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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #351

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    17th March 1915.


    Western Front.

    Further German attacks at St Eloi repulsed.

    The French Fourth Army made a few gains on the slopes of the hills of Eastern Champagne, but the smaller German Third Army demonstrated the advantages bestowed by the machine-gun and the trench on the defence. Although the fierce and bloody fighting was finally halted on 17 March with the French (like the Germans) having lost some 90,000 men, Joffre was determined to launch another attack as soon as possible.

    The 16th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers move forward, encountering no opposition due to the beginning of German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line.

    Home Front.

    Members of the suffragette movement, led by Mrs Pankhurst, march through London to demonstrate to the Minister of Munitions their willingness to help in any war service.


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    Zeppelin Raids on Britain. A four-airship raid ran into fog and was abandoned, one airship bombing Calais and being damaged on landing.

    1st Btn. Border Regiment sailed from Avon-mouth for Gallipoli, going via Egypt and Mudros. Landed at Cape Helles 25 April 1915.

    Eastern Front.

    Austrians, reinforced, try to cross the river Pruth in Bukovina.

    Southern Front.

    Sir Ian Hamilton at Tenedos met French commander General d'Amade.

    Approaches to Dardanelles swept by Allied minesweepers.





    Naval and overseas.

    US notified that British cruiser cordon would effectively control all passage to and from Germany.


    HMSS Nemesis and Nymphe in collision in North Sea; both docked.



    Rob.
    Attached Images  
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 03-17-2015 at 06:48.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  2. #352

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Western Front.
    The 16th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers move forward, encountering no opposition due to the beginning of German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line.
    Not possible in 1915, as the Hindenburg Line withdrawl didn't occur until 1917. Hm...

  3. #353

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    Correct. thanks Sam. Source material wrong.

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

  4. #354

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    "Flower" class corvettes were in WW2, not WW1; first ordered in 1939.

    A minesweeper HMS Mignonette was sunk by a mine off Ireland on St Patrick's Day, but in 1917, not 1915 http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?14882

  5. #355

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Helmut View Post
    "Flower" class corvettes were in WW2, not WW1; first ordered in 1939.

    A minesweeper HMS Mignonette was sunk by a mine off Ireland on St Patrick's Day, but in 1917, not 1915 http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?14882
    Well that's it then. There was no information from my usual reliable sources for today, so I had to look at other snippets and they are obviously spurious.
    I was going to finish this when I start Jury service next week as I'm going to be too busy to do any Wings stuff until that is over. Not many people are reading the posts any more, and finding stuff is getting hard to come by. Things should look up when the big events unroll. Air warfare will start to gain impetus soon, so if anybody would like to take over after next weekend feel free to do so.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  6. #356

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    Those of us that do read these posts greatly appreciate them!

  7. #357

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Not many people are reading the posts any more, and finding stuff is getting hard to come by.
    I'm sure those of us reading greatly appreciate your work, and would miss it.
    Come on Lads; let's get the WingCo a G&T (or three)
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  8. #358

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    I'm sure those of us reading greatly appreciate your work, and would miss it.
    Come on Lads; let's get the WingCo a G&T (or three)
    Karl
    Agreed!
    Sounds like a plan!

  9. #359

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Helmut View Post
    "Flower" class corvettes were in WW2, not WW1; first ordered in 1939.

    A minesweeper HMS Mignonette was sunk by a mine off Ireland on St Patrick's Day, but in 1917, not 1915 http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?14882
    I went an checked my copy of "Jane's Fighting Ships" for 1919 to check my memory: yes, the "Flower" class of the first world war were listed as "Fleet-Sweeping Vessels (Sloops)"; HMS Mignonette was indeed one of these. And the same source lists the vessel as lost due to mine strike on 17 March, 1917.

    Good catch, Tim.

  10. #360

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    Oh, and I am so tempted to take over the listings, history is one of my "special" interests. Not entirely sure I have the time, though. But the job is so tempting. But time. But the job is so tempting. But time...

  11. #361

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    I'm sure those of us reading greatly appreciate your work, and would miss it.
    Come on Lads; let's get the WingCo a G&T (or three)
    Karl
    Lets get him a whole Barrel of Gin!
    He will need it whilst on Jury Duty.

  12. #362

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    HMS Mignonette was an Arabis class minesweeping sloop, which were part of an earlier Flower class, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabis-class_sloop
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  13. #363

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Helmut View Post
    "Flower" class corvettes were in WW2, not WW1; first ordered in 1939.

    A minesweeper HMS Mignonette was sunk by a mine off Ireland on St Patrick's Day, but in 1917, not 1915 http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?14882
    Actually there was a Flower class (IIRC four sub classes) in WW1 as well. They started as fleet minesweepers but were adapted for convoy escort and ASW, hence were reclassified as sloops. Like their WW2 namesakes they were designed to be built quickly in civilian yards.

  14. #364

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    18th March 1915.


    Western Front.

    Violent indecisive fighting between Four-de-Paris and Bolante.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians occupy Memel (East Prussia).
    Continued Austrian attacks repulsed in the Carpathians and Bukovina.

    Southern Front.

    British and French forces launch an ill-fated naval attack on Turkish forces in the Dardanelles, the narrow, strategically vital strait in northwestern Turkey separating Europe from Asia.
    Despite two forts being destroyed,
    H.M.S. "Ocean", H.M.S. Irresistible, and French warship Bouvet were sunk and the French warship Gaulois damaged.


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    Irresistible sinking.

    More info:-

    http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles...lles_mar15.htm

    Middle Eastern Front.

    General Sir John Nixon appointed Commander-in-Chief British Forces in Mesopotamia.


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    Sir John Nixon.

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    Sir John Nixon and Staff. 1914.


    Political, etc.

    Romania calls up seven classes (1909-1915).

    British Government conclude agreement with American cotton interests that cotton should be contraband.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 03-18-2015 at 02:50.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  15. #365

    Default 19 March 1915

    Note 1: this is just a quickie, what I can find before I head off to work today, there should be others.
    Note 2: I am not entirely sure, due to time zone differences that these are technically for 19 March: could be the day before or the day after.

    Southern Front.
    Ottoman Empire celebrates the victory over the Allies; March 18th will be remembered as “Martyr’s Day” in Turkey.
    Due to heavy losses in the Dardanelles, Admiral de Robeck orders a “general recall” and retreats.

    Political.
    U.S. State Department announces that it has secured an agreement with Britain, Germany, and Austria to inspect their POW camps.

  16. #366

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    Thanks very much for the input Sam.
    I am trying to get the thread taken over by Hedeby as he started it and offered to do it whilst I was away. As this is a thread on the U.K. sub forum mainly intended for home consumption, I feel it only fair to offer it around the British Wing first.
    If there are no takers for the time that I am on Jury service I would be most grateful of your services, if doing the write up each day is not too much time and effort for you. Your time differential is no problem, as we are still on the 19th for the next 5.5 hours.
    My Jury service starts on 23rd March and goes on for at least two weeks.
    Thanks very much for your help so far.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  17. #367

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    19th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans attack heavily in the Vosges.
    Fighting on Reichackerkopf and Hart*mannsweilerkopf.

    Eastern Front.

    Austrian sortie from Przemsyl fails.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Bad weather stops operations.
    Hamilton cables Kitchener: ‘It must be a deliberate and progressive military operation’. Admiral Robeck agrees on March 26.


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    General Hamilton.


    Political, etc.

    Thirty-four Trade Unions agree to expedite munitions output.
    Dutch Government lodge protest against blockade policy of the Entente.

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

  18. #368

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Well that's it then. There was no information from my usual reliable sources for today, so I had to look at other snippets and they are obviously spurious.
    I was going to finish this when I start Jury service next week as I'm going to be too busy to do any Wings stuff until that is over. Not many people are reading the posts any more, and finding stuff is getting hard to come by. Things should look up when the big events unroll. Air warfare will start to gain impetus soon, so if anybody would like to take over after next weekend feel free to do so.
    Don't worry Wingco I will take over the daily updates whilst you are off dispensing justice, after all I started this in the first place so only right and proper that I pick up the reins in your absence

  19. #369

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    Good on you, Chris, I am one of those who do closely follow this thread.

  20. #370

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    Thank you to both of you for your help in this matter. I just hope that I don't get stuck with a long trial.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  21. #371

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    20th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans regain some trench elements near Notre Dame de Lorette.

    During night of 20-21 march 1915, 4 zeppelins attacked and bombed Paris. They were ZX ( LZ 29 ), Z XI ( LZ 30 ), Z XII ( LZ 26 ) and LZ 35.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians attack, taking 2,400 prisoners, near Smolnik.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Violent storm.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German south-west Africa: General Botha defeats German force at Riet, on the Swakop.


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    General Botha.

    Political.

    Just two days after its navy suffered a demoralizing defeat against Turkish forces at the Dardanelles, the British government signs a secret agreement with Russia regarding the hypothetical post-World War I division of the former Ottoman Empire.
    By the terms of the agreement, signed on March 20, 1915, Russia would annex the Turkish stronghold of Constantinople, the Bosporus Strait (a waterway connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and marking the boundary between the Asian and European halves of Turkey), and more than half of the European section of Turkey. Britain also promised Russia future control of the Dardanelles (the crucially important strait connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean)—which the British navy had unsuccessfully attacked two days earlier—and the Gallipoli peninsula, the target of a major Allied military invasion (which would also result in failure) launched late the following month. In return, Russia would agree to British claims on other areas of the former Ottoman Empire and central Persia, including the oil-rich region of Mesopotamia.
    British Government guarantee Greece eventual cession of Lemnos by Turkey.

    Italy’s price for joining the Triple Alliance: After a long delay the Allies respond to Italy’s terms that they cannot accept complete Italian control of the Adriatic (because of Russia’s continuing support for Serbia).

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

  22. #372

    Default Missed entry we should have made

    For 18 march 1915

    HMS Dreadnought, yes, the ever-so-famous battleship, rammed & sank U-29 will the loss of all hands. Among those killed was the commander, Otto Weddigen. Weddigen was Germany's first U-boat hero, having sunk the armored cruisers HMS Aboukir, Hogue & Cressy on 22 September, 1914: and then, the cruiser HMS Hawke and several merchant ships. A brief biography can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Weddigen

  23. #373

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    The only time that a battleship has sunk a submarine

  24. #374

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    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    For 18 march 1915

    HMS Dreadnought, yes, the ever-so-famous battleship, rammed & sank U-29 will the loss of all hands. Among those killed was the commander, Otto Weddigen. Weddigen was Germany's first U-boat hero, having sunk the armored cruisers HMS Aboukir, Hogue & Cressy on 22 September, 1914: and then, the cruiser HMS Hawke and several merchant ships. A brief biography can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Weddigen
    Quote Originally Posted by David Manley View Post
    The only time that a battleship has sunk a submarine
    Makes sense that this would be a rare event, but one of which I was unaware. Very cool.

  25. #375

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    21st March 1915.


    Western Front.

    French regain lost trench elements near Notre Dame de Lorette.
    Severe fighting at Bagatelle (the Argonne).

    Over night the first German airship raid on Paris took place.
    Three German Zeppelins carried out the bombing raid on Paris and its suburbs, killing one and injuring eight.


    Eastern Front.

    Germans re-occupy Memel.
    Germans abandon attack on Osovyets and withdraw their artillery.

    Southern Front.


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    TB.064, torpedo boat (above, TB.057, close sister-ship - Photo Ships), Yarrow 125ft-type, c87t, 1886, 19kts, 2-3pdr/5-14in tt, 16 crew, Mediterranean-based patrol boat with TB’s 063 and 070, Chief Gunner James Cottrell in command, serving with Dardanelles forces waiting for weather to clear for bombardment to continue, strong NE gales. Night of 21st - Ran aground and wrecked E side of Lemnos island; no lives lost.

    Naval and overseas.

    Dutch ss Batavier V and Zaanstroon seized at sea and taken to Zeebrugge by Germans.
    Belgian Relief Ship ss Strathfillan bombed by aircraft off North Hinder; missed.
    Two other steamers also bombed by German aircraft in North Sea; missed.

    Political, etc.

    Italian military attaché leaves Vienna.

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

  26. #376

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    Thank you for agreeing to take over this thread whilst Rob is on jury service, Chris.

  27. #377

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    22nd March 1915.

    Western Front.

    Two Zeppelins again attack Paris.

    Eastern Front.

    Capitulation of Przemsyl to the Russians.
    The Russians capture 126,000 Austrians and 700 big guns at Przemysl in Galicia. This marks the culmination of a series of winter battles between the Austrians and Russians to secure the strategic Carpathian Mountain passes and opens the way for a Russian invasion of Hungary. Realizing this, the Germans and Austrians make plans to combine their troops and launch a major spring offensive.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: The Allied naval command decides to postpone any further naval attempt on the straits until land forces are brought into the attack from collection bases around the eastern Mediterranean.
    Hamilton and de Robeck decide to then make an amphibious landing on the Gallipoli peninsula.

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    Admiral de Robeck & General Hamilton.


    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Turkish raiding forces discovered near El Kubri (Suez).

    Naval.

    The cargo ship Concord was torpedoed and sunk in the Channel 9 nautical miles south east by east of the Royal Sovereign Lightship) by SM. U-34. Her crew survived.
    First kite-balloon ship, H.M.S. "Manica" commissioned.

    Political.

    Chinese and Japanese Governments conclude secret agreement as to future policy in Manchuria.

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

  28. #378

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    Was looking up about Concord and came across this page on wiki that may help the cause - you can change the month/year to your needs.

    "He is wise who watches"

  29. #379

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    Cheers Dave.
    That is one of the links I've passed on to Chris.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  30. #380

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    First kite-balloon ship, H.M.S. "Manica" commissioned.
    Ah, there's a significant development in naval-air operations.

  31. #381

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    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    Ah, there's a significant development in naval-air operations.
    I wonder which genius at the Admiralty failed to cancel that project Sam.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  32. #382

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    23rd March 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans bombard Reims and Soissons; French silence the German guns at Soissons.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Bombardment resumed.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Zion Mule Corp forms.


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    Turkish raiding forces routed by British near El Kubri.
    On 22nd March an infantry patrol moving from Kubri Post encountered a force of some 400 men north-east of that post at dawn. The enemy withdrew on being engaged by troops from the nearest posts, and a subsequent aerial reconnaissance discovered a force of some 800 infantry and 200 mounted men with guns about 10 miles east of the Canal.

    From the report furnished it appeared that the Turks were entrenching and intended to stay, and, consequently, orders were issued for a column, consisting of 2 squadrons Hyderabad Lancers, 1/5th Lancashire Battery R..F.A. (T.F.), detachment Bikanir Camel Corps, 51st and 53rd Sikhs, and ½ battalion 1/5th Gurkhas, to move out next day to engage and drive off the enemy.

    This column, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Boisragon, V.C., moved out from Kubri at daylight (23rd), and attacked the enemy in an entrenched position some 10 miles east of the Canal. After some resistance the enemy fled hastily, leaving behind a quantity of equipment and rifle ammunition, the heavy going across the sandhills preventing our cavalry from cutting off their retreat. Our casualties on 22nd and 23rd were 5 killed and 19 wounded (Indian ranks). The enemy's losses were estimated at about 50.


    Political, etc.

    Seizure of "Dacia" declared valid by French court.

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

  33. #383

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    From tomorrow this column will be taken over by the Editor in Chief "Hedeby" until I return.
    Meantime thanks to all my readers for their loyalty and supportive comments.
    Sub Editor FO Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  34. #384

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    Rob;
    I hope your service to the Crown is short and uneventful.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  35. #385

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    Thanks Karl.
    So do I.When i was younger I would have looked forward to it, but now I'm not so sure.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  36. #386

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    I second Karl's words. Hopefully the time will pass quickly and be uneventful.

  37. #387

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    So do I.When i was younger I would have looked forward to it, but now I'm not so sure.
    Just don't apply the first rule of Mah Jongg: "No matter what you do, it will be wrong."
    It's almsost time for the spring crop of Allied 1915 Offensives, so the updates will be getting complex.
    Last edited by zenlizard; 03-24-2015 at 16:12.

  38. #388

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    Right, the Wing Commander is off dispensing justice, so once again I find myself at the helm for this vital task... I hope I can do as good a job as Rob...

    Naval and Overseas Operations

    British Naval airmen raid Hoboken (near Antwerp).
    The Italian Nembo Class destroyer 'Turbine' is sunk by the Austro Hungarian Novara Class Scout Cruiser SMS Helgoland and two destroyers in the Adriatic Sea

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    Political, etc.

    Chile protests against violation of her territorial waters by the British at the battle of Juan Fernandez.

    Meanwhile in the Dardanelles
    The Turkish ask their trusted German advisor, Liman von Sanders, to take command of the Turkish troops defending the straits, which he agrees to do. [Burg & Purcell]

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    Following lengthy and protracted talks between the Admiralty and the General on the spot it was decided to move the British army base, therefore all the troops, except the 3rd Australian Brigade and the Marines, began at once to leave for Egypt, the General sailed on March 24, and with the departure of army headquarters, the first stage of the ill-fated enterprise came to an end despite Elements of No.3 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service, arriving at Tenedos aerodrome with 18 aircraft of varying types to support operations in the Dardanelles. A case of too little too late...

    On the Western Front

    On 24 March 1915, several days after the failed offensive at Neuve-Chapelle, General Joffre made an official request to his counterpart General French for the British Army to take part in a huge offensive he was planning in Artois at the beginning of May. French agreed without reserve.

    The aim of the offensive was to break through the German line north of Arras. The main thrust of the attack was to be made by the 10th French Army on Vimy Ridge and two supporting attacks on the flanks would, it was hoped, secure the heights of Lorette Spur, to the north-west and other high ground to the east of Arras. If everything went according to plan, they should be able to advance into the coal basin.

    The British were scheduled to attack the day after the French assault, on a sector of the plain around Neuve-Chapelle which had already been the scene of much fighting in March. The idea was for the British and Indian units to take Aubers Ridge, an almost imperceptible relief in the flat landscape which nevertheless provided the Germans with a good view of the Allied lines, in a pincer attack which would close in from the north and south of Neuve-Chapelle.

    The French offensive was, for the first time, preceded by a long bombardment lasting several days. The effect of surprise was abandoned in favour of the bludgeoning that could be inflicted on the German defences by the large-calibre shells. On the other hand, the British remained faithful to the tactic of a brief (in this case lasting forty minutes) but intense bombardment to flatten the barbed wire entanglements, dislocate the German front line and damage the fortified areas of the second line. Aeroplanes were used to guide artillery fire and bomb targets in the enemy's rear, especially the railways. Two tunnels were dug across no man's land, a distance of 100 metres, to plant mines weighing approximately one ton under the German front line.

    Meanwhile in Cloud Cuckoo Land (as reported by the Telegraph on 24/03/1915)

    A French correspondent has managed to procure an interview with B.E.F. commander Sir John French, and this formed the centrepiece of today’s news (page 9), no wonder, given the tenor of the article. Whilst stressing that his men needed “munitions, more munitions, always more munitions” he was persuaded that they were in a better state than the Germans, who he believed were showing signs of having to ration theirs, and combined with falling morale and food issues, as well as French and Russian success, he believed that it would not be a protracted war, and that “definite victory awaits us.”
    However, the Telegraph warned readers in a leader on page 8 not to be complacent. German officers would probably be saying the same thing it admitted, and whilst it agreed with the positive signs, it seized on the sentence about munitions as a trumpet-call for fresh exertions in the production of these, particularly as it believed the need for more and more munitions was a “fact which has yet to be fully grasped by the workers of Great Britain.”

    The accompanying picture from the newspaper

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    The Eastern Front

    The Russians capture the fortress of Przemysl following an assault on the 22nd March

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    Przemyśl Fortress (Austro-Hungarian soldiers pictured in the ruins after its recapture by the Central Powers, June 1915)
    The Austro-Hungarian fortress of Przemyśl in Galicia (present-day Poland) fell to Russian forces on March 22nd 1915 after a siege lasting more than four months.
    Last edited by Hedeby; 03-24-2015 at 16:40.

  39. #389

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    Just seen looking through the research material that the Fokker Eindecker is about to make an appearance..... watch this space

  40. #390

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    Meanwhile in Cloud Cuckoo Land...

    You really couldn't make it up could you?

    In a dug-out in the Western Front...

    "Good news Baldrick...the war won't go for long!"

    "That's good Mr B. We're running low on the special coffee."

    "Unfortunately, the only tiny fly in the ointment...if we ignore the special coffee...the only thing which may prevent our sure and certain glorious victory are the workers of Britain!"

    "If you say so Mr B...it's funny you mentioned flies..."

    "Baldrick, do not finish what you are about to say. That's an order!"

    "Yes, Mr B"

    "Apparently, the workers don't know a war is going on. No one's mentioned it - so they're not working hard at making munitions. Maybe they think the shell cases are brass umbrella stands...your sister works in a munitions factory, does she not Baldrik?"

    "That she does, Mr B"

    "According to the Telegraph, the reason we're not winning this war is your sister. I should write her a letter and ask her to sort out the war!"

  41. #391

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    [QUOTE=Hedeby;341790]Right, the Wing Commander is off dispensing justice, so once again I find myself at the helm for this vital task... I hope I can do as good a job as Rob...

    Couldn't have done it better Flight Leader.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  42. #392

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nicola Zee View Post
    Meanwhile in Cloud Cuckoo Land...

    You really couldn't make it up could you?

    In a dug-out in the Western Front...

    "Good news Baldrick...the war won't go for long!"

    "That's good Mr B. We're running low on the special coffee."

    "Unfortunately, the only tiny fly in the ointment...if we ignore the special coffee...the only thing which may prevent our sure and certain glorious victory are the workers of Britain!"

    "If you say so Mr B...it's funny you mentioned flies..."

    "Baldrick, do not finish what you are about to say. That's an order!"

    "Yes, Mr B"

    "Apparently, the workers don't know a war is going on. No one's mentioned it - so they're not working hard at making munitions. Maybe they think the shell cases are brass umbrella stands...your sister works in a munitions factory, does she not Baldrik?"

    "That she does, Mr B"

    "According to the Telegraph, the reason we're not winning this war is your sister. I should write her a letter and ask her to sort out the war!"
    We find truths in the most unlikely of places ....

  43. #393

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    [QUOTE=Flying Officer Kyte;341820]
    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Right, the Wing Commander is off dispensing justice, so once again I find myself at the helm for this vital task... I hope I can do as good a job as Rob...

    Couldn't have done it better Flight Leader.
    Kyte.
    Thank you sir.

    How goes the trial? and do you have to attend the hanging as well?

  44. #394

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    [QUOTE=Hedeby;341878]
    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post

    Thank you sir.

    How goes the trial? and do you have to attend the hanging as well?
    Hanging! I haven't even finished the painting yet, I'm too busy sitting around in the Jurors assembly room.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  45. #395

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    March 25th 1015

    Eastern Front

    Russian counter-offensive makes progress in the Carpathians; 5,700 prisoners taken.

    Naval and Overseas Operations

    Submarine U29 sunk.

    German submarine sinks Dutch S.S. "Medea".

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    Indian Expeditionary Force "F" (in Egypt) absorbed into Indian Expeditionary Force "E" (see October 2nd, 1914)

    Accidents: Off Honolulu in Hawaii, the US Submarine F-4 sinks while on manoeuvres with the loss of its crew of 21 sub-mariners, the first loss of a US submarine while at sea.

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    After her commissioning at Moran Brothers Shipbuilding in Seattle, Washington, on 3 May 1913, USS F-4 (initially called SKATE) (SS-23) joined the First Submarine Group, Pacific Torpedo Flotilla. She operated along the west coast of the United States and then moved to Hawaii in 1914. In was there, just off Honolulu, on 25 March 1915, that the boat made her tragic final dive. What exactly happened just after the boat slipped beneath the waves will never be known; what we do know is based on examinations of the sub after she was salvaged.
    When F-4 was at a depth of something less than 60 feet, chlorine gas began seeping into the middle, or control, compartment of the boat, indicating that somehow salt water had reached the batteries. F-4’s commanding officer, LT(jg) Alfred Ede, ordered the boat to return to the surface but soon the engines, straining to lift the weight of the sub plus tons of added seawater from what was obviously a substantial leak, overheated and quit. Before the Sailors in the control section retreated to the engine room—several already having passed out after breathing too much of the chlorine gas—they tripped the system that blew air from the high-pressure tank into the main ballast tanks. But it was too late; water was pouring into the boat faster than the air could blow it out and soon F-4 came to rest on the bottom, 300 feet below the surface—about 100 feet greater than her test depth. The pressure of the surrounding water soon overcame the rivets that held the torpedo hatch in place and the forward two compartments flooded quickly. Although the crew had secured the hatch behind them when they moved back to the engine room, the bulkhead around it couldn’t hold out against the weight of water and collapsed. All 21 crew members were killed. F-4 was the navy’s first commissioned submarine to be lost.

    The British cargo ships; the Tamar and the Delmira the were shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean and Channel respectively. The SS Tamar was a 3,207 ton British steamer run by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, which was sunk off Brazil during World War I by the Kronprinz Wilhelm on 24 March 1915, while on passage from Santos to Le Havre. She was one of four ships which bore this name between 1854 and 1922.

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    Politics etc.

    Sir John French, Commander of the BEF, praises Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee for their command and tactics. (just to show how forward thinking he was obviously...)

    Around 3000 Austrian and Germany citizens leave Rome, as Italy prepares to enter the war.

    Russian Czar Nicholas proclaims that the city of Przemysl (modern-day Poland) will always be Russian. (which was nice of him)

    The War in the Air (yes folks there was some)
    and finally the Daily Telegraph reports that five aeroplanes of the Dunkirk Squadron take off for an air raid on German submarines at Antwerp and eight bombs are dropped then questions whether or not this constitutes a 'Great Air Raid' (full story on page 9 if you happen to have a copy kicking about at the bottom of a chest somewhere). Although two planes were forced to turn around because of bad weather so only three made it over the target. A total of five submarines were spotted and it was believed that two of them were seriously damaged.

  46. #396

    Smile

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    From tomorrow this column will be taken over by the Editor in Chief "Hedeby" until I return.
    Meantime thanks to all my readers for their loyalty and supportive comments.
    Sub Editor FO Kyte.
    Dont know if I should wish you a nice juicy case or a spitlessly boring one Rob?

    Anyway make sure you take a flask of Gin for comfort!

  47. #397

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    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    Dont know if I should wish you a nice juicy case or a spitlessly boring one Rob?

    Anyway make sure you take a flask of Gin for comfort!
    I'm afraid no alcohol allowed Baz.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  48. #398

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    26th March 1915 so whilst our leader is away, I have raided the drinks cabinet and sit here creating with a rather nice single malt for company (god bless the 16 men of Tain)

    Western Front

    French gain summit of Hartmannsweilerkopf.

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    Hartmannswillerkopf, also known as the Vieil Armand or Hartmannsweiler Kopf (Hartmansweiler Head) is a pyramidal rocky spur in the Vosges mountains of Alsace. The peak stands at 956 metres (3,136 ft) overlooking the Rhine valley. At Hartmannswillerkopf stands a national monument of World War I for the fighting which took place in the trenches here. The peak is located 9 kilometers (5.6 mi) from Cernay and 24 kilometres (15 mi) north of Mulhouse. The mountain is shared by the towns of Hartmannswiller, Wuenheim, Wattwiller and Uffholtz. The French and Germans fought for control of the mountain peak during the First World War. Fighting took place throughout 1915. 30,000 died near Hartmannswillerkopf during the First World War, with the majority of deaths suffered by the French. After about 11 months of fierce combat, both sides began to focus most of their attention farther north on the Western Front. Only enough men to hold the lines were left at Hartmannswillerkopf. The lines remained relatively stable for the remainder of the war and generally only artillery exchanges took place. Today, the area is a French national monument. There is a museum and a cemetery at the site, and it is also possible to explore the extensive trench system. Because the lines were static for such a long period, the trenches are very well preserved, especially on the German side of the mountain. As of 2011, restoration work ahead of the centenary of the war means that access to the memorial is restricted.

    There is a small memorial on the D431 north of Vieil Armand, commemorating Halifax bomber MZ807 of No. 433 Squadron RCAF, which crashed nearby in December 1944.

    On 3 August 2014, French President Francois Hollande and German President Joachim Gauck together marked the centenary of Germany's declaration of war on France by laying the first stone of a memorial at Hartmannswillerkopf, for French and German soldiers killed in the war.

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    Eastern Front

    Continued Russian advance in the Carpathians, 2.500 prisoners reported.

    Lupkow Pass taken.

    General Alexeiev replaces Ruzki as C-in-C Northwest Front.

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    The beginning of World War I in August 1914 saw Alekseyev appointed Chief of Staff of the Southwestern Front (which held the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth Armies), where he planned the Russian offensive into Galicia with the rank of General-of-Infantry. He was subsequently awarded the Order of St. George (4th class). In March 1915 Alekseyev became the overall commander of the Russian Northwestern Front.

    When Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolayevich of Russia stepped down as Russian supreme Commander-in-chief in August 1915 to be replaced by Tsar Nicholas II, Alekseyev was appointed as Chief of Staff of the General Headquarters (Stavka) and placed in charge of all military operations. He served in this capacity from August 1915 to March 1917.

    In his capacity as Chief of Staff, Alekseyev proved to be a tradionalist, unable to adapt to tactical changes and the techniques of a modern war. He was also incapable of changing a political system that allowed the promotion of incompetent commanders, through nepotism, patronage and the use of court intrigue. The Great Retreat of 1915 was undertaken on his orders. After the failure of the Battle of Lake Naroch in the spring of 1916, he no longer believed in the ability of the Russian Army to mount an offensive, contributing to the apathy and paralysis which characterized the Russian officer corps towards the end of the war.citation needed

    On the “North West Frontier” of the British Raj, the Indian army is defending Miranshah, on the Tochi River in North Waziristan (now part of Pakistan), from a large force of “insurgents” (Lashkars, from Southern Afghanistan).

    The War at Sea - the sinking (allegedly) of U29

    “With the sinking of U29 the seas have been cleared of one of the most dangerous of the submarine raiders which have been preying on peaceful shipping since Germany declared her “blockade” of the Kingdom. The Telegraph was delighted to announce the loss of a German submarine, giving it the banner headline and centre stage, but hang on a minute, look at the Admiralty announcement – “good reason to believe that the German submarine has been sunk with all hands.” Not definite confirmation that it has sunk, but as with the capture of Memel earlier in the month the paper is quicker to grab at success that the circumspect authorities are prepared to allow themselves. And with U28, presumable a sister vessel, writing the next chapter of German infamy by sinking a Dutch steamer on the same page, even if U29’s loss is true honours could be said to be even.

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    Air War

    Germany: 6 French aircraft bomb Metz Zeppelin sheds and rail station.
    Dardanelles: Commander Samson’s No 3 Squadron RNAS (from Dunkirk) begins landing at Tenedos with 18 aircraft and 118 men, vineyard cleared to make airfield, first flight on March 28.

  49. #399

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    27th March 1915

    Western Front


    French make progress at Les Eparges.

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    The battle sites of Saint-Mihiel, Les Eparges and the Woëvre

    The German offensive in September 1914 towards the Verdun fortress, contained by the heroic resistance at the Fort de Troyon, did lead to the taking of Saint-Mihiel.

    This Salient, attacked in vain by the French army in 1915, was only liberated in 1918 during the American offensive (colonnaded Monument at Montsec).

    The sector, where extremely fierce fighting took place, is criss-crossed by trenches which can be seen from platforms which have been built (the Bavarois Trenches, Bois Brûlé, Tranchée de la Soif, and so on).

    The Crête des Eparges, dominating the vast Woëvre plain that opens up towards Metz, was the subject of terrible fighting, especially in 1915. This sector, which includes the Tranchée de Calonne, was the setting for the tragic meeting between the writers of the Great War: Alain-Fournier, Louis Pergaud (both of whom disappeared in 1914), Jean Giono, Ernst Jünger and the academic Maurice Genevoix, author of the monumental account "Ceux de 14" (Those of 14).

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    Eastern Front

    Russians repulse German attacks in the Niemen district.

    The Dardanelles

    Bosporus forts bombarded by Russian Black Sea Fleet (see April 25th).

    The War at Sea


    Not a good day for the merchant marine with 4 ships being reported lost....

    Aguila ( United Kingdom): World War I: The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 47 nautical miles (87 km) south west of the Smalls Lighthouse by SM U-28 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight lives.[18][50] Some of the survivors were rescued by the trawler Ottilie ( United Kingdom).[51]
    Coleby ( United Kingdom): World War I: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 460 nautical miles (850 km) north east of Pernambuco, Brazil by SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm ( Kaiserliche Marine).[18]
    South Point ( United Kingdom): World War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles (110 km) west of Lundy Island, Devon by SM U-28 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.[18][52]
    Vosges ( United Kingdom): World War I: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 38 nautical miles (70 km) west by north of Trevose Head, Cornwall (50°42′N 5°35′W) by SM U-28 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.[53] Survivors were rescued by HMS Wintona ( Royal Navy).[54]

    Politics and other mindless blathering....

    “Indeed, there is no doubt of the outcome. I was never so confident of victory as I am to-day.”
    “Of course we shall win. We have no doubt, Have you?”
    Two quotes from adjacent articles today on page 9 of the Daily Telegraph, expressing confidence as to the outcome of the war to an American. One was from Field-Marshal Sir John French, talking to a reporter, the other from Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, talking to a Republican Senator. Can you guess which one comes from which officer?
    Senator Beveridge also spoke to Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, who indignantly dismissed reports of a toast to “The Day” {when war came against Britain} by his officers as an “infamous English lie.”
    Turn over to page 10 and the headlines suggest French’s confidence might not be displaced – “Growing gloom in Austria-Hungary,” “Uneasy feeling in Germany” and “Advice to Germany, Make peace now,” with the latter article reporting American belief that peace negotiations would be under way by June 15.

    and finally the sports headlines...

    On what will be the last FA Cup semi-final day in England until 1920, Sheffield United beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at Villa Park in Birmingham, and Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 at Ewood Park in Blackburn.

  50. #400

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    U-28 was very busy.

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