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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #201

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    Well said

    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    August 3rd 1914 - official start of the Great War - what was going to be the war to end all wars, and of course it was going to be all over by Christmas.
    Took us a couple of more days to join the fray, but thought I would save my 500th post to remember what the next four years would bring.

    We play the game and have fun and thankfully none of us will ever have to go through what the young men of all countries had to endure 100 years ago.

    To all those that fought for their countries I salute you.

    Although all combatants from that conflict have now passed I know their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

  2. #202

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    11th. December 1914.


    Western Front.

    From a distance, the Union Flag looked like the Iron Cross. Despite being appropriately marked, an aircraft of No.4 Squadron was shot down by friendly infantry fire during the First Battle of Ypres. This incident prompted a change in practice and, on 11 December 1914, the RFC adopted a distinctive roundel mark for its aircraft.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Russians repel German attacks north of Lovich.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.
    From 11-15 December, in the Baltic Sea, Russian warships, screened by British submarines E.1 and E.9, began mining operations, attempting to foul entrances to the Bay of Danzig.

    "Goeben" having been repaired after damage of 18 November, bombards Batoum.

    Political, etc.

    Romania forbids export of metals and textile material.


    More news from Down Under.

    FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 1914.
    ENROLMENT BY POLICE.

    Mr. Holman, the Slate Premier, has been in communication with the military and police authorities respecting the enrolment of volunteers by the police.
    As the result of an interchange of views, it has been decided that enrolments by the police be discontinued in the metropolis and at Newcastle.
    The police have been acting as recruiting agents in connection with the expeditionary forces throughout the State.
    The decision in respect of the metropolis and Newcastle is based upon the fact that it is open to volunteers to apply direct to the military authorities who are offering the necessary facilities. The police will continue to act in the country.
    RUSSIA'S CAMPAIGN. FIGHTING CONTINUES. GERMANS DESPERATE. SUSTAIN GREAT LOSSES.

    Petrograd, Thursday.
    A communique denies the German reports of heavy Russian losses at Lodz.
    The Russians abandoned the city at midnight on the 16th. Germans remained inactive before empty trenches until the next day, when they occupied them.
    The desperate and heavy fighting which has developed at Prasnysz and Zlechanowa, between Warsaw and Mlava, is unfinished. We have achieved partial successes in the Plotrkow region.
    The battle begun on December 5th, south-east of Cracow, between Wielicza, and the Dunajetz River, is developing in our favour.
    Our reinforcements gallantly forced the passage of the Dunajetz River, near Neusandec, and severely defeated the German right, which was trying to turn our left.
    The Germans suffered enormous losses. Our offensive continues.
    Reuter's agent in Petrograd states that the Czar has journey to Ekaterinodar, the chief town of the Kuban province of Ciscaucasia.
    His object is to pay a visit to his Black Sea Cossacks.
    The cruiser Breslau appeared off Sebastopol, and Russian cruisers and aeroplanes attacked her. She disappeared.
    OFFICIAL MESSAGES.

    Melbourne, Thursday.
    The following message has been received from the Secretary for State:-
    The French Government reports that the activity of the enemy has somewhat increased.
    A vigorous German attack was repulsed south of Ypres.
    The struggle in the Argonne still continues very vigorously.
    Vermelles, recently captured by the French, has been the scene of a determined struggle for nearly two months.
    The Russian headquarters report a grave defeat of the German right wing, south of Cracow, heavy guns and five field batteries being silenced.
    Many prisoners were captured, and the offensive is now being pursued.
    The Servian Press Bureau announces considerable success over the Austrians.
    AUSTRALIAN AMBULANCES. TO WORK AT THE FRONT.

    London, Thursday.
    It has been arranged that eighteen Australian ambulances are to be used near the front.
    Six will work on a line from Nieuport to Calais, and six between Arras and Doulers.
    The remaining half-dozen will operate from Amiens.
    NEWS OF THE DAY.

    Out of 89,245 senior cadets who are liable for training, 87,962 have joined the ranks in the various States.
    The total number of senior cadets registered is 145,785 of whom 55.320 have been exempted.
    More than half the lads of the ago for training in the citizen forces have been excused for various reasons, only 51,851 out of 113,197 being called upon to go into the firing line.
    Enlistments on this day …

    (From Embarkation Rolls)
    Corporal William Brander, Hamilton West, 3rd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements.
    Private Thomas Bryan, Georgetown, 9th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Reinforcements.


    Christmas comes early?


    The War Diary of the 2nd Essex Regiment. 11 December 1914.

    Is this possibly the first recorded 'truce' between British and German troops happening as it did on the 11th December 1914, 15 days before the famous "Christmas truce."

    The War Diary records that at 10am "Officers & men of A & D co meet Germans ˝ way between the trenches – Germans said they were fed up – Regt occupying trenches 181st Ret 19th SAXON CORPS- trenches appeared to be held in about same strength as ours & in same state."
    One of the Essex Regiment soldiers who took part in this earlier incident had a letter published on 1 January 1915 in the Norfolk Chronicle and Norwich Gazette:
    Amusing trench incident. "Tommy" and "Fritz" exchange presents. One of the oddities of the war in the Western battlefields at all events (says the Daily Chronicle) is the close proximity of the opposing forces in the trenches, thus giving opportunities for conversation. But the record must surely be made by an incident described in a letter from Private H Scrutton, Essex Regiment, to relatives at Wood Green, Norwich. He writes:- As I told you before our trenches are only 30 or 40 yards away from the Germans. This led to an exciting incident the other day. Our fellows have been in the habit of shouting across to the enemy and we used to get answers from them. We were told to get into conversation with them and this is what happened:- From out trenches: "Good morning Fritz." (No answer). "Good morning Fritz." (Still no answer). "GOOD MORNING FRITZ." From German trenches: "Good morning." From our trench: "How are you?" "All right." "Come over here, Fritz." "No. If I come I get shot." "No you won't. Come on." "No fear." "Come and get some fags, Fritz." "No. You come half way and I meet you." "All right." One of our fellows thereupon stuffed his pocket with fags and got over the trench. The German got over his trench, and right enough they met half way and shook hands, Fitz taking the fags and giving cheese in exchange. It was good to see the Germans standing on top of their trenches and the English also, with caps waving in the air, all cheering. About 18 of our men went half way and met about the same number of Germans. This lasted about half an hour when each side returned to their trenches to shoot at each other again. What I have written is the truth but don't think we got chums as two of our fellows were killed the same night, and I don't know how many of them.


    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  3. #203

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    12th. December 1914.


    Western Front.

    The French begin a series of attacks against the Germans in the Artois region of northern France and Champagne in the south. Hampered by a lack of heavy artillery and muddy winter conditions, the French fail to make any significant gains and both offensives are soon suspended.

    Eastern Front.

    Galicia: Second Russian invasion of North Hungary ends. Austro-German counter-offensive begins; the Dukla Pass carried and the Russians at Cracow threatened.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians utterly defeated, re-cross the Drina.
    Bosnia: Vishegrad taken by Montenegrins.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Letuchi, Russian, Lovki class Destroyer
    Sunk in bad weather after mines accidentally exploded on board, Gotland.

    Political, etc.

    Senhor V. H. d'Azevedo Coutinho appointed Portuguese Premier.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  4. #204

  5. #205

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    13th. December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Germans withdraw from the Yser Canal.

    Eastern Front.

    Battle for Warsaw raging.
    Galicia: Battle for Cracow ending owing to Austro-German offensive from Hungary.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Rout of the Austrians completed.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Admiral Hood visited Sir J French at St Omer.

    A major drama occurred with the sinking, by the British submarine B.11, on 13 December of the Messoudieh, a 10,000-ton battleship stationed in the western end of the Dardanelles. This was a bitter moment for the Turks. They had declared an Islamic Holy War against the British Empire six weeks earlier and in that time the Allies had maintained a strict blockade on the Straits. B.11 had been on patrol duty at the time when her commander, Lieutenant Norman Holbrook RN, had spotted the battleship through his periscope from a depth of 80 feet – the depth at which it was necessary to submerge much of the time in order to avoid mines and he also had to battle against the current running through the narrows. Holbrook now fired his starboard torpedo to devastating effect, dived immediately to avoid Turkish shells and proceeded at all possible speed to the Mediterranean. The submarine did not surface until nine hours later – an immense interval of time given the primitive technology of his vessel. This was the first time a British submarine had sunk a battleship and Holbrook was awarded the VC for his leadership in this action.


    A poem from December 1914.

    And the bombs explode with a sickening crash.
    You give them lead, and you give them steel,
    Till at last they waver, and turn, and reel.
    You've done your job - there was never a blench
    You've given them hell, and you've saved your trench;
    By God, you've stuck to your trench!
    The daylight breaks on the rain-soaked plain
    (For some it will never break again),
    And you thank your God, as you're 'standing to',
    You'd your bayonet clean, and your bolt" worked true.
    For your comrade's rifle had jammed and stuck,
    And he's lying there, with his brains in the muck.
    So love your gun - as you haven't a wench -
    And she'll save your life in the blooming trench -
    Yes, save your life in the trench.

    Captain Charles W. Blackall, Royal Welch Fusiliers, "Song of the Trench," December 1914.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  6. #206

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    14th. December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Allies cross Yser Canal and advance from Nieuport towards Lombartzyde.
    French 32nd and 16th Corps attacked from Kleine Zillbeke southwards.
    British attacked south of Wytschaete (Ypres) and gained foting in Petit Bois.
    German 4th Cavalry Corps Command broken up.
    An attack by the Royal Scots (Lieutenant Colonel Richard Charles Dundas) and Gordon Highlanders (Major Alexander Walter Frederick Baird) of the 8th Brigade 3rd Division at Wytschaete fails with heavy casualties. The Division is instructed to make no special artillery preparations for cutting barbed wire but they are issued wire-cutters and mattresses for climbing over the wire. The Royal Scots get into German trenches at Petit Bois but further advance into the wood is impossible due to German fire. The Gordons attack on Maedelstede Farm fares worse and no real gains are made by the end of the day. Total casualties in the Gordons are seven officers and 248 men killed, wounded and missing while the Royal Scots suffer six officers and 97 men casualties. Lieutenant Colonel Dundas will be killed next September at the Battle of Loos.
    Private Henry Howey Robson (Royal Scots) is awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery near Kemmel during an attack on the German position when he leaves his trench under a very heavy fire and rescued a wounded NCO and subsequently for making an attempt to bring another wounded man into cover, while exposed to a severe fire. In this attempt he is at once wounded but perseveres in his efforts until rendered helpless by being shot a second time.

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    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Heavy fighting round Sokhachev.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians evacuate Belgrade, re-cross Save, and bring their third invasion to an end after loss of 28,000 prisoners, 70 guns, etc.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Syria: Alexandretta bombarded by H.M.S. "Doris".

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Westeinde bombarded by British fleet.
    Result of enquiry into loss of H.M.S. "Bulwark".
    HM submarine B9 entered Dardanelles, but forced to retire.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  7. #207

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    15th. December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Allies cross Yser Canal and advance from Nieuport towards Lombartzyde.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Heavy fighting round Sokhachev.
    Austrian sortie from Przemysl (Galicia) failed.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians evacuate Belgrade, re-cross Save, and bring their third invasion to an end. Marshal Putnik, having cleared Serbian territory, claimed over 60,000 prisoners and nearly 200 guns.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    HMS Doris raided Asclon (Syria).

    Westeinde bombarded by British fleet.
    Result of enquiry into loss of H.M.S. "Bulwark".

    HMSS Blanche and Boudicea seriously damaged by heavy seas in Pentland Firth while accompanying 2nd Battle Squadron on a sweep from Scapa. Battle Squadron continued to southward to meet battle cruisers from Cromarty at rendezvous in North Sea.

    German battle cruisers under Admiral Hipper left Jade for raid on English E Coast, supported later in the day by High Sea Fleet.


    Political.

    King Peter returned to Belgrade;
    Austria has made a tentative peace proposal to Russia, but exchanges between the two governments in which Russia made known the terms that would be demanded were without results, Swiss newspapers reported today.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 12-15-2014 at 01:34.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  8. #208

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    16th. December 1914.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians end their retreat and make stand on Bzura-Ravka-Pilitza line (30 miles south-west of Warsaw).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough bombarded by German warships.

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    More information:-
    http://www.scarboroughsmaritimeherit...ombardment.php

    Political.

    Japanese Foreign Minister declares Japan will not give up German islands occupied north of the Equator.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  9. #209

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    17th. December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Armentieres bombarded by Germans.
    Offensive at Ovillers-La-Boisselle.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: The Germans occupy Petrokov.
    Battle of Lowicz-Sanniki ends.
    Battle of Limanova-Lapanov ends.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters.

    Armenia: The Turks recover Koprukeui and begin to force the Russians back.
    Turkish forces launch attacks on the Russians in the Caucasus. In difficult conditions, the Russians initially do badly but soon recover. Fighting continues until 18 January 1915.

    Political, etc.

    Egypt: British Protectorate proclaimed.
    Italy: Prince von Bulow reaches Rome as German ambassador extraordinary.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  10. #210

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    This may be of interest to some members as the War rolls on.

    http://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.u...-of-honour.php

    I am going to pop this in the stickies so that anyone can access it from day to day.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  11. #211

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    Good idea. And thanks for all the interesting daily posts here.

  12. #212

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    Only glad you chaps are enjoying them.
    Should hot up a bit as more aircraft arm up next year.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  13. #213

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Only glad you chaps are enjoying them.
    Should hot up a bit as more aircraft arm up next year.
    Rob.
    Time & effort are very much appreciated. Thank you.

  14. #214

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    18th. December 1914.


    Western Front.


    Indian troops begin an attack on the Germans round Givenchy (La Bassee); a five days' battle commenced.


    The Battle of Givenchy (18-22 December 1914)

    The French, finding themselves in difficulty at Arras in late 1914, asked the British to launch an offensive to push the German line further north. This request came after a series of British attacks south of Ypres had all been repelled with heavy losses. The strategy for attack was always the same: a brief bombardment followed by a frontal assault by infantry which made little progress against the enemy's lines of barbed wire, trenches and machine gun nests. In fact, British munitions reserves were at their lowest levels with just forty rounds allocated to each gun, mostly shrapnel shells which had a limited effect on the fortified positions.

    So, in compliance with the French request, General French planned six simultaneous small-scale attacks with most of the burden of the fighting to be borne by the men of the Indian Corps, already severely tested since their arrival in Flanders a few weeks previously. Indeed, the Indian troops had suffered heavy losses in the defence of Ypres and during a series of attacks along the Belgian frontier and La Bassée Canal; and a large number of those who survived were exhausted and suffering terribly from the terrible winter conditions which reigned in the sodden trenches of Flanders, their dismal situation compounded by a lack of warm clothing and adequate food.


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    The attack began on 19 December at 3.10 a.m. in freezing rain between La Bombe Crossroads, near Neuve-Chapelle, and La Bassée Canal. Setting out from the village of Givenchy-lčs-la-Bassée, the Lahore Division succeeded in taking the first two German lines despite coming under heavy machine gun fire and, further to the north, the Garhwal Brigade and the Gurkhas took 300 metres of the opposing line at Festubert; however the enemy was quick to regroup and launched counter-attacks in the same morning, supported by artillery and making great use of hand grenades, a weapon the British had in very short supply. At dawn on 20 December the German artillery began to shell the Indian troops and, later in the morning, a series of mines exploded under the British lines causing much death. Meanwhile the German infantry was moving forward at Festubert, on the point of enveloping Givenchy, and had taken more than 800 British soldiers prisoner. In response to the threat, reinforcements were bused in to relieve the now dislocated Indian Corps.

    British losses were high, especially among the Indian units. In addition to the wounds inflicted by German bullets and shells, many of the victims were suffering from frostbite and trench foot.

    Lacking clear objectives and sufficient means, the British assaults of December 1914 in French Flanders resulted in heavy losses (4,000 for the BEF compared with 2,000 for the German Army) and absolutely no strategic gain for the Allies. The Indian soldiers were particularly affected by the conditions for which they had not been prepared and, faced with a growing risk of mutiny, the British general staff decided to withdraw them from the Western Front over the coming months.


    French pressure towards Peronne.

    Eastern Front.

    Galicia: Austrians recover Lupkow Pass over the Carpathians.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German cruiser "Friedrich Karl" reported lost in Baltic.


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    Political, etc.

    Egypt: Hussein I proclaimed Sultan.
    Meeting of three Scandinavian Kings at Malmo.
    Great Britain: Conviction of Ahlers quashed.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  15. #215

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    19th December 1914.



    Western Front.


    Allied airmen bomb German airsheds at Brussels.
    Germans counter-attack at Givenchy and Festubert.

    Commemorating Private James Mackenzie VC
    Maxwelltown War Memorial, Friday 19th December (10.45am)

    A plaque will be unveiled and a wreath laying ceremony will be held at Maxwelltown War Memorial at 10.45am on Friday 19 December in memory of Private James Mackenzie VC. This will be followed by a service of commemoration at Troqueer Parish Church at 12 noon.

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    Private James Mackenzie, who went to school in Dumfries, enlisted in the Scots Guards in February 1912. He was sent to France on 5th October 1914 as a private in the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards. On 19 December 1914, while serving with the 2nd Scots Guards, Private James Mackenzie rescued a severely wounded man from in front of the German trenches at a place called Rouges Banc, after a stretcher party had been forced to abandon their attempt while under very heavy fire. Later the same day, James was shot dead by an enemy sniper while attempting a similar act. Private James Mackenzie was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry. His Victoria Cross, the first won by the Scots Guards since the Crimean War was gifted to the Regiment and is kept in their museum.
    Private Mackenzie is commemorated on the Maxelltown War Memorial, by a stone plaque in Troqueer Parish Church, and on the Ploegsteert memorial, near Ypres, in Flanders, Belgium. The new commemorative paving stone will incorporate an electronic reader, which will enable people to scan with smartphones to discover more about Private Mackenzie.
    Councillor Ted Thompson, chairman of Nithsdale Area Committee, said, "I'm very pleased that, 100 years after his act of outstanding selfless courage, we will commemorate and honour Private James Mackenzie. His heroic action to rescue a comrade resulted in the ultimate sacrifice, the loss of his own life. We should be truly proud of this local VC recipient."


    Eastern Front.

    Galicia: Desperate sortie by Austrian garrison of Przemsyl repelled by Russians.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    South Africa: Captain Fourie and Lieutenant Fourie condemned for high treason.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  16. #216

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    20th December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Battle of Givenchy continued.
    Furious German attacks on Indian troops.

    The defence of Givenchy, 20-21 December 1914.

    Late on the night of 17 December 1914, Sir John French responded to pressure from his French allies to continue to harass the enemy and issued orders for II, III, IV and Indian Corps to attack vigorously all along their fronts the next day. This was despite the certain knowledge that similar attacks that had taken place a few days earlier had been repulsed with severe casualties. There was to be no change in approach. Frontal assaults by infantry would take place after a short bombardment - which the infantry already knew did insufficient damage to the enemy wire, trenches and machine gun posts. GHQ orders were imprecise in terms of stating the objective of theses attacks: they would only "demonstrate and seize any favourable opportunity which may offer to capture any enemy's trenches on their front". Artillery ammunition supplies were short, and no more than 40 rounds per gun would be fired; less for the heavier calibres - and most of that would be shrapnel, which was of little value for destroying wire or smashing strong points.
    From dawn on 20 December, in torrential rain and cold, the enemy artillery subjected the front trenches of Indian Corps to a deluge of high explosive shells, which was also supplemented by trench mortars firing from the German lines. They blew 10 small mines under the British lines at Givenchy about 9.00am, and followed this by a strong infantry attack. The mines killed or buried many men. The enemy infantry penetrated 300 yards into the Sirhind Brigade lines near Festubert, where hand to hand fighting took place. It appeared as though Givenchy, would have to be evacuated if the garrison (the 1st Manchesters) was not to be surrounded. A German report later showed that 19 British officers and 815 other ranks were taken prisoner.
    During the afternoon of the 20 December, I Corps sent 1st (Guards) and 3rd Brigades to the assistance of the hard-pressed Indian Corps. 2nd Brigade arrived by bus later in the day. Delayed by dark, water-logged ground and machine-gun fire, they eventually relieved the Manchesters in Givenchy and the remnants of Sirhind Brigade at Festubert. GHQ ordered Haig's I Corps to relieve the shattered Indian Corps, which took place by 22 December. The 1st Division suffered 1,682 casualties in the operations to relieve the Indian Corps. Many of these, and many of the Indian Corps, were victims of exposure and frostbite as they held on without cover in freezing rain and flooded trenches for two or three days.

    20th December 1914 - 17th March 1915 - First Battle of Champagne.

    The First Battle of Champagne, which after minor skirmishes began on 20 December 1914, was effectively the first significant attack by the Allies against the Germans since the construction of trenches following the so-called race to the sea during the autumn of 1914.



    Joffre, the French Commander-in-Chief, was determined to win the war quickly, and despite a lack of success in more local attacks against trench lines, resolved to launch a major offensive extending along the whole line from Nieuport to Verdun, throughout the Artois and Champagne regions.
    In the event the winter offensive was primarily directed against a notable salient, the Sayon Salient, which the Germans had forced into central France from Reims to Verdun; a smaller salient also existed further south at St. Mihiel.
    Joffre's plan involved a numerically superior attack against the German Third Army on the Sayon salient at its most northern and southerly edges, to be followed by an advance through the Ardennes, intended to cut off a potential German retreat, the whole offensive aided by a supporting attack from the River Yser through to Verdun.
    [IMG]file:///C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg[/IMG]The offensive was launched with minor attacks on 10 December 1914 at the southern edge of the Sayon salient, near Perthes in eastern Champagne. Despite heavy fighting - at Givenchy from 18-22 December, Perthes on 20 December, and at Noyon on 22 December - French gains were minimal. Despite being outnumbered in terms of troops, the German lines were efficiently entrenched, and successfully demonstrated the superiority of the then state of defensive warfare, especially in their use of the machine gun. The separate attack from the Yser proved a costly failure, notably at Artois and the Woevre.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Russians holding the Bzura against heavy German assaults.
    Galicia: Russians begin to counter-attack and to recover the Carpathian Passes.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Armenia: Russians defeat the Turks near Lake Van.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    South Africa: Captain Fourie shot; his brother's sentence commuted.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  17. #217

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    21st December 1914.

    Western Front.

    British troops aid the Indians at Givenchy to repel the Germans.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Vain German efforts to cross the Bzura.

    Home Front.
    Field Marshal Lord Kitchener decrees that expansion plans to increase the Royal Flying Corps to 30 squadrons are too modest and doubles the planned strength to 60 squadrons.

    The first confirmed attempt to attack the United Kingdom by air takes place. A Friedrichshafen FF29 floatplane of the German Navy's See Flieger Abteilung 1 (Seaplane Unit No.1) dropped two bombs on Dover Harbour, both of which fell into the sea.

    Naval.
    Following upon Scarborough raid, Admiralty ordered 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron and 1st Light Cruiser Squadron to be based on Rosyth.
    French Dreadnought Jean Bart damaged by Austrian U-Boat torpedo in Adriatic.
    Lieut. N Holbrook, RN, received VC for his action in the Dardanelles. (13-xii.-14.)
    Landing-party from HMS Doris blew up bridge near Deurt Yol (Syria).

    Political.
    Admiral Burney arrived at Scapa in HMS Malborough to assume command of 1st Battle Squadron, vice Admiral Bayly, transferred to Channel Fleet.
    Major-General Sir William Birdwood took command of the Australian and New Zealand units in Egypt. These units were formed into an army corps of three divisions — 1st Australian Division, the New Zealand and Australian Division and a mounted division. The corps was known as the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. This was abbreviated later to ANZAC.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  18. #218

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    22nd December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Battle of Givenchy begins to die down; British positions held.
    French make progress towards Noyon.

    Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry arrive in France.

    S.S. CARDIGANSHIRE, 21.XII.14. en route from Southampton to HAVRE. Arrived off
    HAVRE 5 a.m. Came into dock 1.25 p.m. Commenced disembarkation 2 p.m.
    Battalion marched off 3 p.m. to No 2 camp, where it arrived at 5.30 p.m.
    Transport arrived at 8.15 p.m. Showery weather.
    22.XII.14 HAVRE Battalion Route March from 10.30 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. Completed
    equipment from Ordnance Ration parties left camp at 4.40 p.m. Remainder of Battalion at
    5.40 p.m. Reached point 3, GARE DES MARCHANDISES at 7 p.m. Men in tearing spirits.
    The whole Battalion had to entrain in one train of 48 trucks. Officers 1, Men 24, Horses 10,
    VEHICLES 13. Very tight fit, some of the men being unable to sit down. Fatigue parties
    worked very well. Battalion left at schedule time 11.19 p.m. Showery.

    Eastern Front.

    Fresh sortie from Przemysl repulsed by Russians.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Raid by rebels under Maritz; loyal Boers defeated.

    16th Battalion AIF ANZAC.
    On 22 December 1914, the 16th Battalion embarked 32 officers and 979 other ranks on the transport A40 Ceramic at Port Melbourne. The men had left Broadmeadows after two days of continuous rain, and they and their equipment were saturated and muddy.

    Political, etc.

    France: Meeting of the Chambers; M. Viviani makes statement concerning the war.
    Great Britain: Admiral Sir G.A. Callaghan appointed to the Nore.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  19. #219

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    23rd December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Belgians cross the Yser and establish themselves on right bank of Dixmude.
    A German soldier, Karl Aldag, reports that both sides had been heard singing hymns in the trenches. German troops coming into the lines bring Christmas trees. Some men begin to place them on the parapets of the fire trenches. Local truce on the front of 23rd Brigade.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans succeed in crossing the Bzura at two points.
    Galicia: Russians compelled to raise the siege of Cracow.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Egypt: Arrival of Australian and New Zealand troops at Cairo.

    Political, etc.

    Germany: Captain of the "Yorck" sentenced to two years' detention for loss of ship.


    How the Newcastle Herald reported the news for the 23rd Dec 1914.
    http://www.theherald.com.au/story/27...ember-23-1914/

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  20. #220

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    24th December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Belgians cross the Yser and establish themselves on right bank of Dixmude.
    The weather changes to a hard frost. This makes trench conditions a little more bearable. 98 British soldiers die on this day, many are victims of sniper fire. During the afternoon and early evening, British infantry are astonished to see many Christmas trees with candles and paper lanterns, on enemy parapets. There is much singing of carols, hymns and popular songs, and a gradual exchange of communication and even meetings in some areas. Many of these meetings are to arrange collection of bodies. In other places, firing continues. Battalion officers are uncertain how to react; in general they maintain precautions. The night brings a clear, still air with a hard frost.


    Home Front.

    The first successful bombing attack on a target in the United Kingdom takes place. Following an attempted attack on 21 December, a second Friedrichshafen FF29 floatplane of See Flieger Abteilung 1 (Seaplane Unit No.1) dropped a single 22 pound bomb, which blew a crater 10 feet wide and 4 feet deep in the garden of a Dover resident. There were no casualties. Although two British aircraft were scrambled in response to the attack, the aircraft was not intercepted.
    .
    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans succeed in crossing the Bzura at two points.
    Galicia: Russians compelled to raise the siege of Cracow.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Egypt: Arrival of Australian and New Zealand troops at Cairo.

    Political, etc.

    Germany: Captain of the "Yorck" sentenced to two years' detention for loss of ship.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  21. #221

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    25th December 1914.

    They think it's all over, well it isn't!


    Western Front.

    It is well known that a Truce took place on parts of the Western Front on 25 December 1914, although it was by no means universal: the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website lists 149 men who died that day, of whom 57 are commemorated in France and 22 in Belgium. Some would have died of illness or accident and others of wounds suffered earlier, but the day was not free of combat.

    25 December 1914 - The Christmas Truce .


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    On 25 December 1914, British and German troops stationed on the front lines near Ypres, Belgium engaged in an impromptu football match in the no-man's land between their respective trenches. The match was part of the Christmas Truce that had begun the night before when the opposing sides took a break from hostilities to sing Christmas carols and exchange gifts.

    On Christmas morning, the British Royal Welch Fusiliers left their trench to meet the German troops. Someone produced a football, though no one involved could later recall who provided it or where it was obtained, and the game began. According to Fusilier Corporal Bernie Felstead, "It was not a game as such--more of a kick-around and a free-for-all. There could have been 50 on each side for all I know." The game lasted about a half hour and no one kept score.

    In most areas, the truce lasted through Christmas night, but it extended to New Year's Day in some spots.

    Home Front.

    The first enemy aircraft is intercepted over the United Kingdom. During an attempted attack on the London dock area, a Friedrichshafen FF29 floatplane of See Flieger Abteilung 1 (Seaplane Unit No.1) was intercepted over Erith by a Royal Flying Corps Vickers Gunbus based at Joyce Green. During the subsequent pursuit, the FF29 released 2 bombs, which landed in a field near Cliffe railway station. The Gunbus crew broke off their attack when the aircraft's solitary Vickers-Maxim machine gun jammed and although damaged, the FF29 succeeded in returning to base.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans driven back beyond the Bzura.
    Galicia: Austrians defeated at Tarnow; the Austro-German offensive at an end.

    Southern Front.

    Italy: Valona in Albania occupied.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Armenia: Battle of Sarikamish: Turkish counter invasion against the Caucasus reaches its limit.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    However, 25 December 1914 was just another day of the war at sea for many British and German sailors.
    A major operation that did take place that day was the Cuxhaven Raid, when British seaplanes attempted to attack a German airship base in the first ever combined air and sea strike. Many sailors spent Christmas Day at sea. As an adjunct to the raid German warships off Cuxhaven were also bombed by British naval airmen supported by H.M.S.s "Arethusa" and "Undaunted".

    For a full description of the raid see here:-

    http://warandsecurity.com/2014/12/24...december-1914/.

    A Merry Christmas to all our readers.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  22. #222

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte;326801[B
    Home Front.[/B]

    The first enemy aircraft is intercepted over the United Kingdom. During an attempted attack on the London dock area, a Friedrichshafen FF29 floatplane of See Flieger Abteilung 1 (Seaplane Unit No.1) was intercepted over Erith by a Royal Flying Corps Vickers Gunbus based at Joyce Green. During the subsequent pursuit, the FF29 released 2 bombs, which landed in a field near Cliffe railway station. The Gunbus crew broke off their attack when the aircraft's solitary Vickers-Maxim machine gun jammed and although damaged, the FF29 succeeded in returning to base.
    Interesting that we have a report of a MG armed aeroplane so early in the war. Several months before an instance at the front?
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  23. #223

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    Even on Christmas day !!! sterling effort there Rob. Thank you, this has been far more fascinating than I ever thought it would be

  24. #224

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Even on Christmas day !!! sterling effort there Rob. Thank you, this has been far more fascinating than I ever thought it would be
    It's your fault. You started it.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  25. #225

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    26th December 1914.

    Western Front.

    French airmen bomb German airsheds at Frescati, near Metz.
    German air raid on Reims.


    French advance near Cernay (Alsace).

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans abandon attempt to capture Warsaw by direct attack across the Bzura.

    Southern Front.

    Austro-German offensive in Galicia broken.

    Naval.

    Whole gale blowing from SE in North Sea. Grand Fleet abandoned sweep. One man washed overboard from HMS Caroline.
    HMS Indomitable joined Battle Cruiser Fleet at Rosyth from Mediterranean.
    Admiral Scheer transferred from 2nd to 3rd German High Sea Squadron at Wilhelmshaven, now comprising; F Prinz Regent Luitpold, König, Grosser Kurfürst, Markgraf, König Albert, Kaiser, Kaiserin, and, a week later, Kronprinz.

    Political.

    Suffering casualties of nearly 90,000 in the opening months of the conflict, the BEF lost many of its most experienced officers and men. However, in the first winter of the war it gained reinforcements from Territorial Force units, regular troops withdrawn from overseas garrisons, and divisions from India and Canada. Thus augmented, on 26 December 1914 it was reorganised into two Armies, the First and Second.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  26. #226

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    27th December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Germans bombard St. Die (north Vosges), Belgians take German trenches and prisoners east of Lombartzyde.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans defeated by Russians at Skiernevitse.
    Russians occupy Carpathian passes again.

    Naval.

    British 30-knotter class Destroyer ran aground off Fifeness and was wrecked in bad weather.

    HMS Amphion was sunk by a mine laid by the German auxiliary mine-layer Königin Luise. The German ship had been spotted by Amphion and her attendant destroyers and sunk but on their return to Harwich Amphion struck one of the mines causing her to sink as well as killing the German seamen on board who had been rescued from the the German minelayer.

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    HMS.Amphion

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  27. #227

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    28th December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Village of St. Georges, near Nieuport, recovered by the Belgians and French.
    German 2nd Cavalry Corps broken up; General von der Marwitz to command XXXVIIIth Reserve Corps.


    Home Front.

    Londoners warned to take refuge in basements in case of air attacks.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans before Warsaw retired from Bzura-Ravka line.Germans in retreat; entrench west of Bzura.

    Southern Front.

    Montenegrins repel Austrians at Grahovo.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Armenia: Turks repulsed from Sarikamish; they begin a disastrous retreat.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    North Sea: Drifting German mines destroy eight vessels.
    British ss Hemisphere (3,486 tons) sunk by German AMC Kronpriz Wilhelm 400 miles NE from Pernambuco.
    Admiral Burney resumed command of 1st Battle Squadron.
    New British 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron formed; Falmouth (F Admiral Napier), Gloucester, Yarmouth and Dartmouth.
    Two U-Boats sighted off the Tay.
    French submarine Curie captured by Austrians near Pola (Adriatic).


    Political.

    British "Military Cross" instituted.
    Sir J French proposed amalgamation of British and Belgian armies; this proposal fell through.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  28. #228

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    29th December 1914.

    Western Front.

    French beat off German attempts to recover St. Georges.
    Success at Apremont (Arg.).

    Lt-Col Reginald Alexander, OC 3rd Rifle Brigade, died of his wounds on 29 December 1914. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery.

    Eastern Front.

    Galicia: Austrians in retreat; hard pressed by Russians.

    Southern Front.

    Battle of Sarikamish in the Caucasus. Russian troops initially pushed back by the Turks before the situation is reversed.

    Albanians, incited by Austrians, attack Montenegrin posts and are repulsed.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    British squadron active on Belgian coast.

    Political, etc.

    U.S.A.: Note presented to Great Britain concerning treatment of American commerce.
    British Government send memorandum to United States Government in defence of British blockade policy.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  29. #229

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    29th December 1914.

    Political, etc.

    U.S.A.: Note presented to Great Britain concerning treatment of American commerce.
    British Government send memorandum to United States Government in defence of British blockade policy.

    Rob.
    This one needs more research, if I can find the time.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  30. #230

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    This one needs more research, if I can find the time.
    Karl
    I thought that it might pique someones curiosity on your side of the pond Karl.
    rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  31. #231

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    This one needs more research, if I can find the time.
    Karl
    Found some very interesting articles on this. I am amazed at what extent the blocade was carried out. Britain at one point in 1917 bought all but 15% of Norway's total national catch to keep fish from being sold to Germany, insuring Norway after feeding it's own would not be able to supply a then hungey Germany.

  32. #232

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I thought that it might pique someones curiosity on your side of the pond Karl.
    rob.
    It was, quite simply, easier & more profitable to trade with England (sell your goods to England or have England seize them as contraband). Although Wilson complained about the British blockade that was throttling American trade with Germany, he did nothing of consequence. Instead, he took a hard (and not particularly neutral) line against the German blockade (over the objections of his Secretary of State, WJ Bryan)...

    It's easier to be affronted by the sinking of civilian ships (with the attendant loss of life), than the loss of some company's $$.

  33. #233

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I thought that it might pique someones curiosity on your side of the pond Karl.
    rob.
    Not to start a political discussion/argument here, but on the face of it, the blockade grossly violated international law, probably worst than the Napoleonic wars actions of the Royal navy.
    The fact that the Entente powers were buying all the business lost due to the closing of the Central Powers markets ensured that there were no influential interests to force anything more than diplomatic hand-wringing. Paying for all that after the war....well a different matter entirely.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  34. #234

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    Don't worry Karl.
    This is the one place that I can prevent a Political discussion evolving. I have the veto on the U.K. site.
    Your comment was fair trade, and opened up the discourse without going into too many ramifications. As such I have no problem with it, and did invite such remarks. It is impossible to report the actions of participants in the war without being political in some respects just to clarify why some decisions were made. Even some of the comments may be a bit one sided, as without linguistic skills I can't always get an objective insight into the situation from English language based reports alone. I knew this when I started the daily reports which is one of the reasons that I continued Chris's thread in the U.K. rather than the Historical Forum. As I mentioned, here I have total control of the way the thread runs. Factual (as far as possible) with very few interjections from the readers unless they are succinct and germain to the plot.
    Thanks for your input which fulfilled both criteria.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  35. #235

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    30th December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Dunkirk attacked by German aeroplanes.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans fight violent rearguard actions at Bolimov and Inovlodz.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    British Consul at Hodeida (Red Sea) not yet released by Turks.

    Naval.

    The SS Numidian was scuttled in Kirk Sound on 30th December 1914 to act as a block ship.

    Political.

    Russian Commander-in-Chief (Grand Duke Nicholas) suggests a British expedition against the Turks to ease Russian situation in the Caucasus.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  36. #236

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    Well stated, both Karl and Rob (re: Karl's -- and maybe my -- comments concerning realities of WWI blockade strategy). I appreciate the opportunity to discuss historical events in an environment largely free from political haranguing.

    I've been enjoying the contents of this thread... thank you, Rob, for all of your time and effort.

    Chris

  37. #237

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    Late Extra Edition.

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    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  38. #238

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    Western Front.

    Artillery duels on whole front; especially round St. Georges, La Bassee, Roye and Verdun.
    French recover port of Steinbach (Alsace).

    Home Front.

    The Isle of Wight Observer.

    Dec 31st 1914: WHAT TO DO IN AN AIR RAID - According to official warning issued on Monday, two duties devolve upon English civilians in the event of an air raid:- (1) to seek immediate shelter in basements or any underground place. (2) To forward any fragments of bomb which might come into one's possession, to the police, for measurement by the military.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland and Galicia: Austro-German retreat.
    Hungary: Once more raided over the Passes.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Preparations to meet new Austrian invasion.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Egypt: Preparations to meet expected Turkish attack complete.

    Naval and overseas.

    Indian Expeditionary Force "C" (East Africa) absorbed into Indian Expeditionary Force "B"

    The French barque Jean was set afire and sunk 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off Easter Island by SMS Prinz Eitel Friedrich.


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    Political, etc.

    Prussian losses to date, 753,000.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  39. #239

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    1st January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French take a wood near Mesnil-les-Hurlus, Champagne.


    Eastern Front.

    Russians advance on the Uzsok Pass and in the Bukovina.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Heavy fighting at Sarikamish (Russian Armenia).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    H.M.S. "Formidable" torpedoed in the Channel.


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    15,250 tons, pre-Dreadnought Battleship, launched in 1898, first commissioned in 1901 and torpedoed by German U-boat 24 on New Year's Day 1915 while on exercises. She sank in 180 feet of water about 37 miles off the Devon coast, the first British battleship to be sunk in the First World War.
    Only 199 men were saved out of a complement of about 750.


    Political, etc.

    Institution of the Military Cross announced (Warrant of 28 December.


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    Photograph of Glasgow Anarchist Group meeting taken on 1 January 1915 in the Herald League Rooms in Buchanan Street, Glasgow. The Glasgow Anarchist Group was formed by Guy Aldred in 1912, and together with different socialist organizations in the city they participated in the anti-war and anti-conscription campaigns of 1914-1918.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  40. #240

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    2nd January 1915.

    Home Front.

    Small numbers of Royal Flying Corps aeroplanes are kept at readiness to combat possible enemy airship raids.

    Eastern Front.

    Russian success on the Bzura and Ravka.
    Hard fighting near Gorlitse.
    Russian progress near the Uzsok and Rostoka Passes.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Battle of Sarikamish continues.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    H.M.S.s. "Fox" and "Goliath" bombard Dar-es-Salaam.
    The German garrison at Dschang, Kamerun, 160 km north of Douala, surrenders to the British. The victors destroy the fort and thus end this expedition into the backcountry of Kamerun.

    Political.

    Duke Nicholas of Russia appeals to Britain for assistance.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  41. #241

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    3rd. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French fail in attack on Boureuilles (Argonne), but carry a height near Cernay (Alsace), and retook more of Steinbach.
    German attack on Boureuilles (Argonne).


    Eastern Front.

    Russians occupy Suczava (Bukovina).

    The first reported use of gas was by the Germans on the eastern front on 3-Jan-1915. It was a tearing agent dispersed by artillery shell. The first use on the western front came several months later on 22-Apr-1915 at the village of Langemarck near Ypres.

    Southern Front.

    Austrians occupy Ada Tsiganlia, an island near Belgrade.
    Russians destroyed two Turkiah Army Corps at Ardahan (Caucasus), and captured Commander-in-Chief, and many other prisoners.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Very heavy fighting at Sarikamish, and at Ardahan (Transcauc.).

    Naval.

    British 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron on three day's cruise in centre of North Sea.
    Winston Churchill telegraphed the commander of British naval forces in the Aegean Sea, Vice-Admiral S H Carden, asking if the Dardanelles could be forced by naval action alone. Carden replied that the straits could not be rushed but might be forced by ‘extended operations’.

    Political, etc.

    Sir J French in Memorandum to War Council, suggested an offensive for recapture of Ostend and Zeebrugge.
    Cardinal Mercier, Archbishop of Malines arrested following being forbidden by Germans to circulate his Pastoral Letter.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  42. #242

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    3rd. January 1915.

    Eastern Front.

    The first reported use of gas was by the Germans on the eastern front on 3-Jan-1915. It was a tearing agent dispersed by artillery shell. The first use on the western front came several months later on 22-Apr-1915 at the village of Langemarck near Ypres.
    Rob.
    The French had already used tear gas (in launched grenade munitions, riot control stuff) in August. Apparently none of the major powers considered this a violation of the Hague Treaties. Of course, they weren't really noticed either
    Karl'
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  43. #243

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    4th. January 1915.


    Western Front.

    French advance near St. Georges (Flanders), and complete capture of Steinbach (Alsace) after several days' fighting.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    The Russians defeated a large Turkish army in the Caucasus at Sarikamish. The battle was fought in a temperature of 30 degrees below zero and more than 30,000 Turks froze to death. Before this, the Russians had asked the British to stage a diversion against the Turks to draw them away from Russia.

    Naval and overseas.

    HMS King George V, rejoined 2nd Battle Squadron.
    Fist unit of Drifter Patrol arrived at Dover; By June Patrol numbered 132 drifters and 3 yachts.
    HM submarine C31 Lost off Belgian coast.
    German airmen over British camp in GSW Africa.

    Political.

    London Stock Exchange, closed since 30 July, reopened.
    HMS King George V, rejoined 2nd Battle Squadron.

    The Experimental Photographic Section of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) is formed under the command of Lieutenant J.T.C. Moore.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  44. #244

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    5th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French blow up half-a-mile of German trenches in the Argonne.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters.

    Tabriz (North Persia) evacuated by Russian forces [This city was occupied by Russian forces before the outbreak of the War.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Union forces occupy Schuit Drift on the Orange River.

    German attack on Edea (Cameroons) repulsed by French garrison.

    HMAS. Australia sails from the Falkland Islands and intercepts and sinks the German collier ‘Eleanore Woermann’ believed to be laden with 1,800 tons of coal for the hunted German warship SMS Dresden, the only German ship to escape the Battle of the Falklands.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  45. #245

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    6th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French occupy woods north of Altkirch (Alsace).


    Eastern Front.


    Russians occupy Kimpolung (Bukovina) and reach Hungarian frontier.


    Political, etc.


    Lord Kitchener reviews the military situation in the House of Lords.
    German S.S. "Dacia" (interned in the United States) sold to Mr. Breitung, an American citizen.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 01-07-2015 at 00:20.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  46. #246

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    7th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French occupy Burnhaupt-le-Haut (Alsace).

    Eastern Front.

    Heavy German attacks on lower Ravka repulsed.

    Naval.

    Mail Steamer R.M.S. Thames was purchased by the Admiralty in 1915 and was scuttled as a block ship in Holm Sound on 7th January of that year.

    Political, etc.

    British Note with "preliminary observations" in reply to American Note of 29 December 1914 on interference with neutral trade.
    Prime Minister HH Asquith's so-called "war council" is called to discuss the possibility of a campaign in the Dardanelles.

    A Victoria Cross was earned this day by Captain Eustace Jotham (51st Sikhs, Frontier Force).
    His citation reads.

    The action at Spina Khaisora

    For most conspicuous bravery on 7th January, 1915, at Spina Khaisora (Tochi Valley).

    During operations against the Khostwal tribesmen, Captain Jotham, who was commanding a party of about a dozen of the North Waziristan Militia, was attacked in a nullah (a steep narrow watercourse usually dry until after rain) and almost surrounded by an overwhelming force of some 1,500 tribesmen. He gave the order to retire, and could have himself escaped, but most gallantly sacrificed his own life by attempting to effect the rescue of one of his men who had lost his horse.


    Extra info.
    http://www.kaiserscross.com/304501/455322.html

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  47. #247

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    8th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    The Battle of Soissons begins.

    French carry Hill 132, north of Soissons, and capture Perthes (Champagne).
    Germans retake Burnhaupt-le-Haut.


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    More info:-
    http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi...150119.2.28.12


    Eastern Front.
    Battle of Kara Urgan (Caucasus) begins.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Tabriz (North Persia) occupied by Turkish forces.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  48. #248

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    9th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    German counter-attacks near Soissons and at Perthes repulsed.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Capture of the last rebels in the Transvaal announced.
    13 February General J. C. Smuts assumed command of the Anglo-South African forces in East Africa.

    Political, etc.

    British answer to U.S. Note of 29 December 1914 published.
    The Kaiser finally authorizes the commencement of an airship bombing campaign of Britain.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  49. #249

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    10th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French make further progress at Hill 132 and north of Perthes.

    16 German aeroplanes attempt to cross Channel, but, foiled by the weather, bomb Dunkirk.


    Home Front.

    13 Sq. RFC. formed at Gosport ,Hants.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Turks reported advancing on Suez Canal.

    Group portrait of the Australian 11th (Western Australia) Battalion,
    3rd Infantry Brigade, Australian Imperial Force posing on the Great Pyramid of Giza on 10 January 1915, prior to the landing at Gallipoli. The 11th Battalion did much of their war training in Egypt and would be amongst the first to land at Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915. In the five days following the landing, the battalion suffered 378 casualties, over one third of its strength.
    10 January 1915.

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    British defence of Muscat (Eastern Arabia) (10th/11th).

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  50. #250

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    11th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    German counter-attacks repulsed and fresh progress made by French north of Soissons.
    Fierce fighting at Beausejour Farm (Champagne).

    BEF. Seventh Division captures 1,500 yards of trenches along the crest of a spur East and North East of Beaumont Hemel.

    Today was a slow news day.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

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