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Yes, by then Japan had long been involved in the First World War, seizing many of Germany's former possessions in the Pacific. Japan's involvement was mainly a naval contribution, either directly when Japan sent destroyers to maintain anti-submarine patrols in the Mediterranean, or indirectly, as above. BTW, there is a Wikipedia article on the destroyers in question: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabe-class_destroyer |
3 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: RFC help range 120 targets but lose 5 aircraft. Battle of Verdun: Two more French patrols reoccupy Fort Vaux. Aerial photo of Fort Douaumont at Verdun after its recapture by French forces: http://imgur.com/j6pZsx2 Eastern Front German offensive against Russian lines on the Stokhid River leads to the capture of 1500 Russian prisoners. Southern Front Ninth Battle of the Isonzo: Four Italian brigades take Volkovniak, Dosso Faiti, Hills 123 and 126. Italian troops claim the capture of 5000 Austro-Hungarian soldiers. Salonika: French War Minister General Roques visits (until November 12) and largely clears Sarrail from Allied complaints. Naval and Overseas Operations East Africa: Major Huddleston occupies Kulme (Darfur). Political, etc. United Kingdom: British and French authorities seized 41,000 bags of mail heading to or leaving Germany on neutral shipping during the last 10 months. Romania: Prince Mircea, son of King Ferdinand of Romania, dies at age 3 due to typhoid fever (on right): http://imgur.com/rFRhBI2 Japan: Hirohito is formally declared the Crown Prince and heir apparent to the Japanese Empire. |
4 November 1916
Western Front
Germany claims bombings by Allied aeroplanes have caused 3,348 civilian casualties in occupied Belgium and France. Battle of the Somme: Aerial photo of German and British frontlines southwest of Beaumont Hamel-Hawthorn Ridge and Redoubt: http://imgur.com/jFY9SBW* © IWM Battle of Verdun: French occupy Damloup. Southern Front Ninth Battle of the Isonzo ends: After turning move on Salone fails, Cadorna halts offensive due to bad weather and heavy losses (28,000 casualties); 9,000 Austro-Hungarian PoWs taken. Italian losses in Seventh to Ninth Isonzo battles (since September 14) 75,500 men; 21,500 Austrian PoWs taken in their c.63,000 loss. Naval and Overseas Operations Coal ship Retriever collides with the SS Connemara off the coast of Ireland, resulting in 97 deaths with only 1 survivor. Black Sea: Russian fleet bombards Constanza. Political, etc. Germany: Germany apologizes to the Netherlands after a Zeppelin flew over Dutch territory; says the pilot thought he was over Belgium. United Kingdom: British news film “Topical Budget,” showing blinded soldiers learning new skills, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5401 Austria-Hungary: Emperor’s letter to Prime Minister states plan to give Galicia self-rule within new Poland. Turkey: (Arabia): Sherif Hussein crowned ‘King of the Arabs’ at Mecca. Allies recognize him as de facto King of Hejaz (November 6) but do not attend coronation. United States: U.S. Department of Justice claims that 60,000 African Americans have been brought from the South to illegally vote in northern states. Norway: Norwegian Note to Germany; maintains right to forbid coasts to submarines. Greece: Venizelists attack loyal troops at Ekaterini. |
5 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British in see-saw action near Butte de Warlencourt; attack on Le Transloy. French capture most of Saillisel and attack St Pierre Vaust Wood (advance continues on November 6). Anzacs capture, then lose Bayonet Trench. Battle of Verdun: French 9th Division reoccupies whole of Vaux. Eastern Front Romania: Austro-German success south-west of Predeal and south-east of Roter Turm Passes. Southern Front Italy: In the Travignolo Valley, Italian troops use bayonets to fend off five Austro-Hungarian attacks on their lines. Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: High Seas Fleet destroyers with battlecruiser Moltke and 3rd Battle Squadron rescue submarines U-30 and U-20 gone aground in fog off Borsbjerg, Denmark, but Royal Navy submarine J.1 (Laurence) torpedoes battleships Grosser Kurfürst and Kronprinz forcing them back to harbor. The U-20 was the submarine that had torpedoed the Lusitania in May of the prior year, and had originally run around; the Germans worried about the propaganda value to the Allies of having captured or destroyed this submarine, and so originally attempted to tow it off the mud bank with the U-30. Then the U-30 itself got stuck, and the rescue effort cascaded from there. Eventually, the U-30 was freed, but the Germans had to abandon the U-20. Political, etc. Poland: Germany and Austria-Hungary proclaim ‘Independent State of Poland’, Polish recruiting for German Army announced (November 16) gains only 370 volunteers from November 22. Polish Legion officers in Warsaw after the declaration of the Kingdom of Poland: http://imgur.com/7KbAJ3s* © IWM (Q 70803) Germany: German military report on the Somme, published in newspapers, declares that the Allied offensive is a failure. United States: In Everett, Washington, “citizen deputies” and local law enforcement, working for the business of the town open fire on a peaceful demonstration by members of the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World), resulting in 7 deaths, 47 injuries. |
6 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British transport wagons in the mud near Maricourt, Somme: http://imgur.com/VRDVTr0* © IWM (Q 58341) French progress in north of St. Pierre Vaast Wood; in Saillisel Germans regain ground. Eastern Front Bukovina: Russian general Lechitski success in two passes south of Dorna Watra against Austro-Hungarian troops, but Central Power reinforcements stall the advance. Fierce fighting south-east of Roter Turm Pass. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Appointment of General Sir F. R. Wingate as High Commissioner of Egypt. Naval and Overseas Operations German auxiliary cruiser KronPrinz Wilhelm in dry dock after getting hit by a torpedo: http://imgur.com/x2wYNj2 Mediterranean: UB-43 (Mellenthin) torpedoes and sinks P&O armed liner Arabic (11 crew lost) off Cape Matapan. Black Sea: Coastal submarine UB-45 mined off Varna, UC-15 also lost to unknown cause in November. UB-46 mined off Bosphorus on December 7. East Africa: Affair of Gyuba (Darfur). The forces of Ali Dinar, ex-Sultan of Darfur, who launched a rebellion against the British, are defeated by Sudan force. Ali Dinar killed (see May 22nd). Political, etc. Poland: With the proclamation of the Kingdom of Poland, Germany asks volunteers to join the new Polish Army. |
7 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British gain ground east of Butte de Warlencourt and repulse night counter-attack at Beaumont Hamel. French capture Ablaincourt and Pressoir south of Somme, repulse German counter-attacks on November 12, 14 and 15. French Farman F.40P biplane armed with Le Prieur rockets for use against Zeppelins: http://imgur.com/3GHwKLV* © IWM (Q 65576) Eastern Front Romania: Falkenhayn repulsed in Tolgyes Pass (northern) sector but drives beyond Vulcan and Predeal Passes. His Group Kraftt captures Sardoui 16 miles south of Rotenturm Pass (November 8). Bukovina: Russian success south of Dorna Vatra (southern Bukovina). Naval and Overseas Operations East Africa: German attack at Kibata repulsed. Political, etc. Germany: von Bethmann-Hollweg tells Burian German war aims, latter calls them impossible (November 15). United States: WILSON RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT. (“He kept us out of war!”) Jeanette Rankin (Montana) first woman elected to Congress. China: Wu Tingfang is appointed the new foreign minister of China: http://imgur.com/V0yeN76 Greece: Admiral Fournet seizes Salamis naval arsenal, sees King on November 9. |
8 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack at Saillisel (slight gains), but French capture whole village (November 11-12). Royal Engineers bridging the Ancre River at Aveluy, France: http://imgur.com/aIxGSB0* © IWM (Q 5843) Eastern Front Romania: Germans advance south of Roter Turm Pass; capture Sardoui (16 miles south). Naval and Overseas Operations US SS Columbian sunk by U-boat near Cape Finisterre (northwest Spain). East Africa: Wahle attacks British Malangali post (until November 12) which is relieved by Murray’s 400 British soldiers. Political, etc. United States: (Top six listed for yesterday): Radio 2XG becomes the 1st to broadcast live returns of the U.S. presidential election through spoken word instead of Morse code. Woodrow Wilson wins reelection with 277 electoral votes against Republican Charles E. Hughes with 254: http://imgur.com/I3I853i However, due to the close race & slow counting in some states, the winner of the 1916 Presidential Race is not known for another 48 hours. In the Senate, Democrats now have 54 Senate seats & the Republicans have 42. In the House, Republicans have 216 seats, Democrats 214, Progressive 3, Socialist 1, and Prohibition 1. Jeannette Rankin becomes the 1st woman in the US to hold federal office after being elected to the US House: http://imgur.com/WrSEeJo In Boston, a trolley crashes through an open drawbridge, resulting in 46 people drowning to death: http://imgur.com/xm6x05S Belgium: Heavy deportations of Belgians by Germans under decree of 3 October 1916. |
9 November 1916
Western Front
Air War Belgium: 6 RNAS Short seaplanes (1 FTR) bomb Ostend docks and Zeebrugge (repeated November 15 and 17), 19 RNAS bombers raid Ostend (November 10; 10 bombers repeat on November 12). Zeebrugge again bombed on November 22 and 28; little damage but German torpedo boats lie up at Bruges. Battle of the Somme: RFC helps fire on 203 targets (40 direct hits) and discovers Hindenburg Line works. RNAS No 8 Squadron (from Dunkirk units) joins Somme fighting, destroys 24 aircraft for loss of 2 pilots (until December 31). Largest air battle yet: c.30 German fighters intercept 12 British bombers and 14 escorts destroying 5 (BE2c to Richthofen) and damaging 3; 26 other air combats. Aerial photograph of German lines southeast of Beaumont Hamel in the Somme: http://imgur.com/S9vVOTd End of 3rd Phase of Battle of the Somme. Eastern Front Western Russia: Germans take 3,400 PoWs at Skrobova. Dobruja: Sakharov occupies with the aid of Danube naval forces, recapture the town of Hârșova (Hirsova), (also Topalu 12 miles southeast on November 11) and Dunarea on Danube eastern bank, fighting for Cernavoda Bridge (until November 12) ends in retreat to Dunarea. Naval and Overseas Operations East Africa: Malangali post attacked (8-12 November) and relieved. Political, etc. Germany: von Bethmann-Hollweg Reichstag speech replies to Grey on causes of war; states Germany will accept peace if British rule over the seas is ended. United Kingdom: Asquith Guildhall speech assures Venizelos and Armenians of British sympathy; no separate peace possible. “Peace…on one condition only—that the war, with its vast waste, its sacrifices, its untold sufferings…shall not have been in vain.” France: French War Loan 454,000,000 francs. Portugal: Portuguese troops ready to leave for European front. |
10 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: day begins with attempts by both sides to advance, which ends in failure even after hand-to-hand fighting. Later, British troops capture east section of Regina Trench north of Thiepval. French troops capture some trenches northeast of Lesboeufs, while French capture several German trenches north-east of Lesboeufs. French anti-aircraft guns at Villers-Bretonneux at the Somme: http://imgur.com/HqSP4I2* © IWM (Q 79000) Eastern Front Transylvania: Second Battle of Oituz (until November 15). Serbs advance towards Monastir; carry Chuke heights, etc. Naval and Overseas Operations Baltic: During attempted raid (night November 10-11) on Russian patrol lines in Gulf of Finland, near Reval, 7 wartime-built German torpedo boats (V-75, S-57, V-72, G-90, S-58, S-59 and V-76) out of 11 (10th Flotilla) sink in unsuspected minefields (400 survivors), largest single action destroyer loss; Admiral Langemarck relieved of command. A German S or V (German torpedo boats were designated according to manufacturer, in this case, Schichau or Vulkan) type torpedo boat: http://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp...V-destroyer.jpg North Sea: RNAS seaplanes attack Ostend and Zeebrugge (and on November 15). Britain: The King informed that Prime minister Asquith wants Beatty to succeed Jellicoe in command of Grand Fleet, the monarch approves heartily (November 22). Political, etc. Germany: German Note to Greek Government re: War Material France: French government prepares a 100-page report alleging German atrocities in prisoner of war camps. Sweeden: Nobel Prize for Literature for 1915, which had been held in reserve, is given to Romain Rolland. Verner von Heidenstam wins for 1916. Greece: Review of troops by Greek National Government at Salonika. |
11 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of the Ancre Heights ends (also listed for yesterday). British artillery preparation begins, British infantry capture Farmers Road near Regina Trench. French recapture most of Saillisel, and repulse German attack at Deniecourt. Eastern Front German and Austro-Hungarian counterattack regain ground around Halych, reversing some Russian gains during the Brusilov offensive. Dobruja: Russo-Romanians occupy Topalu (right bank Danube) and advance south. Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: in Group Kuehn’s attack Lieutenant Rommel’s Wuerttemberg Mountain Company captures Mt Lescului (3,937 ft) and descends to plain on November 12. Southern Front Macedonia: Serbian troops defeat Bulgarian counterattacks around Polog, Macedonia, resulting in the capture of 1000 Bulgarian prisoners. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Egypt: 6 RFC aircraft apiece raid Maghdaba (100 miles east of Ismailia) and Beersheba. German aircraft bombs Cairo (and on November 13 with 39 casualties) and Suez (November 17) but little damage. Political, etc. United Kingdom: J. L. Garvin, British journalist, states, “The Allies in the East have perpetrated almost every blunder left to them to commit…” Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary announces that Emperor Franz Joseph is suffering from catarrh, but otherwise is carrying out his duties. United States: The newly-created Kingdom of Arab Countries asks the U.S. State Department for formal recognition. |
12 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German attack near Berny (north-east of Ablaincourt) repulsed. Eastern Front Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Rumanian First Army retreats in Jiu and Aluta Valleys. In the past few days, German attacks against Russian lines N. of Baranovichi leads to the capture of 4000 Russian prisons & 27 machine guns. Failure of Russo-Romanians on Cerna Voda and retreat to Dunarea. Southern Front Macedonia: French and Serbs capture Iven (15 miles east of Monastir). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Shiraz (South Persia) occupied by British forces; Sykes organises 3,700 South Persian Rifles and 6 guns by December 1. Naval and Overseas Operations East Africa: Portuguese troops occupy Lulindi. British defeat Germans at Malangali. Political, etc. France: Evening dress is banned at Parisian operas that are subsidized by the French government. United States: (Perhaps yesterday) Percival Lowell, American businessmen & astronomer who started the search for Planet X (Pluto), passed away: http://imgur.com/Y5fJEuL Mexico: Count Bernstorff to German Mexico City Minister ‘The Imperial Government would see with the greatest of pleasure the Mexican Government’s consent to … a [U-boat] base in its territory’. Netherlands: Dutch railways considers curtailing their services due to difficulty in obtaining coal from Britain, Germany, and Belgium. |
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of the Ancre begins (until November 18): with 10 divisions, 5 tanks and 282 heavy guns in wet fog at 0545 hours Fifth Army (Gough) storms Beaumont Hamel (1,200 PoWs) also St Pierre Divion and Beaucourt in mile-deep advance. 30,000lb ammonal mine detonated at Hawthorn Crater; c.360 men of 3rd Battalion German 62nd Regiment buried alive. The crater after capture: http://imgur.com/ijgZT6c* © IWM (Q 2006) Operation until November 14 directed by Lieutenant-Colonel Freyberg, RND (thrice wounded and wins VC). Australian-born writer and RND Coy Company Commander F S Kelly killed at Beaucourt. British soldier bringing in a captured wounded German during the Battle of Ancre at the Somme: http://imgur.com/cqp0pkZ* © IWM (Q 4502) French official cameraman filming a wounded British soldier at the Somme: http://imgur.com/b1dPgJy* © IWM (Q 4504) Frederick Septimus Kelly, Australian/British musician & rower who won gold in the 1908 Olympics, is KIA at the Somme: http://imgur.com/g1AOwFo Eastern Front Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Falkenhayn takes Kimpulung south of Toerzburg and retakes railhead south of Vulcan Pass. Southern Front Serbia: After fog lifts Serb troops reach ridges east of Crna and Monastir taking 600 German PoWs, [another source claims 16 artillery guns and 1000 prisoners,] forcing General Winckler to evacuate Kenali valley position (held since early October) during night November 14-15. Asiatic and Egyptian Egypt: Cairo bombed; little damage done. One flight of No.14 Squadron, together with a Company of the Bedfordshire Regiment to act as aerodrome guard, are sent to the Red Sea port of Rabigh to assist Arab forces under the control of the Sherif of Mecca and Colonel T.E. Lawrence ('Lawrence of Arabia'). Political, etc. Germany: German casualties since the start of the war now numbers 3,755,693 men killed, wounded, captured, and missing. Note: I am unsure of the source of this. It might be based on the fantastical claims of British Intelligence, which, throughout the war, and even to this day, grossly exaggerated the German casualty rate.] United States: “Behind the Screen,” a short film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, is released: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...%281916%29.webm Belgium: Désiré-Joseph Mercier, a Belgian cardinal, publishes a protest against German deportations and forced labor of Belgian civilians. |
14 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British 190th Brigade (63rd Royal Navy Division) with 2 Tank Mk I capture Beaucourt (Ancre) with 400 PoWs (5000 overall in this phase of the battle), driving major salient into German Ancre defences. Author Lieutenant-Sergeant H H Munro (‘Saki’) killed, aged 46, by sniper at Beaumont-Hamel. His last words: “Put that bloody cigarette out!” http://imgur.com/IMLaY1R RFC ranges 157 German batteries; No 15 Squadron observers direct gunfire that annihilates c.1350 German infantry. German attack at Ablaincourt and Pressoir largely repulsed. Eastern Front Romanians retreat south of Vulkan Pass; and below Torzburg Pass; severe fighting in Prahova Valley (south of Predeal Pass). Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: German and Austro-Hungarian troops pierce Romania lines at Jiul Valley and advance 14 miles beyond the Romanian border. Southern Front Macedonia: Allies advance on Monastir. Bulgars retreat on River Bistritza. Naval and Overseas Operations Aegean: U-73 mine (12 laid on October 28) in Zea Channel sinks 12,009t French armed liner Burdigala. This ship was formerly the German-owned Kaiser Friedrich. Political, etc. United Kingdom: Publication of White Paper re: U.S.A. "Black List" Protest of July 28. Pensions Bill introduced. Russia: Duma attacks on Prime Minister and by implication Tsarina, ‘Is this folly, or is this treason?’ (Miliukov). Polish members of the Russian Duma denounce the German creation of the Kingdom of Poland. United States: U.S government protests the German deportation and forced labor of Belgian civilians. Special, 1910: Aviator Eugene Burton Ely performed the first takeoff from a ship, flying from a makeshift deck on the USS*Birmingham in Hampton Roads, Virginia, US. |
15 November 1916
Western Front
Lieutenant-General E W von Hoeppner appointed C-in-C Air Force; Kommandierender General der Luftstreitkräfte (Kogenluft). Chief of Staff is Colonel Thomsen, previously Feldflugchef. French gunners dragging a 155 mm artillery up a steep slope in Seine-et-Oise: http://imgur.com/p4V6Can* © IWM (Q 78089) British seaplanes bombard Zeebrugge and Ostend. Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack north of Chaulnes. Eastern Front Russia: Brusilov says ‘Rumania is a difficult ally’. His Southwest Front has only 412 heavy guns (over 122mm). Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Romanian retreat continued; Falkenhayn brings heavy guns through Toerzburg Pass and captures Tirgu Jiu. He is now 20-25 miles inside Rumania. Southern Front Serbia: Advance on Monastir: French and Serbs capture monastery of Jaratok; French and Russians at River Viro (four miles south of Monastir). Asiatic and Egyptian Egypt: British advance into Sinai begins. Persia: Tunnel through Taurus range on Baghdad railway pierced. Third Affair of Hafiz Kor (North-West Frontier of India). Political, etc. Germany: 1918 conscript class, all under 19 year, begins to join for training; malnutrition a problem. United Kingdom: Appointment of Food Controller and control of bread foreshadowed. France: CHANTILLY CONFERENCE: (Joffre presiding) Allies discuss (a) 1917 offensives on Western, Eastern and Southern fronts to be timed from first fortnight of February 1917 to cause maximum dispersal of German forces; (b) the relations between Governments and Staffs; (c) Greece; (d) Poland. (Conference continued on 16th.) Russia: Grand Duke Nicholas warns Tsar of Tsarina and Rasputin’s harmful influence. http://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp...oyal-family.jpg Poland: Henryk Sienkiewicz, Polish writer who received the Nobel Prize in Literature, passed away: http://imgur.com/GEH0kXX United States: Standard Oil Company of California institutes an 8-hour workday for its workers for “humanitarian” reasons. |
16 November 1916
Western Front
Haig asks for an extra 20 fighter squadrons by the spring of 1917. RFC capture first Albatros D-1 fighter, forced down by a B.E. 2. http://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp...Albatros-DI.jpg Each BEF army forms anti-aircraft group under one commander with 36-64 guns each (until November 27). Battle of the Somme: RFC helps knock out at least 10 German artillery guns (65 batteries engaged), destroys 3 German aircraft; 6 Martinsydes bomb Hirson station (Belgium). German night raid destroys 21 French aircraft at Cachy, 90 miles away. British advance east of Beaucourt but lose some ground east of Butte de Warlencourt. French regain ground east of Pressoir. Eastern Front Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Romanian retreat continuing; severe fighting south-east of Tolgyes, near Campulung, and in valleys of Aluta and Jiu. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Arrabia: Six No 14 Squadron RFC aircraft land at Rabegh to support Arabs; airfield built. Naval and Overseas Operations A war aeroplane is used for the first time in India, as they are used by the British to beat back a raid from the Afghan frontier. Ultimately, this results in the defeat of Pathans near Shabkadar (Peshawar valley). Political, etc. Germany: First of 11 German armored car MG platoons formed, mainly for Eastern Front. German blockade-runner submarine Deutschland leaves New London, Connecticut after conducting trade with the U.S. Russia: Russia declares the creation of the Kingdom of Poland by Germany and Austria-Hungary as illegal and void. Poland: German governors in Poland issue an edict recognizing Judaism as a religion in the civil law. United States: Luis Muñoz Rivera, Puerto Rican writer and journalist who advocated for Puerto Rico’s autonomy, passed away: http://imgur.com/cOFAKsk Some New York hotels & restaurants announce that they will postpone New Year’s Eve celebration to Jan 1st, as Dec 31 falls on Sunday when alcohol is restricted. 60 border troops on the US-Mexican border desert their posts due to cold weather. They are all found and arrested. Greece: Allies demand dismissal of Central Powers Ministers and surrender of war material. |
17 November 1916
Western Front
French bomber pilot Captain Beauchamp in Sopwith 1/2 Strutter ‘Ariel’ flies epic 812-mile first ever ‘shuttle’ raid from Luxeuil (Vosges) –Munich (rail station bombed)- San Donadi Piave (near Venice). Beauchamp killed in action over Verdun in December. RFC ranges 141 targets, 16 aircraft in air combat (3 lost, 3 damaged), destroy 3 German planes in day and night bombing. Sidney Cowan, Irish flying ace with 7 credited aerial victories, is killed in action in France after colliding with another British pilot. Another raid of British naval aeroplanes and seaplanes on Ostend and Zeebrugge. Battle of the Somme: First snow falls, night November 17-18. British troops gain along the north bank of the Ancre River, but lose ground north of the Somme to the Germans. Eastern Front Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Germans break Romanian front. German offensive into Romania continues to advance and captures 2,100 Romanian prisoners. Southern Front Macedonia: British capture Kavakli on left bank of Struma. Allied forces in Macedonia capture 12 villages and are now only 4 miles away from the city of Monastir (Bitola). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Suez bombed: Waterpipe reaches Romani. Political, etc. United Kingdom: Food regulations issued. France: Jean Cruppi, former Foreign Minister of France, urges the French government to save Romania, which is defending against a German offensive. Russia: Prime Minister Stuermer furious at pretended Russo-German peace talks. United States: Washington DC will ban alcohol from midnight March 3 to March 5 for the inauguration of President Wilson’s 2nd term. Belgium: Germans arrest Brussels Council. German deportation of Belgian civilians continues, as 40,000 Belgian men have been deported as forced labor so far. Greece: Note of French Admiral to Greek Government demanding delivery of War material. China: Chinese government borrows $5 million, based on assurances by the U.S. government, from the Continental & Commercial Bank of Chicago. |
18 November 1916
Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of the Ancre ends with 8 Tank Mk I participating. Existing tank companies expanded into battalions. BATTLES OF THE SOMME END: In final attack, reluctantly allowed by Haig, 4th Canadian Division and part of 18th Division gain 1,000-yard deep bulge on front of 3 miles, but Grandcourt not reached by 32nd Division (commanding General relieved with two brigade commanders). German losses claimed to be 45,000 men since November 1 (BEF Nov total 46,238). At the Somme, Britain suffered around 420,000 casualties, France 200,000 casualties, and Germany supposedly 424,000-500,000 casualties. Battle of Verdun: Joffre agrees to one more Nivelle attack; preparations including 16 miles of roads and 6 miles of light railway. French gunners near Martigny with a 90 mm artillery gun: http://imgur.com/R1H2HtL* © IWM (Q 80280) Eastern Front Romania: Romanian defenses in the Carpathian passes manage to halt the German offensive, but they are already 25 miles into Romanian territory. Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Southern Front Serbia: Despite deep snow Serb Danube Division captures Hill 1378, Italians storm Ostretz Hill and two other features (until November 19), French ford river Viro and Russians capture three villages south of Monastir. Germans and Bulgarian troops burn and evacuate it during night November 18-19 and retreat 4 miles. Macedonia: 5,144 trained Greek troops now available with 5,184 animals. Naval and Overseas Operations East Africa: Defeat of Germans at Lupembe by British. Political, etc. United Kingdom: Lloyd George tells Hankey that Somme offensive was ‘a bloody and disastrous failure’; not willing to stay in office if in 1917 repeated. British news film “Topical Budget,” showing captured German soldiers at Macedonia, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5404 France: Protest of Allies re: Poland. United States: U.S.A. explanation re: U-53. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM_U-53 |
19 November 1916
Western Front
British troops announce they captured 6,982 German troops at the Somme in the last six days of battle. Eastern Front Transylvania: Second Battle of Tirgu Jiu: Falkenhayn‘s Group Kuehnereaches Filiasi road net 40 miles southeast of Tirgu Jiu; Captain Picht’s motorized battalion diverted west from Filiasi to open Iron Gates and railway from behind. German and Austro-Hungarian troops force their way through the Jiul and Ait valley passes and enter the Wallachian plains of Romania. Southern Front Serbia: Monastir (Serbia) captured by Allied forces (see October 5th, 1916 and December 2nd, 1915). Serb and French cavalry ride in 4 years to the day since Serbs captured town from Turks in First Balkan War, 1912. Sarrail thanks all nations and claims first French victory since the Marne. Fighting to north of Monastir on November 22. Russian troops entering the city of Monastir (Bitola), Macedonia: http://imgur.com/y5b5Eft* © IWM (Q 32857) Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Egypt: British raid and take Farafra Oasis (180 miles west of Assiut). Naval and Overseas Operations Baltic: Russian armored cruiser Rurik mined badly in bows, but operational again early 1917. Political, etc. Germany: German war minister says that fathers of several children, when possible, would not be sent to the frontlines. United Kingdom: Crowded canteen for workers at the National Shell filling Factory at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire: http://imgur.com/QIzRJCB United States: Wilson peace note to combatants. President Wilson promises delegates of the American Federation of Labor that he will “close rifts” between the classes. Ruth Law breaks the cross-America flight record by flying 590 miles non-stop between Chicago & New York state: http://imgur.com/HDopoat Greece: Entente Governments demand dismissal of Ministers of Central Powers at Athens and surrender of Greek military material (see December 1st). |
20 November 1916
Western Front
At the Somme, German troops use hand grenades to dislodge British soldiers from the western part of Grandcourt. Eastern Front Romania: German troops approach the Romanian city of Craiova, threatening the entrapment of Romanian troops in Western Wallachia. Macedonia: With the capture of Monastir, Allied forces in Macedonia advance four miles north towards Prilep, the largest city in Macedonia. Political, etc. Germany: Herr von Jagow, German Foreign Minister, resigns (appointed January 1913) (see 21st). United Kingdom: British government fixes the price of milk to 6 pence per quart, which will go into effect on Nov 27th. Russia: Tsar summons Gourko from Special Army to act as Chief of Staff (Alexeiev ill until March 1917), he arrives at STAVKA on November 23. Japan: Count Terauchi relinquishes temporary appointment as Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs (see 21st, aud October 9th). Netherlands: The Dutch government sends a message to Germany that the deportations of Belgian civilians has produced a “painful impression” of Germany. |
21 November 1916
Eastern Front
Romania: Falkenhayn‘s Cavalry Corps (Schmettow) occupies Craiova (capital of Western Wallachia), road to Bucharest open. General Janin at STAVKA finally gets Alexeiev to send 2 Russian divisions to aid Rumanians. Naval and Overseas Operations Aegean – Largest ship victim of war: British hospital ship (but without wounded aboard) 48,158t White Star liner Britannic (78 casualties and 1035 survivors ), sister ship of the Titantic, sunk in Zea Channel by U-73 mine http://imgur.com/gUxEFdS; hospital ship Braemar Castle mined on November 22. Political, etc. Austria-Hungary: EMPEROR JOSEPH OF AUSTRIA peacefully died, aged 86, having told Prime Minister ‘if that is the case [domestic discontent] we must make peace without taking any ally into consideration at all’. Great nephew Archduke Charles succeeds, aged 29 (born 17 August 1887). Germany: Artur Zimmermann becomes Foreign Minister and replacing Jagow. United Kingdom: Rows of shells at the National Shell Filling Factory at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire: http://imgur.com/ozt3fj4 Robert P Houston, Member of Parliament, offers £2000 for any merchant ship that sinks a German submarine. Italy: Pope Benedict XV celebrates his 62nd birthday and receives messages of congratulation from all around the world. Japan: Viscount Motono becomes Foreign Minister. Greece: Statement in British press by Venizelos re: Greek National Defence Movement. |
22 November 1916
Western Front
RFC destroy 2 German aircraft. Eastern Front Romania: Austro-Germans retake Orsova (Hungary) on Danube. Captain Picht seizes and just holds Turnu Severin against Rumanian 1st Division until relieved by Austrian cyclist brigade on November 24. Southern Front Macedonia: Fierce fighting north of Monastir. Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: The only sailing raider of the World Wars; German square-rigged SMS Seeadler leaves Germany [approximate date] for South Seas disguised as Norwegian timber ship (had been British-built 1878 and US-owned until U-36 captured her July 24, 1915). Crew hides among cargo as ship passes through British Northern Patrol. http://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/wp...MS-Seeadler.jpg Political, etc. France: French Cabinet decides that consumption of meat by Parisians should be prohibited two days a week in order to maintain food supplies. Belgium: Further protest of Belgium to Neutral Powers re: deportations and forced labor. |
23 November 1916
Western Front
In what probably came closest to the stereotyped WW 1 “dogfight”, Major Lanoe G. Hawker VC ( http://imgur.com/KIh6Gea )is killed in a dogfight with Baron Manfred von Richthofen (the 'Red Baron'). Following a prolonged period of maneuvering, during which neither pilot was able to gain the advantage, fuel shortage forced Major Hawker to attempt to break off and run for the British lines. He then lost his life when his de Havilland DH2 pusher scout was shot down. Major Hawker was von Richthofen's eleventh victim. RFC ranges 163 targets. No 25 Squadron F. E. 2bs including Captain Tedder (future Marshal of RAF) repulse 20 German fighters (2 crashed), 4 other German aircraft shot down and 3 damaged. French gunners loading a 164 mm gun near Virginy: http://imgur.com/iTpyCgn* © IWM (Q 78887) Eastern Front Romania: German advance on Bucharest. Mackensen's army effects passage of the Danube at 0400 hours in thick mist on 32-mile front between Islatz and Zimnitza with 40 battalions and 188 guns against 18 battalions with 48 guns. Austro-Hungarians build pontoon bridge by 1800 hours on November 25. Prezan replaces lliescu as Rumanian CoS and effective C-in-C. Field Marshal von Mackensen & General von Tappin watching troops cross the Danube near Sitovo: http://imgur.com/6Fq5hiw* © IWM (Q 52237) German and Bulgarian troops, along with their livestock, crossing the Danube River: http://imgur.com/NNolzWv* © IWM (Q 61019) west Germans take Orsova and Turnu-Severin; repulsed at Slatina (Aluta Valley) but cross Aluta near Caracula. Southern Front Macedonia: French and Serbs progress north of Monastir, taking three villages. Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: German destroyers raid in Channel, north end of Downs; little damage. Political, etc. Austria-Hungary: New Emperor Charles’ proclamation to Peoples, announces imminent coronation as King of Hungary. The new Austro-Hungarian Emperor Charles I pledges to continue the war until victory is achieved. United States: With the Hughes’s concession, $3 million in winnings are paid to New Yorkers who bet on Wilson getting reelected. New Zealand: First conscription ballot. Greece: Greek Provisional Government (M. Venizelos) at Salonika declare war on Germany and Bulgaria (see September 29th, 1916 and June 27th, 1917). Greek government refuses Entente demands that it surrenders its weapons and ammunition. |
24 November 1916
Western Front
Nine RNAS bombers raid Dillingen air works and shoot down a German fighter near Trier (and on December 27). British soldiers at an advanced dressing station near Beaumont-Hamel, France: http://imgur.com/om8Vb11* © IWM (Q 5798) Eastern Front Romania: The city of Orșova, Romania on the Danube River is captured by German and Bulgarian troops. Most of Western Wallachia has fallen. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Egypt: First bombing of Hejaz Railway: 2 RFC Martinsydes from Sinai cause only slight damage to targets north of Maan. Political, etc. Russia: Prime Minster and Foreign Minister Boris Stuermer resigns, due to his connections with Rasputin. http://imgur.com/fbm0cs8 Aleksandr Trepov succeeds. http://imgur.com/KiXj9TF France: French Minister of War introduces a bill that would reexamine all men exempted from service in order to see if they can still be conscripted. United Kingdom: Death of Sir Hiram Maxim, 1889 inventor of modern machine gun, aged 76, London. https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...machine-gun.jpg Greece: Admiral Fournet demands 10 mountain batteries by December 1, sees King on November 26. (Other sources list this demand issued yesterday). Mexico: Mexican rebels under Pancho Villa attack the city of Chihuahua and engage government troops in street-to-street fighting. |
25 November 1916
Western Front
Artillery bombardment continues at the Somme, but many shells fail to explode due to heavy rain and mud. French 164 mm naval gun at Belleville-sur-Meuse: http://imgur.com/MBP4IFp* © IWM (Q 78096) Eastern Front Romania: Falkenhayn‘s Group Kraftt occupies Rimnik south of Rotenturm Pass (Falkenhayn’s German troops foiled at Slatina November 25-26). Mackensen turns Aluta position by advancing towards Alexandria and Rosiori. Rumanian authorities begin leaving Bucharest for Jassy as general retreat ordered. Naval and Overseas Operations Eastern Atlantic: Unescorted French old battleship Suffren (making only 9 kts) sunk with all hands by U-52 off Lisbon. Political, etc. Germany: German Patriotic Auxiliary Service Bill presented to Reichstag. Australia: Despite the embargo on Germany, report shows Australia imported £4000 worth of automobile parts of German origin in the first half of 1916. United States: Inez Milholland, suffragist & lawyer, died. Her last words:“Mr President, how long must women wait for liberty?” http://imgur.com/PFu1Uov |
Interesting note on Inez Milholland.
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26 November 1916
Western Front
German attacks against British east of Beaumont-Hamel are repulsed. 2 German attacks in Champagne against French lines are also defeated. A captured German memorial for their fallen comrades at Beaumont Hamel: http://imgur.com/Qd55vpH* © IWM (Q 1525) British troops in the ruined remains of the village of Beaumont Hamel: http://imgur.com/fHOoJGU* © IWM (Q 1558) OHL issues equivocal instruction on role of forthcoming Siegfried Stellung (Hindenburg Line): ‘Just as in times of peace, we build fortresses, so we are now building rearward defences. Just as we have kept clear of our fortresses, so we shall keep at a distance from these rearward defences’. Eastern Front Romania: Mackensen reaches Alexandria, 50 miles from Bucharest, and contacts Falkenhayn. Central Power Aeroplanes bombard Bucharest for five hours, as the Central Power’s armies are only 47 miles away from the Romanian capital. Southern Front Macedonia: French and Serbs capture Hill 1,050 (7 miles north-east of Monastir). Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Egypt: East Sinai railway reaches Mazar. Naval and Overseas Operations French submarine Papin leaving Toulon on a reconnaissance mission: http://imgur.com/dxv1rZI* © IWM (Q 58292) North Sea: Second German naval raid on Lowestoft (see April 25th); German destroyers raid Lowestoft (Royal Navy armed trawler Narval sunk) as diversion for German raider Möwe. Möwe sails from Kiel on second cruise (see March 4th, 1916 and March 22nd, 1917). East Africa: Lake Nyasa: Wahle’s 303-strong rearguard with 1 gun and 3 MGs surrender at Ilembule to Murray’s 450 motorized troops. |
27 November 1916
Western Front
German airship raid on East coast of England: 7 of 10 Zeppelins raid Northern England, drop 206 bombs (41 civilian casualties: 4 killed, 37 injured), but 2 Zeppelins lost to 40 defence sorties (record so far). Second Lieutenant V Pyott of No 36 Squadron RFC in B E 2 shoots down L-34 (Dietrich) off Hartlepool with 71 rounds mixed incendiary/ball ammunition from his Lewis gun, 20 crew all killed (night November 27-28). RNAS Flt Sub-Lts E Cadbury and E Pulling shoot down L-21 (Frankenberg) after chase to 8 miles off Lowestoft. Eastern Front Romania: Central Power armies capture the entire Olt River defensive line in Romania. Germany reports Romanian resistance “is breaking.” Falkenhayn’s Alpenkorps captures Curtea de Arges and 41st Division Slatina on river Aluta. Bulgarian troops of Mackensen take Giurgevo on Danube. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Persia: Russians drive back Turks into Persia, taking much war material. Naval and Overseas Operations City of Birmingham sunk by German submarine (4 lost). Political, etc. Germany: Germany announces it will cut some civilian train services starting on Dec 1st to transport troops and save coal. United Kingdom: Anglo-French-Italian wheat Executive formed in London. Britain refuses to allow safe conduct for Count Tarnowski, the new Austro-Hungarian ambassador to the U.S. United States: Federal Reserve Bank cautions member banks against further buying of belligerents’ war bonds. 16,000 lbs of turkeys, 2000 lbs of cranberries, & 4000 lbs of plum pudding are sent to U.S. soldiers in Mexico for Thanksgiving. |
28 November 1916
Western Front
First daylight aircraft raid on London: at 1150 hours LVG C-IV (llges and Brandt) drops 6 x 22lb bombs between Brompton Road and Victoria Station (10 civilians wounded). LVG later force-lands near Boulogne (crew taken PoW). A LVG C biplane captured by the French: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...tured-LVG-C.jpg On the Western Front in general, fog almost eliminates flying until December 3. Eastern Front Romania: Mackensen fighting at Calugarino, 17 miles south of Bucharest, forces river Niaslova on November 30. Carpathians: Lechitski captures heights east of Jablonitsa and Kirlibaba Passes in relief offensive to aid Rumania (until December 13). Southern Front Bulgarians occupy Giurgevo (on Danube). Successful British raid near Macukovo (left bank Vardar, south-west of Doiran). Naval and Overseas Operations British seaplanes have now been bombing Drama and Bulgarian coast for five days. Brixham fishing fleet attacked by German submarine. 100 French sailors land at Piraeus. Political, etc. Austria-Hungary: Kaiser Wilhelm II arrives in Vienna to attend Hofburg Chapel lying instate. Turkey: Ottoman government refuses to allow American citizens from leaving the empire, citing military reasons. Romania: Romanian government officials and diplomatic authorities leave Bucharest and evacuate to Iași to escape the advancing Central Powers. United States: Loans made by U.S. banks to the Allied powers since the war began now total $1.795 billion (around $39.8 billion today). U.S. Federal Reserve Board warns against continued “unlimited participation” of U.S. bankers in foreign war loans. Greece: Greek batteries (to be surrendered to Allies) removed to Chalcis, etc. Mexico: Mexican rebels under Pancho Villa fully capture the city of Chihuahua, after driving back a Mexican government counterattack. Dominican Republic: US-backed military government proclaimed. |
29 November 1916
Eastern Front
Romania: BATTLE OF BUCHAREST (until December 3). Falkenhayn captures Ploesti. Rumanian First and Second Armies retreat behind river Arges west of capital at night November 29-30. General von Falkenhayn, with German & Austro-Hungarian officers, observing the Battle of Ploesti: http://imgur.com/kgWAgGY* © IWM (Q 23855) Southern Front Austro-Hungarians massing troops on Carso front. Fight east of Monastir continues in fog. British seaplanes bomb Gereviz (Bulgaria). Naval and Overseas Operations Admiral Sir David Beatty appointed to succeed Admiral Sir John Jellicoe as Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet (see December 4th). Admiral Sir C Madden, Jellicoe‘s Chief-of-Staff, becomes second in command replacing Admiral Sir C Burney. Vice-Admiral Sir W Pakenham takes over battlecruisers. Black Sea: Russians commission of 2 seaplane carriers (max 18 aircraft) and they soon sink German coaster Irmingard; 4 Rumanian-owned liners also converted. Political, etc. United Kingdom: Board of Trade takes over South Wales coalfield from 1 December 1916. Japan: 39 Japanese soldiers are killed in Aomori Prefecture when their troop train collides with a cargo train. United States: Further protest of U.S.A. against deportation of Belgians. Australia: Constructing nearing completion on the HMAS Brisbane, the only cruiser built in Australia: http://imgur.com/GG1rXDk |
Just a little side note ...
HMAS Brisbane was a Town class light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Built in Sydney between 1913 and 1916 to the Chatham subtype design, Brisbane operated in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Australian coastal waters during World War I. Following the end of the war, the cruiser was decommissioned and recommissioned on several occasions, and was reclassified as a training ship in late 1925. In 1935, Brisbane was reactivated to transport personnel for the new cruiser HMAS*Sydney to Britain, after which she was decommissioned and sold for breaking up as scrap. |
Kewl: nice supplement, DB.
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30 November 1916
Western Front
French aircraft bomb Thionville. Battle of Verdun: Crown Prince gives up command of German army on Verdun front. Eastern Front Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: Russian troops launch counterattacks to stop the Central Power’s advance in Romania, but they are now only 12 miles from Bucharest. Germans force passage of River Neajlovu. Dobruja: Russian and RNAS armored cars (left Odessa November 13, arriving Hirsova on Danube November 27), lead attack (until December 1 with 7 armored cars damaged) at Topalul aiding IV Siberian Corps (over 9,000 casualties) to take two hills hold by Bulgarian troops. Galicia: Russians repulsed on river Zlota Lipa. Southern Front General artillery action Italian front. Greek army reported marching north. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Persia: Russians 30 miles south of northern Persian frontier. Naval and Overseas Operations North Sea: German raider (ex-liner) Wolf (Nerger, 458 mines, and a small seaplane) breaks out for worldwide 15-month cruise (until March 24, 1918) that sinks 15 ships for 38,391t. Channel: Q-ship Penshurst sinks coastal submarine UB-19 (left Zeebruegge November 22). http://imgur.com/F6I7OoV U-49 on maiden voyage (November) sinks 40,000t shipping in Channel and Biscay. Britain: During November the shipping losses were 49 ships (7 to mines) worth 168,809t in total to U-boats of 325,218t of all nations (164,130t or 40 ships in Mediterranean). Political, etc. Austria-Hungary: Francis Joseph‘s funeral: Kaiser Wilhelm II; Tsar Ferdinand; Kings of Bavaria and Saxony; Crown Princes of Germany, Sweden and Turkey attend.Francis Joseph’s coffin being placed on the hearse: http://imgur.com/qEipe4z* © IWM (Q 88236) Funeral procession of mourners on the way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral: http://imgur.com/NwxFBzT* © IWM (Q 88228) Coffin of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary at St. Stephen’s Cathedral: http://imgur.com/fusCFTk* © IWM (Q 112660) Germany: German actress Dorrit Weixler, known for her comedic roles, commits suicide: http://imgur.com/t8Ht8VW United Kingdom: British officials claim that Germans are supporting American pacifists in an effort to end the war in Germany’s favor. Lord Derby on New Volunteer Army. Italy: Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the radio, is tasked by Italy to organize Rome’s move away from gas to electricity for cooking & heating. Greece: Reserve officers called up. Government refuses Allied demands; Allies land their troops at Piraeus. French authorities are expelled from Athens. |
1 December 1916
Western Front
Britain: In December plan to expand RFC on Western Front to 106 regular and 95 reserve squadrons. First flight of Royal Aircraft Factory SE5 single-seat fighter (prototype crashes January 1917). During December RFC loses 27 aircraft in action, 17 within BEF lines. Horses pulling artillery guns up a slope at a French artillery school in Bougainville: http://imgur.com/J5c6joO* © IWM (Q 58155) Eastern Front Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: Government leaves Bucharest for Jassy. Battle of the Arges: (until December 5): 3 Rumanian divisions counter-stroke takes 3,000 PoWs and 20 guns from Mackensen, but Falkenhayn joins up to save 217th Division on December 2 and Russian 40th Division remains inactive till vain attacks on December 4 and 5. Carpathians: Lechitski driven off Rakida and Kirlibaba heights but pushes up Trotus Valley on December 3, takes peak commanding Jablonitsa Pass on December 4. Southern Front Italy: Austrians bomb Vicenza. Greece: King’s troops (over 40 killed) fight 3,000 Allied sailors and marines (227 casualties) for 3 1/2 hours in Athens outskirts until armistice leads to Allied withdrawal until December 2. French C-in-C Admiral Dartigue involved in Athens fighting. Battleship Mirabeau fires 4 shells near Royal Palace forcing Constantine and family into cellar. Macedonia: German and Bulgarian troops launch two counterattacks against Serbian and French lines in Macedonia, recapturing some trenches. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Egypt: Surrender reported of sons of Ali Dinar (late Sultan of Darfur); organised resistance ended. Naval and Overseas Operations During December U-boats sink 167 ships (39 British worth 109,936t; 58 Allied; 70 neutral) worth 276,400t. Adriatic: In December British Monitor Earl of Peterborough arrives at Venice to support Italian Army. Political, etc. Austria-Hungary: At Herceghalom, Hungary, 2 passenger trains collide, resulting in 69 deaths: the deadliest train accident in Hungary. Many of the passengers were mourners who attended yesterday's funeral of Emperor Franz Joseph. The crash site: http://imgur.com/bqaKaXm Germany: Compared to 1910, the population of Berlin dropped by almost 300,000 and is now 1,712,679 people. United Kingdom: Last meeting of War Committee of British Cabinet (see 9th and November 3rd, 1915). British Admiral Baron Beresford warns about increased German submarine activity: “We are in a position of unparalleled gravity. Publication of Despatch of 1 October 1916 from Sir A. Murray (operations 1 June - 30 September 1916). Mr. Lloyd George declares his inability to remain in the Government. United States: Professor Frederick M. Scott of the University of Michigan predicts the U.S. will have its own “American” language in the future. President Wilson, accompanied by Secret Service men, goes through Washington’s shopping district to buy Christmas presents. Greece: Greek Government refuse Entente demands (leads to fighting listed above). |
2 December 1916
Eastern Front
Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: Fighting rages on three sides of Bucharest. Romanian troops recapture two villages to the south, but are pushed back in the north and west. Heavy fighting at Cerna Voda (Dobruja). Carpathians: In the Carpathians, Russian troops advance against Austria-Hungary and enter the village of Cârlibaba. Southern Front Greece: Allies declare blockade and embargo all Greek vessels. Venizelists fight Royalists in Athens (former massacred on December 6). Twohundred people are killed in Athens due to clashes between Entente and Greek troops. King Constantine of Greece agrees to a truce. Serbs carry strong Bulgarian positions north of Gumishta; Turks assist Bulgarians at Seres and Drama. Naval and Overseas Operations East Africa: British Kilwa Force occupies Ngarambi, 30 miles northwest of Fort Kibata. Political, etc. Austria-Hungary: New Emperor Charles takes command of Armed Forces. Russia: Russian Premier (M. Trepov) announces that the Allies have acknowledged Russia's right to Constantinople and the Bosphorus Straits (see March 12th and April 12th, 1915). Duma attack on ‘dark forces’ behind throne. United Kingdom: British news-film “Topical Budget” showing Serbian troops operating in Macedonia, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5406 Greece: As part of the truce, Greek Government agrees to surrender six (subsequently eight) field batteries. |
"Russian Premier (M. Trepov) announces that the Allies have acknowledged Russia's right to Constantinople and the Bosphorus Straits."
Has anyone told Putin? |
Quote:
I hope not. Maybe there was a proviso that the Czar had to be in power for this to be in effect and Lenin made sure that can't happen. :confused: JK |
3 December 1916
Eastern Front
Romania: Battle Of Bucharest: In Romania, Central Power troops cross the lower Arges River, which brings the capital Bucharest in range of artillery guns. Falkenhayn then signs 3-day armistice allowing Bucharest‘s evacuation (arsenal and forts blown up on December 4). Carpathians: Severe fighting in Carpathian and Moldavian Valleys; Russians push up the Trotus. Romanian retreat south-east; heavily beaten by Mackensen on Lower Arges. Bulgarians repulse Russian assaults in the Dobruja. Southern Front Serbia: Serb Drina Division captures Gruniste east of Crna, then Staravina on December 4. Greece: Outrages against Venizelists at Athens; 1,300 French troops landed at Piraeus, but re-embarked. Naval and Overseas Operations Funchal (Madeira) bombarded by German submarine U-38, (see December 12th, 1917, when U-156 repeats it), sinking 2 ships in harbor, and the French sloop Surprise off port. British and French Governments conclude agreement (the "Clementel Agreement"): (1) to unite British ships in French service to those already employed; (2) to co-ordinate Allied tonnage; (3) to create inter-allied bureau to centralise charter of neutral shipping (see January 6th, November 3rd, and December 3rd, 1917). Political, etc. Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles I of Austria visits the Austro-Hungarian Army headquarters for the first time since ascending the throne. Russia: Russian Premier Trepov promises that after the war, Russia will create a new Kingdom of Poland that encompasses all Polish territory. Germany: Socialist members of the Reichstag denounce German forced labor and deportations of Belgian civilians. United Kingdom: Admiral Sir Henry Jackson, First Sea Lord, Great Britain, resigns (see 4th, and May 28th, 1915). David Lloyd George and other Conservative Cabinet members demands Premier Asquith to resign, or else they would resign. Mr. Asquith decides on re-construction of Government. Wage dispute in South Wales settled in favor of miners. Mexico: Pancho Villa retreats from the city of Chihuahua, Mexico after sacking it. Mexican government troops later retake the city. |
4 December 1916
Western Front
RFC loses 2 aircraft in air combat, claims 9 Germans shot or forced down. French soldiers firing a 145 mm naval gun at Hardecourt-aux-Bois: http://imgur.com/h7FjIF3* © IWM (Q 79009) Eastern Front Romania: The three Central Power armies advancing on Bucharest, Romania join their fronts. 8000 Romanian soldiers & 35 artillery guns are captured. German troops checking debris left by the retreating Romanian Army near Bucharest: http://imgur.com/xgR8p7h* © IWM (Q 87006) Fighting in Stanislau and Tarnopol (Galicia). Russians capture peak commanding Jablonitsa Pass (also listed for yesterday). Southern Front Salonika: Turkish XX Corps HQ arrives east of Struma, rest of formation by January 11, 1917. Greece: Quieter at Athens; detachments (Allies) continue to re-embark. Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters Persia: Great aerial activity on Tigris front. Naval and Overseas Operations Britain: Jellicoe succeeds Admiral Sir H Jackson as First Sea Lord (post offered on November 22). He forms an Admiralty Anti-submarine Division under rear-admiral Duff. Mediterranean: Caledonia (Anchor Line) torpedoed by submarine U-65. Crew saved, Captain Blaikie prisoner. Political, etc. United Kingdom: Lloyd George resigns, after prime minister Asquith changes mind over smaller war committee demand. The King approves of re-construction of Government. Lord R. Cecil reports on “situation” in Greece. Canada: Canadian War Department reports Canadian casualties now numbers 65,680 soldiers. United States: Last stagecoach robbery takes place near Jarbridge, Nevada, & $4000 are stolen (the money is never found & still believed to be buried). "The Rink,” directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, is released: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...%281916%29.webm |
5 December 1916
The Cosmos
Planet Earth: One hundred years ago, in the deep dark swamps of the Okefenokee there was an evil spirit from prehistoric time that long to take a form that would be able to cruelly torment future innocent people, (namely me). This demonic entity long ago decided to divide itself into two existences, a male form and a female form so to be able to confuse all people. First came Beelzebub, the male form, to practice and perfect the way for the true future of oppression and torture of the innocent from the female form. Now that she saw her spirit could put the entire world into a war and while she had to wait decades for her perfect victim, it was this day a century ago that she came into being. Happy Birthday Lilith. :vamp: |
Quote:
Ya' learn something new everyday. :yikes: Oh, yeah, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LILITH! |
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