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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #1351

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    May 25th 1916.

    1 airman has fallen on Thursday May 25th 1916.


    2nd Lt. John Arthur Ruck Royal Flying Corps aged 21. Accidentally Killed 25 May 1916,when his Maurice Farman Longhorn 6685 Overturned on forced landing and caught fire near Thetford.

    Claims.

    There were no claims made today.


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:



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    Lieutenant Percy Frank Anderson Cocks (Royal West Surrey Regiment) dies on a hospital ship during a voyage from Basra to Bombay at age 19. He is the son of the Reverend Frank Robert Cocks Rector of Upton.



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    Lieutenant Charles Edward Newell (Inniskilling Fusiliers) dies of wounds at age 19. His brother will be accidentally killed in September.
    Lieutenant Charles Edward Newell, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, third son of the late Mr. A. C. Newell, R.M., Ballinasloe, and Mrs. Newell, 2 Crosthwaite Terrace, Kingstown, has been killed in action in his 19th year. He obtained his Commission in September, 1914, and went to the front with the 16th Division in January, 1916, shortly afterwards obtaining his promotion. He was a very promising officer, and was spoken of in the highest terms by his Commanding Officer.

    Lance Corporal Charles Ernest Cort Bashford (Manitoba Regiment) is killed at age 31. He is the son of the Reverend Robert Bashford.

    Western Front.


    Battle of Verdun: German attack between Haudromont Wood and Thiaumont Farm.

    Attack of 25th may 1916 on Kiel trench.

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    Sketch map of the attack of 25th may 1916 on Kiel trench.

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    Siegfried Sassoon wins military cross.


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    Siegfried was born at Weirleigh, Kent, England, in 1886, the second son of Alfred and Theresa (née Thornycroft), who subsequently separated when Sassoon was five years old. Sassoon was educated at Marlborough and then at Clare College, Cambridge. He studied both Law and History at Cambridge before leaving without taking a degree. After leaving Cambridge, Sassoon lived the life of a sportsman, hunting, riding point-to-point races and playing cricket until the outbreak of the War.
    Sassoon enlisted on 2 August 1914, two days before the British declaration of war, and initially joined as a trooper in the Sussex Yeomanry. However, after a riding accident whilst doing some field-work (he had put his horse at a fence blind with summer
    vegetation and a hidden strand of wire brought the horse down on top of him, leaving Sassoon with a badly broken right arm), Sassoon was commissioned in the Royal Welch Fusiliers (May 1915). Between November 1915 and April 1917 he served as a second lieutenant in both the First and Second Battalions R.W.F.
    On November 1, 1915 Sassoon suffered his first personal loss of the War. His younger brother Hamo was buried at sea after being mortally wounded at Gallipoli. Sassoon subsequently commemorated this with a poem entitled "To My Brother" (published in the Saturday Review, February 26, 1916). Then on March 18, 1916 second lieutenant David C. Tommy' Thomas (the '**** Tiltwood' of Memoirs of a Fox-hunting Man) was killed whilst out with a wiring party. He had been hit in the throat by a rifle bullet, and despite the Battalion doctor being a throat specialist, had died of the wound.
    These losses upset Sassoon and he became determined to "get his revenge" on the Germans. To this end, he went out on patrol in no-man's-land even when there were no raids planned. Such reckless enthusiasm earned him the nickname "Mad Jack", but he was saved from further folly by a four-week spell at the Army School in Flixecourt. Returning to the front a month later, some of Sassoon's desire for revenge had abated, and when his platoon was involved in a raid on Kiel Trench shortly afterwards on May the 25th,his actions in getting all his men back to the British trenches earned him a Military Cross, which he received the day before the start of the Battle of the Somme.

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    Southern Front.


    76a Squadriglia formed.


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    76a Squadriglia was founded during World War I, on 25 May 1916, as one of Italy's original
    fighter squadrons. It began at La Comina, with five pilots and four Nieuport 11 planes. Two days later, it was attached to 1o Gruppo. On 30 May, it flew its first combat mission. Mario Stoppani scored the squadron's first victory on 18 July 1916.
    On 22 April 1917, the squadron began a string of command casualties, as it had two commanders killed and another wounded during the year (see below). Then the
    Battle of Caporetto defeat, with its forced retreat, caused 76a Squadriglia to relocate quickly thrice in November 1917. Once joined to 6o Gruppo, the squadron re-equipped with Hanriot HD.1s. The squadron took place in the famous air battle above its home base of Istrana on 26 December 1917.
    Night bombing raids by Austro-Hungarian aircraft forced squadron moves on 2 and 17 February 1918. Once settled at
    Casoni, the squadriglia served through the war's end in the dissolution of its opponent, the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The squadron still had 19 pilots and 17 aircraft in service. It had fought 340 combats during its 5,088 wartime sorties and staked claim to 69 victories. 76a Squadriglia had paid a blood price of four killed.
    Commanding officers.

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    Capitano Ettore de Carolis: 25 May 1916 until promoted out.


    Luigi Olivi: 22 April 1917 - KIA 17 June 1917.
    Capitano Salvatori Calori: 1 July 1917 - 11 August 1917.
    TenenteGastone Novelli: 11 August 1917 - WIA 21 August 1917.
    Tenente Francesco di Rudini: 28 September 1917 - KIA 3 October 1917.
    Capitano Alberto De Bernardi: From 1 November 1917.
    Capitano Amerigo Notari: 9 September 1918 through war's end.
    Infantry battle for Buole Pass (Trentino) begins and lasts six days.

    Austrians take Bettale.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Two Italian battalions land at Moraisa (west of Sollum).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.


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    U 39 and captain
    Walter Forstmann are at it again sinking two Italian ships. Sailing vessel. Rita Stopped and sunk S of Marseilles, and the Steamer Fratelli Bandiera 40 miles SE of Hyères.


    German retreat in German East Africa; British occupy Same, Rufu lager, Lembeni, and Ngulu.

    Political, etc.

    Military Service Act becomes law;
    The era of the all-volunteer British Army ends as universal conscription takes effect requiring all eligible British men between the ages of 19 and 40 to report, excluding men working in agriculture, mining or the railroads.

    Congratulatory message from the King.

    Mr. Lloyd George undertakes settlement of the Irish question.


    Germany scouts new peace talks; German officials cherish no high hopes of an early termination of the war despite the increasing amount of peace talk in Berlin, Washington and London.

    The German Imperial Meat Bureau
    seizes control of all meat in the Reich. Possibly to make one gigantic sausage.


    USA.

    The military bill just passed by Congress requires National Guards in each state to expand to fixed quotas (800 per US Senator and congresscritter). New York law
    allows the state to draft men into the Guard if the quota isn’t met by volunteers. In practice, the governor would order mayors to do the picking.

    NYC Mayor John Purroy Mitchel
    returns to testify before the Thompson Committee, whether they want it or not, and reads out transcripts of the possibly illegal wiretaps of Father Farrell and others.

    Since the fight at April 22 battle at Tomochic, Candelario Cervantes had been playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Dodd and the 7th Cavalry. Cervantes, whom Pershing called “the most able and the most desperate of Villa’s band,” was bold enough to raid in the area around Namiquipa, right under the nose of Pershing’s headquarters. On May 25 a small detachment of mappers and riflemen from the 2nd Engineers and 17th Infantry under Lance Corporal Davis Marksbury left Las Cruces, 12 miles south of Namiquipa, intending to study the Santa Maria Valley. While one group sketched the terrain, another began hunting for pigs in the brush of Alamia Canyon.

    A band of Mexicans suddenly appeared on the horizon, firing and riding furiously towards the Americans. Marksbury was killed and three others wounded as the U.S. troops were quickly pinned down. Several soldiers noticed the fancily dressed leader of the Mexican band. Mounted on a large black horse, he wore a fancy sombrero turned up at the brim and a “fancy coat that looked like velvet or plush, with a white braid in front.” Infantry Private George D. Hullett emptied his pistol at the Mexicans and then picked up Marksbury’s rifle. He calmly aimed his weapon, drawing a bead on the flashily dressed Mexican. He fired once, knocking the tall man from his horse. The Mexicans withdrew and when inspecting the personal effects of the bandit, the Americans realized they had killed Cervantes, Villa’s deputy at the Columbus raid.


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    Cervantes, on the far left, with Pancho Villa

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

  2. #1352

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    May 26th 1916.


    No deaths are recorded for Friday May 26th 1916.

    Claims.



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    One unconfirmed claim is made today by Capitaine-Commandant Fernand Maximillian Leon Jacquet.

    A two-seater pilot throughout the war, Jacquet was the son of a wealthy landowner. He entered the Military Academy in October 1907. Despite less than perfect vision, after serving as an infantry officer he received a pilot's brevet on 25 February 1913. He made his first flights with 2me Escadrille de Chasse and was assigned to 1ère Escadrille in 1915. Inspired by Roland Garros, who had equipped a Morane monoplane with a machine gun, Jacquet fitted one to his Farman pusher. Claiming an Aviatik C over Beerst on 17 April 1915, Jacquet was the first Belgian pilot to score an aerial victory. In December 1916, he assumed command of 1me Escadrille and on 1 February 1917 he became Belgium's first ace, scoring all five victories flying the Maurice Farman. Jacquet was also the first pilot to fly King Albert to the front in 1917. Jacquet was promoted to Capitaine-Commandant in December 1917 and three months later, at the request of the King, he assumed command of the newly formed Belgian Groupe de Chasse. With the Groupe de Chasse, Jacquet flew the
    Sopwith 1½ Strutter and SPAD S.XI in combat. He was discharged from the army in 1920 and, in 1921, he opened a flying school at Gosselies. During World War II, Jacquet served with the resistance until his capture by the Germans in 1942.

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Chaplain ‘the Reverend’ Lewis Joseph Matthews dies on service. He served in the Nile 1898 and South Africa War.

    Private John C Payne (Hertfordshire Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed last May.

    Private Alexander Desmond Hanney (Berkshire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 18. He is the last of three brothers who have lost their lives over the last year.

    Private George Charles Wagg (Wiltshire Regiment) dies of wounds received when he is accidentally shot in the trenches at age 21. His brother was killed in the first month of the war.

    Private Richard Francis Jarvis (Dorsetshire Regiment) is killed in Mesopotamia at age 24. His brother will be killed in June 1917.


    Home Front.

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    This unusual event was reported in The Irish Times on 27 May. ‘A British airship, flying the naval ensign and bearing the Allied distinguishing mark – coloured circles – on its rudders, appeared over Dublin yesterday (Friday 26 May), and attracted very keen attention. It was first noticed east of the Custom House, and, after flying over the neighbourhood of Amiens Street Station, passed over the ruins of the Imperial Hotel, crossed Sackville Street, then turned south nearly as far as the offices of the Port and Docks Board. It then proceeded eastwards over the Liffey, and performed some evolutions over the buildings on the South Wall. As it came low an excellent view of its design was obtained by the hundreds of persons observing its movement. Three figures could be seen in the airship. The navigating officers acknowledged the cheers of the crowd by waving their hands’.
    A second photograph shows it passing over D’Olier Street, which is clear enough to identify what type of airship it was.

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    The shape of the balloon envelope and the car underneath matches the SS Class blimp (Sea Scout or Submarine Scout) which the Royal Naval Air Service put into production in February 1915 after the Imperial German Admiralty declared that all enemy merchant vessels found in the waters around Great Britain and Ireland would be destroyed. These airships were equipped with bombs and a Lewis machine gun, as well as a camera, and would act as escorts for ships to protect them from the threat of the German U-boat.

    Western Front.

    Battle of Verdun: French regain part of Cumieres trench between Haudromont Wood and Thaumont Farm: repulse Germans between Avocourt Wood and Mort Homme.

    Tunstill's men.

    Front line trenches west of Angres.

    Another fine, quiet morning although five more high explosive shells fell just behind ‘A’ Company’s positions, causing no casualties. Orders were received for the Battalion to be relieved; the relief began at 2.30pm and was completed, without casualties, by 6pm. The Battalion did not, however, return to their former billets in Sains-en-Gohelle, but was withdrawn only as far as the reserve trenches east of Bully Grenay, moving out by platoons, with 150 yards distance between platoons. Once established, in the evening Lt. **** Bolton (see 25th May) reported machine gun fire directed against ‘A’ Company’s positions, “fired at frequent intervals, traversing the whole front, starting at about 9.30pm.

    The Battalion Chaplain, Rev. Wilfred L. Henderson (see 17th January), wrote to the mother of Pte. Ernest Dawson who had been killed two days previously (see 26th May): “Another name has been added to our country’s roll of honour, and it is one which will bring home to you the sadness of war. I suppose you have already heard the sad news of the death of your son but I wish to tell you how much we all sympathise with you. He was killed last Wednesday by a trench mortar and we buried him last night in a soldiers’ cemetery immediately behind the lines. A cross with his name and number will be put over the grave, and his grave for ever kept sacred and reverently cared for. Both officers and men join with me in expressing their sympathy. Your son will be much missed by his comrades in the battalion. I know how difficult it is to say words of comfort to a mother, but, deep as your sorrow may be, I feel that there can be no bitterness in it. The mothers of England are proud of their sons today and justly proud that they should have given up all they hold dear to follow the call of duty and you too must feel that pride in your son. You must rejoice at the splendid sacrifice he has made. “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”. Our sympathy and prayers are with you. God bless and comfort you.”


    Pte. Frank Hargrave (see 7th April), who had originally served with Tunstill’s Company, but latterly with 9DWR, was released from hospital and transferred to no.17 Infantry Base Depot at Etaples, en route to re-joining his unit.

    Southern Front.

    Austrians capture Monte Civaron (Trentino).

    Bulgaro-Germans occupy Fort Repel (Greek Macedonia), Greek Government acquiescing.
    After their land route to Salonica was cut, Serbian troops were evacuated from Albanian ports and transported to the Greek port by ferries. By the summer of 1916, the Allied force in Salonica, which was under the command of the French General Sarrail, grew to 350 thousand men and represented a big threat to Central Powers’ interests in the Balkans, especially the railroad linking Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey.

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    On May 26, 1916, Bulgarian forces penetrated through the Greek frontier and by August they reached the Struma River in pursuit of the retreating Greek IV Army Corps.

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    Cavalry crossing a river in Macedonia.

    Meanwhile, the Allied forces took the initiative and began to march to Monastir.

    Naval and overseas.


    There were four U boat attacks today.

    Unknown U boat on Belgian Lighter Evaristus. 18 miles off Nordhinder LV.



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    UC 1 Captain Kurt Ramien on British Steamer El Argintino. Mined 7 miles SExS of Southwold 521245N 014910E

    UC 3 Gunther Kreysern the British Steamer Danewood Mined in Cowehithe Roads off Aldeburgh 521325N 014700E.

    And UC 6 Captain Otto Ehrentraut Belgian Barge Volharding. N of Noord Hinder LV


    Political, etc.

    U.S. Note to Great Britain on search of mails.

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

  3. #1353

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    Thanks again Rob - I have been swotting up on Jutland ahead of the weekend handover...

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  4. #1354

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    Thanks for your time in doing this.

  5. #1355

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Thanks again Rob - I have been swotting up on Jutland ahead of the weekend handover...
    Should be some long reading then; I'll stock the fridge with potables
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  6. #1356

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    I have just put the Dan Snow documentary on to record, so that I can catch up next week. Should be back here on Tuesday to take up the reigns again.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  7. #1357

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    Huge thank you to Rob for the past few weeks. Rob is out and about over the Bank Holiday weekend so I am back in the editor's chair. As I am also away timings of updates could be a little all over the place. So we have Friday's now, Saturday's will be tomorrow morning and then for Sunday and Monday it will be leeching the pub wifi around last orders time. So bear with us and we will continue to ensure that your daily news continues without a break. On with the show....

    May 27th 1916

    Two airmen lost their lives on this day...

    2nd Lieutenant Douglas Bayly de Bruyn 35 Squadron RFC. Accidentally Killed while flying at Cambridge 27 May 1916

    2nd Lieutenant Robert Newman
    35 Squadron RFC. Accidentally Killed while flying at Cambridge 27 May 1916

    Both men were flying a Henry Farman number 2850, from 35 Sqn, when they Spun off steep turn and crashed near Thetford.

    There was just the one aerial victory claim on this day - worth highlighting because it was from the pilot of a two seater (and we all know my love of the two seater)... Fernand Maximillian Leon Jacquet was flying a Farman Biplane when he had an unconfirmed victory over a German EA

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    A two-seater pilot throughout the war, Jacquet was the son of a wealthy landowner. He entered the Military Academy in October 1907. Despite less than perfect vision, after serving as an infantry officer he received a pilot's brevet on 25 February 1913. He made his first flights with 2me Escadrille de Chasse and was assigned to 1ère Escadrille in 1915. Inspired by Roland Garros, who had equipped a Morane monoplane with a machine gun, Jacquet fitted one to his Farman pusher. Claiming an Aviatik C over Beerst on 17 April 1915, Jacquet was the first Belgian pilot to score an aerial victory. In December 1916, he assumed command of 1me Escadrille and on 1 February 1917 he became Belgium's first ace, scoring all five victories flying the Maurice Farman. Jacquet was also the first pilot to fly King Albert to the front in 1917. Jacquet was promoted to Capitaine-Commandant in December 1917 and three months later, at the request of the King, he assumed command of the newly formed Belgian Groupe de Chasse. With the Groupe de Chasse, Jacquet flew the Sopwith 1½ Strutter and SPAD S.XI in combat. He was discharged from the army in 1920 and, in 1921, he opened a flying school at Gosselies. During World War II, Jacquet served with the resistance until his capture by the Germans in 1942.

    MILITARY MEDAL AWARDED

    At bombing practice at Blakdown one of the men under instruction fails to clear the parapet with his bomb which rolls down into the mud at the bottom of the trench. Lieutenant Neil Mackinnon (Highland Light Infantry) at once springs forward to seize the bomb but is impeded by the thrower who is endeavouring to get clear; he succeeds however in securing the bomb after groping for it in the mud and in throwing it clear of the trench just before it explodes. There are two men in the trench at the time besides Lieutenant Mackinnon and the bomb thrower and undoubtedly a serious accident is averted by the Lieutenant’s courage under the circumstances. For his actions Lieutenant Mackinnon will be awarded the Albert Medal.

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    The Military Medal was awarded to other ranks of the British Army and Commonwealth Forces. It was an award for gallantry and devotion to duty when under fire in battle on land. On the reverse of the medal is inscribed “For Bravery in the Field”. Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the letters M.M. after their name. The Military Medal is the British Army equivalent of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.), the Distinguished Flying Medal (D.F.M.) and the Air Force Medal (A.F.M.).

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Lieutenant Gerald Spring-Rice (Border Regiment) is killed at age 51. He is the son of the Honourable C W T Spring-Rice.
    Second Lieutenant Louis Arthur Klemantaski (Royal Berkshire Regiment) is killed in action at age 24. He is considered a gifted literary man, specializing in musical criticism. He founded and edited the musical quarterly “Euterp” and he is a cousin of the motor sport photographer Louis Klemantaski.

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    Private Percival Burghope Pimm (Lancaster Regiment) is killed. His brother will be killed in less than 30 days.

    Southern Fronts

    Salonika: Bulgar division and German troops occupy by Greeks evacuated Fort Rupel and 3 villages south of frontier thus blocking Struma valley.
    Trentino: Austrians closing on Arsiero.

    Fort Roupel (Greek: Οχυρό Ρούπελ) is a fortress at the north border of Central Macedonia, Greece, built in 1914. It became part of the fortifications of the Metaxas Line in the 1930s and became famous for its defence during the German invasion of Greece in April 1941.

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    The Rupel (Roupel) fortifications are not far from the Serres-Promachonas national road, which leads to the Greek-Bulgarian border. They are just a short distance from the border in the narrow Rupel Gorge, through which the Strymon River flows. This place is of strategic importance for entry to Greek or Bulgarian territory and was fortified in 1914. During World War I, on 25 May 1916, under German pressure, the Greek government ordered the surrender of the fortress to the Germans and their Bulgarian allies, without a shot being fired. The German-Bulgarian troops then proceeded to occupy most of eastern Macedonia without resistance. This act led to the outbreak of a revolt of Greek Army officers in Thessaloniki and the establishment of the Provisional Government of National Defence under Entente auspices there, opposed to the official Athens government and King Constantine I, cementing the so-called "National Schism".

    The fort became famous during World War II, when the advance of the German and Bulgarian armies was stopped in front of this fort. On the eve of World War II, Fort Roupel was incorporated into the Metaxas Line, a new line of defence that was built to repel an invasion into Greece from Bulgaria. For three days the fort held out against German attack and was only abandoned by its men after the surrender of the Greek army in Thessaloniki. Today one of the fortification's galleries is open to visitors, as is a small museum and the pavilion the visitors, the observatory and memorial of fallen soldiers. In the gallery, the visitor has the opportunity to feel the moments of the battle. Walking the wards and in the side aisles there are dioramas that depict the Greek fighters battle forts (gunner, doctor to doctor's caring for injured, the sergeant in his office and the office of captain and more


    Eastern Front

    Poland: Linsingen tells Kaiser at Brest-*Litovsk that, ‘Our formidable positions will automatically hold’ any attack.
    Galicia: *Russian 9th Lancers success*fully charge Austrian infantry near Vonchach.

    African Fronts

    East Africa: Smuts narrowly escapes German patrol.

    Sea War
    North Sea: U74 minelayer caught on surface and sunk by 4 armed trawlers’ guns off Peterhead. UC3 mined off Zeebrugge. U-74 was detected by four armed trawlers on 27 May and sunk 25 mi (22 nmi; 40 km) south-east of Peterhead.

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    Politics
    Russia: Sazonov says Anglo-Russian alliance eternal; Russia has no aggressive aims against Sweden or any other European neighbour; Poland to be autonomous.

    Neutrals
    USA: Wilson’s first League of Nations hint, mentions a universal league to preserve peace and freedom of seas.

    Home Fronts
    France: Death of General Gallieni (aged 67) at Versailles, made Marshal of France in 1921.

    Finally and rather ominously... The French general Joseph Joffre visits British commander Haig and gets assurance of July 1 BEF Somme offensive.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  8. #1358

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    As promised - early bird reporting on this one...

    May 28th 1916

    2 AIRMEN HAVE FALLEN ON SUNDAY MAY 28TH 1916

    Captain George Alfred Prime Jones - 17 Reserve Squadron RFC - Accidentally Killed while flying at Salt Box, Westerham 28 May 1916 aged 21 whilst flying B.E.2c 4335. Lost speed on low turn, Cudham, near Westerham, Kent .2Lt Henry Tennant injured. There seems to be a spate of these accidents at the moment - looks like it was actually safer over the trenches.... mind you over the course of the war over 50% of all RFC losses were due to accidents rather than enemy action.

    Air Mechanic 1st Class Sidney Leonard Leggett Royal Naval Air Service, H.M.S. 'President II'.

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    On a day we lost 230 men

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Lieutenant Harry Brodrick Chinnery (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) is killed at age 42. He played cricket for Maryleborne, Surrey and Middlesex and is the nephew of General J E Nixon.
    Private Darwin Howard Langston (4th Field Ambulance South African Medical Corps) is killed in Tanganyika at age 23. His brother will be killed in July.

    There was just the one aerial victory claim again today - and again it comes from the French Air Service who seem to be doing rather well at the moment...

    Sous Lieutenant Andre Jean Delorme
    claims his first kill by downing an Eindecker over the German lines.

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    Serving with an infantry regiment in 1914, Delorme was wounded three times during 1914. He transferred to the French Air Service in 1915 and received a Pilot's Brevet on 14 June. Posted to C56, he scored his first two victories in the summer of 1916 but was wounded again during aerial combat on 31 July 1916. When he recovered, he was reassigned to N38 where he scored three more victories before he was killed in action.

    "Adjudant of Escadrille C56, pilot of remarkable audacity and sangfroid. Prepares his missions instantly and with great initiative and then executes them with remarkable energy. On 6 February 1916, he descended to 700 meters to bomb an important station where he caused an explosion and a fire. With his passenger wounded, he flew more than an hour in the clouds completely lost in enemy territory, but succeeded to land in our lines as his fuel gave out." Médaille Militaire citation

    "Sous Lieutenant of Escadrille C56, elite officer who has distinguished himself by his brilliant conduct in the infantry, fighting combats at the start of the war during which he was wounded twice. As an airplane pilot, he has continued to demonstrate the highest qualities of bravery, devotion and audacity. On 28 May 1916, after having executed a bombardment very far to the rear of the lines, he was attacked by a German scout which he downed in flames, returning to the Escadrille with his plane riddled by bullets. Already has the Médaille Militaire and has been cited twice in army orders." Légion d'Honneur citation

    On the Western Front its another day of shelling for Tunstill's men: The weather remained good. German shelling came to be increasingly concentrated against the rear areas of the British line, both close to the reserve positions and also in and around Sains-en-Gohelle and Fosse 10. The danger was such that an order was issued that the Battalion transport lines should be relocated to Bouvigny; only shortly after this had been effected a large German shell landed in the recently-vacated positions. No casualties were suffered. The continued shelling also meant that the main dressing station located there (see 24th May) was emptied, with patients transferred to the care of 71st Field Ambulance, further back in reserve. The emergency accommodation remaining at Fosse 10 was moved to the cellars. Three more new subalterns reported for duty with the Battalion; 2Lts. Coke, Dawson and Smith had all disembarked in France a few days previously (see 24th May).

    Western Front
    Verdun: German Alpenkorps (from Champagne) again in action.
    Flanders: Haig warns Second Army (Plumer) to hasten preparations for offensive as it might be needed (ie before planned Somme offensive) due to French concentration at Verdun. Germans are already warned of it; Falkenhayn has reinforced Sixth Army with 3 divisions, but only 1 new division assigned to Second Army on Somme. Lieutenant-General Sir J Byng put in command of Canadian Corps. (see below)

    The British XVII Corps, commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng, relieved the French Tenth Army in the Vimy Ridge sector in February 1916, permitting the French to expand their operations at Verdun. The British soon discovered that German tunnelling companies had taken advantage of the relative calm on the surface to build an extensive network of tunnels and deep mines from which they would attack French positions by setting off explosive charges underneath their trenches.The Royal Engineers immediately deployed specialist tunnelling companies along the front to combat the German mining operations. In response to increased British mining aggression, German artillery and trench mortar fire intensified in early May 1916. On 21 May 1916, after shelling both forward trenches and divisional artillery positions from no less than 80 out-of-sight batteries on the reverse slope of the ridge, the German infantry began operation Schleswig Holstein, an attack on the British lines along a 1,800-metre (2,000 yd) front in an effort to eject them from positions along the ridge. The Germans captured several British-controlled tunnels and mine craters before halting their advance and entrenching their positions. Small counterattacks by units of the 140th and 141st British Brigades took place on 22 May but did not manage to change the situation. The Canadian Corps relieved the British IV Corps stationed along the western slopes of Vimy Ridge in October 1916.

    On 28 May 1916, Byng took command of the Canadian Corps from Lieutenant-General Sir Edwin Alderson. Formal discussions for a spring offensive near Arras began following a conference of corps commanders held at British First Army Headquarters on 21 November 1916. In March 1917, British First Army headquarters formally presented Byng with orders outlining Vimy Ridge as the corps's objective for the Arras Offensive. A formal assault plan, adopted in early March 1917, drew heavily on the briefings of staff officers sent to learn from the experiences of the French Army during the Battle of Verdun.

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    Julian Byng (as opposed to Chandler Byng)

    Southern Fronts
    Italian Front: Austrian Kaiserschuetzen Division repeatedly but vainly attacks Buole Pass against Taro and Sicilia Brigades and loses 629 casualties. Three final attacks on May 30 fail; defenders suffer 911 casualties, but ‘we have not given way an inch’ (Colonel Gualtieri).

    Air War
    London-Paris airmail service begins.

    Neutrals
    USA: National German-American Chicago Conference (until May 29) on presiden*tial candidates.

    The War at Sea (as we get ready for the forthcoming Battle of Jutland)

    Two ships were reported lost on this day...

    Lady Ninian United Kingdom The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 106 nautical miles (196 km) north east of Algiers, Algeria by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
    St. Louis France The schooner foundered in the English Channel. Her crew were rescued by São Miguel ( Portugal).

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  9. #1359

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    Thank you folks for your time and effort.

  10. #1360

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    Likewise, thanks for all of this. Its a great undertaking, keeping it going soooo long. That's what I call real commitment!

  11. #1361

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    Ok folks sorry about the delay in posting the update for the 29th May but I am out in the field as it were - well in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales with no wi-fi. Did get up to the pub last night but missed the evening lock in by five minutes. So started much earlier today - battery fully charged (mistake number 1 yesterday afternoon) the beer is cold and the pub is full of Morris Dancers... so its a 'hey nonny nonny' and jingle my bells...

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  12. #1362

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Ok folks sorry about the delay in posting the update for the 29th May but I am out in the field as it were - well in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales with no wi-fi. Did get up to the pub last night but missed the evening lock in by five minutes. So started much earlier today - battery fully charged (mistake number 1 yesterday afternoon) the beer is cold and the pub is full of Morris Dancers... so its a 'hey nonny nonny' and jingle my bells...
    You did mean Bells? And Hey Nonny Nonny to you.

  13. #1363

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    Duplication removed - obviously I was distracted by the Morris Dancers
    Last edited by Hedeby; 05-30-2016 at 10:14.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  14. #1364

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    Right don't have header on my wife's laptop - so will add that in once I return to the office...

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    May 29th 1916

    As the Morris Dancers cavort outside the pub, and the sun beats down on a scene so quintessentially English it beggars belief lets make a start...

    In keeping with the above comment there were no reported RFC losses on this day...

    There were two aerial victory claims today - both from England's very own schoolboy hero - the one and only Albert Ball VC, DSO & Two Bars, MC

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    Flying his Nieuport he shot down two LVGs - one over Oppy and one over Beaumont (his second and third claims)

    Albert Ball was the first British ace idolized by the public. An engineering student when the war began, he joined the 7th (Robin Hood) Battalion of The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) and was promoted to Sergeant on 29 October 1914. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. Described as an "introspective little chap," Ball was a loner with strong religious convictions who soon established a reputation as a fearless pilot and excellent marksman. On 22 August 1916, he scored his 11th victory when he shot down Wilhelm Cymera's two-seater. In just three months over the Somme, he scored his first 30 victories. With the introduction of the S.E.5, he reluctantly gave up his Nieuport 17. Flying the new scout, Ball's flight encountered Jasta 11 on the evening of 7 May 1917 and Ball was last seen by Cyril Crowe entering an extremely dark thundercloud. In the confusion that followed, Ball and Lothar von Richthofen both crashed. Ball was killed but the German ace survived. Officially listed as missing in action, it was several years before the details of Albert Ball's death were known. Although Germany officially credited Lothar von Richthofen with downing Britain's leading ace, there was little or no evidence to substantiate the claim. Moments before he crashed, Leutnant Hailer, a German officer on the ground, witnessed Ball's undamaged aircraft emerge alone from the clouds, 200 feet above the ground in an inverted position with a dead prop. Ball's death greatly disheartened the entire Royal Flying Corps.

    Today, many of Ball's personal possessions can be viewed at the Albert Ball Memorial on the grounds of the Nottingham Castle Museum in England. There will be much more from Albert Ball over the coming months as his tally of both kills and medals increases.

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Lieutenant Yvo Lempriere Ellis (Hampshire Regiment) is killed at age 22. He is the son of the Reverend Henry Maitland Ellis Vicar of Hedge End who lost another son in June 1915.
    Private Arthur Jobson (Suffolk Regiment) is killed in action. He is one of three brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.

    From Tunstill's men: British artillery resumed their duel with the Germans at 4am and the German response increased from 8am. Once again the focus of the German shelling was against reserve and rest positions, and on this occasion the Battalion transport lines were hit, with two men wounded. One of those wounded was Tunstill’s Man, Cpl. Christopher John Kelly (see 4th December 1915), who suffered an injury to his left foot, which would see him evacuated back to England.

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    The Wharfedale Lads

    The above photo is very apt as I currently sit amidst the timeless beauty of Wharfedale in the North Of Yorkshire. In the tiny village of Hubberholme a mile from where I sit and write this lies the final resting place of the writer J.B. Priestley. Little did I know when I was paying my respects at his grave this very morning that I would be writing about him this afternoon. All of a sudden this all gets a little more personal...

    While still in the reserve trenches, J.B. Priestley wrote home to his family. The letter sounding an increasingly negative tone:

    “We spent five days in a village just behind the trenches, went in again for four days, and are now in the reserve trenches until tomorrow. Curious you should mention the loss of trenches at (censored), as that is the terrible place we took over from the French three months ago (Priestley was doubtless referring to the Souchez area which the Battalion had first occupied in March, and where conditions had been especially difficult, see 8th March) and we are only just on the left of it now. I have seen all the battles for the crest (when we were there the Germans had it and we were crouched in shell holes about 25 yards away and 6 inches of snow on the ground). The village we were in last Sunday was shelled with armour-piercing Jack Johnsons, but we had only one man killed (see 21st May), though there were many civilians killed and wounded. It was a ghastly day. All the roads leading to the trenches were shelled too, and there were mules and limbers going up in the air. They sent every kind of shell over – gas shells (it was quaint to see the French children with gas helmets on), tear shells (everybody’s eyes were watering and sore), incendiary shells, shrapnel, and last but not least, the enormous Johnsons. I tried to imagine Saltburn Place (Priestley’s home in Bradford) being shelled in a similar manner, but it was too horrible to think about. They crash through houses and roads and steel girders like paper. And the concussion! Our heavy batteries, just near, were thundering in response, and our stretcher bearers had to keep dashing down to the gun pits to bring out the wounded, poor maimed creatures – burnt, twisted, torn and many of them dazed beyond immediate recovery with the sheer noise. I’ve had some narrow escapes from rifle grenades and trench mortars this time in, but I’m all right and carrying on. Ten months out here and no signs of a leave; it’s a shame! Some of the officers have been home three times. We are expecting large drafts of Derby men this time out (see 25th May), for, notwithstanding regular drafts mainly of men who have been out before, we have only a handful of men left. My Company is not the weakest in the Batt. And we have only a fighting strength of about 70 men instead of 260. People get the impression that we’ve ample men out here but that’s wrong. We’ve taken over such a lot of new frontage that the actual number of men per mile of trench seems less than ever. It’s a t the bases where you can’t stir for men – not in the firing line. As for food, when we were in the firing line this last time, we had a loaf for every four men for a day’s ration, and no fresh meat or even Maconochie, but just bully beef.

    Now that you know where we are, you’ll be able to follow events in our part of the line with interest. It’s the star turn on the British front and second to none in hellishness. They say we go to (censored) the next time we go to the trenches. Send me another parcel soon, but it’s no good sending stuff to mix with water as there’s very little water. Some of mother’s homemade tuck would be very acceptable.

    NB Enclosed are flowers plucked from the parapet, probably growing out of dead men; there are plenty in these parapets, it’s no uncommon sight to see a hand or foot sticking out”.

    Its nice to be able to add something on a very small level as we get near to the historic enormity that is the Battle of Jutland (starting 31st May)

    The Battle of Verdun:

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    Pierre Vigueir was born on 9 January 1894. He was a farmer from Camporiez, Aveyron, France. Called into service at Rodez in late August 1914, Pierre first saw action with the 173e R.I. at Les Eparges in May 1915 before fighting in the 1915 battles on the Wöevre (Bois de la Grurie) until the end of the year. After a spell on the Chamapagne front, he moved to take part in the Battle of Verdun and arrived at the frontline on Côte 304, north of Esnes on 19 May 1916. On 29 May 1916, after four days of continuous bombardment, the Germans launched two violent attacks on the hill, during which Pierre was killed in action. He has no known grave.

    Western Front

    Battle of Verdun: Germans gain a footing in trench north-west of Cumeires, but are repulsed on Hill 304.

    Southern Front

    Italians evacuate Asiago; Austrians cross Posina, west of Arsiero.

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    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    White Paper containing General Townshend's views on the advance from Kut published.

    Naval and Overseas Operations

    War Office announces new invasion of German East Africa from Rhodesia and Nyassaland.

    Political, etc.

    British Foreign Office denies German statements as to the Bosnian crisis.

    Civilian casualties to date in Great Britain published

    and finally this day saw the death of one of the heroes of France from the dark days of 1914 when the Germans were threatening to capture Paris...

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    Joseph Simon Gallieni (24 April 1849 – 27 May 1916) was a French soldier, active for most of his career as a military commander and administrator in the French colonies. Gallieni is infamous in Madagascar as the French military leader who exiled Queen Ranavalona III and abolished the 350-year-old monarchy on the island. He was recalled from retirement at the outbreak of the First World War. As Military Governor of Paris he played an important role in the First Battle of the Marne, when Maunoury's Sixth Army under his command, a small portion of its strength rushed to the front in commandeered Paris taxicabs, attacked the German west flank. From October 1915 he served as Minister of War, resigning from that post in March 1916 after criticizing the performance of the French Commander-in-Chief, Joseph Joffre (formerly his subordinate, earlier in their careers), during the German attack on Verdun. He was made Marshal of France posthumously in 1921.

    For more info on the General and his famous decision to send troops into battle by taxi cab have a read through here [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Gallieni[/url
    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-04-2016 at 06:30.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  15. #1365

  16. #1366

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    Duplication down to twilight Zone interference.....
    Last edited by Hedeby; 05-30-2016 at 10:12.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  17. #1367

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    May 30th 1916

    There were three RFC losses on this day: Two of them were in Henry Farman 2841, (Central Flying School) which sideslipped and crashed near Upavon. 2Lt Ernest Davies Le Sauvage (19) was killed as was Air Mechanic 2nd Class William John Woodland (28).

    The third loss was that of 2nd Lieutenant Maurice Thomas Hughes RFC who was killed in action on this day aged just 20.

    There were no confirmed kills on this day however Vizefeldwebel Karl Friedrich Kurt Jentsch had two unconfirmed kills downing a Farman and a Caudron.

    On a day we lost 311 men

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Second Lieutenant Frank Lipp (Cameronians attached Welsh Fusiliers) dies on service in India at age 24. His brother will be killed in less than 3 weeks on the Western Front.
    Private George Bradford (Sussex Regiment) is killed at age 21. He is the first of four brothers who are killed in the Great War.

    Tomorrow we see the start of the Battle of Jutland when day one losses for the Royal Navy were calculated at a staggering 5892. Given how many column inches the battle will take up over the next two days I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight just one of the thousands that were lost - a story that epitomises the conflict and demonstrates how ordinary people can do extra ordinary things - to the point that although unknown and unimportant (to all but his family) in life, the death of a young boy of 16 had an incredible impact on the entire nation.

    Jutland Jack

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    Jack Cornwell was only 15 when he joined the Royal Navy - and only 16 when he died less than a year later. The Battle of Jutland - a 72-hour onslaught 100 years ago - was his first encounter with the enemy, and his last. The working-class lad was the youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross in World War One; the highest military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy. When Lily Cornwell received a letter from doctors at a hospital in Grimsby telling her of her 16-year-old boy's injuries, she immediately travelled north from her home in London to see her son. But Mrs Cornwell was still on the train when Jack died. All she could do was take his body home - and because the Cornwell family was not well off, have him buried in a communal grave.Tragic though it was, it wasn't unusual. That quiet end might have been the last the world heard of Jack Cornwell, Boy Seaman First Class. But three months later Capt Robert Lawson, the captain of Jack's ship, described the events to the British Admiralty.

    On 30 May 1916 the Royal Navy's fleet put to sea. The following day German ships also steamed out into the North Sea. British sailors spotted distant ships at 14:00. It was the German fleet, off Jutland in Denmark. The first shots were fired at 14:28. The Battle of Jutland had begun.The Germans rained shells upon the fleet. After firing just one salvo, HMS Chester was badly damaged. The forecastle received a direct hit, killing or wounding every member of Cornwell's gun crew. Onboard, mortally wounded and surrounded by the dead and dying, Jack took orders via headphones from an officer on the bridge. He was fully responsible for setting the gun's sights, and his speed and precision would determine whether they were to hit or miss their target. He was bleeding heavily from a hole smashed in his chest where he'd been hit by a jagged shard of searingly hot metal. Shells hurled down on the cold waters; splashes and smoke making it impossible to see. But he never deserted his post. When rescuers found him he was barely alive. Two days later, he died.

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    After Jack died, Capt Lawson also found the time to write a heartbreaking personal letter to Lily Cornwell, concluding: "I cannot express to you my admiration of the son you have lost from this world. "No other comfort would I attempt to give to the mother of so brave a lad, but to assure her of what he was and what he did, and what an example he gave."
    It was an emotion that echoed across the country. Jack's story was told in newspapers, magazines and books - the Daily Mirror's front page described the "bravery of John Travers Cornwell".

    When the fact of his humble burial became known, public opinion led to his disinterment from the original grave and reburial with full military honours at Manor Park Cemetery, where his grave has just been awarded Grade II-listed status by Historic England. The funeral route was lined by Boy Scouts and attended by tremendous crowds. Jack's family walked in the procession with 80 members of Jack's old school, Boy Scouts, Sea Cadets, and six Boy Sailors from HMS Chester. It was then that Jack truly became famous - although there were few pictures of Jack, artists improvised by using his brothers Ernest and George as stand-in models. His image appeared everywhere, on collectors' cards, packaging and posters. A ward at the Star & Garter Home at Richmond, which looked after injured servicemen, was named in Jack's honour. The Scouts set up an award in his name, which still exists today. The Jack Cornwell Badge recognises devotion to duty, courage and endurance.The gun Jack stuck to so valiantly can be seen at the Imperial War Museum, and his medal was also given to the museum by his sister.

    Complete letter from Captain Robert Lawson of HMS Chester to Mrs Lily Cornwell, Jack's mother:

    "I know you would wish to hear of the splendid fortitude and courage shown by your boy during the action of May 31. His devotion to duty was an example for all of us. "The wounds which resulted in his death within a short time were received in the first few minutes of the action. He remained steady at his most exposed post at the gun, waiting for orders. "His gun would not bear on the enemy, all but two of the ten of the crew were killed or wounded, and he was the only one who was in such an exposed position. "But he felt he might be needed - as indeed he might have been - so he stayed there, standing and waiting, under heavy fire, with just his own brave heart and God's help to support him."I cannot express to you my admiration of the son you have lost from this world. No other comfort would I attempt to give to the mother of so brave a lad, but to assure her of what he was and what he did, and what an example he gave."I hope to place in the boys' mess a plate with his name on and the date, and the words 'Faithful unto death. 'I hope some day you may be able to come and see it there."

    Western Front

    Battle of Verdun: French retreat from Bethincourt-Cumieres road towards Chattancourt; deliver a counter-attack.

    An intense German artillery bombardment descended upon the 11th Battalion (22nd ANZAC regiment) holding the Cordonnerie Salient, from the front line post to about 400 yards in the rear where a great number were killed or wounded. A German raiding party then advanced and entered the Australian line with the objective of identifying the troops facing them and destroying the mine-shafts in the vicinity. This well planned and executed German assault resulted in a total loss for the 11th Battalion of 131 casualties, with 47 killed and 11 missing.

    Southern Front

    Bulgars occupy Rupel Pass.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    Major-General Barnardiston's despatch on Tsing-tauoperations, September-November 1914 published.

    Naval and Overseas Operations

    British occupy Neu Langenburg (Lower Nyassa), and force Germans to retreat from Mikotsheni (German East Africa).

    On the day to two Grand Fleets set out to meet at the Battle of Jutland we see the German Submarine U-39 sinking four allied ships in a single day whilst on patrol in the Mediterranean.

    Baron Tweedmouth United Kingdom. The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) east by north of Cape Carbon, Algeria (37°10′N 5°15′E) by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
    Dalegarth United Kingdom World War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) north east of Cape Corbelin, Algeria (37°18′N 4°44′E) by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
    Hermesberg Italy The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Bougie, Algeria (37°07′N 5°27′E) by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
    Julia Park United Kingdom. The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north of Cape Carbon (37°03′N 5°14′E) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
    Rauma Norway The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north of Cape Carbon (37°08′N 4°57′E) by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

    OK this is now getting officially weird.. yesterday I was at the grave of J.B. Priestley and ending up writing about him, today I report on the loss of the cargo Ship 'Dalegarth'... the cottage I am staying at in the Yorkshire Dales is called 'Dalegarth' (cue the music from the Twilight Zone.......)
    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-04-2016 at 06:32.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  18. #1368

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rebel View Post
    Duplicated again Chris!?
    Yup so has the following day - the perils of reporting 'in the field'

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  19. #1369

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Yup so has the following day - the perils of reporting 'in the field'
    No, think it's a server issue. I had to delete a half dozen dups today
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  20. #1370

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Yup so has the following day - the perils of reporting 'in the field'
    No, think it's a server issue. I had to delete a half dozen dups today
    Also had to post via advanced due to too much time delay after hitting quick submit.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  21. #1371

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    May I take this opportunity to thank Rob for the addendum to post 38.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  22. #1372

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    My pleasure old bean.
    Do watch out for today's issue.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  23. #1373

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    John "Jack" Travers Cornwell, as and addition to what will be an epic Times, Jack was awarded the Victoria Cross.

    There is a pub in London dedicated to his memory and of course there is always his well known relative of literary note.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  24. #1374

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    JUTLAND SPECIAL EDITION.

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    May 31st 1916.



    4 airmen have fallen on Wednesday May 31st 1916.

    A Mech 2 William Burlinson, Royal Flying Corps Central Flying School, Upavon, Wiltshire. Killed while flying 31 May 1916, with Flt Sergt. E G West. Flying a Maurice Farman aged 28.

    Flt Sgt. Enos George West, Royal Flying Corps Central Flying School, Upavon, Killed while flying 31 May 1916 aged 22.

    Flt Sub-Lt Leonard William Hodges, Royal Naval Air Service. Commanding Officer Naval Air Division, Persian Gulf. Died 31 May 1916 aged 23

    Lt. Lindsey Carlton Powell, 23 Squadron Royal flying Corps. Killed in Action 31 May 1916 aged 21. In F.E.2b 5235 flown by 2nd Lieutenant E F Allen, escorting a photographic patrol over Cambrai-Arras Road-Marquion-Adinfer Wood. On return from Cambrai, flying at 8,000 feet, heading for aerodrome at Izel le Hameau.

    Claims.

    Two? claims were made today.

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    Austrian Kurt Nachod made his first claim flying Knoller-Albatros B.I (22.18) destroyed a Farman near Klewan. Shared with Franz Zuzmann & Ltn Mathias Thaller.

    Nachod joined the Army Air Service in September 1915 and scored five victories as an observer with Flik 20. Having obtained his Filed Pilot's Badge in the second half of 1917, Nachod was badly injured in a crash on the night of 9 May 1918. He died from his injuries two days later.


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    For Germany.Max von Mulzer made his third claim. F.E.2b (6345) over Inchy, W of Cambrai.
    However another source adds this information.

    1120 German ace Max Immelmann and pilots Max von Mulzer and an Unteroffizier Heinemann engage a flight of seven FE.2bs. Immelmann hits one FE.2b which breaks off and runs for home. Immelmann turns to engage another Fee which is attacking Heinemann. Mulzer follows the one that is running away, shooting at it until it lands near the railway station at Inchy. 2nd Lt A. Cairne-Duff and Cpl G.E. Maxwell are taken prisoner, and von Mulzer is awarded victory number 3. Meanwhile Immelmann is firing at the second FE.2 whan his synchonizer gear fails and his own bullets shatter his propeller. Immelmann's quick reaction saves his life as he shuts the engine down and glides to a safe landing. Either Immelmann or Heinemann had scored hits on their Fee, killing observer Lt Lindsey Carlton Powell. Pilot 2nd Lt E.F. Allen gets the plane home safely.


    Now the interesting bit!

    0920 Four FE.2b teams share a kill over an "Enemy Aircraft" - E.F. Allen and L.C. Powell in 5235, Dirk Cloete and C.E. Pither in 6354, A.T. Watson and C.L. Blake in 5249, H. Wyllie and Arthur Norbury Solly in 5215. Also involved is AM1 D.R. Chapman in Martinsyde G.100 7280. Arthur Solly is the only one who will go on to become an ace and this is his first victory. Details are lacking for the others.

    No enemy aircraft are reported lost on this day.


    Wednesday 31 May 1916 – We Lost 5,892.

    Notable losses today are so vast that I refer you to the lists given here for the 31st May 1916. Ed.
    https://greatwarliveslost.com/

    Western Front.

    Battle of Verdun: Fierce fighting between Mort Homme and Cumieres; French take a work south-west of Mort Homme.
    Much artillery activity on Vimy Ridge.

    Southern Front.

    Austrians occupy Asiago and Arsiero; Italian prisoners 30,000 since beginning of Austrian offensive.
    French occupy Poro (Salonika front).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    New Zealand troops raid Bir Salmana (20 miles east of Katiya), Mamakhatun retaken by Turks.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Battle of Jutland.

    It was one of the most anticipated naval battles in history. On May 31, 1916 the British Grand Fleet collided with the German High Seas Fleet off the coast of Denmark in an encounter that became known as the Battle of Jutland.
    The conflict had been brewing for a number of years, ever since Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany had begun building up the German navy in order to challenge the naval dominance of the British fleet. The competition slipped into high gear in 1905 when the British introduced the first dreadnought - a super-sized battleship that carried larger guns and was faster than its predecessors. Soon both countries were adding these new super-weapons to their fleets as fast as possible.
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    The Battle of Jutland May 31, 1916
    At the beginning of World War I the British fleet was dispatched to the North Sea where it established a ring of steel off the German coast that effectively prevented the movement of supplies into the country by sea. This left the German fleet bottled up in its ports, eager for a fight, but restricted by Kaiser Wilhelm's fear of losing his precious naval weapon in battle. Finally, in May 1916 the German fleet was ordered to leave its safe harbor and attack the British Grand Fleet. Unfortunately for the Germans, British Naval intelligence had broken the German code and was aware of its enemy's intentions.



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    Vice-Admiral Franz Hipper


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    The German plan was to use Vice-Admiral
    Franz Hipper's fast scouting group of five modern battlecruisers to lure Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty's battlecruiser squadrons into the path of the main German fleet.

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    Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty

    Submarines were stationed in advance across the likely routes of the British ships. However, the British learned from signal intercepts that a major fleet operation was likely, so on 30 May Jellicoe sailed with the Grand Fleet to rendezvous with Beatty, passing over the locations of the German submarine picket lines while they were unprepared.


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    Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Rushworth Jellicoe.

    The German plan had been delayed, causing further problems for their submarines which had reached the limit of their endurance at sea.
    On the afternoon of 31 May, Beatty encountered Hipper's battlecruiser force long before the Germans had expected. In a running battle, Hipper successfully drew the British
    vanguard into the path of the High Seas Fleet.

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    By the time Beatty sighted the larger force and turned back towards the British main fleet, he had lost two battlecruisers from a force of six battlecruisers and four battleships, against the five ships commanded by Hipper.

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    Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh Evan-Thomas.

    The battleships, commanded by Rear-Admiral
    Sir Hugh Evan-Thomas, were the last to turn and formed a rearguard as Beatty withdrew, now drawing the German fleet in pursuit towards the main British positions. Between 18:30, when the sun was lowering on the western horizon, back-lighting the German forces, and nightfall at about 20:30, the two fleets – totalling 250 ships between them – directly engaged twice.
    After sunset, and throughout the night, Jellicoe manoeuvred to cut the Germans off from their base, hoping to continue the battle the next morning, but under the cover of darkness Scheer broke through the British light forces forming the rearguard of the Grand Fleet and returned to port.

    Tactically, the battle was seen as a draw. The final scorecard revealed that the British had lost 14 ships and 6,094 men while the Germans lost 11 ships and 2,551 men. Strategically, however, the British came out the winner as the Germans never again jeopardized their High Seas Fleet by allowing it to battle the British. German surface naval power was thus neutralized. The Germans thereafter relied on its submarine fleet to bring the naval war to its enemy.


    "...then came the big explosion."


    Petty Officer Ernest Francis was a gunner's mate aboard the battle cruiser Queen Mary. His ship was one of the causalities of the conflict. It was blown out of the water with the loss of almost its entire crew of 1,000. We join his story as he and his gun crew sits in the turret of one of his ship's big guns and prepares for battle:
    "The guns were loaded and brought to the half cock and reported, and then came the order to bring the right gun to the ready...Shortly after this, the first salvo was fired, and we started on the great game.
    Up till now I had not noticed any noise, such as being struck by a shell, but afterwards there was a heavy blow, struck, I should imagine, in the after 4 inch battery, and a lot of dust and pieces flying around on the top of 'X' turret.
    Another shock was felt shortly after this, but it did not affect the turret, so no notice was taken. Then the T.S. reported to Lt Ewert that the third ship of the line was dropping out. First blood to Queen Mary.
    ...A few more rounds were fired when I took another look through my telescope and there was quite a fair distance between the second ship and what I believed was the fourth ship, due I think to third ship going under. Flames were belching from what I took to be the fourth ship of the line, then came the big explosion which shook us a bit, and on looking at the pressure gauge I saw the pressure had failed. Immediately after that came, what I term, the big smash, and I was dangling in the air on a bowline, which saved me from being thrown down on the floor of the turret.
    Everything in the ship went as quiet as a church, the floor of the turret was bulged up and the guns were absolutely useless.
    ...I put my head through the hole in the roof of the turret and nearly fell through again. The after 4 inch battery was smashed out of all recognition, and then I noticed that the ship had got an awful list to port. I dropped back again into the turret and told Lt Ewert the state of affairs. He said, 'Francis, we can do no more than give them a chance, clear the turret.'
    'Clear the turret,' I said, and out they went...
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    Britain's High Seas Fleet
    I went through the cabinet and out on top and Lt Ewert was following me; suddenly he stopped and went back into the turret. I believe he went back because he thought someone was inside. I cannot say enough for Lt Ewert, nothing I can say would do him justice. He came out of the turret cabinet twice and yelled something to encourage the guns crew, and yelled out to me 'All right, Francis'. He was grand, and I would like to publish this account to the World. It makes me feel sore hearted when I think of Lt Ewert and that fine crowd who were with me in the turret.
    ...I was half way down the ladder at the back of the turret when Lt Ewert went back. The ship had an awful list to port by this time, so much so that men getting off the ladder, went sliding down to port. I got to the bottom rung of the ladder and could not, by my own efforts, reach the stanchions lying on the deck from the ship's side, starboard side. I knew if I let go I should go sliding down to port like some of the others must have done, and probably got smashed up sliding down. Two of my turret's crew, seeing my difficulty, came to my assistance. They were AB Long, Turret Trainer, and AB Lane, left gun No 4. Lane held Long at full length from the ship's side and I dropped from the ladder, caught Long's legs and so gai
    ned the starboard side. These two men had no thought for their own safety; they knew I wanted assistance and that was good enough for them. They were both worth a VC twice over.
    When I got to the ship's side, there seemed to be quite a fair crowd, and they didn't appear to be very anxious to take to the water. I called out to them 'Come on you chaps, who's coming for a swim?' Someone answered 'She will float for a long time yet', but something, I don't pretend to know what it was, seemed to be urging me to get away, so I clambered over the slimy bilge keel and fell off into the water, followed I should think by about five more men. I struck away from the ship as hard as I could and must have covered nearly fifty yards when there was a big smash, and stopping and looking round, the air seemed to be full of fragments and flying pieces.
    A large piece seemed to be right above my head, and acting on impulse, I di
    pped under to avoid being struck, and stayed under as long as I could, and then came to the top again, and coming behind me I heard a rush of water, which looked very like surf breaking on a beach and I realised it was the suction or backwash from the ship which had just gone. I hardly had time to fill my lungs with air when it was on me. I felt it was no use struggling against it, so I let myself go for a moment or two, then I struck out, but I felt it was a losing game and remarked to myself "What's the use of you struggling, you're done", and I actually ceased my efforts to reach the top, when a small voice seemed to say 'Dig out'.
    I started afresh, and something bumped against me. I grasped it and afterwards found it was a large hammock, but I felt I was getting very weak and roused myself sufficiently to look around for something more substantial to support me. Floating right in front of me was what I believe to be the centre bulk of our Pattern 4 target. I managed to push myself on the hammock close to the timber and grasped a piece of rope hanging over the side. My next difficulty was to get on top and with a small amount of exertion I kept on. I managed to reeve my arms through a strop and I must have become unconscious.
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    The Queen Mary
    When I came to my senses again I was half way off the spar but I managed to get back again. I was very sick and seemed to be full of oil fuel. My eyes were blocked up completely with it and I could not see. I suppose the oil had got a bit crusted and dry. I managed by turning back the sleeve of my jersey, which was thick with oil, to expose a part of the sleeve of my flannel, and thus managed to get the thick oil off my face and eyes, which were aching awfully. Then I looked and I believed I was the only one left of that fine Ship's Company. What had really happened was the Laurel had come and picked up the remainder and not seeing me got away out of the zone of fire, so how long I was in the water I do not know. I was miserably cold, but not without hope of being picked up, as it seemed to me that I had only to keep quiet and a ship would come for me.
    After what seemed ages to me, some destroyers came racing along, and I got up on the spar, steadied myself the moment, and waved my arms. The Petard, one of our big destroyers saw me and came over, but when I got on the spar to wave to them, the swell rolled the spar over and I rolled off. I was nearly exhausted again getting back. The destroyer came up and a line was thrown to me, which, needless to say, I grabbed hold of for all I was worth, and was quickly hauled up on to the deck of the destroyer. The first words I heard spoken were 'Are you English or German?'"

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    The Battle of Jutland was also significant for the Royal Naval Air Service in that it was the first time an aircraft was used in a sea battle to assist the fleet. The Short 184 aircraft that took part in the battle has a long and interesting history. It survived World War I intact but was then badly damaged in the bombing of London during World War II. The cockpit and part of the fuselage are on display at Fleet Air Arm Museum.



    Germans retreat from Mombo on Tanga railway towards Hendeni (German East Africa); British occupy Bwiko and Belgians Usumbara.

    Political, etc.

    Allies protest to Greece against Bulgarian occupation of Fort Rupel.

    Sir C. Dobell's and Brigadier-General Cunliffe's despatches of 1 March 1916 (27 September 1914 to 29 February 1916), and 16 March 1916 (14 August to 16 February) published.

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

  25. #1375

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    Thanks for that profound day report, Rob.
    I have just read the P.Hart's book on the Great War and the Battle of Jutland was described extensively.
    What I would like to add as my two cents is that this battle revealed the weaknesses of British light cruisers': their armor plating, in confrontation with their German rivals. Also the lack of reliable communication among the ships led to a chaotic clash, especially when destroyers of both sides rushed against each other.
    Definitely the Hochseeflotte lost their one window of opportunity to succesfully challenge the Grand Fleet's supremacy. However, a full scale battle would also end in a total defeat of the Germans.
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  26. #1376

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    Thanks Andy.
    It was very difficult to know just what to leave out, otherwise I would still be writing it.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  27. #1377

    Default

    Great effort Rob and yes when I looked at just how much stuff was available I was doubly glad it was in your safe hands. Makes me dread the opening of the Somme
    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-04-2016 at 06:34. Reason: Cant spell Somme

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  28. #1378

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    Logged on using an iPad but cant see any of the pictures I included in the posts for Sunday and Monday.... Are they visible to anyone else?

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  29. #1379

    Default

    No sir I can't see them either now.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  30. #1380

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    June 1st 1916.


    1 airman has fallen on Thursday June 1st 1916.

    Cpl Thomas Montague Newey. Australian Flying Corps 30 Squadron, Kut Garrison. Died June/July 1916 while a Prisoner of War in Turkish Hospital at Nisibin, Asia Minor. Died from neglect of proper treatment after lack of food. He had lost all will to live. Captured when British Garrison at Kut el Amara Surrendered.


    Claims.

    There were two claims today both British.

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    Captain Albert Ball made his fourth claim flying Nieuport 16 (5173) Shot down a Fokker E (FTL) West of Douai.



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    Captain James Douglas Latta RFC. Flying a Nieuport made his first claim of a shot down EA (DES) at Wezmacquart

    The younger son of J. G. Latta, James Douglas Latta was educated at University College School, London. When the war began, he and his brother, John Latta, enlisted in the London Scottish. Both of them transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. 2nd Lieutenant James Latta received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 2067 on a Maurice Farman biplane at Military School, Norwich on 16 November 1915. Flying Nieuport scouts in 1916, Latta scored three victories with 1 Squadron in June and two more victories with 60 Squadron.



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    "2nd Lt. James Douglas Latta, R.F.C., Spec. Res.

    For conspicuous gallantry and skill. On two occasions he attacked enemy kite balloons, and each time brought down the kite in flames. He has often driven off enemy aircraft, and his own machine has been badly hit."

    During the transshipment of the crew of HMS Warrior to HMS Engadine this morning one of the severely wounded from the Battle of Jutland (Able Seaman Alexander John Norman Reid age 19) owing to the violent motion of the two ships is accidentally dropped overboard from a stretcher and falls between the ships. As the whips are working most dangerously the Commanding Officer of the Warrior forbids two of his officers from jumping overboard to attempt the rescue the wounded man as he considers that it will mean their almost certain death.


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    Before he can be observed however Flight Lieutenant Frederick Joseph Rutland (Royal Naval Air Service, HMS Engadine) goes overboard from the forepart of the ship with a bowline and works himself aft. He succeeds in putting the bowline around the wounded man and in getting him hauled on board but it is then found that the man is dead having been crushed between the two ships. Lieutenant Rutland’s escape from a similar fate is miraculous. He will be awarded the Albert Medal.

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    For the full tragic life story of this Officer read here:-

    http://www.historynet.com/frederick-...viator-spy.htm


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


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    Chaplain Henry Dixon Dixon-Wright MVO (HMS Barham Royal Navy) dies of wounds received the previous day at the Battle of Jutland at age 46.
    Lieutenant Arthur James Austen-Cartmell (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) is killed at age 23. His brother will be killed next November.
    Lieutenant James McCall Maxwell (Royal Field Artillery) the son of Brigadier General J McC Maxwell CB DSO is killed in action at age 21.


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    Company Sergeant Major Charles Neilson (Gordon Highlanders) is killed at age 26. He has two brothers that will be killed in the war and their youngest brother will be killed in World War II.

    Corporal Tom Budgen (Royal West Kent Regiment) is killed at age 29. His brother will be killed in October.

    Private Thomas Crispin (Essex Regiment) is killed at age 26. His brother was killed last November.

    Private Thomas Ridge (Northamptonshire Regiment) is killed in action. His son Gunner Harold Thomas Ridge (Royal Artillery) will be killed in July 1942.

    Western Front.

    On the first day of June 1916, as German and British naval forces break off their clash in the North Sea during the Battle of Jutland, and the French resist the persistent German siege at Verdun, German army troops launch a major attack on British lines in the Ypres Salient on the Western Front.



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    As the nexus of an Allied salient that blocked any German advance to the English Channel, the town of Ypres, Belgium, saw nearly constant fighting during World War I. Three major battles—in October-November 1914, April-May 1915 and July-November 1917—punctuated a stream of smaller attacks, including one on June 1, 1916, by German troops. The Germans advanced 700 yards through the British trenches along a 3,000-yard front near Ypres; among the casualties were one British general killed and one taken prisoner. Within 48 hours, however, the British were able recover some of the captured ground.


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    Three bombing parties of the King’s Liverpool Regiment attack up Ersatz Alley, Boyau Hartung and Boyau Gobron. They make several attempts to close with the enemy but eventually are ordered to abandon the assault after suffering about 80 casualties.
    Leslie Whitehead was a private in the 17th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. He died in France on the 1st June 1916 aged 19. He was the son of William and Elizabeth Whitehead, of Sulgrave.
    The battalion were variously known as the “Sportsman’s Battalion” and the “Football Battalion” for reasons not easily ascertained.

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    The main event on the Western Front in 1916 was the Battle of the Somme which began on July 1st. Leslie Whitehead was killed in this area a month before the battle began and it is not possible to speculate that he died in any particular action. However the following extract from the war diary of an adjoining regiment on the very day of his death illustrates the continual fighting and loss of men, even during relatively quiet times, before the Somme began:

    1st Battalion, the King's Liverpool Regiment

    War diary 1st January to 3rd June 1916 covering operations at Givenchy, Calonne and Vimy Ridge

    1st June 1916

    Quiet morning. Heavy shelling all afternoon increasing in violence until it died away about midnight after the attack. After a bombardment of the enemy line, which left the section we were to attack very much as it was before, three bombing parties attacked up Ersatz Alley, Boyau Hartung and Boyau Gobron. The intention was that these three parties should establish themselves in the enemy line and each bomb to the left. After they had cleared the trench and had got in touch with each other, they were to dig in and consolidate. In the event of their being successful a fourth party was ready at the top of B. Tanchot to get into communication with them at Momber Crater. Reserve parties were ready to support the attack and advanced dumps of bombs and RE stores were established. The party on the right under Lt Jamieson came under a shell barrage on their way up the communication trench and were wiped out without being able to close with the enemy. Their supporting party had no better luck. The centre party under Lt Head effected an entrance into the hostile trench, and though subjected to a severe fire, remained there for about three quarters of an hour. Finally they were ordered to withdraw, as the two parties on their flanks had been unsuccessful. This they did slowly and in good order. The left party under 2/Lt Hewson found themselves enfiladed by machine gun fire. They made several attempts and lost heavily and finally were ordered to abandon the enterprise. There were about 80 casualties including the Adjutant, Lt Thompson. 2/Lt Hewson and 2/Lt Head wounded
    Leslie Whitehead is buried in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, in the Pas de Calais, France. Souchez is a village 3.5 kilometres north of Arras on the main road to Bethune. The "Cabaret Rouge" was a house on the main road about 1 kilometre south of the village, at a place called Le Corroy, near the cemetery. On the east side, opposite the cemetery, were dugouts used as battalion headquarters in 1916. The cemetery now contains 7,655 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, more than half of them unidentified.

    Battle of Verdun: Fresh German attack on Fort Vaix; French first line penetrated between Douaumont and Vaux Pond.

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    On the same day, at the city of Verdun, France, where French troops had been under siege since February 21, 1916, the Germans began a fresh attack against Fort Vaux, one of two principal fortresses used to defend Verdun. The other, Fort Douaumont, had fallen on February 25, but Fort Vaux had managed to hold out for three months under a relentless German onslaught. A previous assault, on March 2, had been thrown back by French forces, though one of the prisoners taken that day was Captain Charles de Gaulle, wounded in the thigh by a German bayonet. The German attack that began June 1 proved too much for the French defenders, and on June 7 the Germans finally captured Fort Vaux and its 600 surviving soldiers.

    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts.

    The weather deteriorated over the next few days, becoming windy, much colder and with frequent showers. The Battalion began a “thorough overhaul” of clothing, equipment and all other necessities, alongside a routine of general training. For the next week the Brigade as a whole would provide large working parties of up to 600 men per day and a further 300 each night.

    Cpl. Christopher John Kelly who had been wounded a few days previously (see 29th May), was evacuated to England for further medical treatment.

    Pte. Robert Cresswell (see 2nd January) was admitted to 69th Field Ambulance, suffering from haemorrhoids.

    It was reported that 2Lt. William Neville Dawson (see 28th May), who had been reported as being unfit to continue as a platoon officer, had been informed of the decision that he should return to England and resign his commission. However, for reasons unknown, he would not actually leave the Battalion for a further three weeks.


    Eastern Front.

    Russians repel attack east of Krevo (Vilna).

    Southern Front.

    Heavy Austrian attack on Italian left centre from Monte Pasubio to south of Arsiero (Trentino); little progress.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Turkish offensive in Armenia.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Battle of Jutland ends.


    First Official German Statement on the Battle of Jutland, 31 May-1 June 1916

    Berlin, June 1, 1916
    During an enterprise directed to the northward our high sea fleet on May 31st encountered the main part of the English fighting fleet, which was considerably superior to our forces.
    During the afternoon, between Skagerrak and Horn Reef, a heavy engagement developed, which was successful to us, and which continued during the whole night.
    In this engagement, so far as known up to the present, there were destroyed by us the large battleship Warspite, the battle-cruisers Queen Mary and Indefatigable, two armoured cruisers, apparently of the Achilles type; one small cruiser, the new flagships of destroyer squadrons, the Turbulent, Nestor, and Alcaster, a large number of torpedo-boat destroyers, and one submarine.
    By observation, which was free and clear of clouds, it was stated that a large number of English battleships suffered damage from our ships and the attacks of our torpedo-boat flotilla during the day engagement and throughout the night. Among others, the large battleship Marlborough was hit by a torpedo. This was confirmed by prisoners.
    Several of our ships rescued parts of the crews of the sunken English ships, among them being two and the only survivors of the Indefatigable.
    On our side the small cruiser Wiesbaden, by hostile gunfire during the day engagement, and his Majesty's ship Pommern, during the night, as the result of a torpedo, were sunk.

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    The fate of his Majesty's ship Frauenlob, which is missing, and of some torpedo boats, which have not returned yet, is unknown.
    The High Sea Fleet returned to-day [Thursday] into our port.


    H M Drifter Beneficent (Skipper Robert Duthie RNR) is sunk by gunfire near Sarnichey Light Vessel in the Adriatic. Her skipper is killed at age 50.
    Four ships were lost to U boats today.




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    U 39 Captain Walter Forstmann sank two British vessels.
    The Steamers Dewsland, 28 miles NExE Cape Carbon, and Salmonpool 30 miles NExE of Cape Carbon.



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    UC 10 Captain Alfred Nitzsche British Steamer Parkgate Mined 1.5 miles ESE of the Sunk LV 51°52’N, 1°39’30”E. Beached Mucking Flat but refloated and returned to service.

    UC 6 Otto Ehrentraut the Norwegian Steamer Excellenz Mehnert Mined 5 miles SSW of Winterton

    No casualties were recorded any sinking.

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

  31. #1381

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    JUTLAND SPECIAL EDITION.

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    May 31st 1916.



    4 airmen have fallen on Wednesday May 31st 1916.

    A Mech 2 William Burlinson, Royal Flying Corps Central Flying School, Upavon, Wiltshire. Killed while flying 31 May 1916, with Flt Sergt. E G West. Flying a Maurice Farman aged 28.

    Flt Sgt. Enos George West, Royal Flying Corps Central Flying School, Upavon, Killed while flying 31 May 1916 aged 22.

    Flt Sub-Lt Leonard William Hodges, Royal Naval Air Service. Commanding Officer Naval Air Division, Persian Gulf. Died 31 May 1916 aged 23

    Lt. Lindsey Carlton Powell, 23 Squadron Royal flying Corps. Killed in Action 31 May 1916 aged 21. In F.E.2b 5235 flown by 2nd Lieutenant E F Allen, escorting a photographic patrol over Cambrai-Arras Road-Marquion-Adinfer Wood. On return from Cambrai, flying at 8,000 feet, heading for aerodrome at Izel le Hameau.

    Claims.

    Two? claims were made today.

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    Austrian Kurt Nachod made his first claim flying Knoller-Albatros B.I (22.18) destroyed a Farman near Klewan. Shared with Franz Zuzmann & Ltn Mathias Thaller.

    Nachod joined the Army Air Service in September 1915 and scored five victories as an observer with Flik 20. Having obtained his Filed Pilot's Badge in the second half of 1917, Nachod was badly injured in a crash on the night of 9 May 1918. He died from his injuries two days later.


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    For Germany.Max von Mulzer made his third claim. F.E.2b (6345) over Inchy, W of Cambrai.
    However another source adds this information.

    1120 German ace Max Immelmann and pilots Max von Mulzer and an Unteroffizier Heinemann engage a flight of seven FE.2bs. Immelmann hits one FE.2b which breaks off and runs for home. Immelmann turns to engage another Fee which is attacking Heinemann. Mulzer follows the one that is running away, shooting at it until it lands near the railway station at Inchy. 2nd Lt A. Cairne-Duff and Cpl G.E. Maxwell are taken prisoner, and von Mulzer is awarded victory number 3. Meanwhile Immelmann is firing at the second FE.2 whan his synchonizer gear fails and his own bullets shatter his propeller. Immelmann's quick reaction saves his life as he shuts the engine down and glides to a safe landing. Either Immelmann or Heinemann had scored hits on their Fee, killing observer Lt Lindsey Carlton Powell. Pilot 2nd Lt E.F. Allen gets the plane home safely.


    Now the interesting bit!

    0920 Four FE.2b teams share a kill over an "Enemy Aircraft" - E.F. Allen and L.C. Powell in 5235, Dirk Cloete and C.E. Pither in 6354, A.T. Watson and C.L. Blake in 5249, H. Wyllie and Arthur Norbury Solly in 5215. Also involved is AM1 D.R. Chapman in Martinsyde G.100 7280. Arthur Solly is the only one who will go on to become an ace and this is his first victory. Details are lacking for the others.

    No enemy aircraft are reported lost on this day.


    Wednesday 31 May 1916 – We Lost 5,892.

    Notable losses today are so vast that I refer you to the lists given here for the 31st May 1916. Ed.
    https://greatwarliveslost.com/

    Western Front.

    Battle of Verdun: Fierce fighting between Mort Homme and Cumieres; French take a work south-west of Mort Homme.
    Much artillery activity on Vimy Ridge.

    Southern Front.

    Austrians occupy Asiago and Arsiero; Italian prisoners 30,000 since beginning of Austrian offensive.
    French occupy Poro (Salonika front).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    New Zealand troops raid Bir Salmana (20 miles east of Katiya), Mamakhatun retaken by Turks.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Battle of Jutland.

    It was one of the most anticipated naval battles in history. On May 31, 1916 the British Grand Fleet collided with the German High Seas Fleet off the coast of Denmark in an encounter that became known as the Battle of Jutland.
    The conflict had been brewing for a number of years, ever since Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany had begun building up the German navy in order to challenge the naval dominance of the British fleet. The competition slipped into high gear in 1905 when the British introduced the first dreadnought - a super-sized battleship that carried larger guns and was faster than its predecessors. Soon both countries were adding these new super-weapons to their fleets as fast as possible.
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    The Battle of Jutland May 31, 1916
    At the beginning of World War I the British fleet was dispatched to the North Sea where it established a ring of steel off the German coast that effectively prevented the movement of supplies into the country by sea. This left the German fleet bottled up in its ports, eager for a fight, but restricted by Kaiser Wilhelm's fear of losing his precious naval weapon in battle. Finally, in May 1916 the German fleet was ordered to leave its safe harbor and attack the British Grand Fleet. Unfortunately for the Germans, British Naval intelligence had broken the German code and was aware of its enemy's intentions.



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    Vice-Admiral Franz Hipper


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    The German plan was to use Vice-Admiral
    Franz Hipper's fast scouting group of five modern battlecruisers to lure Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty's battlecruiser squadrons into the path of the main German fleet.

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    Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty

    Submarines were stationed in advance across the likely routes of the British ships. However, the British learned from signal intercepts that a major fleet operation was likely, so on 30 May Jellicoe sailed with the Grand Fleet to rendezvous with Beatty, passing over the locations of the German submarine picket lines while they were unprepared.


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    Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Rushworth Jellicoe.

    The German plan had been delayed, causing further problems for their submarines which had reached the limit of their endurance at sea.
    On the afternoon of 31 May, Beatty encountered Hipper's battlecruiser force long before the Germans had expected. In a running battle, Hipper successfully drew the British
    vanguard into the path of the High Seas Fleet.

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    By the time Beatty sighted the larger force and turned back towards the British main fleet, he had lost two battlecruisers from a force of six battlecruisers and four battleships, against the five ships commanded by Hipper.

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    Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh Evan-Thomas.

    The battleships, commanded by Rear-Admiral
    Sir Hugh Evan-Thomas, were the last to turn and formed a rearguard as Beatty withdrew, now drawing the German fleet in pursuit towards the main British positions. Between 18:30, when the sun was lowering on the western horizon, back-lighting the German forces, and nightfall at about 20:30, the two fleets – totalling 250 ships between them – directly engaged twice.
    After sunset, and throughout the night, Jellicoe manoeuvred to cut the Germans off from their base, hoping to continue the battle the next morning, but under the cover of darkness Scheer broke through the British light forces forming the rearguard of the Grand Fleet and returned to port.

    Tactically, the battle was seen as a draw. The final scorecard revealed that the British had lost 14 ships and 6,094 men while the Germans lost 11 ships and 2,551 men. Strategically, however, the British came out the winner as the Germans never again jeopardized their High Seas Fleet by allowing it to battle the British. German surface naval power was thus neutralized. The Germans thereafter relied on its submarine fleet to bring the naval war to its enemy.


    "...then came the big explosion."


    Petty Officer Ernest Francis was a gunner's mate aboard the battle cruiser Queen Mary. His ship was one of the causalities of the conflict. It was blown out of the water with the loss of almost its entire crew of 1,000. We join his story as he and his gun crew sits in the turret of one of his ship's big guns and prepares for battle:
    "The guns were loaded and brought to the half cock and reported, and then came the order to bring the right gun to the ready...Shortly after this, the first salvo was fired, and we started on the great game.
    Up till now I had not noticed any noise, such as being struck by a shell, but afterwards there was a heavy blow, struck, I should imagine, in the after 4 inch battery, and a lot of dust and pieces flying around on the top of 'X' turret.
    Another shock was felt shortly after this, but it did not affect the turret, so no notice was taken. Then the T.S. reported to Lt Ewert that the third ship of the line was dropping out. First blood to Queen Mary.
    ...A few more rounds were fired when I took another look through my telescope and there was quite a fair distance between the second ship and what I believed was the fourth ship, due I think to third ship going under. Flames were belching from what I took to be the fourth ship of the line, then came the big explosion which shook us a bit, and on looking at the pressure gauge I saw the pressure had failed. Immediately after that came, what I term, the big smash, and I was dangling in the air on a bowline, which saved me from being thrown down on the floor of the turret.
    Everything in the ship went as quiet as a church, the floor of the turret was bulged up and the guns were absolutely useless.
    ...I put my head through the hole in the roof of the turret and nearly fell through again. The after 4 inch battery was smashed out of all recognition, and then I noticed that the ship had got an awful list to port. I dropped back again into the turret and told Lt Ewert the state of affairs. He said, 'Francis, we can do no more than give them a chance, clear the turret.'
    'Clear the turret,' I said, and out they went...
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    Britain's High Seas Fleet
    I went through the cabinet and out on top and Lt Ewert was following me; suddenly he stopped and went back into the turret. I believe he went back because he thought someone was inside. I cannot say enough for Lt Ewert, nothing I can say would do him justice. He came out of the turret cabinet twice and yelled something to encourage the guns crew, and yelled out to me 'All right, Francis'. He was grand, and I would like to publish this account to the World. It makes me feel sore hearted when I think of Lt Ewert and that fine crowd who were with me in the turret.
    ...I was half way down the ladder at the back of the turret when Lt Ewert went back. The ship had an awful list to port by this time, so much so that men getting off the ladder, went sliding down to port. I got to the bottom rung of the ladder and could not, by my own efforts, reach the stanchions lying on the deck from the ship's side, starboard side. I knew if I let go I should go sliding down to port like some of the others must have done, and probably got smashed up sliding down. Two of my turret's crew, seeing my difficulty, came to my assistance. They were AB Long, Turret Trainer, and AB Lane, left gun No 4. Lane held Long at full length from the ship's side and I dropped from the ladder, caught Long's legs and so gai
    ned the starboard side. These two men had no thought for their own safety; they knew I wanted assistance and that was good enough for them. They were both worth a VC twice over.
    When I got to the ship's side, there seemed to be quite a fair crowd, and they didn't appear to be very anxious to take to the water. I called out to them 'Come on you chaps, who's coming for a swim?' Someone answered 'She will float for a long time yet', but something, I don't pretend to know what it was, seemed to be urging me to get away, so I clambered over the slimy bilge keel and fell off into the water, followed I should think by about five more men. I struck away from the ship as hard as I could and must have covered nearly fifty yards when there was a big smash, and stopping and looking round, the air seemed to be full of fragments and flying pieces.
    A large piece seemed to be right above my head, and acting on impulse, I di
    pped under to avoid being struck, and stayed under as long as I could, and then came to the top again, and coming behind me I heard a rush of water, which looked very like surf breaking on a beach and I realised it was the suction or backwash from the ship which had just gone. I hardly had time to fill my lungs with air when it was on me. I felt it was no use struggling against it, so I let myself go for a moment or two, then I struck out, but I felt it was a losing game and remarked to myself "What's the use of you struggling, you're done", and I actually ceased my efforts to reach the top, when a small voice seemed to say 'Dig out'.
    I started afresh, and something bumped against me. I grasped it and afterwards found it was a large hammock, but I felt I was getting very weak and roused myself sufficiently to look around for something more substantial to support me. Floating right in front of me was what I believe to be the centre bulk of our Pattern 4 target. I managed to push myself on the hammock close to the timber and grasped a piece of rope hanging over the side. My next difficulty was to get on top and with a small amount of exertion I kept on. I managed to reeve my arms through a strop and I must have become unconscious.
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    The Queen Mary
    When I came to my senses again I was half way off the spar but I managed to get back again. I was very sick and seemed to be full of oil fuel. My eyes were blocked up completely with it and I could not see. I suppose the oil had got a bit crusted and dry. I managed by turning back the sleeve of my jersey, which was thick with oil, to expose a part of the sleeve of my flannel, and thus managed to get the thick oil off my face and eyes, which were aching awfully. Then I looked and I believed I was the only one left of that fine Ship's Company. What had really happened was the Laurel had come and picked up the remainder and not seeing me got away out of the zone of fire, so how long I was in the water I do not know. I was miserably cold, but not without hope of being picked up, as it seemed to me that I had only to keep quiet and a ship would come for me.
    After what seemed ages to me, some destroyers came racing along, and I got up on the spar, steadied myself the moment, and waved my arms. The Petard, one of our big destroyers saw me and came over, but when I got on the spar to wave to them, the swell rolled the spar over and I rolled off. I was nearly exhausted again getting back. The destroyer came up and a line was thrown to me, which, needless to say, I grabbed hold of for all I was worth, and was quickly hauled up on to the deck of the destroyer. The first words I heard spoken were 'Are you English or German?'"

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    The Battle of Jutland was also significant for the Royal Naval Air Service in that it was the first time an aircraft was used in a sea battle to assist the fleet. The Short 184 aircraft that took part in the battle has a long and interesting history. It survived World War I intact but was then badly damaged in the bombing of London during World War II. The cockpit and part of the fuselage are on display at Fleet Air Arm Museum.



    Germans retreat from Mombo on Tanga railway towards Hendeni (German East Africa); British occupy Bwiko and Belgians Usumbara.

    Political, etc.

    Allies protest to Greece against Bulgarian occupation of Fort Rupel.

    Sir C. Dobell's and Brigadier-General Cunliffe's despatches of 1 March 1916 (27 September 1914 to 29 February 1916), and 16 March 1916 (14 August to 16 February) published.

    Rob.
    Thanks for that Rob - appreciated!

  32. #1382

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    June 2nd 1916.

    3 airmen have fallen on Friday June 2nd 1916.

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    Lt. James Russell Chamberlain, Royal Flying Corps. Accidentally Killed while flying B.E.2b 2180, 48 Sqn, Netheravon on the 2 June 1916 aged 25, His aircraft's wing broke in a dive.



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    Cpt. Lancelot Prickett, Royal Flying Corps. Killed on 2 June 1916 while flying Morane-Saulnier Type L 5059?, 48 Sqn, Netheravon which crashed o
    n take-off and burnt aged 28. His Observer Lt William Archibald Buchanan (21) died 7.6.16.

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    A Mech 2. Ernest Whitfield, Royal Flying Corps 'X' Aircraft Park, Abbassia, Egypt, died 2 June 1916 aged 19.

    Claims.

    No claims were made today.

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:




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    Lieutenant Colonel George Harold Baker MP (commanding 5th Canadian Mounted Regiment) dies of wounds at age 38. He is a Canadianpolitician and lawyer. He was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1911 as a Member of the Conservative Party to represent the riding of Brome. He is the son of the Honorable George Bernard Baker MP KC (A Member of the Senate of Canada) a member of the House of Commons of Canada. He is the only sitting Member of the Canadian Parliament killed in the Great War.

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    Major (Tempor
    ary Lieutenant Colonel) Herbert Cecil Buller DSO (Rifle Brigade, temporarily commanding Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry) is killed in action at age 34. He is the son of the late Admiral ‘Sir’ Alexander Buller GCB and he was the Aide de Campe to the Governor General and Commander in Chief Canada 1911-14. Previously he served in the South African War.



    Major Beauchamp Henry Butler McGrath (East Lancashire Regiment) is killed at age 44. He is the son of Major General Beauchamp H W McGrath.



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    Captain Herbert Henry Christophers (New Zealand Rifle Brigade) is killed at age 27. He is the second of four brothers who will be killed in the Great War.


    Captain Arthur Mapleton Hallett (Royal Field Artillery) is killed when he is shot in the head while artillery spotting. His brother in law was
    killed in January 1915 in the loss of the submarine C-31.

    Lieutenant Robert Bertram Ford (Canadian Engineers) is killed at age 31. His son will lose his life in the Second World War.


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    Lieutenant Charles Penner Cotton (Canadian Field Artillery) is killed at age 25. He is the son of the late Major General W H Cotton and his brother will be killed in eleven days and buried in the same cemetery.

    Lieutenant Arthur Henry Wrixon (Suffolk Regiment) is killed at age 39. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Henry Wrixon.
    Sergeant Arthur Owen Philipps (Saskatchewan Regiment) is killed at age 38. His is the son of the late Reverend James J Philipps.


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    Lance Sergeant Leonard Cecil Leicester Sutton (Canadian Mounted Rifles) is killed at age 26. He was a first class cricketer for Somerset from 1909-12.

    Corporal Melville Gordon W
    atson (Saskatchewan Regiment) is killed in action at age 22. His brother died on active service in January of this year.

    Private
    Arthur Hill (Suffolk Regiment) is killed in action at age 20. His brother will die of wounds in August of this year.


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    Driver Melbourne Edmunds (Army Service Corps) dies at age 21. He is the first of three brothers who will lose their lives in 1916 & 1917.


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    Boy 1st Class John Travers Cornwell VC (HMS Chester) dies of wounds received in the Battle of Jutland at age 16 making him the youngest Victoria Cross winner to die of his wounds and the youngest in the Great War.

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    W
    estern Front.

    Battle of Verdun: French recover ground south of Caurettes Wood; Germans progress east of Caillette Wood, on outskirts of Vaux Pond, at Damloup and Vaux Fort.


    Third Battle of Ypres; two German attacks, second penetrates British trenches to depth of 300 yards on 3,000 yard front towards Zillebeke.




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    The Battle of Mont Sorrel (Battle of Hill 62) a localized conflict between three divisions of the
    British Second Army and three divisions of the German Fourth Army in the Ypres Salient, near Ypres, Belgium begins today and will last until 14th June In the morning the German XIII Corps begins a massive artillery bombardment of heavy caliber shells against the Canadian positions. Nine-tenths of the Canadian forward reconnaissance battalion becomes casualties during the bombardment.

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    Third Canadian Division commander Major-GeneralMalcolm Smith Mercer CB and 8th Canadian Brigade commander Brigadier Victor Williams have been conducting an inspection of the front line. Shortly after Mercer has arrived in the trenches, the massive German artillery bombardment begins, heavy caliber shells destroying trenches and caving in dugouts, killing many Canadian soldiers. Mercer is trapped in a dugout and then stunned by a huge shell burst which wounds most of his staff and the officers of the battalion he is inspecting. The more badly wounded among the officers are transported to an underground field hospital but Mercer is left behind with his wounded aide Captain Lynam Gooderham, and so is not present when the hospital is buried by the explosion of four mines which preceded a large-scale German attack. In the confused situation, Mercer and Gooderham attempt to escape the advancing enemy but inadvertently run into crossfire, where Mercer’s leg is broken by a bullet.
    Mercer and Gooderham are both sheltered from the continued artillery bombardment in a battered trench, both suffering from the ef
    fects of their wounds, until 01:00 tomorrow. By this stage of the battle an artillery duel has begun between the armies who were still mixed together, Mercer and Gooderham trapped in between. At approximately 02:00 a shrapnel shell (possibly British) explodes in the trench in which they are hiding, further wounding Gooderham and killing Mercer instantly with shrapnel wounds to the heart. Gooderham stays with his commanding officer’s body until captured by advancing German troops who bury the general’s corpse in a shallow grave at Gooderham’s request. He remains the highest ranking Canadian officer to ever be killed in and is 57 years old at the time of his death. Williams is wounded and taken prisoner.


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    For several critical hours both the 3rd Canadian Division and the 8th Canadian Brigade are leaderless, and their level of defense suffers accordingly. Brigadier Edward Spencer Hoare Nairne, of the Lahore Divisional Artillery eventually assumes temporary command of the Division. The Germans capture Mont Sorrel and Hill 61. Although the road to Ypres is open and undefended the Germans fail to capitalize on the success.


    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts

    A quiet day, with further training carried out.

    Pte. Robert Cresswell (see 1st June) was transferred from 69th Field Ambulance to no.22 Casualty Clearing Station at Bruay; he was suffering from haemorrhoids.

    The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the latest despatch of parcels and the continuing fund-raising efforts of the “Comforts Fund”, organised by Geraldine Tunstill (see 7th April):

    COMFORTS FOR CAPTAIN TUNSTILL’S MEN

    Mrs. H.G. Tunstill acknowledges with grateful thanks the following comforts for A Company, 10th West Riding Regiment: Seven pairs socks from Grindleton, per Mrs. Ackernley; 18 pairs socks from Mrs. Tunstill, Aysgarth; 3 pairs socks, stationery, &c. from “A Friend of the Soldiers”, three shirts, 12 handkerchiefs, Oxo cubes, shaving soap, cocoa and £2 (monthly) Mrs. H.G. Tunstill, 36 pairs socks, Mrs. Ecroyd (Armathwaite); which have been sent with 2,500 cigarettes, 150 handkerchiefs, confectionery – from the Comforts Fund – this month. Now that S
    ummer is coming people have not time for so much work, but socks, shirts and other comforts are greatly needed, much appreciated, and will be only too gladly acknowledged.



    Southern Front.

    Austrian attacks from Posina to Astico (Trentino) repulsed.

    Bulgarians fire on Greeks at Demirhissar.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russians repulse Turks between Erzerum and Erzingan. Turks retire 25 miles.
    Turks retire after three days' fighting west of Rowanduz (east of Mosul).

    British drive Turks out of Katiya (northern Sinai).

    Political, etc.

    Belgians up to the age of 40 called to the colours.

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

  33. #1383

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    June 3rd 1916.


    No deaths are recorded for Saturday June 3rd 1916.

    Claims.

    There was only one claim today.

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    Otto Jager of Austria made his second claim. Flying Albatros B.I (22.31) he despatched a Farman at Stepan.

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:



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    Lieutenant Colonel William Beresford Gibbs (commanding 3rd Worcestershire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 35. He is the son of the Reverend William Cobham Gibbs and his younger brother will be killed in March 1918.

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    Lieutenant Gerald Hamilton Peters (British Columbia Regiment) is killed at age 21. He has two brothers who will lose their lives in the service of their King and Country the first last year and the second days after performing acts that will win him the Victoria Cross in November 1942.

    Lieutenant George Adam Russell Ross (Central Ontario Regiment) is killed in action at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend G McMurray Ross.

    Lieutenant Harold Louis Hull (Canadian Field Artillery) is killed at age 27. He is the son of the Honorable H C Hull.

    Lieutenant Stephen Barnes Gregory (Devonshire Regiment) dies of enteritis as a prisoner of war in Mesopotamia at age 21. He is the son of Alfred Thomas Gregory JP Mayor of Tiverton.


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    Second Lieutenant Laurence Alfred Howard Barrow (Sussex Regiment) is killed at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend Alfred Henry Barrow Vicar of Flamstead.

    Second Lieutenant John Vere Isham (Dragoon Guards) dies of blood poisoning at age 20 in Etaples. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Vere Isham.

    Company Sergeant Major Douglas Wallace Gallagher (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 32. His brothers will be killed in October 1917 and April 1918.

    Sergeant James Campbell Kempston (Central Ontario Regiment) is killed. He is the son of the Reverend William Augustus Kempston Rector of Bally.

    Private George Weight Brebner (Manitoba Regiment) dies of appendicitis at age 32. His brother will be killed in action in July 1917.

    Private Samuel Henry Lemon (Alberta Regiment) is killed in action at age 38. He is the son of the Reverend John Lemon (late Rector of St Stephen’s, Cornwall).

    Privates James age 38 and William Farquhar age 34 (Alberta Regiment) are killed together on Mount Sorrel. They have two brothers who will be killed later in the Great War.

    Sapper William Herbert Brett DCM (Royal Engineers) dies of wounds at home. He is considered the best wicket keeper in the Metropolitan Police Force.

    Private George Alexander Stewart (Quebec Regiment) is killed at age 28. His brother will be killed next November.

    Private Edmund Bonar Deane (Alberta Regiment) is killed at age 48. He is the son of the Reverend Charles Henry Deane Vicar of Willoughby.

    Private George Alexander McIntosh (Central Ontario Regiment) is killed at age 28. His brother died of wounds on Gallipoli in April 1915.



    Western Front.

    Battle of Verdun: Powerful German attacks on Vaux Fort repulsed.

    Battle of Ypres: Canadian counter-attack regains much of the lost ground.



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    Lieutenant-General Byng assembles a hastily organized counterattack in the early hours of today. Owing to the 3rd Canadian Division’s heavy losses, two brigades of the 1st Canadian Division are temporarily placed under the control of Brigadier Hoare Nairne, who has assumed control of 3rd Canadian Division. The counterattack is scheduled to begin at 2:00 However, due to the distances that have to be covered by incoming units, the difficulties in communications and ever present enemy fire, the time allowed for assembly proves inadequate and the attack is postponed until 07:00. The signal to attack is to be six simultaneous green rockets. However, some rockets misfire and do not burst resulting in an uneven assault and a result each unit moves from their starting lines at different times. The four attacking battalions suffer heavy losses as they advance over open ground in broad daylight. The attack fails to regain any lost territory. It does however manage to close a 600 yards gap in the line and advance the Canadian front about 1,000 yards from the positions it had retreated to after the German assault.


    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts

    There was an interruption to the settled routine of the previous days when, at 8pm an SOS was received from 68th Brigade holding the line near Souchez. However, despite a German bombardment of the line, nothing further occurred and the alarm was withdrawn 45 minutes later. The alarm was most likely associated with a trench raid which was carried out by 13th Durham Light Infantry overnight.

    The weekly edition of the Keighley News carried a report of the death of Pte. Ernest Dawson (see 26th May)

    KEIGHLEY SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION

    Private Ernest Dawson (28) West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Dawson of 16 Park Grove, Keighley, was killed in action by a trench mortar bomb on May 24. The news was contained in a letter from Captain J.C. Bull of the same regiment who, writing on May 24, said: “I expect you will have heard from the War Office that your son was killed today by a trench mortar bomb, but I felt I must write to you personally to say how sorry I am for you in your trouble. I have known your son since October 1914 at Frensham, and he was always a hard-working and good soldier and we shall miss him a great deal. Mr. Marks, his platoon officer, who was with him when he died, is partially trained as a doctor, and he assures me that your son suffered no pain. I hope that this fact and the knowledge that he died for his country may be some consolation, but please accept the sympathy of all the officers of this Company, for we all had a high opinion of your son’s soldierly spirit”.

    A further letter has been received by Mrs. Dawson from Wilfred L. Henderson, chaplain of the battalion to which Dawson belonged. Writing on May 26 he said: “Another name has been added to our country’s roll of honour, and it is one which will bring home to you the sadness of war. I suppose you have already heard the sad news of the death of your son but I wish to tell you how much we all sympathise with you. He was killed last Wednesday by a trench mortar and we buried him last night in a soldiers’ cemetery immediately behind the lines. A cross with his name and number will be put over the grave, and his grave for ever kept sacred and reverently cared for … Both officers and men join with me in expressing their sympathy. Your son will be much missed by his comrades in the battalion. I know how difficult it is to say words of comfort to a mother, but, deep as your sorrow may be, I feel that there can be no bitterness in it. The mothers of England are proud of their sons today and justly proud that they should have given up all they hold dear to follow the call of duty and you too must feel that pride in your son. You must rejoice at the splendid sacrifice he has made. “Greater love hath no man than this; that he lay down his life for his friends”. Our sympathy and prayers are with you. God bless and comfort you”.

    Private Dawson was a single man who enlisted at the outbreak of war and had been at the front about twelve months (sic.). Prior to enlistment he worked at the Post Office and formerly was employed as a barman at the Royal Hotel. He has twin brothers serving with the Colours and a brother-in-law, Private Charlie Taylor, the well-known Keighley footballer. Private Dawson was very well known in the town.


    Eastern Front.

    Russian bombardment in Riga area, Galicia and Volhynia.

    Southern Front.

    Allies occupy all official buildings in Salonika, and proclaim martial law.

    Austrians advance on Arsiero-Posina line, but are repulsed on Arsiero-Lagarina. line.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russians defeat Turks at Khanikin (Persia).

    Turkish attack repulsed by Russians at Diarbekr (Asia Minor).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    On U boat casualty was recorded today.



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    UC 3 captained by Gunther Kreysern. British steamer Golconda was Mined and sunk 5 miles SExE of Alderburgh 520830N 014445E with ninteen casualties.

    British occupy Namena (German East Africa) after three days fighting.


    Political.

    USA.

    The National Defense Act of 1916,
    Pub.L. 64–85, 39 Stat.166, enacted June 3, 1916, was a federal law that updated the Militia Act of 1903, which related to the organization of the military, particularly the National Guard. The 1916 act included an expansion of the Army and the National Guard, the creation of an Officers' and an Enlisted Reserve Corps, and the creation of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps. The President was also given expanded authority to federalize the National Guard, with changes to the duration and the circumstances under which he could call it up. The Army began the creation of an Aviation arm, and the federal government took steps to ensure the immediate availability of wartime weapons and equipment by contracting in advance for production of gunpowder and other materiel.

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    Rep. James Hay of Virginia, Chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs.

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

  34. #1384

    Default

    Thanks again for your posts. Many thanks.

  35. #1385

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Logged on using an iPad but cant see any of the pictures I included in the posts for Sunday and Monday.... Are they visible to anyone else?
    Now back at home have managed to retrieve photo's and they are back where they should be - apologies for that

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  36. #1386

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    June 4th 1916.


    1 airman has fallen on Sunday June 4th 1916.

    A Mech 2 Henry Smith Recruits Depot. Royal Flying Corps. 4 June 1916 aged 34

    Claims.

    No claims are recorded today.


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


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    Lieutenant Colonel Arthur William Tanner (commanding 10th Field Ambulance Canadian Army Medical Corps) dies of wounds at age 40.


    Lieutenant Colonel A G Stuart (Pathans) dies in England at age 43. He is the son of the late Reverend A G Stuart.


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    Captain Leslie Woodroffe MC (Rifle Brigade) dies of wounds at age 31. He is the Assistant Master at Shrewsbury School and his two brothers who will also be killed in the War including Second Lieutenant Sidney Clayton Woodroffe VC.


    Lieutenant Lionel Henry Salvin Bowlby (Dragoons) is killed at age 24. His brother was killed in May 1915.

    Second Lieutenant Henry Earlam Johnson (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) is killed at age 26. He is the first of three brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.

    Lance Sergeant Frank Gordon Macaulay (Canadian Scottish) is killed at age 29. He is the grandson of the Reverend Canon John Macaulay.

    Lance Corporal Frederick R Patch (Warwickshire Regiment) is killed at age 27. His brother was killed in December 1914.

    Private Arthur Leggott (Saskatchewan Regiment) is killed at age 30. His brother was killed in May 1915 serving in the same Regiment.

    Western Front.



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    Lt Arthur Proctor V.C.

    In the supplement to the London Gazette dated 5th August 1916 (p744) the following citation appears, awarding Arthur the Victoria Cross.


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    The award was for his actions on 4th June, 1916 near Ficheux (south of Arras in the Pas de Calais region of France). Arthur noted some movement on the part of two wounded men who were lying in full view of the enemy about seventy five yards in front of the British trenches. On his own initiative and under heavy enemy fire, he ran and crawled to the two men, got them under cover of a small bank, dressed their wounds and promised that they would be rescued after dark. He left them warm clothing and then returned to the British lines again under heavy and sustained fire. The two wounded soldiers were rescued at dusk.


    Battle of Verdun: German attacks on Vaux Fort repulsed. Germans take and lose again three lines of trenches at Casspach (Vosges).


    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts
    The settled routine of the previous days resumed, with further training carried out.

    Sgt. George Clifford Sugden, serving with 10th East Yorkshires, was wounded in action; he suffered a facial wound during German shelling of British positions near Hebuterne, on the Somme (more than 20 men were killed and almost 50 wounded). He would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR. George Clifford Sugden was born 28th December 1891, the second of eight children, three of whom died in infancy, of John William and Mary Alice Sugden. The family farmed land at Barmby-on-the-Marsh, near Goole, but Clifford himself worked as an insurance manager. He enlisted in the newly-formed 10th battalion, East Yorkshires on 5th September 1914 and trained with them in England for the next 15 months, being promoted Sergeant in December 1914. In December 1915 the Battalion sailed from Devonport, arriving at Port Said two weeks later. They had remained in Egypt until embarking for Marseilles on 29th February 1916, from where they had been transported by train to the Somme sector.

    Pte. John Beckwith (see 29th May) who had left 10DWR after being wounded in March, was posted from the Regimental Depot to 11th (Reserve) Battalion at Brocton Camp, in preparation for a return to active service.


    Eastern Front.



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    Great Russian offensive from Pripet (Poland) to Romanian frontier, under General Brusilov; 13,000 prisoners reported.



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    On June 4 the Russians opened the offensive with a massive, accurate but brief artillery barrage against the Austro-Hungarian lines, with the key factor of this effective bombardment being its brevity and accuracy. This was in contrast to the customary, protracted barrages at the time that gave the defenders time to bring up reserves and evacuate forward trenches, while damaging the battlefield so badly that it was hard for attackers to advance. The initial attack was successful and the Austro-Hungarian lines were broken, enabling three of Brusilov's four armies to advance on a wide front (see:
    Battle of Kostiuchnówka).
    The success of the breakthrough was helped in large part by Brusilov's innovation of
    shock troops to attack weak points along the Austrian lines to effect a breakthrough, which the main Russian army could then exploit. Brusilov's tactical innovations laid the foundation for the German infiltration tactics used later in the Western Front.


    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.





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    Sherif of Mecca starts revolt against Turks.


    The history of the Arab Revolt during the Great War is well documented but less well known are the details of the Order of the Al Nahda (Renaissance) which was bestowed by King Hussain Bin Ali of the Hijaz upon British subjects for their services during this period.


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    In addition to the Order of Al Nahda King Hussein also instituted the Orders of Al Istiqlal (Independence). Initially little was known about these orders. The Foreign Office in London were by the early 1920's being asked for information concerning the awards but having no information appealed to the then British Agency in Jeddah:

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    Naval and overseas.

    The Royal Navy bombards Ostend in the hope of sealing the harbor.

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

  37. #1387

  38. #1388

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    June 5th 1916.

    No airmen's deaths are recorded for Monday June 5th 1916.


    Claims.

    There was one claim today.

    German pilot Herbert Knappe claimed his first victory of nine when he destroyed an enemy Russian aircraft South East of Luck.

    Leutnant Herbert Wilhelm Franz Knappe was a
    flying ace during World War I. He was credited with nine confirmed aerial victories while fighting on both the Russian Front and Western Front. Knappe joined the Luftstreitkräfte in September 1914. He was commissioned Leutnant on 17 May 1916. He scored his first victory the following month, on 5 June, while flying with Feld-Fleiger Abteilung 21. He used an Albatros D.II to down a Russian airplane.
    His second triumph would not come for almost two years. From FFA 21, Knappe would be posted to Jasta Ober-Ost, then on to join Jasta 81 in France. He began 1918 with receipt of the House Order of the Hohenzollen on 9 January. On 31 May 1918, he shot down a
    Spad over Remigny. On 7 June, he took out an enemy observation balloon at Fleury-la-Rivière. Two days later, he shot down an AR2. A week after that, on 16 June, he himself was shot down for the second time. Knappe's 22 July 1918 victory over a Spad made him an ace. He would run off a string of four more victories, on 4, 7, 10, and 11 August 1918. On 25 August 1918, Knappe was wounded so severely he could not return to combat before war's end.

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Captain Aubrey Noel Carew Hunt (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed in action at age 24. He is the son of the Reverend Robert Walter Carew Hunt Vicar of Albany who will lose another son in December.

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    Lieutenant Charles Edward Kilcoursie Lambart (Canadian Mounted Rifles) is killed at age 38. He is the grandfather of the 13th Earl of Cavan.

    Second Lieutenant Dysant Wyatt Spankie (Machine Gun Corps) is killed at age 21. His brother will die on service in 1919.

    Lance Sergeant Frank Gordon MacAulay (Manitoba Regiment) is killed at age 29. He has lost three cousins in military service including one last January and he is the grandson of Canon John MacAulay and related to Lord MacAulay.

    Private Frederick William Kenward (Royal Canadian Regiment) is killed at age 34. His brother was killed in September 1914.

    Private John William Williams (Middlesex Regiment) is killed at age 30. He is a Welsh national footballer who scored 56 goals in 142 matches for Crystal Palace and made two appearances for Wales in 1912.

    Private Jack Crawley (Canadian Mounted Rifles) is killed at age 23. He is the grandson of the Reverend Charles Yonge Crawley.

    Western Front.

    Battle of Verdun: German attacks between Vaux Fort and Damloup repulsed.

    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts.

    A quiet day, with further training carried out.


    Pte. Edmund Peacock (see 9th April) serving with 9DWR reported sick suffering from trench fever and was admitted to 52 Field Ambulance; he had originally been a member of Tunstill’s Company but had been invalided back to England having been wounded in November 1915 and subsequently posted to 9DWR.

    Pte. Joseph Bell (see 3rd March), serving with 51st Battalion, A.I.F., left Alexandria onboard the troopship “Ivernia”, bound for Marseilles. He was the elder brother of original Tunstill recruit Pte. William Irving Bell.


    Eastern Front.

    Russian offensive continues; 12,000 prisoners reported.

    German attacks repulsed near Krevo (Vilna).

    Southern Front.

    Austrians repulsed on Asiago plateau; Italians gain ground at Monte Cengio (Trentino).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russians evacuate Khanikin.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.



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    H.M.S. "Hampshire" mined off Scottish coast: Lord Kitchener and his staff drowned.

    The cruiser HMS Hampshire sets out at 16:45 from Scapa Flow despite furious gales and awful conditions carrying Lord Herbert Kitchener and all his staff on a mission to Russia via Archangel. An hour later Captain Herbert John Savill decides to turn back due to the weather conditions. At 19:40 when the Hampshire is only one and one half miles from shore between the Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head, there is an explosion which tears out the center of the ship and within fifteen minutes she sinks with almost here entire crew. Many, including Kitchener perish due to the stormy sea and exposure rather than the explosion. The ship stikes a mine laid on the night of 28/29 May by U-75. Captain
    Curt Beitzen. There are six hundred fifty casualties including her Captain and only twelve survivors.

    HMS Hampshire casualties include:


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    Field Marshall the Right Honorable Horatio Herbert Kitchener, Earl of Khartoum, KG, KP, PC, GCB, OM, GCMG, GCIE, Secretary of State for War drowns. He is traveling to Russia with a military mission to confer with the Czar on the military conduct of the war.

    His party consists of Lieutenant Colonel Oswald Arthur Gerald Fitzgerald CMG (Lancers) age 40, his Aide de Camp and Personal Military Secretary who is the son of the late Colonel ‘Sir’ Charles Fitzgerald,
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    ‘Sir’ Frederick Donaldson, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Munitions and Chief Superintendant of the Royal Ordnance Factories Woolwich,

    L S Robertson, ‘Sir’ Frederick’s adviser,

    H J O’Beirne, Counselor at the British Embassy in Petrograd,

    Brigadier General Wilfred Ellershaw who commanded the 113th Battery Royal Field Artillery in the first months of the war in France along with clerks, servants and Kitchener’s personal detective. He is the son of the Reverend J Ellershaw Rector of Chewstoke.
    Percy Garnons Williams is the Hampshire’s Surgeon. His brother will be killed in October 1917 and they are sons of the Reverend Arthur Garnons Williams.
    The Chaplain of the Hampshire is the Reverend Philip George Alexander. He dies at age 33.
    Sub Lieutenant Thomas Henry Wilfred Sharples is killed at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend Henry Milner Sharples Rector of Finghall and his brother will be killed in January 1918.


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    One of those who died was 38-year-old father-of-seven William Cake.
    "It is thought that he died of hypothermia, as his fingers and nails were badly cut and broken through his efforts to pull himself up the beach.
    "Maybe he would have lived if local people had not been stopped from going to rescue survivors.
    "At the time of his death, his wife was 39. She was left with seven children, aged from two to 20, to bring up. Hard times indeed."

    Ordinary Seaman Francis John Foney is killed at age 18. His brother will die on service in December 1918.
    Able Seaman Harry Mitchiner drowns at age 26. His younger brother died of wounds last December.
    Able Seaman George Houghton is killed at age 31. His brother was killed on Gallipoli in May 1915.
    Able Seaman William Arthur Freeman is also lost. His brother was killed in the explosion of HMS Bulwark in November 1914.
    Private Edward Daniels (Royal Marine Light Infantry) is killed at age 30. His brother was killed on HMS Invincible at Jutland last week.
    Cooks Mate 2nd Class Frederick Spedding is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed on HMS Partridge in December 1917.
    Clerk Ralph Twisden Butler is killed. His brother will be killed in October 1917 and they are grandsons of the late General the Honorable H E Butler who fought in the Peninsular War and nephews of Major James Armart Butler “the Hero of Silistria” in the Crimea War and sons of the Reverend Pierce Armar Butler Vicar of Winterslow.


    Political, etc.

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    Dr. Bethmann-Hollweg makes a tour of the southern German States to induce acceptance of central control of food supplies.

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

  39. #1389

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    June 6th 1916.

    1 airman has fallen on Tuesday June 6th 1916.


    PO. G.G. Monks RNAS. Armoured Car Division. Death details 6 June 1916.

    Claims.

    There was one claim today.

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    Offizierstellvertreter Kurt Gruber (Austria) made his third claim. Flying Albatros B.I (22.30) he shot down a Morane-Saulnier P over Dolcok.



    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Lieutenant John Windsor Lewis (Welsh Guards) is killed in action at age 39. He was for three years the prospective Unionist candidate to Parliament for North Somerset, a nephew of the Bishop of Asaph, a veteran of the South African War and the son-in-law of General Charles Frederick Gregorie.

    Lieutenant Alfred Reginald Bewes Chapman (North Lancashire Regiment) is killed at age 20. He is the son of the Reverend Thomas Alfred Chapman Bishop of Colchester.

    Corporal John Scott Cavanagh (Saskatchewan Regiment) is killed at age 32. His son will be killed in the Second World War.

    Lance Corporal J F B Condon (Alberta Regiment) is killed at age 29. He is the nephew of ‘the Honorable’ W Beehan.

    Rifleman Percy Chance (Rifle Brigade) is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed next August.

    Private Wilfred Deans (Northamptonshire Regiment) is killed at age 24. His brother was killed in May 1915.

    Private Edward Charles Hamshire (Essex Regiment) is killed at age 21. His brother died on service in November 1914 at age 16.

    Private Thomas Walter Boyd (Saskatchewan Regiment) is killed at age 32. His brother will be killed in April 1917.


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    Rifleman John Marriott (Rifle Brigade) is killed by a German mine explosion at age 23. He is the middle of three brothers who are killed in the Great War.


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    Midshipman Humphrey Mercer Lancelot Durrant (HMS Queen Mary) dies of wounds including a smashed thigh, burns and scalds received as the ship sinks at Jutland. He is the son of the Reverend Charles Aubrey Durrant Vicar of Weatherby.



    Western Front.

    Battle of Ypres: Germans again attack, gaining some ground at Hooge.



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    After a three hour bombardment at 16:00 the Germans explode four mines beneath trenches occupied by the 6th Canadian Brigade during the Battle of Mount Sorrel while re-taking Hooge.


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    German infantry attacked at Hooge and Hill 60 after a three-hour bombardment and the blowing of four mines at the former place at 3pm on 6th June 1916. They met the 6th Canadian Brigade, which had just arrived in the area. For a while the enemy entered the Canadian trenches and were only ejected in places after a stiff fight. They were beaten off at Hill 60. Julian Byng, tempted to regain the Hooge trenches, considered an effort to do so but decided to leave the old British front line in enemy hands while concentrating forces on the regaining of Mount Sorrel and Tor Top. Douglas Haig approved Byng’s plan, but deployed the 2nd Cavalry Brigade of 2nd Cavalry Division, dismounted, as a reserve for the Canadian Corps, just in case this latest German effort was a forerunner of further attacks. The proposed recapture of the ridge was further delayed when the weather closed in, and air reconnaissance became impossible.

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    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts
    Conditions remained quiet, with further training carried out. The weather was dull, with some rain.


    Lt. Harold Lockhart Waite, (see 5th May), who had left the Battalion a month earlier to take up a posting as a Flying Officer (Observer) was formally appointed to the Royal Flying Corps.


    Andrew Aaron Jackson was called up from the Army Reserve and posted to join 27th Battalion Royal Fusiliers at Portobello, near Edinburgh; he would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR. Andrew Jackson was 28 years old (born 16th April 1888), married (to Florence Dyson, 1912), and had been working as a schoolmaster at Mytholmroyd. He had attested, under the Derby Scheme, in November 1915.


    Eastern Front.

    Russians take Lutsk (Volhynia); cross the Ikva and Styr in Lutsk area and make progress south of Dniester: 15,000 prisoners reported.

    Southern Front.

    "Pacific blockade" of Greece by Entente Powers begins.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Russians checked at Diarbekr.



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    Attack on Medina by revolting Arabs repulsed by Turkish garrison.


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    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Rhodesian troops drive Germans towards Iringa, north-east of Lake Nyassa; Belgians advance north-west of Lake Tanganyika.

    Political, etc.

    Army Order issued re: Lord Kitchener.

    Pacific blockade of Greece by the Allies as a result of Greeks allowing Bulgarians to cross frontier.

    Dr. Taylor's report on Ruhleben Camp published.

    Yuan-shi-kai, President of China, dies; succeeded by Li Huan Yung.
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    Captain John Bowen-Colthurst (North Staffordshire Regiment) is court-martialed for ordering the execution of Francis Sheehy-Skeffington during the Easter Rising.

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    Francis Sheehy-Skeffington

    He is found guilty but insane and incarcerated in Broadmoor Criminal Asylum where he will spend 20 months before being released and immigrating to Canada.

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

  40. #1390

    Default

    Wow, an insanity defense even back then
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  41. #1391

    Default

    Nice Rob, thanks. Re the "Today's Casualties" list, any chance of adding where they were at the time? The ordinary rank and file I mean.

  42. #1392

    Default

    Everything in the official files is there. A lot is very sparse. Also I research every picture available on the subjects. it is incredible that there are often no photos of even eminent figures such as Brigade commanders, or Generals.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  43. #1393

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    June 7th 1916.

    3 airmen have fallen on Wednesday June 7th 1916.


    Lt. William Archibald Buchannan, Royal Flying Corps. Killed while flying 7 June 1916 aged 21.


    2nd. LT. Gilbert, Harold, Earl, Rippon,40 Sqn. Royal Flying Corps Gosport. Killed while flying at Alverstoke 7 June 1916 aged 29. Crashed in D.H.2 6014, turning after engine failure.


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    Leutnant Ernst Wiessner FA(A) 250 Jasta 18. Killed shortly after gaining his fifth victory. An RE 8 over Hollebeke.

    Claims.

    Six more claims were made today.

    All were Austrian.

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    Johann Frint made his second claim flying Hansa-Brandenburg C.I (26.09) dispatched a Farman over Corno d'Aquilo.



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    Otto Jager his third and fourth flying Albatros B.I (22.10) he accounted for two Farmans near Chorlupy-Klewan.

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    Heinrich Kostrba his fourth flying Hansa-Brandenburg C.I (26.09). he shot down a Farman SE of Borghetto.


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    Finally Karl Urban his second, and third. Flying Albatros B.I (22.10) he dispatched two Farmans, one over Ostrosez and the second near Olyka.


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Second Lieutenant Ronald MacKenzie Benton (Sikhs) is killed in action in Mesopotamia as a member of the Kut relief force at age 21. He is the son of ‘Sir’ John Benton KCIE.


    Second Lieutenant Ralph de Warrenne Harvey (Dorsetshire Regiment attached King’s Royal Rifle Corps) dies of wounds received at Vimy Ridge at age 18. His brother also dies while serving with the Australian Infantry this year.


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    Private Stanton Emile Thomas McGreer (Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry) is killed at age 24. His brother will be killed in October 1918.

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    Western Front.


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    Battle of Verdun: Germans take Vaux Fort.



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    The Fort today.

    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts

    Another dull day, with occasional showers. Again a quiet day, with a continuation of the training programmes of the previous week.


    Pte. Sam Shuttleworth (see 20th May) was taken ill, suffering from ‘dental caries’ (tooth decay). He was treated first at 69th Field Ambulance and then transferred to no.6 Casualty Clearing Station at Bruay. He would not re-join the Battalion until February 1917.



    A number of men departed on one weeks’ leave to England. Among them are known to have been RSM John William Headings, (see 23rd December 1915) who may have been allowed leave especially because of the birth of his daughter Marjorie (13th May). Also on leave was Pte. George Mitchell, who had been one of the Keighley recruits added to Tunstill’s original Company in September 1914. George Mitchell had enlisted in Keighley on 15th September at the age of 25; he had been born and brought up in Keighley and had been working as a colliery electrician before the war.


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    The three Headings brothers: from left to right, James Lawrence, John William (standing) and Henry George.
    (Photo by kind permission of Jill Monk)


    Pte. Robert Cresswell (see 2nd June ) was transferred from no.22 Casualty Clearing Station at Bruay to no.2 Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport; he was suffering from haemorrhoids.


    Eastern Front.

    Russian offensive continues; 11,000 prisoners reported.

    Southern Front.



    Very heavy Austrian attacks south and south-west of Asiago repulsed.


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    Asiago.


    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Sherif of Mecca throws off allegiance to Turkey and is supported by the tribes of Western and Central Arabia.
    He issues proclamation denouncing the Committee of Union and Progress and proclaiming the Independence of the Hejaz.

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

  44. #1394

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    June 8th 1916.


    1 airman has fallen on Thursday June 8th 1916.

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    2nd Lt. Reginald Arthur Stubbs 32 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Entered College in Michaelmas Term, 1912. Commenced service in August 1914. Second Lieutenant of the 4th Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers, 1915; Royal Flying Corps, 1916 serving in France. Killed in action near Arras, 8 June 1916 aged 25.

    Claims.

    One claim was made today.

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    Podporuchik Ivan Orlov of the Imperial Russian Air Service and
    French Air Service made his first of five claims today.


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    Flying a Nieuport 11 he took down a Lloyd C11 over Petlikovze. Victim from Austro-Hungarian Fliegerkompanie 9.


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    Service: Imperial Russian Air Service French Air Service
    Units: 5th Corps Air Detachment, 1st Army Air Detachment (IRAS) 7th Fighter Detachment (IRAS) N3 (FAS).
    Victories: 5
    Date Of Birth: January 19, 1895.
    Place of Birth: St. Petersburg.
    Date Of Death: July 4, 1917.


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

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    Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Chipchase Roberts (commanding 14th Gloucestershire Regiment) is killed at age 42. His son will be killed in 1940.

    Captain Harry Alfred Butt (Gloucestershire Regiment) is killed. He is the son of the late Reverend Canon George Holden Butt formerly Canon of Georgetown British Guiana and Rural Dean of Berbice and nephew of the late ‘Sir’ Charles Parker Butt, President of the Probate, Divorce and Admiraly Division. He was educated at Bromsgrove School and Jesus College, Cambridge. He was appointed to the staff of Clifton College in 1908 and on the outbreak of war joined the OTC. In April 1915 he received a commission in the Gloucestershire Regiment and two months later was selected with two other officers to undertake the training of a new battalion. He was given a captaincy in August of that year. He went to the front early this year. In the words of a brother officer, “He died, as he lived, a very gallant English gentleman”. His brother will be killed in less than one month.

    Trooper Ethelbert Mickleburgh (Royal Canadian Dragoons) is shot to death at age 25 by Trooper Alexander Butler. Butler will be executed for murder next month. While the unit is resting behind the front lines near Hesdin, France, Butler, apparently without provocation, fires five shots into the chest of Mickleburgh, killing him instantly. Butler was immediately placed under arrest, court-martialed and subsequently executed by firing squad.

    Home Front.




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    56 Squadron was formed at Gosport on 8 June 1916 .The unit was then part of the Royal Flying Corps. The Squadron's first aircraft was the BE 2c with a top speed of 70mph at 6,000ft. The Squadron moved from Gosport to London Colney, Hertfordshire, in July 1916 where they remained for several months. 74 Sqn was the first to be equipped with the S.E.5. With the arrival of the new aircraft they were despatched to Vert Galand, France, on 22nd of April. The next day they scored their first ever aerial kill. In August 1918 the Squadron was now part of the Royal Air Force stationed at Valheureux, France as part of the 3rd Brigade. 56 Sqn's main duty was low level attacks on German infantry. 56 Squadron during the first world war earned 2 VC's, 5 DSO's, 14 MC's and 12 DFC's, and between April 1917 and Armistice day (November 11th 1918) 56 Sqn brought down 427 enemy aircraft.



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    The only picture I could find relating to this Squadron.

    No. 57 Squadron, RFC, was formed at Copmanthorpe, near York, on 8th June, 1916, from a nucleus flight provided by No. 33 Home Defence Squadron and in December of the same year crossed to France as a fighter-reconnaissance unit equipped with FE2d's. In May 1917, the squadron began to convert to Rolls-Royce Eagle-engined DH4s and in June, on completion of its conversion training, moved up into the Ypres sector and started long-distance reconnaissance, bombing and photography. In July oxygen-breathing apparatus and negative-lens bombsights were fitted to all aircraft and thereafter both bombing and photography improved. In all its work No. 57 met strong opposition from enemy fighters and many successful combats were fought.
    The squadron continued photographic reconnaissances and bombing raids on targets behind the enemy's lines, and although it suffered heavy casualties during the summer and autumn of 1918 -its record of achievement was high. During its service in France No. 57 Squadron destroyed 166 enemy aircraft, dropped 285 tons of bombs, exposed 22,030 photographic plates and made 196 successful reconnaissances..

    Western Front.



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    Battle of Verdun: Violent German attack east and west of Thiaumont Farm.

    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts.

    Another quiet day, with further training carried out.


    In the evening, orders were received to relieve the 13th Durham Light Infantry in the trenches north of Souchez. All billets were to be cleaned and the main company parties ready to move off by 4pm next day. Two Companies of Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division, who had recently arrived in France and had been gaining trench experience alongside 13DLI, were now to be attached to the Battalion for further trench training. According to Lt. **** Bolton (see 26th May) the former sailors had their own trench jargon, drawing on their previous experience, “a dugout was ‘below’, the trench was the ‘deck’, out of trenches was ‘ashore’ but I never heard them speak of being ‘at sea’ when in the line”.

    Advance parties from each Company were to take over trench stores from the Durham Light Infantry before the main parties marched, via Aix Noulette, and rendezvoused with their guides at 10pm. From there, Companies would proceed to their assigned sector, with ‘A’ Company stationed in close support in Bois Six Trench. The poor state of the defences was acknowledged and there was emphasis in the orders on the need for dugouts to be improved by the provision of working parties. Companies, including ‘A’ from close support, were each to supply twenty men who were to be employed, “solely for work on dugouts, except in emergencies. These men will work night and day on all dugouts in Battalion area. Work to commence at 9am 10th inst. and thence forward to be continuous”.

    There was heavy rain in the evening.

    One man from 10DWR, Pte. Edward Tetlow, was killed whilst attached to 181st Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers; he was buried at Maroeuil British Cemetery, alongside Pte. Allen of 2nd Northants who was also attached to the same Company. Both may have been killed in the explosion of a German camouflet which was used against British mining operations in the Souchez area overnight on 7th/8th June.

    L.Cpl. Albert Joseph Acarnley (see 17th March), who would later serve as a commissioned officer with 10DWR, serving with 2nd Royal Berkshires, was admitted to hospital suffering from myalgia and “PUO” (pyrexia of unknown origin); these were the typical features of what was often known as ‘trench fever’. He would remain under medical care for the next 17 days.

    L.Sgt. Mark Allan Stanley Wood, serving with 16th West Yorkshires, was admitted to 93rd Field Ambulance, suffering from seborrhea (a form of dermatitis, usually affecting the scalp). He would later be commissioned and would serve with 10DWR. Mark Wood was born 12th July 1890, the only son of John William and Florence Wood (nee Allan) of Bradford. Mark had been educated at Belle Vue Technical College in Bradford and had been working as a textile designer. He had also spent some time in the USA, returning to England in June 1914. On 20th September 1914 he had volunteered and had joined 16th West Yorkshires. He trained with his Battalion in England through 1914 and 1915, being promoted Lance Corporal and then Corporal in September 1915. The Battalion was posted to Egypt in December 1915, and Mark Wood was promoted Lance Sergeant on the eve of their departure. They remained in Egypt until embarking for France on 29th February 1916, arriving at Marseilles on 7th March.


    Eastern Front.

    Russian offensive continues; 13,000 prisoners reported.

    Austrians reinforced from Italian front.

    Russians repulse attacks in Vilna district.

    Southern Front.

    Austrians make slight advance near Asiago.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.


    Skipper George William Baldry (Royal Naval Reserve HM Trawler Kaphrida) is killed when his ship is sunk by UC 6 captained by
    Otto Ehrentraut which laid a mine near the Corton Light vessel. The crew of nine is lost.


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    U 38 and Max Valentiner account for no fewer than four Russian vessels.
    Steamer
    Cementcrug, Torpedoed 4 miles SE of Tuapse. Sailing ship Ekaterina, Sunk in the Psezuape estuary, Black Sea.Steamer Malorossija, Black Sea: Mokopse estuary - beached and damaged by gunfire and Steamer Vera also beached and damaged by gunfire in the Mokopse estuary, Black Sea.



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    Also k.u.k. U5 Captain
    Friedrich Schlosser sank the Italian Troopship Principe Umberto. Torpedoed 15 miles SW of Linguetta, Adriatic with 1926 casualties.



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    Principe Umberto

    British occupy Bismarckburg and Belgians occupy Usumbara (German East Africa).

    British patrols chase Germans into Zeebrugge.

    Political, etc.

    Compulsion replaces voluntary enlistment in Great Britain.

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

  45. #1395

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    You have found some great pictures over the past few days Rob. Thank you
    Let me know when you fancy a break - I am back from my travels and my god I need to find something to do now that Big Brother is back on the TV

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  46. #1396

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    Great report with I could give you more reputation points.

  47. #1397

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    Hi Rob
    Nice report as usual and while I applaud your herculean efforts on this post stream you have on this occasion,with your info on 56 Squadron, left me a bit confused. (Not an isolated incident these days).
    Viz
    56 Squadron was formed at Gosport on 8 June 1916 .The unit was then part of the Royal Flying Corps. The Squadron's first aircraft was the BE 2c with a top speed of 70mph at 6,000ft. The Squadron moved from Gosport to London Colney, Hertfordshire, in July 1916 where they remained for several months. 74 Sqn was the first to be equipped with the S.E.5. With the arrival of the new aircraft they were despatched to Vert Galand, France, on 22nd of April. The next day they scored their first ever aerial kill. In August 1918 the Squadron was now part of the Royal Air Force stationed at Valheureux, France as part of the 3rd Brigade. 56 Sqn's main duty was low level attacks on German infantry. 56 Squadron during the first world war earned 2 VC's, 5 DSO's, 14 MC's and 12 DFC's, and between April 1917 and Armistice day (November 11th 1918) 56 Sqn brought down 427 enemy aircraft.

    So where does the 74 Sqn ref come from and does it have some relevance? Then you go on to 57 Sqn!????????
    Confused from West Yorkshire.

  48. #1398

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    Just put together badly from two different sources Reg.
    74 was also founded on the same day, but I neglected to say that.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  49. #1399

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    June 9th 1916.


    5 airmen have fallen on Friday June 9th 1916.


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    CPO3 Ernest Bernard Ames Royal Naval Air Service H.M. Airship 'C 8', Kingsnorth Naval Airship Station. Drowned in loss of airship in channel on way from Kingsnorth Hoo to Mullion, Lizards Point, Cornwall 9 June 1916 aged 23.

    Flt Lt Cecil William D1ckinson Royal Naval Air Service H.M. Airship 'C 8', Kingsnorth Airship Station. Killed while flying 9 June 1916 aged 24.Drowned in loss of airship in the channel on the way from Kingsnorth, Hoo. H.M. Airship 'C 8', Kingsnorth Airship Station

    CPO3 George Palmer Royal Naval Air Service. Drowned in loss of airship, on it's delivery flight, came down in the sea between Kingsnorth Hoo and Mullion Lizards Point Cornwall 9 June 1916.


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    2nd Lt. Frank Dudley Evans Royal Flying Corps. Killed while flying 9 June 1916 when his Avro 504A 4050, Stalled and crashed, Filton. He was 18.



    Lt. Turner OC0290571 Royal Flying Corps. Accidentally Killed while flying in South Gloucestershire 9 June 1916 when his aeroplane fell from 100ft.


    Claims.

    One claim was made today.


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    Captain
    Alexander Augustus Norman Dudley Pentland RFC made his first claim of 23 today. Flying B.E.2c (4077) he shot down a Fokker E (DES) at Habourdin.

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    Alexander Augustus Norman Dudley Pentland, of Terrigal, New South Wales, joined the Australian Imperial Force in March 1915. He served as a machine gunner with the 12th Light Horse Regiment at Gallipoli but contracted enteric fever in September 1915. A hospital ship took him to England where he was discharged in February 1916. When he recovered he joined the Royal Flying Corps. He scored his first victory as a two-seater pilot in June 1916. Posted to 19 Squadron, flying SPADs, he scored 9 victories in 1917. In 1918, with 87 Squadron, he scored 13 victories flying the
    Sopwith Dolphin. Post-war, he returned to home and served with the Royal Australian Air Force for two years before leaving to pursue a career in civil aviation. In 1940, he rejoined the R.A.A.F as a squadron leader and served as an instructor and commanding officer of 1 Rescue and Communication Flight, earning the Air Force Cross.

    Citations.

    T./2nd Lt. Alexander Augustus Norman Pentland, Gen. List and R.F.C.
    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On a recent occasion he flew to an aerodrome fifteen miles behind the enemy lines, descended to within twenty feet of the ground, and fired into eight hostile machines. On his return journey he attacked a train with considerable effect from a low altitude. He has in addition brought down several enemy machines, and has always set a splendid example of fearlessness and devotion to duty in attacking enemy balloons and troops on the ground.

    Supplement to the London Gazette, 9 January 1918 (30466/635)

    Lt. (T./Capt.) Alexander Augustus Norman Pentland, M.C.
    A gallant flight commander, who in the last three months has destroyed two enemy machines and driven down four out of control. Recently, whilst on special patrol, he, single-handed, attacked four enemy aeroplanes; having driven down one out of control, he engaged the leader, damaged his engine, and compelled him to glide to his lines. One of the remaining machines followed the leader, but he attacked the other and drove it down in a steep dive.


    Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 (30827/9202)



    Today’s highlighted casualties include:




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    Lieutenant Charles Bernard Davies (Dublin Fusiliers) dies of wounds as a prisoner of war at age 22. He played rugby football for Swansea RFC and Cardiff RFC.
    Charles Davies enrolled at Brasenose College Oxford in October 1914 and joined the Officer Training Corps. Lieutenant Davies was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and in the June of 1916 was camped near Mailly Wood in the Somme Region of the Western Front. The Battalion War Diary of the 8th and 9th of June describes the conditions he faced in the trenches:- ‘8/6/16 Rain commenced- work cleaning and draining trenches making Lewis Gun emplacements in front of parapet. Draft of 25 other ranks arrived. 9/6/16 Weather still very bad and work held up in consequence. Some overhead cover put up behind front trenches. Reconnoitring Patrol under Lt. C B Davies, LCpl Daly, Pte Dunne and Pte Hayden went out into Nomans land and only Pte. Dunne returned and he was severely wounded.


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    Sergeant Kayley Earnshaw (Duke of Wellington’s Regiment) is killed at age 36. His brother will be killed in less than one month on the first day of the battle of the Somme. Their nephew was killed on HMS Defence at Jutland 10 days ago.
    He is one of Tunstill's men.


    Driver James William Swaine (Royal Field Artillery) is shot at dawn for desertion after he overstayed his home Christmas leave in 1915.


    Western Front.

    Battle of Verdun: German attacks on Hill 304 repulsed.


    Tunstill's men.

    Bouvigny Huts.

    On a dry, but dull morning, the Battalion returned to the front line, as per the orders received the previous day. In advance of the main deployment, the Lewis Gun detachment and the Signallers moved off first, departing from 1pm and meeting their guides at 3.15pm at the junction of Ration Trench and Headquarters Trench. However, whilst taking up their positions, the Lewis Gun party was struck by a trench mortar shell; three men were injured and Sgt. Kayley Earnshaw, DCM (see 7th April), was killed outright.

    There can be no doubt that Earnshaw was highly-regarded by officers and fellow soldiers alike. The Battalion War Diary referred to him as, “a very capable man of a reserved disposition; very popular with the Lewis Gun Detachment and other ranks who knew him. He joined the Battalion on its formation and worked hard for the success of the Battalion”.
    The three men injured alongside Earnshaw were Ptes. Davey (13790), Dolan (17306) and Formby (16157). Pte. Charles Davey had been one of the Keighley recruits who had been attached to Tunstill’s Company in September 1914. It has not been possible to make a firm identification of him, and it is unclear what was the extent of his injury. However, it is known that he was formally discharged from the Army with effect from 23rd March 1917, although the cause of discharge was stated to be sickness, rather than wounds. Neither of the other men had been original members of ‘A’ Company. Pte. John Edward Dolan had enlisted in June 1915, and been posted to 10DWR in October. He was treated at no.2 General Hospital, Le Havre. The extent of his wounds and treatment are unknown, but at some point he was transferred to the Army Ordnance Corps and was discharged from the Army with effect from 28th November 1918, suffering from the effects of wounds. Pte. Joseph Alfred Formby had joined 10DWR in December 1915; he seems to have continued to serve with the Battalion and was transferred to the army reserve on 5th May 1919.

    The remainder of the relief was carried out without further incident and was completed by 11pm.
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    Sgt. Kayley Earnshaw, DCM
    (Image by kind permission of Sue Lugton)



    Pte. Tom Darwin (see 16th April), who had, earlier in the year, spent more than a month being treated for ‘debility’ and ‘myalgia’ was reported ‘absent without leave’. It is unclear exactly when Darwin went absent. It may have been that the prospect of yet another tour in the front line proved to be too much to bear; or it may have been that he was involved in the action in which Earnshaw was killed; or it may have been following the loss of Earnshaw; or indeed for another, unconnected reason.

    On the very day that Kayley Earnshaw was killed the weekly editions of both the Craven Herald and the West Yorkshire Pioneer carried news of the death of his nephew, Seaman George Earnshaw (see 31st May)

    CARLETON SAILOR'S SACRIFICE
    Another Carleton sailor is feared to have gone down with the 'Defence' viz. Seaman George Earnshaw, son of Mr. Thos. Earnshaw, of Church Street. Seaman Earnshaw, who was 18 years of age, joined the Navy about four years ago, and after spending some time in a training school at Liscard received further instruction on H.M.S. 'Powerful,' subsequently serving on the 'Defiance' and the 'Defence'. He was a very promising young fellow on the threshold of a fine career, in which Lieut. S.H. Slingsby and other members of the family were interesting themselves. In his work he was connected with the telephone service and had specialised in electricity. He made splendid progress and was 18 months ahead in his examinations. Referring to his duty in a letter, Seaman Earnshaw said: "My work is a responsible job. I am in the transmitting station down in the submerged flats and have to transmit messages to the gunners." About three weeks ago, he was home on short leave. Seaman Earnshaw was one of three brothers serving their King and Country, one of the others having seen service with General Botha in German East Africa, and the third having been eight months at the Front with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. The deceased sailor was a former chorister at Carleton Parish Church, and a member of the local troop of Boy Scouts.


    Eastern Front.

    Russians capture bridgehead at Rojishche (north of Lutsk) and cross the Strypa; 500 prisoners reported.

    Southern Front.


    Italian counter-offensive in Trentino begins; some progress made.

    Middle Eastern Front.

    Jidda (Arabia) captured by Arab forces.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    British capture Ukerewe Island (Vict. Nyanza); (German East Africa).
    The steamer Usoga lands the Baganda Rifles, East African Scouts and the machine guns of the 98th Infantry Indian Army, on the eastern end of the island which lies north-east of Mwanza. At the same time a German garrison is moved onto the island from the Musoma area to secure the rice crop. The British force immediately bayonet charges the 50-strong German advance party, forcing it back onto the mainland. The King’s African Rifles, the Uganda Battalion, have meanwhile landed farther to the west and the island is soon cleared of Schutztruppe, the rice being harvested for British troops.
    Meanwhile there is also fighting at Kondoa Irangi in German East Africa.


    Political, etc.

    Allied War Council meets in London.

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

  50. #1400

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    Nice step in and cover job on this.

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