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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #251

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    12th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans recapture eastern slopes of Hill 132 (Soissons).

    Eastern Front.

    Russians capture several villages near Rosog (East Prussia).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Union forces occupy Raman's Drift (Orange River).

    Mafia Island (German East Africa) seized by a British force.

    Political, etc.

    German use of poison shells reported from Paris.

    United States House of Representatives voted, 204-174, to reject a constitutional amendment to give women the right to vote.

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

  2. #252

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    13th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans recover all Hill 132, and take the heights of Vregny.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians advance on Lower Vistula and occupy Serpets north of Plotsk.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Battle of Kara Urgan (Armenia), which has lasted several days, continues desperately.
    Turks occupy Tabriz (Persia).
    Battle of Kara Urgan ends.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    The auxiliary minesweeper HMS Roedean was driven onto HMS Imperieuse and sank off Hoy in the Orkneys.

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    The auxiliary cruiser HMS Viknor struck a mine in the off Tory |sland, Donegal, and sank with the loss of all 295 crew.

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    The submarine SM U-31struck a mine and sank off the east coast of the U.K.with the loss of all 31 crew.
    Germans attack Jasin (German East Africa).
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    Political, etc.

    The British War Council took a decision that the Admiralty should prepare for a naval expedition in February to bombard and take the Gallipoli Peninsula, with Constantinople as its objective.

    Resignation of Count Berchtold, Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is succeeded by Baron Stephen Burian.

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

  3. #253

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    13th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans recover all Hill 132, and take the heights of Vregny.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians advance on Lower Vistula and occupy Serpets north of Plotsk.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Battle of Kara Urgan (Armenia), which has lasted several days, continues desperately.
    Turks occupy Tabriz (Persia).
    Battle of Kara Urgan ends.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    The auxiliary minesweeper HMS Roedean was driven onto HMS Imperieuse and sank off Hoy in the Orkneys.

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    The auxiliary cruiser HMS Viknor struck a mine in the off Tory |sland, Donegal, and sank with the loss of all 295 crew.

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    The submarine SM U-31struck a mine and sank off the east coast of the U.K.with the loss of all 31 crew.
    Germans attack Jasin (German East Africa).
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    Political, etc.

    The British War Council took a decision that the Admiralty should prepare for a naval expedition in February to bombard and take the Gallipoli Peninsula, with Constantinople as its objective.

    Resignation of Count Berchtold, Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is succeeded by Baron Stephen Burian.

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

  4. #254

    Default

    14th. January 1915.


    Western Front.
    Battle of Soissons ends
    French withdraw to south bank of Aisne opposite Missy and Crouy.
    Germans claim 5,200 prisoners and 14 guns in the fighting near Soissons.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Swakopmund (German South-West Africa) occupied by South African forces.

    U.S.A.

    Ford Motor Company greatly improved its assembly-line operation by employing a chain to pull each chassis along. This would impact on manufacturing procedures in the Armaments industry.
    White Star Liner RMS. Majestic makes her last trans Atlantic crossing.

    Political.

    A Sea-Change. Tory chorus (to Winston). "You've made me love you; I didn't want to do it."


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    Cartoon from Punch Magazine, 14th January 1914, referring to the approbation of Churchill's erstwhile Conservative colleagues to his proposals for funding the navy; and invoking the song You made me love you popularised in a 1913 Al Jolson recording.

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

  5. #255

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    A little extra resource which Chris reminded me about just now may be of interest.


    http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/c...%20the%20Somme

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

  6. #256

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    15th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    German advance near Soissons checked.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russians take 4,000 prisoners near Kara Urgan.

    Naval.

    The French submarine Saphir sank in the Dardanelles near the town of Çannakale. His crew swam for shore but Captain Fournier, with the French flag flying, remained with his vessel as it sank under fire. Despite an attempt to rescue him, Fournier drowned.

    Political.

    Existence of secret agreement for mutual support between Italy and Rumania announced by respective Governments.

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

  7. #257

    Default

    16th. January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French artillery drives Germans from trenches near Nieuport.
    French successes in engagements at Blangy, near Arras, and in Champagne.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians continue to advance on Lower Vistula, repulse heavy attacks near Bolimov (on Ravka), and occupy the Kirlibaba Pass (Bukovina).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russian victory at Kara Urgan, Turkish corps routed.

    Naval.

    HMAS MELBOURNE, pursued an unidentified merchant ship off Havana, Cuba. MELBOURNE fired four shots at the vessel before it stopped. The ship proved to be a neutral Dutch vessel.

    Footnote.

    For all my teacher friends here on the Drome.
    An item from the Catholic Tablet for today's date.
    Nothing is new!

    Page 27, 16th January 1915 — INSURANCE OF SCHOOL TEACHERS?

    INSURANCE OF SCHOOL TEACHERS?

    SIR,—Apparently, in these days, responsible people ought to cover themselves by insurance against all risk, even against bombs from hostile aircraft, as the fire insurance policies, I believe, do -not include such a risk. For the moment, in connection with the new school session recently begun, I am wondering if the managers of, non-provided schools have any liability with regard to their teachers. If, for example, a slate were to fall from the roof of my school And injure a teacher, are the managers responsible? If a blackboard were to fall over in my school and injure a teacher, I understand that the responsibility would ultimately rest with the L.C.C., although the teacher would have to claim from the managers. Even in the latter case, is the L.C.C. actually responsible in law, or would the onus fall on the managers?
    Yours, Sic., J. B. WARD, Chairman of Managers, St. Saviour's Schools, Lewisham, S.E. 175, High Street, Lewisham, S.E., January 13, 1915.

    And this may interest our American Allies.
    https://limerick100.wordpress.com/20...-january-1915/

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

  8. #258

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    17th January 1915.


    Western Front.


    Slight French gain at La Boiselle (N of River Somme).
    German attacks near Autreches, north-west of Soissons, repulsed.
    German works in the Bois-le-Pretre (near Pont-a-Mousson) captured.
    Whole of Bois-de-Prètre now in French hands.

    Eastern Front.

    The initial Turkish offensive into Russia is thwarted as the Turkish 3rd Army suffers a defeat by the Russian Army of the Caucasus near Kars. The Russians then begin a multi-pronged invasion of the Ottoman Empire from the Caucasus.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    French submarine "Saphir" sunk in the Dardanelles.

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    Admiral Beatty's cruisers from Rosyth in position to support Commander Tyrwhitt in carrying out reconnaisance in Heligoland Bight. Nothing sighted beyond a German airship and seaplane.

    Political.

    Admiral Sir Thomas Jackson succeeds Rear-Admiral Arthur C. Leveson as director of the Opperations Division of the Admiralty War Staff.

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

  9. #259

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    18th January 1915

    Western Front.

    French progressed near Bois-le-Prêtre, but faied to hold new positions.
    French airmen bombed Arnaville Station (Thiacourt-Metz Railway).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russians drove Turks back west of Chorok river (Caucasus, Arminia).

    Naval and Overseas.

    The 10th (Northern Blockade) Cruiser Squadron, now 21 ships strong.
    HMS Superb left Scapa for Portsmouth to remedy turbine defects.
    HMS E10 an E class submarine sank in the North Sea.

    Von Lettow's force attacked British post at Jasin (B E Africa); action lasted all day.


    Political.

    Japan issues the "Twenty-One Demands" to the Republic of China in a bid to increase its power in East Asia.

    First Dutch Internment camp put into use.

    Further info:- http://www.wereldoorlog1418.nl/refug...ilitairen.html

    http://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online..._parties_china

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

  10. #260

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    I have to say, it must have been a great strain living in "neutral" Holland during the war. It would be worth your life leaving the coastal waters (mines, subs, mad, prize-hungry English sailors), trade disrupted due to the blockade(s), and a huge, hungry army camped out on the borders. Add the requirement to care for thousands of interned military personnel, plus the tens of thousands of refugees, well not a great 4 years.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  11. #261

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    Not to forget Kyte drinking all your Gin whilst he was interned.
    No wonder they winked at his escape.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  12. #262

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    19th January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Snowstorms impeded operations in Flanders. French attacked on Hartmannsweilerkopf (Alsace).

    Four BE2’s of the Royal Flying Corps set out to attack German troops at Ghistelles. One is hit by French machine gun fire near St. Malo and the pilot Captain Hyacinth Joseph Albert Roche (Munster Fusiliers attached Royal Flying Corps) is killed at age 27.

    Germany employed three zeppelins, the L.3, the L.4, and the L.6, in a two-day bombing mission against Britain. The L.6 turned back after encountering mechanical problems, but the other two zeppelins succeeded in dropping their bombs on English coastal towns.
    Zeppelin dropped bombs on Yarmouth and on King's Lynn and its neighbourhood.


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    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Pursuit of Turks Army in Caucasus continued.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Admiral Beatty's 1st and 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadrons and 1st Light Cruiser Squadron supported Commodore Tyrwhitt in reconnaisance off Heligoland.


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    Surrender of British force at Jasin (except 40 Kaasmiris - ammunition finished). German losses included six regular officers killed.

    Political.

    General Joffre in memorandum to Sir J French expressed the opinion that, in view of a fresh German offensive in the near future, operations towards Ostend-Zeebrugge were for the moment secondary; primary need was collection of reserves.

    More info:-
    http://greatwarliveslost.com/2015/01...5-we-lost-102/

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

  13. #263

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    20th January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French progress in the Bois-le-Pretre.
    Fierce fighting at the Hartmannsweilerkopf (Alsace).

    Home Front.

    The Illustrated War News reports on the use of dogs to transport machine guns. The concept had been copied from Belgian milkmen who used dogs to pull their milk carts.


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    The first night air defence sorties are flown by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). Following the attack by Zeppelins L3 and L4, two Vickers FB5 Gunbuses of No.7 Squadron were ordered to take-off from Joyce Green and patrol over the southern outskirts of London, without result.


    Eastern Front.

    Russians take Skempe (north-west Poland), advance in the Bukovina, and repulse Austrian attack on the Kirlibaba Pass.
    Russian protest against German atrocities including use of exploding bullets.
    Austrian counter-offensive in Bukovina; Russians repelled attacks in Kirlibaba Pass.

    Naval and Overseas.

    HMS Monarch returned to Scapa after repairs at Devonport.


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    Political.

    France to issue Treasury and National Defence Bonds up to £120,000,000.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 01-20-2015 at 11:27.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  14. #264

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    21st January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French take woods near the farm of Beausejour, but lose ground in the Bois-le-Pretre.

    Eastern Front.

    Further Austrian attack at the Kirlibaba Pass repulsed.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    British S.S. "Durward" sunk by submarine near Maas lightship.
    U5 Misidentified and torpedoed off Dutch coast by U22. 24 dead and 1 survivor.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters.


    The Battle of Shaiba, 1915

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    Following the British successes at Basra in November and Qurna in December 1914, Turkish forces under Colonel Subhi Bey had been driven 13km further north up the Tigris to Ruta. Despite a failed raid by some 3,000 Anglo-Indian troops on 21 January 1915, Subhi's lines remained static pending a planned Turkish offensive in April.


    Political, etc.

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    The transfer of the SS Dacia was discussed in London and Washington. A unit of the Hamburg- Amerika fleet, the Dacia had been sheltering at Port Arthur, Texas, since July 28, and had lately been bought by an American citizen of German extraction and admitted to the American Registry. This transfer the British Government does not recognize, and intimates that the vessel would be liable to seizure if she attempted to make for a German port.
    H.M. Ambassador at Washington announces that S.S. "Dacia", if captured, will be placed in a Prize Court.

    Lieut.-General von Falkenhayn [Appointed in 1906.] succeeded as German Minister for War by Lieut.-General Wild von Hohenborn .General von Falkenhayn remains Chief of the General Staff.

    On 5th August 1914 (the day after the First World War was declared), the Currency and Bank Notes Act was passed. This allowed the treasury to issue currency notes of £1 and 10/-. these notes had full legal tender status and were convertible for gold through the Bank of England.
    The design was produced by Mr. George Eve and the notes were printed on banknote paper. The notes were issued on 23rd October (£1) and 21st January 1915 (10/-).

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

  15. #265

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    22nd January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Heavy fighting at Fontaine Madame and St. Hubert (Argonne) and at the Hartmannsweilerkopf.

    Aeroplane raid by the Germans on Dunkirk, and by the British on Zeebrugge.

    On the 22nd of January 1915, Squadron Commander Richard Bell Davies and Flight Lieut. Richard Edmund Charles Peirse participated in a bombing raid on Zeebrugge, located on the coast of Belgium. In total, 27 bombs were dropped on two submarines and gun emplacements on the mole. One of the submarines was severely damaged, and many of the gun crew members became casualties. En-route to the raid, Davies found himself surrounded by seven enemy planes. Though sustaining a wound to the thigh, he escaped the German aircraft and completed the bombing mission. Both Davies and Peirse were awarded the Distinguished Service Order.


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    Richard Bell Davies

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    Richard Edmund Charles Peirse

    (This article courtesy of Eric.)



    On the 22nd January 1915 twelve
    German planes took off to bomb Dunkirk. On arrival they were involved in a contretemps with British, French and Belgian Maurice Farman MF II pushers in which the observers were armed with rifles. In reality it concerned only the BE2c’s on the British side. Two of the aircraft, from number 4 Squadron RFC closed in on an Albatros B type, and rifle fire was seen to hit it in the engine, forcing the aircraft to commit to a forced landing. The machine seems to have stayed intact, and was transported to a nearby British aerodrome for examination. The crew, Lt. Andre Hug and Lt. Bremer (observer) was taken POW. They were shot down by Captain FV Holt or Lt. RP Mills.


    Extract from a letter by A Piatt Andrew (Dunkirk).

    It has rained almost incessantly, but to-day the sun came out and "Brownie" and I started out toward noon for a short stroll through the town to make some purchases. Suddenly a bomb exploded a few blocks away and then another and another, like cannon crackers on the Fourth of July, and we saw people scurrying into their shops and houses and closing down their shutters. The "Taubes" had arrived again and were bombarding the town. We ran into an open hospital door, and poking our heads out from time to time watched the wonderful spectacle. Three or four German aeroplanes were encircling the town at a height of perhaps four thousand feet, now sailing out over the Channel, and then quickly returning, and as they returned we heard reports of the dropping bombs. In a few moments the French guns got into action and one saw their shells bursting in white puffs of smoke before and behind the German machines, and then we saw the English and French biplanes rising in pursuit. It was a fascinating spectacle lasting about two hours. About a dozen people in different parts of the city were killed and quite a fire was started along the docks by the incendiary bombs, and very soon clouds of smoke were trailing over the city.


    Home Front.

    In blizzard conditions on Epsom Downs, in southern England, General Kitchener “inspects” over 20,000 troops drawn together for his review. “Reveille was at 0400hrs to allow for the march to the Downs. Lord Kitchener, who arrived at 1030hrs, stayed only five minutes.”

    Eastern Front.

    Austrians, having been strongly reinforced, recapture Kirlibaba.

    Political.

    Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Sir Edward Grey.
    http://www.gwpda.org/1915/roosgrey.html

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

  16. #266

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    23rd January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Continued heavy fighting in the Argonne and Alsace.

    Eastern Front.

    The Russians had pocketed part of the Austrian army and laid siege to a force of 120,000 men in the fortress of Przemysl. Austrian commander, Conrad, sought with the support of German reinforcements, to relieve them. Conrad began his campaign on 23rd January 1915 in temperatures as low as -15C.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Two Turkish divisions defeated at Khorsan (Armenia).



    Naval and overseas operations.

    Decoded radio intercepts give the Admiralty advance knowledge that a German raiding squadron is heading for the Dogger Bank, so they dispatch their own naval forces to intercept it.
    Defence of Upington (South Africa) (23rd/24th).

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 01-24-2015 at 03:20.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  17. #267

    Default

    24th January 1915.

    Eastern Front.

    German airship "P.L.-19" brought down near Libau.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Battle of the Dogger Bank.
    Maritz and Kemp repulsed at Upington.

    Middle East and Asia.

    British reconnaissance aircraft spot Turkish forces preparing to attack the Suez Canal area.

    Political, etc.

    Publication of letter by Mr. Bryan refuting charge that U.S.A. Government had shown partiality to the Entente.
    Lieut.-General Sir A. J. Murray resigns as Chief of the General Staff, British Expeditionary Force, France .Lieut.-General Sir W. Robertson resigns as Quartermaster-General, British Expeditionary Force, France .
    British Government offer Greek Government concessions in Asia Minor in return for help to Serbia.


    DOGGER BANK.



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    Sunday 24 January 1915

    German 1st SG - battlecruisers Seydlitz (flag, Adm Hipper), Moltke (both 11in-armed), Derfflinger (12in), armoured cruiser Blücher (8.2in), 2nd SG light cruisers Graudenz, Stralsund, Rostock, Kolberg, and destroyers sailed to attack British fishing vessels and patrols on the Dogger Bank.

    Warned by the Admiralty's Room 40 Intelligence Department, the Grand Fleet including the 1st LCS (Cdre Goodenough) and 1st BCS (Lion, flag, Adm Beatty) together with Harwich Force (Cdre Tyrwhitt) put to sea to rendezvous in the NE part of the Bank.

    Delays due to fog meant that Harwich Force light cruiser Arethusa was heading north half an hour ahead of light cruiser leaders Aurora, Undaunted and their destroyers. Shortly after 0700 Aurora, sighted a cruiser in the SE Dogger Bank area, believed her to be Arethusa and challenged, then opened fire on the German Kolberg at 0715 from 8,000yds:

    Aurora, Arethusa-class, 4,400t, 2-6in/6-4in/4-21in tt, leader 1st DF Harwich Force. Hit three times and slightly damaged, Kolberg damaged more severely and turned away (Rn/Cn/D/ty)

    As the British ships continued towards the rendezvous, the Germans sighted 1st LCS, shortly turned for home and by 0750 could be seen by Adm Beatty’s 1st LCS. In the ensuing stern chase, the battlecruisers headed approximately south east:
    Blücher - Derfflinger - Moltke - Seydlitz >
    Indomitable - New Zealand - Princess Royal - Tiger - Lion >


    Pursuing British Battlecruisers
    in line ahead - from the stern

    (images, Photo Ships, except two)
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    HMS Indomitable
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    HMS New Zealand
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    HMS Princess Royal
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    HMS Tiger (Maritime Quest)
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    HMS Lion (Maritime Quest/Alasdair Hughes)

    van




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    SMS Blucher.


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    SMS Derfflinger


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    SMS Moltke

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    SMS Seydlitz

    Van


    ..... with Indomitable lagging behind. Lion opened fire on Blücher at 0852, started hitting at 0907, then moved up to Derfflinger while Tiger and Princess Royal concentrated on Blücher, both Germans being hit. Lion received her first damage around 0928, and at 0935 Beatty ordered 1st BCS to engage their opposite numbers - New Zealand on Blücher, Princess Royal on Derfflinger, Tiger on Moltke, Lion on Seydlitz. Unfortunately Tiger fired at Seydlitz, leaving Moltke free to concentrate on Lion, and although the German ships were being hit, Lion was again hurt at 0954 and 1001. Blücher now pulled out of line while the other three German ships continued on their course, and by 1048 was circling out of control.

    Lion was damaged again at 1018 and between 1035 and 1050. At 1100 her damaged was so severe she dropped astern, then due to signalling errors, the other three British battlecruisers concentrated on Blücher. Adm Beatty crossed to destroyer Attack and by 1150 was getting ready to transfer his flag to Princess Royal and continue after the Germans. Then at noon the battlecruisers returned from sinking Blücher. Although Seydlitz and Derfflinger were badly damaged (their experiences led to far better flash protection that served them well at Jutland), Adm Beatty was deeply disappointed he had failed to destroy all four big ships. Tiger was also hit but the other three battlecruisers were untouched:

    Lion, Lion-class, 29,680t, 8-13.5in/16-4in/2-21in tt. Hit and damaged a number of times: (1) three German ships firing at her by 0928, shell hit on waterline penetrated the bunkers but damage made good, (2) when Moltke was not engaged, A-turret smashed at 0954 and one gun out of action, (3) 11in shell from Seydlitz pierced the armour at 1001, flooding started and listed to port, (4) hit hard at 1018 - one shell struck the armour below the waterline, drove in several plates and flooded foremost port bunker, and a second pierced armour on waterline, burst in torpedo body room and flooded all adjacent compartments, (5) when Blücher pulled out of line, the other three German ships again concentrated on Lion, hit by numerous shells between 1035 and 1050, armour pierced and more flooding, shell burst in A-turret lobby and started fire, (6) at 1100, shell drove in armour on the waterline abreast one of the boiler rooms, seriously damaged, port engine had to be stopped, light and power failed, list to port increased to 10°, speed dropped to 15kts and Lion dropped astern. She continued for home without Adm Beatty at 12kts, around 1430 speed dropped to 8kts, Indomitable took her in tow and she reached the Firth of Forth at dawn on the 26th; 17 ratings wounded, including 5 very slightly. Fired a total of 243 heavy shells, hit Blücher once, Derfflinger once, Seydlitz twice, in turn hit by 16-11in and 12in shells, also 1-8.2in. Temporarily repaired at Rosyth, repairs completed by Palmers, returned to service as flagship of new Battle Cruiser force (Rn/Cn/D)

    Tiger, improved Lion-class, 35,700t, 8-13.5in/12-6in/4-21in tt. Hit by 6 shells including one 11in on Q-turret, splinters jammed training gear and left turret out of action; 1 officer and 9 ratings died, 3 officers and 8 ratings wounded (Cn - 10 crew killed, 11 wounded). Repaired by 8 February (Rn/Cn/D/ti)


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    HMS Meteor (Photo Ships)


    Meteor
    , destroyer, M-class, 980t, 3-4in/1-2pdr/4-21in tt, 1st DF Harwich Force, Captain D’s ship, Capt H Meade. Came up on the battered Blücher, manoeuvred to fire a torpedo and hit forward by heavy shell at 1120, exploded in foremost boiler room, almost putting her out of action; 2 ratings died and 2 wounded, of whom 1 later DOW. Towed into Humber by destroyer Liberty (Rn/Cn/D/ty)

    LONDON GAZETTE NAVAL DESPATCH
    With thanks to the London Gazette
    Gazette No. 29088 - 2 MARCH 1915

    Admiralty, 3rd March, 1915.

    The following despatch has been received from Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty, K.C.B., M.V.O., D.S.O., commanding the First Battle Cruiser Squadron, reporting the action in the North Sea on Sunday, the 24th of January, 1915:

    H.M.S. "Princess Royal,", 2nd February, 1915.

    SIR:
    I have the honour to report that at daybreak on 24th January, 1915, the following vessels were patrolling in company.

    The Battle Cruisers "Lion” Captain Alfred E. M. Chatfield, C.V.O., flying my flag; "Princess Royal," Captain Osmond de B. Brock, Aide-de-Camp; "Tiger," Captain Henry B. Pelly, M.V.O.; "New Zealand," Captain Lionel Halsey, C.M.G., Aide-de-Camp, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir Archibald Moore, K.C.B., C.V.O.; and "Indomitable," Captain Francis W. Kennedy.

    The Light Cruisers "Southampton," flying the broad pendant of Commodore William E. Goodenough, M.V.O.; "Nottingham," Captain Charles B. Miller; "Birmingham," Captain Arthur A. M. Duff; and " Lowestoft," Captain Theobald W. B. Kennedy, were disposed on my port beam.

    Commodore (T) Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, C.B., in "Arethusa," "Aurora," Captain Wilmot S. Nicholson, "Undaunted," Captain Francis G. St. John, M.V.O., "Arethusa," and the Destroyer Flotillas were ahead.

    At 7.25 a.m. the flash of guns was observed S.S.E. Shortly afterwards a report reached me from "Aurora" that she was engaged with enemy's ships. I immediately altered course to S.S.E., increased to 22 knots, and ordered the Light Cruisers and Flotillas to chase S.S.E. to get in touch and report movements of enemy.

    This order was acted upon with great promptitude, indeed my wishes had already been forestalled by the respective Senior Officers, and reports almost immediately followed from "Southampton," "Arethusa," and "Aurora" as to the position and composition of the enemy, which consisted of 3 Battle Cruisers and "Blucher," 6 Light Cruisers, and a number of Destroyers, steering N.W. The enemy had altered course to S.E. From now onwards the Light Cruisers maintained touch with the enemy, and kept me fully informed as to their movements.

    The Battle Cruisers worked up to full speed, steering to the southward. The wind at the time was N.E., light, with extreme visibility. At 7.30 a.m. the enemy were sighted on the port bow steaming fast, steering approximately S.E. distant 14 miles.

    Owing to the prompt reports received we had attained our position on the quarter of the enemy, and so altered course to S.E. parallel to them, and settled down to a long stern chase, gradually increasing our speed until we reached 28.5 knots. Great credit is due to the Engineer Staffs of "New Zealand" and "Indomitable"-these ships greatly exceeded their normal speed.

    At 8.52 a.m., as we had closed to within 20,000 yards of the rear ship, the Battle Cruisers manoeuvred to keep on a line of bearing so that guns would bear, and "Lion" fired a single shot, which fell short. The enemy at this time were in single line ahead, with Light Cruisers ahead and a large number of Destroyers on their starboard beam.

    Single shots were fired at intervals to test the range, and at 9.9 a.m. "Lion" made her first hit on the "Blücher," No. 4 in the line. The "Tiger" opened fire at 9.20 a.m. on the rear ship, the "Lion" shifted to No. 3 in the line, at 18,000 yards, this ship being hit by several salvoes. The enemy returned our fire at 9.14 a.m. "Princess Royal," on coming into range, opened fire on "Blücher," the range of the leading ship being 17,500 yards, at 9.35 a.m. "New Zealand" was within range of "Blücher," which had dropped somewhat astern, and opened fire on her. "Princess Royal" shifted to the third ship in the line, inflicting considerable damage on her.

    Our flotilla cruisers and destroyers had gradually dropped from a position broad on our beam to our port quarter, so as not to foul our range with their smoke; but the enemy's destroyers threatening attack, the "Meteor" and "M" Division passed ahead of us, Captain the Hon. H. Meade, D.S.O., handling this Division with conspicuous ability.

    About 9.45 a.m. the situation was as follows:

    "Blücher, the fourth in their line, already showed signs of having suffered severely from gun-fire; their leading ship and No. 3 were also on fire. ''Lion'' was engaging No. 1, "Princess Royal" No. 3, "New Zealand" No. 4, while the "Tiger," who was second in our line, fired first at their No. 1, and when interfered with by smoke, at their No. 4.

    The enemy's destroyers emitted vast columns of smoke to screen their battle cruisers, and under cover of this the latter now appeared to have altered course to the northward to increase their distance, and certainly the rear ships hauled out on the port quarter of their leader, thereby increasing their distance from our line. The battle cruisers, therefore, were ordered to form a line of bearing N.N.W., and proceed at their utmost speed.

    Their destroyers then showed evident signs of an attempt to attack. "Lion" and "Tiger" opened fire on them, and caused them to retire and resume their original course.

    The Light Cruisers maintained an excellent position on the port quarter of the enemy's line, enabling them to observe and keep touch, or attack any vessel that might fall out of the line.

    At 10.48 a.m. the "Blücher," which had dropped considerably astern of enemy's line, hauled out to port, steering north with a heavy list, on fire, and apparently in a defeated condition. I consequently ordered "Indomitable" to attack enemy breaking northward. At 10.54 a.m. submarines were reported on the starboard bow, and I personally observed the wash of a periscope, two points on our starboard bow. I immediately turned to port.

    At 11.3 a.m. an injury to the "Lion" being reported as incapable of immediate repair, I directed "Lion" to shape course N.W. At 11.20 a.m. I called the "Attack" alongside, shifting my flag to her at about 11.35 a.m. I proceeded at utmost speed to rejoin the Squadron, and met them at noon retiring N.N.W.

    I boarded and hoisted my flag in "Princess Royal" at about 12.20 p.m., when Captain Brock acquainted me of what had occurred since the "Lion" fell out of the line, namely that " Blücher" had been sunk and that the enemy Battle Cruisers had continued their course to the eastward in a considerably damaged condition. He also informed me that a Zeppelin and a seaplane had endeavoured to drop bombs on the vessels which went to the rescue of the survivors of "Blücher."

    The good seamanship of Lieut. Commander Cyril Callaghan, H.M.S. "Attack," in placing his vessel alongside the "Lion" and subsequently the "Princess Royal," enabled the transfer of flag to be made in the shortest possible time.

    At 2 p.m. I closed "Lion" and received a report that her starboard engine was giving trouble owing to priming, and at 3.38 p.m. I ordered "Indomitable" to take her in tow, which was accomplished by 5 p.m.

    The greatest credit is due to the Captains of "Indomitable" and "Lion" for the seamanlike manner in which the "Lion" was taken in tow under difficult circumstances.

    The excellent steaming of the ships engaged in the operation was a conspicuous feature.

    I attach an appendix giving the names of various officers and men who specially distinguished themselves.

    Where all did well it is difficult to single out Officers and Men for special mention, and as "Lion" and "Tiger" were the only ships hit by the enemy, the majority of these I mention belong to those ships.


    I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant,
    (Signed) DAVID BEATTY, Vice-Admiral.
    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 01-24-2015 at 04:17.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  18. #268

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    25th January 1915.


    Western Front.

    In late January and early February 1915, German and British troops conducted raids and local attacks in the Affairs of Cuinchy, which took place at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée and just south of La Bassée Canal, leaving the front line little changed.[
    German attacks repulsed by French near Ypres and by British west of La Bassee.
    Ground lost by French near Craonne.

    The First Action of Givenchy, 25 January 1915

    Order of battle:
    First Army (Haig): Note: First and Second Armies had been created on 26 December 1914
    I Corps (Monro): 1st Division.


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    Eastern Front.

    Russian advance in Pillkallen district (East Prussia).
    Hard fighting in Carpathians.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    British raid on Alexandretta; telegraph wires cut.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German light cruiser "Gazelle" torpedoed by Russian submarine off Rugen, but towed to harbour.

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    Political, etc.

    German Government issues decree seizing all stocks of grain and flour as from 1 February.
    Lieut.-General Sir W. Robertson appointed Chief of the General Staff, British Expeditionary Force, France .
    Rumania refuses Entente suggestion that she should join Greece in support of Serbia
    General Pimenta da Castro succeeds Senhor Coutinho as Portuguese Premier.

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

  19. #269

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    26th January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Continued fighting near Craonne; successful French counter-attacks.


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    Eastern Front.

    Russian success near the Dukla Pass.


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    New Germen Tenth Army formed for Masurian Campaign, consisting of XXIst Corps and young XXXVIIIth, XXXIXth and XLth Reserve Corps, under General von Eichhorn.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Turks recovering from Kara Urgan defeat and counter-attacking in Armenia.

    Patrol engagement near El Kantara (Suez Canal).

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    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Loss of H.M.S. "Viknor", auxiliary cruiser, announced.


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    H.M.S. Viknor.

    HMS Lyon reached Rosyth.
    HMS Britannia aground for 36 hours in fog on Firth of Forth; Damage necessitated dockyard repairs.
    Admiralty stated that all the British ships in action on 24-i.-15 had returned safely to port.
    British navy resumed bombardment of Dardenelles outer forts with more success than previously.
    Between 26 February and 3 March detachments of Royal Marines were landed at Turkish forts at Kum Kale on the mainland and at Sedd-el-Bahr on Gallipoli. They put many of the Turkish guns out of action.

    Political.

    Entente Governments agree to hold "Pact of London" applicable to war with Turkey.
    Note:- 5th September 1914 - Pact of London signed by the Allied powers of France, Britain and Russia, in which all three agree not to sign a separate peace.

    King George decorated first Indian soldier to receive VC.

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

  20. #270

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    27th January 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans repulsed in the Argonne.
    French progress in the Vosges, especially near Senones.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russians take Gorness (Armenia), capturing staff of a Turkish division.

    A Nieuport aircraft crashes in the Sinai Desert.

    For full story see here:-
    http://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/ind...said-squadron/


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    Ottoman Camel Corps.

    The Raid on the Suez Canal also known as Actions on the Suez Canal, took place between 26 January and 4 February 1915 after a German-led Ottoman Army force advanced from Southern Palestine to attack the British Empire protected Suez Canal, before the beginning of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.
    Substantial Ottoman forces crossed the Sinai peninsula, but their attack failed mainly because of strongly held defences and alert defenders.

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    Hertfordshire yeomanry and Allied Camel Corps.


    Political, etc.

    Britain arranges a loan of 5 millions to Romania.
    M. Pokrovski, Russian Foreign Minister, resigns
    US Marines occupy Haiti.
    Lieut.-General Sir R. C. Maxwell appointed Quartermaster-General, British Expeditionary Force, France.

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

  21. #271

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    28th January 1915.

    Western Front.

    German aeroplane raid by night on Dunkirk.

    A bomber force of 36 airplanes was organized in the Bruges region, which carried out its first night raid, against Dunkirk, on 28th January 1915. This unit was planning to run raids against Britain, but before they could about half of them were transferred to the Eastern Front and provided tactical support to the German breakthrough at Gorlice-Tarnow.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians driven back near Beskid Pass.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Russian torpedo-boat bombards Trebizond and Rize.

    United States S.V. "William P. Frye" and The French 3-masted bark
    Jacobsen were sunk by German armed merchant cruiser "Prinz Eitel Friedrich"


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    William P Frye.

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    Prinz Eitel Friedrich.


    HMAS Australia arrived at Portsmouth and underwent a short refit.

    Political.

    British Government definitely decide to make naval attack on the Dardanelles.

    Congress passed legislation creating the U.S. Coastguard.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 01-28-2015 at 01:25.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  22. #272

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    29th January 1915.

    Western Front.

    British repulse German attack at Cuinchy (south-west of La Bassee).
    Failure of German attempts to cross the Aisne near Soissons.

    Home Front.

    Walney Island battery (Barrow-in-Furness) shelled by German submarine (first operation of German submarines in the Irish Sea).


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    Eastern Front.

    Continued heavy fighting between Dukla and Wyszkov Passes; Russians losing ground.
    Russians advance towards Tilsit.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German torpedo-boat sunk by Russian submarine off Cape Moen, Denmark.
    French take Bertua (Cameroons).

    Political.

    Greek Government decline to intervene on behalf of Serbia.

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

  23. #273

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    I'm curious (history is one of the things that deeply interests me): what are your sources for the detailed information you post?

  24. #274

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    Hi Sam.
    Starting with http://www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1914_08_05.htm to get the headlines, and then trawling the net to flesh out the stories.
    Also useful is http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research...tion/1915.aspx and http://www.greatwar.co.uk/timeline/ww1-events-1915.htm
    That gives me a good starting point for research.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  25. #275

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    30th January 1915.

    Western Front.

    French lose ground and 700 prisoners near Fontaine Madame Western Argonne.

    Eastern Front.

    German offensive near Lipno (north-west Poland) driven back.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.
    .
    Russians defeat Turks at Sufian, Persia, and drive them from Tabriz.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    U21 shelled Vickers works, and off Fleetwood, (Lancashire) sank three British steamers, Ben Cruachan (3,092 tons). All 23 crew were rescued by the fishing smack Margaret. Linda Blanche. All eleven crew were rescued by the fishing smack Niblick, and Kilcoan. All eleven of her crew were rescued by the ship Gladys.
    U20 off Havre sank, without warning, ss Tokomaru (6,084 tons), The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) north west of the Le Havre Lightship. All 58 crew were rescued by the French trawler Semper) and sixFrench Navy torpedo boats. Ikaria (4,335 tons). Also Oriole (1,489 tons). This cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) north west of Cap d' Antifer, Seine Maritime with the loss of all 21 crew.
    This was the first officially recorded U-Boat attack without warning.

    Political.

    Japanese sword of honour presented to King Albert in Belgium..
    British Admiralty warn British merchant vessels to fly neutral or no ensigns in vicinity of British Isles.

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

  26. #276

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Hi Sam.
    Starting with to get the headlines, and then trawling the net to flesh out the stories.

    That gives me a good starting point for research.
    Essentially, you're doing in the history aspect what a lot of the people are doing with the modelling/hobby aspect. A lot of work, there, and I'll for one, thank you for it.

  27. #277

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    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    Essentially, you're doing in the history aspect what a lot of the people are doing with the modelling/hobby aspect. A lot of work, there, and I'll for one, thank you for it.
    Me, too. It's inspired my shameless borrowing of the idea for WW2.

  28. #278

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    Very kind chaps but quite unjustified. Hedeby was the instigator and inspiration behind it.
    I'm just the reporter.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  29. #279

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    31st January 1915.

    Eastern Front.

    Determined German attacks in region of Bolimov gain a little ground.
    The battle of Bolimov, 31 January 1915, was a minor battle on the eastern front during the First World War. It was a German attack intended to draw Russian attention towards Warsaw and away from East Prussia, where large Germany armies were gathering in preparation for the attack that would lead to the second battle of the Masurian Lakes.
    The attack was launched from the west of Warsaw, against Polish positions at Bolimon, on the Rawka river (a tributary of the Bzura, itself a tributary of the Vistula). This was the area held by the German Ninth Army, under General Hoffman. Part of that army had already moved north, to protect the right flank of the upcoming offensive, leaving the rest of the army to launch the diversionary attack.
    The battle is most significant as the first use of poisoned gas during the First World War. The Germans had 18,000 shells filled with T-Stoff (xylyl bromide), a form of tear gas. On the morning of the attack, Hoffman climbed the church tower at Bolimov to watch the new secret weapon in action for the first time. He was to be terribly disappointed. Instead of turning into a cloud of gas, the chemical froze. The Russians appear not to have noticed the new German weapon.
    Despite the failure of the gas, the attack at Bolimov did achieve its main objective. Russian attention remained focused around Warsaw, and the attack further north was a total success. A second, more successful gas attack would come at Ypres, where on 22 April the Germans would use Chlorine gas, the first of the lethal poisoned gases of the war.

    Egyptian Front.

    Arab forces (Idrisi) occupy Farasan Islands in the Red Sea.

    Naval.

    At the end of January FF Iron Duke was refitting; Superb was away from 1st Battle Squadron; Conqueror from 2nd Battle Squadron; Commonwealth and Britannia of 3rd Battle Squadron were refitting; 4th Battle Squadron was complete; of the Battle Cruisers Lion was repairing, and Tiger and Indomitable were refitting.


    First French Syria Squadron, of three battleships and two cruisers, formed under Admiral Dartige du Fournet.

    First French Dardanelles Squadron, Suffren (F Admiral Guépratte), Bouvet, Gaulois, and Charlemagne. placed under orders of Admiral Carden.

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

  30. #280

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    1st February 1915.

    Western Front.

    German attack west of La Bassee repulsed by French and British.
    French progress near Perthes.

    Eastern Front.

    Continued fighting near Bolimov, Russians regaining ground.
    Russian advance in Carpathians from Dukla Pass to the Upper San.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Turks (estimated at 12,000) advance towards Suez Canal.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Hospital ship "Asturias" attacked by German submarine off Havre.

    Political, etc.

    Bread and flour rations introduced in Germany.
    Headquarters of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) directs that one flight in each squadron is to specialize in bombing as well as normal duties.
    British Admiralty issue orders forbidding neutral fishing vessels to use.
    No 17 Squadron RFC. founded 1 February 1915 at Gosport.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  31. #281

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    2nd February 1915.


    Eastern Front.

    Russians storm Skempe (north-west of Poland).
    Continued desperate fighting on Ravka near Bolimov.

    Southern Front.

    Austrians repulsed by Montenegrins in Herzegovina.

    Naval.

    Germany declares a submarine blockade of Great Britain.
    HMS.Clan McNaughton armed merchant cruiser, lost, believed foundered off NW Scotland, no survivors, with a total of 280 men.

    Political, etc.

    German Loan of 3,000,000 Marks to Bulgaria.
    Sir John French's sixth dispatch.
    http://www.1914-1918.net/french_sixth_despatch.html

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

  32. #282

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    2nd February 1915.

    Western Front.
    Germany launches a heavy artillery barrage across the entire Western Front, with the heaviest bombardment in Belgium.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Front.
    Aden protectorate invaded by Turkish forces.

    Political
    .

    “The Syren and Shipping Gazette” offers a £500 (£34,960 today) prize for the first British merchantman to destroy a U-boat.
    Kaiser Wilhelm: “So shall we not refrain from torpedoing English merchant ships simply because the lives of a few are thereby endangered.”
    (actually yesterday, 1 Feb): German agent Werner Horn bombs the Vanceboro international bridge, which lies on the border between Maine and New Brunswick, leading to:
    (today): The bomb causes minor damage, and Werner Horn surrenders to U.S. authorities.

    Entente communication to Greek, Serbian and Montenegrin Governments deprecating their intervention in Albania.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 02-03-2015 at 06:16.

  33. #283

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    3rd February 1915.

    Western Front.

    German attacks in Champagne repulsed.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians recover Gumin, near Bolimov, and other ground in the sector. German offensive weakening.
    Russians retired from Tucholka and Beskid Passes, but advanced near the Uzok Pass (Galicia).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Turkish attempts to cross Suez Canal at Tussum, Serapeum, and El Kantara, repulsed by Indian troops and Egyptian artillery, 600 prisoners.
    New Zealand suffered its first casualtyof the war when Private William Ham of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion was killed in a clash against the Turks near the Suez Canal.

    more info:- http://www.1914-1918.net/suez.htm

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Admiral von Pohl assumed command of High Sea Fleet, vice Admiral von Ingenohl, and hoisted his flag in HIMS Friedrich der Grosse at Wilhelmshaven.
    Vsin German attack near Perthes (Champagne); and attempt to use fireships on River Ancre, N of Albert.

    S African rebel Kemp and 500 rebels surrender at Upington.

    Political.

    in Sarajevo, then in the condominium of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Austria-Hungarian Empire (now the capital of independent Bosnia Herzegovina) – Danilo Ilic, a member of the “black hand” secret society who recruited Gavrillo Princip, is executed (along with two others) for his part in the assassination of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand in the summer of 1914.

    Bulgarian Govermnent negotiate loan of £3,000,000 in Germany.

    Agreement concluded between Great Britain and Belgium concerning delimitation of Uganda-Congo boundary.

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

  34. #284

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    4th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    Slight French advance at Ecuries, between Arras-La Bassée.
    British casualties on Western Front to this date approximately 104,000.

    Eastern Front.

    The Winter Battle in Masuria (East Prussia) begins
    Continued heavy fighting on Bzura-Ravka front; Russians cross Bzura and take positions near Dachova.
    In Carpathians Russians retire.
    Russians falling back in Bukovina.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German attack on Kakamas (north-west Cape Colony) repulsed.
    Germans now had 23 U-Boats in North Sea, 7 U-Boats in Baltic and on order: 42 large U-Boats and 127 small U-Boats including the so called "canal fleas" for Flanders.
    British crossed Suez Canal in pursuit of Turks.
    Union Forces repulsed German attack on Kakamas, in NW of Cape Colony.

    Political, etc.

    The German government's first steps towards adopting a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare came with the admiralty declaration of 4 February 1915, which warned neutral shipping to stay away from the waters surrounding Britain and Ireland from 18 February 1915 onwards.
    The ensuing international furore (chiefly from the U.S.) ensured that the threat of sinking neutral shipping was dropped until its re-imposition in January 1917. It was this policy more than any other that drew the U.S.A.into the war in April 1917.

    German Admiralty Declaration.

    All the waters surrounding Great Britain and Ireland, including the whole of the English Channel, are hereby declared to be a war zone. From February 18 onwards every enemy merchant vessel found within this war zone will be destroyed without it always being possible to avoid danger to the crews and passengers.
    Neutral ships will also be exposed to danger in the war zone, as, in view of the misuse of neutral flags ordered on January 31 by the British Government, and owing to unforeseen incidents to which naval warfare is liable, it is impossible to avoid attacks being made on neutral ships in mistake for those of the enemy.
    Navigation to the north of the Shetlands, in the eastern parts of the North Sea and through a zone at least thirty nautical miles wide along the Dutch coast is not exposed to danger.

    The British Viceroy of India, Charles Hardinge, Lord Penshurst (who is responsible for overseeing British policy and interests in the Middle East) arrives in Basra for a tour of inspection of the British and (mainly) Anglo-Indian troops there.

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

  35. #285

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    5th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    Adolphe Pègoud, flying a Maurice Farman shot down a Taube.

    Adolphe Celestin Pègoud,"Adjudant reservist of an aviation group; has pursued enemy planes on several occasions. On 5 February 1915, he attacked a scout from a short distance causing it to fall; immediately afterwards, he attacked two two-seaters causing the first to fall and forcing the second to land."


    Médaille Militaire citation, 17 February 1915.


    Eastern Front.

    Russian successes on Bzura and Ravka.
    Continuous fighting in the Carpathians; enemy attacks repulsed.

    Political, etc.

    Army Estimates provide for three million men.
    British, French and Russian Governments agree to pool their financial resources.

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

  36. #286

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    6th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    British capture brickfield east of Cuinchy.

    Eastern Front.

    Austrians recapture Kimpolung.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Erne, British, River class Destroyer
    ran aground and wrecked near Rattray Head in bad weather.
    The "Lusitania" arrives at Liverpool under the American flag.
    Two British Marine battalions were sent to the Aegean to provide landing parties to demolish the Turkish guns at the Dardanelles forts.

    Political, etc.

    Mr. Lloyd George returns from a conference at Paris with the French and Russian finance ministers.

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

  37. #287

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    7th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    Heavy German attack at Bagatelle (Argonne).

    Eastern Front.

    Masaurian Winter Battle begunin Kaiser's presence.

    Extra info:- http://battlefieldbiker.com/The-Seco...-February-1915

    German Tenth and Eighth Armies attacked Russian Tenth Army (General Sievers) on Pilkallen-Gumbinnen-Johannesburg front.

    Germans take offensive on southern wing of East Prussian front, and advance 40 kilometres towards Johannisburg.

    Very heavy fighting at Kosziowa, north-east of Tucholka Pass: enemy finally checked.
    Hindenburg with Austrians held near Tucholka Pass (Carpathians); but reached Suczava Valley (Bukovina).

    Naval.

    Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare.
    The lethal threat of the German U-boat submarine raises its head again, as Germany returns to the policy of unrestricted submarine warfare it had previously suspended in response to pressure from the United States and other neutral countries.

    Political, etc.

    British Foreign Office issues statement justifying use of neutral flag "for the purpose of evading capture at sea".

    Allied financial resources to be united.

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

  38. #288

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    8th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    Heavy German attack at Bagatelle (Argonne).

    Eastern Front.

    Germans take offensive on southern wing of East Prussian front, and advance 40 kilometres towards Johannisburg.
    Very heavy fighting at Kosziowa, north-east of Tucholka Pass: enemy finally checked.
    Austrians reach Upper Suczava valley, Bukovina.


    Egyptian and Middle Eastern Front.

    Able Seaman William Edward Knowles became one of the first New Zealanders killed as a result of enemy action in the First World War following an ambush by Ottoman Forcesoutside Alexandretta (İskenderun) on 8 February 1915.
    The New Zealand Expeditionary Force had suffered its first combat-related death just three days before, when Private William Ham had succumbed to wounds received during an Ottoman raid on the Suez Canal on 3 February. The first New Zealander to die on naval active service was Able Seaman John Reardon, who was lost when the Royal Australian Navy submarine AE1 disappeared while on patrol near New Guinea in September 1914.


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    Naval.

    The Norwegian cargo ship Frigga struck submerged wreckage and foundered in the North Sea.

    Political, etc.

    British Foreign Office issues statement justifying use of neutral flag "for the purpose of evading capture at sea".
    Allied financial resources to be united.

    In the Press.

    http://back.thebrowser.com/introduct...es-in-the-bath

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

  39. #289

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    I'm interested in these dailies, Rob, in that there seems to be a lot more fighting than almost any other histories mention. We're given the impression that, outside major offensives, which often didn't move things much anyway, the lines were static, and the most happening were trench raids and minor demonstrations. We're told that the Eastern Front was more fluid, but again, outside some major actions, no real mention of what's happening. And of course, the Balkan and A-H part of the Eastern front get footnotes.
    Thank you.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  40. #290

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    Glad you like them Karl. Whenever I can I add some info from outside the normal sphere of operations and also bits of news about colonial troops.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  41. #291

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    9th February 1915.


    Eastern Front.

    Germans take Biala and turn Russian right flank near Pillkallen. Russians withdraw beyond the Suczava.
    Battle of Kara Urgan (Caucasus) begins.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Tabriz (North Persia) occupied by Turkish forces
    Heavy dust storms interfere with pursuit of Turks.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    S.S. "Wilhelmina" arrives at Falmouth.

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

  42. #292

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    10th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    German attacks at Marie Therese work (Argonne) and at the Ban-de-Sapt (Alsace).

    Home Front.

    Officer of the 1st County of London Yeomanry (Middlesex, The Duke of Cambridge's Hussars) charge during training in Richmond Park on 10 February.

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    More Home Front info on the BBC:-.
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b051s0fr

    Eastern Front.

    German line reaches line Pillkallen-Vladislavov, and, advancing, captures Eydtkuhnen and Wirballen.
    Germans repulsed at Kosziowa.

    Political, etc.

    British Note in reply to U.S.A. Note of 29 December 1914 on interference with neutral shipping.
    President Woodrow Wilson - at this time maintaining a neutral stance - issued a thinly veiled warning to the German government. His 'Strict Accountability' message made it clear that the U.S. government would not tolerate any strategy by the German navy to sink neutral U.S. shipping at any time.

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

  43. #293

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    11th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    Further repulse of Germans at Marie Therese work.

    Eastern Front.

    Germans take Serpets (north-west Poland), but are repulsed at Kosziowa.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    The Admiralty ordered the formation of the Battle Cruiser Fleet on 11 February, 1915.

    More info:-
    http://www.dreadnoughtproject.org/tf..._Cruiser_Force

    Cargo of S.S. "Wilhelmina" seized and placed in Prize Court.
    S.S. "Dacia" sails from United States for Bremen (Germany) with cargo of cotton.

    11th Australian Light |Horse.
    The formation of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, and the 11th Light Horse Regiment as part of it, was announced on 11 February 1915. Two squadrons of the 11th Light Horse were subsequently formed in Queensland, and a third in South Australia.

    Political, etc.

    United States Government send Note to British Government deprecating use of neutral flag, and to Germany on the conditions of the submarine "blockade".

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

  44. #294

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    12th February 1915.

    Eastern Front.

    Germans occupy Mariampool, Kalvaria, etc., in Poland; their centre makes progress towards Lyck (East Prussia).
    Austrians having forced forced the Jablonitsa Pass, advance rapidly in East Galicia.

    Middle East.

    The 2nd-7th Gurkha Rifles saw action at Tor, Sinai.
    More info:-
    http://www.kaiserscross.com/304501/489643.html

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    One of the biggest air raids of World War one occurred when 34 planes from the British Naval Wing attack the German-occupied coastal towns of Blankenberghe, Ostend and Zeebrugge..
    The attacks, led by British Wing Commander C.R. Samson, targeted the railway stations in Ostend and Blankenberghe as well as railway lines across the coast that were being used by the occupying military forces from Germany. The town of Zeebrugge, which was being used by the Germans as a base of operations for their deadly submarine warfare and from which they planned a blockade of the Belgian coast, was also a major target of the attack.
    The unprecedented raid was extraordinarily successful, causing massive damage to the occupying military force. Despite coming under heavy ground fire from German anti-aircraft guns, not a single Allied plane was shot down and no Allied lives were lost.

    Political, etc.

    Welsh Guards Battalion formed.
    Sir John Frenche's sixth military dispatch was printed.

    More info:-
    http://www.1914-1918.net/french_sixth_despatch.html

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

  45. #295

    Default

    13th February 1915.

    Eastern Front.

    Germans occupy Mariampool, Kalvaria, etc., in Poland; their centre makes progress towards Lyck (East Prussia).
    Austrians having forced forced the Jablonitsa Pass, advance rapidly in East Galicia.

    MiddleEast.

    The 2nd-7th Gurkha Rifles saw action at Tor, Sinai.

    More info:-
    http://www.kaiserscross.com/304501/489643.html

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Raid by 34 British Naval aeroplanes on Ostend, Zeebrugge, and other points in Belgium.
    One of the biggest air raids of World War one occurred when 34 planes from the British Naval Wing attack the German-occupied coastal towns of Blankenberghe, Ostend and Zeebrugge in Belgium.
    The attacks, led by British Wing Commander C.R. Samson, targeted the railway stations in Ostend and Blankenberghe as well as railway lines across the coast that were being used by the occupying military forces from Germany. The town of Zeebrugge, which was being used by the Germans as a base of operations for their deadly submarine warfare and from which they planned a blockade of the Belgian coast, was also a major target of the attack.
    The unprecedented raid was extraordinarily successful, causing massive damage to the occupying military force. Despite coming under heavy ground fire from German anti-aircraft guns, not a single Allied plane was shot down and no Allied lives were lost.


    Political, etc.

    Welsh Guards Battalion formed.

    Sir John Frenche's sixth military dispatch was printed.

    More info:-
    http://www.1914-1918.net/french_sixth_despatch.html

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 02-14-2015 at 04:28.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  46. #296

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    14th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    German artillery active in Northern France. Germnas captured British trenches at St Eloi (Ypres). French recovery at Norroy (Moselle).

    Germans take Sengern and Remsbach, in Lauch valley Alcace.

    Eastern Front.

    Germans wrestled Lyck from 3rd Siberian Corps. Russians completely out of E Prussia.
    Russians hold their ground in western Carpathians, but Austrians take Nadworna (East Galicia).

    Naval and overseas.

    German Government urgently requested Kaiser's Naval Staff to instruct U-Boat commanders until further notice not to attack ships flying neutral flags.


    Egyptian Front.


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    Political.

    Maori troops embarkation.



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    Imperial policy was initially against ‘native peoples’ fighting in a war between European powers. There were fears that they might cause embarrassment by expecting equal treatment with European soldiers, or even turn on their colonial masters.
    When it was suggested that Māori be sent to garrison the newly captured German colony of Samoa, New Zealand Administrator Robert Logan cabled the government warning that this might provoke the Samoan population. Instead, a Native Contingent of about 500 men left Wellington for Egypt aboard the SS Warrimoo on 14 February 1915.
    Māori had mixed views about the First World War. Some supported the war effort and wanted to join up. Others did not want to fight for the British Crown, which was seen to have done much harm to Māori communities in the 19th century. The varied reactions reflected iwi’s (tribes’) experiences of British actions in the previous century.
    The official policy regarding the use of ‘native peoples’ changed as casualties mounted and the need for reinforcements grew. The Maori Contingent had a combat role at Gallipoli before being converted into a Pioneer Battalion to serve on the Western Front.
    By the end of the war, 2227 Māori and 458 Pacific Islanders had served in the Maori Pioneer Battalion. Of these, 336 died on active service and 734 were wounded. Māori also enlisted (and died) in other units of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

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

  47. #297

    Thumbs up

    Great stuff Rob!
    Please keep it up if possible.

  48. #298

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    Great stuff Rob!
    Please keep it up if possible.
    I will keep it going until my Jury Service comes up at the end of March Baz.
    Hedeby has kindly offered previously to take over if I need a break, so I may ask him to preside for me if I find that I just can't keep up whilst I'm away.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  49. #299

    Default

    15th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    British recapture trenches near St. Eloi.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: German troops lead by Gallwitz occupies Plotsk on Vistula, beats Russians and attacks Przasnyza fortress on February 17. German XXI Corps marches 22 miles to envelop 70,000 Russians in Augustow Forest (trapped on February 17).

    Carpathians: Böhm-Ermolli takes over enlarged Austrian Second Army (60,700 infantrymen).

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Albanian irregular soldiers advance into south Serbia reported, but driven back across frontier next day.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Tripolitania: Italians arrive at Beni Ulid having abandoned Bu Ngeim southwest of Sirte.They reoccupy Gadames Oasis on Tunisian border after a fighting advance since January 13.

    Naval and Overseas.

    Singapore: 5th Indian Light Infantry mutiny until February 18. 39 Europeans killed, 37 mutineers executed.

    Political, etc.

    Britain: Government answer US note to German blockade. Anglo-French Agreement supplements November 9, 1914 Prize Convention.

    German-British disabled PoW exchange.

    Churchill in House of Commons: ‘… we expect the (Dardanelles) losses will be confined within manageable limits …’.

    USA: Rockefeller Foundation's War Relief Committee report published.
    Entente Governments suggest to Greek Government that Greece should intervene in support of Serbia, and promise military support at Salonika.

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

  50. #300

    Default

    16th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    Sharp infantry action in Champagne and the Argonne.
    French counter-attack at Norroy repulsed.

    On the Western Front, the French launch their second offensive against German defense lines in Champagne. Once again they are hampered by the muddy winter weather and a lack of heavy artillery. After a month of fighting, suffering 240,000 casualties, the exhausted French break off the offensive.

    Eastern Front.

    Continued fighting on East Prussian front, Russians falling back on the Nieman.
    Further German reverse at Kosziowa.
    Austrians take Kolomea (Bukovina).

    Southern Front.

    Albanians driven over Serbian frontier.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Renewed Franco-British air-raid on Ostend, Zeebrugge, and other points in Belgium.

    Political, etc.

    German reply to U.S.A. Note about submarine "blockade".
    U.S.A. Note to United Kingdom about seizure of cargo of "Wilhelmina".

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

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