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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #3251

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    Thanks for another Stirling effort Neil.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  2. #3252

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    16th May 1918


    German ace Otto Kissenberth shoots down an SE5A piloted by Lieutenant S B Reece (Royal Air Force). The significant point of this victory is that the German pilot is flying a captured Sopwith Camel. This is the only case of a Camel being used to shoot down a British pilot in the Great War. Lieutenant Reece is alright and continues to fly with his squadron for five more days when he will be shot down and captured.

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    Otto Kissenberth (26 February 1893 – 2 August 1919) was a German flying ace of World War I credited with 20 aerial victories. He was a prewar mechanical engineer who joined the German air service in 1914. After being trained and after serving as a reconnaissance pilot, he became one of the first German fighter pilots, flying with Kampfeinsitzerkommando (Combat Single-Seater Command) KEK Einsisheim. He scored six victories with this unit as it morphed into a fighter squadron, Jagdstaffel 16. His success brought him command of Jagdstaffel 23 on 4 August 1917. He would run his victory tally to 20, downing his final victim using a captured British Sopwith Camel on 20 May 1918. Nine days later, a crash while flying the Camel ended Kissenberth's combat career. His injuries were severe enough he was not returned to combat, instead being assigned to command Schleissheim's flying school. Although Otto Kissenberth survived the war, he died soon after in a mountaineering accident on 2 August 1919.

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    The Imperial German Navy recommissioned the light cruiser Stuttgart as a seaplane carrier, the only German seagoing aviation ship capable of working with the fleet commissioned during both world wars.

    SMS Stuttgart was a Königsberg-class light cruiser of the Kaiserliche Marine, named after the city of Stuttgart. She had three sister ships: Königsberg, Nürnberg, and Stettin. Stuttgart was laid down at the Imperial Dockyard in Danzig in 1905, launched in September 1906, and commissioned in February 1908. Like her sisters, Stettin was armed with a main battery of ten 10.5 cm (4.1 in) guns and a pair of 45 cm (18 in) torpedo tubes, and was capable of a top speed in excess of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph). Stuttgart was used as a gunnery training ship from her commissioning to the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, when she was mobilized into the reconnaissance forces of the High Seas Fleet. There, she saw action at the Battle of Jutland, where she engaged the British cruiser HMS Dublin. Stuttgart was not damaged during the battle. She was converted into a seaplane tender in 1918, and after the end of the war, was surrendered to Britain as a war prize in 1920 and subsequently broken up for scrap.

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    Stuttgart was assigned to the IV Scouting Group during the Battle of Jutland on 31 May – 1 June 1916. The IV Scouting Group, under the command of Commodore Ludwig von Reuter, departed Wilhelmshaven at 03:30 on 31 May, along with the rest of the fleet. Tasked with screening for the fleet, Stuttgart and the torpedo boat V71 were positioned at the rear of the fleet, astern of the II Battle Squadron. Stuttgart and the IV Scouting Group were not heavily engaged during the early phases of the battle, but around 21:30, they encountered the British 3rd Light Cruiser Squadron (3rd LCS). Reuter's ships were leading the High Seas Fleet south, away from the deployed Grand Fleet. Due to the long range and poor visibility, only München and Stettin were able to engage the British cruisers. Stuttgart was the fourth ship in the line, and her gunners could only make out one British ship in the haze. Since that ship was already being engaged by the other German cruisers, Stuttgart held her fire. Reuter turned his ships hard to starboard, in order to draw the British closer to the capital ships of the German fleet, but the 3rd LCS refused to take the bait and disengaged.

    During the ferocious night fighting that occurred as the High Seas Fleet forced its way through the British rear, the IV Scouting Group encountered the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron at close range in the darkness. As the two squadrons closed on each other, the Germans illuminated HMS Southampton and HMS Dublin and concentrated their fire on the two ships. Stuttgart and Elbing fired on Dublin. During this period, Dublin was hit by eight shells, probably all from Stuttgart, though these hits did not do serious damage. The two British ships were badly damaged and set on fire and forced to retreat, while the Germans also fell back in an attempt to bring the British closer to the battlecruisers Moltke and Seydlitz. In the melee, the cruiser Frauenlob was hit and sunk by a torpedo launched by Southampton; this forced Stuttgart to haul out of line to starboard. She then lost contact with the rest of the IV Scouting Group, so she fell in with the I Battle Squadron. She was present during a later encounter with British light forces around midnight. She remained concealed in the darkness and observed the I Battle Squadron dreadnoughts hammering several British destroyers. The British meanwhile launched torpedoes at the German line, which forced it to turn away. Stuttgart had to thread her way in between the battleships Nassau and Posen in the darkness. By 02:30, Stuttgart was steaming at the head of the German line, ahead of Westfalen, the leading battleship. She led the I Battle Squadron back to port, and later assisted the III Battle Squadron and the fleet flagship, Friedrich der Grosse. In the course of the battle, Stuttgart had fired 64 rounds, the least of all of the German cruisers in the battle. She emerged from the battle unscathed, unlike many of the other German cruisers.

    Earlier in the war, the German Navy had experimented with converting steamers into seaplane tenders. They were too slow to operate with the fleet, however, and so a faster alternative was needed. By 1918, the Navy had decided to convert Stuttgart, which was fast enough to steam with the fleet; conversion work started in February 1918. The work was done at the Imperial Dockyard in Wilhelmshaven, and was completed in May. As a seaplane tender, her forward and rear 10.5 cm guns, and the two rearmost broadside guns were removed, leaving only four broadside guns remaining. Two 8.8 cm SK L/45 anti-aircraft guns were installed forward; she retained her submerged torpedo tubes. Two large hangars were installed aft of the funnels, with space for two seaplanes; a third seaplane was carried on top of the hangars.[1] Since Stuttgart could carry only three aircraft, a number which was deemed insufficient to support the entire High Seas Fleet, plans were drawn up to convert Roon into a seaplane carrier as well. Neither ship was ever used operationally. Stuttgart survived the war, and was stricken from the naval register on 5 November 1919. She was surrendered to the United Kingdom on 20 July 1920, as the war prize "S" and subsequently broken up for scrap

    EASTERN FRONT

    USSR: Red Army revolt at Saratov on Volga.
    Southern Russia: General Krasnov elected Ataman of Don Cossacks (replaces Popov) seeks arms and recognition from Germans in Ukraine (15 million roubles; 12,000 rifles; 46 guns and 89 MGs by July).
    Austria: Emperor Charles sacks Filed Marshal Böhm-Ermolli for rowing with Germans, General Krauss from Italy takes over Ostarmee.
    Finland*: Mannerheim leads 16,000 White Army victory parade through Helsinki (Germans only observers).

    AIR WAR
    Germany – Air battle over Saarbruecken: 12 DH4s (1 shot down, crew killed) shoot down 3 fighters. Direct hits on rail targets (61 casualties).
    Western Front*: French Aviation Res designated 1 st Air Division under General Duval reporting to Petain.

    HOME FRONTS
    Britain: Penalties on excess food profits.
    USA: Sedition Act amends 1917 Espionage Act, stiff penalties for insulting US. Overman Act expands Presidents’ war powers on May 20.
    Austria – Subject Nationalities Congress in Prague: right-wing Czech Christian Democrats demand independence under federal monarchy (May 22).

    The Air War

    Two aces lost their lives on this day...

    Captain Trevor Durrant 56 Squadron RAF (11 victories)

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    The son of Edward Marling and Lilian (Ellis) Durrant, Trevor Durrant joined the Royal Flying Corps on 5 August 1916. Serving first with 55 Squadron, he scored his first victory as an observer aboard a D.H.4. After becoming a pilot, he was reassigned to 56 Squadron on 7 December 1917. Flying the S.E.5a, he scored ten more victories before he was shot down while fighting several Fokker DR.Is northeast of Albert.

    Leutnant Hans Joachim Wolff of Jasta 11 (10 victories)

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    Wounded on 14 August 1917 and again on 23 November 1917, Wolff scored his first confirmed victory on 18 March 1918 when he shot down John McCudden in an S.E.5a. Two months later, Wolff was killed when his Fokker DR.I was shot down.

    The folowing claims were made on another busy day including one by a certain Wilfrid Reid May of 209 Squadron RAF

    On 21 April 1918, May seemed destined to become the 81st victim of Manfred von Richthofen. The Red Baron pursued May's Sopwith Camel along the Somme Canal through an undefended section of no-man's-land. As they passed over the village of Vaux-sur-Somme, Roy Brown intervened with a burst of Vickers machine gun fire. Seeing Richthofen's triplane make a sharp downward turn to the right and confident that May was now out of danger, Brown flew to the aid of Lt. Francis Mellersh who was under attack by two Fokker triplanes. About a minute later the Red Baron's Fokker DR.I crashed to the ground as Mellersh, now safe and followed by Brown, flew by on his way home.

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    Not suprisingly there were a number of RAF casualties with 11 airmen losing their lives

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    Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cornedo Vicentino.

    A Brigade exercise was carried out to simulate the Brigade supporting a British advance, and specifically to give troops practice in the use of heliograph signalling and the movement of pack mules. For 10DWR this involved one Company occupying high ground near Gobbi Bassi, west of Cornedo Vicentino, and a party of troops moving 15 mules, supervised by a mounted officer, north-west from Castelgomberto.

    A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Alfred Spencer (see 20th September 1917), who had been posted ‘missing in action’ on 20th September 1917; his widow, Selena, was awarded 13s. 9d. per week.

    A similar award was made in the case of the late Pte. Albert Victor Wilcock (see 20th September 1917), who had also been posted ‘missing in action’ on 20th September 1917; his widow, Sylvia, was awarded 20s. 5d. per week for herself and her son.

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    More to be added

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  3. #3253

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    17th May 1918

    Captain Allan Hepburn and his observer Second Lieutenant G W Lambert shoot down an Albatros DV east of Middelkerke. (no relation but couldn't resist - a Lambert flying a Bristol...)

    Two Aces were killed on this day

    Leutnant Franz Gräser

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    Gräser joined the army in 1914 and served on the Eastern Front until he was wounded. He volunteered for the Army Air Service in 1916 and served as an observer with Flik 2 on the Isonzo front. Here he scored his first victory from a Hansa-Brandeburg C.I (28.58). Posted to Flik 32 in May 1917, Gräser received informal flight training from Feldwebel Franz Fraueneder who remarked that Gräser was "a born pilot." On 1 October 1917, Gräser was posted to Flik 42J as a pilot. Though he never received a pilot's certificate, Gräser scored 16 victories flying the Albatros D.III during World War I. He was killed in action on an escort mission when he was shot down near Treviso by Antonio Chiri.

    Sous Lieutenant Eugene Gilbert


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    Returning from a bombing mission on 27 June 1915, Gilbert developed engine problems and was forced to land near Rhinefelden, Switzerland. He was interned until he escaped on 3 June 1916. Gilbert was serving as a test pilot when he was killed in a flying accident on 17 May 1918.

    "Sergent Pilot of escadrille MS23, on return from reconnaissance he engaged a German plane. He attacked it with such audacity and skill that his observer was able to kill the observer, wound the pilot, and hit the radiator with four bullets from a carbine, forcing the enemy plane to land in French lines." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation

    Amongst those claiming victories on this day was Captain James Thomas Ira Jones DSO. DFC & Bar. MC 74 Squadron RAF, he downed his 3rd and 4th enemy planes.

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    James Ira Thomas Jones enlisted in 1913. When the war began, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and joined 10 Squadron as an air mechanic. In July 1915 he was sent to France and by January 1916 he was flying combat missions as an observer. He returned to England for pilot training in May 1917 and received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 5153 on the Maurice Farman biplane at Military School, Ruislip on 26 August 1917. Posted to 74 Squadron in early 1918, he developed a close bond with his flight commander, Mick Mannock, and developed an unfortunate habit of crashing aircraft while attempting to land. In just three months he scored 37 victories flying the S.E.5a. Jones later volunteered to fight the Bolsheviks and was posted to the Archangel front but saw no further air combat. He retired from the Royal Air Force in 1936 but was recalled to active duty in 1939. During the Battle of Britain, whilst flying an unarmed Hawker Henley, he attacked a Junkers Ju 88 bomber with a Verey pistol.

    The author of three books, Ira Jones died in hospital from injuries sustained in a fall from a ladder at his home in 1960.

    "It is wonderful how cheered a pilot becomes after he shoots down his first machine; his moral[e] increases by at least 100 per cent." Ira Jones

    "My habit of attacking Huns dangling from their parachutes led to many arguments in the mess. Some officers, of the Eton and Sandhurst type, thought I was 'unsportsmanlike' to do it. Never having been to a public school, I was unhampered by such considerations of form. I just pointed out that there was a bloody war on, and that I intended to avenge my pals." Ira Jones

    T./Lt. James Ira Thomas Jones, M.M., R.A.F.
    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer, one of an offensive patrol, engaged and shot down in flames a two-seater, which fell to earth. Ten days later, on offensive patrol, he shot down a Hanover two-seater, which crashed. The next day, when patrolling, he pursued, overtook and shot down an Albatross two-seater. During the same flight he met a Halberstadt two-seater and killed the observer, who either jumped or fell overboard, but had to break off as his ammunition was finished. The next day he shot a balloon down in flames. Three days later he got a good burst with both guns on a Pfalz scout, both wings coming off. He has driven two others down out of control.

    Others claiming victories on this day were:

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    Another busy day in the air inevitably led to many RAF losses (15)

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    AIR WAR
    Germany: Metz-Sablon main station, goods sheds and train hit by 12 DH4s of 55 Squadron (c.90 casualties). Later, 1 Handley Page and 10 F.E.2s (2 lost) attack Thionville (much damage, 35 killed) and Metz*-Sablon (night May 17-18).

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    SEA WAR
    Western Mediterranean: French convoy escort Ailly sinks UC-35 (destroyed 42 ships worth 65,569t) with gunfire off Sardinia, Germans believe Q*-ship the killer.

    SM UC-35 was a German Type UC II minelaying submarine or U-boat in the German Imperial Navy (German: Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. The U-boat was ordered on 20 November 1915 and was launched on 6 May 1916. She was commissioned into the German Imperial Navy on 2 October 1916 as SM UC-35. In eleven patrols UC-35 was credited with sinking 44 ships, either by torpedo or by mines laid. UC-35 was sunk by gunfire from the French torpedo boat Aigli southwest of Sardinia on 17 May 1918 at 39°48′N 7°42′ECoordinates: 39°48′N 7°42′E.

    A German Type UC II submarine, UC-35 had a displacement of 427 tonnes (420 long tons) when at the surface and 509 tonnes (501 long tons) while submerged. She had a length overall of 50.35 m (165 ft 2 in), a beam of 5.22 m (17 ft 2 in), and a draught of 3.65 m (12 ft). The submarine was powered by two six-cylinder four-stroke diesel engines each producing 300 metric horsepower (220 kW; 300 shp) (a total of 600 metric horsepower (590 shp; 440 kW)), two electric motors producing 460 metric horsepower (340 kW; 450 shp), and two propeller shafts. She had a dive time of 35 seconds and was capable of operating at a depth of 50 metres (160 ft).

    The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 11.8 knots (21.9 km/h; 13.6 mph) and a submerged speed of 6.6 knots (12.2 km/h; 7.6 mph). When submerged, she could operate for 54 nautical miles (100 km; 62 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 10,180 nautical miles (18,850 km; 11,710 mi) at 7 knots (13 km/h; 8.1 mph). UC-35 was fitted with six 100 centimetres (39 in) mine tubes, eighteen UC 200 mines, three 50 centimetres (20 in) torpedo tubes (one on the stern and two on the bow), seven torpedoes, and one 8.8 cm (3.5 in) Uk L/30 deck gun. Her complement was twenty-six crew members


    HOME FRONTS

    Ireland: c.150 Sinn Fein leaders arrested for plotting night May 17-18; only Michael Collins and Cathal Brugha escape, but no prosecutions.
    Britain: All men born 1898 or 1899 called up. Compulsory meatless day abolished. President of Board of Trade estimates half industry on war work, output below pre*-war.
    Lewisham (London) bombing: On Friday 17 May 1918 Hither Green was attacked by aircraft, 2 bombs were dropped. One near St Swithun's Church, where about 20 houses were damaged. The other bomb was dropped in Hither Green Lane, damaging 12 houses. No people were injured or killed.

    Captain Tunstill's Men:Presentation to an Austwick Hero.

    On Friday evening at the Church School, Second Lieutenant Pritchard, Army Cyclist Corps, elder son of Mr. W. Pritchard, Main Street, was presented with a handsome silver wristlet watch, in recognition of his having won the Military Medal for bravery on the field of battle. On August 3rd 1917, whilst acting as Corps Observer, when reinforcements were called for by a Battalion of the Gloucester Regiment. He took command of a party of 40 men and helped to repel a German counter-attack and on 5th August, after breaking through and penetrating the German lines for a considerable distance. His party was blown up in a German dug-out, and he dug out and rescued a wounded man of the Gloucester Regiment, carrying him about 1,000 yards through the German lines. The presentation on behalf of the villagers was made by the Rev. A. Ingilby, who said he was proud of the part which the Lieutenant had played. He was a man he was pleased to shake hands with. He then detailed the circumstances under which Second Lieutenant Pritchard won the Military Medal. Second Lieutenant Pritchard modestly claimed that he had only done his duty, and said that he should always value the beautiful present they had given him.

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 05-17-2018 at 10:50.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  4. #3254

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    10th May updated

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

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    18th May 1918

    After an absence of ten weeks, Kagohl 3 and the ‘Giant’ squadron returned to attack London. In all 41 aircraft set out, making it the largest air raid of the war. It was the first test in the defence of London for the pilots of the recently amalgamated Royal Air Force. The heavy barrage put up by the guns in Kent, Essex and all along the River Thames deterred many of the raiders from pushing through to London and it appears that perhaps only 18 battled their way through to the capital. Faced by this storm of over 30,000 AA shells and with 86 aircraft of the RAF patrolling the skies, the rest dropped their bombs over Kent and Essex before turning back.

    In Essex 36 bombs dropped between 11.10pm and 12.30am by an estimated seven aircraft. The first two fell at Wallasey Island and Potton Island at 11.10pm, followed by a single bomb at Southend at 11.20 that failed to explode, then one at Wennington at 11.27pm, followed three minutes later by four at Shoeburyness. Most fell harmlessly in fields or marshes but bombs damaged one house in the town. At the same time two bombs fell on farmland at both Beauchamp Roding and Berners Roding, followed ten minutes later by two bombs in a field at Bulpham and one at Stapleford Abbotts that smashed windows at a farmhouse. At 11.52pm a single bomb exploded in the marshes at Canewdon and bombs fell on open ground at South Fambridge at 11.50pm and again at 12.15am but only damaged a shed. At 12.10am a single bomb exploded on open ground on Foulness Island. The last bombs recorded in Essex were near Burnham-on-Crouch, where bombs dropped on farmland at midnight and again at 12.30am, damaging crops and a farmhouse. Shortly before 11.50pm a Gotha got into difficulties while at low level, released its six bombs over marshes near St. Osyth and crashed landed near the village.

    Of the 46 bombs estimated to have fallen on Kent, the firstlanded west of Herne at about 11.00pm, damaging three cottages and an outhouse. Two Gothas dropped bombs at Margate. Of these, four fell around Northdown at 11.0pm, damaging St. Mary’s Church, smashing the windows at The Wheatsheaf public house, smashing 21 windows at Northdown House and a window at the gamekeeper’s house. Two more exploded on Margate beach at 11.29pm without damage. At 11.15pm four 50kg bombs fell without effect at Murston and five minutes later one exploded in a cornfield at Monkton while another at Acol smashed windows. Three bombs near Detling did no damage, but at the same time at Davington an explosion smashed glass and damaged a door at the parish church. Five bombs exploded at Stanford and Saltwood, near Westenhanger, with the only damage being smashed windows at the first village.

    At about 11.30pm, a bomb dropped at the corner of Norman and Saxon roads in Faversham, damaging a house, injuring three people and smashing windows in 77 other properties. Moments later a bomb exploded in a marsh at Graveney, but the crew of the Gotha were in trouble. Attacked by a pilot of No.112 Squadron, the Gotha crashed on the Isle of Sheppey near Harty. At about 11.45 single bombs fell at both St. James’s on the Isle of Grain and at Higham, both without effect. Three attacks took place on the Dover area. The first at about 11.40pm saw four bombs strike the town. One failed to detonate but the others — two in Priory Hill and one in Widred Road — caused widespread chaos and damage to almost 220 houses. About half an hour later six bombs dropped at Guston near to sheds on the airfield but they inflicted no damage. The final Gotha to attack the Dover area did so at about 1.05amwhen six bombs exploded harmlessly in fields at St. Margaret’s. Elsewhere, three bombs exploded near to Rochester — two in fields on Borstal Court Farm and one near the golf course — where a few windows were broken.

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    The first Gothas to reach the wider London area dropped the first 20 HE bombs between 11.30 and 11.40pm. Seven bombs fell at Bexley where one at 109 High Street killed a man and injured four people, At Manor Park a single 100kg bomb killed four people in Seventh Avenue, injured six and damaged 50 houses. At Lower Sydenham, in Sydenham Road, a bomb killed 18, injured 14 (17 of the casualties were soldiers killed in their billets), also damaging 48 houses and at Richards Place, Walthamstow, a bomb caused damage to 100 houses and injured six people. In Poplar a 300kg bomb exploded at 240 St. Leonard’s Road completely demolishing 17 houses, killing one person, injuring six and inflicting damage on 360 other houses. Other bombs falling in Poplar, in Joshua Street, Barchester Street and Morris Road had a widespread impact, with four houses demolished and 332 damaged. Two bombs fell in Catford; in Inchmary Road 22 houses suffered damage and in Sangley Road a bomb killed a man, injured a woman while damaging 44 houses. Other bombs fell in Sidcup and Hockendon only smashing a few windows at the latter place.

    Between 11.45 and 11.50pm another nine bombs fell on London. In Tottenham, one at the junction of Beaconsfield and Grove Park roads damaged 160 houses and injured a man, and in Bethnal Green the explosion of a bomb in Corfield Street killed three, injured 16, seriously damaged 18 houses and caused lesser damage to 206 others. Another bomb in Bethnal Green inflicted severe damage on the factory of a pharmaceutical company, Allen and Hanburys. In King Street, St. James’s, near Pall Mall, a bomb injured one man and damaged 10 buildings, while in Undercliff Road, Lewisham, two women suffered injury when an explosion damaged 43 houses. Three bombs exploded in Bromley; one, in Bromley Crescent, killed a man, injured seven people and damaged 38 houses, while the other two damaged 12 others. The final bomb of this batch exploded in Lawrence Avenue, Manor Park, causing much damage to property and injuries to four men, a woman and a child.

    SEA WAR

    Western Mediterranean: Heavily damaged (by carrier Empress seaplane escorting convoy off Gibraltar) U-39 forced into Cartagena (Spain) where interned for duration of war (UC-56 likewise at Santander on May 24). French destroyer Catapulte sinks in collision with British SS Warrimoo off Bone, Algeria.

    HMS Empress was a seaplane carrier of the Royal Navy (RN) that served during the First World War. Converted from the Cross-Channel packet ship Empress, the ship's aircraft conducted aerial reconnaissance, observation and bombing missions in the North Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. During the last year of the war, she conducted anti-submarine patrols in the Mediterranean. Empress was returned to her owners in 1919 and was then sold to a French company in 1923. She was scrapped in 1933.

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    Empress had an overall length of 323 feet (98.5 m), a beam of 41 feet (12.5 m), and a draught of 15 feet (4.6 m). She displaced 2,540 long tons (2,580 t) and was rated at 1,694 gross register tons (GRT). Each of the ship's three sets of direct-drive steam turbines drove one propeller shaft. The ship's six boilers generated enough steam to produce 8,800 shaft horsepower (6,600 kW) from the turbines. The ship had a designed speed of 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph), but she made a speed of 22.26 knots (41.23 km/h; 25.62 mph) during her sea trials with 8,872 shaft horsepower (6,616 kW).[3] Empress carried 425 tonnes (418 long tons) of coal, enough to give her a range of 1,355 nautical miles (2,509 km; 1,559 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)

    Built as a fast packet for the South East and Chatham Railway Co., Empress was requisitioned for service during the First World War by the Admiralty on 11 August 1914, and was commissioned on 25 August. During that month, the ship transported equipment for the Eastchurch Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service to Ostend, Belgium. Beginning on 30 August, she was converted by Chatham Dockyard to carry and operate three seaplanes. One aircraft was stowed forward and two aft, housed in canvas hangars, and handled with newly fitted cargo booms. During her career with the RN, the ship operated Fairey Hamble Baby, Short Admiralty Type 74, Short Type 184, Sopwith Schneider and Baby floatplanes. Two or three quick-firing (QF) two-pounder guns also were fitted at this time. Upon completion of the modifications on 30 September, Empress was assigned to the Harwich Force along with Engadine and Riviera. On Christmas Day 1914, nine aircraft from all three ships took part in the Cuxhaven Raid on hangars housing Zeppelin airships. Seven of the nine seaplanes successfully took off for the attack, but they inflicted little damage. Only three of the aircraft returned to be recovered, but the crews of the other three ditched safely and were recovered by a British submarine[6] and the Dutch trawler Marta van Hattem. From 9 May to 18 July 1915,the ship was modified by Cunard at Liverpool with a permanent, four-aircraft, hangar in the rear superstructure and a pair of cranes were mounted at the rear of the hangar to hoist the seaplanes in and out of the water. The 2-pounders were apparently removed during this refit and four QF 12-pounder 12 cwt guns, each with 130 rounds, and two Vickers QF 3-pounder anti-aircraft guns, each with 65 rounds, were fitted. Empress was transferred afterwards to Queenstown for the rest of the year, before moving to the Mediterranean. She arrived there in January 1916 and was assigned to the East Indies and Egypt Seaplane Squadron with the carriers Raven II, Anne, and Ben-my-Chree. The squadron was under the command of the General Officer Commanding, Egypt and its primary duty was watch and to attack Turkish positions and movements in southern Palestine and the Sinai in early 1916. In April, Empress was detached from the squadron to support operations off the Aegean coast of Bulgaria, where her aircraft observed for several naval bombardments.After a refit at Genoa, the ship rejoined the squadron and supported operations off the Syrian and Palestinian coasts until November. In January 1918, she was assigned anti-submarine duties, first at Port Said and later at Gibraltar.

    She was returned to her owners in November 1919 and was sold to the Société Anoynyme de Gérance et d'Armament of France in 1923.On 12 January 1926, Empress collided with the British schooner John Gibson in the English Channel and sank her. Empress was scrapped in France in 1933.

    Catapulte was one of 20 Arquebuse-class destroyers built for the French Navy in the first decade of the 20th century. She saw service during World War I.

    On 11 May 1918, Caiatpulte assisted several other ships in rescuing the survivors of the French troopship Sant Anna, which was carrying 2,025 troops when she was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea with the loss of 605 lives by the Imperial German Navy submarine SM UC-54 26 nautical miles east of Cape Bon, French Tunisia.

    On 18 May 1918, Catapulte collided with the British steamer Warrimoo and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Bône, French Algeria

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    AIR WAR

    Germany – First British retaliatory raid on a German city: 33 bombs from 6 No 55 Squadron DH4s kill 110 people at Cologne (some panic on streets), which returning repulse 2 German formations, shoot down 2 fighters. Considerable building damage (est. RM 340,000).
    Adriatic: Austro-Italian seaplane combats west of Pola.

    The following claims were made on this day

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    RAF casualties were again high with 21 airmen losing their lives

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    WESTERN FRONT
    Somme: Australians capture Ville-sur-Ancre and take 360 PoWs (night May 18-19).

    MIDDLE EAST
    Mesopotamia: CIGS agrees to postpone Tigris operations till mid*-September, railway to be extended to Tikrit.
    Armenia: Turk 12th Division attacks south of river Aras against Gen Silikov’s 6,000-7,000 Armenians with 28 guns (until May 19), occupying Igdir while 5th Division captures two passes on Tiflis road (May 19).

    HOME FRONTS

    Ireland: Lord French proclamation re pro-German conspiracy (Government blue book on May 24).
    France: Metal workers strikes ‘until peace’ (until May 28) in Loire Department; 3 infantry battalions, 9 cavalry squadrons, 560 gendarmes tied down. Mainly peaceful until police officers wounded on May 23. Clemenceau’s deputy PPS Barnier arrives on May 24; 43 union leaders arrested night May 25-26 and 73 workers drafted.

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  6. #3256

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    A pic to update the SMS Stuttgart Chris:
    Attached Images  
    See you on the Dark Side......

  7. #3257

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    A pic to update the SMS Stuttgart Chris:
    Hope to get something uploaded today but Its been a beertastic day
    Its a glorious day, it's the royal wedding and my daughter has qualified as a lawyer and Chelsea have just won the FA Cup
    Last edited by Hedeby; 05-19-2018 at 23:43.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  8. #3258

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    19th May 1918

    London Air Raid Continued...the last time German bombs fell on British soil until 1939

    Twelve bombs fell between 11.55pm and midnight. Three of these exploded in Kilburn where a 300kg bomb that destroyed the Carlton Tavern in Carlton Vale, killing a man and a child and injuring two women, caused most damage. Two bombs that fell In Chislehurst two bombs merely smashed a few windows. Of six bombs that fell around the Old Kent Road, two exploded in Avondale Square. At No. 87 the blast killed two, injured seven, wrecked the house while seriously damaging three others. The other bomb demolished No. 9, causing widespread but not serious damage, and injured eight people. Other bombs in this area killed a woman and child in St. James Road, injured a woman in Rotherhithe New Road and nine people in Verney Road while causing damage to houses, stables and three factories. The Gotha that dropped these bombs released another which landed in Shard’s Road, Peckham. It killed a man, injured seven people and damaged three houses. Heading home across Kent, this Gotha came under attack from Frederick Sowrey, who shot down Zeppelin L.32 in September 1916, and then later was attacked by a Bristol Fighter of No. 141 Squadron crewed by lieutenants Turner and Barwise. Their attack hit home and the Gotha crashed between Frinsted and Harrietsham in Kent.

    Records show four bombs falling in the ten minutes after midnight. A 100kg bomb exploded on the railway near Wanstead Station, damaging the track and 50 houses while also injuring a man, but a 50kg bomb that detonated in a garden in Dean Street, Forest Gate caused no damage. In Islington though, two bombs had a deadly and destructive impact. In Packington Street one killed seven, injured 3 and damaged 33 houses, while a bomb falling in St. Peter Street affected 134 homes. Eleven bombs exploded between 12.12 and 12.15am, four of these around Hither Green. Most damage occurred in Leahurst and Longhurst roads. At 9 Longhurst Road the blast injured nine people and damaged 35 houses, while the bomb that struck 187 Leahurst Road killed two, injured six and caused damage to 19 shops and 63 houses. Elsewhere a bomb landing on the foreshore of the Thames near Regent’s Dock caused extensive damage to a barge while three landing in Kentish Town met with mixed results. One hit the railway by Grafton Road and, although it failed to detonate, it still damaged the tracks. A 100kg bomb struck 5 Gospel Oak Grove inflicting injuries on two people and damage to 43 houses, and in Kentish Town Road another caused widespread damage to shops and houses.

    Over Stratford at about 12.15am, a Gotha crewed by Paul Sapkowiak, Hans Thiedke, and Wilhelm Schulte dropped three bombs, a 300kg and two 50kg. The larger bomb demolished two houses in Maryland Square, damaged 50 others, killed two people and injured seven others. The other two fell in Leytonstone Road damaging houses and business premises. But time was running out for the Gotha crew. Intercepted over Hainault by a Bristol Fighter of No.39 Squadron flown by Lt. Arkell with AM Stagg as observer/gunner, swooped on the returning raider and shot it down on open ground near East Ham. The same Gotha that bombed Kentish Town was also responsible for three bombs dropped at about 12.20. One, in the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park, injured a soldier while smashing windows in 40 houses, and another, in Park Crescent, caused injuries to ten soldiers and a woman, also damaging nearby buildings and smashing windows. The third bomb, in Bolsover Street, wrecked part of a women’s hostel, caused considerable damage to 50 houses and inflicted injuries to three women and an army officer.

    The final bombs dropped on London, attributed to one of the huge ‘Giant’ bombers, fell between 12.20 and 12.40am. At King’s Road, Barking, one damaged 20 houses, at Saxon Road, East Ham, another caused slight damage to 20 more, and a Grange Road, West Ham, a school bore the brunt. In Plaistow a bomb at the junction of Balaam Street and Whitwell Road damaged the West Ham Public Baths and 100 houses, while at 12 Ladysmith Road, Canning Town, the blast from a bomb killed a child and injured three people. In Bow, a bomb exploded in a garden at 21 Saxon Road, the blast damaging 20 houses. Passing over the City now, a bomb fell amongst warehouses in Redcross Street, then in Hackney, at 42 Morning Lane, 11 people suffered injury when a bomb demolished a stable and damaged 131 homes. At Glebe Road, Kingsland, two men suffered injury from a bomb blast, which inflicted damage on 100 properties, including the Metropolitan Hospital. The final bomb landed at 32 Bookham Street in Hoxton where, fortunately, it failed to detonate. Besides the Gothas shot down by pilots of the RAF, the AA guns also brought down two of the raiders over the sea. It had been an impressive response to this, the largest air raid of the war - and the last occasion in WW1 when bombs fell on British soil.

    EASTERN FRONT
    USSR: Trotsky orders Czechs’ disarming by arrest or shooting. Central Executive Committee of Bolshevik Party declares war on Kulaks (rich peasants).
    Finland: Svinhufvud and General Goltz agree on German* modelled 30,000-strong peacetime army with German troops remaining.

    AIR WAR
    Adriatic: British bomb Cattaro (and on May 28); Italian seaplanes bomb Durazzo and Lagosta Island (occupied on November 4).

    HOME FRONTS
    Britain: Appeal to shipown*ers to provide extra emergency rafts. First minimum agricultural wage in force.
    Hungary: 2,000 troops of 6th Infantry Regiment at Pees against being sent to Front (especially returned Serb PoWs from Russia), seize arsenal and aided by armed miners but suppressed by 3 Honved regiments.


    Much more to come - once I return from Partizan
    Last edited by Hedeby; 05-19-2018 at 23:49.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  9. #3259

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    Monday 20th May 1918
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    Armistice Countdown 175 days
    Today we lost: 588
    Today’s losses include:
    · A long distance swinner
    · Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War
    · A Deputy Assistant Scout Master
    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    · Private John Smith Davidson Baigrie (Highland Light Infantry) is killed in action at age 18. He is the Deputy Assistant Scout Master of the 8th Midlothian Troop of the Boy Scouts and his brother was killed in November 1917.

    Air Operations:

    British airmen bomb Cattaro, return undamaged.

    Italian seaplanes bomb Durazzo and Lagosta (off Dalmatia).

    Coblenz bombed.

    Etaples Hospitals suffer serious damaged during an enemy air raid.

    · Trooper Cecil Percival King (Life Guards) dies of wounds received during the air raid on Etaples at age 23. He won many prizes as a long distance swimmer.
    ·
    Sapper Norman Sharples (Royal Engineers) dies of wounds received in the same air raid at age 22. His brother was killed in August 1917.

    German Heavy Bomber Raid 19/20 May:


    After an absence of ten weeks, Kagohl 3 and the ‘Giant’ squadron returned to attack London. In all 41 aircraft set out, making it the largest air raid of the war. It was the first test in the defence of London for the pilots of the recently amalgamated Royal Air Force. The heavy barrage put up by the guns in Kent, Essex and all along the River Thames deterred many of the raiders from pushing through to London and it appears that perhaps only 18 battled their way through to the capital. Faced by this storm of over 30,000 AA shells and with 86 aircraft of the RAF patrolling the skies, the rest dropped their bombs over Kent and Essex before turning back.

    In Essex 36 bombs dropped between 11.10pm and 12.30am by an estimated seven aircraft. The first two fell at Wallasey Island and Potton Island at 11.10pm, followed by a single bomb at Southend at 11.20 that failed to explode, then one at Wennington at 11.27pm, followed three minutes later by four at Shoeburyness. Most fell harmlessly in fields or marshes but bombs damaged one house in the town. At the same time two bombs fell on farmland at both Beauchamp Roding and Berners Roding, followed ten minutes later by two bombs in a field at Bulpham and one at Stapleford Abbotts that smashed windows at a farmhouse. At 11.52pm a single bomb exploded in the marshes at Canewdon and bombs fell on open ground at South Fambridge at 11.50pm and again at 12.15am but only damaged a shed. At 12.10am a single bomb exploded on open ground on Foulness Island. The last bombs recorded in Essex were near Burnham-on-Crouch, where bombs dropped on farmland at midnight and again at 12.30am, damaging crops and a farmhouse. Shortly before 11.50pm a Gotha got into difficulties while at low level, released its six bombs over marshes near St. Osyth and crashed landed near the village.

    Of the 46 bombs estimated to have fallen on Kent, the firstlanded west of Herne at about 11.00pm, damaging three cottages and an outhouse. Two Gothas dropped bombs at Margate. Of these, four fell around Northdown at 11.0pm, damaging St. Mary’s Church, smashing the windows at The Wheatsheaf public house, smashing 21 windows at Northdown House and a window at the gamekeeper’s house. Two more exploded on Margate beach at 11.29pm without damage. At 11.15pm four 50kg bombs fell without effect at Murston and five minutes later one exploded in a cornfield at Monkton while another at Acol smashed windows. Three bombs near Detling did no damage, but at the same time at Davington an explosion smashed glass and damaged a door at the parish church. Five bombs exploded at Stanford and Saltwood, near Westenhanger, with the only damage being smashed windows at the first village.

    At about 11.30pm,a bomb dropped at the corner of Norman and Saxon roads in Faversham, damaging a house, injuring three people and smashing windows in 77 other properties. Moments later a bomb exploded in a marsh at Graveney, but the crew of the Gotha were in trouble. Attacked by a pilot of No.112 Squadron, the Gotha crashed on the Isle of Sheppey near Harty. At about 11.45 single bombs fell at both St. James’s on the Isle of Grain and at Higham, both without effect. Three attacks took place on the Dover area. The first at about 11.40pm saw four bombs strike the town. One failed to detonate but the others — two in Priory Hill and one in Widred Road — caused widespread chaos and damage to almost 220 houses. About half an hour later six bombs dropped at Guston near to sheds on the airfield but they inflicted no damage. The final Gotha to attack the Dover area did so at about 1.05amwhen six bombs exploded harmlessly in fields at St. Margaret’s. Elsewhere, three bombs exploded near to Rochester — two in fields on Borstal Court Farm and one near the golf course — where a few windows were broken.

    The first Gothas to reach the wider London area dropped the first 20 HE bombs between 11.30 and 11.40pm. Seven bombs fell at Bexley where one at 109 High Street killed a man and injured four people, At Manor Park a single 100kg bomb killed four people in Seventh Avenue, injured six and damaged 50 houses. At Lower Sydenham, in Sydenham Road, a bomb killed 18, injured 14 (17 of the casualties were soldiers killed in their billets), also damaging 48 houses and at Richards Place, Walthamstow, a bomb caused damage to 100 houses and injured six people. In Poplar a 300kg bomb exploded at 240 St. Leonard’s Road completely demolishing 17 houses, killing one person, injuring six and inflicting damage on 360 other houses. Other bombs falling in Poplar, in Joshua Street, Barchester Street and Morris Road had a widespread impact, with four houses demolished and 332 damaged. Two bombs fell in Catford; in Inchmary Road 22 houses suffered damage and in Sangley Road a bomb killed a man, injured a woman while damaging 44 houses. Other bombs fell in Sidcup and Hockendon only smashing a few windows at the latter place.

    Between 11.45 and 11.50pm another nine bombs fell on London. In Tottenham, one at the junction of Beaconsfield and Grove Park roads damaged 160 houses and injured a man, and in Bethnal Green the explosion of a bomb in Corfield Street killed three, injured 16, seriously damaged 18 houses and caused lesser damage to 206 others. Another bomb in Bethnal Green inflicted severe damage on the factory of a pharmaceutical company, Allen and Hanburys. In King Street, St. James’s, near Pall Mall, a bomb injured one man and damaged 10 buildings, while in Undercliff Road, Lewisham, two women suffered injury when an explosion damaged 43 houses. Three bombs exploded in Bromley; one, in Bromley Crescent, killed a man, injured seven people and damaged 38 houses, while the other two damaged 12 others. The final bomb of this batch exploded in Lawrence Avenue, Manor Park, causing much damage to property and injuries to four men, a woman and a child.

    Twelve bombs fell between 11.55pm and midnight. Three of these exploded in Kilburn where a 300kg bomb that destroyed the Carlton Tavern in Carlton Vale, killing a man and a child and injuring two women, caused most damage. Two bombs that fell In Chislehurst two bombs merely smashed a few windows. Of six bombs that fell around the Old Kent Road, two exploded in Avondale Square. At No. 87 the blast killed two, injured seven, wrecked the house while seriously damaging three others. The other bomb demolished No. 9, causing widespread but not serious damage, and injured eight people. Other bombs in this area killed a woman and child in St. James Road, injured a woman in Rotherhithe New Road and nine people in Verney Road while causing damage to houses, stables and three factories. The Gotha that dropped these bombs released another which landed in Shard’s Road, Peckham. It killed a man, injured seven people and damaged three houses. Heading home across Kent, this Gotha came under attack from Frederick Sowrey, who shot down Zeppelin L.32 in September 1916, and then later was attacked by a Bristol Fighter of No. 141 Squadron crewed by lieutenants Turner and Barwise. Their attack hit home and the Gotha crashed between Frinsted and Harrietsham in Kent.

    Records show four bombs falling in the ten minutes after midnight. A 100kg bomb exploded on the railway near Wanstead Station, damaging the track and 50 houses while also injuring a man, but a 50kg bomb that detonated in a garden in Dean Street, Forest Gate caused no damage. In Islington though, two bombs had a deadly and destructive impact. In Packington Street one killed seven, injured 3 and damaged 33 houses, while a bomb falling in St. Peter Street affected 134 homes.

    Eleven bombs exploded between 12.12 and 12.15am, four of these around Hither Green. Most damage occurred in Leahurst and Longhurst roads. At 9 Longhurst Road the blast injured nine people and damaged 35 houses, while the bomb that struck 187 Leahurst Road killed two, injured six and caused damage to 19 shops and 63 houses. Elsewhere a bomb landing on the foreshore of the Thames near Regent’s Dock caused extensive damage to a barge while three landing in Kentish Town met with mixed results. One hit the railway by Grafton Road and, although it failed to detonate, it still damaged the tracks. A 100kg bomb struck 5 Gospel Oak Grove inflicting injuries on two people and damage to 43 houses, and in Kentish Town Road another caused widespread damage to shops and houses.

    Over Stratford at about 12.15am, a Gotha crewed by Paul Sapkowiak, Hans Thiedke, and Wilhelm Schulte dropped three bombs, a 300kg and two 50kg. The larger bomb demolished two houses in Maryland Square, damaged 50 others, killed two people and injured seven others. The other two fell in Leytonstone Road damaging houses and business premises. But time was running out for the Gotha crew. Intercepted over Hainault by a Bristol Fighter of No.39 Squadron flown by Lt. Arkell with AM Stagg as observer/gunner, swooped on the returning raider and shot it down on open ground near East Ham.

    The same Gotha that bombed Kentish Town was also responsible for three bombs dropped at about 12.20. One, in the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park, injured a soldier while smashing windows in 40 houses, and another, in Park Crescent, caused injuries to ten soldiers and a woman, also damaging nearby buildings and smashing windows. The third bomb, in Bolsover Street, wrecked part of a women’s hostel, caused considerable damage to 50 houses and inflicted injuries to three women and an army officer.

    The final bombs dropped on London, attributed to one of the huge ‘Giant’ bombers, fell between 12.20 and 12.40am. At King’s Road, Barking, one damaged 20 houses, at Saxon Road, East Ham, another caused slight damage to 20 more, and a Grange Road, West Ham, a school bore the brunt. In Plaistow a bomb at the junction of Balaam Street and Whitwell Road damaged the West Ham Public Baths and 100 houses, while at 12 Ladysmith Road, Canning Town, the blast from a bomb killed a child and injured three people. In Bow, a bomb exploded in a garden at 21 Saxon Road, the blast damaging 20 houses. Passing over the City now, a bomb fell amongst warehouses in Redcross Street, then in Hackney, at 42 Morning Lane, 11 people suffered injury when a bomb demolished a stable and damaged 131 homes. At Glebe Road, Kingsland, two men suffered injury from a bomb blast, which inflicted damage on 100 properties, including the Metropolitan Hospital. The final bomb landed at 32 Bookham Street in Hoxton where, fortunately, it failed to detonate.

    Besides the Gothas shot down by pilots of the RAF, the AA guns also brought down two of the raiders over the sea. It had been an impressive response to this, the largest air raid of the war - and the last occasion in WW1 when bombs fell on British soil.

    Casualties: 49 killed, 177 injured


    Damage: £177,310


    General Headquarters:
    Tbc

    Royal Flying Corps casualties today:
    tbc

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today:

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    Claims: 58 confirmed (Entente 49 : Central Powers 9)

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    Western Front:


    French carry out successful operation east and north-east of Locre, 400 prisoners; also big raid near Bermericourt, penetrating enemy's third line.

    Local fighting north of Albert; successful operations north-west of Merville by a Surrey battalion.

    Southern Front:


    Tunstills Men Monday 20th May 1918:


    In tents and bivouacs south of Mare.

    The Battalion marched a mile further north-east to new billets in the villages of Valle di Sopra and Covolo, with two companies billeted in each of the villages. There were also bathing facilities at Mare and the location was described as being one of “sylvan tranquillity”. Further training would be carried out here over the next few days.

    Pte. Samuel Richards (see 24th March) was posted from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

    Pte. Ernest Thorn (see 2nd May), serving in France with 1st/7th DWR, was admitted to hospital, suffering from a right inguinal hernia.

    Naval Operations:


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    Political:


    Agreement signed between China and Japan for naval co-operation (see 16th).

    Anniversary Events:

    325 The Ecumenical council is inaugurated by Emperor Constantine in Nicea.
    1303 A peace treaty is signed between England and France.
    1347 Cola di Rienzo takes the title of tribune in Rome.
    1520 Hernando Cortes defeats Spanish troops sent against him in Mexico.
    1690 England passes the Act of Grace, forgiving followers of James II.
    1674 John Sobieski becomes Poland's first king.
    1774 Parliament passes the Coercive Acts to punish the colonists for their increasingly anti-British behavior. The acts close the port of Boston.
    1775 North Carolina becomes the first colony to declare its independence.
    1784 The Peace of Versailles ends a war between France, England, and Holland.
    1799 Napoleon Bonaparte orders a withdrawal from his siege of St. Jean d’Acre in Egypt.
    1859 A force of Austrians collide with Piedmontese cavalry at the village of Montebello, in northern Italy.
    1861 North Carolina becomes the last state to secede from the Union.
    1862 President Abraham Lincoln signs the Homestead Act, providing 250 million acres of free land to settlers in the West.
    1874 Levi Strauss begins marketing blue jeans with copper rivets.
    1902 The U.S. military occupation of Cuba ends.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 05-21-2018 at 13:23.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  10. #3260

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    Glad to see you got back O.K Neil and thanks for the help today.
    You certainly got this out quickly.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  11. #3261

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    Having trouble uploading pics at present but I think the problem is at my end.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  12. #3262

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    Considering your involvement at Partizan followed by a long drive home and then getting this days' copy of the 'Times' onto the presses, I think some Rep is in order.
    Rep gun fired.

  13. #3263

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    OK. I'm still having problems uploading pictures and photos.

    I wonder if I have reached my maximum limit?

    Could someone please check as if I have it will make it hard to post the Snipers Times.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  14. #3264

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    Worked it out with Rob's assistance that it is firefox. Now uploading with edge but slowly 1 pic at a time.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  15. #3265

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    Tuesday 21st May 1918
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    Armistice Countdown 174 days
    Today we lost: 438
    Today’s losses include:
    · The man who held the record for most successful escapes from German prisoner of war camps, while attempting yet another escape · Multiple sons of members of the clergy · A man whose brother was also killed in the Great War · A 5-victory ace
    Today’s highlighted casualties include:
    · Second Lieutenant Leonard Charles Hornabrook (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed in action at age 22. He is the son of the Venerable Archdeacon Charles Soward Hornabrook.
    · Private Francis George Grahame (Lincolnshire Regiment) is killed at age 35. He is the son of the Reverend David Francis Alexander Grahame.

    Air Operations:

    Mannheim, etc., heavily bombed by British airmen.pic

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    Lieutenant Harold William Medlicott (Royal Air Force) and Captain J S Walter MC (Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment) are both shot to death attempting to escape from Bad Colberg Prisoner of War Camp in Germany. It is said that Lieutenant Medlicott held the record for attempted escapes during the war. He succeeded in escaping, with only one exception, from every camp where he was confined, but was in each case recaptured. The final time he escapes Captain Walter will accompany him. Both are recaptured, but on being conveyed back to camp under escort they reportedly make a dash for liberty, without success. Captain Walter had been captured in the autumn of 1917 having been awarded the Military Cross for his actions in the battle of the Somme. Lieutenant Medlicott was captured on 10th November 1915 one month after his brother had been killed in action. His capture took place while he was on a special assignment in a blinding snowstorm which caused engine trouble which compelled him to force land behind German lines. He is a 5-victory ace.

    Captain William Henry Hubbard (Royal Air Force) brings down a Fokker Tri-plane while flying Sopwith Camel D.1841 at 18:30 southwest of Maubourdine on an offensive patrol at 10,000 feet. He then sights three more enemy Tri-planes at 8,000 feet and dives on them, firing two hundred rounds from one hundred yards one target spins out of control and is seen by another pilot to crash just north of a canal.

    General Headquarters:
    tbc


    Royal Flying Corps casualties today:
    tbc

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today:
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    Claims: 29 confirmed (Entente 23: Central Powers 6)

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    Western Front:


    Hostile counter-attack north-west of Merville fails.

    Successful British raids on Lys front and Arras district.

    Eastern Front:

    Increasing unrest at Kiev; acts of terrorism ineffectually repressed by Germans.

    Southern Front:

    Tunstills Men Tuesday 21st May 1918:

    In billets at Valle di Sopra and Covolo.

    Pte. John Henry Fidler (see 29th November 1917) was temporarily attached for duty to 23rd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps.

    2Lt. Arthur Lilley (see 26th April), who had left the Battalion a month previously to return to the UK for transfer to the RAF, reported at the Air Ministry and was formally transferred to the RAF.

    Pte. Walter William Scott (see 9th January), who had been posted back to England in January suffering from bronchitis, was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields. However, he was immediately reported absent off sick parade. He would return two days later and would be awarded two days’ Field Punishment no.2.

    A payment of £6 7s. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. John Crossley (see 21st December 1917), who had died on 21st December 1917; the payment would go to his married sister, Ada Robinson.

    A payment of £5 11d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. Gilbert Swift Greenwood (see 31st January), who had died of wounds on 2nd January; the payment would go to his father, John.

    A payment of £8 10s. 5d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Gnr. George Thistlethwaite (see 22nd March), who had died of wounds on 18th February; the payment would go to his father, John.

    Asiatic, African, Egyptian Front:


    General Edwards' troops come up with enemy's rearguard nine miles south-west of Nanungu.

    Naval Operations:

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    Political:


    USA:
    President Woodrow Wilson detaches military aviation from the Army Signal Corps and places it under two new War Dept. bureaus: Military Aeronautics and Aircraft Production. Maj. Gen. William L. Kenly becomes Director of Military Aeronautics.

    Anniversary Events:

    996 Sixteen year old Otto III is crowned the Roman Emperor.
    1471 King Henry VI is killed in the Tower of London. Edward IV takes the throne.
    1506 Christopher Columbus dies.
    1536 The Reformation is officially adopted in Geneva, Switzerland.
    1620 Present-day Martha's Vineyard is first sighted by Captain Bartholomew Gosnold.
    1790 Paris is divided into 48 zones.
    1832 The Democratic party holds its first national convention.
    1856 Lawrence, Kansas is captured and sacked by pro-slavery forces.
    1863 Thesiege of the Confederate Port Hudson, Louisiana, begins.
    1881 The American Red Cross is founded by Clara Barton.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 05-21-2018 at 14:32.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  16. #3266

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    Wednesday 22nd May 1918
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    Armistice Countdown 173 days
    Today we lost: 420


    Lance Corporal Charles James Mott (London Regiment) dies of wounds received two days prior at age 37. He was born in Hornsey, North London, the son of Henry Isaac Mott, a surveyor’s clerk, and Eliza Brockley, a singing teacher. His early music was as a choirboy at St. James’ Church in Muswell Hill. When he left school he took a clerical job like his brothers, and he became a bank clerk, where he was well-known for his habit of singing to himself as he worked. After work he studied singing with Josiah Booth and Henry Stanley, before being spotted by Baron Frederic d’Erlanger who sent him to study with Paul Knupfer in Berlin. A year later, such was his progress that Knupfer arranged an audition with the Hofoper at Dessau leading to his becoming principal baritone.

    At the age of 25 Charles returned to England to continue studying with Madame Novello Davies. His chance to sing publicly in England came when he was invited to share the stage with a new tenor, John McCormack. In 1909 he was given supporting roles at the Royal Opera, before being given the part of Méru in Meyerbeer’s Les Huguenots, singing with Luisa Tetrazzini. Early in 1912 Mott sang the part of the Second Knight of the Grail in The Royal Opera’s Festival of German Opera production of Wagner’s Parsifal – this being the first English production, though sung in German. Following Parsifal, Mott sang in Meistersinger and Gotterdammerung.

    Later in 1912 he sang in the Wagner Festival in Budapest, and the next year at the Edinburgh Festival. Early in 1913 he participated in an unsuccessful production of Raymond Roze’s Joan of Arc, but later that year he was fortunate in playing leading roles more to his liking in Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, Lohengrin and Bizet’s Carmen. In 1914 the English composer ‘Sir’ Edward Elgar attended the Festival, expecting to hear Tristan, but instead of that the curtain rose on Meistersinger in which Mott by chance took August Kiess’s part of Kothner. Mott would have been singing the part of the Nachtigall, but Kiess was indisposed. Elgar was impressed by Mott’s voice, praised him personally and remembering him later, recommended him for the part of the Priest in his Gerontius. Elgar invited Mott to play the key role of The Organ Grinder in Lena AShwell’s’s production of The Starlight Express at the Kingsway Theatre, and this was followed by successful performances in Elgar’s song cycle on Kipling’s poems The Fringes of the Fleet.

    In 1916 Mott played the part of the Angel of the Agony in Gerontius, alongside Clara Butt and Gervase Elwes, with the composer conducting. There was a run of six performances at Queen’s Hall from 8th May and a gala performance on 19th May in the presence of the King and Queen. At the end of that year he sang in Coleridge-Taylor’s exotic Scenes of Hiawatha.

    He was conscripted into the British Army and joined the Artists Rifles. On 20th May 1918, during the Third Battle of the Aisne, whil3 on active service with his comrades in Ayeluy Woods, he is mortally wounded by enemy fire. He died of his wounds two days later. There are other singers in the regiment, and he is fondly remembered by one of them, Roy Henderson, for his popularity, unconventionality and light-heartedness. ‘Sir’ Edward Elgar, in writing to a friend, said “It is difficult to believe that Charles Mott is dead; dead of wounds in France. I am overwhelmed: a simple, honest GOOD soul.”

    Today’s losses include:

    · A baritone singer and actor
    · Multiple sons of members of the clergy
    · A man whose two brothers have been previously killed in the Great War

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    · Captain William Nelson Graham MC (Alberta Regiment) is killed in action at age 34. He is the son of the Honorable George P Graham.

    ·
    Lieutenant Basil Howard Baker (Rifle Brigade) is killed at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend Samuel Howard Baker.

    · Second Lieutenant John Whitely Mallinson (Machine Gun Corps) is killed at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend J H Mallinson.

    · Second Lieutenant Edmund Nicholas Prideaux-Brune (Rifle Brigade) the son of Colonel and Mrs. (the Honorable) Prideaux-Brune is killed in action at age 19.

    ·
    Sergeant Francis Vaughan (Newfoundland Regiment) is killed. His two brothers have already been killed in the Great War.

    Air Operations:

    Air-raids on Zeebrugge; a German destroyer sunk in harbour.

    General headquarters:
    tbc

    Royal Flying Corps casualties today:
    tbc

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today:

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    Claims: 56 confirmed (Entente 49 : Central Powers 7)

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    Western Front:


    General Edwards' troops come up with enemy's rearguard nine miles south-west of Nanungu.

    Southern Front:


    Increased artillery fighting along Piave; an attack at Capo Sile bridgehead repulsed.

    Allied airmen active.

    Tunstills Men Wednesday 22nd May 1918:


    In billets at Valle di Sopra and Covolo.

    Pte. George Towler Brown (see 10th December 1917) was admitted via 69th Field Ambulance to 23rd Division Rest Station, suffering from inflammation to his back; he would be discharged to duty a week later.

    Sgt. Lionel Vickers (see 11th April), who had suffered an accidental injury to his knee whilst playing football in February, was discharged from 16th Convalescent Depot at Marseilles and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

    Pte. William Franklin (see 5th January) was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields.

    A payment of £7 19s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Cpl. George Benson Heap (see 23rd May 1917), who had been killed in action on 23rd May 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Annie. The reason for the prolonged delay in issuing the payment is unknown.

    A payment of £14 1s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Leonard Watling (see 17th October 1917), who had died of wounds on 17th October 1917; the payment would go to his grandmother, Ann Eliza Debenham. She would also receive a parcel of his personal effects comprising of, “disc, letters, photos, religious book, wallet, notebook, note case, cigarette case, purse, wrist watch, steel mirror, signallers certificate, farthing, cap badge, lighter”.

    Asiatic, African, Egyptian Front:


    In East Africa British engage enemy between Nanungu and Mahua; capture guns and ammunition, drive Germans westward.

    Naval Operations:

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    Political:


    U.S.A
    . Sedition Bill passed, and $300,000,000 voted for ordnance.

    Anniversary Events:

    1246 Henry Raspe is elected anti-king by the Rhenish prelates in France.
    1455 King Henry VI is taken prisoner by the Yorkists at the Battle of St. Albans, during the War of the Roses.
    1804 The Lewis and Clark Expedition officially begins as the Corps of Discovery departs from St. Charles, Missouri.
    1856 U.S. Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina beats Senator Charles Sumner with a cane for Sumner's earlier condemnation of slavery, which included an insult to Brooks' cousin, Senator Andrew Butler.
    1863 Union General Ulysses S. Grant's second attack on Vicksburg fails and a siege begins.
    1868 The "Great Train Robbery" takes place as seven members of the Reno Gang make off with $98,000 in cash from a train's safe in Indiana.
    1872 The Amnesty Act restores civil rights to Southerners.
    1882 The United States formally recognizes Korea.
    1908 The Wright brothers register their flying machine for a U.S. patent.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 05-22-2018 at 15:21.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  17. #3267

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    Apologies in advance as Chris and I will be away for most of a week from Sunday. Mike has stepped in for the last bit of us being away but you will have to bare with us until our return for the missing days.

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  18. #3268

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    May 23rd 1918


    The Armed Mercantile Cruiser Moldavia (acting Captain A H Smyth) is torpedoed and during the morning in the Channel when making for a British port. Although a careful lookout is being kept, the submarine is not sighted and the first intimation of an attack is a violent explosion amidships. Arrangements are made to transfer all the survivors to British destroyers and other vessels, the transfer being safely accomplished and all on board are saved with the exception of 56 American soldiers, who were on the lower decks.

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    When his squadron is charging a strong enemy position on the west bank of the River Jordan, Ressaidar Badlu Singh (Lancers, Indian Army) realizes that heavy casualties are being inflicted from a small hill occupied by machine-guns and two hundred infantry. Without any hesitation he collects six other ranks and with entire disregard of danger he charges and captures the position. He is mortally wounded on the very top of the hill when capturing one of the machine guns single handed, but all the guns and infantry surrender to him before he dies. For his actions on this day he will be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

    He was born in village Dhakla, district Rohtak (now Jhajjar), Haryana, India. His father was Lal Singh. He was a Risaldar in 14th Murray's Jat Lancers, British Indian Army, attached to 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse), during the First World War when he performed the deed on 23 September 1918 at Khes Samariveh, Jordan River, Palestine for which he was posthumously awarded the VC.

    The citation reads:

    His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officer: —

    Ressaidar Badlu Singh, late 14th Lancers, attached 29th Lancers, Indian Army.

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    For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the morning of the 23rd September, 1918, when his squadron charged a strong enemy position on the west bank of the River Jordan, between the river and Khes Samariveh Village. On nearing the position Ressaidar Badlu Singh realised that the squadron was suffering casualties from a small hill on the left front occupied by machine guns and 200 infantry. Without the slightest hesitation he collected six other ranks and with the greatest dash and an entire disregard of danger charged and captured the position, thereby saving very heavy casualties to the squadron. He was mortally wounded on the very top of the hill when capturing one of the machine guns single-handed, but all the machine guns and infantry had surrendered to him before he died. His valour and initiative were of the highest order.

    Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Thomas Frederick Le Mesurier DSC (Royal Air Force) in spite of bad weather successfully drops bombs on the Ostend docks from a height of 800 feet amidst very intense anti-aircraft and machine-gun fire. He also makes valuable observations.

    Le Mesurier was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve in March 1915, and was confirmed in his rank of flight sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Air Service on 23 July 1915. His records show that as he passed flying training at the Central Flying School at Upavon, and was granted Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate No. 2753 on 17 March 1916. He was then posted to No. 5 Squadron RNAS, flying the Airco DH.4 two-seater day bomber. Le Mesurier was promoted to flight lieutenant on 31 December 1916.

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    Le Mesurier's first aerial victory came on 3 June 1917 when, with observer Flight Sub-Lieutenant R.G. St. John, he drove down out of control an Albatros D.III west of Bruges. His next came on 5 June when he destroyed and drove down two more D.IIIs over Snellegem and Diksmuide, with observer Aerial Gun Layer H.S. Jackson. Le Mesurier was promoted to flight commander on 30 June 1917.[6] He would share all his subsequent victories with ASL Jackson, all over Albatros D.Vs, and occurring on 19 August, 11 September, and 15 and 21 October. On 1 April 1918 the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the Army's Royal Flying Corps (RFC) were merged to form the Royal Air Force, and Le Mesurier's rank of flight commander was converted to the RAF equivalent of captain. He was also transferred to No. 211 Squadron RAF (formerly No. 11 (Naval) Squadron) at some point after 10 March 1918. On the morning of 26 May 1918, Le Mesurier and his observer, Second Lieutenant R. Lardner, were flying an Airco DH.9 (number D1693) on a test flight when they were engaged by German Marine Flak near Schoorbakke and suffered severe damage to the aircraft. Le Mesurier managed to pilot the stricken aircraft back towards his own lines, but crashed after the port wing folded up crossing over the trenches at 20 feet (6.1 m) near Pervijze. The aircraft was completely wrecked, but salvaged on 27 May and taken to No. 8 Air Park. Lardner was killed instantly, and Le Mesurier died later. Le Mesurier is buried in the Town Cemetery in Dunkirk.

    Captain George Edwin Thomson DSO MC (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed flying cross-country in England. He is a twenty-one-victory ace and dies before his twenty-first birthday.

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    George Edwin Thomson, the son of James and Ellen Thomson, of Glenfuccan, Helensburgh, Dumbartonshire, transferred from the King's Own Scottish Borderers to the Royal Flying Corps in September 1916. During flight training, he was badly injured in a crash which left him with a permanently scarred face. In the summer of 1917, he joined 46 Squadron in France and scored 1 victory with a Sopwith Pup before the squadron received Sopwith Camels. During March 1918, Thomson scored 15 victories, was awarded the Military Cross and was posted to the Home Establishment. Two months later, he was killed during take-off at Port Meadow when his aircraft burst into flames and crashed.

    Captain Audubon Eric Palfreyman (Royal Air Force) is killed in action at age 26. He is the son of the Reverend I H Palfreyman.
    Second Lieutenant George Edward Ffrench (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed while on a bombing operation when the engine of his DH9 falls out of the aircraft. The 18-year old is the son of the Reverend Lebel Holbrooke Edward Ffrench Incumbent of Kilconnell.
    Lieutenant Ewart Austin Bouchier Wimbush DFC (Royal Air Force) is killed in action in an air duel over Turkey on his twenty-first birthday. His parents are first cousins and he is the grandson of the Reverend Samuel Wimbush. His cousin was killed in March of this year and they are often confused as brothers as their parents are both John and Maud Wimbush.

    The following claims were made today

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    There were eleven British airmen lost on this day

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    SEA WAR
    Adriatic: Royal Navy submarine H4 sinks returning coastal submarine UB-52 40 miles south of Cattaro.
    Channel: British AMC Moldavia escorting convoy HC1 carrying US troops (only 64 lost) sunk by U-boat.

    EASTERN FRONT
    Britain: War Cabinet decides to send 560-man military mission to Archangel to train Whites and 600 troops to Murmansk; they decide large scale interven*tion inevitable on May 29.
    USSR: Factory delegates in Moscow call for strike against Soviet Government.

    SECRET WAR
    Russia: Lockhart sends Foreign Office Savinkov plan ‘to murder all Bolshevik leaders on night of Allied landing and form a Government … in reality a military dictatorship’.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Armenia: Silikov retakes Sardarabad and drives Turk 11th Division 30 miles north until May 24 while other Armenian units drive Turk vanguard back to Amamli.

    POLITICS
    Costa Rica: Government declares war on Germany. (and I am sure the Kaiser was wetting his breaches in terror...)

    British passenger ship Innisfallen was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea by German submarine SM UB-64 with the loss of 10 lives.[120]
    The U.S. Government approved the temporary assignment of U.S. air service cadets undergoing training to the Royal Italian Army's Military Aviation Corps so they could complete their tactical training with assignments to Italian bomber squadrons during combat operations, and with the right to transfer them to American units at any time.[121]
    The Ukrainian Navy established its own infantry

    The Italian Motor Industry benefits from the war...


    ITALIAN MOTOR VEHICLE EXPORTS. (translated)
    Figures recently issued by the Italian Ministry of Commerce Show a wonderful growth in the number and in the value of motor vehicles exported from that cOuntry. The year 1917 was a record one for Italian motor manufacturers, for they exported touring ears and mOtor • lorries to the value of 114,978,805 liras; which is nearly four times the value of the Motor exports in the best pre-war • year. Previous to the war Italy had in excellent creputation as a producer of high-grade touring cars, which she exported in important quantities ; but her motor lorries were comparatively little known outside her own -borders. Thus, in 1911, which is quite an average year, motor lorries represented only a little more than 7 per cent, of the total of Italian motor exports. In 1917 motor lorry' exports were practically 90 per cent, of the total exports of_the Italian motor 'factories,

    This big export business has been accomplished at a time when conditions were far from normal, it being necessary to secure a Government permit for. every . car sent out of the country, and this B38 permit. was granted only after home demands had been fully met. As is generally known, the Italian motor factories meet all the requirements of the Italian army; Italy is the only one of the Allied nations to be in this favoured position, for even America, despite her big motor output has been obliged to .draw portant motor supplies from Italy; while both France and England are dependent on that country, although not in the same degree.

    Italy now stands second among the motor exporting nations Of the world. First place is held by America; France follows Italy, although the detailed figures for its 1917 exports have not yet been issued. and Great Britain occupies fourth position. The following are the detailed figures for the four countries in their respeAive positions as issued by the Italian authorities The above rate of reckoning Is in liras, the English equivalent of a lira being nearly 10d.

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 05-23-2018 at 15:06.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  19. #3269

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    Another great set of posts by you guys.
    my daughter has qualified as a lawyer
    and congratulations Chris to you, your daughter and the rest of your family

  20. #3270

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Another great set of posts by you guys.
    and congratulations Chris to you, your daughter and the rest of your family
    Thanks Mike

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  21. #3271

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    24th May 1918

    Have to say its been mostly air war since Operation Michael faltered - what we need is a full on battle somewhere - anyway gripe over and on with the war...

    Captain Thomas Colvill-Jones (Royal Air Force) dies of wounds as a prisoner of war at age 20. He is an 11-victory ace and his brother will be killed in November of this year. He is the highest scoring Argentine born ace of the war and a biography of him entitled Your Ever Loving Son, will be published in 2008. (thats annoying, just looked for it on Amazon and can't find it.. I mean I had to there is a Brisfit on the cover)

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    The Battle of Sardarabad (Armenian: Սարդարապատի ճակատամարտ, Sardarapati č̣akatamart; Turkish: Serdarabad Muharebesi) was a battle of the Caucasus Campaign of World War I that took place near Sardarabad, Armenia from May 22–29, 1918, between the regular Armenian military units and militia on one side and the Ottoman army that had invaded Eastern Armenia on the other. Sardarabad was only 40 kilometers west of the city of Yerevan. The battle is currently seen as not only stopping the Ottoman advance into the rest of Armenia, but also preventing complete destruction of the Armenian nation. In the words of Christopher J. Walker, had the Armenians lost this battle, "it is perfectly possible that the word Armenia would have henceforth denoted only an antique geographical term.

    After the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia and the ceasefire signed between the Third Army of the Ottoman Empire and the Transcaucasian Commissariat in Erzincan, newly forming Armenian detachments came to replace Russian forces retreating from the Caucasian Front, particularly from the territory of Western Armenia. Taking advantage of the military-political situation of the time, the Ottoman government set its mind on regaining control of territories occupied by the Russian Army during World War I and invade Eastern Armenia and the South Caucasus afterwards.[10] The German government, the Ottoman Empire's ally, objected to this attack and refused to help the Ottoman Army in the operation. The Ottoman Army intended to crush Armenia and seize Russian Transcaucasia and the oil wells of Baku.

    Launching an assault in February 1918, the Third Army of the Ottoman Empire occupies Western Armenian settlements one after another. Following the failure of Trabzon peace talks in April, Third Army commander Mehmed Wehib Pasha moved his forces towards Transcaucasia. Taking advantage of the conciliatory policy of the leadership of the newly-proclaimed Transcaucasian Federative Republic, the Turkish military units captured the heavily fortified Castle of Kars on April 25, thus creating a direct threat to Alexandrapol. Following the siege of Kars, the Ottoman Forces Command put forward new conditions before the Transcaucasian authorities, demanding the surrender of Akhalkalaki, Akhaltsikhe and Alexandrapol, as well as of Alexandropol-Julfa railway, which the Turkish troops could use to reach Tabriz and get their hands on all the Transcaucasian railroads before the end of the war against the British. Unwilling to wait for the end of negotiations with the Transcaucasian delegation in Batumi, the Turkish forces took Alexandropol with a quick offensive on May 15, creating a threat of conquest for all of Eastern Armenia. In order to break into Eastern Armenia, the Turkish Military Command made a regrouping of its troops. A special detachment commanded by Yakub Shevki Pasha was formed in Kars from subdivisions of the 1st Caucasian Army Corps (under the command of Major-General Kazim Karabekir Pasha) and the 2nd Caucasian Army Corps of the Third Army (under the command of Major-General Yakub Shevki Pasha). Within the newly-formed detachment, the 36th Division (under the command of Colonel Pirselimoğlu Hamdi Bey) and the 9th Division (under the command of Colonel Rüştü Paşa) of the 1st Caucasian Army Corps, as well as the 11th Division (under the command of Colonel Cavit Erdel) and the 5th Division (under the command of Colonel Mürsel Pasha) of the 2nd Caucasian Army Corps were to operate against the Armenian forces. Besides the detachment in question, also participating in combat operations in the course of the invasion of Eastern Armenia was the 12th Division of the 4th Army Corps of the Second Army, which supervised Surmali mountain passes on the eve of the Battle of Sardarapat and had a mission to invade Igdir Province.

    To be able to resist the attack, commander of the Armenian Corps, commander-in-chief of the Armenian Armed Forces Tovmas Nazarbekian decided to safeguard the strategic roads to Yerevan and Tiflis.

    A part of the Armenian troops that had left Alexandropol, including some units of the 1st Division of the Armenian Corpse, as well as several units within the Special Armenian Detachment, retreated towards the Ararat Plain. Here under the general command of Movses Silikyan, the Detachment of Yerevan of the Armenian Armed Forces was created with a task to thwart the Turkish attack on Yerevan.

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    The invasion of the Turkish army put the Armenian political leadership in both Tiflis and Yerevan into a difficult situation. On May 19, after invading Surmali, Turkish General Halil Kut (the uncle of Enver Pasha) declared in Batumi that “the Armenians have been defeated and must be obeyed.” On the other hand, the Armenian delegation represented in the negotiations of Batumi (Alexander Khatisian, Hovhannes Kajaznuni) in a cable sent to Khachatur Karchikyan, the Armenian member in the Transcaucasian Commissariat, recommended “against showing resistance to Turks.

    Amid a widespread panic in the Aleksandropolsky Uyezd, the Ararat Plain and Yerevan following the attack of the Turkish troops, the Yerevan city council at a session on May 18 approved mayor Tadevos Tosyan’s proposal to hand over the city to the Turks with no resistance, evacuate the population and lead them to the mountains. But the decision to surrender Yerevan yielded no practical results, as the Executive Body of the Armenian National Council of Tbilisi - the Special Committee - headed by Yerevan National Council Chairman Aram Manukian sharply opposed such a development and overthrew the decision (supreme power in Yerevan and the province of Yerevan was given to the Special Committee). By the order of Aram Manukian and with the help of as many as 1500 residents, Yerevan’s defenses, especially the area near Yerablur, were fortified. On May 18, Aram Manukian accompanied by Yerevan’s commandant Arshavir Shahkhatuni visited Etchmiadzin to urge Catholicos George V to leave the town for security reasons. But His Holiness not only rejected the proposal, but also encouraged the military to show strong resistance to the belligerent.[19] He ordered, church bells peal for six days as Armenians from all walks of life – peasants, poets, blacksmiths, and even the clergymen – rallied to form organized military units. Civilians, including children, aided in the effort as well, as "Carts drawn by oxen, water buffalo, and cows jammed the roads bringing food, provisions, ammunition, and volunteers from the vicinity" of Yerevan.

    In the days that followed, Manukian played a vital role in stabilizing the situation in Yerevan and the adjacent areas and tipping the scale in the Armenians’ favor. In the morning of May 19, he ordered the Commander of the 1st Division, Major-General Movses Silikyan to stop the retreat of Armenian forces and avert the Turkish attack on Yerevan at any cost. To this end, Manukian promised to carry out organizational work in a short period of time, collect manpower and ammunition. In the subsequent days, recruitment was organized on Astafyan street, in the English park, in front of the Teachers’ Seminary and elsewhere for volunteers to join the army at the start of the Battle.

    Units Involved on Both Sides

    The Turkish Side
    Forming part of the 36th Turkish Division moving towards Alexandropol-Yerevan were the 106th, 107th and 108th Infantry Regiments, one rifle battalion, two artillery divisions. The Turkish army was further supported by a separate cavalry regiment and another one of 1,500 Kurdish fighters. The Turkish forces were a total of 7,500 - 10,000 soldiers and officers, including the Kurds. The Turks had 40 cannons at their disposal.

    The Armenian Side
    During the Battle of Sardarapat, the forces of the Armenian side formed part of the Yerevan detachment, whose other units took part in the Battle of Bash-Aparan against the 9th Turkish Division. Major-General Movses Silikyan was the Commander of the detachment, while Colonel Alexander Vekilyan served as the Chief of Staff based in the building of the Gevorgian Seminary of Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat. The Commander-in-Chief of the forces fighting in the Battle of Sardarapat was the Deputy Commander of the Yerevan detachment, Colonel Daniel Bek-Pirumyan, while Alexander Chneour was the Chief of Staff. Included in these forces were the 2nd Division of the Armenian Corps and several squads of the Special Armenian Detachment. Forming part of the 2nd Division (under the command of Movses Silikyan) were the 5th (3rd battalion, under the command of Poghos Bek-Pirumyan) and 6th (12 companies, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Dolukhanyan) regiments, the 2nd cavalry regiment with four cavalry battalions (Colonel Zalinyan), the Partisan infantry regiment with eight battalions (Colonel Aleksei Perekrestov), the Partisan cavalry regiment with three battalions (Colonel Korolkov), the Border Battalion (Lieutenant Colonel Silin), the Patrol Battalion of the 2nd Division. One battalion from the Fourth Regiment of the 1st Division was stationed in Davalu to defend the southern direction. Included in the Yerevan unit from the Special Armenian Detachment were the 1st (Colonel Yuzbashev) and 2nd (Colonel Chakhmakhchev) infantry regiments of Van from the 3rd Special Brigade, the 2nd Special Cavalry regiment of Zeytun (four cavalry battalions, Colonel Salibekyan), the infantry regiments of Khnus and Karakilisa (Colonel Kazimirsi) which formed part of the military units of the 2nd Special Brigade, the Regiment of Erzincan (6 battalions, Karapet Hassan-Pashaian) of the 1st Special Brigade, as well as the 1st Special Cavalry Regiment (military starshina Pavel Zolotarev).

    Five infantry batteries under Colonel Christophor Araratyan’s command were included in the Yerevan detachment, which also involved several squads composed of Western Armenian intellectuals, a Yezidi cavalry battalion (under the command of Usub Bek and Jangir Agha), as well as a great number of militia troops. The Armenian forces were composed of a total of 9,000-10,000 soldiers and officers, and amounted to 6,000 - 6,500 after some part of them were dispatched to the Bash-Aparan Front. Armenians had 28 cannons at their disposal but only 16-20 were used in the course of combat operations.

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    On May 21, the 108th Turkish Infantry Regiment, including cavalry and infantry subdivisions, went on with their offensive from an area adjacent to Araks railway station. The Sardarapat detachment, conducting defensive artillery operations, started to retreat and withdrew to the Kurakanlu-Kyorpalu-Zeyva Hayi initial positions. The Turks came close to Kyorpalu (7km west of Etchmiadzin). Advancing along the railroad, on May 21, the detachment of Zihni Bey defeated an Armenian unit composed of 600 infantry and 250 cavalry, and then took Sardarabad (now in the territory of the city of Armavir) that evening and the village of the same name 2 km south of the station, as well as the village of Gechrlu. Keeping up with their attack, the Turkish forces took the Verin Kolibeklu settlement (now in the territory of the village of Aknalich) and proceeded to Ghamishlu train depot (now in the territory of the village of Zartonk), 20 km far from Yerevan.

    The Turkish forces moving along the railroad sought to advance towards Zangibasar, which would put the Armenian troops south of the railroad, the locals and as many as 100,000 Western Armenian immigrants at risk of being cut off from Yerevan and destroyed. But Captain Khoren Igitkhanyan’s artillery battery stationed in the village of Artashar managed to rivet the enemy to the spot. Despite the retreat, the defense of bridges on the left bank of the Araks River was significantly enhanced, at the same time, more Armenian units were sent to the battleground from Yerevan. Commander of the Yerevan detachment Movses Silikyan and his Chief of Staff, Colonel A. Vekilyan drew up a tactical plan designed to throw the actively counter-attacking Turkish forces out of Sardarapat. In the evening of May 21, all the detachments of the Sardarapat Front were given relevant instructions for the next day with an order to coordinate the fulfillment of military actions. Included in the the Armenian forces fighting in the Sardarapat Front were the 5th and 6th regiments, the Infantry Regiment of Karakilisa (Lieutenant-Colonel Areshyan) of the 2nd Special Brigade, the Partisan Infantry Regiment, the Yezidi Cavalry Battalion, the Western Armenian volunteer groups, four artillery batteries.

    On the night of May 21-22, an exchange of fire between the Armenian militia and the Yezidi Cavalry Unit commanded by Jahangir Agha and the Turkish troops near the village of Molla Bayazet prevented the enemy from attacking the Armenian forces from the rear. The shooting gave Dolukhanyan and Perekrestov the opportunity to array the troops for the battle, at the same time enabling Captains Sergo Atanesyan and Vladimir Sakkilari to marshal their artillery units. After the battles of May 22, Major-General Movses Silikyan moved a part of detachments he had at his disposal - the 6th Regiment, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the Partisan Cavalry Regiment and other units - to the Bash-Aparan Front to block the advancement of the Turkish troops proceeding towards Yerevan. Movses Silikyan ordered elements of the 5th Armenian Regiment under Poghos Bek-Pirumyan, a reserve guerrilla unit, and a special cavalry regiment to check the advance of the Ottoman army. The Armenians’ first victory in the Sardarapat Front was of crucial importance not only in terms of boosting combat readiness of the army and ensuring further victories, but also overcoming the panic among the Armenian population of the province of Yerevan and the Western Armenian refugees. On May 24, Major-General Silikyan urged the nation to join the battle:

    “Armenians, hurry up to free the homeland… There’s no time to lose. All the men under the age of 50 are obliged to take up arms: I demand that everyone come with their weapons and ammunition for the defense of the homeland…” - - Movses Silikyan

    On May 24, the Turkish side launched an offensive but was thrown off sustaining heavy losses from Armenian artillery fire. The initial positions of both sides remained unchanged. In order to conceal defeats and major losses, the Turkish command staff made up a fake story about the sinking of Turkish echelon in the Akhuryan River and disseminated it through the press.[42]

    By the order of Major-General Movses Silikyan, a regrouping of the Armenian forces was carried out. As a result, the main Armenian strike forces - the companies of the 5th Rifle Regiment, as well as one cavalry company from the 1st Special Cavalry Regiment, the Patrol Department of the Yerevan detachment - were stationed in the direction of Sardarapat-Araks railway station. In the left wing, the Partisan Infantry Regiment, the remaining subdivisions of the 1st Special Cavalry Regiment, four cannons from the 2nd Battery were dispatched to the villages of Sardarapat and Molla Bayazet. The detachment of Igdir (1st and 2nd Regiments of Van) based themselves in the village of Kyarimarkh, while the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (Zeytun), the Regiment of Karakilisa, as well as several volunteer groups were sent to the Araks River. The right wing, meanwhile, was protected by forces designed for quick military manoeuvres, including the Regiment of Erzincan in Khznauz and half a company from the Squad of Khnus, as well as the Battalion of Maku in Kosh and one company from the Regiment of Karakilisa. The Partisan Cavalry Squad under the command of Captain Pandukht (Mikayel Seryan) was stationed in the front-line positions of the right wing, while some subdivisions of the 5th Regiment of the Sardarapat military unit went to the villages of Upper Kulibeklu (near the village of Aknalich) and Turkish Zeyva.

    More tomorrow...

    The Austro Hungarian Air Ace Leutnant Josef Kiss was killed on this day

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    Kiss was killed in action when he was shot down by Canadian ace Gerald Birks. Posthumously promoted to Leutnant in der Reserve, he was the only non-commissioned pilot in the Austro-Hungarian Army Air Service to become an officer. Three days after he was killed in action near Lamon, funeral services for Kiss were underway at Pergine airfield in northern Italy when numerous Allied planes flew over the mourners and dropped a wreath with ribbons and a note. The note read "Our last salute to our courageous foe."

    On a quieter day in the air the following claims were made...

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    Eight British airmen were lost on this day

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    WESTERN FRONT
    Britain: BEF Tank Corps Lieutenant-Colonel JFC Fuller writes ‘Plan 1919’ for Allied tank (4,992 requested) and all*vehicle breakthrough on broad front. Haig receives revised version July 21. Foch agrees in principle August 6.
    Flanders: *Gas shelling of British at Nieppe forest (Arnnentieres).
    Aisne: 12 tanks from German lines unable to cross French ‘Bardooelles Trench’.

    EASTERN FRONT

    Northern Russia: Major-General Poole lands at Murmansk to organize North Russia Expedition Force, and cruiser USS Olympia joins Royal Navy squadron there.

    AIR WAR
    Germany: Thyssen blast furnaces and iron/steel works Hagendingen attacked by 8 DH9s of No 99 Squadron (which shoot down 1 fighter).

    Captain Tunstill's Men: t was remarked that, “Conditions on the Asiago Plateau had greatly changed since the Division’s first tour. The weather had become mild and pleasant, the snow had mostly disappeared, and the advent of Spring had combined with the general provocation of our own and the French guns to rouse the Austrian artillery from their customary lethargy … A brilliant sun shone without being oppressive, a soft, balmy breeze blew through the glades between the pines and on all sides spring flowers poked up out of the carpet of moss and pine cones. Rations were also much better – including rice, oatmeal and more butter”.

    Extensive preparations began to be put in place for a planned allied advance, which was intended not only to overrun the Austrian front line but also to push on into the high mountains beyond. In the event, other circumstances would intervene and the planned operations would never be put into effect.

    Cpl. Thomas Butler (see 13th March) was reported by Lt. Arthur Neill (see 15th March) for drunkenness; he was placed in confinement pending trial by Field General Court Martial.

    Pte. John Smallwood (see 9th March) was reported by Sgts. Scott (unidentified) and John Stephenson (see 15th April) for “insolence and using obscene language to an NCO”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 17th May) he would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

    CSM Harry Dewhirst (see 11th December 1917), formerly of 10DWR, serving with 4DWR at Rugeley Camp, Staffs., was attached to the Military Provost Staff Corps and appointed Acting RSM and Quartermaster Sergeant in charge of groups of prisoners of war at No.42 Agricultural Depot at Halam, Nottinghamshire.

    Following the recent exchange of correspondence between his family and the authorities, A pension award was made in the case of the late L.Sgt. Fred Light Pashley (see 22nd April), who had been posted ‘missing in action’ on 20th September 1917. Despite the representations made by his family on the grounds that Pashley and his wife had been estranged, the award was made to Pashley’s widow, Elsie Annie; she was to receive 21s. 8d. per week for herself and her son.

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  22. #3272

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

  23. #3273

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    Superb edition Chris.
    Agreed.

    Update - I'll do all from 27th May to 1st June included, although the post on Sunday will be late evening. Basics already completed. Have a good break guys

  24. #3274

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    25th May 1918

    The Battle of Sardarabad cont.

    On May 25, the vanguard subdivisions of the 5th Regiment, supported by 4 artillery batteries and Captain Tachat Hovakimyan’s machine gun squad, attacked the 440th and 449th hills, but met persistent resistance from the Turkish side and were forced to retreat to their initial positions. Another Armenian military column attacked along the railway towards the Araks station and stopped about 3 km away, encountering persistent resistance from Turkish frontline units. A very strong grouping of enemy troops turned out to have been dispatched to Araks station, whereas the Armenian intelligence had reported that the main forces of the Turks were based at Karaburun station and in Nerkin Talin. In the wee hours of May 26, the reserve companies of the 5th Regiment were brought forward from the rear. According to a roadmap drawn by Commander Movses Silikyan, the right, central and left columns were set to capture Araks and Karaburun stations with a simultaneous attack and throw the rival back to Alexandropol by attacking along the entire area from the slopes of Mount Aragats to the banks of Akhurian River. Later in the morning of that same day, the 1st Battalion of the 5th Regiment, by the arbitrary order of Stabs-kapitan Vardan Jaghinyan, launched an unsuccessful offensive on the Cimni Gir (440) high ground and was forced to retreat to its initial positions, suffering major losses, including Jaghinyan himself. No actions were taken on the other part of the front, with only Colonel A. Perekrestov’s Partisan Machine Gun Regiment striking the Turkish troops near Araks station.

    After the unsuccessful assaults of May 25-26, Movses Silikyan came up with a new plan which sought to perform a quick manoeuvre of detachments in Khznauz and Kosh and support the frontal attack on Turkish-held hills with strikes from the rear. At the same time, the central and left wings of the main front were reinforced by the Igdir Regiment and the Patrol forces of the Partisan Regiment, brought forward from the rear.At dawn of May 27, the Khznauz detachment initiated manoeuvres and successfully bypassed the left wing of the Turkish vanguard forces. At the same time, the detachment of Kosh to the right of that of Khznauz was unable to overcome the resistance of Turks near the village of Nerkin Kalakut and had to stop, with Erzincan Regiment Commander K. Hassan-Pashaian sending two companies for help. At 9 a.m. on the same day, the Armenian artillery units in the main front of Sardarapat carried out powerful strikes on the rival’s positions for half an hour, suppressing fire from artillery and machine gun subdivisions from the other part of the battleground. The central detachments then launched an offensive on the enemy positions, waiting for an attack from the rear for a decisive blow. To encourage his soldiers, Colonel Daniel Bek-Pirumyan wore his military uniform inside out to reveal the red lining and led his army into battle. After bypassing the left wing of the Turkish troops at noon, the detachment of Khznauz turned sharply to the south, reaching the rear of the 440 and 449 hills. Following this brilliant tactical maneuver, the main forces of the central front of Sardarapat attacked and, with support from the Erzincan Regiment, managed to capture the high grounds nearby at 2:00 p.m.

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    At dawn of May 27, the Khznauz detachment initiated manoeuvres and successfully bypassed the left wing of the Turkish vanguard forces. At the same time, the detachment of Kosh to the right of that of Khznauz was unable to overcome the resistance of Turks near the village of Nerkin Kalakut and had to stop, with Erzincan Regiment Commander K. Hassan-Pashaian sending two companies for help. At 9 a.m. on the same day, the Armenian artillery units in the main front of Sardarapat carried out powerful strikes on the rival’s positions for half an hour, suppressing fire from artillery and machine gun subdivisions from the other part of the battleground. The central detachments then launched an offensive on the enemy positions, waiting for an attack from the rear for a decisive blow.

    To encourage his soldiers, Colonel Daniel Bek-Pirumyan wore his military uniform inside out to reveal the red lining and led his army into battle. After bypassing the left wing of the Turkish troops at noon, the detachment of Khznauz turned sharply to the south, reaching the rear of the 440 and 449 hills. Following this brilliant tactical maneuver, the main forces of the central front of Sardarapat attacked and, with support from the Erzincan Regiment, managed to capture the high grounds nearby at 2:00 p.m.

    “Our entrenched lines got up and with shouts of “hurrah” pursued them. A group of Turks was successfully surrounded, but the main part fled, running head over heels, because the detachment of Captain Hassan Pashaian with the Erzincan regiment, already operated in their rear. A few moments later the Turks started to flee abandoning everything including their munitions, supplies, their wounded and dead. The battle was won. Armenia was saved.” - Alexander Chneour


    On the same day Perekrestov’s left column launched an assault along the railway and captured Araks station, as well as Mastara depot in the evening. Captain Pandukht’s cavalry unit, meanwhile, started an offensive south of Nerkin Kalakut, overturned the resistance of Turkish forces with the help of companies from Kosh and Khznauz, then cut through the Turkish troops to the north-west of the battleground. On May 27-28, Pandukht’s squad weighed heavily upon smaller Turkish units, passed through Talin, Gyuzlu and Kirmizlu to rapidly penetrate into Sogyutlu, where Pandukht was joined by a local 1000-member squad. A cannon was seized from Turks, and a large number of troops were taken captive as a result. During the decisive battles on May 27, the Turks were completely defeated, forced to retire to Karaburun Station-Mount Karaburun line in a panic. Exhausted after winning the battle, the Sardarapat detachment was ordered to stop and base themselves on the heights of Mastara depot. During that day, a 100-member Kurdish gang was thrown back while attempting to cross the Araks River near Margara. On the night of May 27-28, the Armenian forces moved forward and reached the Karaburun station-Mount Karmrasar line. Unable to resist the Armenian side’s attacks after a brief engagement in Karaburun-Ashnak, the Turks began to withdraw towards the Aragats station-Kirmizlu-Verin Agdzhakala on May 28, where they were once again thrown back to the north. As a result of that day’s fighting, the Armenian side seized Karaburun and Aragats stations, as well as Nerkin Talin, Verin Talin and Mastara, while Armenian intelligence units reached Ani station and found out that there are no Turkish troops on their way to Ani and Aghin stations. The next day on May 29, however, the Turkish forces were significantly enhanced with more personnel which enabled them to initiate a counter-offensive on Aragats station. Weighed heavily upon by the Turkish units and under threat of encirclement by them, the vanguard Armenian forces retreated and based themselves at the Karaburun station. In the right wing of the battleground, meanwhile, the Armenians fought heavy battles near the village of Shirvandzhug. It was on that same day that Major-General Movses Silikyan, the commander of the Yerevan detachment, addressed the people and the army for the second time urging them to continue the triumphant battles to take Alexandropol too.

    “Armenians! The heroic activity of our brave troops is going on, and the Turkish forces are retreating. We must take Alexandropol back from the Turks who seized the city so treacherously. They require Akhalkalak, Alexandropol and Etchmiadzin along with the Holy See, most of the Yerevan province, Nakhijevan. Can we tolerate such an insult? Armenians, assemble hurriedly, kick the enemy out of our native bleeding soil. To arms, everybody. To Alexandropol.” Ashkhatank No 5 (205), June 5 (23) 1918. - Movses Silikyan

    But after the Armenian delegation accepted a three-day (May 26-29) Turkish ultimatum in Batumi, a ceasefire was signed that same day (May 29). By the order of General Tovmas Nazarbekian all the Armenian forces ceased attacks. This marked the end of the Battle of Sardarapat. The soldiers of the Sardarapat Front and the command staff were extremely dissatisfied with the news of the ceasefire and cessation of attacks.[49] According to the commander of the Armenian artillery unit, Colonel Christophor Araratyan, although the Yerevan detachment was in a favorable situation when the ceasefire was being signed, the complete failure of Armenians in Karakilisa Front forced them to stop the assault, as Yerevan would remain open for the enemy’s attack from the northeast. According to some analyses, the cessation of attacks in the Battle of Sardarapat was also conditioned by the fact that the Armenian military warehouses were almost empty, as well as by the danger of Turkish troops launching another counter-attack after receiving fresh supplies. Once the truce was established in Batumi, clashes continued in some sections of the Sardarapat Front but no significant changes were made. Following the signing of the Treaty of Batum on June 14, all the Armenian units withdrew from their posts to the borderline prescribed by the agreement.

    In the Battle of Sardarapat, Turkish casualties amounted to 3,500, while the Armenian side’s losses were far less, although no accurate data is available.

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    With the Ottoman forces in a full rout, General Silikyan wished to press on his advantage with the hope of dislodging the Ottomans from Alexandropol and Kars. But, almost immediately, he was informed of the ongoing negotiations between the Ottoman leadership and the Armenian National Council in Tiflis and was told by Corps Commander Tovmas Nazarbekian to cease military operations in the region.Though members of the National Council were widely criticized for issuing this order at the time, this decision was carried out because the ammunition stores had been all but been depleted and Ottoman commanders had received fresh reinforcements. The 9-day Battle of Sardarapat ended with Armenia’s full victory, as a result of which the rival was thrown back 50-65 km and the immediate threat to Yerevan was eliminated. The victory played an important role in the partial failure of the Turkish invasion of Eastern Armenia, as well as in securing a victorious counter-offensive in Bash-Aparan and the heroic resistance in Karakilisa. The Battle of Sardarapat saved the locals and Western Armenian refugees from imminent massacre. The victory secured at a great cost also contributed to the enhancement of the role of Yerevan-based political and social organizations, as well as of local authorities and leading figures[54]: In fact, this triumph laid the foundation for the establishment of a newly independent Armenia. The Ottoman defeats at Sardarabad, Bash Abaran, and Karakilisa staved off the annihilation of the Armenian nation, and the victories here were instrumental in allowing the Armenian National Council to declare the independence of the First Republic of Armenia on May 30 (retroactive to May 28). Though the terms that Armenia agreed to in the Treaty of Batum (June 4, 1918) were excessively harsh, the little republic was able to hold out until the Ottomans were forced to withdraw from the region with the end of World War I in late 1918.

    The battle of Sardarabad holds a special place in Armenian historical memory and is often compared to the 451 A.D. battle of Avarayr. Leaders of the First Republic frequently invoked the name of the battle, exhorting their people to aspire to the example of those who had fought and participated in it.The battle was seldom mentioned or given little significance in Soviet historiography until after the death of Joseph Stalin. In the mid-1960s, a number of Soviet historians began to highlight its importance, as well as that of Bash Abaran and Karakilisa. The Soviet military historian Evgenii F. Ludshuvet, for example, emphasized that these battles, fought by the "Armenian Dashnak forces", helped slow down the Turkish advance on Baku and helped relieve some pressure against that city. Notable Soviet Armenian literary figures such as Hovhannes Shiraz and Paruyr Sevak, whose work "Sardarapat" was turned into a popular song, composed songs and wrote poems that lionized the Armenian fighters. Ivan Bagramyan, a Marshal of the Soviet Union and himself a participant of the battle, described its importance in the following manner:

    The significance of the battle of Sardarapat is great... If they [the Armenian forces] did not defeat the Ottomans there, they would have proceeded to Echmiadzin and Yerevan—nothing would have remained of Armenia, nothing would have been saved... The Armenians won and, thanks to them, our people preserved their physical existence within the current borders of Armenia.

    Battle of Karakilisa (Armenian: Ղարաքիլիսայի ճակատամարտ Gharakilisayi chakatamart, Turkish: Karakilise Muharebesi or Karakilise Muharebeleri) was a battle of Caucasus Campaign of World War I that took place in the vicinity of Karakilisa (now Vanadzor), on May 25-28, 1918.

    The outnumbered Armenian defenders managed to turn back the invading Ottoman forces, which broke the armistice, signed on December 1917, with Transcaucasian commissariat entering Western Armenia, conquering Erznka, Erzerum, Sarighamish, Kars and Alexandropol and reaching Karakilisa. The victory here as well as at Sardarabad and Abaran were instrumental in allowing the First Republic of Armenia to come into existence. In several months, the cities of Erznka, Erzerum, Sarikamish, Kars and Alexandropol were conquered. On May 20, they conquered the Akhbulag, Djrajur and Kaltakhchi villages. On May 21, they conquered Vorontsovka. Pressed by the Turkish regular army, Armenian forces were retreating. Part of Ottoman-Turkish forces moved to Yerevan, another one to Karakilisa. The latter forces included about 10 thousand soldiers, 70 pieces of artillery and 40 machine-guns. The Armenian population was leaving their homes moving to the south to Yerevan and Syunik. Garegin Nzhdeh (with his troops) reached Karakilisa and managed to unite the population for the fight. The Armenian forces reached the number of 6 thousand, with 70 pieces of artillery and 20 machine-guns. After a violent battle of 4 days, on May 25-28, both sides had serious losses. Although the Ottoman army managed to invade Karakilisa and massacre all its population of 4,000 souls, it had no more forces to intrude farther into Armenian territories.

    Wehib Pasha speaking to his headquarters,

    “ We do not have the strength to defeat the Armenians. The three day battle in Karakilise shows that as long as their existence is in danger they will prefer to die fighting. We must not bring on a battle with the force that 1,200,000 Armenians can raise. If the Georgians join in the hostilities, it will be impossible to advance... In short, we must come to terms with the Armenians and Georgians.[3]

    Amongst those to be killed on this day were:

    John Ernest Vivian Rathbone – Basil Rathbone’s (Sherlock Holmes) younger brother
    Eric William Benson – a cousin once removed of Basil Rathbone

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    SOUTHERN FRONTS
    Piave: Bersaglieri and Arditi surprise more Austrian Capo Sile positions and repel two counter*-attacks (night May 25-26).
    Trentino: Alpini attack in Tonale*-Adamello region (west of Lake Garda) and capture line of five major peaks commanding upper Val Carnonica.

    EASTERN FRONT
    USSR: First Congress of Councils of National Economy in Moscow.
    Siberia: c.60,000-strong Czech Legion begins revolt against Reds.
    Western Russia: Germans arrest 60 conspirators in Dvinsk.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Armenia: Armenian 2nd Cavalry Regiment charge Turks successfully. Dro’s troops hold Bas-Abaran Defile north of Erevan (May 29) against Turk 3rd Regiment of 11th Division.
    South Persia: 1,600 British (51 casualties) with 4 guns defeat Saulat’s 4,800 tribesmen (estimated 600-700 casualties) at Deh Shaikh 11 miles west of Shiraz and return there on May 27.

    The War in the Air

    The following aerial victory claims were made on this day

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    Despite what seems on the face of it to be a quiet day, there were still 15 British airmen lost on this day

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  25. #3275

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    May 26th 1918

    The steamer Thames (Master W A McPhail) is torpedoed and sunk six miles from Seaham Harbour. Four of her crew are killed including her master.

    S S Kyarra two days after sailing from Tilbury for Devonport, Plymouth towards the western end on the Channel where she is to embark with civilian passengers and full general cargo is attacked and fatally wounded by UB-57 near Swanage and sent to the bottom. Six lives are lost.

    The Kyarra was a 6,953 ton (7,065 t) steel cargo and passenger luxury liner, built in Scotland in 1903 for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company. The Kyarra was built at Dumbarton by William Denny and Brothers, and launched on 2 February 1903 on the River Clyde, Scotland. Her name was taken from the aboriginal word for a small fillet of possum fur. For ten years Kyarra sailed between Fremantle, Western Australia, where she was registered, and Sydney, New South Wales carrying cargo and passengers. She sailed under the flag of the United Steam Navigation Company Limited of London. On 6 November 1914 she was requisitioned in Brisbane and converted into a hospital ship (HMAT A.55 Kyarra) for the purpose of transporting the Australian medical units to Egypt. The hull was painted white with a large red cross on the side. She carried the full staff and equipment of the Nos. 1 and 2 General Hospitals, the Nos. 1 and 2 Stationary Hospitals, and the No. 1 Clearing Hospital. In March 1915, Kyarra was converted into a troop transport. Commonwealth control ended 4 January 1918.

    In October 1911, the then wireless operator, Sidney Jeffryes achieved brief fame for the ship which was reported in the Sydney Sun: "Record by the Kyarra. Mr. S. H. Jeffryes, wireless operator on the A.U.S.N. Co.'s Kyarra, which was fitted up by the Australasian Wireless Co., Ltd., has put up a record for overland wireless messages between ships. His report says:— "Coming into Adelaide on th e 18th Instant, distant from Adelaide 140 miles, I picked up the Cooma. This exceeds the records of that of the Cooma and Riverlna four months ago from Townsville to the Bight by a small margin of about 40 miles. The conditions were absolutely normal on the night, a fact which could hardly be said of the occasion four months ago, which was a night on which every operator got good distances, myself and the Levuka getting 2100 miles. It is claimed by the Cooma and Riverina that the distance was 2300 miles. This is not so, as direct it is not more than 1500 miles, but even this is equivalent to almost twice as much by sea. I thus claim to have established an Australasian record for transmission and reception over land, beating the previous one by 40 miles."[6] Jeffryes was later appointed wireless operator for the Australian Antarctic Expedition.

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    On 5 May 1918, Kyarra was sailing from Tilbury to Devonport to embark civilian passengers and take on full general cargo. However she was sunk by UB-57 near Swanage with the loss of six lives on 26 May 1918.

    It was discovered in the late 1960s by a member of the Kingston and Elmbridge British Sub-Aqua Club, which later bought the wreck. The wreck, which lies one mile off Anvil Point, remains popular with divers

    Lamps Henry Watterson (S S Princess Royal) is killed at age 53 when his ship is sunk by a submarine. His nephew was killed earlier this month while also serving in the merchant marine.
    Also lost on the Princess Royal are father Cood John William France age 48 and his son Assistant Stewart Harry France age 17.
    Lieutenant Commander Paul Thomond Gape Methuen (HMS Hercules, Royal Navy) dies of illness at home at age 31. He is the son of the Reverend Paul Edward O’Bryen Methuen.

    SM UB-74 was a German Type UB III submarine or U-boat in the German Imperial Navy (German: Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. She was commissioned into the German Imperial Navy on 24 October 1917 as SM UB-74.

    UB-74 was serving in the Flanders Flotillas. On 26 May 1918 she was sunk by HMS Lorna with depth charges in the English channel.

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    She was built by AG Vulcan of Hamburg and following just under a year of construction, launched at Hamburg on 12 September 1917. UB-74 was commissioned later that same year under the command of Kptlt. Karl Neureuther. Like all Type UB III submarines, UB-74 carried 10 torpedoes and was armed with a 8.8 cm (3.46 in) deck gun. UB-74 would carry a crew of up to 3 officer and 31 men and had a cruising range of 8,420 nautical miles (15,590 km; 9,690 mi). UB-74 had a displacement of 508 t (500 long tons) while surfaced and 639 t (629 long tons) when submerged. Her engines enabled her to travel at 13.4 knots (24.8 km/h; 15.4 mph) when surfaced and 7.5 knots (13.9 km/h; 8.6 mph) when submerged.


    SEA WAR
    North Sea: US Mine Squadron 1 (Captain Reg Belkap’s 19 minelayers with 5,530 mines) arrives at Invergordon to help lay Northern Barrage with 57,000 US-made mines in next 5 months, about 5% explode prematurely. Often 1 minelayer laid over 43 miles in 3 1/2 hours.
    North Sea*: Grand Fleet cruises off Heligoland Bight minefields while Harwich Force goes through, but no German response. Destroyer Shake*speare mined but towed home by cruiser Centaur.
    Channel: Royal Navy patrol yacht Lorna depth charges and sinks coastal submarine UB-74 in Lyme Bay.

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    WESTERN FRONT
    Aisne: 2 German PoWs reveal offensive next day, Duchene’s Sixth Army mans overdense first line from 16:15 hours.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Armenia – Battle of Karakilise (until May 28): Nazarbekov, outflanked north and south by Turks, escapes via mountain paths and covers Delljan from west with 5,000 survivors (until May 29).

    The War in the Air

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    12 British Airmen were lost on this day

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    Captain Tunstill's Men:
    Brigadier General Archibald Bentley Beauman DSO, of the South Staffordshire Regiment, assumed command of 69th Brigade. Aged just 29, he was the third youngest officer to be promoted to the command of a Brigade. He had begun the war as a subaltern with 2nd South Staffs and had gone to France with the BEF and been involved in the retreat from Mons. He had been invalided back to England, ill, before the end of 1914 but had been promoted Captain and had returned to France to join 1st South Staffs early in 1915. He had been promoted to command 1st South Staffs in the Autumn of 1916 and had travelled to Italy in the Autumn of 1917 as part of 7th Division. He later recalled his impressions of his new Brigade; “My new Brigade consisted entirely of Yorkshire regiments and no county provides finer fighting material. All the battalions had had a lot of hard fighting on the Somme. They were all “New Army” battalions and considering the almost entire lack of regular or even territorial officers and NCOs they were remarkably well disciplined and easy to handle both in and out of the line. They were really a wonderful example of the fine fighting formations that can be evolved from civilian cources in a few years of war”.

    Orders were received that the allied offensive which had been planned for early June, and for which extensive preparations had been made, was to be postponed.

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 05-26-2018 at 01:39.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  26. #3276

    Default

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    May 27th 1918

    Third Battle of the Aisne
    On the morning of 27 May 1918, the Germans began a bombardment (Feuerwalze) of the Allied front lines with over 4,000 artillery pieces. Location – The Aisne River near Paris, France. The massive surprise attack (named Blücher-Yorck after two Prussian generals of the Napoleonic Wars) lasted from 27 May until 4 June 1918 and was the first full-scale German offensive following the Lys Offensive in Flanders in April.

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    It was planned primarily by Erich Ludendorff, who was certain that success at the Aisne would lead the German armies to within striking distance of Paris. Ludendorff, who saw the British Expeditionary Force as the main threat, believed that this, in turn, would cause the Allies to move forces from Flanders to help defend the French capital, allowing the Germans to continue their Flanders offensive with greater ease. Thus, the Aisne drive was to be essentially a large diversionary attack.

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    The defense of the Aisne area was in the hands of General Denis Auguste Duchêne, commander of the French Sixth Army. In addition, four divisions of the British IX Corps, led by Lieutenant-General Sir Alexander Hamilton-Gordon, held the Chemin des Dames Ridge; they had been posted there to rest and refit after surviving the "Michael" battle.

    The British suffered heavy losses, because Duchêne was reluctant to abandon the Chemin des Dames ridge, after it had been captured at such cost the previous year, and had ordered them to mass together in the front trenches, in defiance of instructions from the French Commander-in-Chief Henri-Philippe Petain. Huddled together, they made easy artillery targets.

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    The bombardment was followed by a poison gas drop. Once the gas had lifted, the main infantry assault by 17 German Sturmtruppen divisions commenced, part of an Army Group nominally commanded by Crown Prince Wilhelm, the eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Kaiser came to inspect the progress of the battle. He interviewed captured British Brigadier-General Hubert Rees (GOC 150th Brigade, part of 50th Division). The Kaiser was amused to learn that he was Welsh, the same nationality as Lloyd George.
    Taken completely by surprise and with their defences spread thin, the Allies were unable to stop the attack and the German army advanced through a 40 kilometres (25 mi) gap in the Allied lines. Reaching the Aisne in under six hours, the Germans smashed through eight Allied divisions on a line between Reims and Soissons, pushing the Allies back to the river Vesle and gaining an extra 15 km of territory by nightfall.

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    Victory seemed near for the Germans, who had captured just over 50,000 Allied soldiers and over 800 guns by 30 May 1918. But advancing within 56 kilometres (35*mi) of Paris on 3 June, the German armies were beset by numerous problems, including supply shortages, fatigue, lack of reserves and many casualties.
    On 6 June 1918, following many successful Allied counter-attacks, the German advance halted on the Marne, much as the "Michael" and "Georgette" offensives had in March and April of that year.

    Aftermath

    The French had suffered over 98,000 casualties and the British around 29,000. German losses were nearly as great, if not slightly heavier. Duchene was sacked by French Commander-in-Chief Philippe Petain for his poor handling of the British and French troops. The Americans had arrived and proven themselves in combat for the first time in the war.
    Ludendorff, encouraged by the gains of Blücher-Yorck, launched further offensives culminating in the Second Battle of the Marne.

    Bois des Buttes (battle honour)

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    Dispositions of the 8th Division at 0100 hours on 27 May 1918, showing the location of the 2nd Devons on Bois des Buttes.

    Bois des Buttes was a battle honour uniquely awarded to the Devonshire Regiment in memory of the actions of its 2nd Battalion on 27 May 1918, the first day of the Third Battle of the Aisne in the Great War.

    Prelude

    The 2nd Devonshires were part of the 8th Infantry Division which had been severely depleted by the Spring fighting and had, on 12 May, been attached to General Duchêne's French Sixth Army and sent to a quiet sector to recuperate and rebuild. They were taken out of the line on May 20 and assigned to the reserve at Roucy for training of newly arrived replacement drafts. On 26 May, it was learned from captured German prisoners that an attack was due early the next morning, although there was little indication of the magnitude of what was to come. Late that afternoon, the battalion was ordered to occupy positions on Bois des Buttes, a wooded sandstone hill southwest of La Ville-aux-Bois that had been fortified by both the French and the Germans over the previous years. In addition to its surface fortifications, the hill was criss-crossed with creutes—underground quarries whose galleries were dry, impervious to shellfire and, in many cases, electrically lit, and in which the troops took shelter. Positioned approximately 1200 yards behind the front line, the battalion was to be Brigade Reserve for the 23rd Infantry Brigade. The battalion completed the four-and-a-half mile march from Roucy and reported to Brigade Headquarters that it was in position by midnight.

    The German assault

    An hour later, at 0100 hours, the opening bombardment of Blücher-Yorck began, augmented with poison gas and described as 'of a violence and accuracy that in the opinion of the most seasoned soldiers far outdid any other barrage they were under'. Sheltered as they were in dugouts deep underground, the Devons' casualties were light, although the gas caused some discomfort and inconvenience, and ammunition parties could not be sent out. At approximately 0345, the German infantry attack began using the recently developed Stormtroop tactic of advancing rapidly, probing for weak spots and avoiding pockets of resistance. The units in the front-line trenches, which had already suffered severely from the artillery bombardment, were rapidly infiltrated and overrun. Soon the 8th Division's only cohesive unit of any size north of the River Aisne was the 2nd Devonshires.

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    At first light, around 0400 hours, the battalion emerged from the dugouts and took up its battle positions. Much of the trenchwork had been destroyed by the artillery bombardment, as had the field telephones, so that, when companies were sent to their battle positions, contact with their battalion headquarters was lost. Runners sent to attempt to re-establish contact were all too frequently killed by the continuing artillery fire. Despite this, several determined attacks by units of the German 50th Infantry Division were beaten off. Furthermore, the Devons were able to rake the road from La Ville-aux-Bois to Pontavert with fire, severely disrupting the flow of German reinforcements, supplies and ammunition, upon which the Germans were dependent for continued success. It soon became apparent to the Germans that Bois des Buttes had become a significant obstacle to their progress, so that it came under attack from both A7V tanks and the Imperial German Army Air Service.

    The Last Stand of the 2nd Devons

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    The Last Stand of the 2nd Devons by William Barnes Wollen.

    By 0700 hours the forward companies had been all but wiped out and the battalion surrounded. At 0830 the battalion commander, Lt Col Anderson-Morshead, withdrew the remains of his headquarters company and reserve company to the reverse slope of the hill, from where they continued to harass the advancing Germans. At 0930 hours, German troops, including artillery, were seen advancing from Juvincourt in the direction of Pontavert. Col Anderson-Morshead divided the 50 survivors of the battalion into two groups and moved them from the hill down to the Juvincourt-Pontavert road to engage the advancing Germans on two flanks. The Germans were initially thrown into confusion and an artillery team was destroyed, but they soon recovered and attacked in force. More Germans attacked from the hill that the Devonshires had so recently left, and Col Anderson-Morshead was killed. Short of ammunition and greatly outnumbered, the survivors conducted a fighting withdrawal to the Aisne river. Some were captured when they ran out of ammunition, others swam the Aisne and were captured by Germans who had reached the south bank before them.
    In all, 29 officers and 552 other ranks of the 2nd Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment, were killed or captured that morning. Between 40 and 80 survivors managed to cross the Aisne river and canal and rejoin the retreating British forces. However, the battalion significantly delayed the German advance, giving the French and British time to arrange ad hoc defences that brought it to a halt a week later.

    Awards

    The importance that the British Army attached to this action is indicated by the fact that the honour Bois des Buttes was included in the first of a total of ten lists of battle honours for the Great War, published in February, 1924. It is also one of only three honours for the War that was for an engagement not specifically named in the Battles Nomenclature Committee Report of 1921.

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    In addition, the sacrifice of the Devonshire Regiment was recognized by the award of the French Croix de Guerre with palm on 5 Dec 1918, the first such award to a British regiment.

    Captain Sydney Rogerson
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    The following is taken from a personal account of the action on the 27th May 1918 by Captain Rogerson. The full account, which is well worth reading, may be found via the following link:
    https://sites.google.com/site/kingha...ogan-vc/6922--

    The account is just too long to publish here. But more extracts will follow over the course of the next few days.

    From: AN ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE - 1918
    BETWEEN THE AISNE AND THE MARNE

    Written by Captain Sydney Rogerson

    “FIRST DAY – Monday 27th MAY

    Yet the feeling of silence persisted. Not a shell came from the enemy, and his quietness removed any lingering doubts as to his intentions.

    How that evening dragged! The time crept slowly on towards zero hour, till only a few minutes were left...........Suddenly, whizz – plop! Whizz - plop. Two German gas-shells burst close at hand, punctual heralds of the storm. Within a second a thousand guns roared out their iron hurricane. The night was rent with sheets of flame. The earth shuddered under the avalanche of missiles....... .....leapt skyward* in dust and tumult. Ever above the din screamed the fierce crescendo of approaching shells, ear splitting crashes as they burst.... .. .all the time the dull thud, thud, thud of detonations ........drumfire .... Inferno raged and whirled round the BOIS DES BUTTES …..the dug-outs rocked ......filled with the acrid fumes of cordite, the sickly sweet tang of gas. Timbers started; earth showered from the roof; men rushed for shelter; seizing kits, weapons, gas-masks, message-pads as they dived to safety. It was a descent into Hell. Crowded with jostling, sweating humanity, the dug-outs reeked, and to make matters worse, Headquarter had no sooner got below than gas began to filter down. Gas-masks were hurriedly donned and anti-gas precautions taken – the entrances closed by saturated blankets, braziers lighted on the stairs. If gas could not enter, neither could air. As a fact both did in small quantities, and the long night was spent forty foot underground, at the hottest time of the year, in stinking, overcrowded holes, their entrances sealed up and charcoal braziers slight drying up the atmosphere – suffocation rendered more complete by the gas-mask with clip on nostrils and gag in teeth.
    Downstairs the clamour of the barrage was somewhat deadened, but even so far underground the walls shivered occasionally as a heavy shell burst overhead. Contact was established by phone and wire both with the battalions and the flank brigades. The latter were undergoing similar experience to ourselves, but the West Yorkshires reported – “We're all right. You're getting the worst of it!” — then the line went, and no more news was heard of the front line battalion. The Middlesex, who were located in dug-outs close to the BOIS DE BUTTES, were being terribly pounded, while the first wave of the barrage had all but overwhelmed the artillery. The emplacements of the 45th F.A. Brigade had all been so accurately registered that after the first half hour of the bombardment, only one gun remained in action. Dawn began to break, but no news came of any infantry attack. The Brigade I.0. reported that the barrage and a very heavy ground mist rendered observation impossible, but shortly afterwards sent the amazing message – “Enemy balloons *rising from our front lines”. Hot upon this came another from the 24th Brigade from the right “Enemy advancing up the MIETTE stream. Close to* Brigade Headquarters** Cannot hold out without reinforcements”. Such news was startling in the extreme, but worse was yet to come, and at about 5.30 a.m. the left Brigade, 149th, reported “Enemy has broken our battle-line and are advancing *on VILLE AU BOIS”.* Thus before word had come of the front being assaulted, the enemy had turned both flanks and was closing on the BOIS DES BUTTES.” To be continued.

    Today’s losses
    Monday 27 May 1918 We Lost*2,727

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    James Bertram Falkner Cartland

    The hired transport S S Leasowe Castle (Captain E J Holl) is torpedoed and sunk one hundred and four miles west by north from Alexandria, Egypt. The bodies of eighty-three soldiers (mainly of Yeomanry regiments), who are among the one hundred and one dead are not recovered.
    Among the dead is the ship’s captain.
    Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Annesley Gray-Cheape DSO (commanding Worcestershire Yeomanry) at age 39. He is the former joint Master of the Berwickshire Hunt and led the last cavalry charge of the British Army at Huj in the Sinai on 8th November 1917 when 181 horses of the Worcester Yeomanry ridden by men armed with rifles and sabres successfully charged a force of 20,000 Turks, 21 German field guns and three Austrian howitzers. This is the action that resulted in his being awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
    Lieutenant Ivan Jephson Gardiner (Norfolk Regiment attached Royal Air Force) is also lost. He gave his place in a lifeboat to allow others to be saved.* His brother was killed last April in Gaza.
    *Today’s losses include:
    A General
    The son of a General
    Multiple battalion commanders
    Multiple sons of member of the clergy
    A man who has two sons will be killed in the Second World War
    The father of both the author Barbara Cartland and a Member of Parliament
    A 47-victory ace (Australia’s #1 scoring ace of all time)
    A 20-victory ace
    The son of a Baronet
    The former joint Master of the Berwickshire Hunt
    The man who lead the last cavalry charge of the British Army in Sinai on 8 Nov 1917
    Multiple families that will lose two and three sons in the Great War
    A man whose son is also killed in the Great War
    The son of an Admiral
    A man whose survived the Lusitania sinking with his wife but lose their infant son
    A military Chaplain and author
    A Norwich City Footballer

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Brigadier General Cuthbert Thomas Martin (Highland Light Infantry) General Officer Commanding 151st Brigade, 50th Division is killed in action at age 40. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Acquin and Lady Martin.* Brigadier General Riddell was at 151st Brigade Headquarters with Brigadier General Martin, when the enemy is reported to be close. As the two Brigadiers hurriedly leave their dugout they find themselves surrounded. As they begin to fight their way through, the Germans are scattered by a salvo from their own artillery, but one, however, bursts overhead and General Martin is instantly killed and General Riddell wounded.
    Lieutenant Colonel Jerome Boileau Allsopp DSO (commanding 2nd South Lancashire Regiment) is killed in action at age 38. He is the son of the Reverend and Mrs. R W Allsopp.* He served in the South African War with the Imperial Yeomanry.
    Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Galbraith Buckle DSO MC (commanding 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment) is killed. He is the son of Major General Christopher Reginald Buckle CB CMG DSO.
    Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Edward Dawson Kent (commanding 4th Yorkshire Regiment) is killed in action.
    Major James Bertram Falkner Cartland (Worcestershire Regiment) is killed in action at age 42. He has two sons who will be killed in action in World War II, one day apart in May 1940. One of his sons is a Member of Parliament. His daughter, Barbara, will become one of the world’s most prolific authors.
    Captain Robert Alexander ‘Bob’ Little (Royal Air Force) DSO DSC is killed at age 22 while attempting to intercept German Gothas making a night raid near Filescamp Farm, Noeux. It seems that he is killed by one of the Gotha’s defensive gunners, while blinded by a searchlight beam.* The forty-seven-victory ace is considered Australia’s foremost fighter pilot.* His totals make him not only the highest scoring Australian ace of the Great War but also the highest scoring Australian ace ever as no one in any other war has ever achieved greater battle success.
    Captain Douglas John Bell MC (Royal Air Force) is killed at age 24 when he dives on an enemy two-seater with two comrades for his twentieth win. He is killed by machine gun fire from the aircraft’s observer. His wartime tally of 20 victories consisted of 1 (and 1 shared) balloons destroyed, 7 (and 4 shared) aircraft destroyed, and 6 (and 1 shared) ‘out of control’. While serving on Home Defense in England he engaged a Gotha bomber on 25th September 1917. After nearly fifteen minutes of machine-gunning the Gotha crashed into the North Sea. His claim for this victory went unconfirmed; it would have been Home Defense’s first victory.
    Captain Hamilton Stewart Walford (Worcestershire Regiment) is killed. He is the son of the Reverend Walter Shirley Walford Rector of Sproatley.
    Captain Robert Henry Lindsay Dashwood (West Yorkshire Regiment) is killed at age 20. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Robert Dashwood the 9th
    Captain John Arthur Greenshields MC (King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry) is killed at age 27. His brother was killed in November 1916.
    Captain Frederick Arthur John Robertson Brooke (Royal Army Medical Corps attached Wiltshire Regiment) is killed in action, thirteen months and three days after his son has been killed in action.
    Captain George Walter Young (East Yorkshire Regiment) is killed at age 21. His younger brother was killed less than two months prior.
    Captain David Heaton-Ellis MC (Rifle Brigade) is killed in action at age 21. He is the son of Vice Admiral ‘Sir’ Edward Heaton-Ellis KBE and his brother will die on service in January 1919.
    Lieutenant Francis Aylmer Richardson (Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 35. He is the son of the Reverend Francis Richardson.
    Lieutenant Robert William Mills Close (Yorkshire Regiment) is killed in action. He is the son of the Reverend Arthur Wilfrid Mills Close Vicar of Hutton Magna.
    Lieutenant Cecil Willie Laws (Sherwood Foresters) is killed in action at age 23. His brother was killed in May 1915.
    Lieutenant George Bertrand Coote (Machine Gun Corps) is killed at age 22. His brother was killed in October 1915.
    Second Lieutenant James MacMeeken (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 20. He is the son of the Reverend James MacMeeken.
    Second Lieutenant Hugh Reginald White (Middlesex Regiment) is killed by a shell at age 19. He is he son of the Reverend Charles Edward White Vicar of Holy Trinity Sloane St.
    Second Lieutenant Thomas Edward George Davies (Welsh Fusiliers) is killed in action at the explosion of a mine at age 28. He is the son of the late Reverend T Davies, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, West Cross.
    Second Lieutenant Francis James Neville ****s (Worcestershire Regiment) dies of wounds in the Aisne area. His brother will be killed in the Royal Navy in one month and one day.
    Second Lieutenant Cyril Elmore Pells (Devonshire Regiment) is killed at age 27. He and his wife were in the 2nd class dining saloon when the Lusitania was torpedoed. They both survived the sinking but their infant son John was lost.
    Second Lieutenant Owen Loftus Desages (Wiltshire Regiment) is killed at age 28. His brother was killed last March.
    Chaplain George Bernard Hamilton Bishop (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 34. He is the author of “The Religion in Russia”.
    Sergeant William Fiske (Border Regiment) is killed in action at age 31. He is a professional football player for the Norwich City Club.
    Lance Corporal Albert Fenwick (Royal Engineers) is killed at age 23. His brother was killed in October 1916.
    Private Walter Maurice Bartram (Bedfordshire Yeomanry) is killed in action at age 33. His brother will be killed in September of this year.
    Private Henry Lovett (Northamptonshire Regiment) is killed in action at age 19. His brother was killed in September 1916.
    Private James Parrott (Lincolnshire Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed in February 1916.
    Private Harry Pollard (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed at age 23. His brother fell six weeks earlier.
    Private Harry Clarke (Yorkshire Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed in April 1917.
    Private John Thomas Stanford (Durham Light Infantry) is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed in August of this year.
    Private James Raitt (Durham Light Infantry) is killed at age 23. His twin brother will be killed in October 1918.
    Private Charles Valentine Botting (Royal West Kent Regiment) dies of disease at age 36. His brother was killed in August of last year.
    Private Reginald Thomas Nield (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed in July 1916.
    Private Arnold Vickers (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed at age 19. He is the middle of three brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.
    Private Herbert Lambert (Lincolnshire Regiment) is killed at age 24. His two brothers were killed in July 1916.
    Gunner John Edward Palmer (Royal Garrison Artillery) is killed at age 37. His brother died of wounds last October.
    Private Alfred Binks (Lincolnshire Regiment) is killed in action. His two brothers also lost their lives as a result of war service including one who will die in Salonika next New Year’s Day.
    Private Victor John Gillions (Yorkshire Regiment) is killed at age 19. His brother was killed in August 1917.
    Private James Raitt (Durham Light Infantry) is killed at age 23. His twin brother will be killed in October 1918.
    Private James Badger (East Lancashire Regiment) is killed at age 24. His brother was killed in October 1917.

    “The War in the air”
    Claims


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    Losses

    Robert Little Name:  Australia Flag.gif
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    Rudolf Windisch Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Country: Australia
    Rank: Captain

    Service:
    Royal Naval Air Service
    Royal Air Force
    Units:
    3N, 8N; 1W (RNAS)
    203 (RAF)
    Victories:
    47
    Born:
    19 July 1895
    Place of Birth:
    Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
    Killed In Action:
    27 May 1918

    Place of Death:
    Near Noeux, France

    Cemetery:
    Wavans British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France
    Soon after he arrived in London aboard the Malwa on 7 September 1915, Robert Alexander Little, Australia's highest scoring ace, joined the Royal Naval Air Service. He received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 1958 on an L. & P. biplane at London & Provincial School, Hendon on 27 October 1915. Posted to Dunkirk in late June 1916, he flew the Bristol Scout and the Sopwith 1½ Strutter and participated in several bombing missions before joining 8 Naval Squadron after its arrival in France on 26 October 1916. Scoring his first four victories flying the Sopwith Pup, his squadron was re-equipped with Sopwith Triplanes in the spring of 1917. With this aircraft, Little scored 24 victories before his Triplane was replaced with a Sopwith Camel. By March 1918, Little joined Raymond Collishaw's 3 Naval Squadron (later 203 Squadron) as a flight commander. On 21 April 1918, he was shot down by Friedrich Ehmann but managed to land safely behind British lines. The following month, he was shot down and killed in combat with a Gotha bomber on a night raid.

    “Tunstill’s men”

    Pte. Ernest John Robbins (see 5th October 1917) was discharged from hospital in Italy and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia; it is not clear when, or for what reason, he had been admitted to hospital.

    L.Cpl. Ernest Gee (see 14th May), who had been absent without leave from 3DWR at North Shields for six weeks, was found guilty of “deserting His Majesty’s service” and sentenced to 28 days’ detention and loss of 28 days’ pay.

    Pte. Ernest Franklin (25969) (see 21st April), who had been suffering from ‘trench fever’, was discharged from the Voluntary Auxiliary Hospital in Cirencester and posted to the Regimental Depot at Halifax.

    A payment of £1 15s. 10d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. James Buckley Kenworthy (see 21st March), who had been officially missing in action since 7th June 1917; the payment would go to his father, Charles.

    The Western Front
    Third Battle of the Aisne begins; New German thrust for Paris. After heavy bombardment enemy deliver great attack on Aisne between Soissons and Reims; Allies' line pressed back; Germans carry Chemin des Dames Ridge; smaller attack between Locre and Voormezeele.
    Long-range guns bombard Paris.

    Southern Front
    Italians storms Austrian positions at Capo Sile, north-east of Venice.
    British air raid on Durazzo (Albania); Austrian torpedo-boat sunk.

    Naval & Overseas Operations

    List of shipwrecks: 27 May 1918
    Ship Country Description
    Carmela Italy World War I: The brigantine was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 80 nautical miles (150 km) south east of Formentera, Spain by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

    Carskey United Kingdom The ketch sprang a leak and foundered. Her crew were rescued.

    Forto Norway The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank. Her crew were rescued.

    Joseph Simone France World War I: The fishing vessel was sunk in the English Channel north west of Fécamp, Seine-Maritime by SM*UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

    Leasowe Castle United Kingdom World War I: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 104 nautical miles (193 km) west by north of Alexandria, Egypt (31°30′N 27°56′E) by SM UB-51 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 101 lives.

    Merionethshire United Kingdom World War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 120 nautical miles (220 km) north of the Azores, Portugal by SM U-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

    Molière France World War I: The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) off Hartland Point, Devon, United Kingdom by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twelve crew.

    Petit Georges France World War I: the fishing vessel was sunk in the English Channel north west of Fécamp (49°53′N 0°15′E) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

    Souvenir de Ste Marie France World War I: The fishing vessel was sunk in the English Channel north west of Fècamp by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

    Uganda United Kingdom World War I: Convoy GaG28: The cargo liner was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea 90 nautical miles (170 km) north east of Algiers, Algeria (38°16′N 3°30′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She sank on 29 May 40 nautical miles (74 km) north east of Algiers. Her crew survived.

    Wayside Flower United Kingdom World War I: The vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) north east by north of the mouth of the Humber by SM UC-70 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    Tatar National Council proclaims establishment of "Republic of Azerbaijan" (northern Persia).

    Political, etc.

    Interesting Parliamentary Paper (Cd. 9059) published on methods used by Germany in the past to influence British trade.

  27. #3277

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    A sterling effort Mike. Rep gun fired.

  28. #3278

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    Thanks Reg. Just filling in whilst the bosses are on leave

  29. #3279

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    May 28th 1918

    Third Battle of the Aisne – Day two
    Captain Sydney Rogerson


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    The following is taken from a personal account of the action on the 28th May 1918 by Captain Rogerson. The full account, which is well worth reading, may be found via the following link:
    https://sites.google.com/site/kingha...ogan-vc/6922--

    From: AN ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE - 1918
    BETWEEN THE AISNE AND THE MARNE

    Written by Captain Sydney Rogerson

    SECOND DAY – Tuesday 28th* MAY
    *During the small hours of the morning a sudden enemy attack from the direction of BOUVANCOURT had enabled him to break through on the right, forcing the scattered line on the MONTIGNY heights to beat a hasty retreat towards the VESLE where another position was taken up in front of JONCHERY.*At the same time General Grogan despatched by General Heneker, which had moved rapidly back, with orders to collect what stragglers he could in the neighbourhood of JONCHERY and with them to hold the south bank of the river, while General Kennedy of the 75th Brigade was ordered to fill the gap to the right and join up with the 21st Division.* By some marvel of improvisation, this was done and a line established by daylight from where the PROUILLY road crosses the VESLE to the farm about 1½ miles northwest of *JONCHERY.

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    The river Vesle

    Dawn on the 28th therefore saw the position retrieved so far as the remnants of the 8th, 50th *and the greater part of the 25th *Divisions were concerned, and the morning wore slowly on without any further enemy action manifesting itself.* The sun climbed high into a cloudless sky, beating fiercely down upon a panorama which was curiously peaceful, although the roads smoked, with the passage of troops and transport, and here and there burning farmsteads glowed dully in the brilliant sunshine.
    The enemy's temporary inactivity afforded a most valuable respite, in which feverish efforts were made to consolidate the position against a fresh assault.* Touch was again established on both flanks and although the line was exceedingly ‘sketchy’, it was some satisfaction to know that it was again more or less continuous.* On the right the 21st Division, despite heavy casualties, was still able to maintain an organised front and was in touch with the French on its further flank.* On the left the situation was far less reassuring.* Here, towards the centre of his main stroke, the enemy advance had been even more rapid and a deep salient had been driven into the allied front, the disintegration of which was complete.* It was on this flank that the next blow fell, and shortly after noon a determined attack was launched against the front held by remnants of the 50th Division about two miles to the west of JONCHERY.* So vigorous was this* onslaught that the line gave, and the enemy, pushing through the gap with great rapidity, began to work his way towards the high wooded ridges above VANDEUIL.* The attack was simultaneously extended towards the right, forcing a hasty retreat across the VESLE along the whole front held by the British Corps.
    *
    All the morning's work of consolidation had been for nothing, and as the tired khaki figures struggled up the steep slopes south of the river, they could see enemy artillery and transport pouring in continuous streams down the two roads converging on JONCHERY, while infantry swarmed busily across the open country.* It was a sight given to gunners only in dreams, but not a gun was available.
    *
    On the crest of the hills overlooking the river, along the JONCHERY-BRAINSCOURT road, was an old French strong point, and here a stand was made for about two hours.** It was a wonderful position commanding the passage of the river and considerable toil was levied on the advancing masses by machine guns and rifle fire.* Once again the frontal attack was halted and for a time the enemy remained discreetly out of effective range. The check was not of long duration as little opposition was offered to him on either flank, and German patrols, plentifully provided with light machine guns, occupied the high ground west of JONCHERY towards VANDEUIL about 4 p.m.

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    The position was soon nearly surrounded, and towards 6 o'clock it was hastily vacated, its defenders falling back under Fire towards the crest running almost parallel with and to the east of the main JONCHERY-SAVIGNY road.* Here some old practice trenches furnished most welcome cover, and by the strenuous personal efforts of General Grogan and Millie, the heterogeneous collection of tired troops, representing almost every unit of three divisions, artillery as well as infantry, was again formed into some coherent line.* On the left of the position was a large farmstead occupied by a handful of French infantry, but on the far side of the road the ground sloped upwards towards a great mass of woods.* That these were already in enemy hands was obvious from the number of grey-clad figures that from time to time could be seen moving among the trees, but the General wisely decided that at all costs the enemy must be prevented from securing the JONCHERY-SAVIGNY road, as the longer use of this was denied him the more effectively would his main advance be delayed.* A party of about seventy men under Major Cope of the 2nd *Devons and Thompson was accordingly sent forward to take up a position on the far side or the road and to check any German attempt to debouch from the woods.
    *
    As it was not known how many of the enemy were already concealed in the undergrowth and cornfields between the woods and the road, which, by the way, were nowhere more than 100 yards apart, the task of this party was not an enviable one, but actually their antics provided a little much needed comic relief.* The short advance was made in extended order, and was accomplished without casualties, finishing up with a truly ferocious bayonet charge through a large cornfield, out of which several Germans scuttled like bolting rabbits.
    *
    The party took up their position in the cornfields between the road and the woods, from the cover of which the enemy made no further attempt to advance, although intermittent rifle fire was kept up until dusk.* Then, about one hundred yards in front of the position, two round heads in coal-scuttle helmets popped up inquisitively from some bushes.* Their owners, realising at once that they had come too far for the good of their health, bobbed down and began to crawl away.* Unfortunately for them their movements had been observed by the watchful Thompson. Pointing the retreating pair out to the man nearest him – a sergeant of the 1st Sherwood Forester. - he remarked - in much the same tones as one would use to a waiter** “Sergeant, shoot me those Boche!”. “Very good, sir” came the perfectly composed answer, two quick shots and those two Germans were no more.

    Whereupon Thompson promptly marched out and rifled the bodies of the slain, gaining precious identification and also, what was of more immediate importance, matches!
    *
    The coming of darkness rendered the isolated position of the party still more precarious, but throughout the night they kept up a perfectly astounding pandemonium and a great deal of
    rifle-fire.* Whether the bluff succeeded, or whether the enemy were equally tired, or both, it is impossible to say, the fact being that no further action developed during the night.
    *
    Meanwhile the transport had barely unlimbered in the woods above JONCHERY, when Quartermasters - ever importunate – were reminding transport officers that rations had to go up the line.* This was a bitter pill to swallow!* Remember the transport had been forced *retire at least three times the normal distance behind the line; horses and men were almost ‘all in’. Yet, altho’ the usual grouses were forthcoming -, “Why the blinking ‘ell couldn’t we ‘ave dumped rations on the way?”;** “Ow can I arsk these perishin’ mules o’mine to go back and shake ‘ands with Jerry again?” and many more comments of a sanguinary nature - the ration limbers set out in the cool of the evening to do the whole journey twice again.* It was a weary pilgrimage along strange roads in the dark.* Several times they lost their way, once turning back when almost into CRUGNY, which was in enemy hands, but finally dumped their precious loads on the roadside close behind the ridge held by the brigade. Parsloe, the Brigade Transport Officer, riding on ahead to report, found a very cold, hungry and irate General huddled up in a length of trench, struggling to snatch a little sleep, and, such is human nature, was heartily cursed for not having brought rations right up the line.* But in extenuation it must be remembered that both officers and men had had practically no food and less sleep for forty-eight hours of hard fighting, also that the nights were as cold as the days were hot – ample excuses surely for ragged tempers.
    *
    Except for this incident, the night passed quietly and, although the uncertainty of the situation rendered sleep impossible, the very fact of remaining stationary and unattacked throughout the hours of darkness enabled the bulk of the scattered garrison to start the day of the 29th May a little
    more refreshed in spirit.
    (To be continued)

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    The battle of Cantigny, 28 May 1918, was the first American offensive of the First World War. Cantigny had been captured during the Second Battle of the Somme (21 March-5 April 1918), the first of Ludendorff’s series of major offensives during the spring and summer of 1918. The village had then been fortified and turned into a German observation point. It was defended by veteran troops of General Oskar von Hutier’s Eighteenth Army.

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    The American attack was made by the American First Division under Major General Robert Lee Bullard.
    “Ludendorff then launched his third part of the offensive on May 27, when his troops quickly overran French and British forces, pushing them back to the River Marne.

    It was at this time that the doughboys set off on their first assault. Their mission: capture Cantigny, a farming crossroads surrounded by chalk cliffs 20 miles southeast of Amiens, which would be an advantageous defensive observational position. As the Americans dug a trench line, they endured bombardments by gas shells. “For 16 hours I worked with my gas mask on,” recalled Sergeant Howard Cooper, “and man after man kept falling to the ground.”
    But then, on May 28, after a sustained Allied barrage and the launching of smoke and gas shells, the Americans swarmed through the morning fog. Assisted by French artillery, flamethrowers, air cover and tanks, doughboys of the 28th Infantry Regiment secured the village within 35 minutes, clearing out cellars and trenches with flamethrowers. “The air was full of trees, stones, timber, equipment, bodies, everything you can imagine,” remembered Sergeant Dan Edwards of the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion.

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    After the French withdrew their equipment, the Americans endured three days of German counterattacks, sustaining 1,067 casualties. “Holding the village against seven counterattacks during the next three days,” wrote Alban Butler, “was a far greater task than its capture.”
    More than one million Americans served in France, getting a taste of what the Allies and the Central Powers had endured for years: wounds, death, bloated corpses and stagnant pools of poisoned water. “There was never a shortage of blown-up bodies that needed to be rushed to the nearest medical care,” recalled Buckles. The deaths only increased with the arrival of a virulent form of the flu that swept through the lines.

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    Throughout, the nascent American air force offered reconnaissance and air support. Quentin Roosevelt flew a Nieuport 28, proudly writing home in early July that he downed his first enemy, causing his father to exalt, “The last of the lion’s brood has been blooded!” Yet a few days later the Germans shot down Quentin’s plane. Realizing that the American was the son of the former President, the Germans buried him and fashioned a cross from a broken propeller. The death of his favorite son devastated Roosevelt, who wrote that “it is infinitely sad to have a boy die in his golden youth.”
    The village was captured, and then held against repeated German counterattacks on 28 and 29 May. American losses were 100 dead and 1,500 wounded, out of an initial force 4,000 strong (one infantry regiment), later increased to 8,000. German casualties are unknown, but around 200 men were captured during the battle.
    In the context of the Western Front, the battle of Cantigny was little more than a skirmish. However, it gained great significance part because it was the first combat success of the American army, after nearly a year of preparation in France, and partly because it took place on the second day of the Third Battle of the Aisne (27 May-3 June 1918). The first day of that battle had seen the Germans advance thirteen miles, the greatest distance achieved in a single day since the start of trench warfare. The American victory at Cantigny was therefore a valuable boost to Allied morale.

    The Battle of Cantigny, fought May 28, 1918 was the first major American battle and offensive of World War I. The U.S. 1st Division, the most experienced of the five American divisions then in France and in reserve for the French Army near the village of Cantigny, was selected for the attack. The objective of the attack was both to reduce a small salient made by the German Army in the front lines but also to instill confidence among the French and British allies in the ability of the inexperienced American Expeditionary Force (AEF).

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    Capture of Cantigny

    At 06:45, 28 May 1918, American Soldiers of the 28th Infantry Regiment left their jump-off trenches following an hour-long artillery preparation. Part of the preparation was counter-battery fire directed at German artillery positions. A rolling barrage, advancing 100 meters every two minutes, was calculated to give the attacking troops time to keep up with it.
    The 28th Infantry Regiment (Colonel Hansen Ely, commanding) plus two companies of the 18th Infantry, three machine-gun companies and a company of engineers (3,564 men), captured Cantigny from the German Eighteenth Army. The village was situated on high ground surrounded by woods, making it an ideal observation post for German artillery.
    Because the Americans did not have them in sufficient quantity, the French provided air cover, 368 heavy artillery pieces, trench mortars, tanks, and flamethrowers. The French Schneider tanks were from the French 5th Tank Battalion. Their primary purpose was to eliminate German machine gun positions. With this massive support, and advancing on schedule behind the creeping artillery barrage, the 28th Infantry took the village in 30 minutes. It then continued on to its final objective roughly a half kilometer beyond the village.

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    Defense against German counterattacks
    The first German counterattack, a small attack at 08:30 against the extreme right of the new American position, was easily repulsed, but German artillery bombarded the 28th Infantry for most of the day. At 17:10 the first large-scale counterattack took place, and a company of the 1st Battalion of the 26th Infantry commanded by Major Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. was used to reinforce a weak spot in the American line. Another German counterattack at 18:40 was also repulsed by a combination of artillery and Infantry defensive fire. A series of counterattacks over the next two days were also defeated by both American regiments, and the position held.
    The Americans reduced the salient and expanded their front by approximately a mile. A minor success, its significance was overshadowed by the battle underway along the Aisne. The U.S. forces held their position with the loss of 1,603 casualties including 199 killed in action[1]; they captured 250 German prisoners. Matthew B. Juan, a Native American war hero, was killed during this battle.
    The American success at Cantigny assured the French that American divisions could be entrusted in the line against the German offensive to take Paris. The victory at Cantigny was followed by attacks at Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood in the first half of June.

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    Tuesday 28 May 1918 We Lost*933

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    Richard Arthur Pell Colborne

    The hired transport S S Leasowe Castle (Captain E J Holl) is torpedoed and sunk one hundred and four miles west by north from Alexandria, Egypt.

    Today’s losses include:

    Multiple families that will lose two and three sons in the Great War
    Multiple sons of member of the clergy
    A holder of the Royal Humane Society Certificate for Life Saving
    A 17-victory ace
    A Military Chaplain

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Acting Major Alistair Henderson Soutar MC (Royal Engineers) dies of wounds received in action at age 30. His brother was killed in January 1916 and they were sons of the Reverend Alex Soutar.
    Captain Wilfrid Herbert Cecil Brownlow (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed at age 28. He was a holder of the Royal Humane Society’s Certificate for Life Saving.
    Captain Reginald Milburn Makepeace (Royal Air Force) is killed at age 30. He is a 17-victory ace.
    Lieutenant Francis Cuthbert Horn (Manchester Regiment) is killed at age 20. He is the son of the Reverend William Horn Rector of Waltham.
    Chaplain Richard Arthur Pell Colborne (attached London Regiment) dies on active service at age 31. He was the Curate-in-Charge of St John’s Church, Melton Surrey and the son of the Reverend Arthur Colborne Vicar of Quy.
    Sergeant Percy Evershed (Sussex Regiment) is killed at age 34. He is the middle of three brothers who are all killed this year, two serving in the Australian Infantry.
    Lance Corporal William Skarratt (Lancashire Fusiliers) is killed at age 26. He is the last of three brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.
    Private Henry Bryan (Irish Regiment) is killed in action at age 18. His brother was killed in June 1915 on Gallipoli.
    Rifleman George Andrew Dengal (Rifle Brigade) is killed. His brother was killed in May 1915.

    “The War in the air”
    Claims
    William Bishop #49 #50 Name:  Canadian.gif
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    Ian McDonald #14 Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Reginald Howard Rusby #9 Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    David Stewart #12 Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Chester Thompson #1 Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Jean Romatet #1 Name:  French Flag.gif
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    Olivier von Beaulieu-Marconnay #1 Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Rudolf Berthold #29 Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Paul Billik #18 Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Frederic Lord #1 Name:  German Flag.gif
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    William Ponder #1 Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Losses

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    “Tunstill’s men”
    Tuesday 28th May 1918

    Support positions near Cesuna.

    Pte. Michael Hannigan (see 21st March) was admitted to 69th Field Ambulance suffering from suspected influenza; he would be discharged and return to duty a week later.

    Pte. James Longworth (see 1st May), serving with 273rd Area Employment Company, was admitted to 39th General Hospital at Le Havre; the nature of his illness is unknown as it was simply stated as “NYD” (not yet diagnosed).

    Former 10DWR CO, Lt. Col. Robert Raymer (see 12th January) was transferred from command of 10th Officer Cadet Battalion to take command of 9th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. The Battalion had suffered heavy casualties in recent fighting close to Bligny, near Reims. Raymer would join his new Battalion on 7th June. Two days later the remains of the Battalion (some five officers and 243 other ranks) were ordered to form part of a new composite battalion to be formed within the brigade.

    Pte. George Hayes (see 1st January), serving with 3DWR at North Shields having been twice wounded in action, was formally discharged from the Army on account of “Being surplus to military requirements having suffered impairment since entry into the service” and specifically “V.D.H. (valvular disease of the heart) caused by exposure on active service”.

    Pte. Michael Bedley (see 25th August 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service; he was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week for four weeks, reducing thereafter to 16s. 6d. and to be reviewed after one year.

    Pte. Frank Blakeborough (see 8th May), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service; he was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week for four weeks, reducing thereafter to 16s. 6d. and to be reviewed after six months.

    Pte. William Green (25220) (see 5th July 1917) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service; in the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish when he had been wounded or when he had left 10DWR.

    Pte. Basil Middleton (see 9th November 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service; he was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week for four weeks, reducing thereafter to 11s. per week and to be reviewed after nine months.

    A payment of £10 10s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Cpl. Arthur Boorman (see 2nd February), who had died on 2nd February; the payment would go to his widow, Edith.

    Western Front

    Enemy cross the Aisne on 18-mile front; battle of plateau between Aisne and Vesle, Allies fall back, Germans force passage of Vesle.* Allies left and right wings make stand at Vregny plateau and heights of St. Thierry.
    Line restored south of Ypres.
    Big British R.A.F. raids into Germany.

    Eastern Front

    The Cossacks of the Don notify Ukraine Government of their opposition to the Soviets and of independence of the rest of Russia.
    Colonel Semenov forced by Bolsheviks to retire to right bank of Onon (Mongolia).

    Southern Front

    Two Austrian counter-attacks repulsed at Capo Sile.
    British aeroplanes bomb Cattaro.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    Severe fighting near Alexandropol (90 miles south of Tiplis).
    British advance two miles north from Jaffa.

    Naval Operations

    List of shipwrecks: 28 May 1918

    Ship Country Description
    Cairnross United Kingdom World War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 110 nautical miles (200*km) west north west of Flores Island, Azores by SM*U-62 (*Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

    Coronation United Kingdom World War I: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 13 nautical miles (24*km) east south east of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM*UC-70 (*Kaiserliche Marine).

    Dronning Margrethe Denmark World War I: The coaster was sunk in the North Sea 140 kilometres (76*nmi) east of Dundee, Forfarshire, United Kingdom (56°30′N 1°54′E) by SM*U-111 (*Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

    Flora France World War I: The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 2 nautical miles (3.7*km) off Tintagel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°46′N 4°41′W) by SM*U-101 (*Kaiserliche Marine).

    Political, etc.

    British Government opens negotiations with Germany for direct exchange of prisoners on lines of Franco-German Convention.
    Further revelations of brutal treatment of British prisoners.
    Armenia and Azerbaijan both declared independence.
    Germany and Georgia signed a treaty at the Black Sea port of Poti, which was to guarantee Germany would protect Georgia's sovereignty from the growing Soviet Union.
    Battle of Karakilisa – Ottoman forces failed to break out of Karakilisa, Armenia and subsequently retreated.
    Battle of Cantigny – The first military engagement for Americans occurred when the 1st Infantry Division attacked and captured the German-held village of Cantigny, France. American casualties were 1,603 while the Germans had 1,400 casualties and 250 captured.
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the government of Azerbaijan was established.
    The city of Manteca, California was established.
    The sports club Ottestad IL was established in Ottestad, Norway. It now offers association football, team handball, cross-country skiing and cycling.
    The film romantic comedy Bound in Morocco, starring Douglas Fairbanks and directed by Allan Dawn, was released through Famous Players-Lasky, becoming one of the top 10 grossing films of the year and the second hit for Fairbanks.
    Born: Johnny Wayne, Canadian comedian, member of the popular comedic duo Wayne and Shuster, in Toronto (d. 1990); John Birch, American army officer and missionary, recipient of the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal and two-time recipient of the Legion of Merit, namesake for the John Birch Society, in Landour, British India (d. 1945, killed in action); John McKeithen, American politician, 49th Governor of Louisiana, in Grayson, Louisiana (d. 1999)

  30. #3280

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Thanks Reg. Just filling in whilst the bosses are on leave
    That is why you deserve the Rep. Sterling work old son, sterling work>

  31. #3281

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    Good work Mike.
    Thanks for filling the gap.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  32. #3282

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    May 29th 1918
    *
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    Brigadier General George William St. George GROGAN, VC, CB, CMG, DSO & Bar**** United Service College 1890.3 – 1893.3

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    WESTERN FRONT 1918
    Born 1st September 1875. Son of Brigadier General E. G. Grogan. West Indies Regiment* 1896, Sierra Leone 1898-9, Egyptian army 1902 - 1907, transferred to Worcestershire Regiment as Captain 1908, WW1 France & Flanders Mentioned in Dispatches, Brevet* Lieutenant Colonel CMG, DSO 1917, & Bar 1918, VC 1918. Commanded 1st Brigade Russian Relief Force CB 1919. Retired 1919. HM's Body Guard 1933. Died 3rd January 1962
    George William St. George Grogan, Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel (Temporary Brigadier-General), C.M.G., D.S.O., Worcestershire Regiment. For leadership throughout three days of intense firing in May 1918. Brigadier-General Grogan was, except for a few hours, in command of the remnants of the infantry of A Division and various attached troops. His actions during the whole battle can only be described as magnificent. The utter disregard for his personal safety, combined with sound practical ability which he displayed, materially helped to stay the onward thrust of the enemy masses. Throughout the third day of operations, a most critical day, he spent his time under artillery, trench mortar, rifle and machine-gun fire, riding up and down the front line encouraging his troops, reorganizing those who had fallen into disorder, leading back into the line those who were beginning to retire, and setting such a wonderful example that he inspired with his enthusiasm not only his own men, but also the Allied troops who were alongside. As a result the line held and repeated enemy attacks were repulsed. He had one horse shot under him, but nevertheless continued on foot to encourage his men until another horse was brought. He displayed throughout the highest valour, powers of command and leadership. REFERENCE:- Source of picture - "THE GREAT WAR" 13 volumes published just after WW1 authors & publisher not listed.

    Lieut.-Colonel George William St. George Grogan VC*
    (29th May 1918)(temp. Brigadier General)*
    1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
    temp. Commander 23rd Infantry Brigade.
    (Aisne)

    During the Battle of the Aisne (1918), the Germans made a surprise attack on a sector held by young drafts, and broke through; and, although Colonel Grogan rallied the survivors and repelled several attacks, he was forced to retire to a fresh position. A second time the same thing happened, until finally a new line was formed along an open ridge, on high ground to the south. By now Colonel Grogan was commanding a mixed force (23rd infantry Brigade) of about eight hundred men of various regiments. They had been without food and rest for forty-eight hours, but they must hold out, as no reinforcements could arrive for another day.*

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    Many attacks were repulsed, but we lost heavily, and at last had to retire to some half-dug trenches held by the 2nd Wiltshires. In this position there was a general medley, including some French troops. The enemy continued their pressure, and Colonel Grogan rode along the front of the line, cheering on his troops. "You can stop them if you want to," he cried; "the Boches are no bloody good." Shells, bombs and bullets were all round him; his horse was killed under him, but he found another mount and continued to inspire his men.

    Fired by the noble example of their commander, made confident by his reckless bravery, the troops held on, repulsing two more attacks before the reinforcements arrived. Colonel Grogan's Victoria Cross was the reward for that inspired leadership under which tired, hungry and disheartened men became heroes. Colonel Grogan was also awarded at various times the C.B., the C.M.G., and the D.S.O. (with bar); he was also appointed A.D.C. to The King. In November 1938, on the retirement from that position of Field-Marshal Sir Claud Jacob, Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Grogan was appointed Colonel of the Regiment, which position he occupied until 1945.*

    Colonel Grogan who was born in St Andrews, Fifeshire, 1st September 1875 won his VC at the age of 42. He later achieved the full rank of Brigadier General. He died on the 3rd January 1962, Sunningdale, Berkshire and is buried at the Woking Crematorium, Surrey. His VC medal is privately held.*


    Third Battle of the Aisne – Day three
    Captain Sydney Rogerson

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    The following is taken from a personal account of the action on the 29th May 1918 by Captain Rogerson. The full account, which is well worth reading, may be found via the following link:
    https://sites.google.com/site/kingha...ogan-vc/6922--

    From: AN ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE - 1918
    BETWEEN THE AISNE AND THE MARNE

    Written by Captain Sydney Rogerson
    THIRD DAY* - Wednesday 29th *May

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    *
    Unlike the previous day. the enemy commenced operations early and just as the first glow of dawn began to gild the horizon, large bodies of infantry issued from the woods in the apparent belief that the advance party had been withdrawn.* A fierce gust of rifle-fire sharply disillusioned them and they scuttled* hastily back to cover.
    *
    This was about 3 a.m. after which hour no further overt action took place for some time, although it was obvious that a more determined move was impending and that the enemy was massing in the woods. In spite of this, the little party vigorously kept up its ridiculous bluff until nearly 11 a.m. when strong parties of Germans were seen working round both flanks. Then, and not till they were in imminent danger of being entirely surrounded, was the order given to fall back and rejoin the main body on the far side of the road.* Needless to say , this was obeyed with alacrity and the mere handful of troops, which by sheer bluff had held up an overwhelming number of the enemy since the previous afternoon, fled precipitately back to the ridge behind.* Immediately their withdrawal was observed the enemy swarmed out after them, opening a furious fusillade from rifles and machine guns which caused serious casualties.
    *
    Moreover this time the Boche meant business, and with much shouting and cheering advanced to the assault of the main position. For a time he was held, but the weight of the numbers gave such an impetus to the attack that about noon General Grogan saw the unfruitfulness of further resistance and according ordered the line to retire by bits – to say ‘retire by platoons’ would sound absurd! – on the ridge in front of TRESLON village about a mile to the rear. Closely followed by the enemy and pursued by his attentions in the shape of an embryonic machine-gun barrage, this retirement was not without difficulty but once again the General by his energy and personal example extracted order out of chaos and some sort of line was again formed.
    *
    By this time the force under his command had become pitifully this – a ragged army of* Falstaffian dimensions. And what a collection! The General himself; his brigade staff-officers; Smythe, the G.S.O. III 8th Division; Major Cope of the 2nd Devons; Colonel Moore of the 1st Sherwood Foresters, the only infantry C.O. of the 8th Division not already a casualty; two colonels of the 50th Division without a single man of the units they once commanded; a knot of machine gunners from the same division whose gun refused to function from lack of water; a woeful sprinkling of all units of the 8th and most of the 25th and 50th Divisions; in all about two hundred – all hungry, sleepless, dirty; many bleeding from wounds of greater or less severity. a number of French colonial troops, part of a division which had just come up as reinforcements, completed the tale of men.

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    From ridge above Treslon towards the Ardre

    This scattered remnant was dispersed along a steep ridge deep in growing corn, which sloped away towards the left into the wooded valley of the ARDRE. Here among the trees which bordered the river were more French, blue-clad ‘poilus’ as well as khaki-clad colonials, chattering and laughing and making great play with their Hotchkiss automatic-rifles against Boche planes. In rear the hillside sloped abruptly down to a miniature valley in which nestled the village of TRESLON and at whose further side the ground rose sharply up to another ridge of a more wooded nature, which owing to its proximity to a village of that name known as the BOULEUSE ridge.
    ***********
    For some unaccountable reason the enemy did not follow up his advantage. Instead he sat down and contented himself with subjecting the ridge to a machine gun barrage of some intensity. The air hummed with bullets. Bullets scythed shrilly through the standing corn; kicked vicious spurts of dust from the sun-baked earth. Ricochets droned angrily away overhead. Fortunately the fire was very inaccurate and, *though disconcerting did little actual damage to the scattered force lying in extended order along the crest of the ridge.
    The remainder is too long to publish here, but it makes very good reading – see link to the complete account in the report for 27th May 1918.

    Today’s losses
    Wednesday 29 May 1918 We Lost*788

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    Edward Seton Chance

    Captain George Ritchie Hodgson, Flight Lieutenant James Lindsay Gordon, Leading Mechanic Sydney Francis Anderson and Wireless Telegraphist Bertram Harley Millichamp rescue two men from an upturned float in the North Sea.

    Today’s losses include:

    Multiple battalion commanders
    The son of a former Member of Parliament
    Families that will lose two and three sons in the Great War
    First Class Cricketer for the Hampshire County CC
    The son of a General
    A Civilian Chaplain
    A Red Cross Society Commander

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Lieutenant Colonel Lancelot Colin William Deane DSO MC (commanding 6th South Wales Borderers) is killed in action at age 26. He was a head student at George Watson’s College Edinburgh and winner of the Gold Watch given by Watsonians of North America for the best football players of the year.
    Captain (Brevet Major) (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Edward Seton Chance (Dragoon Guards commanding 6th Leicestershire Regiment) is killed in action at age 36. He is the son of the former Member of Parliament for Morton, Carlisle, ‘Sir’ Frederick Chance and his younger brother has been killed in 1915.
    Major Harold Thomas Forsert DSO MC (Royal Marines Light Infantry commanding 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment) is killed at age 39. He played first class cricket for Hampshire County Cricket Club in 1911.
    Captain (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) Colin Robert Hoste Stirling DSO MC (Cameronians commanding 2nd Berkshire Regiment) dies of wounds received in action five days earlier at Chaulnes at age 24. He is the third son of Brigadier General J W Stirling CB CMG DL to be killed in the Great War. The General lost all his sons in the war.
    Captain Terence Petty Muspratt MC (Worcestershire Regiment) is killed at age 22. His brother was killed in March of this year.
    Captain Frank Copeland Worster MC (Worcestershire Regiment) dies of wounds received in action at age 29. He is the Classical Master at St Paul’s School, and had been 1st in Class in Classical Moderations and “Greats” at St John’s College, Oxford.
    Civilian Chaplain “the Reverend” W H Spinks (Young Men’s Christian Association) dies of injuries at Etaples received while rescuing a chinaman during an air raid at age 45. He was a Baptist Minister.
    Second Lieutenant Alfred Bence-Trower (Scots Guards) is killed in action at age 37 one day before his younger brother is killed.
    Commander Ralph Bonfoy Rooper (French Red Cross Society attached British Red Cross Committee) is killed at Gueux near Rheims at age 23. In April 1915 he joined the Friends Ambulance Unit and served as a motor ambulance driver.* He was rejected for Army service due to health issues and served for some time in the Ministry of Munitions and the Admiralty.* His brother was killed in October of last year.
    Private Albert Sullivan Gee (West Yorkshire Regiment) is killed at age 24. His brother was killed last October in Salonika.
    Private Richard J Finney (Lancashire Fusiliers) is killed at age 20. His brother was killed in July 1916.

    “The War in the air”
    Claims


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    Losses

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    Leutnant Paul Bäumer ("Der Eiserne Adler" (The Iron Eagle) )
    Awards Pour le Mérite, Military Merit Cross, Iron Cross 1st & 2nd Class, Silver Wound Badge
    Units: FA7; Jasta2, 5
    Victories 43
    Born 11 May 1896
    Place of Birth: Duisberg Ruhrort
    Died 15 July 1927
    Place of Death near Copenhagen, Denmark
    Cemetery Ohlsdorf, Hamburg, Germany

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    A dental assistant before the war, "The Iron Eagle" (Der Eiserne Adler) had his pilot's license when he entered the army. Bäumer served in an infantry regiment before his transfer to the German Air Service. He was injured in a crash at Vivaise airfield on 29 May 1918. Bäumer was one of only five recipients to be awarded both the Blue Max and the Golden Military Merit Cross. After the war, he became a dentist and continued flying. He was killed while performing an aerobatic display.


    “Tunstill’s men”

    Wednesday 29th May 1918

    Support positions near Cesuna, Italy

    NB Signs of the first stage in the Influenza Pandemic that killed more people, world wide, than the whole of WW1.

    There were further admissions of men suffering from suspected influenza. Ptes. Fred Heap (see 16th January 1917) and John Hargreaves (18009) (see 15th January) were both admitted to 70th Field Ambulance, suffering from suspected influenza; both would be discharged and return to duty five days later.

    Pte. Isaac Robinson (see 3rd September 1917), serving with 69th Brigade Light Trench Mortar Battery, was admitted to 70th Field Ambulance, suffering from suspected influenza; he would be discharged and return to duty four days later.

    Pte. Thomas Henry Cox (see 27th April) was transferred from 29th Stationary Hospital at Cremona, to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

    Having completed their courses of officer training, Cpl. Wilfred Clarkson (see 17th September 1917) and L.Cpl. Thomas Arthur Bedford (see 16th October 1917) were both commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant with the West Yorkshire Regiment.

    Pte. Frank Brooks (see 9th December 1916), who had been returned to England in a prisoner exchange, having been severely wounded (he had had his left leg amputated) and taken prisoner by the Germans in July 1916, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service. He was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week, which was to be reviewed in six months.

    Western Front

    Further Allied retreat.* On left enemy sweep over Vregny Plateau, take Soissons; in centre gain heights south of the Vesle, make progress towards the Marne.* On right, Allied troops covering Reims fall back behind Aisne Canal.
    Enemy repulsed near Kemmel.
    Bombs on Metz and Thionville.

    Southern Front

    Artillery actions on the Doiran-Vardar front and in Serbian sector.
    Bad weather hampers activity.

    Naval & Overseas Operations

    List of shipwrecks: 29 May 1918
    Ship Country Description
    Begum United Kingdom World War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 270 nautical miles (500*km) west by south of the Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly (47°30′N 12°28′W) by SM*U-90 (*Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fifteen of her crew.

    Carlton United Kingdom World War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 270 nautical miles (500*km) west by south of the Bishop Rock by SM*U-90 (*Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

    HMT*Dirk Royal Navy World War I, The coaster, operating as a naval trawler, was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire (54°08′N 0°11′E) by SM*UC-75 (*Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twenty of her crew.

    Missir United Kingdom World War I: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 80 nautical miles (150*km) west by north of Alexandria, Egypt by SM*UB-51 (*Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 34 crew.

    Souvenir Denmark World War I: The barque was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (51°47′N 7°46′W) by SM*U-101 (*Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

    Battle of Abaran – After two days of counterattacks, the Armenians inflicted enough heavy casualties on the Ottoman Army to force back to towards Hamamlu, Armenia.[155]
    Battle of Skra-di-Legen – Greek forces supported by the French bombarded fortified Bulgarian positions at Skra Greece.[156]
    Born: Bert Corona, Mexican-American labor activist, leading member of the Congress of Industrial Organizations and the Chicano Movement in the 1960s (d. 2001)


    The forgotten Battle of Skra di Legen, May 29–30, 1918

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    Skra - Greece

    The Battle of Skra di Legen (Skora di Legen) was a two-day battle which took place at the Skra fortified position, located northeast of Mount Paiko, which is north-west of Thessaloniki, on May 29–30, 1918, on the Macedonian front of World War I.
    Skra de legen, or as it is known in Bulgaria “Jarebichna” was a fortified position around the three peaks of the Paiko (Pajak) Mountain just west of the city of Gevgely and the current*Greek-FYROM border crosses that position.
    Bulgarian troops fortified it in 1916 and in 1917 it withstood a strong frontal assault of the French troops. In May 1918 this triangular in shape position was defended by the Third brigade of the Bulgarian 5th “Dunavska” (Danubian) division: 2nd IR defended its right (west) wing, 50th IR defended its east (left) wing and on the top of the triangle, occupying the front position, were the three battalions of the 49th IR.

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    Bulgarian troops

    On 30th May 1918 two Greek divisions and one French Brigade with a crushing supremacy in artillery attacked the whole position. They succeeded in breaking the flanks of the “triangle” and on the next day 49th IR was surrounded.
    After almost 10 hours of desperate fighting the whole regiment was practically annihilated. Bulgarian losses were heavy – 600 killed, 2045*taken prisoners. Greek losses were also heavy – around 2000 killed and wounded.
    From a tactical point of view it was a minor engagement. Only a position 5 km wide and 3 km deep was lost. However the loss of a whole regiment – 49th, was felt deeply by the Bulgarians.
    The battle was the first large-scale employment of Greek troops of the newly established Army of National Defence on the front, and resulted in the capture of the heavily fortified Bulgarian position.

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    The Allied force comprised three Greek divisions of the National Defence Army Corps under Lieutenant General Emmanouil Zymvrakakis (photo above seated), plus one French brigade.
    The three Greek divisions included the Archipelago Division under Major General Dimitrios Ioannou, the Crete Division under Major General Panagiotis Spiliadis, and the Serres Division under Lieutenant Colonel Epameinondas Zymvrakakis.
    The 5th and 6th Regiments from the Archipelago Division were in the center, the 7th and 8th Regiments from the Crete Division were on the right flank and the 1st Regiment of the Serres Division was on the left flank.
    In the early morning of 29 May 1918, Greek artillery fired on Bulgarian positions in preparation for the next morning’s assault.
    On 06.30, 30 May 1918, Allied forces captured Skra from the heavily outnumbered Bulgarians. Starting from the evening of the same day until May 31, the Bulgarian army launched several counterattacks on positions held by the Crete Division. All attacks were repelled, cementing the Allied victory.
    In the battle, 441 Allied soldiers were killed, 2,227 wounded and 164 missing in action. Bulgaria suffered 600 soldiers killed and 2045 taken prisoner. 32 machine guns and 12 artillery pieces were also captured.

    Political, etc.

    Report of Food Production Department issued, showing that four million acres have been added for tillage; and that four-fifths of country's food for the year will be home-grown.
    U.S.A. communique sympathising with Czecho-Slovaks and Yugo-Slavs.


    And just for Chris (who likes his Bristols):

    The Bristol Fighter
    Pen and ink and watercolour by Lieutenant Richard Barrett Talbot Kelly MBE, MC, RI (1896-1971), Royal Field Artillery, 1918.


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    Ground attack aircraft like this Bristol fighter played an important role in the advances of 1918

  33. #3283

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    Some monster editions there Mike. Thank you and well done. Realised you were going to cop for the Battle of Aisne so knew you would be busy. I liked the Greek/Bulgarian action as Well, not a theatre I know much about. Finally thanks for the Brisfit.

    Ps. Trying to read all this on my phone is a nightmare lol

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  34. #3284

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    Trying to read all this on my phone is a nightmare
    Hahahaha Take a proper break buddy

  35. #3285

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Hahahaha Take a proper break buddy
    Hear, hear!
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  36. #3286

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    May 30th 1918

    The fourth day of the Third Battle of the Aisne (3e Bataille de L'Aisne), part of the German Operation Blücher-Yorck and a battle of the German Spring Offensive during World War I that focused on capturing the Chemin des Dames Ridge before the American Expeditionary Forces arrived completely in France. It was one of a series of offensives, known as the Kaiserschlacht, launched by the Germans in the spring and summer of 1918.

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    On this day German forces advance towards Paris, but the French hold the enemy up south of Soissons, preventing any further advance. In the centre, the Germans capture Fere-en-Tardenois and Vezilly, increase their pressure towards Ville-en-Tardenois, reach the Marne near Jaulgonne, and gain some forts north-west of Reims. The enemy claim the capture of 35,000 (reports say 50,000 since the start of the battle) prisoners and much war material, e.g. over 800 guns. Victory seemed close for the Germans!

    The British bomb various towns on the German front.

    Quote from: The War in the Air by H A Jones – concerning the Battle of The Aisne, 1918

    “By the evening of the 30th of May (1918) the German troops had reached the Marne on a front of ten miles, but the worst was over. For some days afterwards there was bitter fighting, but by the sixth of June, by which time General Foch had sent nearly thirty divisions to the assistance of the French Sixth Army, the way had been barred to a further advance, and the battle came to an end.”
    Before the German attack, the British IX Corps held the sector of front between Bouconville and Berméricourt. From west to east this line drops sharply from the heights of the Chemin des Dames ridge near Craonne, down onto flatter ground through La Ville-au-Bois and Berry-au-Bac on the River Aisne.

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    The German attack succeeded in pushing the Allies across the Aisne and down as far as the Marne at Chateau Thierry, capturing the towns of Soissons and La Fere-en-Tardenois as they did so.

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    Soisson

    From the point of view of the new independent Royal Air Force, the official history goes on to state that 52 Sqn – RE8s who had been assigned to the sector, were unfortunately unable to be of any use.

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    “The reconnaissance area of the squadron covered only the front of the British IX Corps, and, in any event, the pilots and observers were flying over country that was new to them, as it was to the British Corps staff.” In addition, they had no plans for withdrawal during the offensive, because it was meant to be a quiet sector, and did not know anything of French methods of air co-operation. Understandable given the circumstances.

    Women at War

    On the night of 29 / 30 May 1918, a bombing raid near Abbeville killed 9 women and wounded 7 more.

    At the start of the First World War many people harboured the view that war was ‘man’s business’. Front-line roles had, after all, always been undertaken by men.

    Between 1914 and 1918 opinion changed when women – invigorated by years of struggle for female emancipation – stepped out from their traditional roles and placed themselves at the heart of the action.
    Taking on key medical roles, they emerged from the conflict with newfound respect and observers heralded the war as ‘a revelation of woman’.
    Trained nurses had been part of the military establishment since the 19th century. Thousands of untrained women now stepped forward to help support the care of the wounded.

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    The job of the war nurse was both varied and hectic.*Some administered pain relief and redressed wounds. Others assisted the surgical teams in the operating theatres of casualty clearing stations, acting as anaesthetists or carrying out minor procedures when surgeons were rushed off their feet.

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    Female*surgeons found it far harder to offer their services. The army was initially reluctant to make use of their skills, telling them ‘to go home and sit still’.
    Undeterred, they set up voluntary hospitals on the Western and Eastern fronts – many staffed exclusively by women. One such volunteer was Dr Phoebe Chapple, who became one of the first at the front line and the first to be awarded a medal for gallantry.
    On the night of 29 / 30 May 1918, while she was visiting the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps near Abbeville, the camp came under enemy attack. One bomb hit a trench where 40 staff had taken cover. In near darkness and with further risk of attack, Chapple worked her way along the trench, tending to the wounded.

    'At Mautort on the night of 29-30th May 1918'
    Mary Mclachlan Blaikley KIA 30-5-18
    Beatrice Campbell KIA 30-5-18
    Margaret Selina Caswell KIA 30-5-18
    Catherine Connor KIA 30-5-18
    Jennie Mckerral Grant KIA 30-5-18
    Annie Eliizabeth Moores KIA 30-5-18
    Ethel Frances Mary Parker KIA 30-5-18
    Alice Thomasson KIA 30-5-18
    Jennie Watson DOW 30-5-18

    They were all killed on the night of 29th- 30th May 1918 when enemy bombs were dropped on Camp 1. One bomb fell into a protection trench where they were sheltering. No. 2 Army Supply Depot workers killed were 31503 M. M. L. Blaikley, general domestic; 31673 B. V. Campbell, general domestic; 34767 C. Connor, general domestic; 31918 J. McK. Grant, postal clerk; 15695 A. Moores, cook; 35588 A. Thomasson, general domestic; 9048 E. F. Parker, waitress, Officers Club, EFC; 15703 M. S. Caswell, waitress, Officers Club, EFC. 34864 J. Watson, general domestic, died of wounds. A further seven women were wounded.

    They are buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension.

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    Members of Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps (QMAAC), marching from No. 2 Stationary Hospital at 1.45p.m. in the funeral procession of their comrades, who were killed in the enemy air raid, on the night of 29-30 May 1918.

    Three Military Medals were awarded:

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    PHOEBE CHAPPLE, (1879-1967), medical practitioner She was the 1st woman doctor to be awarded The Military Medal

    Forewoman Clerk Ethel Grace CARTLEDGE
    Assistant Administrator Sophy CROSS
    All three had similar citations and were Gazetted on 19 October 1918.

    The citations read:
    Phoebe Chapple
    For gallantry and devotion to duty during an air raid. While the raid was in progress Dr Chapple attended to the needs of the wounded regardless of her own safety.

    Elizabeth Sophy Cross

    For gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy air raid. Whilst in charge of a camp a bomb fell, killing several women and wounding others. She was knocked down, but immediately got up, and, after obtaining assistance, worked with the doctor amongst the killed and wounded while the raid was still in progress

    Ethel Grace Cartledge

    For gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy air raid. She was of the greatest assistance in keeping the workers steady. Although both her shoes were blown off during the explosion, Forewoman Cartledge continued to carry out her duties after being wounded in the foot by some fallen wreckage.

    The phrase 'keeping the workers steady' conjours up a great picture of Miss Cartledge, who was, at that time, just 22 years old.

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    Died on this day 30th May 1918

    Alice Thomasson was born on 2nd March 1897 in Moses Gate, Farnworth, near Bolton, Lancashire, United Kingdom, to Sarah Alice Whitelegg and Edwin Thomasson. She became a worker in the British Army, Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps. Service #35588, but died in Aberville, France on 30th May 1918 having been killed in action.
    Her death was the result of a German bombing raid on the Nurses Quarters.
    Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Casualty Records Transcription

    Margaret Selina Caswell, Women's Legion, 1916.

    Photograph postcard, World War One (1914-1918), 1916.

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    The Women's Legion was formed in August 1915 to provide cooks, waitresses and gardeners to the Army. Caswell (1896-1918) later transferred to the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), enlisting at Tidworth in 1917. The WAAC had been formed that year to free up valuable and experienced soldiers from the rear areas for front line service. Women were employed in a variety of jobs. As well as cooking and waiting on officers, they served as clerks, telephone operators, store-women, drivers, printers, bakers and cemetery gardeners.
    Given the rank of worker, Margaret was sent to France where she worked as a waitress at an officers club' at Abbeville camp. During the night of 29-30 May 1918 German aircraft attacked QMAAC Camp 1 at Abbeville and one of their bombs fell into a protection trench killing 22-year-old Caswell and eight of her colleagues and wounding a further seven.

    Today’s losses


    Thursday 30 May 1918 We Lost 842

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    Bertha Gavin Stephenson

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    Edwin Louis Benbow

    Thirty-five Camels of 28, 45 and 66 Squadrons Royal Flying Corps carry out a low bombing raid on enemy positions it Val d’Assa Italy. One ton of bombs are dropped and 9,000 rounds of ammunition fired.

    While traveling between New York and Liverpool, the Cunard liner Ausonia under the command of Captain R Capper, is torpedoed some six hundred twenty miles west of Fastnet. The crew abandons ship, upon which it is discovered that eight stewards have been killed in the initial explosion. About forty-five minutes after the torpedo attack, the German submarine responsible surfaces and sinks the ship with shellfire. (See 8th June)

    Today’s losses include:

    A General
    Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War
    An 8-victory ace who shot down the Red Baron in March 1917
    A 6-victory ace
    The son of a Justice of the Peace
    The granddaughter of a late Member of Parliament
    The great grandson of a member of the clergy
    A Military Chaplain

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Brigadier General Ralph Hamer Husey (commanding 25th Brigade, 8th Division) dies of wounds as a prisoner of war that he received on the 27th
    Major Edward Bence-Trower MC (South Wales Borderers) is killed in action at age 27 one day after his brother Second Lieutenant Alfred Bence-Trower has been killed.
    Captain Frank Copeland Worster MC (Worcestershire Regiment) dies of wounds received in action at age 29. He had been a Classical Master at St Paul’s School.
    Captain William Crawshay Loder-Symonds (Wiltshire Regiment attached Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed at home while flying. He escaped from a prisoner of war camp ten weeks earlier having been captured during the first month of the war. In the meantime three of his brothers have died in the service of the King. They are sons of Captain Frederick Cleave Loder-Symonds JP.
    Captain Edwin Louis ‘Lobo” Benbow (Royal Air Force) is killed in action at age 22. The eight victory ace who downed Baron Manfred von Richtofen in March 1917 and is the only ace to achieve all his victories in the FE8. He had returned to the front earlier this month having spent much of 1917 as an instructor.
    Captain John Gordon Smith Cheetham Smith-Grant (Royal Air Force) is wounded in action and taken to a Canadian field hospital where he will die during a German air raid this evening. The 6-victory ace dies at age 25.
    Lieutenant John Headlam (Royal Air Force) is killed in action at Boffles. He is the grandson of ‘Sir’ James Headlam-Morley and great grandson of the late Reverend Canon Headlam of Whorlton Hall.
    Lieutenant Alexander Goble Mitchell (Middlesex Regiment) is killed during an air raid on a hospital in France where he is recovering from a recent operation. The 21-year old is the only son of ‘Sir’ Thomas and Lady Mitchell.
    Second Lieutenant W F J Prince (#1 Observers of Aerial Gunnery, Royal Air Force) is killed while swimming in a restricted area when he and two other officers are strafed by aircraft while on practice duty. He is 20-years old.
    Bertha Gavin Stevenson, a granddaughter of the late James Cochran Stevenson, Member of Parliament, is killed instantly during an air raid while on active service with the YMCA at a base camp in France. She is 21-years old and a holder of the Croix de Guerre avec Palme.
    Chaplain Charles Blairquahan Whitefoord (attached London Regiment) dies of wounds received in action the previous day at age 33. He is one of the clergy at the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Shrewsbury.
    Sergeant Arthur Sanders Bowhay (Worcestershire Regiment) is killed at age 22. His brother was killed in March 1917.
    Lance Corporal Alfred John Davis (Norfolk Regiment) is killed at age 21. His brother was killed in January 1915.
    Sapper Edwin Allen Le Leu (Australian Engineers) is killed. His brother was killed in May 1917.
    Private Charles Alfred Atkin (South Staffordshire Regiment) is killed in action at age 37. His brother was killed in November 1914.
    Private Thomas Lowe (Machine Gun Corps) is killed at age 22. His brother will fall in August.
    Private William Piercy (Welsh Regiment) is killed in action at age 19. His brother will be killed in exactly four months.
    Private Stewart William Talboys (Gloucestershire Regiment) is killed at age 19. His brother will die of war wounds in 1922.

    “The War in the air”

    Claims


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    Losses

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    “Tunstill’s men”

    Friday 30th May 1918

    Support positions near Cesuna, Italy.

    Pte. James Hillhouse (see 11th March) was reported by Sgt. Herbert Wheyland (see 22nd March) and 2Lt. Archibald (Archie) Allen (see 28th February), for “using obscene language”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 25th May) he was to undergo 14 days’ Field Punishment no.1.

    More men reported sick, suffering from suspected influenza. L.Cpl. Harry Bailey (25248) (see 12th March) and Ptes. Mortimer Banks (see 19th December 1916), William Henry Luke (see 21st March) and Simpson Phillips (see 5th October 1917) were admitted to 70th Field Ambulance; all would be discharged and return to duty within five days.

    Pte. Frederick Sharp (see 3rd May), who had been under treatment for the previous four weeks for scabies and septic sores, was transferred to 62nd General Hospital at Bordighera.

    Lt. Harold Lockhart Waite (see 12th February), serving at the Royal Flying Corps' No. 5 School of Military Aeronautics at Denham, was declared fit for active service, although for ground duties only.

    A memorial service was held at Sedbergh Church to remember, among others, 2Lt. Charles Leonard Chorley (see 25th April), who had been killed in action while serving with 2nd/5th Lancashire Fusiliers; he was a former member of 10DWR and brother of L.Cpl. Richard Cleasby Chorley (see 25th April).
    2Lt. Charles Leonard Chorley (see5th April)

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    At home in Headington, three year-old Beatrice Caroline Newell died from measles and broncho-pneumonia; she was the daughter of Pte. John Richard Newell (see 21st April).

    A pension award was made in the case of the Pte. Fred Hargreaves (20214) (see 1st October 1917), who had been officially missing in action since 1st October 1917; his widow, Phyllis, was awarded 25s. 6d. per week for herself and her two children.

    A pension award was made in the case of the Pte. Francis John Bottomley (see 28th March), who had been killed in action on 21st November 1917 while serving with 2/4th DWR; his widow, Sarah, was awarded 20s. 5d. per week for herself and her daughter.

    Naval and Overseas Operations
    S.S. Waneta, torpedoed 30th May 1918
    En route from Halifax, N.S. for Queenstown, Ireland, she was torpedoed by German submarine U-101 and sunk when 42 miles SSE from Kinsale Head, Ireland. 8 lives were lost of the 123 people on board.

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    Ausonia was requisitioned in 1915 for use as a troopship. She operated in the Mediterranean and as far as India. She had a skirmish with submarine U55 on 11th June 1917, but survived. She was not so lucky the second time. On 30th May 1918, while en route from Liverpool to New York, in ballast, she was attacked by submarine U62. She sank some 600 miles off Fastnet. This was the submarine, under Captain Hashagen, that had earlier sunk Storstad, the collier that had rammed and sunk the Empress of Ireland. Although there were no passengers aboard Ausonia, there was a crew of 130. Of these, 44 were lost in the attack or on two of the lifeboats that disappeared. The rest were rescued on 8th June by HMS Zennia – all were in serious distress by then through hunger, dehydration and exposure.

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    The liner had been*built in 1909 by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson’s at Newcastle, for the Cairn-Thompson Line, and named Tortona. She was 450 feet long, 7,907grt, and had been designed for their Canadian service. In 1911 she was acquired by Cunard and renamed Ausonia.

    And there were others on this day:

    Date U-boat Commander Name of ship Type of ship Tons Nat.
    *
    30 May 1918 U 63 Kurt Hartwig Antinous (d.) Steamer 3,682 br
    30 May 1918 U 63 Kurt Hartwig Asiatic Prince Steamer 2,887 br
    30 May 1918 U 62 Ernst Hashagen Ausonia Passenger steamer 8,153 br
    30 May 1918 U 63 Kurt Hartwig Aymeric Steamer 4,363 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Cyprus Fishing vessel 35 br
    30 May 1918 *UC 17 Nikolaus von Lyncker *Dungeness (d.) Steamer 2,748 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Glad Tidings Fishing vessel 15 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Honey Bee Fishing vessel 34 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Jane Gordon Fishing vessel 27 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Lloyd Fishing vessel 35 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Marianne Mc Crum Fishing vessel 30 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Never Can Tell Fishing vessel 31 br
    30 May 1918 UB 49 Hans von Mellenthin Pietro Maroncelli Steamer 5,143 it
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Seabird Fishing vessel 15 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader Sparkling Wave Fishing vessel (smack) 37 br
    30 May 1918 UB 64 Otto von Schrader St. Mary Fishing vessel 29 br
    30 May 1918 U 101 Carl-Siegfried Ritter von Georg Waneta Steamer 1,683 br
    30 May 1918 UB 57 Johannes Lohs War Panther (d.) Steamer 5,260 br
    *
    15 ships sunk (22,517 tons) and 3 ships damaged (11,690 tons).


    Southern Front

    Franco-Greek success at Srka di Legen, 1,500 prisoners taken (11 miles west of River Vardar).

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    British bomb Turks at Fatha (Tigris, above Tekrit) and at junction of Lesser Zab river.

    Political, etc.

    Publication of Chino-Japanese Note re: military agreements.

  37. #3287

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    May 31st 1918

    Busy day today! Hope I've done it all justice.

    Third Battle of the Aisne – Day five
    Germans reach Marne river from Chateau Thierry to Dormans and advance on Compiegne. French retire from River Ailette, drive Germans east of Sempigny, and recover Thillois (west of Reims).

    31 May 1918: It Was the Machine Gunners of the 3rd Division Who Showed Up First at Château-Thierry

    On 30 May, after being released by General Pershing, the 2nd and 3rd Divisions of the AEF were ordered to report to the French 6th Army, which had fallen back to the vicinity of Château-Thierry, where the German penetration had reached its deepest point in France.

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    There was apprehension of the Germans crossing the Marne, at least in sufficient force to seize a bridgehead available for later renewed attacks. It was the 3rd Division that was given the job of defending the Marne river line at Château-Thierry.

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    Destroyed Bridge at*Château Thierry

    The division's infantry entrained to go by railroad, a procedure which, because of the demoralization of the French railway service by the German advance, was certain to require several days. One unit of the division, however, was ready to make its own way to the Marne. This was the 7th Machine Gun Battalion, which was equipped with its own motor transport.

    The battalion left Laferté-sur-Aube at 2:55 p.m., 30 May. After a 24-hour forced drive, the battalion reported to the French commander at 2:00 p.m. on 31 May and was ordered to proceed at once to Château-Thierry to aid in the defense of the Marne bridges there. Breakdowns and lack of gasoline had delayed some of the cars, but there were 17 machine gun squads present.

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    Arriving at Château-Thierry close to 6:00 p.m., a reconnaissance determined that the 10th French Colonial Division was in contact with the German advance at the northern edge of the city. [Château-Thierry straddles both the northern – its larger section – and southern sides of the Marne.] The battalion set up its guns on the south bank where its fire could defend the approaches to the bridges and in addition could command much of the city on the north side of the Marne.

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    Machine Gunners of the*7th Machine Gun Battalion on the South Side of the Marne River

    When darkness fell that night one section of Company A, under 1st Lt. J.T. Bissell, was sent across the west bridge to take up an outpost position on the north bank. He was to fight a delaying action if attacked, to keep the main line of the battalion notified of developments, and to fall back to the sought bank if attacked in force.

    The Germans pounded the south bank that night with a bombardment so severe that in spite of the extended fashion in which the battalion was posted, 14 of its personnel were wounded before morning. In spite of the deterrent effect of the bombardment, by 4:00 a.m. the battalion had 17 guns in position and firing. Belated squads, which had been delayed on the road, arrived from time to time, and these were held in reserve.

    During the day of 1 June *the Germans pressed their advance vigorously. To the northwest they drove the French into Belleau Wood, and to the west they took [the village of] Vaux and Hill 204, towering above the surrounding terrain, and thus completely isolated Château-Thierry. They failed, however, to penetrate into the city in force, and much of this failure may be ascribed to the machine gun barrage maintained by the 7th Battalion, which had so set up its guns to command most of the streets in the city on the north bank.

    The Germans attempted without success to mask their advance by the use of smoke bombs. In addition, they bombarded the battalion's gun positions but failed to reduce the volume of firing.

    After darkness fell the night of the 1st, the Germans began to filter into the city in force. Toward 1:00 a.m., 2 June, Lt. Bissell's outpost party was pushed back by the weight of this advance. Thereupon he led his party toward the west bridge with the intention of crossing to join the rest of the battalion on the south bank.

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    The German infiltration, however, had come from the northwest and before Bissell's detachment reached the north end of the west bridge, the bridge was occupied in force by Germans. They turned a fierce machine gun fire on the approaching Americans, scattering the detachment.

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    After the Battle (Note the Fatigue in the Eyes of the Machine Gunners)

    Bissell then made his way toward the east bridge accompanied by a few American soldiers and a group of Poilus. They found it impossible to approach of the constant fire directed upon its approaches by the Americans on the south bank. After giving up an attempt to swim the river, Bissell ventured into the field of fire and shouted to the Americans on the south bank until they recognized his voice. As a result of his courage, fire was halted long enough for him and his followers to get across to the south bank.

    Unfortunately, during the confusion of the last hectic few minutes of his adventures, Bissell had been informed by a French officer that the west bridge, which he knew was held by Germans, had been crossed successfully by [the enemy]. When Bissell imparted this startling information to the American officer in charge of the defense around the east bridge, the latter ordered a retreat in order to save his detachment from capture. The peculiar error was discovered before it caused any damage, and the Americans returned to the south bank posts they had been holding so effectively.

    As a matter of fact, the French had managed to blow up the west bridge before the Germans had crossed it. [Some eyewitnesses reported] a number of Germans about to cross were caught by the explosion and their bodies hurled far into the air and out over the river. At any rate, no German that night or later crossed the Marne into the southern part of Château-Thierry.

    Meanwhile, the main body of the 3rd Division, moving more slowly by railroad and later by marching, approached the area with orders to prevent the Germans from crossing the river between Château-Thierry and Dormans [to the east]. The infantry, without artillery or engineers, reached the scene on 3 June. The regiments passed to the control of the French and were assigned defensive positions on the south bank of the Marne.

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    [By preempting other possibilities for their adversaries advancing south, the 3rd Division had fulfilled its mission, which was to prevent the Germans from crossing the Marne at Château-Thierry.] During June, the scattered elements of the 3rd Division were put to a variety of uses. On *7 and 8 June, the 30th Infantry [long associated with San Francisco's Presidio] assisted the French in their assault on Hill 204. Between 15 and 22 June, the 7th Infantry relieved the Marines in Belleau Wood. The Doughboys also participated in night raids to capture German prisoners for interrogation. Other elements of the division were constantly and somewhat aimlessly shifted around along the south bank of the Marne.

    [But] by patiently exerted pressure on the French corps command[er], Major General ****man commanding the division, at length drew his scattered units together, so that in July it presented a unified front to the enemy along the south bank of the Marne east of Château-Thierry. It was there to play one of the greatest roles falling to an American division during the war.

    Sources: 3rd Division ABMC History; Doughboy Center Website


    31st May 1918 : Disaster at Allonville
    In the early hours of 31 May 1918 two German artillery shells exploded on a barn in the town of Allonville, near Amiens France, where soldiers of the Australian Infantry Force (AIF) were sleeping:*
    «*Two companies of the 14th Battalion had been sleeping in two large barns at Allonville, which was so far behind the Allied lines they thought they would be safe. However the Germans must have known that both the 4th Division and the 4th Brigade HQs where there and were trying to hit them.
    A shell landed on the roof of one of the barns and it collapsed on top of the men.
    The survivors had not seen such carnage since Pozière. Men were screaming and crying . No one could see much for the dust everyone got to work, digging out the dead and wounded…*»

    from : Hell, Hope and Heroes* by Roy RAMSEY , The Memoirs of Private Roy RAMSEY, AIF
    found also in: The British Empire and the First World War by Ashley Jackson :
    «*Several high explosive rounds from a German rail gun were fired at the Château d’Allonville, several kilometers behind the Somme Front, which was occupied by 4th Division Headquarters.
    Two shells hit an adjacent barn in which 2 companies of the 14th Battalion were resting : 18 men were killed and 68 wounded.
    As the Official Australian war correspondent, Charles Bean was at Allonville the morning after and he wrote of the incident in his diary:
    ** «*The Germans were told some time ago, apparently, probably by a man of ours who they captured, …*»


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    Renault FT-17 66260 from AS 305 (2° BCL/501° RAS), lost in the fighting on 31 May 1918 near Chaudun (South-West from Soissons). Following an aggressive counter attack, four French tanks remained in the German lines, three were destroyed however 66260 was spared destruction after it toppled into a crater 300 m South-East of Chaudun.

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    Erich Löwenhardt
    On this day Erich Löwenhardt is Awarded the Pour Le Merite

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    Erich Löwenhardt, with 24 victories, is awarded the Pour le Mérite on this day. He becomes the commander of Jasta 10 and extends his string to 54 before being shot down on August 10, flying a Fokker D. VII. He becomes the 9th highest overall ace and the 3rd highest German ace, behind only Manfred von Richthofen and Ernst Udet.

    Early life and service
    Löwenhardt was born in Breslau, Silesia, German Empire on 7 April 1897, the son of a doctor. He received his education at a military school in Lichterfelde. He was 17 when hostilities erupted in August 1914 and was assigned to the German Army's Infantry Regiment Nr. 141; he saw infantry action on the Eastern Front with them. Young Löwenhardt was wounded near Łódź but remained on duty as standard bearer for his regiment as it fought in the Battle of Tannenberg. As reward for his courage, on 2 October 1914 he was commissioned. On 30 October he was both wounded and decorated with the Iron Cross Second Class. After convalescing, he returned to his unit in the Carpathians. In early 1915 he received the Iron Cross 1st Class for saving the lives of five wounded men. Löwenhardt then transferred to the Alpine Corps on the Italian Front. However, he fell ill and was invalided from service as unfit for duty.

    Aerial service
    After five months' recuperation, Löwenhardt volunteered for the Imperial German Army Air Service and qualified as an aerial observer. He then completed pilot training in 1916. Service in two-seaters with Flieger-Abteilung (Artillerie) (Flier Detachment (Artillery)) 265 followed. In January 1917, he underwent conversion training for fighters. He joined a fighter squadron, Jagdstaffel 10 in March 1917. On 24 March 1917, Löwenhardt scored his first confirmed aerial victory, destroying an enemy observation balloon over Recicourt.

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    Löwenhardt was an aggressive, skilled fighter whose score grew steadily. During this period, he flew Albatros and Pfalz planes. By the end of September he was an ace. He survived a forced landing on 20 September with a minor wound; the next day, he shot down his fifth victim. He posted two more claims in October, one of which was confirmed. On 6 November, his aircraft's lower wing was damaged during combat over Winkel Saint Eloi at 0830 hours,[2] a dud antiaircraft shell smashing his left wingtip without exploding. Löwenhardt pulled his craft out of the resulting spin at 15 meters altitude, wheels down, and bounced into a tumbling wreck. He exited the wreckage shaken but otherwise unharmed. On 30 November 1917, he closed out his year with his eighth confirmed victory; he was credited with four balloons and four airplanes.
    Löwenhardt scored two more victims in January 1918: a balloon and a Bristol F.2 Fighter. In March, he added five more. On 1 April, just before his 21st birthday, he was appointed to command Jasta 10. The next month, Jasta 10 re-equipped with new Fokker D.VIIs. Löwenhardt continued to score; on 10 May, he destroyed an observation balloon for his 20th victory and became eligible for the Pour le Merite. The next day, he was awarded the Knight's Cross with Swords of the House Order of Hohenzollern; he also received the Austro-Hungarian Empire's Military Merit Cross. The Pour le Merite (commonly called the Blue Max) came on 31 May 1918, when Löwenhardt's tally had reached 24.

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    By now, Löwenhardt was locked into an "ace race" with Ernst Udet and Lothar von Richthofen for the honor of being the top scoring ace in their fighter wing. The rivalry between Löwenhardt and the younger Richthofen was a friendly one, as they often flew as wingmen. Jasta 10 belonged to The Flying Circus, and when the wing commander's spot came open on 29 June 1918, Oberleutnant Löwenhardt was tapped for temporary command of it. By then, his tally stood at 27. When he surrendered the JG I command on 6 July, it had risen to 34. By the end of July 1918, Löwenhardt's total was 48: 9 balloons and 39 airplanes.

    Death in action
    On 8 August, the Allied Forces launched the war's final offensive against the Germans. The British Royal Air Force led the assault, and Löwenhardt downed three of their airplanes. On the 9th, he shot down two more. On the 10th, flying despite a badly sprained ankle, Löwenhardt launched his yellow Fokker D.VII on a mid-day sortie leading a patrol heavily weighted with rookie pilots. He encountered No. 56 Squadron RAF and shot down a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a over Chaulnes, France at 1215 hours for his 54th victory. In the aftermath of the combat, he collided with another German pilot, Leutnant Alfred Wenz from Jasta 11. Löwenhardt's Fokker's landing gear slammed the upper right wing on Wenz's D.VII. Both pilots' planes were equipped with parachutes and both pilots bailed out. Erich Löwenhardt's chute failed to open and he fell to his death.

    Lt Douglas Campbell – American Army Aviation Corps

    Douglas Campbell (June 7, 1896 – October 16, 1990) was an American aviator and World War I flying ace. He was the first American aviator flying in an American-trained air unit to achieve the status of ace. Age 22, he shot down his fifth German plane on May 31, 1918.

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    Early life
    Campbell was born in San Francisco, California. He was the son of famed astronomer William W. Campbell, the head of the Lick Observatory and future president of the University of California. At the time the United States entered World War I in April 1917, he was a student at Harvard University noted for his athletic prowess. Campbell and close friend Quentin Roosevelt, the son of former President Theodore Roosevelt, immediately dropped out of college and enlisted in the United States Army. He would receive an A.B. Harvard Class of 1917.

    Service career
    Assigned to the Air Service, Campbell learned to fly in a Curtiss Jenny aircraft and was later trained in a Nieuport fighter. He was assigned to the famous Pursuit 94th Aero Squadron (the "Hat in the ring" gang) - at this stage flying Nieuport 28 fighters. He was noted for several firsts in his service. He flew the squadron's first patrol along with two other famous aviators, Eddie Rickenbacker and Raoul Lufbery. Due to supply problems, the trio flew their first mission in unarmed planes. His first kill came while flying in an aircraft armed with only one rather than the usual two machine guns.

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    Douglas Campbell (center) poses with fellow 94th Aero Squadron aviators Eddie Rickenbacker (l.) and Kenneth Marr (r.). The aircraft in the background is a Nieuport 28.

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    He shared credit with Lt. Alan F. Winslow for the squadron's first confirmed victories, which were the first victories by fighter aircraft of an American-trained flying unit in the war. Campbell and Winslow each shot down and captured a pilot from Jasta 64w on April 14, 1918. He became the second Air Service ace and the first by an American-trained aviator when he downed his fifth enemy aircraft over Lironville, France on May 31, 1918.

    Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster for bravery in aerial combat over Flirey, France on May 19, 1918. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre avec palme by the French military. He scored his sixth and final victory on June 5, 1918.

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    During this last action, Campbell was wounded by an exploding artillery shell and was sent back to the United States to recover from severe shrapnel injuries to his back. During his recuperation, he made appearances at numerous war bond rallies. Campbell hoped to return to combat and was reassigned to his squadron in November 1918. By then however the war was winding down and he saw no further frontline action before the Armistice of November 11, 1918. While leaving active service the following year, he continued to hold a commission in the reserves until 1924.
    After the war, he took a job for W.R. Grace and Company. Douglas Campbell began work in April 1919 in New York. Two years later he arrived at the Hacienda Cartavio in Peru where he worked as an accountant. Cartavio was a farm where sugarcane is grown and where W. R. Grace & Co. had built the first mill to produce sugar at the end of the nineteenth century. He worked for about eleven years there. After he became the Vice-President of Pan-American Airways in 1939 and was named the airline's general manager in 1948. He died in Greenwich, Connecticut at the age of 94.

    Today’s losses

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    Private William Carss, of the Canadian Infantry, Central Ontario Regiment, 19th Bn., Service No. 405018, died of his wounds on May 31st 1917, aged 37.

    Friday 31 May 1918 We Lost*784

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    Thomas Leo Baines

    Captain Allan Hepburn and his observer Sergeant Thomas Proctor shoot down an Albatros near Ostend.
    The destroyer HMS Fairey sinks after ramming and destroying the German submarine UC-75 in the North Sea.* The U boat has previously been rammed by the steamer Blaydonian, damaging the casing.* The U boat then surfaces and the commanding officer of the Fairy believing her to be British issues the normal challenge which is not replied to.* Fairy then rams the U boat at the stern and again just forward of the conning tower.* Two of the men from the submarine jump on the forecastle of the destroyer and another twelve crewmen are rescued from the water.* The submarine sinks but the bows of the destroyer are so seriously damaged that she also sinks. There are no British casualties.
    Captain Richard Walker Buswell (Royal Air Force) is flying at Yatesbury when he sees another machine sideslip to the ground and burst into flames.* He flies to the location and lands and seeing that the pilot is enveloped in flames is still alive he dashes into the fire and endeavors to rescue him.* Several attempts have already been made to reach the pilot but owing to the very intense heat they were unsuccessful.* Captain Buswell manages to get hold of the pilot’s clothes which being in flames come away in his hands. He then gets hold of a belt and succeeds in extricating the pilot but it is too late to save his life. For his efforts Captain Buswell will be awarded the Albert Medal.

    Today’s losses include:

    The son of a member of the clergy
    Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War
    A Military Chaplain
    A twenty-three year employee of the The Times of London
    A man whose son will be killed in the Second World War

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Captain Percy Vickerman Kemp (Durham Light Infantry) is killed at age 25. He is the son of the Reverend James Vickerman Kemp Vicar of Witton Park.
    Lieutenant Rex Hardy Platts PHD (Royal Garrison Artillery) dies of burns caused by an accident at a chemical works at home at age 31. His brother has been killed in action on the Somme in 1916.
    Chaplain the Reverend Thomas Leo Baines (attached Royal Field Artillery) is killed in action at age 31.
    Private Charles Rhodes (West Yorkshire attached Labour Corps) dies of wounds at age 34 as the third brother to be killed in the last year.
    Private Edward Baldry (Army Service Corps) dies of wounds received in action at age 48. For twenty-three years he was an employee of The Times of London and he enlisted during Easter week of 1915, “as an example to younger men”.
    Private Ernest Wilfred Fawkes (Royal Fusiliers) dies of pneumonia from gassing at age 22. His brother was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
    Private J W Thackham (London Regiment) is killed in action. His son will lose his life in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in May 1942.

    “The War in the air”

    Claims

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    Losses
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    “Tunstill’s men”

    Saturday 31st May 1918
    Support positions near Cesuna.
    The Battalion War Diary noted the award of the Belgian Croix de Guerre to two men from the Battalion; Sgt. John Thomas Machin (see 4th December 1917) and L.Cpl. Enoch Wilson Rhodes MM (see 22nd March). These awards would be formally published in the London Gazette on 12th July, along with notice of the same award to Cpl. Joseph Dunn (see 5th April), who had left the Battalion having been wounded on 7th June 1917 and was currently in England.
    Ptes. Herbert Jacklin (see 5th July 1917) and George Lownsborough (see 30th October 1917) were admitted to 70th Field Ambulance suffering from suspected influenza; both would be discharged and return to duty four days later.
    No casualties were recorded for the month; the official cumulative casualty figures since arriving in France in August 1915 thus remained as:*
    Killed******************** ************* 275
    Accidentally killed*********** *** 5
    Died of wounds * * * * * * * * * 21
    Wounded*********** ********** 1,287
    Accidentally wounded * * * 53
    Missing * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 178
    Trooper Claude Darwin (see 4th April), serving in Egypt with 1st Field Squadron, Engineers, Anzac Mounted Division, was discharged from hospital in Port Said and posted to a rest camp at Moascar; he had been suffering from malaria. He was the brother of Tunstill recruit, Pte. Tom Darwin (see 2nd February), who had been discharged from the army.
    The War Office wrote to 2Lt. Billy Oldfield MM (see 25th May), who had been severely wounded while serving in France with 1st/4th DWR and was currently being treated at 2nd Northern General Hospital, Leeds. They informed him that, as a result of his injuries, he was to be “gazetted as relinquishing his commission on grounds of ill-health”; such notice would appear in the London Gazette on 10th June. He was also informed that his case would be referred to the Ministry of Pensions.

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    2Lt. Billy Oldfield MM


    The weekly edition of the Craven Herald published further news on the death of Pte. James Tuddenham, known to all as ‘Tudd’ (see 24th May), who had been killed in action while serving with 1st/6th DWR.

    “The death in action of Private James Tuddenham, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, son of Mr. Tuddenham, 18 Cemetery Road, Earby, briefly announced in our last week's issue, is the subject of a letter from the O.C., 'A' Company (Lieut. H.E. Lowther) who says:- "He was killed by a shell in the early morning of April 30th and can have suffered no pain whatever. He was buried with two of his comrades, and the grave was marked by a cross made by the men of his own platoon. He was one of our company stretcher bearers who are always men picked specially for their bravery. He always did the job well, however dangerous the circumstances, and always thought of the wounded men he tended before himself. I know how hard it will be for you, but I want you to realise how deeply we feel his loss. 'A' Company will never forget 'Tudd', as he was known to everyone”.

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    Pte. James Tuddenham

    Western Front

    Germans reach Marne river from Chateau Thierry to Dormans and advance on Compiegne. French retire from River Ailette, drive Germans east of Sempigny, and recover Thillois (west of Reims).

    British bomb Karlsruhe.

    Naval and Overseas Operations

    British destroyer sunk in collision.
    "President Lincoln", U.S.A. transport, torpedoed.

    Shipwrecks on this day
    Ship Country Description
    Alert UK Merchant Marine World War I: The sailing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11*km) north east of Boulmer, Northumberland by SM UB-40 Name:  Kaiser Marine.png
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    Attila UK Merchant Marine The brig caught fire at Itaporã, Brazil. She was beached but was a total loss.

    HMS Fairy RN World War I: The Gipsy-class destroyer foundered in the North Sea off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire after ramming and sinking SM UC-75 Name:  Kaiser Marine.png
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    USS President US Navy
    Lincoln
    World War I: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 600 nautical miles (1,100 km) off Brest, Finistère, France by SM U-90 Name:  Kaiser Marine.png
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    Pretty Polly UK Merchant Marine World War I: The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of County Galway, Ireland by SM U-101 (Name:  Kaiser Marine.png
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    SM UC-75 Kaiser Marine World War I: The Type UC II submarine was rammed and sunk in the North Sea off Flamborough Head by Blaydonian (Name:  UK Merchant marine.png
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    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    British bomb Turkish camps near Amman (Hejaz railway).

    Battle of the Skra di Legen (Macedonia).
    In the early morning of 29 May 1918, Greek artillery fired on Bulgarian positions in preparation for the next morning's assault.
    On 06.30, 30 May 1918, Allied forces captured Skra from the heavily outnumbered Bulgarians. Starting from the evening of the same day until May 31, the Bulgarian army launched several counterattacks on positions held by the Crete Division. All attacks were repelled, cementing the Allied victory.
    In the battle, 441 Allied soldiers were killed, 2,227 wounded and 164 missing in action. Bulgaria suffered 600 soldiers killed and 2045 taken prisoner. 32 machine guns and 12 artillery pieces were also captured.

    Political, etc.

    Great fire at Constantinople for 27 hours.
    Dutch Government refuses to tolerate British examination of convoyed ships.
    Samsam es Sultaneh, Persian Prime Minister, resigns.

    M. G. Cooreman succeeds Baron de Broqueville as Belgian prime Minister (Baron de Broqueville was appointed in 1911). [Baron de Broqueville and M. Cooreman presided over the Cabinet without the title of Prime Minister.]

  38. #3288

    Default

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

  39. #3289

  40. #3290

    Default

    Having just caught up before heading for the pool I must apologise for throwing you in at the very deep end Mike.

    That said your postings are superb and I've enjoyed reading every one...like Chris from my phone. Looking forward to the next ones. Not long before Chris and I will be back in the saddle and you can take a very well earned break. You have covered a lit of ground.

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  41. #3291

    Default

    Cheers Neil - its been a pleasure - Not quite so busy today though. The start of Belleau Wood, which I shall leave mostly to you regulars to cover Shall post later today.
    Last edited by mikeemagnus; 06-01-2018 at 03:21.

  42. #3292

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    June 1st 1918
    Normal service will be resumed tomorrow – hope the usual guys have had a good break and thanks for your patience.

    The Battle of Belleau Wood (1–26 June 1918) occurred during the German Spring Offensive in World War I, near the Marne River in France. The battle was fought between the U.S. 2nd (under the command of Major General Omar Bundy) and 3rd Divisions along with French and British forces against an assortment of German units including elements from the 237th, 10th, 197th, 87th, and 28th Divisions. The battle has become a key component of the lore of the United States Marine Corps.

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    Background
    In March 1918, with nearly 50 additional divisions freed by the Russian surrender on the Eastern Front, the German Army launched a series of attacks on the Western Front, hoping to defeat the Allies before U.S. forces could be fully deployed. A third offensive launched in May against the French between Soissons and Reims, known as the Third Battle of the Aisne, saw the Germans reach the north bank of the Marne River at Château-Thierry, 95 kilometres (59 mi) from Paris, on 27 May. On 31 May, the 3rd Division held the German advance at Château-Thierry and the German advance turned right towards Vaux and Belleau Wood.

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    On 1 June, Château-Thierry and Vaux fell, and German troops moved into Belleau Wood. The U.S. 2nd Division—which included a brigade of U.S. Marines—was brought up along the Paris-Metz highway. The 9th Infantry Regiment was placed between the highway and the Marne, while the 6th Marine Regiment was deployed to their left. The 5th Marine and 23rd Infantry regiments were placed in reserve.

    Battle

    On the evening of 1 June, German forces punched a hole in the French lines to the left of the Marines' position. In response, the U.S. reserve—consisting of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and an element of the 6th Machine Gun Battalion—conducted a forced march over 10 km (6.2 mi) to plug the gap in the line, which they achieved by dawn. By the night of 2 June, the U.S. forces held a 20 kilometres (12 mi) front line north of the Paris-Metz Highway running through grain fields and scattered woods, from Triangle Farm west to Lucy and then north to Hill 142. The German line opposite ran from Vaux to Bouresches to Belleau.

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    John Pershing on the Battle of Belleau Wood, June 1918 (covering the period up to 1st June 1918)

    The third German offensive on May 27th, against the French on the Aisne, soon developed a desperate situation for the Allies.
    Our Second Division, then in reserve northwest of Paris and preparing to relieve the First Division, was hastily diverted to the vicinity of Meaux on May 31st, and, early on the morning of June 1st, was deployed across the Chateau-Thierry-Paris road near Montreuil-aux-Lions in a gap in the French line, where it stopped the German advance on Paris.
    At the same time the partially trained Third Division was placed at French disposal to hold the crossings of the Marne, and its motorized machine-gun battalion succeeded in reaching Chateau-Thierry in time to assist in successfully defending that river crossing.
    (The report continues to cover later events)

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    Gen. John J. Pershing

    Official French Military Bulletin, 1 June 1918

    American troops checked German advanced forces which were seeking to penetrate Neuilly Wood, and by a magnificent counter-attack hurled back the Germans north of this wood.
    Further south the Germans were not able to make any gains.* On the Marne front an enemy battalion which had crept across to the left bank of the river above Jaulgonne was counter-attacked by French and American troops and hurled back to the other bank, after having suffered heavy losses.
    A footbridge which the enemy used was destroyed and 100 prisoners remained in our hands.

    Source: Source Records of the Great War, Vol. VI, ed. Charles F. Horne, National Alumni 1923

    What happened thereafter is for future reports in the Sniper’s Times. To be continued.

    Major Billy Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED

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    Following a spell of leave in Canada from the Autumn of 1917 Billy Bishop returned to England in April 1918, was promoted to Major and given command of No. 85 Squadron, the "Flying Foxes". On 27 May, after familiarizing himself with the area and the opposition, Bishop took a solo flight to the Front. He downed a German observation plane in his first combat since August 1917, and followed with two more the next day.

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    From 30 May to 1 June Bishop downed six more aircraft, including German ace Paul Billik (56th victim), bringing his score to 59 and reclaiming his top scoring ace title from James McCudden, who had claimed it while Bishop was in Canada, and he was now the leading Allied ace.

    Paul Billik (27 March 1891 – 8 March 1926) was a World War I fighter ace credited with 31 victories. He was killed in a flying accident while pioneering civil aviation.

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    On 1 June 1918, he shot the wing off British ace Captain William Cairnes' Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a, sending it plummeting earthward in a high-speed spin; Cairnes (of No. 74 Squadron) did not survive. (There is no mention in Billik’s record on Wikipedia of he himself being shot down on the 1st June)
    On 8 July, Billik killed ace Captain Arthur Claydon of No. 32 Squadron. It was about this time that Jasta 52 finally upgraded to Fokker D.VIIs and Dr.Is.
    On 25 July, Billik was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern.
    On 10 August 1918, in a swirling confused dogfight, Billik was shot down and taken prisoner. He had been recommended for a Pour le Merite when his score sheet reached 20 victories. This award was Germany's highest decoration for valor, and one very seldom awarded to men from humble origin or from the non-commissioned ranks. His capture prevented the honor.

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    In evaluating Billik's achievements as a fighter ace, he triumphed over few opponents in inferior airplanes, and many in superior ones. An Albatros or a Pfalz was considered a poorer combat aircraft than the Sopwith Camel, SE5a or Dolphin, yet Billik shot down nine Camels, seven SE5a's and two Dolphins. Conversely, he shot down only six bombers among his 31 score; all modern well-armed craft.

    Today’s losses

    We died 100 years ago in the War to end all War

    Roderic Stanley (Stan) Dallas, DSO, DSC & Bar (30*July 1891*– 1*June 1918)


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    We recall the life of Australian Roderic Dallas, on this June 1st, as it was 90 years ago this great air fighter and leader was killed in combat around noon.
    He was beginning to shoot down enemy aircraft as early as February 1916, as a Nieuport Scout pilot with the RNAS. By May 1916 his unit was termed 1 (Naval) Sqn and he was continuing to pioneer fighter tactics. He took the prototype Sopwith Triplane N500 into action for the very first time, attacking two EA north of La Panne, only withdrawing when his guns jammed. This was on July 1st, up on the Flemish coast, the same day as the Somme Offensive opened in the south. He flew Tripes with great effect for more than a year, until 1 (Naval) exchanged them for Camels in November 1917, shortly before the unit was rested.

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    Maj Roderic Dallas DSO DFC returned to the Western Front in March 1918, assuming command of 40 Squadron RFC on March 15th. He was wounded in the back on April 15th during low strafing work but continued war flying regardless. On May 2nd he shot down one of several more victories which he achieved on the SE5a, this time having provoked the enemy into the air with a flagrant taunt. He had strafed the enemy hangers at La Brayelle aerodrome and then dropped a pair of boots with a message attached which read "If you won't come up here and fight, herewith one pair of boots for work on the ground. Pilots - for the use of." He then returned to further shoot up and bomb the airfield.
    He died in the heat of battle on June 1st, shot in the head during combat with three Fokker Triplanes of Jasta 14 over Lievin, the victim of Ltn J Werner.

    Source: “fetubi” - Greatwarforum.org

    Roderic Stanley (Stan) Dallas, DSO, DSC & Bar (30*July 1891*– 1*June 1918) was an Australian fighter ace of World War*I. His score of aerial victories is generally regarded as the second-highest by an Australian, after Robert Little, but there is considerable dispute over Dallas's exact total. While his official score is commonly given as 39, claim-by-claim analyses list as few as 32, and other research credits him with over 50, compared to Little's official tally of 47. Like Little, Dallas flew with British units, rather than the Australian Flying Corps. Beyond his personal combat record, Dallas achieved success as a squadron leader, both in the air and on the ground. He was also an influential tactician and test pilot. His service spanned almost the entirety of World War*I fighter aviation.

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    Born on a remote property in rural Queensland, Dallas showed an early interest in aviation. He travelled to England at his own expense following the outbreak of World War*I and became a pilot in the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) in August 1915. Initially seeing action with No.*1 Naval Wing on the Western Front in Caudrons and Nieuport*11s, he was chosen to test one of the earliest Sopwith Triplanes. This became his favourite type, and he achieved many victories with it through 1916–17, earning the Distinguished Service Order, and the Distinguished Service Cross and Bar. He was appointed commanding officer of No.*1 Squadron RNAS in June 1917. On the establishment of the Royal Air Force on 1*April 1918, he took command of No.*40 Squadron. Flying Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5s, he achieved further victories before being killed in action on 1*June 1918 while on patrol near Liévin in northern France. He was buried in Pernes.

    Source: Wikipedia

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    Men lost in the Great War and their son in the Second World*War

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    Walter Balfour Barttelot

    Sir Walter Balfour Barttelot, 3rd Baronet**– father killed in the South African War, his brother is the first officer killed in the Great War and his son killed in Second World War
    Lawrence Ughtred Kay-Shuttleworth – lost two sons in the Second World War
    James Harold Cuthbert – lost two sons in the Second World War
    Brothers Algernon Henry and Felix Charles Hubert Hanbury-Tracy each has a son who will lose his life in the Second World War
    Francis Howard Lindsay lost a brother in the South African War and his son in the Second World War
    John Harrison VC
    Godfrey Evan Hugh Bosville Macdonald (brothers lost in South Africa War & Great War)
    Henry Molyneux Paget Howard (19th Earl of Suffolk and 12th Earl of Berkshire) and his son Charles Henry George Howard GC (20th Earl of Suffolk and 13th Earl of Berkshire)
    Evelyn Ridley Bradford 2nd Baronet
    George Robert Choat
    Derek Percy Cox
    Henry Thomas Imbert
    Gerald Hugh Charles Madden
    Arthur John Ross
    Geoffrey Joseph Ogilvie Brichta
    Villiers Chermocke Downes
    Edmund Duncan
    Charles Gittings
    William Gass Halliday
    Edward Samuel Grisley
    G W Boorer
    Gideon Beehag
    William Amherst Cecil
    Frederick Henry Smith
    Charles Cadwaladr Trevor-Roper
    Charles John Wintour
    Douglas Reynolds
    Dudley John Beaumont
    Griffith Edward Jones
    Ronald George Legge
    ‘The Honorable’ Michael Francis Stafford Howard
    Foster Raine
    Gerard Chipchase Roberts
    Charles Alfred Whiting Pope
    Benjamin Eastlake Leader
    Percy Hastings
    Arthur Beadon Colthurst
    Francis Mourilyan Butler
    Mervyn Hugh Cobbe
    Francis Dacres Byng
    Frederick William Grantham
    Gordon Hargreaves Brown
    James Cross Holcroft
    Charles Herbert Mallock
    Albert Frederick Bisson
    Walter Henry Chibnall
    Arthur Edward Silvertop
    Gerald Arthur Stacey
    Humphrey St Ledger Stucley
    Henry William (Viscount) Crichton his son is the 5th Earl Erne of Crom Castle
    Hugh Dawnay
    Charles Gordon Bond
    Adrian Grant Duff
    Heneage Greville Finch (Lord Guernsey)
    Joseph Weatherer
    William Gilson
    Richard Trotter MacKay
    George Arthur Ginns
    David Beaumont Kester (also his twin brother is killed)
    Francis Andrew Lyon
    Malcolm MacMillan
    George Worthington-Jones
    Henry Percy Richmond Anson
    Frank Pennock – two sons will be killed in the Second World War
    Sir’ John Heathcoat Amory – two sons will be killed in the Second World War
    Colin Archibald Mungo Park
    Frank Guy Shackle
    James Middlemass Thorburn son who was born after he was killed and named for him
    Thomas Henderson
    William Arthur Balaam
    Thomas Beaumont
    Francis Thomas Cox
    John Pickard Becher
    Ellis Nuttall
    Walter Culip Blackman
    William Sandbach
    Alfred Robert Cahill
    Edwin Evans
    Ernest Edward Tuckett
    Hubert Sydney Turtill (All Blacks Rugby Club)
    Theodore Eardley-Wilmot
    Roland Maddison Vaisey
    Albert Victor Seymour Nordheimer – his adopted son will be killed in the Second World War

    Saturday 1 June 1918 We Lost*679

    Nine members of No 2 section 203rd (Cambridgeshire) Field Company, Royal Engineers perform acts that will win them the Military Medal during the attack on Aveluy Wood.* Within a month four of these men be dead as a result of later actions.
    Lance Corporal Reginald ‘Nobby’ Clark
    Acting 2nd Corporal Albert Webster
    Pioneer John Pritchard
    Sapper Basil Richard Gale will
    Captain Gerald Gordon Bell (Royal Air Force) accompanied by another pilot, attacks a formation of enemy scouts. He shoots down one in flames and drives down others out of control, only breaking off the engagement when all his ammunition has been expended.

    Today’s losses include:

    The Secretary of the Glamorgan Wanderers Cricket Club
    A Rhodes Scholar
    A 51-victory ace
    A 12-victory ace
    Two families that will lose four sons in the Great Wra
    A family that will lose two sons in the Great War

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Major Roderic Stanley ‘Breguet’ Dallas DSO (commanding 40th Royal Air Force) is killed in action at age 26 at Lievin. He is the second leading ace from Australia.
    Major Frank Vivian Bracher (Welsh Regiment) is killed in action. He is the Secretary of the Glamorgan Wanderers Cricket Club.
    Captain Alan Peile ****inson MC (Liverpool Regiment) is killed at dawn near Festubert by a shell that also kills his runner and a stretcher-bearer. In two days he will be awarded his Military Cross “for consistent good work…this officer has always maintained a very high standard of efficiency in the company. His brothers were both wounded on the same day in June 1915 the younger dying, the older suffering with his wounds until he died in 1932.
    Lieutenant Lennock de Graaff Godet (Royal Air Force) is killed at age 21. He is a Rhodes Scholar.
    Second Lieutenant George Hubert Kemp (Durham Light Infantry) is killed at age 20. He is a 12-victory observer ace.
    Sergeant John E Gleed (Gloucestershire Regiment) is killed in action. He is one of four brothers who are killed in the war.
    Private James Reid ((Warwickshire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 29. He is the last of four brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.



    “The War in the air”

    Deaths
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    Claims

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    George MacKay Name:  Canadian.gif
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    Frank Gibbons Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Victor Emmanuel Groom Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Ernest Hardcastle Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Reginald Johns Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Dennis Latimer Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Tom Noel Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    John Paynter Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Clement Wattson Payton Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Frank Ransley Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Frank Ransley Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Samuel Thompson Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Bernard Barny de Romanet Name:  French Flag.gif
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    Jean Casale Name:  French Flag.gif
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    Karl Arnold Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Rudolf Stark Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Georg Weiner Name:  German Flag.gif
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    Joseph Cruess Callaghan Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    Keith Caldwell Name:  NZ.gif
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    Pavel Argeyev Name:  Russia.gif
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    August Iaccaci Name:  US.gif
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    Losses
    Eugene Weismann Name:  French Flag.gif
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    Roderic Dallas Name:  Australia Flag.gif
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    George Kemp Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    William Jameson Cairnes Name:  Union Jack.gif
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    ”Tunstill’s men”

    Sunday 1st June 1918
    Support positions near Cesuna.

    Cpl. Thomas Butler (see 24th May) was tried by Field General Court Martial on a charge of drunkenness. He was found guilty and ordered to be reduced to the ranks and to pay a fine of 10s.

    Pte. John Walter Gethen (see 15th May), serving with 69th Trench Mortar Battery, was discharged from 23rd Division Rest Station and returned to duty.

    Lt. Leslie Guy Stewart Bolland MC (see 1st June 1917) was transferred to the Indian Army and would serve with 1st/8th Rajputs.

    Pte. William Franklin (see 22nd May), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported absent without leave at 11.55pm; he would return at 11.35pm on 4th June; following his return he would spent 48 hours in detention.

    A pension award was made in the case of the Pte. James Harding (see 16th October 1917), who had been officially missing in action since 16th October 1917; his widow, Elizabeth, was awarded 29s. 7d. per week for herself and her three children.

    Western Front

    Germans advance down River Ourcq, taking Chouy and Neuilly St. Front.
    French lose and retake Fort de la Pompelle (dominating Reims-Chalons Railway, south-east of Reims); French retreat between Oise and Aisne to line Carlepont Wood (south of Noyon) - Fontenoy (north of Soissons).
    German bombardment of, and raid on, Paris.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    Withdrawal of British in Kirkuk area (east of Tigris, between Mosul and Baghdad).

    Naval and Overseas Operations

    List of shipwrecks: 1 June 1918

    Ship Country Description
    Angelina Name:  Italy.gif
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    Egret Name:  UK Merchant marine.png
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Size:  471 BytesUnited Kingdom World War I: The trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7*km) east by north of the Humber Lightship by a Kaiserliche Marine submarine with the loss of eleven of her crew.

    North Sea Mine Barrage

    Commencing in June 1918, the first minelaying excursion for the North Sea Mine Barrage took place. The North Sea Mine Barrage, also known as the Northern Barrage, was a large minefield laid easterly from the Orkney Islands to Norway by the United States Navy (assisted by the Royal Navy) during World War I. The objective was to inhibit the movement of U-boats from bases in Germany to the Atlantic shipping lanes bringing supplies to the British Isles. Rear Admiral Lewis Clinton-Baker, commanding the Royal Navy minelaying force at the time, described the barrage as the "biggest mine planting stunt in the world's history;" but larger fields containing more mines were laid during World War II.

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    And for those of you that like the “Dazzle camouflage:

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    Germans retreat in East Africa, crossing River Lurio (to east of southern end of Lake Nyassa).
    Fighting near Imagu Hills (160 miles north-east of Blantyre, Nyassaland).

  43. #3293

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    Blimey Mike... EPIC edition. Thank you so much for stepping up you have done an amazing job. I am back tomorrow in the land of Wi-Fi.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  44. #3294

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    What a finish Mike.
    Thanks for holding the fort once again.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  45. #3295

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    Cheers guys - hope you had a good break Chris and welcome home from tomorrow

  46. #3296

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    Chris if you could do mine tomorrow I'll cover Mon Tue and Wee then start again week tomorrow on usual cycle. (No bike jokes please).

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  47. #3297

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    Chris if you could do mine tomorrow I'll cover Mon Tue and Wee then start again week tomorrow on usual cycle. (No bike jokes please).

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  48. #3298

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    (No bike jokes please).
    Very wisely spoken. Working in tandem can lead to tyred (mmmmmm?) jokes etc. Always be aware of your chain of command

  49. #3299

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    'Wheelie' great advice, Mike!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  50. #3300

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