Western Front
German September losses 27 aircraft to 123 Anglo-French, RFC attacks 3 airfields. Trenchard writes to War Office via Haig for more numerous efficient fighters.
RFC has flown a record 22,500 hours (September) and suffered record 147 casualties. RFC takes 500 air photos of the Somme.
In September French Army retires its airships after c.60 sorties, they are transferred to anti-U-boat patrol work.
Battle of the Somme: British now hold all Thiepval Ridge except part of Schwaben Redoubt, advance south of Eaucourt l’Abbaye. The 6 German divisions from Le Transloy to the Ancre are replaced (until October 13) by 9 divisions (4 from Verdun, 2 from Flanders, 3 from Belgium). German guns fired 7,027,440 shells in September, 126 counter-attacks made.
Eastern Front
Yet another attempt is made to renew the Brusilov offensive in Galicia: Battle of Brzezany (until October 2): III Caucasus Corps attacks Turkish XV Corps, which loses 5,045 men but regains positions and takes 500 PoWs. Russians also advance in Brody region.
1st Romanian Army is defeated by General Falkenhayn in Transylvania and Roter-Turm Pass is recaptured by the Central Powers.
Southern Front
Macedonia: Serb Drina division finally captures both Mt Kajmakčalan peaks just inside Serbia. British 27th Division (364 casualties) launches major attack across river Struma via two bridges (laid on September 29), capturing villages southwest of Seres road and 250 PoWs with 3 Mgs. A second source says this fighting resulted in over 6000 deaths.
British cross Struma river at Orliak and capture villages left bank.
Naval and Overseas Operations
Allied September shipping losses 315,000t (British 42 ships worth 104,572t with 20 lives lost) including 45 ships worth 229,163t in Mediterranean to U-boats.
East Africa: Smuts writes to Gouverneur Schnee and Lettow suggesting honourable surrender and personal meeting; both refuse. 2/3 rds of the German colony now in British hands.
Political, etc.
Germany: German government states American volunteers serving in Europe does not constitute a breach in U.S. neutrality.
United Kingdom: British news-film “Topical Budget,” showing an Orthodox priest blessing ambulances and other news:
http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5395
British government report reveals Britain is spending around £10.6 million and 3,800 lives a day on the war.
United States: Former President Roosevelt criticizes Wilson’s foreign policies as “cowardly” and “following the lines of least resistance.”
Construction on the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City is completed after 4 years of construction:
http://imgur.com/WuCZTvB
(reported for yesterday): John D. Rockefeller, American oil magnate, becomes the first billionaire in nominal U.S. dollars ($22 billion today).