damaged monastery on Mont des Cats, France, accompanied by Indian, British, and French officers and soldiers: © IWM (Q 7934): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...986603449049089 Black Canadian soldiers with ammunition on the Western Front: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...197991341670401 Eastern Front Northern Russia: Allies seize Archangel (until August 1) with little shooting (2 casualties) thanks to Russian Navy officers’ help. Some of the 1,500 British Elope Force also take Onega on White Sea. Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: Flight Sub-Lieutenant Culley successfully takes off in Sopwith Camel from a lighter towed by destroyer Truculent. Allied and neutral shipping losses July 1918: 95 ships (37 British with 202 lives) worth 259,901t (British 165,449t); U-boat figure 113 ships worth 280,820t including 39 ships of 76,864t in Mediterranean (10 ships with 235t to Austrians); 6 U-boats sunk. Political, etc United Kingdom: Lord R. Cecil accepts recommendations of Royal Commission on Foreign Office reforms. Lord Lansdowne's letter re: conditions of Peace discussions. Speech of Mr. Lloyd George to Manufacturers. Sir Charles W. Fielding appointed Director-General of Food Production. Month’s coal output record lowest at 15,760,000t due to flu epidemic. Sir Charles Fielding new Director-General Food Production (Lord Lee resigned July 22). |
I love the little "side" notes, like the flu epidemic affection coal production. This has really been a fascinating story of "The war to end all wars." (If only that had been the case.)
Thanks again, GG, for doing this for us. |
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