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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #151

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    14th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    The Battles round the Yser and Ypres dying down.

    Eastern Front.

    East Prussia: Russian advance checked.
    Poland: Beginning of a new and powerful German invasion along the Vistula from Thorn as base.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    South Africa: Rebels routed at Bultfontein.
    Keupri-Keui (Armenia) retaken by Turkish forces.
    VADM Sir Goerge Patey. RN, in his flagship HMAS SYDNEY, (cruiser), rendezvoused off the Mexican coast with HMS NEWCASTLE, to block any attempt by ADML von Spee and his ships, to sail to Canada, or pass through the Panama Canal.

    Political, etc.

    Death of Field Marshal Earl Roberts in France.
    Japanese Cabinet decide against despatch of troops or warships to Europe
    In Constantinople, capital of the Ottoman Empire, the religious leader Sheikh-ul-Islam declares an Islamic holy war on behalf of the Ottoman government, urging his Muslim followers to take up arms against Britain, France, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro.

    Further information:-
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph...b_5974858.html
    http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWconcentration.htm

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

  2. #152

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    15th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Battle of Ypres: Last serious attack of the Germans (made by the Prussian Guards) beaten off.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Russians retreating before the strong German advance from Thorn, take up the line Gombin-Lodz.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians continue to advance: the Serbians fall back south-eastwards
    .
    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Mesopotamia: Skirmish between Turks and British at Sahain.

    Overseas and Naval.
    German plane crashes killing pilot.
    Two Curtiss Hydroplanes arrive from South Africa for attack on Konigsberg.

    An excerpt from the annals of the Worcestershire Regiment for 15th November 1914 - All three battalions in action at the Front.

    Rolling casualty count: 493
    1st Batt: St Vaast ‘A’ Lines: Possible to see German trenches, about 60 yards from ‘D’ Company and 250 yds from ‘A’ Company. During night incessant sniping . German shelling with High explosive shells, “Black Maria” caused considerable damage in ‘B’ Coy trench.
    2nd Batt: Relieved in the trenches by French troops (2nd Batt, 139 Reg). Marched by night over bad and broken roads via Zonnebeke thence SW along railway line to K5 on the Ypres-Zonnebeke line to small ‘L’ shaped wood where they waited dawn in the pouring rain;
    3rd Batt: Ploegsteert: In 5 trenches with Company D and half of Company B from Somersetshire L Inf. 11/2 companies in Reserve trenches to Rifle Brigade.
    Recruiting Boom: The improvement of the rate of recruiting at Norton Barracks, which set in last week, has been more than maintained this week. So far, 190 men have joined during the week, the totals being 38 on Monday, 66 on Tuesday, 38 on Wednesday, and about 50 on Thursday.
    Territorial Concert: A capital concert was given at the Territorials Recreation Room in the Public Hall, on Thursday evening. Col Dixon VD presided, and was supported by several officers. The programme consisted of excellent songs, ‘Rule Britannia’ , the national anthems of Belgium, France and Russia] and single items by the Malvern Holy Trinity Male Voice Choir, under the conductorship of Mr Frederick G Hickson. A cutlass drill exhibition was given by L-Cpl R Frost.
    The Worcestershire Yeomanry left Newbury, and entrained for the East Coast. They are now in billets. About a quarter of a million troops, a correspondent estimates, have been moved in that direction.
    Worcester Police Constable Killed: Sergt Isaac Marshall, of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, and formerly a constable in the Worcester City Police, was killed in action near Ypres. Sergt Marshall joined the Worcester Police Force as a constable in May of 1912, and was called up as a reservist and rejoined his regiment on August 5th. He went to the front almost immediately, and has been through most of the fighting since the beginning of the war... PC Marshall , who was only 29 years old, was an extremely popular officer, both with his fellow police and the public. He acted as drill instructor to the force. Much sympathy will be felt with the widow and her son, aged two years.

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

  3. #153

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    I can see my home country was a war a playground of powers those days.
    Especially interesting must have been this event:

    Overseas and Naval.
    German plane crashes killing pilot.
    Two Curtiss Hydroplanes arrive from South Africa for attack on Konigsberg.

    Konigsberg is now Kołobrzeg, a well known and nice town at the Baltic seaside. It was besieged, but not captured by Napoleonic forces in 1807. The town was announced a fortress in 1945 again.
    <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."

  4. #154

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    16th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Rains and floods put a term to the struggles on the Yser: Fighting dies down round Ypres.
    Germans fail to cross the Aisne at Vailly.
    Prince of Wales joined BEF.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Battle of Lodz begun.
    Russian rearguards defeated at Vlotslavek and Kutno.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    "Berlin", German auxiliary cruiser, interned at Trondhjem.
    HIMS Friedrich Karl sunk off Memel.
    General A Wilson in command Suez Canal zone.
    HM Collier North Wales (3,691 tons) sunk by HIMS Dresden 3 60 miles SW from Valparaiso.

    Loss of HMS Audacious (27-x-14) described in New York Press.

    Political, etc.

    Turkey: Sultan at German instigation, proclaims the "Holy War".
    Mr Asquith moved Ł225,000,000 war credit. British war expenditure estimed at Ł900,000-Ł1,000,000 a day. Parliament sanctioned additional 1,000,000 men.
    First award of VC; five officers and four men decorated.


    Additional information:-

    SMS Friedrich Carl was a German armoured cruiser built in the early 1900s for the Imperial German Navy. She was the second ship of the Prinz Adelbert Klass.


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    Friedrich Carl was built in Blohm and Voss shipyard in Hamburg. She was laid down in 1901, and completed in December 1903, at the cost of 15,665,000 Marks. She was armed with a main battery of four 21 cm (8.3 in) guns and was capable of a top speed of 20.4 kn (37.8 km/h; 23.5 mph).


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    The ship served with the German fleet after her commissioning before being used as a torpedo training ship in 1909. In August 1914 after the outbreak of war, she was brought back to active service to act as Rear Admiral Behring's flagship in the Baltic. Her wartime career was cut short on 17 November when she struck a pair of Russian mines off Memel. The mines caused fatal damage, but the ship sank slowly enough to permit the safe evacuation of most of the crew; only seven men were killed in the incident.

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

  5. #155

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    17th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    End of the first Battle of Ypres; stationary warfare now the rule.
    The attempt by the German 15th Corps on November 17--which Allied forces repulsed--marked the last movement of the battle, as the Germans thereafter confined themselves to intermittent cannon blasts against the Allied lines. Five days later, amid high winds and blizzards, fighting was suspended completely, and the First Battle of Ypres came to an end after taking the lives of more than 5,000 British and 5,000 German soldiers.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Violent conflicts round Plotsk.
    Galicia: Russians begin to recover over Carpathian Passes.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Mesopotamia: Turks decisively routed at Sahil.
    First elements of Indian Expeditionary Force "F" arrive in Egypt.

    Naval.

    Libau (Baltic) bombarded by German squadron.
    German cruiser "Friedrich Karl" sunk by mine also in the Baltic.
    Trebizond (Black Sea) bombarded by Russian squadron.

    Political, etc.

    Great Britain: Mr. Lloyd George introduces his first War Budget.

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

  6. #156

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    18th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Fighting limited to artillery duels and local skirmishes.
    Following the conclusive failure of the Schlieffen plan at the Battle of Ypres, the German government begins to reassign forces from the Western front to the Eastern front. With France and the western allies undefeated, it is now forced to maintain two fronts.

    Eastern Front.

    East Prussia: Russians defeated at Soldau.
    Poland: Russians in retreat towards Lovich.
    Galicia: Austro-German offensive from Cracow.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Armenia: Turkish offensive compels Russians to retreat.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Libau on Baltic shelled by German squadron.
    "Goeben" and "Breslau" engaged by a Russian squadron in Black Sea: the "Goeben" damaged.


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

  7. #157

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    My two cents about 16th November and Battle of Łódź, which may have come unnoticed.
    It was one of the finest examples of maneuver war in the Great War. A true first Blitzkgrieg in the history of warfare. Both armies fought bravely and the outcome was - let's say an operational, but not decisive German victory. A bloody battle it was, however. Counting per day, the number of victims was higher then during Verdun...
    It was one of the few battles long remebered and celebrated in Germany between the wars (Tannenberg and Łódź, the shining examples of von Hindenburg's abilities).
    A brave maneuver of Guards cavalry commanded by Karl Litzmann led Adolf H. to rename Łódź during the dark times of German occupation 1939-45 to "Litzmannstadt".
    Last edited by Nightbomber; 11-19-2014 at 07:48.
    <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."

  8. #158

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    Great stuff Andy.
    Thanks for that insight.
    I wish a few more chaps would add any knowledge which they may have to the pot.
    I can only scratch the surface of what is happening with this daily bulletin.
    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 11-18-2014 at 12:55.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  9. #159

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    It is a great work of yours, Rob
    Thanks for adding the Eastern Front events as well. It is curious how differently both fronts looked like
    <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."

  10. #160

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nightbomber View Post
    ... led Adolf H. to rename Łódź during the dark times of German occupation 1935-45 to "Litzmannstadt".
    1939 - 1945

    Really big fingers, comrade.
    Voilŕ le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  11. #161

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    Quote Originally Posted by Marechallannes View Post
    1939 - 1945

    Really big fingers, comrade.
    I hope I did not touch your feelings, Wingman. Frankly I had no idea what Litzmannstadt meant until I read some more about WWI battle of Łódź recently...
    <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."

  12. #162

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    No controversy on this thread please chaps.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  13. #163

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    Controversy between Sven and me? Never!
    Frankly I do not even know what big fingers mean...
    <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."

  14. #164

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    Big fingers means: You tried to press the 9 on the on the keyboard, but the finger is so big that you hit the 5 instead of the 9.

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    No controversy on this thread please chaps.
    Rob.


    No worry, Rob.
    Voilŕ le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  15. #165

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    Quote Originally Posted by Marechallannes View Post
    Big fingers means: You tried to press the 9 on the on the keyboard, but the finger is so big that you hit the 5 instead of the 9.





    No worry, Rob.

  16. #166

    Cool

    Thanks Rob & Andy for more enlightenment on some of the more obscure battles of WW1!

  17. #167

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    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    Thanks Rob & Andy for more enlightenment on some of the more obscure battles of WW1!
    I bet they didn't feel obscure to the chaps in the middle of them Baz.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  18. #168

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    19th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Renewed activity in Flanders.
    French repulse counter-attack against Tracy-le-Val (N of River Aisne).

    Eastern Front.

    Germans, under Mackenson, crossed River Bruza and drove Russians from Piontek opening the way to Lodz.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians take Valyevo: Serbians retreat..

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Early in the day the British 16th and 18th Brigades attacked the Turk fortress at Zain, Mesopotamia, in a heavy rainstorm which slowed the advance to a walk. After an accurate bombardment the fort fell, leaving over 1000 Turkish casualties; the rest of the enemy streamed away, saved only by a mirage appearing which obscured the fleeing target of the British artillery. Cavalry were unable to pursue due to the heavy mud. British casualties in the advance of 2000 yards of open ground were 353. The Turks tried hurriedly to block the river by towing a string of ships across and sinking them. However, a cable broke and left a gap wide enough for one vessel at a time to pass.


    Political etc.

    Lord Roberts's funeral at St Paul's.

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

  19. #169

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    Quote Originally Posted by Marechallannes View Post
    Big fingers means: You tried to press the 9 on the on the keyboard, but the finger is so big that you hit the 5 instead of the 9.





    No worry, Rob.
    Just today I realized my mistake with the year 1939, not 1935
    Sorry Sven
    <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."

  20. #170

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nightbomber View Post
    Just today I realized my mistake with the year 1939, not 1935
    Sorry Sven
    Ah! Now that explains everything. The last piece of the Jigsaw is in place thanks.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  21. #171

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    20th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Sir John French's fourth despatch published dealing with Battle of Ypres.
    http://www.1914-1918.net/french_fourth_despatch.html
    Excerpt from the Bedfordshire Regiment's War Diary.
    20 Oct 1914 - near Veldhoek Battalion held trenches of R.S.F.& Wilts R. while these Regiments were supporting the left flank of a Reconnaissance by 20th Bde. Battn. returned to trench in Reserve. The trenches were round & near Track junction between 7 kilo & K. of VELDHOEK. Ref.Map 1/100000. There was heavy firing during the night which was unnecessary.
    Portrait of Thomas Edward Rendle, awarded the Victoria Cross: Belgium, 20 November 1914.


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    Eastern Front.

    Poland: German attacks on Russian line from Lovich to Skiernievitse.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Egypt: The Bikanir Camel Corps beats off the Turks on the coast towards Port Said.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Admiralty announces extension of mine-field in North Sea.

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

  22. #172

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    21st November 1914

    Western Front.

    First battle of Ypres ended. All British troops now withdrawn from salient to refit. British 1st Corps between 15-x-14 and 21-xi-14 lost 197 officers and 2,424 men killed; and suffered total casualties of 839 officers and 20,874 men, German casualties in the battle were estimated by German GHQ on 14-ix-14 at 100,000.
    First "Trench Feet" cases in BEF developed during third week of November; during following winter over 20,000 men invalided from this cause.
    Allies harassed Germans entrenching on River Aisne and in Champagne.

    British air raid at Friedrichshaven; Squad-Comm Briggs, RN brought down.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans attack Russians at Lovich.
    German XXVth Reserve Corps with 3rd Prussian Guard Division heavily engaged at Rzgov, SE Lodz.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Egypt:
    Skirmish at Katiyeh (Suez Canal) between Bikanir Camel force and Bedouins.

    Mesopotamia: Basra occupied by British forces from India.
    General Sir Arthur Barrett, commanding the 6th (Poona) Division, received news from a local arab sheikh that the Turks had withdrawn and abandoned Basra. Two battalions (104th Wellesley's Rifles and 117th Mahrattas) embarked immediately and sailed to Basra. After their retreat from Basra, the Turks took up a position where they could make stand against a further British advance. The best position was at Qurna (see below).
    Basra is a city on the River Euphrates, inland from where the river flows into the head of the Persian Gulf. In 1914 it had a population of 60000, of a mixture of Christians and Muslims. The city is an island, cut off from the mainland when the rivers flood. Land communications were most difficult, with few roads along the banks of the rivers and none inland. Today the city is called Al-Basrah.
    21 November 1914
    104th Wellesley's Rifles and 117th Mahrattas entered Basra in the evening. The British officially took possession of the city on 23 November. In this action the British secured oil supplies in the Middle East: this had immense strategic implications, as this oil field supplied most of the Royal Navy's fuel. To the Turks, the loss of Basra caused more loss of face than strategic damage.

    Further Information:=
    http://www.worldnavalships.com/forum...ead.php?t=9619

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

  23. #173

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    22nd November 1914.


    Western Front.

    On November 22, 1914, the first extended battle fought between Allied and German forces in the much-contested Ypres Salient comes to an end after over one month of fighting.Trench warfare established along the whole front; artillery duels and, later, local raids.

    The first enemy aircraft is shot down by a British aircraft. Lieutenants L.A. Strange and F.G. Small in an Avro biplane of No.5 Squadron engaged a German Albatros. The Avro was fitted with a machine gun in spite of orders for Strange to desist from machinegun experiments. Two drums were emptied into the enemy aircraft, which made a forced landing behind Allied lines near Neuve-Église. The two German crew members were uninjured and were captured by the British aviators who landed nearby. The Albatros had been hit 20 times by the British fire.


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    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans approach Lodz; heavy fighting begins.
    Galicia: Russians defeat Austrians (6,000 prisoners) on front Cracow-Chernstokhov.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians pressing from Valyevo; Serbians in retreat towards south-east.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Armenia: Russians occupy Koprukeui.
    British troops enter Basra in Mesopotamia at the head of the Persian Gulf.

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

  24. #174

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    A lesson to us all - obeying orders doesn't always get the results - a little bit of insubordination keeps the top brass on their toes.....Hurrah for Lieutenants Strange and Small - am sure they had no idea what would follow in the coming years. (Obviously I can say hurrah as no person were hurt in this particular encounter)

  25. #175

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    23rd November 1914.


    Western Front.

    Ypres heavily bombard by the Germans, much damage done to the Cathedral and Cloth Hall.
    British trenches near Festubert attacked; some lost, but recovered.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Russian line shattered by Mackensen between Rzgov and Kolyushki, south-east of Lodz: critical situation.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Mesopotamia: British troops make formal entry into Basra.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Zeebrugge bombarded by British squadron.
    German submarine U.18 rammed and sunk; its crew saved.

    Political, etc.

    Portugal: Congress authorises the Government to intervene on side of Allies when and how it deems proper.

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

  26. #176

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    24th. November 1914.


    Western Front.

    Ypres, a symbol of Allied resistance, was saved. Although the crisis was over,sporadic fighting continued until 24 November, the last day of the Battle of Ypres. Casualties were severe on both sides with the loss of irreplaceable professional manpower. The British suffered losses of 50,000 men killed of wounded; the French and Germans casualties were much higher.


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    The Belfry and Cloth Hall of Ypres, Belgium, 24 November 1914. The magnificent medieval Cloth Hall was damaged by German shellfire during the First Battle of Ypres.

    Lieutenant Frank Alexander de Pass VC, 1914.

    Frank de Pass (1887-1914) was commissioned into the Royal Horse Artillery in 1906 and transferred to the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse in 1909. In 1913 he was appointed Orderly Officer to Lieutenant General Sir Percy Lake, Chief of the General Staff in India.
    On the outbreak of war in 1914 he embarked with his regiment for France, where he became the first Jewish recipient of the Victoria Cross and also the first Indian Army officer to win the award in World War One.
    According to the 'The London Gazette', De Pass was awarded the VC. on 18 February 1915, 'For conspicuous bravery near Festubert, on 24 November 1914, in entering a German sap and destroying a traverse in the face of the enemy's bombs; and for subsequently rescuing, under heavy fire, a wounded man who was lying exposed in the open'.
    Lieutenant de Pass was killed on 25 November 1914 in a second attempt to capture the trench which had been re-occupied by German troops.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Arrival of Russian reinforcements saves situation; heavy fighting round Strykov and Lodz.

    Political, etc.

    Great Britain: Royal Warrant increasing pay of subordinate Army officers.

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

  27. #177

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    25th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Arras bombarded by the Germans.

    Gazetted for VC. awards on this day.

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    Frederic Luke.VC.


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    Eastern Front
    .

    Poland: Three German Divisions nearly encircled at Lodz, escape through delay of Rennenkampf.
    Hungary raided by Russian cavalry.

    Political, etc.

    Poland: Polish National Council issues in Warsaw a manifesto emphasizing necessity of a thorough defeat of the Germans.

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

  28. #178

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    26th. November 1914.


    Western Front.

    German attacks on Missy-sur-Aisne and along the Yser Canal repulsed.

    Eastern Front.

    Bukovina: Austrians again evacuate Czernowitz.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    ADML G. E. Patey, took command of his battle squadron off the Mexican coast. It comprised of HMAS AUSTRALIA, (battle- cruiser), HMS NEWCASTLE, (cruiser), and the Japanese Ships ASAMA, IDZUMO, and HIZEN.

    A Tragic Loss - HMS Bulwark.

    H.M.S. "Bulwark" blown up in the Medway (foul play suspected - loss of 800).


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    On the 26th November, 1914 H.M.S. Bulwark was lying at her mooring in Kethole Reach to the west of Sheerness in the River Medway. On the stern at 0745 hours, the Royal Marine Band was playing and after having had their breakfast some of her crew were preparing for work on the upper deck. A few minutes later the ship was torn apart by an explosion and she quickly sank beneath the cold waters of the River Medway.

    H.M.S. Bulwark was one of three 15,000-ton 'London' class battleships ordered by the Admiralty in 1898. She was laid down at Devonport in March 1899 and due to the installation of additional technical innovations was not completed until 1902.

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

  29. #179

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    27th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Reims town and cathedral again bombarded.

    Eastern Front.

    German commander Paul von Hindenburg issues a triumphant proclamation from the battlefields of the Eastern Front, celebrating his army's campaign against Russian forces in the Polish city of Warsaw.
    Russians evacuating Lodz (Poland).


    Political, etc.

    Hindenburg promoted Field Marshal.
    Defence of the Realm Act (DORA). enacted.
    Ł350,000,000 War Loan over-subscribed.
    U.S.A.: President Wilson condemns bombardment of unfortified towns.
    The fourth Despatch of Field Marshal Sir John French, Commander in Chief of the British Armies in France and Flanders. Printed in the Second Supplement to the London Gazette of 27 November 1914. It covered the move of the BEF from the Aisne to Flanders, and the battles between La Bassee and Ypres ("First Ypres").



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    Additional information:-
    http://www.1914-1918.net/french_fourth_despatch.html
    http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/p.../p_defence.htm

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

  30. #180

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    26th. November 1914.

    A Tragic Loss - HMS Bulwark.

    H.M.S. "Bulwark" blown up in the Medway (foul play suspected - loss of 800).


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    On the 26th November, 1914 H.M.S. Bulwark was lying at her mooring in Kethole Reach to the west of Sheerness in the River Medway. On the stern at 0745 hours, the Royal Marine Band was playing and after having had their breakfast some of her crew were preparing for work on the upper deck. A few minutes later the ship was torn apart by an explosion and she quickly sank beneath the cold waters of the River Medway.

    H.M.S. Bulwark was one of three 15,000-ton 'London' class battleships ordered by the Admiralty in 1898. She was laid down at Devonport in March 1899 and due to the installation of additional technical innovations was not completed until 1902.

    Rob.
    According to Wiki, the board of inquiry determined that the cause was mishandling of ammunition :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Bulwark_(1899) .
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  31. #181

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    28th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Germans concentrate large forces for attacks on Arras.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans severely defeated near Brzezany.

    Galicia: Russians, commanded by General Brusiloff, once more secure Carpathian Passes.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Battle between Austrians and Serbians at Lazarevats.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters.

    Egypt: Turkish advance in force towards Suez Canal announced.

    East Africa.

    First VC of campaign won.(Any info on the recipient would be appreciated)

    Naval.

    British ships Goliath and Fox shelled Dar-es Salaam.

    More information:-
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph...b_5999008.html

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

  32. #182

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    29th. November 1914.

    Western Front.

    Ypres: Strong German attack repulsed.
    Argonne: French complete recovery of nearly all territory taken by the Germans 15 September - 21 October.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Germans bombard Lodz.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Evacuation of Belgrade by the Serbians begins.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German submarines appear about Havre, etc.

    Political, etc.

    The King leaves England on a visit to the Army in France.

    The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) is re-organised into wings, effectively decentralising the Service. Wings were henceforth to be attached to Army Corps. The Military Wing was abolished and the Farnborough Squadrons, Depot, Aircraft Park and Record Office were regrouped as the Administrative Wing, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel E.B. Ashmore.

    Additional information:-
    http://www.crossandcockade.com/StOme....68r8nlWV.dpbs

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

  33. #183

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    30th. November 1914.


    Western Front.

    King George visits British Front.
    Artillery duels round Dixmude, Ypres, and Arras.

    Eastern Front.

    Battle of Lodz increasing in intensity.

    Naval.

    S124, German, S90 class Torpedo Boat
    Collision with the Danish merchant ship SS Anglodane in the Baltic killing 1 crew member.

    Political, etc.

    France: The "Yellow Book" published.

    http://www.gwpda.org/papers/yellow1.htm

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

  34. #184

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    1st. December 1914.



    Western Front.

    Vermelles, near Bethune, recovered by the French.
    King George visits Indian troops; confers G.C.B. on General Joffre.
    Ist. Bttn. Highland Light Infantry. Moved to France via Egypt, landing at Marseilles 1 December 1914.



    Eastern Front.

    Fierce fighting in the suburbs of Lodz.
    The Battle of Limanowa took place from 1 December to 13 December 1914, between the
    Austro-Hungarian Army and the Russian Army near the town of Limanowa (40 kilometres (25 mi) south-east of Kraków).
    The Austro-Hungarian high command had assumed that the German success would weaken Russian forces in the north and that the Galician front would remain quiet. Both these assumptions were incorrect.In fierce battles around the towns of
    Łapanów and Limanowa, the Russian 3rd Army was beaten and forced to retreat east, ending its opportunity to reach Kraków. To avoid being surrounded, the Russian 8th Army also had to retreat, stopping its advance toward the Hungarian plains.



    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    First units of Australian and New Zealand Expeditionary Forces arrive at Suez.

    Armenia: Russians capture Sarai and Bashkal.



    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    The first British fighter aircraft, the Vickers EB5 Gunbus, enters service with the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

    South Africa: Surrender of De Wet.
    General de Wet, the leader of South African rebellion, captured by Union troops.

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

  35. #185

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    2nd December 1914.


    Western Front.

    Germans try to cross Yser on rafts, south of Dixmude; decisively repulsed.
    French occupy Lesmenils (Moselle) and Burnhaupt (Alsace).

    Eastern Front.

    Hungary: Russians occupy Bartfeld.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians occupy Belgrade; Serbians begin counter-offensive in Suvobor region.

    Political, etc.

    Speech by Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg blaming Britain for the war.
    Ireland: Seditious paper seized in Dublin.

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

  36. #186

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    3rd. December 1914.

    Western Front.

    French progress towards Altkirch (Alsace).
    On 3 December the commanding officer of IV Corps, and one New Zealand Tunneling Company arrived on the Western Front.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Battle of the Ridges (Rudnik Malyen) begins.
    After the fall of Belgrade, the Serbs retreated into the mountainous interior, aiming to overextend the Austrians. On 3 December, with the Austrians trapped against the flooded River Kolubra, and having received supplies from France, the Serbs launched their counterattack, and broke the Austrian line. The Austrians were able to retreat, covered by gunships on the Danube, leaving the Serbs free to liberate Belgrade (15 December). The Austrians lost half of the 450,000 troops used on this invasion of Serbia.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters.

    3rd December 1914 - Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) disembark in Egypt to complete their training after it is decided conditions in Britain are unsuitable.
    At the juncture of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Turkish Mesopotamia (now Southern Iraq), an Anglo-Indian force advanced on the town of Al-Qurnah.

    Political, etc.

    At Hazebrouck in the arrondissement of Dunkirk, near the French border with Belgium, Britain’s King George V and Belgium’s King Albert attend a “march past” of Belgian troops.
    Italy: Prime Minister defines attitude towards the war.

    Further information:-

    http://www.historyofwar.org/articles...s_kolubra.html

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Qurna

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

  37. #187

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    4th December 1914.


    Western Front.

    French strengthen hold on Vermelles, and capture Langemarck in Belgium.
    Germans repulsed in Argonne.


    Eastern Front.

    Galicia: Russians advancing more on Cracow, occupy Vieliczka.


    Southern Front.

    Serbian counter-attack in Battle of Ridges.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    South Africa: Rebels heavily defeated near Reitz by Botha culminating in the capture of 900 rebels.

    British force, with naval flotilla, failed to take Kurna (Tigris), 50 miles N of Basra. Mezera destroyed by HM ships.

    Grand Fleet's mine-sweeping gunboats detached from Scapa to Sheerness for service on Belgian coast.


    Political, etc.

    Belgium: King George in France inspected British GHQ visited Belgian HQ and invested King Albert with Garter.

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

  38. #188

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    5th. December 1914.


    Western Front.

    Reims once again bombarded.

    French airmen bomb air sheds at Freiburg-in-Breisgau.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians defeated on the Ridges with loss of 15,000 prisoners and 19 guns.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    South Africa: Rebels offer to negotiate; Botha demands unconditional surrender.

    Political.

    11 Corps HQ. 5 December 1914.

    II Corps HQ [General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien] issued an instruction to commanders of all Divisions: "It is during this period that the greatest danger to the morale of troops exists. Experience of this and of every other war proves undoubtedly that troops in trenches in close proximity to the enemy slide very easily, if permitted to do so, into a "live and let live" theory of life...officers and men sink into a military lethargy from which it is difficult to arouse them when the moment for great sacrifices again arises...the attitude of our troops can be readily understood and to a certain extent commands sympathy...such an attitude is however most dangerous for it discourages initiative in commanders and destroys the offensive spirit in all ranks...the Corps Commander therefore directs Divisional Commanders to impress on subordinate commanders the absolute necessity of encouraging offensive spirit... friendly intercourse with the enemy, unofficial armistices, however tempting and amusing they may be, are absolutely prohibited".

    Entente démarche in Athens, Sofia, and Bukharest to secure help for Serbia Serbian Government declare that Serbia will never make peace without Allied consent.

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

  39. #189

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    6th December 1914.


    Western Front.

    Long-distance (22 miles?) bombardment of Dunkirk by the Germans.

    Eastern Front.

    Poland: Russians evacuate Lodz and withdraw towards the Bzura-Ravka lines.
    The Battle of Łódź took place from November 11 to December 6, 1914, near the city of Lodz in Poland. It was fought between the German Ninth Army and the Russian First, Second, and Fifth Armies, in appalling winter conditions.

    Southern Front.

    Serbia: Austrians in disorderly flight from the Ridges towards the frontier.
    Battle of the Kolubara ends. Austrian forces routed by the Serbians and driven northwards (see 3rd).
    Rumanian Government decline to guarantee Greece against German attack.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Damaged German submarine U.16 enters Esbjerg Harbour (Denmark).

    Political, etc.

    The Pope tries to bring about a Christmas Truce.


    Further info:-
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_...in_World_War_I


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

  40. #190

    Thumbs up

    Great stuff Rob!
    Please keep this up as I am really enjoying it!

  41. #191

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    Cheers Chris.
    Makes it all worth continuing with then.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  42. #192

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    This is awesome stuff Rob - maybe we should look at sharing the workload - have a weekly rota or some such - appreciate it is one hell of an effort to keep going without a break every day

  43. #193

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    It's not so bad once you sort out a few sources that you can rely upon.
    Then its just a matter of assembly of things in the right order.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  44. #194

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    7th. December 1914.

    Western Front.

    Vain German efforts to cross the Yser near Pervyse.
    Indian Expeditionary Force completed by arrival of Sirhind Brigade from Egypt.

    Eastern Front.

    Second Battle for Warsaw begun by the Germans.
    Russian attacks in East Prussia.
    Galicia: Northern sector of the forts of Cracow bombarded by the Russians.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Mesopotamia: British success at Mezera.
    Turks driven back south of Batoum (Transcaucasia).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    South Africa: Rebel General Beyers defeated at Bothaville and drowned on his flight in the Vaal River.

    Political, etc.

    British Envoy (Sir H. Howard) appointed to the Vatican.
    French Bourse re-opens.

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

  45. #195

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    8th. December 1914.


    Western Front.

    Long-distance bombardment of Fumes by the Germans.

    Southern Front.

    Austrians completely defeated south of Belgrade (Battle of Rudnik Ridges).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    South Africa: Collapse of rebellion; 1,200 rebels surrender.

    Battle of Falkland Islands, Admiral Sturdee sinks most of German squadron.
    The Battle of the Falklands, 8 December 1914, saw the defeat of a squadron of German cruisers under Admiral Maximilian von Spee. On 1 November von Spee’s squadron of five modern cruisers had defeated a small British squadron under Admiral Chris Cradock, at the Battle of Coronel , sinking two British cruisers with the loss of all hands.
    The defeat had caused outrage in Britain. The new First Sea Lord, Sir John Fisher, responded by reinforcing British naval squadrons around the Atlantic, while the Japanese navy moved ships across the Pacific to prevent von Spee from escaping back into the Pacific.


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    The main 8'2 inch guns of SMS Scharnhorst.

    Before the victory at Coronel von Spee had decided to move his squadron from the Pacific to the South Atlantic. After the battle he stuck to that plan, and by the start of December was in the Atlantic. Once there, he decided to attack the British coaling station on the Falkland Islands.


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    Maximilian von Spee, 1861-1914.


    This was a serious error of judgement. The inevitable British response to the defeat at Coronel saw the formation of a new South American Squadron to replace the one lost at Coronel. Commanded by Vice-Admiral Doveton Sturdee.



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    Vice-Admiral Doveton Sturdee 1859-1925.


    This new squadron was built around two battle-cruisers, HMS Invincible and HMS Inflexible.

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    HMS Invincible.

    Sturdee also had three armoured cruisers, two light cruisers and the Canopus, an elderly battleship that had been too slow take part in the disastrous expedition to Coronel. The two battle-cruisers were a match for the German squadron, faster and with 12-inch guns (compared to von Spee’s 8-inch guns). The battle-cruisers gained a bad reputation later in the war in clashes against German dreadnaughts, where their lack of armour left then vulnerable, but they were ideal for use against von Spee’s cruisers.
    On 8 December von Spee approached the Falklands and discovered the British squadron. A long chase followed, but in the early afternoon Sturdee’s battle-cruisers had caught up with von Spee’s fleet. In an attempt to win time for the rest of his ships to escape, von Spee decided to fight with his two biggest ships, the Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau. Inevitably the two German cruisers were sunk, with heavy losses. Of his remaining three ships, the Nurnberg and Leipzig were caught and sunk by Studee’s cruisers. Only the Dresden escaped, remaining at large until March 1915.
    The battle of the Falklands and the destruction of the Dresden ended the German presence on the high seas. A number of armed merchantmen would slip through the Allied blockade but the main German naval threat outside the north sea would come from the U-boats.

    Political, etc.

    Great Britain: Trial of Ahlers for high-treason commenced.

    For more information:-
    http://www.sunderlandecho.com/histor...land-1-6799029


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

  46. #196

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    9th. December 1914.


    Eastern Front.

    Battle for Warsaw; heavy fighting round Mlava and Petrokov.

    Southern Front.

    Serbians re-occupy Valyevo.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Mesopotamia: Turks evacuate Qurna.
    Qurna occupied by British forces.

    Political, etc.

    Ahlers convicted.


    Australia Special Edition.

    WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 1914.

    NEWS OF THE DAY.

    It is stated that risk of depriving Australasia of the services of so many of its leading practitioners for any extended period has been appreciated by the Defence Department, and there is authority for stating that Senator Pearce, the Minister for Defence, has approved of certain of the doctors returning to the Commonwealth at the end of one year's service.
    Their places will be filled, if necessary, by volunteers, for whom no room could be found in the first instance.

    CURRENT NEWS.

    A proposition was recently placed before Mr. Holman, the State Premier, for the establishment of a State Bureau of breeding for the purpose of encouraging the breeding of remounts for the army, somewhat on the lines of the Canadian Bureau of breeding.
    The Canadian Bureau is conducted by private enterprise, and Field-Marshal Sir John French is one of its directors. German buyers not long ago visited Canada in quest of remounts for officers.
    They were met with the inflexible rule, however, that horses fit for war services could not be sold to any foreign buyer until Canada and Great Britain had been supplied.
    The matter being one which concerns more properly the Commonwealth, the author of the scheme has been referred to the Commonwealth Government.

    ALLIES ADVANCE. SUPERIORITY MAINTAINED.

    Paris, Tuesday.
    The latest communique state that the Germans bombarded Oostduinkerke, four kilometres west of Nieuport.
    There has been a marked advance in the region of Le Quesnoy towards Mons, in Belgium.
    A previous communique states:- "We attacked a few trenches on the left bank of the Yser, which are still in the enemy’s hands.
    The superiority of our offensive at Armentieres and Arras, on the Oise, and the Aisne, and in the Argonne, is maintained.
    “Our heavy artillery gained a marked advantage in the Champagne district.”

    END OF THE EMDEN. SWIFT RETRIBUTION.

    Alexandria, Monday.
    Further details of the destruction of the Emden by the Sydney show that the Sydney was scarcely out of sight of the other vessels when she signalled them that she had sighted the Emden.
    Later, she signalled that the action was progressing favourably.
    The final signal was: "Emden out of action," and when it was received it provided great enthusiasm.
    The Australian and New Zealand troops have created a profound impression in Egypt, and especially their magnificent physique.

    IN VICTORIA.

    Melbourne, Tuesday.
    Senator Pearce, the Minister for Defence, has ordered reductions in the pay of chaplains connected with the Expeditionary Forces. In future they will only have the rank and pay of captains.
    Quartermaster and Lieut. H. T. Ellis (Victoria), of the A.F.A. Brigade, and the troop under the command of Captain Rushall (Victoria), now officially designated the Australian Mounted Training Corps, have been detailed by the Army Council for special duties which they have been carrying out for some time.
    The nature of the duties and the locality of their performance are to remain strictly secret, but they are very important and carry great responsibility.

    Enlistments on this day …

    (From Embarkation Rolls)
    Private Roland Little, West Maitland, 1st Division Signal Company, 5th Reinforcements
    Trooper Lyle Hugh Florian O'Neill, Cessnock, 6th Australian Light Horse Regiment, 4th Reinforcements
    Private James Norman Stapleton, Wallsend, 9th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Reinforcements
    Private Albert George Wiggins, Newcastle, 3rd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements.

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

  47. #197

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    Dear Rob, as always, excellent reading.

  48. #198

    Thumbs up

    Great stuff Rob!
    Especial thanks for the Australian sections.
    I really love the look of those WW1 Battle Cruisers. Seminal Naval Ships the like of which was not seen again.

  49. #199

    Default

    Glad you are enjoying the thread so far chaps.
    I expect it will be all over by Christmas.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  50. #200

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    10th. December 1914.


    Western Front.

    Ypres once again attacked fiercely, but vainly, by Germans.

    French advance near Perthes (Champagne).

    Eastern Front.

    Austrians defeated near Cracow with loss of 4,000 prisoners.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German submarines attack Dover. U11 lost.

    HMSS Benbow and Emperor of India joined 4th Battle Squadron at Scapa.

    The British arrive outside Basra and the Turkish main army retreats, leaving only a few hundred troops to guard the city. The British attack and within an hour the remaining Turkish troops are defeated and the British occupy the city.

    General Gorges enters a more open undulating country intersected by wooded valleys and ravines in the Cameroons. His advance is strenuously opposed until he reaches Kilometer 150, where a German officer under a white flag is brought to him with a letter from his commander surrendering the rail-head at Nkongsamba and Bare which are just ahead. When the British occupy the towns they find among their spoils of war five locomotives, fifty pieces of rolling stock, quantities of stores, tools, fuel, harnesses, and two new airplanes, complete in every detail. There is also a large stock of tinned food, champagne, beer, hams, leberwurst, and a good supply of sheep, pigs, and poultry. Gorges sends the prisoners, along with the women, children and missionaries down the line to Douala.

    Sub Lieutenant Herbert Dennis Cutler RNR crashes his seaplane in the Rufiji River while on a reconnaissance over SMS Konigsberg and is made a prisoner of war. Midshipman Gallehawk is sent in search of Cutler with an armed party of seamen in a steam launch escorted by the tug Helmuth. Though he finds no sign of Cutler he discovers the seaplane and succeeds in towing it back to the mouth of the Rufiji under heavy fire, though by the time he reaches the Chatham, the machine is so badly shot up that is will never fly again.

    "Nurnberg" sunk by Sturdee's squadron.

    Political, etc.

    France: Government returns to Paris from Bordeaux.
    Germany: Von Falkenhayn definitely supersedes von Moltke.
    .
    General Botha on suppression of S African rebellion; "Now more than ever it is for the people of S Africa to practice the wise policy of forgive and forget."

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

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