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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #3351

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rebel View Post
    Let me get this straight Rob. Are you suggesting that Major Hedeby has an overlarge attachment?
    He has an overlarge attachment to Bristols!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  2. #3352

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    Gentlemen, I could not possibly comment.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  3. #3353

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    Aaah the comedy double entendres... the staple of British humour, where would be without them.. oo err misses !!

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    June 16th 1918

    Lieutenant Fraser Coventry Tarbutt (Royal Air Force) is killed at age 25. He is a silent movie actor and assistant director. As an actor, Fraser Tarbutt has performed in “Mary Moreland”, released in 1917, in which he portrayed Basil Romney.

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    British diplomat Henry McMahon published the Declaration to the Seven as the official British government response to a memorandum issued anonymously by seven Syrian notables in Cairo, which requested from the Allies a "guarantee of the ultimate independence of Arabia"

    Battle of the Piave River – Austro-Hungarian forces under command of Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf failed to capture Vicenza, with a loss of 40,000 men.

    SOUTHERN FRONTS

    Piave: British 48th Division (922 casualties) after 4 counter-attacks has taken 728 PoWs and buried 576 Austrian soldiers. In Mt Grappa sector Italian Fourth Army restores its line except for 2 peaks, releasing 200 Italian PoWs and c.12 guns. Austrian Army Group Conrad losses 35,026 soldiers. Italian Eighth and Third Army counter*-attacks recover some ground including 4 villages south of the Piave. Heavy rain, Italian and RAF attacks and lack of bridging equipment (due to shortage of horses) hinder river crossings.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Azerbaijan: Armenians capture Karamarian (120 miles west of Baku) but fail to advance farther south.
    South Persia* – Action of Ahmadabad (west of Shiraz): British spoiling attack inflicts 500 casualties on 3,200 tribesmen; Shiraz crisis over by June 21.

    AFRICA

    Mozambique: Lettow’s main body enters Alto Molocque (220 miles west of Mozambique), captures 75,000lb food and valuable maps.
    Morocco: French Oued*-Inouen line repulses repeated tribal attacks.

    The Air War

    General Headquarters, June 17th.

    “Uncertain weather interfered with aerial operations on the 16th inst., but a good deal of observation for artillery fire was carried out by our aeroplanes and balloons. Numerous photographs were taken, and many useful reconnaissances were accomplished by our machines. Enemy aircraft were active at times on the northern portion of the British front and in the French battle zone. Eleven hostile machines were destroyed by us in air fighting and nine driven down out of control. One German balloon was brought down in flames. In addition, one hostile machine was shot down and another driven down out of control by our anti-aircraft fire. We lost 10 machines during the day, six of which were working south of Montdidier. We dropped 22 tons of bombs by day and 12 tons during the following night, heavily attacking the railways at Armentieres, Estaires, Comines, and Courtrai, and the docks at Bruges. Two of our night-flying machines failed to return."

    Admiralty, June 18th.

    “During the period June 13th-16th inclusive weather conditions have somewhat hindered operations by Naval Air Force contingents. Bombing raids were, however, carried out on the following objectives:—Zeebrugge, Ostend, docks, Bruges docks, Thourout railway junction and aerodrome, Ghistelles aerodrome, Le Brugeoise works, and Aertrycke. Good results were obtained, and hits were observed on the Bassin de Chasse, railway station, docks, Bassin Leopold, Frederick Battery and lock gates, and a fire was started at junction of Canal and Bassin Leopold at Ostend. Bursts were also observed on the Mole at Zeebrugge and near the lock gates. At Bruges docks bursts were observed north-east of quay and alongside West Bassin, on Northern Darse, eastern side of dock, on land between North and No. 3 Darses, on the North Quay, and south end of East Bassin. The railway station at Thourout was also hit. In all. nearly 24 tons of bombs were dropped, and all machines returned safely except one, which was hit by anti-aircraft fire over Bruges and forced to land, the machine being subsequently destroyed by enemy artillery. Bombs were also dropped on an enemy vessel. In addition to the above the usual patrols were carried out. Enemy machines were sighted and attacked, but no decisive combats are reported. In home waters, during the same period - unsuitable weather notwithstanding - anti-submarine, escort, and hostile aircraft patrols have been maintained by seaplanes, aeroplanes, and airships. Hostile submarines have been sighted and attacked, enemy mines have been located and destroyed, and Allied and neutral shipping has been convoyed."

    RAF Communiqué number 11:

    Weather variable – some rain, fair intervals.

    Fifty-one reconnaissances, 15 contact and counter-attack patrols.

    One hundred and nine hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 16 neutralized, 136 zone calls sent.

    Thirty-two and a-half tons of bombs dropped.

    On the 16th instant, 49 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 234 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Active on the French battler front and north of British front.

    Lieut N B Scott & 2nd-Lieut H E Power, 11 Sqn, E.A. destroyed -

    Capt G J C Maxwell, 56 Sqn, two-seater crashed Hamelincourt at 05:20/06:20 -

    Lieut C F Brown, Lieut E T Hayne, Lieut Y E S Kirkpatrick, Lieut R Stone and Lieut W Sidebottom, 203 Sqn, DFW C destroyed Estaires at 06:10/07:10 -

    Lieut L K Callahan, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed Estaires at 07:20/08:20 -

    Capt G J C Maxwell, 56 Sqn, two-seater in flames Wancourt at 07:30/08:30 -

    Capt E Mannock, 74 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed south of Zillebeke Lake at 07:45/08:45 -

    Capt E Mannock, 74 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south of Zillebeke Lake at 07:45/08:45 -

    Capt S B Horn, 85 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Neuve-Église at 07:50/08:50 -

    Lieut G M Yuill & Lieut H E Merritt, 62 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Montdidier at 08:00/09:00 -

    Capt S Anderson & Lieut J H Holland, 27 Sqn, Scout out of control ? Roye at 11:15/12:15 -

    Lieut B M Bowyer-Smythe & Sergt W B Harold, 27 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control W Roye at 11:20/12:20 -

    Lieut E A Coghlan & Lieut H M Stewart, 27 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames [by Stewart] Roye at 11:30/12:30 -

    2nd-Lieut D M Darroch & Lieut B A Tussaud, 103 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control near Roye at 11:35/12:35 -

    Lieut A S Cunningham-Reid, 85 Sqn, Balloon in flames Kruiseik at 12:30/13:30 -

    Lieut D E Smith & Pbr J Hills, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed south of Comines at 19:15/20:15 -

    Lieut G B Gates, 201 Sqn, Rumpler C broke up south-east of Villers Bretonneux at 19:45/20:45 -

    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed south-west of Combles at 20:00/21:00 -

    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Grévillers at 20:00/21:00 -

    Lieut G A Vaughn, 84 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Beaucourt at 20:00/21:00 - E.A. crashed ?

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, two-seater in flames east of Armentičres at 20:20/21:20 -

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Armentičres at 20:28/21:28 -

    Casualties:

    ? (Ok) & Sgt C A F Johnson (Wia), 25 Sqn RAF, DH4 - shot up on photography

    Lieut P Bertrand (Kia) & Pbr C Levick (Kia), 4 Sqn RAF, RE8 B823 - hit by shell and broke into pieces at 4,000 feet over Merris 04:45/05:45 on reconnaissance

    2nd-Lieut F C Tarbutt (Kia), 56 Sqn, SE5a D6088 – took off 04:45/05:45 and last seen north of Boyelles, broke to pieces whilst diving on EA 2-seater on patrol

    Lieut J M Goller (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut M Ross-Jenkins (Kia), 62 Sqn RAF, Bristol F.2B C788 – took off 06:15/07:15 and last seen with formation during aerial combat over Montdidier district on offensive patrol; Ltn Hans Viebig, Js57, 5th victory [Popincourt at 08:00/09:00] ?

    2nd-Lieut G H Glasspoole (Pow), 80 Sqn, Camel B2524 – took off 07:30/08:30 then missing from offensive patrol Noyon, last seen in spin over Suzoy on OP

    Lieut C H Gannaway (Kia) & 70405 Sergt W E A Brooks (Kia), 27 Sqn RAF, DH4 A7597 – took off 08:55/09:55 then believed to have gone down in flames about 2 miles west of Roye during combat with E.A. during bombing Roye

    2nd-Lieut H Wild (Kia) & P6329 Sgt E Scott (Kia), 27 Sqn RAF, DH9 C6109 – took off 08:55/09:55 and last seen in spin 2 miles west of Roye with E.A. on tail during bombing Roye

    Lieut H Vick (Pow) & Lieut F R G Spurgin (Kia), 27 Sqn RAF, DH9 C6346 – took off 08:55/09:55 last seen by rest of formation during combat with E.A. during bombing Roye

    2nd-Lieut V Mercer-Smith (Pow) & Sergt J Hamilton (Pow), 103 Sqn RAF, DH9 C2200 – took off 10:00/11:00 and last seen between Roye and the lines on bomb raid

    2nd-Lieut S Hirst (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut J M Hughes (Kia), 103 Sqn RAF, DH9 C6192 – took off 10:00/11:00 and last seen over Crape-au-Mesnil on bomb raid; thought to have received direct A.A. hit

    Capt S Anderson (Wia) & Lieut J H Holland (Wia), 27 Sqn, DH4 B2113 - badly damaged in combat with E.A. during bombing Roye 11:15/12:15

    2nd-Lieut E A Coghlan (Wia) & 2nd-Lieut H M Stewart (Kia), 27 Sqn RAF, DH4 B2086 - shot up during bombing Roye 11:30/12:30

    Eight credited ‘DH’ victories:

    Uffz Theodor Weischer, Js15, 1st victory [Grivesnes at 10:50/11:50]
    Ltn d R Hugo Schäfer, Js15, 5th victory [Braches at 10:50/11:50]
    Ltn d R Josef Veltjens, Js15, 22nd victory [Erches at 11:00/12:00]
    Ltn Oliver Frhr von Beaulieu-Marconnay, Js15, 7th victory [Roye at 11:00/12:00]
    Offz Stv Johannes Klein, Js15, 10th victory [Grivesnes at 11:00/12:00]
    Ltn d R Johann Heemsoth, Js2, 2nd victory [south of Roye, no time]
    Ltn d R Wilhelm Suer, Js2, 1st victory [south of Roye, no time]
    Ltn Karl Bolle, Js2, 17th victory [Bus, no time]

    Lieut H E Thompson (Pow), 85 Sqn, SE5a D6876 – took off 11:50/12:50 then overturned at Kruisecke after diving on Menin road during intense machine-gun fire from the ground on offensive patrol

    Capt F W Bur**** (Pow) & Lieut S C Shillingford (Kia), 4 Sqn RAF, RE8 B6656 – took off 14:45/15:45 then report that a RE8 hit by AA and crashed at Sh27.x.25.b.98 [south-west of Meteren] 15:10/16:10 during photography; anti-aircraft fire

    Lieut J A Sykes (Pow), 65 Sqn RAF, Camel B7347 – took off 18:55/19:55 and last seen flying east towards Foucacourt 19:30/20:30 on bomb raid

    Lieut C E Wharton (Pow) & Lieut J W Pryor (Pow), 148 Sqn RAF, FE2b B7808 – took off 22:00/23:00 and last seen heading towards lines on bombing raid Douai

    23494 Sgt S C Bracey (Pow, Dow 24-06-18) & 2nd-Lieut P Kemp (Pow), 83 Sqn, FE2b A5780 – took off 22:27/23:27 then missing from bomb raid Cambrai

    Capt R O Purry (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut W H A Rickett (Pow), 101 Sqn RAF, FE2d A6424 – took off 22:30/23:30 then missing from bomb raid Peronne district

    Claiming their first victories on this day were:

    Lieutenant Alec Stratford Cunningham Reid DFC

    Promoted to temporary Second Lieutenant whilst serving with the Corps of Royal Engineers. Reid entered politics after leaving the Royal Air Force and served as a Member of Parliament for many years. Listed as "Alec Stratford Reid" in the birth registry and listed in several New York passenger lists and London telephone directories (1929-31) "Capt. Alec S.C. Reid." Also appears as "Alec Cunningham-Reid" in the Supplement to the London Gazette, 13 November 1914 and 24 Novmeber 1914.

    "Lt. Alec Cunningham Reid (formerly R.E.).
    When engaging a column of infantry at a very low altitude, this officer saw a hostile balloon on the ground. This he attacked and burnt. On the two following days he shot down two aeroplanes, and a few days later destroyed a third."

    Lieutenant Laurence Kingsley "Larry" Callahan DFC USAF

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    A graduate of Cornell, Laurence Kingsley Callahan was the son of Americus and Katherine (Miller) Callahan. He joined the United States Air Service and was sent to England to train with the Royal Flying Corps. His name appears frequently in "War Birds: The Diary of an Unknown Aviator" by Elliott White Springs. He would go on to win the DFC a couple of weeks before the end of the war.

    For gallantry and skill. On 28 October, this officer, whilst leading his flight, attacked a formation of seven Fokkers and after firing a short burst at one EA, sent it down completely out of control NW of Jenlain, and drove another EA off the tail of one of his flight. His flight in this fight accounted for six EA crashed and one out of control without losing a machine, a result largely due to his skilful leading. On another occasion he engaged a formation of EA over Esnes and succeeded in shooting down one of the EA which crashed near Esnes. This officer has accounted for four EA crashed and one driven down out of control; he has proven himself an exceptionally fine patrol leader and has at all times displayed gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty of the highest order.

    Lieutenant George Augustus Vaughn, Jr DSC, DFC USAF

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    George Augustus Vaughn learned to fly while attending Princeton University in 1917. He left school to join the Aviation Section of the Army Signal Corps and completed his training in England with the Royal Flying Corps. He was posted to 84 Squadron as an S.E.5a pilot in May 1918 and scored 7 victories before he was reassigned to the 17th Aero Squadron on 27 August 1918. Vaughn scored his first two victories with the American squadron on 22 September 1918. Twice that day, he engaged Fokker D.VIIs, downing Friedrich Noltenius of Jasta 27 and Karl Bauerbfeind of Jasta 34, before his own Sopwith Camel was shot down by Wilhelm Neuenhofen of Jasta 27. Vaughn scored 4 more victories by the end of the war. After graduating from Princeton in 1920, he took a job with the Western Electric Company as a research engineer. In 1928 he organized Eastern Aeronautical Corp. and became its president. Vaughn died, aged 92, at the Cornell University Medical Center in Manhatten.

    DFC: For conspicuous bravery in attacking enemy aircraft. On 23 August 1918, while on offensive patrol, he attacked an enemy kite balloon near Ham. Closing to almost point blank range, he fired upon it so that it burst into flames and was destroyed. Shortly afterwards, he observed an enemy two-seater near Maricourt. He attacked it, shooting it down from a height of 500 feet so that it was completely crashed. On 22 August, he drove to its destruction, an enemy two-seater near Villers Carbonnel. In all, he has accounted for six enemy aircraft, five machines destroyed and one driven down dompletely out of control, and on kite balloon.

    DSC: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George Augustus Vaughn, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Cambrai, France, September 22, 1918. Lieutenant Vaughn while leading an offensive flight patrol sighted 18 enemy Fokkers about to attack a group of five allied planes flying at a low level. Although outnumbered nearly 5 to 1, he attacked the enemy group, personally shot down two enemy planes, the remaining three planes of his group shooting down two more. His courage and daring enabled the group of allied planes to escape. Again on September 28, 1918, he alone attacked an enemy advance plane which was supported by seven Fokkers and shot the advance plane down in flames.

    The other claims were as follows...

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    It was an awful day for the RAF losing 33 airmen on this day amongst whom were:

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    and finally for now (I will update more tomorrow hopefully) - Captain Tunstill's Men:

    At 12 noon the ‘stand-to’ order which had been in place for the previous 33 hours was finally cancelled.

    Pte. Henry Grimshaw (see 3rd April) was ordered to undergo seven day’s Field Punishment no.2 and to forfeit three days’pay; the nature of his offence is unknown.

    Pte. Ernest Townsend (see 6th June) was admitted via 69th Field Ambulance to 23rd Division Rest Station; he was again suffering from scabies for which he had been treated on several previous occasions. He would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after six days.

    Ptes. Herbert Stanley Smith (see 30th October 1917) and Leonard Beaconsfield Turner (see 13th December 1917) were both admitted via 69th Field Ambulance to 23rd Division Rest Station, suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue); Smith would be discharged to duty after three days and Turner after six.

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-22-2018 at 12:13.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  4. #3354

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    My apologies but due to technical difficulties today's edition will be delayed. (until tomorrow....hopefully).
    See you on the Dark Side......

  5. #3355

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    Monday 17th June 1918
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    Armistice Countdown 147 days

    Today we lost: 372


    Today’s losses include:


    • A son of His Majesties Consul at Brest
    • The son of a General
    • Multiple sons of members of the clergy
    • Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    • Captain Robert Vaughan Kestell-Cornish MC (Dorsetshire Regiment attached Staff) dies of wounds received in action at age 22. He is the son of His Majesties Consul at Brest, France.
    • Captain Maurice Desmond Quill (Royal Marine Artillery) dies of injuries received in a riding accident while on parade at age 22. He is the son of Major General R H Quill.
    • Captain Archibald Allan MC (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) dies of wounds received in Italy at age 28. He is the son of the Reverend James Allan.
    • Lieutenant Joseph Arthur Holdsworth MC (Lancashire Regiment) dies of wounds as a prisoner of war in Germany at age 23. He is the son of the Reverend J Forster Holdsworth.
    • Lance Corporal Henry Wooller (Sussex Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed in June 1916.
    • Private John McMillan (Black Watch) dies of wounds received in action in Egypt at age 22. His brother was killed in September 1917.
    • Private George Sutherland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) is killed. He is the son of the Reverend George Sutherland.


    Air Operations:

    While bombing an important railway station in Cambrai, the formation of DH9s that Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Andrew Laughlin is the leader, is attacked by about twenty enemy scouts. In the engagement that ensues two enemy airplanes are destroyed and a third driven down out of control.

    Captain Roger Armedee Del’Haye scores his first victory shooting down a Fokker DRI near Lens. Major Edward Corringham Mannock attacks a Halberstadt machine near Armentieres and destroys it from a height of 8,000 feet.
    Aeroplane raid on Kent; no damage.

    General Headquarters:

    “On June 17th the enemy's machines were active on the northern portion of the British front, and there were many combats in the air, in the course of which we destroyed 25 German aeroplanes and drove three more down out of control. One hostile balloon was shot down in flames. The usual observation and photographic work was carried on by our aircraft until stopped by thunderstorms in the afternoon. Twenty tons of bombs were dropped during the day on the enemy's railway stations, junctions, dumps, and aerodromes, and a further 9 tons during the following night. Five of our aeroplanes are missing."

    RAF Communiqué number 12:

    Weather, fine in morning; some thunder in afternoon.

    Sixty-five reconnaissances, nine contact and counter-attack patrols.

    One hundred and thirty-four hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 13 neutralized, 97 zone calls sent.

    On the 17th instant, 72 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 182 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity was considerable on north of British front.

    Capt D W Davies & Sergt G/L G I White, 217 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control -

    Lieut H S Round & 2nd-Lieut W Taylor, 202 Sqn, Scout crashed east of La Panne -

    Lieut A S Cunningham-Reid, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed east of Bailleul at 06:45/07:45 -

    Lieut E W Springs, Lieut J McG Grider and Lieut J D Canning, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed south of Merris at 06:45/07:45 -

    Lieut A T Iaccaci & Corpl A Newland, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Houthem at 07:15/08:15 -

    Lieut P T Iaccaci & Lieut W Noble, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Houthem at 07:25/08:25 -

    Lieut L H T Capel & Corpl E A Deighton, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control [by Capel] north of Comines at 07:40/08:40 -

    Capt D Latimer & Lieut T C Noel and Lieut W M Thomson & Pbr F J Ralph, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Boesinghe at 07:45/08:45 -

    Lieut L M Price & 2nd-Lieut E Hardcastle, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed north-west of Armentičres at 07:45/08:45 -

    Lieut L H T Capel & Corpl E A Deighton, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed north-east of Gheluvelt at 07:55/08:55 -

    Lieut K T Campbell and Lieut C H Strickland, 210 Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up south-east of Zillebeke Lake at 08:00/09:00 -

    Lieut E Swale, 210 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed south-east of Zillebeke Lake at 08:00/09:00 -

    Capt R M Foster and Lieut R D Gracie, 209 Sqn, LVG C captured north of Ailly-sur-Noye at 08:30/09:30 - Uffz Paul Dierck (Kia) & Ltn Fritz Podlech (Kia), FA 241[?]

    Lieut B Roxburgh-Smith, 74 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed south-east of ****ebusch Lake at 08:45/09:45 -

    Capt D A Stewart & Capt L I Collins, 18 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Loos at 08:50/09:50 -

    Lieut A E Reed, 29 Sqn, Albatros C crashed east of Merville at 09:10/10:10 -

    Lieut C J Venter, 29 Sqn, Albatros C crashed east of Merville at 09:10/10:10 -

    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Balloon in flames Chuignes at 09:15/10:15 – a hostile balloon was shot down in flames by Lieut W G Claxton, No 41 Squadron

    Lieut J A Gordon, 41 Sqn, Balloon in flames Chuignies at 09:15/10:15 -

    Capt G B Irving, 19 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south of Armentičres at 09:15/10:15 -

    Capt R A De L'Haye, 19 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Lens at 09:20/10:20 -

    Lieut W F Leach, 19 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control north-west of Douai at 09:20/10:20 -

    Capt F A Laughlin & Lieut H Tasker, 98 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Inchy - Moevres at 09:40/10:40 -

    Lieut C H Roberts & Sergt Mech G W Slater, 98 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Inchy - Moevres at 09:40/10:40 -

    Sergt Mech H W Bush & Sergt Mech J Reay, 98 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Inchy - Moevres at 09:40/10:40 -

    Capt J V Sorsoleil, Lieut C F Falkenberg and Lieut A F Matthews, 84 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Chaulnes at 09:40/10:40 -

    Capt E Mannock, 74 Sqn, Halberstadt CL crashed Armentičres at 09:45/10:45 - Silver coloured

    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Combles at 09:45/10:45 -

    Capt F M Kitto, 54 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Le Bizet at 10:00/11:00 – E.A. crashed ?

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, two-seater in flames Hooglede at 10:25/11:25 -

    Capt C S T Lavers, Lieut H B Bradley, Lieut F A S Nesbitt and Lieut E M Newman, 1 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Ploegsteert at 10:30/11:30 -

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Sailly-sur-Lys at 10:50/11:50 - Sergt Willi Kahle, Jasta 27, Kia

    Lieut J H Spence, 54 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Hooge Wood at 10:50/11:50 -

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed Laventie at 10:55/11:55 -

    Lieut C E Walton, 23 Sqn, Capt I D R McDonald, Capt G O Johnson and 2nd-Lieut H D Barton, all 24 Sqn, Fokker DVII captured Cachy at 12:00/13:00 - Ltn Kurt Wusthoff, Jasta 15, Pow

    2nd-Lieut W C Lambert, 24 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Villers Brettonneux at 12:00/13:00 -

    2nd-Lieut W C Lambert, 24 Sqn, Fokker DVII broke up Villers Brettonneux at 12:00/13:00 -

    Capt H A Patey, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed south-east of Zillebeke Lake at 15:00/16:00 -

    Capt C J Marchant and Lieut A L Aldridge, 46 Sqn, Scout out of control Bailleul at 16:50/17:50 -

    Capt C J Marchant, Lieut J K Shook and Lieut P M Tudhope, 46 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control smoking Estaires at 17:05/18:05 -

    Lieut H G Watson, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout out of control east of Laventie at 19:50/20:50

    Lieut H G Watson, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout in flames east of Laventie at 19:50/20:50 -

    Capt A H Cobby, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Laventie at 20:00/21:00 -

    Capt A H Cobby, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Laventie at 20:00/21:00

    Lieut A M Phillips & Sergt G I White, 217 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Zeebrugge - Ostende at 20:15/21:15

    Capt D A Stewart & Capt L I Collins, 18 Sqn, Pfalz Scout broke up Hulloch at 20:45/21:45

    2nd-Lieut A Pickin & Sergt W N Dyke, 18 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Hulloch at 20:45/21:45

    Royal Flying Corps casualties today:

    2nd-Lieut J H Jennings (Wia), 2 Sqn RAF, AW FK8 - ground fire

    Lieut D P Laird (Ok), 19 Sqn, Dolphin C4062 - shot down and force landed near Ricqiunghem [Racquinghem?] on offensive patrol

    Lieut R H Davis (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut B Rider (Ok), 48 Sqn, Bristol F.2B C914 - force landed near Querrieu after engine seized due radiator shot by A.A. fire on OP Villers Bretonneux

    2nd-Lieut C F S Wilson (Wia), 84 Sqn RAF, SE5a - anti-aircraft fire

    Capt J Gamon (Wia) & ? (Ok), 205 Sqn RAF, DH4 D9277 – shot up by anti-aircraft fire during bombing

    Lieut H N Lett (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut J S Muir (Wia), 211 Sqn, DH9 C1168 - observer wounded in encounter with E.A. on bomb raid

    2nd-Lieut W J T Atkins (Pow) & 8592 Sgt J H Read (Pow), 98 Sqn RAF, DH9 B9332 – took off 07:15/08:15 then attacked by E.A. and brought down during bombing

    Lieut D A MacCartney (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut J R Jackman (Pow; dow), 98 Sqn RAF, DH9 D1694 – took off 07:15/08:15 then attacked by E.A. and brought down during bombing

    2nd-Lieut K T Campbell (Kia), 210 Sqn RAF, Camel D3381 – took off 07:00/08:00 then shot down by E.A. at Sh36b.30.C.96 [south-west of Bois Grenier] 08:00/09:00 on offensive patrol

    Lieut C H Strickland (Wia), 210 Sqn, Camel D3424 – took off 07:00/08:00 then force landed Sh36b.S.9.c.29 [north-west of Rocourt St Laurent] 08:00/09:00 after wounded in aerial combat on offensive patrol

    These two often said to be the victims of:

    Uffz August Eigenbrodt, Js7, 2nd victory [****ebusch Lake at 07:00/08:00]
    Ltn d R Max Hillmann, Js7, 1st victory [****ebusch Lake at 07:00/08:00]

    But times and locations are not good matches

    Lieut P C Michell (Ok), 54 Sqn, Camel D6410 – took off 08:50/09:50 then shot by E.A. fire on offensive patrol

    Lieut J S Turnbull (Kia), 41 Sqn RAF, SE5a D3955 – took off 09:15/10:15 and last seen diving on hostile balloon near Chuignes on offensive patrol Albert; Ltn d R August Delling, Js34, 4th victory [south-east of Villers-Bretonneux at 10:00/11:00] ? Chuignes is north-east of Villers-Bretonneux

    2nd-Lieut F W Leach (Wia), 19 Sqn, Dolphin C4228 - shot down near Loos 09:20/10:20 on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Johannes Werner, Js14, 7th victory [Loos at 09:15/10:15]

    Lieut Johnson (Ok) & Lieut A J Viveash (Ok), 13 Sqn, RE8 B2300 – took off 09:20/10:20 then strut smashed by enemy A.A. fire 10:45/11:45 during photography

    Lieut C E Walton (Ok), 23 Sqn, Dolphin C4185 - force landed Sh62d.N.28 [south of Blangy-Tronville] 12:15/13:15 after combat with E.A. on inner offensive patrol

    2nd-Lieut G B Coward (Int) & Lieut J F Reid (Int), 217 Sqn RAF, DH4 A7935 - attacked by 4 E.A. over Zeebrugge 15:30/16:30 and last seen to turn steeply and dive in direction of Welland on bomb raid; Ltn d R Paul Achilles, SFS, 1st victory [Walcheren at 15:30/16:30]

    Lieut H A P Estlin (Ok) & Lieut R A V R Scherk (Ok), 49 Sqn, DH9 D461 – took off 13:45/14:45 then shot through by A.A. fire during bombing Roye, returned aerodrome 16:05/17:05

    Lieut H B Evans (Pow) & Lieut H S Collett (Pow), 148 Sqn RAF, FE2d A6409 – took off 22:20/23:20 then missing from night bombing Estaires

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today:

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    Claims: 47 confirmed (Entente 35 : Central Powers 12)

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    Home Fronts:

    Britain: Men born 1895-97 called up excluding shipbuilders and shale oil miners. Imperial War Conference told soldier’s grave will cost Ł10 (Italy grants land June).

    Austria: Partial Vienna strike and riots against reduced bread ration (until June 21).

    Hungary: Troops cause over 24 casualties in Budapest MAV Machine-Factory claiming pay increase (June 20), capital’s workers walk out (until June 27).

    Southern Front:

    Italians and French capture Razea Pizzo and heights south-east of Sasso (Asiago).

    In Grappa region Allies gain ground.

    Lower Piave (between S. Andrea and Fossalta) Italians repulse Austrian attempts to cross.

    Piave On Lower Piave Austrian XXIII Corps expands largest bridgehead but still short of Meolo in Italian second line; XXIV Corps makes gains on Montello, but 20 bridges insufficient for supplies, heavy rain makes river rise nearly 3ft (night june 17-18) and breaks nearly all of them.

    Salonika: General Franchet d’Esperey arrives to be Allied C-in-C (June 18) tells new subordinates ‘I expect from you savage vigour’; Paris directive drawn up (June 22).
    Tunstills Men Monday 17th June 1918:
    Billetted in huts at Granezza.

    Capt. **** Bolton MC (see 2nd June) and Lt. William George Wade (see 2nd June) re-joined the Battalion following their two weeks’ leave in Italy.

    At 2pm the Battalion began their previously postponed move into the same front line trenches between between San Sisto and Poslen, which they had occupied two months previously, relieving 9th Yorks. and Lancs. However, under the the re-organisation of the front line put in place by Brig. Genl. Archibald Bentley Beauman DSO in early June (see 2nd June), the front line itself was now to be held by two companies rather than three, and with the third company now to hold a series of strongpoints, known as Dewsbury, Hull and Fulford redoubts.

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    Pte. Alfred Charles Dolphin (see 29th October 1917) was admitted via 69th Field Ambulance to 23rdDivision Rest Station, suffering from suspected influenza; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after five days.

    Ptes. John Griffiths (see 5th October 1917) and Joe Noons (see 29th October 1917) were admitted via 69thField Ambulance to 23rd Division Rest Station, suffering from scabies; both would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after eight days.

    Pte. Reginald James Nosworthy (see 7th June) was admitted via 9th Casualty Clearing Station to 38thStationary Hospital in Genoa; he was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue).

    Pte. Walter Dey (see 21st April), who was attached to a working party to Rocchetto Station, south-east of Verona, was ordered to be deprived of two days’ pay; the nature of his offence is unknown.

    Cpl. Fred Greenwood MM (24522) (see 23rd May) was transferred from 38th Stationary Hospital in Genoa to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

    L.Cpl. John Lamb Watt (see 17th May) and Pte. Owen Frank Hyde (see 25th May) were transferred from 62nd General Hospital at Bordighera to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

    Pte. John Foster (see 15th November), serving in France with 2/7th DWR, was admitted to a Field Ambulance unit, suffering from scabies.

    Pte. Michael Hopkins MM (see 3rd June), serving at Pirbright with 29th Durham Light Infantry was reported as being absent; he would return to duty on 26th June. The nature of his punishment is unknown.

    Naval Operations:


    North Sea:
    Sopwith Camel from carrier HMS Furious forces German seaplane down for destruction after two bombing raids on the ship.

    Western Mediterranean:
    Royal Navy convoy escorts sloop Lychnis and trawler Partridge sink Moraht’s U-64 (45 ships or 132,166t sunk since 1916) with gunfire between Sardinia and Sicily.

    HMHS Landovery Castle arrives in Halifax with six hundred forty-four military patients.

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    Political:


    Disturbances and partial strike in Vienna, etc., re: reduced bread ration.

    Anniversary Events:

    362 Emperor Julian issues an edict banning Christians from teaching in Syria.
    1579 Sir Francis Drake claims San Francisco Bay for England.
    1775 The British take Bunker Hill outside of Boston, after a costly battle.
    1799 Napoleon Bonaparte incorporates Italy into his empire.
    1848 Austrian General Alfred Windisch-Gratz crushes a Czech uprising in Prague.
    1854 The Red Turban revolt breaks out in Guangdong, China.
    1856 The Republican Party opens its first national convention in Philadelphia.
    1861 President Abraham Lincoln witnesses Dr. Thaddeus Lowe demonstrate the use of a hot-air balloon.
    1863 On the way to Gettysburg, Union and Confederate forces skirmish at Point of Rocks, Maryland.
    1872 George M. Hoover begins selling whiskey in Dodge City, Kansas--a town which had previously been "dry."
    1876 General George Crook’s command is attacked and bested on the Rosebud River by 1,500 Sioux and Cheyenne under the leadership of Crazy Horse.
    1912 The German Zeppelin SZ 111 burns in its hangar in Friedrichshafen.
    1913 U.S. Marines set sail from San Diego to protect American interests in Mexico.
    1917 The Russian Duma meets in secret session in Petrograd and votes for an immediate Russian offensive against the German Army.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 06-18-2018 at 16:16.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  6. #3356

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    Tuesday 18th June 1918

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    Armistice Countdown 146 days

    Today we lost: 416

    Today’s losses include:


    • The son of a General
    • The son of an Admiral
    • Multiple battalion commanders
    • A man whose son was killed earlier in the Great War
    • Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


    • Temporary Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hope Little (Wiltshire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 53. He is a son of the late General ‘Sir’ Archibald Little.
    • Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Herbert Banthorp (commanding Regimental Deport Northamptonshire Regiment) dies of service at age 55. His son was killed serving the same Regiment in July 1916.
    • Lieutenant Philip George Stokes-Rees (Royal Air Force) is killed in a flying accident at age 19. He is the son of Admiral Stokes-Rees.
    • Sergeant Alfred Edward Page (Bedfordshire Regiment attached Trench Mortar Battery) dies of wounds at age 26. His brother was killed last December.
    • Lance Bombardier Albert George Odell (Royal Garrison Artillery) is killed at age 23. His two brothers have already lost their lives in the Great War.
    • Private John H Quayle (Liverpool Regiment) is killed in action at age 30. His brother will be killed in one month and one day.

    Air Operations:

    A North Sea patrol consisting of two Short 184s escorted by two Camels is met by six Brandenberg seaplane fighters off Flanders Island. There is confusion during and after the fight in which the escorts mistake a Short which has been shot down for an enemy plane and a retreating Brandenberg for a Short, so they leave the scene.

    General Headquarters:

    "The weather on June 18th was cloudy, but this did not prevent our aeroplanes from carrying out their work of observing for our guns. In air fighting we destroyed 15 German machines and drove down five out of control, eight of our aeroplanes are missing. Nineteen tons of bombs were dropped by us during the day. Heavy rain rendered work at night impossible."

    RAF Communiqué number 12:

    Weather, fair, overcast in afternoon.

    Forty-eight reconnaissances, 10 contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Seventy-nine hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, nine neutralized, 55 zone calls sent.

    Twenty-eight and a half tons of bombs.

    On the 18th instant, 21 hostile batteries were engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 93 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Active in morning, very slight in afternoon.

    Capt A C Randall and Lieut A S Cunningham-Reid, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed east of Menin at 04:50/05:50 -

    Lieut C L A Sherwood, 23 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed Maricourt at 06:30/07:30 -

    Capt H V Puckridge, 23 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed Maricourt at 06:30/07:30 -

    Lieut S Carlin, 74 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south-west of Zillebeke Lake at 08:10/09:10 - Ltn d R Rudolph Heins, Jasta 56, Wia [?]

    Capt F J Davies, 29 Sqn, two-seater crashed Merville at 08:15/09:15 -

    Lieut C J Venter, 29 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control north-east of Estaires at 08:25/09:25 -

    Capt A A N D Pentland, 87 Sqn, Rumpler C out of control Donville at 08:40/09:40 - driven down ?

    Capt A A N D Pentland, 87 Sqn, Rumpler C out of control south-south-west of Arras at 08:40/09:40 -

    Lieut C Parry, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Suzanne at 08:50/09:50 -

    Lieut H J Burden, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout broke up Suzanne at 08:50/09:50 -

    Lieut M G Burger, 54 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames north-east of Armentičres at 09:00/10:00 - Ltn Max Hillmann, Jasta 7, Kia [?]

    Lieut E G Brookes, 65 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames Morcourt at 09:30/10:30 -

    Lieut E G Brookes, 65 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Morcourt at 09:55/10:55 -

    Lieut E W Springs, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed Menin at 10:05/11:05 -

    Lieut F M F West & Lieut D R Sharman, 8 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed [by West] Méricourt at 10:20/11:20 -

    Lieut F A Whittall & Lieut A J Ord, 8 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Méricourt at 10:20/11:20 -

    Lieut F M F West & Lieut D R Sharman, 8 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control [by Sharman] Méricourt at 10:20/11:20 -

    Capt E J K McCloughry, 4 AFC, Fokker DrI broke up Neuve Chapelle - Laventie at 10:40/11:40 -

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames north-east of Ypres at 10:45/11:45 - Ltn d R Rudolph Heins, Jasta 56, Wia [?]

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames north-east of Ypres at 10:55/11:55 - Uffz Köhler, Jasta 56, Wia [?]

    Lieut W A Southey, 84 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Abancourt at 10:55/11:55 -

    Lieut R Manzer, 84 Sqn, Fokker DrI broke up south-east of Warfusée at 10:55/11:55 -

    Capt J S Ralston, 84 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Villers-Bretonneux at 10:55/11:55 -

    Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, DFW C crashed north-east of Bailleul at 12:30/13:30 -

    Lieut B Roxburgh-Smith, 74 Sqn, DFW C out of control south of Baileul at 17:45/18:45 -

    Maj F I Tanner, 4 AFC, Albatros Scout crashed east of Estaires at 19:15/20:15 –

    Royal Flying Corps casualties today:

    ? (Ok) & Lieut L C J Barlow (Kia), 82 Sqn RAF, AW FK8 - shot up bombing

    2nd-Lieut J S Forgie (Wia) & 2nd-Lieut R Simpson (Ok), 211 Sqn, DH9 C6282 - hit by A.A. on bomb raid to Bruges

    Lieut K W Murray (Ok) & Lieut H L Wilson (Ok), 13 Sqn, RE8 B2288 – took off 03:10/04:10 then longeron smashed by enemy machine-gun fire on patrol, returned 05:55/06:55

    Capt W F J Harvey (Ok) & Lieut A P Stoyle (Ok), 22 Sqn, Bristol F.2B C776 – took off 07:00/08:00 then shot in combat on OP

    Lieut R G Pierce (Ok), 29 Sqn, SE5a C8870 – took off 07:30/08:30 then force landed Sh36a.E.28.a [south-west of Vieux Berquin] after engine damaged in aerial combat on OP [also reported as longeron damaged by A.A. fire on OP]

    Lieut M G Burger (Ok), 54 Sqn, Camel B7171 - shot by enemy machine-gun fire 08:00/09:00 on offensive patrol

    Capt A A N D Pentland (Ok), 87 Sqn, Dolphin C3827 – took off 07:00/08:00 then shot through by E.A.s 08:40/09:40 on special patrol

    2nd-Lieut S M Connolly (Pow), 54 Sqn RAF, Camel D6487 – took off 07:00/08:00 and last seen at 17,000 feet diving under control north of Armentičres 08:45/09:45 on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Carl Degelow, Js40, 5th victory [Vieux Berquin at 08:30/09:30] ?

    Lieut H J Mulroy (Kia), 56 Sqn RAF, SE5a D6098 – took off 08:00/09:00 and last seen over Suzanne aerodrome 09:10/10:10 in fight with E.A. on OP [but A.A. report SE5 hit by E.A.A and crashed Aveluy Wood]

    Lieut P Nielsen (Kia), 84 Sqn RAF, SE5a C1923 – took off 09:45/10:45 and last seen in combat with 2 E.A. south-east of Abancourt on offensive patrol

    2nd-Lieut R J Fyfe (Kia), 84 Sqn RAF, SE5a D259 – took off 09:45/10:45 and last seen attacking E.A. at 12,000 feet south of Abancourt on offensive patrol

    Lieut J McG Grider (Kia), 85 Sqn RAF, SE5a C1883 – took off 09:15/10:15 and last seen over enemy lines near Menin 10:05/11:05 on offensive patrol

    2nd-Lieut F A Whittall (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut A J Ord (Ok), 8 Sqn, AW FK8 B5768 – took off 08:30/09:30 then shot through after attack by E.A. over Mericourt 10:20/11:20 during bombing; Oblt Robert von Greim, Js34, 15th victory [east of Vaux-sur-Somme at 10:00/11:00] ?

    Lieut O H Nicholson (Pow; Dow), 3 Sqn RAF, Camel C1631 - last seen over Neuville St Vaast 16:00/17:00 on patrol; A.A. report a machine hit by enemy fire and crashed A145AB [south-west of Long Wood]; ground fire

    Lieut R L Leigh (Kia), 3 Sqn RAF, Camel D6665 – took off 15:00/16:00 and last seen over Neuville St Vaast 16:00/17:00 on patrol; ground fire

    Capt K T Dowding (Ok) & Lieut C E Eddy (Ok), 103 Sqn, DH9 D7226 – took off 13:15/14:15 then shot through 16:00/17:00 on bombing raid

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today:
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    Claims: 29 confirmed (Entente 19 : Central Powers 10)

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    Home Fronts:

    Bulgaria: Prime Minister Radoslavov (since 1913) resigns at Tsar Ferdinand’s bidding, Malinov replaces to placate unrest.

    Germany: OHL demands military service for all men 15-60, War Minister opposes on June 24. Reichstagdeputies increased and act for proportional representation.

    Britain:
    Commons votes Ł500 million credit (Ł7,342 million grand total; Ł6,8 million per day; loans to Allies Ł1,370 million).

    Western Front:


    Marne:
    Mudra relieves F Below in command of First Army, latter takes over new Ninth Army at Soissons (until August 6).

    Champagne:
    French repulse German attack from Sillery to Trigny 7 miles west of Reims (and on Bligny on June 22 that costs 392 Italian casualties).

    Southern Front:

    Piave: Slight Austrian Montello gains near Nervesa rail bridge. Italian 1st Division takes 500 PoW’s from Lower Piave San Dona bridgehead, but its reinforced occupiers take 6,500 PoW’s around Campolunga until June 19).

    Piave in flood.

    Austrian attempts to cross between S. Andrea and Candelu repulsed; Italians recapture Capo Sile.

    Tunstills Men Tuesday 18th June 1918:

    Front line trenches between San Sisto and Poslen.

    (See map from yesterday)

    After the fierce fighting of the 15th June the situation was now quiet and “large working parties were found to repair damage caused by the enemy bombardment on the 15th and all wire was repaired and very much strengthened”. Pte. Harold Charnock (see 25th May) also remembered that “Here we had a great deal of clearing up to do and we brought in some 70 Austrian wounded from No-Man’s-Land. We also buried nearly 200 Austrian dead”.

    Sgt. Ellis Rigby (see 10th November) was posted back to England; he would have a period of leave before beginning training as a candidate for a commission.

    2Lt. Frederick Griggs MM (see 26th June 1917), serving as assistant transport officer with 2DWR, was injured in an accident in France. According to Lt. Colson, Transport Officer, Griggs had dropped his stick whilst riding and on dismounting to pick it up, had been kicked by Colson’s horse which was “a bad kicker”. Griggs suffered a fracture to his right elbow and would be evacuated to England three days later.

    Pte. Harold Parsons (see 21st April), who had been posted back to England from 2DWR two months previously, suffering from psoriasis, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

    A payment of Ł8 16s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Sgt.George Thomas Bates (see 17th November 1916), who had died on 17th November 1916 while serving with 32nd Company, Labour Corps; the payment would go to his widow, Emily.

    Asiatic, African, Egyptian Front:


    British air raid on Amman.

    German troops land at Poti (Black Sea, 35 miles north of Batum).

    Germans in retreat reach Mujebu (80 miles north of Quilimane, Portuguese East Africa).

    Naval Operations:


    Black Sea:
    Russian dreadnought Svobodnaya Rossiya (ex-Imperatritsa Ekaterina) destroyed by Reds to avoid capture by Germans. Destroyer Kerchtorpedoes her at Novorossisk where 7 destroyers and torpedo boats scuttle themselves (Kerchscuttles at Tuapse on June 19). Dreadnought Volya, 3 destroyers, 2 torpedo boats and AMC return to Sevastopol as Germans request for internment, but c.464 German sailors gradually take them over.

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    Attachment 249152


    Poilitical:


    Dutch Government sends to investigate cause of loss of "Koningen Regentes".

    Arrival of Prince Arthur of Connaught in Japan.

    Vote of Credit for �500 million.

    Publication of Secret Treaty between Bolsheviks and Germans re: Poland.

    Publication of Agreement between Entente and Sweden.

    Anniversary Events:

    1155 German-born Frederick I, Barbarossa, is crowned emperor of Rome.
    1667 The Dutch fleet sails up the Thames River and threatens London.
    1778 British troops evacuate Philadelphia.
    1812 The War of 1812 begins when the United States declares war against Great Britain.
    1815 Napoleon Bonaparte of France is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, forcing him to abdicate the throne of France for the second and last time.
    1863 After repeated acts of insubordination, General Ulysses S. Grant relieves General John McClernand during the Seige of Vicksburg.
    1864 At Petersburg, Union General Ulysses S. Grant t realizes the town can no longer be taken by assault and settles into a siege.
    1873 Susan B. Anthony is fined $100 for attempting to vote for president.
    1918 Allied forces on the Western Front begin their largest counterattack yet against the German army.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 06-18-2018 at 16:19.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  7. #3357

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    All my technical glitches are in the loss of format. Of old I was able to keep size, colour, bold, center etc as copied. Now I'm editing the whole document over again once published. So apologies for the slow delivery of the issues.

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

  8. #3358

    Default

    Well you are doing a grand job Neil.
    Thank you once again.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  9. #3359

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    Monday 19th June 1918

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    Armistice Countdown 145 days

    Today we lost: 286

    Today’s losses include:

    The brother of an Aylesbury United FC player who died of wounds in 1915
    A man shot at dawn

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Private Joseph Clarke (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed at age 27. His brother who was a member of the Aylesbury United Football Club died of wounds in May 1915.

    Private Stephen McD Fowles (Manitoba Regiment) is executed near the village of Villers behind Vimy Ridge for desertion. At the time of his conviction he was serving under a suspended sentence of death for a previous desertion offense.

    Air Operations:

    Italian Ace Francesco Baracca is Shot Down

    1918-06-19

    Italy's highest-scoring ace, Maggiore (Major) Francesco Baracca, is killed by Austro-Hungarian ground fire. He had claimed 34 victories.

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    Count Francesco Baracca (9 May 1888 – 19 June 1918) was Italy's top fighter ace of World War I. He was credited with 34 aerial victories. The emblem he wore side by side on his plane of a black horse prancing on its two rear feet inspired Enzo Ferrari to use it on his racing car and later in his automotive company.

    Baracca was born in Lugo di Romagna. He was the son of a wealthy landowner. The younger Baracca initially studied at a private school in Florence before entering the Military Academy of Modena in October 1907. As he had become a passionate equestrian as an antidote to classroom boredom, he became a cavalryman with the prestigious Piemonte Reale Cavalleria Regiment upon his commissioning in 1910. His first duty station allowed him to attend concerts and opera in Rome, as well as pursuing hunting and equestrian competitions; he gained some fame in the latter. This little idyll was spoiled by orders to a small town in central Italy. Baracca then became interested in aviation and learned to fly at Reims, France, receiving his pilot's license on 9 July 1912. He then served with the Battaglione Aviatori and in 1914 with the 5th and 6th Squadriglie.

    During the months between the outbreak of World War I and Italy's entry into the war, there was intense political controversy in Italy between pro-war and pro-peace factions. Baracca remained aloofly neutral, but ready to serve his nation. After Italy's entry into the war on the Entente side in May 1915, he was sent to Paris to convert to Nieuport two-seaters. Upon his return in July, he was assigned to the 8a Squadriglia Nieuport.

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    The Nieuport 10’s that equipped this squadron were almost useless against Autro-Hungarian raids; they were too slow, with too slow a rate of climb, to bring the intruders to battle with any regularity. The frustrated Italian pilots even resorted to leaving their observers ground-bound in attempts to improve performance, to little avail. On those rare occasions when battle was joined, the Nieuports' guns usually jammed. Renaming the unit to 1a Squadriglia Caccia on 1 December 1915 did nothing to solve the problems.

    The Nieupor 11 single-seat fighter with Lewis guns entered service in April 1916, and on 7 April, flying this new fighter, Baracca scored his first victory, holing the fuel tank of an Austrian Hansa-Brandenburg C.I. and wounding its two-man crew. This was also Italy's first aerial victory in the war. This first victory featured his favorite manoeuvre, which was to zoom in unseen behind and below an enemy and fire his machine gun from pistol range.

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    It was around this time that Baracca adopted as a personal emblem a black prancing horse on his Nieuport 17, in tribute to his former cavalry regiment. This prompted some to call him, "The Cavalier of the Skies".Flying the Nieuport 17 and then, from March 1917, the Spad VII, he scored both individually, and in combination with other Italian aces.
    Baracca's second victory was an Austrian Lohner over Gorizia on 23 April 1916. After his third victory, he transferred to 70a Squadriglia. Promoted to Capitano, Baracca remained with the unit until, with 9 victories, he transferred to the newly formed 91st Squadriglia, known as the "Squadron of the Aces", on 1 May 1917. By that time, his ever-increasing list of victories had made him nationally famous. While he initially dodged the responsibilities and paperwork that went with command, he finally settled into heading the squadron.

    Baracca's friend Fulco Ruffo di Calabria nearly ended Baracca's career—and life—in June 1917. Ruffo di Calabria burst out of a cloud firing in a head-on pass at an enemy airplane, and barely missed Baracca. Later, on the ground, Baracca assured his companion, "Dear Fulco, next time, if you want to shoot me down, aim a couple of meters to the right. Now let's go for a drink and not talk of it any more!"

    Baracca temporarily upgraded to a Spad XIII in October 1917, using it to achieve a couple of victories on the 22nd, and on a win scored on a joint sortie with Pier Piccio on the 25th. That night he wrote: "I had my SPAD shot up and its longeron broken into pieces by enemy machine gun fire in an aerial dogfight." As a result, Baracca returned to the more manoeuvrable Spad VII, remarking, "It doesn't matter if the VII is equipped with a single gun. Provided you are a good fighter, a single gun is just enough." Nevertheless, after repair, he sometimes returned to the Spad XIII.
    A dedicated fighter pilot, Baracca found life away from the front unbearable and remained as much as possible with the 91st Squadriglia, even after being promoted to Maggiore in November 1917. Baracca remained a modest, sensitive man conscious of his duty and compassionate to both his squadron comrades and to his defeated enemies. He would try to visit his victims in hospital afterwards, to pay his respects, or he would place a wreath on the grave of those he killed. He had raised his score to 30 by the end of 1917.

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    Soon afterwards, Baracca, Piccio, and Ruffo di Calabria were tasked with evaluating the new Ansaldo A.1 Balilla fighter. Baracca was personally decorated by King Victor Emmanuel III at La Scala at this time. It was March 1918 before Baracca convinced his superiors that he belonged back at the front. He was not long back before he found himself in a situation similar to the previous late October: his squadron was forced to withdraw by enemy advances on 27 April. It was about this time that he adopted the griffin as an insignia for the planes in his unit. Most of his pilots adopted it, though some still flaunted the prancing stallion as a gesture of respect for their commander.

    Baracca saw little action in 1918, but he added more victories, for a total of 34, before failing to return from a strafing mission on the Montello (hill) area on 19 June. The Italians were taking advantage of their air supremacy to fly treetop ground attack missions into a storm of small arms fire. In the 0630 troop support mission, Baracca and rookie pilot Tenente Franco Osnago were hit by ground fire and split from one another. A few minutes later, both Baracca's home airfield and Osnago saw a burning airplane fall. According to other sources, Baracca had left Osnago to provide him with top cover as he dived on the enemy trenches. Osnago lost sight of his commander, then he saw something burning in a nearby valley. Some days later, on 24 June, after an Austro-Hungarian retreat, Baracca's remains were recovered from where they lay, four meters from the burnt remnants of his Spad VII. A monument in his memory was later built on the site. Osnago, Ferrucio Ranza, and a journalist named Garinei retrieved his body for the large funeral that was held in his home town of Lugo.

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    His body, when found, reportedly bore the marks of a bullet to the head. His pistol was out of its holster, but away from his body, leading to suspicions that he elected to take his own life rather than die in a crash or be taken prisoner. An Austrian pilot reportedly claimed to have shot him down in combat. This claim is supported by evidence, but due to war time propaganda the most accepted version is that Baracca was hit by ground-fire. It should, however, be noted that research in Austro-Hungarian records indicates that he was killed by the gunner of an Austrian two-seater while attacking from above and behind. Ltn Arnold Barwig in Phonix C.I 121.17, piloted by Zgsf Max Kauer, claimed to have shot down the Italian ace. The Austrian crew also photographed the shot-down aeroplane and noted the time and place of engagement.

    British squadron in north of Heligoland Bight attacked by German seaplanes. One German seaplane destroyed.

    Western Front:
    Bishop (Commander 85 Squadron SE5As) scores his last 5 victories east of Ploegsteert, having already scored 3 on June 17.

    General Headquarters:

    "Low clouds and rain interfered with flying on June 19th, and enemy aircraft showed little activity. Nine German machines were destroyed during the day and two were driven down out of control. One of our machines is missing."

    Admiralty, June 21st.

    “During the period June 17th-19th inclusive, to some extent weather conditions have again interfered with naval air operations.

    “Night and day bombing raids were carried out on the following objectives : Bruges Docks, Ostend Docks, Zeebrugge, St. Denis Westrem and Maria Aelter Aerodromes, La Brugeoise works, Thourout railway junction, and railway sidings at St. Pierre Cappelle (east of Nieuport).

    “In all, approximately 16 tons of bombs were dropped with good results, bursts being observed on Brugeoise works and tbe south-west side of Southern Darse, Quai de Paquebots, and Flotilla Wharf, and on a ship 3 miles off Ostend Dock. At Bruggs Docks bursts were also observed north of docks, west of West Bassin, on the submarine shelters and sheds at East Bassin. A hit was obtained at Zeebrugge between the lock gate and Mole, and at Ostend Docks bursts were observed on piers and warehouses, and on sheds and submarine shelters near Bassin de Chasse and Ateliers de la Marine.

    “Attacks with bombs and small arms ammunition were made on enemy shipping. Two direct hits were observed - one on an enemy destroyer - and other bombs fell very close.

    "Enemy aircraft attacked two of our bombing formations, and one hostile machine was driven down. All machines returned safely except one, which was forced to descend in Holland owing to a damaged engine, sustained in an engagement with enemy aircraft. Crew safe.

    "Despite unfavourable weather conditions, anti-submarine, escort and hostile aircraft patrols have been maintained by aeroplanes, seaplanes, and airships in home waters during the same period. Enemy mines have been located and destroyed, and hostile submarines sighted and attacked. Allied and neutral shipping has also been escorted."

    RAF Communiqué number 12:

    Weather, low clouds and rain.

    Eleven reconnaissances, four contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Fifty-three hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, six neutralized, 66 zone calls sent.

    Seven and three-quarter tons of bombs dropped.

    On the 19th instant, 16 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 46 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity was very slight.

    Maj W A Bishop, 85 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Ploegsteert at 09:58/10:58, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Ploegsteert at 09:58/10:58 and Pfalz Scout crashed east of Ploegsteert at 09:58/10:58 [these two collided, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Ploegsteert at 09:58/10:58 and two-seater in flames Neuve-Église at 10:10/11:10 -

    Capt A H Cobby, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout captured Nieppe Forest at 18:45/19:45 - Uffz Max Mertens, Jasta 7, Kia, G/2Bde/16

    Capt C H Stokes & Sergt J H Bowler and Lieut J T Kirkland & Sergt J Grant, 57 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Bapaume at 19:30/20:30 -

    Lieut C H R Lagesse, 29 Sqn, Balloon in flames north-east of Estaires at 19:35/20:35 – confirmed by remainder of patrol, A.A., 2nd Wing & 2nd Balloon Wing

    Lieut C W Peckham & 2nd-Lieut E I Riley, 57 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Bapaume - St Leger at 19:45/20:45 -

    Lieut R King, 4 AFC, Balloon in flames east of Estaires at 19:55/20:55 -

    2nd-Lieut A Pickin & Sergt W N Dyke, 18 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Lille at 20:00/21:00 -

    Lieut J E Gurdon & 2nd-Lieut J J Scaramanga, 22 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed south-east of Armentičres at 20:20/21:20 and Fokker DVII destroyed south-east of Armentičres at 20:20/21:20 [these two collided] and Fokker DVII destroyed south-east of Armentičres at 20:20/21:20

    Royal Flying Corps casualties today:

    Lieut E M Newman (Ok), 1 Sqn, SE5a C1101 - crashed into hedge and overturned in forced landing Sh27.L.1.a.3.9 [west of Poperinghe] after hit in petrol tank by A.A. over lines on offensive patrol

    Lieut W W Duff (Wia) & ? (Ok), 3 Sqn AFC, RE8 - ground fire

    Lieut R McLaughlin (Ok), 201 Sqn, Camel D9587 - overturned in forced landing at Sh57d.O.12 [north-west of Acheux] due engine failure after shot by A.A. fire on bomb raid

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today:

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    Claims: 29 confirmed (Entente 24: Central Powers 5)


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    Eastern Front:


    Reported overthrow of Bolshevist Government in western Siberia.

    Anti-Bolshevist Government set up at Nizhni-Udinsk (330 miles north-west of Lake Baikal).

    Tomsk taken by Anti-Bolsheviks.

    USSR:
    Petrograd workers mobilized by Reds.

    Baltic States:
    Germans remove Polish administrator Michalkiewicz from Vilna.

    Volga:
    Czechs capture strategic Syzran rail crossing. White demos in Kozlov and Tambov, far southeast of Moscow.

    Southern Front:

    Allies regain initiative; furious fighting from Montello to sea; Austrian lines on Montello thrown back; On Asiago Plateau French capture Mts. Bertigo and Pennar; Italians capture Mt. Costalunga.

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    Austrian-Hungarian troops fought strafing British planes in June 1918 on the Piave.

    Piave: Italian Eighth Army counterstroke at 1530 hours on Montello with 10 divisions against 3 Austrian divisions and extra artillery divisions regains Nervesa only to lose it again on June 20; General Vaccari leads his XXII Corps in person. Boroevic sees Emperor Charles at Spilimbergo on the Tagliamento, Arz can offer no reinforcements, munitions or supplies.

    Tunstills Men Tuesday 19th June 1918:

    Front line trenches between San Sisto and Poslen.

    A quiet day.

    Lt. Charles George Edward White (see 25th April), who had been in England since having been accidentally wounded in August 1917, was promoted Captain and attached to a battalion of the Durham Light Infantry.

    The Officer Supervising Instruction at Officer’s Convalescent Hospitals and Command Depots wrote to the War Office regarding Lt. John Charles Brison Redfearn (see 7th March), who had been in England since having been taken ill in September 1916. He requested that, “I should be glad of the services of Lieut. J. C. B. Redfearn as an assistant instructor on probation at one of the Officers Convalescent Hospitals or Command Depots”

    Naval Operations:


    North Sea:
    Harwich Force north of Heligoland Bight foiled from launching seaplane attack (3 other abortive attempts in May) but shoots down 1 attacking German seaplane.

    No ships lost today.
    Politics:

    M. Malinov becomes Foreign Minister.

    Decision re: Finnish Monarchy postponed till 1920.

    Report of British Sub-Committee of Re-construction Committee re: increase of home-grown food.

    Swiss Government adopts project of subvention of port at Basle.

    Anniversary Events:

    240 BC Eratosthenes estimates the circumference of Earth using two sticks.
    1778 General George Washington's troops finally leave Valley Forge after a winter of training.
    1821 The Ottomans defeat the Greeks at the Battle of Dragasani.
    1846 The New York Knickerbocker Club plays the New York Club in the first baseball game at Elysian Field, Hoboken, New Jersey.
    1861 Virginians, in what will soon be West Virginia, elect Francis Pierpont as their provisional governor.
    1862 President Abraham Lincoln outlines his Emancipation Proclamation. News of the document reaches the South.
    1864 The USS Kearsarge sinks the CSS Alabama off of Cherbourg, France.
    1867 Mexican Emperor Maximilian is executed.
    1885 The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York City from France.
    1903 The young school teacher, Benito Mussolini, is placed under investigation by police in Bern, Switzerland.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 06-19-2018 at 14:08.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  10. #3360

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    Big edition thanks Neil - what have you left for me today?

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  11. #3361

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    Welcome to all our readers on this the event of my 3500th post, lets just hope the attachment faeries are feeling benevolent on this occasion.

    June 20th 1918

    HMHS Llandovery Castle
    leaves Halifax (Nova Scotia not West Yorkshire I hasten to add - editor)on a return voyage to Europe to pick up military patients. A she starts she is carrying her crew and a hospital unit establishment of seven officers, fourteen nursing sisters and seventy-one other ranks.

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    HMHS Llandovery Castle, built in 1914 in Glasgow as RMS Llandovery Castle for the Union-Castle Line, was one of five Canadian hospital ships that served in the First World War. On a voyage from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Liverpool, England, the ship was torpedoed off southern Ireland on 27 June 1918. The sinking was the deadliest Canadian naval disaster of the war. Tragically, 234 doctors, nurses, members of the Canadian Army Medical Corps, soldiers and seamen died in the sinking and subsequent machine-gunning of lifeboats. Only 24 people, the occupants on a single life-raft, survived. The incident became infamous internationally as one of the war’s worst atrocities. After the war, the case of Llandovery Castle was one of six British cases presented at the Leipzig trials. (we will cover this more on 27th June)

    AIR WAR
    Italian Front: Italians shoot down 14 Austrian aircraft over the Piave, but top Italian ace Baracca killed strafing in Nieuport fighter. American pilots first fly Italian bombers in action. (love the fog of war - see Neil's p[ost yesterday for the fall of Baracca)

    SOUTHERN FRONTS
    Piave: Boroevic cables Austrian High Command ‘As the Monarchy … has loyally fulfilled its duties as an ally … and cannot face the risk of remaining perhaps disarmed, I propose to withdraw … behind the Piave’; Emperor gives permission. Boroevic plans to retreat at night only. Italians decide shelling bridges better than mass attacks.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Azerbaijan: Turk 5th Caucasian Division (6,000 men) arrives at Ganja (Russian Elizavetpol) to be core of Enver’s ‘Army of Islam’ (18,000 under Enver’s 28-year-old half-brother Nuri Pasha). A regiment marches to support Azeri Tartars on June 26.
    Palestine: British restore civil law courts in occupied territory.

    AFRICA
    East Africa: General Northey made Gouverneur and C*-in-C British East Africa. Brigade-General Hawthorn takes over NRFF. Kartucol halts for supplies at Vacha farmhouse.

    The Air War

    THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 1918

    General Headquarters, June 21st.

    “On the 20th inst. low clouds and rain greatly hampered flying operations. One enemy machine was brought down, and one of our machines is missing.

    RAF Communiqué number 12:

    Weather, low clouds and rain.

    Twenty-one reconnaissances, eight contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Forty-two hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, four neutralized, 34 zone calls sent.

    Eight and a half tons of bombs dropped.

    On the 20th instant, 17 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 82 other targets.

    Lieut E V Hooper and 2nd Lieut J M Jacques, Lieut G E Mace and 2nd Lieut P V Preston, No 83 Squadron, carried out successful night reconnaissances of the Cambrai – Le Cateau area and the Bapaume – Peronne – St Quentin area, respectively, in spite of extremely adverse weather conditions.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity very slight.

    Lieut J D I Hardman, 19 Sqn, Fokker Dr1 out of control -

    Capt J Gilmour, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout destroyed south-east of Morlancourt at 11:35/12:35 -

    Capt J Gilmour, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control ? south-east of Morlancourt at 17:25/18:25 -

    Lieut M A Newnham, 65 Sqn, Camel D1960, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Bray at 17:35/18:35 – a hostile machine was brought down by Lieut M A Newnham, No 65 Squadron

    Casualties:

    Capt R T Fagan (Ok) & Lieut M H Ely (Ok), 82 Sqn, AW FK8 C8636 - shot up by A.A. during bombing east of Morlancourt

    Lieut M L Green (Ok), 65 Sqn, Camel D1843 – took off 17:00/18:00 then shot through in attack by 6 E.A. after losing formation on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Karl Christ, Js28, 2nd victory [Ablaincourt at 18:00/19:00] ?

    2nd-Lieut H Mason (Pow), 209 Sqn RAF, Camel D3405 – took off 17:25/18:25 then missing from HOP with 5 others to Proyart; Ltn d R Emil Thuy, Js28, 22nd victory [west of Cérisy at 17:50/18:50] ?

    Eighteen United States Army Air Service cadets undergoing training by the Royal Italian Army's Military Aviation Corps arrived at the Italian Front for bombing operations against Austria-Hungary under the command of Captain Fiorello LaGuardia. American cadet Clarence Young was shot down and killed during the mission, becoming the first of three American aircrew casualties suffered while flying with the Italians during World War One

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    Capt. WILLIAM REGINALD GUY PEARSON, R.A.PV, who lost his life on June 20th at a Northern aerodrome owing to a collision in the air, in which Lieuts. McFarlane and Flynn were also killed, was the second son of Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Pearson, of Clapham Road, S.W. He was 21 years of age, and was educated at Ashdown Park and Berkhampsted, where his classical attainments promised a brilliant University career. At the outbreak of war he enlisted in the Empire Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and later, receiving a commission in the A.S.C., proceeded to France in January, 1915. He very shortly afterwards joined the R.F.C. in France, and acted for several months as an artillery observer. Returning to England, he completed his training as a Scout pilot, and served in France in a fighting squadron for nearly a year, during which time he had over fifty encounters with enemy machines, and was officially credited with having brought down eleven German aeroplanes, many of them two-seaters. He became a flight commander and gained his captaincy, being mentioned in despatches. Capt. Pearson was a flying instructor at the time of his death, and was considered one of the most careful and skilful of pilots.

    The following claims were made on this day in 1918

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    13 British AIrmen were lost on this day

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    SM UC-64 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 12 January 1916, laid down on 3 April 1916, and was launched on 23 January 1917. She was commissioned into the German Imperial Navy on 22 February 1917 as SM UC-64. In 15 patrols UC-64 was credited with sinking 25 ships, either by torpedo or by mines laid. UC-64 was mined and sunk in the Dover Strait on 20 June 1918.

    A German Type UC II submarine, UC-64 had a displacement of 422 tonnes (415 long tons) when at the surface and 504 tonnes (496 long tons) while submerged. She had a length overall of 51.85 m (170 ft 1 in), a beam of 5.22 m (17 ft 2 in), and a draught of 3.67 m (12 ft 0 in). 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 (440 kW; 590 shp)), two electric motors producing 620 metric horsepower (460 kW; 610 shp), and two propeller shafts. She had a dive time of 48 seconds and was capable of operating at a depth of 50 metres (160 ft). The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 11.9 knots (22.0 km/h; 13.7 mph) and a submerged speed of 7.2 knots (13.3 km/h; 8.3 mph). When submerged, she could operate for 59 nautical miles (109 km; 68 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) at 7 knots (13 km/h; 8.1 mph). UC-64 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.

    Captain Tunstill's Men:
    Ptes. Robert Jackson (see 21st April) and Walter Wardley (see 21st April), who had been part of the working party which had been detached since April for work at at Rocchetto Station, south-east of Verona, now re-joined the Battalion.

    Sgt. Lionel Vickers (see 9th June), who had been away from the Battalion since suffering an injury to his knee suffered whilst playing football in February, re-joined from the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia. Ptes. Harry Bailey (25198) (see 4th June), William Henry Cleaver (see 4th June), George Green (22749) (see 26th April), Samuel Richards (see 20th May), Ernest John Robbins (see 27th May), William Smart (see 6th June) and Hiram Tasker (see 15th April) also re-joined the Battalion from Arquata Scrivia.

    2Lt. John Robert Cass (see 7th June 1917), who had left the Battalion having been wounded on 7th June 1917, was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps; the details of his service are unknown.

    2Lt. Frederick Millward MC (see 7th June), who had been severely injured during a trench raid carried out in November 1916 and had had his right leg amputated above the knee, wrote to the War Office:

    “Acting on advice received, I have the honour to write in search of information. I have lost my right leg just above the knee and my stump has been fit for an artificial limb for quite twelve months and has been reported as such on every Medical Board I have attended during that period. I have not yet received a limb and as this is the only thing which prevents me from being of further military service (as a War Office return in April stated) I feel rather aggrieved at the delay. In addition, until I have received a limb I shall be unable to obtain civil employment and, as I have no private means to rely upon until I do get employment, I would like to know if I can get any additional allowance until fitted with an artificial leg. I have also been advised by Sir Frederick Milner to ask if any allowance goes with the Military Cross and also if I am due any further gratuity for the loss of a limb”.

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  12. #3362

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    Congratulations on your 3,500th post Chris.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  13. #3363

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    I have given Chris Rep for 3500 posts, an almost unbelievable number, (which I do believe- 'onest Guvnor) for persistence and staying power but most of all for steadfastness in the face of a malicious Attachment Fairy. Salute. Well done Sir, keep up the good work.

  14. #3364

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    Aaaah nice time to be back in the saddle again, playing catch up. Congrats Chris. 3,500 posts is an amazing number and certainly worthy of REP - inbound. Thanks too to all the other contributors to the comic show regarding the attachment fairy - very entertaining. Joking apart, some great posts there Chris and Neil. I'm going to miss all of this when the war is over!

  15. #3365

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    Thanks guys... long way to go to catch the Wing Co. Though. Lol

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  16. #3366

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    long way to go to catch the Wing Co. Though.
    You're a tenth of the way there! Good Lord Wing Co - I'd never really looked at your record of posts before. 34,903 is quite a few isn't it - is that some kind of record I wonder?

  17. #3367

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    Ok so I have had a power cut, I have no water and no internet. Hopefully will get something in time to post tonight.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  18. #3368

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    Right the power is back on, as is the internet (pity about the water though - will have to drink wine instead of tea...) lets hope everything lasts long enough to get this completed.
    Tomorrow I go to pay my debt to society for falling foul of one of her majesty's police yellow money boxes the day after I got my new car.....

    21st June 1918

    Captain Ian Henry David Henderson MC (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders attached Royal Air Force) is killed in a flying accident along with South African ace Lieutenant Harold Bolton Redler MC in England at age 21. Henderson is a 7-victory ace and the only son of Lieutenant General ‘Sir’ David Henderson KCB KCVO DSO the former Director General of Military Aeronautics. Lieutenant Redler is a 10-victory ace and his Military Cross will be gazetted the following day.

    Ian Henry David Henderson was the son of Lieutenant General Sir David Henderson, commanding officer of the Royal Flying Corps. Serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Henderson transferred to the RFC and was posted to 19 Squadron in 1916. Flying the B.E.12, he scored his first two victories in August. In November, he scored his third victory flying the SPAD VII and was reassigned to 56 Squadron in 1917. That year, Albert Ball was killed in action and Henderson represented his father at the memorial services. Flying the S.E.5a, Henderson scored his final victories in July 1917, shooting down four Albatros D.Vs. Returning to England, he and English ace Harold Redler were killed in a D.H.9 (D1018) crash the following year

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    Mid-morning on 15 March 1918, 24 Squadron tangled with Jasta 12 triplanes near Brancourt. Harold Bolton Redler, flying an S.E.5a, shot down Adolf von Tutschek by firing a burst at the Jasta leader's green Fokker DR.I. On 21 April 1918, Redler was wounded in action and left 24 Sqaudron. Later that year, Redler and Scottish ace Ian Henderson were killed in a D.H.9 (D1018) crash.

    Listed as Herbert Bolton Redler in some sources. The son of Daniel and Annette (Crocker) Redler.

    T./2nd Lt. Harold Bolton Redler, Gen. List, and R.F.C.
    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He encountered four enemy two-seater machines, and attacking the lowest drove it to the ground with its engine damaged. Later, he attacked one of five enemy two-seater machines, and drove it down out of control. He has destroyed in all three enemy machines and driven three others down out of control. He continually attacked enemy troops and transport from a low altitude during operations, and showed splendid qualities of courage and determination throughout.

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    Harold Redler MC


    General Headquarters, June 22nd.


    “In spite of adverse weather conditions on the 21st inst., some artillery cooperation, photographic reconnaissances, and patrols were carried out by our aeroplanes. One hostile machine was destroyed. Two of ours are missing.”

    RAF Communiqué number 12:

    Weather, low clouds, occasional rain-storms.

    Eight reconnaissances, three counter-attack patrols.

    Thirty-five hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, three neutralized, 12 zone calls sent.

    On the 21st instant, eight hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 23 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:


    Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, LVG C crashed Ploegsteert Wood at 20:15/21:15 – one hostile machine was brought down by Capt J I T Jones, No 74 Squadron, confirmed by another pilot

    Casualties:


    Lieut G L Dobell (Ok) & Prob A W Baker (Ok), 53 Sqn, RE8 C2293 - shot about by machine-gun fire from the ground on Night Fighting patrol Steenwerck

    Capt H A Patey (Ok), 210 Sqn, Camel D3410 - longeron shot through on special mission east of Meteren

    2nd-Lieut R G Carr (Pow, escaped 01-Jul-18), 210 Sqn RAF, Camel B7227 – took off 12:40/13:40 then missing from high patrol; OFlugM Kurt Schonfelder, Js7, 13th victory [Menin at 13:45/14:45]? Flight of 25 July 1918 reported - SEC. LIEUT. ROBERT GRECHAN CARR, R.A.F., son of Mr. Robert Carr, of Berwick, who was taken prisoner by the enemy on June 21st when over the German lines, has escaped and rejoined his unit. He was gazetted a year ago, on his eighteenth birthday.

    Lieut K W J Hall (Pow), 213 Sqn RAF, Camel B7245 - last seen 14:45/15:45 at 12,000 feet on homeward journey after escorting 218 Sqn to Nieuport

    From Kenneth Hall's log book:

    took off 1.15 pm, Camel B7245, 3 hrs in air, 19000 ft. Ostend, Nieuport.
    Escorted bombers to Ostend. My engine was hit by A.A. gunfire & I was forced to land behind the enemy's lines S.E. of Nieuport. Machine crashed.

    Lieut W K Wilson (Pow), 54 Sqn, Camel B6326 – took off 16:20/17:20 and last seen east of Ypres at 7,000 feet under control on offensive patrol; Oblt Hans-Eberhardt Gandert, Js51, 5th victory [Gapaard at 17:15/18:15] ?

    The following claims were nade on this day

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    Despite the weather there were still 13 British Airmen lost on this day

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    SOUTHERN FRONTS
    Piave: Further Italian infantry assaults on Lower Piave bridgehead until June 22. Austrian wounded and non-essential troops evacuated (night June 21-22). Italians claim 12,000 PoWs to date.

    HOME FRONTS
    Ireland: Irish Home Rule and conscription abandoned by British government. Government wins Clapham (South London) by-election.
    Austria*: Emperor Charles refuses Prime Minister Seidler’s resignation.

    U.S. Navy cruiser USS Schurz was accidentally rammed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by a U.S. Coast Guard ship with the loss of a crew member.

    SMS Geier ("His Majesty's Ship Vulture")[a] was an unprotected cruiser of the Bussard class built for the German Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine). She was laid down in 1893 at the Imperial Dockyard in Wilhelmshaven, launched in October 1894, and commissioned into the fleet a year later in October 1895. Designed for service in Germany's overseas colonies, the ship required the comparatively heavy armament of eight 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SK L/35 guns and a long cruising radius. She had a top speed of 15.5 kn (28.7 km/h; 17.8 mph).

    Geier spent the majority of her career on foreign stations, including tours in the Americas, East Asia, and Africa. In 1897, she was deployed to the Caribbean, and during the Spanish–American War the following year, she ferried Europeans out of the war zone to Mexico by crossing the blockade lines around Cuban ports. After being transferred to the western coast of the Americas in 1899, Geier was reassigned to China to help suppress the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. She remained in East Asian waters through 1905 before being recalled to Germany for major repairs. In 1911, the ship was assigned to the colony in German East Africa, though she served little time in the area, as the Italo-Turkish War of 1911–1912 and the Balkan Wars of 1912–13 required German warships in the Mediterranean to safeguard German interests. Geier returned to East Africa in early 1914, but in June that month, the new light cruiser Königsberg arrived, and Geier headed to China for second deployment there. Geier was still en route to the German base in Tsingtao when war broke out in Europe in August 1914. Slipping out of still-neutral British Singapore days before Britain declared war on Germany, she crossed the central Pacific in an attempt to link up with Maximilian von Spee's East Asia Squadron. While at sea, she captured one British freighter, but did not sink her. In need of engine repairs and coal, Geier put into the neutral United States port at Honolulu, Hawaii, in October 1914, where she was eventually interned. After the American entrance into the war in April 1917, the US Navy seized Geier, commissioned her as USS Schurz, and placed her on convoy duty. She was ultimately sunk following a collision with a freighter off the coast of North Carolina, with one man killed and twelve injured. She rests at a depth of 115 feet (35 m) and is a popular scuba diving site.

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    Geier was ordered under the contract name "F" and was laid down at the Imperial Dockyard in Wilhelmshaven in 1893.[1] She was launched on 18 October 1894, after which fitting-out work commenced. During her launching ceremony, Vizeadmiral (Vice Admiral) Victor Valois christened the ship. She was commissioned into the German Navy on 24 October 1895 for sea trials. Her trials were completed on 21 January 1896, and she was decommissioned temporarily in Kiel. During construction, her design was slightly modified based on experience from her sister ships that had already completed their sea trials. Geier's displacement was increased slightly by around 50 t (49 long tons; 55 short tons) compared to the other ships of the class and her stern was modified.

    Geier's captain learned of the rising tensions in Europe following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria while en route to the Pacific. The ship coaled in Singapore on 25–29 July, departing the day after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Geier thereafter proceeded southeast through the Gaspar Strait, rather than north to Tsingtao, where he would be expected to go. While off Batavia on 1 August, Geier received the order from Maximilian von Spee, the commander of the East Asia Squadron, to join him at Yap. On 3. August, she received word of the German mobilization and the order to begin cruiser warfare. She coaled at Jampea from the steamer Elmshorn of the Deutsch-Australische Dampfschiffs-Gesellschaft (DADG) on 6 August before steaming north through the Buton Strait. Off Celebes she rendezvoused with the DADG steamer Bochum, which acted as her collier. Geier's crew made temporary repairs to the ship's engines and boilers before proceeding north to the Palau Islands. Bochum took Geier under tow to conserve coal. On 20 August, she managed to contact the cruiser Emden, which was detached from the East Asia Squadron and operating as a commerce raider. Emden instructed Geier to rendezvous at the island of Anguar, but she was unable to reach the island before Emden departed. Nevertheless, the two ships met at sea the following day; one of Geier's cutters took her commander, Lieutenant Commander Curt Graßhoff, aboard Emden to meet with her captain. Emden then departed for the Molucca Strait, while Geier proceeded to Anguar. After arriving, Geier coaled from the HAPAG steamer Tsingtau. Graßhoff intended to rendezvous with the East Asia Squadron in the central Pacific, and proceeded through the Bismarck Archipelago before turning north to Kusaie. There, on 4 September, Geier captured the British freighter Southport and disabled the ship's engines before departing. The freighter's crew repaired the damage, however, and Southport made for Australia where she reported the German gunboat's presence.

    On 11 September, Geier arrived in Majuro, though the East Asia Squadron had already departed the island on 30 August. By this time, the ship's engines were in such bad shape that she would have been unable to reach Tsingtao, though the point was moot, as Japanese forces had already besieged the port. In addition, opportunities for commerce raiding in the area were slim, and there were no suitably fast steamers available to arm as auxiliary cruisers. Graßhoff therefore decided to follow the East Asia Squadron to South America, despite the slow speed of his ship, which was reduced to 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph). The Norddeutscher Lloyd (NDL) steamer Locksun towed Geier to the Marshall Islands, where further repairs were made from 17 to 20 September. By this time, the ship's coal and water supplies were so low that the ship would not be able to continue past Hawaii. She arrived in Honolulu on 15 October, where the then-neutral Americans requested that Geier be interned. Two Japanese ships—the battleship Hizen and the armored cruiser Asama—had been patrolling in the area. Upon learning of the arrival of Geier, the two ships remained just outside the three mile limit to await Geier's departure. Graßhoff was able to delay the internment request until 7 November owing to damage to the ship and poor weather. The following day, the US Navy interned Geier.

    he United States entered the war on the side of the Allies on 6 April 1917. The US Navy seized Geier and refitted her for service in the Navy as a gunboat. The ship was renamed USS Schurz on 9 June, and commissioned on 15 September 1917, under the command of Commander Arthur Crenshaw. Schurz departed Pearl Harbor on 31 October and escorted Submarine Division 3 to San Diego. Arriving on 12 November, she continued on with the submarines K-3, K-4, K-7, and K-8, in early December. At the end of the month, the convoy transited the Panama Canal and proceeded to Honduras. On 4 January 1918, Schurz was relieved of escort duty. She carried the American consul from Puerto Cortes to Omao and back, after which she sailed for Key West. From Florida, she was transferred to New Orleans and then sailed for Charleston, South Carolina on 1 February where she entered dry dock for periodic maintenance. Assigned to the American Patrol Detachment, Schurz departed Charleston toward the end of April and, for the next two months, conducted patrols and performed escort duty and towing missions along the east coast and in the Caribbean. On 19 June, she departed New York for Key West. At 04:44 on the 21st, southwest of Cape Lookout lightship, she was rammed by the merchant ship Florida. The ship hit Schurz on the starboard side, crumpling that wing of the bridge, penetrating the well and berth deck about 12 feet, and cutting through bunker no. 3 to the forward fire room. One of Schurz's crewmen was killed instantly; twelve others were injured. Schurz was abandoned and sank three hours later. The ship was struck from the Navy list on 26 August 1918.

    The wreckage rests at a depth of 115 feet (35 m) with the top of the wreck situated at 95 feet (29 m). In 2000, the ship was the subject of a Phase II archaeological investigation headed by East Carolina University. The wreck is protected by sovereign immunity and it is therefore illegal to recover artifacts from the site without permission. In 2013, Scuba Diving magazine named USS Schurz as one of the top ten wreck dives in North Carolina.

    Captain Tunstill's Men: (Making a claim for headline act of the day)

    Two simultaneous raids were carried out by the Brigade against the Austrian lines. One raid was to be conducted by a Company of 11th West Yorks and the other by 10DWR. 11th West Yorks would raid the Austrian front line near the hamlet of Sec while 10DWR would attack to the west around Ave.

    The raid by 10DWR was divided into two parties under the overall command of Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 25th May). A smaller party, comprising of one officer, 2Lt. Wilfred Frederick John Thomson (see 19th February), and 40 men from ‘C’ Company, was to assemble in four small columns in file; three columns were to be just west of the road from San Sisto to South Ave and the fourth just right of the road. Their task would be to engage the Austrian advanced post at South Ave. The larger party, comprising of two officers, Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 21st February) and 2Lt. Lawrence Tindill MM (see 9th October 1917), and 70 men from ‘B’ Company and one officer, 2Lt. Archibald (Archie) Allen (see 30th May), and 30 men from ‘C’ Company, was to assemble in ten small columns in file along the front line east of the San Sisto to South Ave road. Their task would be to enter the Austrian front line on a 200 yard front east of the San Sisto to South Ave road. The men were to advance with bayonets fixed and with 30 rounds of ammunition each; two men per section were to carry bombs to be used against dugouts. Within the raiding parties there was to be one section per Company of rifle grenadiers, carrying six grenades each. It was also ordered that “All members of the raiding party will remove all badges, identity discs or other identification marks and no letters nor papers of any kind will be taken”.

    The left flank of the raiding parties was to be supported by a covering party, under 2Lt. Andrew Aaron Jackson (see 22nd February), consisting of the Lewis gun section from ‘C’ Company supported by an NCO and ten riflemen and bombers. The right flank was to be covered by a second party, under 2Lt. Albert Joseph Acarnley MC (see 15th May), consisting of a Lewis gun section from ‘B’ Company. A Forward Aid Post would be established by the Battalion Medical Officer, Capt. N. R Davis (see 8th June) in a gun pit shelter just in rear of the British front line. The Battalion Signalling Officer, Lt. Cyril William Wildy (see 12th June), would put out a Forward Signal Station, both wire and visual, just in rear of the assembly point of the first party.

    By 11.20pm the raiding parties were formed up and in position. At 11.30pm, to cover the raid, the Austrian front line was shelled “heavily by guns of all calibres” and under cover of this barrage the larger party advanced 600 yards to within 300 yards of the Austrian line. The smaller party moved off a minute later. After three minutes the barrage by the heavy guns lifted from the front line and was advanced over the next three minutes at a rate of 100 yards per minute to bombard the Austrian support lines; the field guns continued to bombard the front line. This allowed the smaller party to attack the forward post at South Ave which was found to be only “to be very lightly held (it is possible that the remainder of the garrison fled when the barrage came down) and was quickly mopped up. An outpost or working party was also met with about 100 yards in front of the front trench. These were mostly killed, the remainder fled, and the advance was in no way delayed”.

    Meanwhile the larger party had moved forward under cover of the creeping barrage to within 150 yards of the Austrian line. At 11.36pm the field guns bombarding the front line shifted their fire to cover the Austrian line to either flank of the raiding parties to allow the attack to go in; bombardment of the support line continued. At 11.40pm the party entered the Austrian lines; the events are best described in the words of the official report:

    “The enemy's front line was entered at 11.40pm on a frontage of 200 yards east of the Guardinalti to Ave road. The trench was found to be very strongly held, a Company apparently being concentrated for relief. The raiding party was thoroughly imbued with the ‘spirit of the bayonet’ and the greater part of the garrison was wiped out with cold steel after slight resistance. All dugouts were thoroughly bombed. There can be no doubt that the number of enemy killed was very high, even after making full allowance for the impossibility of obtaining really accurate figures. With some difficulty, the officers of the party were able to ensure that 31 of the enemy were brought back alive for identification purposes etc. All are convinced that this formed less than a third of the garrison of the trench. One machine gun was captured in good condition; another was captured but had been so damaged by artillery fire that it was not worth salving. One Flammenwerfer was also obtained”.

    The raiding parties returned to the British front lines at midnight. Amongst the raiding parties one man was confirmed killed and one officer and two men were reported missing. One officer and 18 men were reported wounded. The man confirmed killed was Pte. Ernest Haslam; he was 25 years old and from Stalybridge, where he had worked in a calico printing factory. He had previously served with 1st/7th and 1st/6th DWR, but in the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish when he had joined 10DWR. It would appear that he had been brought back to the British lines but had died in the early hours of 22nd June before he could be evacuated for further medical treatment; he would be buried at Barenthal Military Cemetery.

    The officer reported missing was 2Lt. Lawrence Tindill MM (see above); Pte. Harold Charnock (see 18th June) recalled that “Lt. Tindill was a very capable officer. He lost his life through going back to help a wounded man. We had no idea what happened to him until after his grave was found by our burial party after the Armistice”. Tindill’s body would be recovered from No Man’s Land, just east of South Ave. Also recovered along with that of Tindill would be the body of Cpl. Joseph Robinson, who had also been reported missing in action. However, in his case, his fate was known from an early stage. Writing to Robinson’s family, an officer (unnamed) told them, “he took a gallant part in a raid on the night of 21st/22nd June. As he was entering the enemy trenches he was severely wounded in the back and was carried back towards the British lines by a comrade when a shell burst near them. This man himself was wounded and told the stretcher bearers that Cpl. Robinson was killed by the same shell … While you mourn a son we mourn a most promising non-commissioned officer, who was highly esteemed and respected by all who came in contact with him”. Robinson was 23 years old and from Scotter, Lincs., where he had worked as a farm labourer. He had previously served with 1st/4th DWR, and had been wounded in the Autumn of 1916, but in the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish when he had joined 10DWR. Both men would be re-buried at Barenthal Military Cemetery. The other man reported missing was Pte. John James Goodship (see 30th August 1917); he had in fact been wounded, suffering injuries to his left thigh and right arm, and taken prisoner by the Austrians.

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    The wounded officer was 2Lt. Archibald (Archie) Allen (see above); he suffered severe shrapnel injuries to his left arm and chest. The details of his treatment in Italy are unknown, but he would subsequently be evacuated to England. A number of the wounded men have also been identified. L.Sgt. George Heeley (see 25th October 1917) suffered wounds to his left leg and would be admitted via 70th Field Ambulance and 9th Casualty Clearing Station to 11th General Hospital in Genoa. Also admitted by the same route were Ptes. William Hewitt (25172) (see 10th June) and James Pidgeley (see 19th April); Hewitt had suffered shrapnel wounds to his right hand and Pidgeley wounds to his right shoulder and chest. Pte. John Henry Evison (see 7th May) suffered shrapnel wounds to his hand; he would be admitted via 70th Field Ambulance and 9th Casualty Clearing Station to 38th General Hospital in Genoa. Pte. Herbert Jacklin (see 31st May) suffered a shrapnel wound to his right hand and contusions to his right shoulder; he would be admitted via 70th Field Ambulance and 9th Casualty Clearing Station to 29th Stationary Hospital in Cremona. Pte. Sidney Wood (see 5th July 1917) suffered chest wounds but the details of his immediate treatment are unknown. L.Cpl. Leonard Mustill was wounded and admitted to 9th Casualty Clearing Station at Dueville; the nature of his wounds are unknown. He was 21 years old and from Pudsey, where he had worked as a warehouse assistant. He had originally served with 2DWR and, in the absence of a surviving service record, it is unknown when he had joined 10DWR.

    Pte. Harold Charnock (see 18th June) recalled the gallantry awards issued as a result of the raid: “Capt. Kelly received the MC and Capt. Payne and 2Lt. Thomson the Croce di Guerra; Lt. Col. Lethbridge (see 30th May) received the Silver Valori Medal”. Of these, the only surviving citation is that for Capt. Kelly, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in charge of a company and a half in a raid. Despite a bright moon, he successfully assembled his party and attacked, killing a large number of the enemy and capturing thirty-one prisoners and two machine guns. His gallantry and fine leadership were largely responsible for the success of the raid”.

    Wriring many years later, Brig. Genl. Archibald Bentley Beauman DSO (see 17th June) reflected on the conduct of raids such as this; “It is questionable if such raids can be justified. They do, of course, foster the offensive sprit in our troops during quiet periods, and identifications are always valuable to the intelligence branch. But raids can hardly have much effect on the campaign as a whole, and the position of the brigade commander or CO who plans them is rather difficult. If they succeed he gets a share of the reflected glory but he would only be in the way if he accompanied the raiders. Although I always went down to the front line to see the party off and welcome them back, the danger which I incurred was infinitesimal in comparision, and I always felt a fierce stab of remorse when I heard there had been casualties”.

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  19. #3369

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Ok so I have had a power cut, I have no water and no internet. Hopefully will get something in time to post tonight.
    Sorry to hear that Chris. These Staaken raids can be a damned nuisance can't they. Got the Water works as well this time then! They never seem to hit those little yellow boxes though.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  20. #3370

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Ok so I have had a power cut, I have no water and no internet. Hopefully will get something in time to post tonight.
    If it wasn't for bad luck you would have no luck at all. Keep your chin up young man, this run of bad luck will have to end soon I'm sure.

  21. #3371

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    22nd June 1918

    13 days until retirement... (only working 5 of them though)

    Unlike today when it has been absolutely glorious (even the 4 hours spent locked in a room attending my speed awareness course), 100 years ago the weather was not so good...

    General Headquarters, June 23rd.


    “There was very little enemy activity in the air on June 22nd. Low clouds and high winds interfered with observation and photography, but work was carried out by our aeroplanes in co-operation with the artillery, and a number of hostile battery positions and other targets were engaged. There were no combats in the air, and none of our machines is missing. At night the weather improved, enabling our night-flying machines to show greater activity. During the 24 hours, 15 tons of bombs were dropped, Bapaume dump, railway stations at Armentieres, Steenwerke, and Bac St. Maur, and Bruges Docks being heavily attacked by our machines.”

    RAF Communiqué number 12:

    Weather, low clouds and high wind.

    Thirteen reconnaissances, six contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Twenty-seven hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, eight neutralized, 18 zone calls sent.

    Two and a half tons of bombs dropped.

    On the 22nd instant, one hostile battery engaged for destruction with balloon observation, and fire observed on six other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Practically none seen. No decisive combats.

    Casualties:

    None.

    Very limited number of claims on this day..

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    The one top ace having success on this day was Erich Lowenhardt who would score the 28th of his 54 victories outting him 3rd in total victories behind Manfred Von Richthofen and Ernst Udet.

    The son of a doctor, Löwenhardt served with an infantry regiment before he volunteered for the German Air Force. He was wounded in action over Roulers on 20 September 1917. After scoring his 54th victory, he collided with Leutnant Alfred Wenz of Jasta 11. Both men jumped from their planes but Löwenhardt was killed when his parachute failed to open.

    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.

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    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.

    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, 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.

    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.

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    I use the word only in the loosest of senses - but only six British airmen were lost on this day

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    EASTERN FRONT
    South Russia: Denikin’s White Volunteer Army (9,000 men; 21 guns; 3 armoured cars) begins Second Kuban campaign, captures Torgovaya and Shabilevskaya rail stations, isolating Red Kuban Group and cutting Tsaritsyn railway (June 25). Russian Eastern Railway manager, General Horvath, (HQ Harbin, Manchuria) appeals for Allied help.

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    WESTERN FRONT

    Somme: British Third Army night raid on trenches at Bucquoy including first night action by British tanks (night June 22-23), 5 support c.150 infatrymen of 62nd Division.

    SOUTHERN FRONTS
    Piave: Austrian Sixth and Isonzo Armies begin recrossing river secretly (night June 22-23).

    The US Navy Launched two new destroyers on this day...

    USS Hazelwood (DD-107) was a Wickes-class destroyer built for the United States Navy during World War I

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    The Wickes class was an improved and faster version of the preceding Caldwell-class. Two different designs were prepared to the same specification that mainly differed in the turbines and boilers used. The ships built to the Bethlehem Steel design, built in the Fore River and Union Iron Works shipyards, mostly used Yarrow boilers that deteriorated badly during service and were mostly scrapped during the 1930s. The ships displaced 1,202–1,208 long tons (1,221–1,227 t) at standard load and 1,295–1,322 long tons (1,316–1,343 t) at deep load. They had an overall length of 314 feet 4 inches (95.8 m), a beam of 30 feet 11 inches (9.4 m) and a draught of 9 feet 10 inches (3.0 m). They had a crew of 6 officers and 108 enlisted men.

    Performance differed radically between the ships of the class, often due to poor workmanship. The Wickes class was powered by two steam turbines, each driving one propeller shaft, using steam provided by four water-tube boilers. The turbines were designed to produce a total of 27,000 shaft horsepower (20,000 kW) intended to reach a speed of 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph). The ships carried 225 long tons (229 t) of fuel oil which was intended gave them a range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,600 km; 2,900 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph). The ships were armed with four 4-inch (102 mm) guns in single mounts and were fitted with two 1-pounder guns for anti-aircraft defense. Their primary weapon, though, was their torpedo battery of a dozen 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes in four triple mounts. In many ships a shortage of 1-pounders caused them to be replaced by 3-inch (76 mm) anti-aircraft (AA) guns. They also carried a pair of depth charge rails. A "Y-gun" depth charge thrower was added to many ships.

    Hazelwood, was named in honor of John Hazelwood, was laid down 24 December 1917 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, launched 22 June 1918; sponsored by Miss Marian L. Neitzel; and commissioned 20 February 1919, Comdr. A. A. Corwin in command. Following shakedown and a voyage to Norfolk for supplies, Hazelwood departed New York for the Mediterranean 15 April 1919. Reaching Gibraltar 9 May, she participated in training and served as escort to Arizona (BB-39). After patrolling the Mediterranean, she departed Malta 28 July and arrived New York 13 August. Next day she got underway for her new home waters, the Pacific. Sailing via Cuba and Panama, she arrived at San Francisco 5 September. After operations along the West Coast, she decommissioned at San Diego 7 July 1922.

    Hazelwood recommissioned 1 April 1925, and participated in training and readiness exercises with units of the Pacific Fleet for the next 5 years. She decommissioned again 15 November 1930, at San Diego, was sold to Learner and Rosenthal 30 August 1935, and was scrapped 14 April 1930.

    The first USS Israel
    (DD-98) was a Wickes-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I and the years following. She was named in honor of Joseph Israel.

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    Israel was launched on 22 June 1918 by the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation, Quincy, Massachusetts, sponsored by Miss Dorothy Brown. The destroyer was commissioned on 13 September 1918, Lieutenant Commander George N. Barker in command.

    Following shakedown out of Boston, Israel rendezvoused with the battleship South Carolina at Newport, Rhode Island on 24 September 1918, and performed escort duty on the East Coast as a unit of the Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet. She departed New York on 13 October with a convoy, and arrived at Gibraltar on 6 November, via the Azores and Port Leixoes, Portugal. Having escorted the Brazilian Detachment to Gibraltar Harbour on 9 November, Israel arrived at Venice on 18 November and joined the Eastern Mediterranean Forces. She operated out of Venice and Split as a station ship transporting supplies and personnel until 12 July 1919 when she departed Villefranche, France, via Gibraltar and the Azores, arriving at Boston on 24 July.

    While undergoing overhaul at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Israel was fitted out as a light minelayer and her classification changed 17 July 1920 to DM-3. Sailing from Portsmouth, New Hampshire on 4 March 1921, Israel cruised along the East Coast until 5 July when she joined Mine Squadron 1, Atlantic Fleet, at Gloucester, Massachusetts. During the remainder of the year she engaged in mining practice and exercises on the East Coast; and from January to April 1922, participated in fleet exercises based at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Culebra, Puerto Rico. Israel arrived in Philadelphia 15 May 1922 and decommissioned there 7 July. Remaining inactive during the following years, she was reduced to a hulk in 1936 in accordance with the London Treaty. Her name was struck from the Navy List on 25 January 1937, and she was sold to the Union Shipbuilding Company, Baltimore, Maryland for scrap on 18 April 1939. As of 2008, no other ships in the United States Navy have gone by this name.

    Captain Tunstill's Men: Front line trenches between San Sisto and Poslen.

    The situation remained generally quiet, although it was noted that “enemy artillery was slightly active”.

    Ptes. Clarence Hubert Bolt (see 7th April 1917), Louis Frank Lewis (see 29th October 1917) and Milton Sutcliffe (see 9th May 1917) departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

    Pte. George Towler Brown (see 8th June) was transferred from 9th Casualty Clearing Station to 48th Division Rest Station; he had initially been treated for suspected influenza, but was now reported as suffering from boils.

    Pte. William Postill Taylor (see 15th April), who had been in England since having been wounded in action two months previously while serving with 2DWR, was discharged from hospital and posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

    2Lt. Arthur Lilley (see 21st May), serving in England with the RAF, was posted to the RAF station at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey to begin his training.

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-23-2018 at 13:22.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  22. #3372

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    pity about the water though - will have to drink wine instead of tea...
    and only eight working days until retirement huh - tough life aint it?

  23. #3373

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    and only eight working days until retirement huh - tough life aint it?
    Yup - shockingly so

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  24. #3374

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    June 23rd 1918

    General Headquarters, June 24th.

    “In the strong winds and low clouds of the 23rd inst. our aeroplanes carried on reconnaissance work and artillery co-operation with difficulty. There was little air fighting. One hostile machine was destroyed during the day and two of our machines failed to return. Five tons of bombs were dropped by us during the day and fifteen tons on the following night, over six tons falling on the sidings and stations at Cambrai with good effect. One of our night flying machines is missing.”

    General Headquarters, June 25th.

    “In addition to the enemy machine already announced as destroyed on June 23rd, a second machine is now established to have been brought down on that date.”

    Headquarters, Independent Force R.A.F., June 25th.

    “On the evening of the 23rd inst. the weather cleared somewhat, and our bombing squadrons carried out a series of attacks on Metz-Sablon station, three during the evening and a fourth after nightfall. Clouds prevented observation of the results obtained, but over six tons of bombs were dropped on this objective.”

    RAF Communiqué number 12:

    Weather, overcast, fair intervals, high wind.

    Forty-five reconnaissances, 10 contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Forty hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, four neutralized, 43 zone calls sent.

    Eighteen tons of bombs dropped.

    On the 23rd instant, fire was observed on six targets by balloons.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity very slight. E.A. were brought down by Lieut L H T Capel and Sergt E A Deighton, No 20 Squadron, and Capt L P Coombes, No 210 Squadron.

    Capt P J Clayson, Lieut H A Kullberg, Lieut D Knight, Lieut J C Bateman and Lieut C B Henderson, 1 Sqn, Pfalz Scout destroyed north-west of Lestrem at 06:00/07:00 -
    Capt J K Summers and Lieut W J Armstrong, 209 Sqn LVG C out of control Martinpuich - Delville Wood at 07:10/08:10 -
    Lieut L H T Capel & Corpl E A Deighton, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout broke up Laventie at 07:30/08:30 -
    Capt C H Stokes & 2nd-Lieut T C Danby, 57 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Le Transloy at 15:10/16:10 -
    Capt L P Coombes, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed south-west of Armentičres at 20:00/21:00 – confirmed by two other pilots
    Lieut I C Sanderson, 210 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Ypres at 20:15/21:15 -
    Lieut J E Gurdon & 2nd-Lieut J McDonald, 22 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control east of La Bassée at 20:15/21:15 and Fokker DVII out of control east of La Bassée at 20:15/21:15 -
    Lieut S F H Thompson & Sergt R M Fletcher, 22 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control La Bassée at 20:45/21:45 and Pfalz Scout out of control La Bassée at 20:45/21:45 -

    Casualties:

    Lieut H C McCreary (Ok) & Sergt J D Summers (Ok), 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2B B1122 - force landed near Tilques after petrol tank shot through on offensive patrol
    Lieut E Erskine (Wia), 57 Sqn RAF, DH4 - anti-aircraft fire
    Lieut C W Peckham (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut A J Cobbin (Pow; dow 14-Jul-18), 57 Sqn RAF, DH4 A7742 – took off 03:40/04:40 and last seen flying south from Bapaume on bombing, A.A. report DH engaged and driven down by Fokker Triplane west of Montauban
    2nd-Lieut A D R Jones (Pow) & 239875 Sergt J T Ward (Pow), 57 Sqn RAF, DH4 D9276 – took off 03:40/04:40 and last seen flying south from Bapaume on bombing, A.A. report DH engaged and driven down by Fokker Triplane west of Montauban
    Lieut H D West (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut J Levy (Ok), 99 Sqn, DH9 D5573 - shot through by A.A. on bomb raid Metz 18:15/19:15
    Lieut S F H Thompson (Ok) & Sergt R M Fletcher (Ok), 22 Sqn, Bristol F.2B C929 – took off 19:00/20:00 then badly shot in combat on OP La Bassée 20:45/21:45
    Lieut J W Thompson (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut L J W Ingram (Pow), 149 Sqn RAF, FE2b D9777 – took off 23:36/00:36 then missing from bombing Armentičres

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    Chalking up a double on this day was Ernst Udet

    Found a fascinating account of some of Udet's victories - told by the great ace himself... This one about he first encountered an American (on this day however both his victories were against Breguet 14's)

    My first encounter with a Yank was enlightening but not very satisfactory. I managed to eke out a victory but the pilot neither went down in flames nor to his death. It was like this: I'd had a stiff time of it and was sleeping late. A little before noon I was suddenly awakened by the sound of shrapnel—a rotten way to get disturbed. I went to the window and saw Archies bursting high in the air between our front line and the aerodrome. I knew the Frenchies must becoming over. My job was to keep them in their own back yard. Without bothering to change from my pajamas, I ran over to where my machine was parked. The mechanics had it all ready to go. I pulled on a flying suit over my pajamas, donned a helmet, and hopped in. But when I looked up again, there was no sign of the Frenchmen.

    I was pretty sore then because they had spoiled a perfectly good sleep, so I decided to go up and have a look around anyway. When I got up about 4000 meters, I began to feel cold. I thought I'd head for home. But at that moment a bunch of planes showed up through the clouds about a thousand meters below me. I dropped 500 meters and then saw that about ten French machines were making life very miserable for five of our chaps. Off to one side, I recognized Lowenhardt, fighting it out with a French Nieuport. Lowenhardt was one of my best pals and as I hovered above the melee, I noticed another French machine barging into position on Lowenhardt's tail to shoot him down. Lowenhardt was apparently so intent on the other plane that he didn't realize what was about to happen in his rear. It was obviously my move. I dove like a bullet and before that second plane knew I was anywhere in the vicinity, I was so close to him I could see him getting ready to empty his gun at Lowenhardt. But I beat him to it. My first burst put his motor out of commission and my second went squarely into his fuselage. His plane immediately started earthward in a spin. I figured I had killed the pilot. But I hadn't; because the next moment his plane straightened out into a glide and veered abruptly off in the direction of the French lines. I went after him again. I knew his engine was dead but with gliding control and a cool head, he might be able to get safely across the river that separated our lines at that point. I went at him again. I hated to shoot at a disabled machine and most likely the pilot was also wounded but I couldn't afford to lose him, so I let my gun off at him again and headed him back towards our lines. He was losing altitude rapidly. I thought he was licked and was following him from behind at a leisurely pace when all of a sudden the cheeky beggar veered around again and had the pluck to try and ram me. Of course, he didn't have a chance, with only gliding speed.

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    When he missed, he shook his fist at me. I yelled out in French that he'd better concentrate on landing or he'd crash, because we were getting pretty well down by then, but I don't think he heard me. Anyway, he misjudged the distance and although he did his best to avoid trouble, a few moments later he cracked up on a rough piece of land five kilometers behind our lines. His machine turned completely over three times and then disappeared in a cloud of dust, a tumbled heap of wreckage. By the time I had landed myself, a group of our infantrymen had reached the wrecked plane. I didn't see how he could possibly have survived but wanted to have a look at his plane. It was one of the new French Nieuports that were causing us a lot of worry about then. Imagine my surprise on reaching the scene to find the pilot still alive and conscious. The soldiers had pulled him out of the debris and he was stretched out on the ground with a broken left thigh and some severe cuts and bruises. When he saw me, he sat up with a smile and we shook hands. I said: “Sorry, old man,” in French. He answered me in English. He said: “Howdy, old top. I'd smoke if I had a fag to use this match on.” I gave him one and then I asked him how it happened that an Englishman was flying in a French plane. He said: “Guess again. I'm not English. I'm American. Straight from Akron, Ohio.” He wanted to know how the battle had gone. When I told him that besides himself, we had brought down three other French planes, he said: “It was a swell morning for us.” After that he lost consciousness. Later on I learned that his name was W. B. Wanamaker.

    Several years after the war I got a letter from him. He was back in Akron, Ohio, having some difficulty about his pension, I think. Anyway, he asked me if I would write him a letter setting forth the exact nature of his injuries and some of the details of the scrap. I did, but I haven't heard from him since. I hope he got all that was coming to him in the way of a pension because he was a sportsman through and through. So far as I know, that is the only time I bucked up against an American aviator. If they were all like him I'm just as glad I didn't. I might not be here now to tell the tale.

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    Seven British airmen were lost on this day

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    HOME FRONTS
    Germany: 580 LK II light tanks ordered from Daimler, none ever delivered before armistice.

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    Leichter Kampfwagen II
    Type Light tank
    Place of origin Germany
    Specifications
    Weight 8.75 t
    Length 5.1 m
    Width 1.9 m
    Height 2.5 m
    Crew 3
    Armor 8-14 mm
    Main
    armament
    37mm Krupp/57mm Maxim-Nordenfelt
    Engine Daimler-Benz 4-cylinder
    60 hp
    Suspension unsprung
    Operational
    range
    65-70 km
    Speed 14-18 km/h
    The Leichter Kampfwagen II ("light combat car") or LK II was a German light tank of World War I. A development of the LK I it incorporated a fixed rear superstructure and was armed with a 37mm Krupp or 57mm Maxim-Nordenfelt gun. Its armor was 8 to 14 mm thick, which increased its total weight to 8.75 tons. Power was provided by a Daimler-Benz Model 1910 4-cylinder 55-60 hp gasoline engine, giving a maximum speed of 14 to 18 km/h with range of 65–70 km.

    A version armed with one or two 7.92 mm MG 08/15 machine guns was also planned but progressed no farther than a project. Only two prototypes were produced by June 1918, and were followed by orders for 580 tanks, which were never completed.

    Following the war, the Swedish government purchased parts for 10 examples in secrecy for the sum of 200,000 Swedish kronor. The parts were shipped as boiler plates and agricultural equipment and then assembled in Sweden as the Stridsvagn m/21 (Strv m/21 for short), which was essentially an improved version of the LK II prototype. The Strv m/21 was powered by a sleeve valve type engine located in the front, the driver and crew being in the rear. The suspension and running gear was protected by armored skirts. Ten of these tanks were built and were armed with a single 6.5 mm machine gun. (Anyone who plays WORLD OF TANKS thi si the starter tank for the Swedish tech tree)

    In 1929, five were rebuilt to create the Strv m/21-29 variant which was armed with a 37mm gun or two machine guns and was powered by a Scania-Vabis engine. The Strv m/21-29 was an upgraded version of the fm/21. The modifications included a more powerful engine, a new alternator, and external lighting. One of these improved vehicles was driven by Heinz Guderian during a visit to Sweden in 1929. The Germans later bought a main share of the Landsverk Company and made Otto Merker the main designer and in 1931, it produced the Strv m/31 (L-10), which was the first tank produced in Sweden. The Strv m/21-29 remained in service until 1938. A surviving example can be seen at the Deutsches Panzermuseum at Munster, Germany, and both strv m/21 and strv m/21-29 was displayed at the Axvall Tank Museum in Sweden. One Strv m/21-29 is in the early stages of being restored to full working order in Sweden.

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    EASTERN FRONT
    North Russia: British ‘Syren’ and ‘Elope’ forces (600 men under Major-General Maynard) join North Russian Expedition Force at Murmansk; Maynard and 30 men head down Murmansk Railway (June 27), seize it to Soroka (June 29-30) sending back 3 Red troop trains.
    Volga: *Civilian Voroshilov put in command of 1,000-strong Red Tsaritsyn Group (probably by Stalin).
    Siberia: White Provisional Siberian Government formed at Omsk, general mobilization soon proclaimed.

    SOUTHERN FRONTS

    Piave: Italian Eighth Army reoccupies Nervesa at 1300 hours and then whole of Montello; Third Army captures 2,000 PoWs in Candelu-Zenson sector (Middle Piave).

    AIR WAR
    Italian Front: First capture of intact Austrian Berg D I fighter (best indigenous Austrian combat type), forced to land at Treviso by Italian fighters. Up to 50 RAF aircraft help harry Austrian retreat.

    Captain Tunstill's Men: Rumours, derived it was said “from and official source”, began to circulate that revolution had broken out in Austria and “for 24 hours we regarded the war in Italy as practically finished”; the rumours, of course, proved to be unfounded.

    L.Cpl. Leonard Mustill (see 21st June), who had been wounded in the trench raid of 21st June, died from his wounds at 9th Casualty Clearing Station at Dueville; he would be buried at Dueville Communal Cemetery Extension.

    Pte. Thomas Edward Sear (see 29th October 1917) was admitted to 69th Field Ambulance suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his side; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after eight days.

    Following nine days’ treatment for influenza, Pte. John James Pickering (see 14th June) was discharged from 23rd Division Rest Station and re-joined the Battalion.

    Pte. Sidney Powdrill (see 26th May), who was en route back to the Battalion having been on ‘special leave’ to the UK, was taken ill in Turin and would be admitted to 29th Stationary Hospital in Cremona, suffering from influenza.

    Pte. Herbert Farrand Hogley (see 6th June), who had returned to France just 17 days previously and was serving with 2DWR, was killed in action; he would be buried at Le Vertannoy British Cemetery, north of Bethune.

    2Lt. Leopold Henry Burrow (see 31st October 1917), serving at no.14 Convalescent Depot at Trouville, departed to England on two weeks’ leave.

    Pte. Patrick Conley (see 26th April), serving in France with 948th Area Employment Company, was posted back to England.
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    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-24-2018 at 14:49.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  25. #3375

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    Looks like the attachment fairy isn't retiring yet Chris.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  26. #3376

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    Crap

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  27. #3377

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Crap
    A well known technical word meaning 'Oh Dear!'

  28. #3378

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    I thought it was French for Pancakes!
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

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    24th June 1918

    Four members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve were captured in March of this year and taken behind the German lines eventually being employed in road building Leading Seaman William Hamilton, Able Seaman Bernard Hepburn, Able Seaman William Bunting and Able Seaman William Drynan Lochhead. After being there for about a week they made their escape and after a further two days (on 23rd April 1918) they reached a deserted dug-out about 100 meters west of the St. Ledger-Henni road. There they are discovered by a German soldier. In order to keep him quiet, the four RND men murdered the German, but are discovered later by another German and recaptured. They are tried twice and executed today by the Germans. Seaman Lochhead’s brother Staff Sergeant Robert Allan Lochhead was killed in October 1916

    The submarine D6 (Lieutenant Robert Thomas Norman Filkin Royal Naval Reserve age 23) is sunk by the German submarine U-73 off the west coast of Ireland. There are no survivors from the crew of twenty-five.

    HMS D6 was one of eight D-class submarine built for the Royal Navy during the first decade of the 20th century.

    The D-class submarines were designed as improved and enlarged versions of the preceding C class, with diesel engines replacing the dangerous petrol engines used earlier. D3 and subsequent boats were slightly larger than the earlier boats. They had a length of 164 feet 7 inches (50.2 m) overall, a beam of 20 feet 5 inches (6.2 m) and a mean draught of 11 feet 5 inches (3.5 m). They displaced 495 long tons (503 t) on the surface and 620 long tons (630 t) submerged. The D-class submarines had a crew of 25 officers and other ranks and were the first to adopt saddle tanks. For surface running, the boats were powered by two 600-brake-horsepower (447 kW) diesels, each driving one propeller shaft. When submerged each propeller was driven by a 275-horsepower (205 kW) electric motor. They could reach 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) on the surface and 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) underwater. On the surface, the D class had a range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,600 km; 2,900 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). The boats were armed with three 18-inch (45 cm) torpedo tubes, two in the bow and one in the stern. They carried one reload for each tube, a total of six torpedoes.

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    D6 was laid down on 24 February 1910 by Vickers at their Barrow shipyard, launched 24 October 1911 and was commissioned on 19 April 1912. D6 was sunk by UB-73 73 miles north of Inishtrahull Island off the west coast of Ireland on 24 or 28 June 1918. There were two survivors who were taken prisoner. Their post-war report apparently prompted the British to conclude that the torpedo that sank her had employed a magnetic pistol.

    Brigadier General Alfred Forbes Lumsden DSO (General Officer Commanding 46th Brigade, 15th Division) is killed in action by shell fire in Battery valley (southwest of Feuchy, near Arras) while accompanying General Reed (General Officer Commanding 15th Division) on a tour of the trenches. General Lumsden dies at age 41.

    Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Bertram Lawson DSO (Hussars commanding 2nd/5th Gloucestershire Regiment) is killed. He is the son of the late Baronet ‘Sir’ and Lady Lawson.

    SEA WAR
    USA: US Navy and Marines Corps now 450,093 men strong, larger in manpower than Royal Navy.

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    EASTERN FRONT
    Russia: Left Socialist Revolutionaries (Russian peasant party) resolve on terrorism against Germans in Russia.
    Siberia: Czech newspaper says Legion advance guard of Allied Armies on reformed Eastern Front.

    SOUTHERN FRONTS
    Piave: Last Austrian troops recross the river. Italian Third Army clears Austrian bridgehead at its Capo Sile mouth. 2,193,659 Allies with 7,081 guns in 57 divisions (36 in line) hold 188 miles of front (British and French divisions 4 miles each).

    MIDDLE EAST
    Britain: War Cabinet Eastern committee debates Persian situation, gives India control of South and East Persia, Trans-Caspia and Turkestan operations.
    Palestine: 261,990 Allies (ration strength) with 438 guns vs 131,000 Turco-Germans with 523 guns.
    Mesopotamia*: 212,131 British with 310 guns vs estimated 29,500 Turks with 112 guns.

    AIR WAR
    Western Front: 8 squadrons of RAF day and night bombers attack German communications in La Bassee*-Ypres area, 106t of bombs dropped until July 6.

    The Royal Air Force employed its new 1,650-lb (748-kg) bomb in combat for the first time when a Handley Page bomber with the No. 216 Squadron dropped one on Middelkerke, Belgium.

    General Headquarters, June 25th.

    “In spite of high winds on June 24th our aeroplanes did a great deal of reconnaissance and other work during the earlier part of the day, and a large number of hostile batteries and other targets were successfully engaged by our guns with the assistance of aerial observation. Later in the day heavy rain made flying impossible. Bombing behind the enemy's lines was carried on with vigour whenever the weather permitted, 15 tons of bombs being dropped by our machines. The enemy did not give our airmen many opportunities for combat, but two German machines were destroyed. Three of our aeroplanes are missing.”

    Headquarters, Independent Force R.A.F., June 25th.

    “On the 24th inst., in spite of high winds and clouds, attacks were successfully carried out upon the factories and sidings at Saarbrücken, the factories at Dillingen [12 miles north-west of Saarbrücken], and the railway sidings at Metz-Sablon. Our formations were attacked by enemy aeroplanes, one of which was sent down in flames, whilst another was driven down out of control. All our machines returned safely.”

    RAF Communiqué number 13:

    Weather, clouds and strong wind; rain in afternoon.

    Fifty-one reconnaissances, eight contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Sixty hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 11 neutralized, 56 zone calls sent.

    On the 24th, 12 hostile batteries were engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 89 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity slight. E.A. were [?] brought down by Lieuts L W Hudson and H E Merritt, No 62 Squadron.

    Lieut L W Hudson & Lieut H E Merritt, 62 Sqn, LVG C destroyed Harnes at 07:30/08:30 -

    Casualties:


    2nd-Lieut C J Rae (Wia), 19 Sqn RAF, Dolphin – combat?
    2nd-Lieut C F Brown (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut H H Creighton (Inj), 35 Sqn, AW FK8 C8558 - force landed Rainneville after radiator shot through on artillery patrol then collided with a tree on take-off
    2nd-Lieut J R Bell (Ok) & Sergt E Clare (Ok), 55 Sqn, DH4 D8388 - shot through by A.A. on bomb raid Metz, returned aerodrome
    Lieut T H Broadley (Ok) & Sergt F R Bower (Wia), 62 Sqn, Bristol F.2B B1273 - crashed on landing at dummy aerodrome Senlecques after observer wounded in combat on offensive patrol Lille area
    Lieut O J Lange (Wia) & 21110 Sergt G T Smith (Wia), 104 Sqn IF, DH9 D7229 - shot by enemy aircraft during day bombing raid Saarbrücken
    2nd-Lieut W C Tempest (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut W Turner (Pow), 38 Sqn RAF, FE2b A5689 – took off 00:26/01:26 then missing from bombing Ostend - Zeebrugge - Torhout
    Lieut W C Cutmore (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut W G Duncan (Kia), 206 Sqn RAF, DH9 D1012 – took off 03:40/04:40 then missing from long reconnaissance; Ltn Paul Strahle, Js57, 11th victory [east of Montdidier at 06:30/07:30] ?

    Lieut F Williams (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut E Dumville (Kia), 62 Sqn RAF, Bristol F.2B D8028 – took off 06:15/07:15 and last seen in Lille area in combat with 4-5 EA on OP; Ltn d R Paul Billik, Js52, 20th victory [south of Merignies at 07:20/08:20] ?

    Lieut E J Stephens (Ok), 41 Sqn, SE5a C8874 – took off 07:25/08:25 then longerons shot through on offensive patrol Suzanne

    Lieut G A Learn (Kia), 210 Sqn RAF, Camel D3367- took off 09:00/10:00 then wings seen to fold and crashed after attack by 3 EA near Zillebeke on special mission; Ltn d R Wilhelm Oberstadt, Js56, 1st victory [Poperinghe at 09:30/10:30] ?

    Lieut F M Lock (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut A G Barrett (Ok), 3 Sqn AFC, RE8 A3665 – took off 15:00/16:00 then longeron and fuselage struts shot through by enemy machine-gun fire over Cerisy on artillery patrol

    The following claims were made on this day

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    It was not a good day for the RAF with 19 airmen lost on this day

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    Captain Tunstill's Men: Orders were issued for an attack to be made against the Austrian lines on 27th June, in accordance with the plans which had been made before the Battle of the Solstice (see 11th June).

    Cpl. Stephen Grady (see 3rd July 1917), serving with 69th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery, was reprimanded for, “neglect of duty; leaving stores unguarded while in charge there”.

    Pte. Sam Brook (see 21st February 1917), who had been in England since having been wounded early in 1917, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service. He had suffered wounds to his left buttock which had severely damaged his sciatic nerve. He was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week for four weeks, reducing thereafter to 16s. 6d. and to be reviewed in six months.

    A payment of Ł3 14s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Harry Exley (see 20th November 1917), who had been killed in action on 20th November 1917 while serving with 2nd/6th DWR; the payment would go to his brother, John, who was currently serving with the Army Service Corps. He would also receive a parcel of his brother’s personal effects, comprising of, “letters, religious book, purse, cigarette case”.

    A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Walter Pedley (see 2nd April), who had been killed in action on 28th November 1917 while serving wwith the Army Service Corps. He would also receive a parcel of his brother’s personal effects, comprising of, “letters, religious book, purse, cigarette case”.

    A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Walter Pedley (see 2nd April), who had been killed in action on 28th November 1917 while serving with 2/7th DWR; his widow, Edith, was awarded 20s. 6d. per week for herself and her daughter

    USS Rathburne (DD–113) was a Wickes-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I. She was the first ship named for John Peck Rathbun.

    Rathburne was laid down on 12 July 1917 by William Cramp and Sons Company, Philadelphia. The ship was launched on 27 December 1917, sponsored by Miss Malinda B. Mull. The destroyer was commissioned on 24 June 1918, Commander Ward R. Wortman in command.

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    During the final months of World War I, July to November 1918, Rathburne escorted coastal convoys from the mid-Atlantic seaboard as far north as Halifax, Nova Scotia and oceanic convoys to the Azores. Completing her last convoy at New York on 27 November, she remained there until the new year, 1919, then sailed south to Cuba for winter maneuvers. With the spring, she again crossed the Atlantic, operated from Brest during May and June, and returned to New York in July. In August she was transferred to the Pacific Fleet. West coast operations occupied the remainder of the year, while the first half of 1920 was spent in overhaul at Puget Sound. Designated DD-113 in July, she cruised the waters off Washington and in the Gulf of Alaska from August 1920 until January 1921, and then shifted south for operations off California. In July, she headed west and in late August arrived at Cavite to join the Asiatic Fleet. Based there for almost a year, she departed the Philippines on 16 July 1922, cruised off the China coast into August and on 30 August sailed from Nagasaki en route to Midway, Pearl Harbor, and San Francisco. Arriving at the latter on 2 October, she soon shifted to San Diego, where she was decommissioned on 12 February 1923 and was berthed with the reserve fleet until 1930.

    Recommissioned on 8 February 1930, Rathburne remained in the eastern Pacific, engaged in exercises including fleet problems involved with strategic scouting, tracking, attacking, and defense of convoys and the defense of the west coast, through 1933. In early 1934 she departed San Diego for the Panama Canal and the Caribbean Sea for Fleet Problem XV, a three-phased problem involving the attack and defense of the canal; the capture of advanced bases; and fleet action. A cruise along the east coast followed and in the fall she returned to San Diego.

    Two years later she was transferred to the West Coast Sound Training Squadron, and, until early 1944, she was used primarily as a schoolship.

    On 25 April 1944, she departed San Diego for Puget Sound and conversion to a high-speed transport. Reclassified APD-25 on 20 May, she returned to San Diego in June; underwent amphibious training, and in July steamed for Hawaii. During late July and early August, she trained with underwater demolition teams (UDT). On 10 August, UDT 10 reported aboard, and on 12 August, Rathburne continued west.

    After rehearsals in the Solomons, Rathburne sortied from Purvis Bay with TG 32.5 on 6 September. Six days later, she arrived off the Palaus to begin her first combat operations, the Peleliu and Angaur preinvasion bombardment and minesweeping operations. On 14 September she offloaded UDT 10, supported them with gunfire as they cleared the approaches to the Angaur beaches, and reembarked them on 15 September. Rathburne resumed covering fire for UDT 8, after reembarking UDT 10, then on 16 September took up screening duties. On 19 September, she departed Angaur and headed for Ulithi, where UDT 10 reconnoitered the Falalop and Asor beaches, beginning on 21 September. By 23 September the atoll had been occupied and Rathburne moved south, to New Guinea and the Admiralties, to prepare for the invasion of Leyte.

    On 18 October, the APD entered Leyte Gulf. The next day, UDT 10 went ashore on Red Beach in the northern assault area between Palo and San Ricardo. Through the morning, Rathburne provided covering fire and shortly after noon pulled the team off the beach. On 20 October, she covered the landings, and then shifted to fire support off the Dulag beaches. Detached, soon after her arrival, she began messenger and passenger runs between the northern and southern transport areas. The next day, she transited Surigao Strait en route to Kossol Roads, the Admiralties, the Solomons, and New Caledonia. At the end of November she steamed west, for New Guinea. In December, she prepared for the Luzon offensive. On the 27th, she sailed for Lingayen Gulf. Assigned to TU 77.2.1, the San Fabian fire support group, she acted as part of the antiaircraft screen en route and splashed two enemy planes on 5 January 1945. The following day she was in Lingayen Gulf, screening larger ships bombarding the assault area. On 7 January, she landed UDT 10 on Blue Beach and covered them as they reconnoitered the area to destroy natural and manmade obstacles. On the 8th she resumed bombardment activities.

    On 9 January, troops went ashore, and from then until 11 January, Rathburne alternated fire support duty with patrols in the transport area. On 11 January, she got underway for Leyte, but 14 days later headed back to Luzon to provide support during the push against Manila. UDT 10, disembarked on 29 January, reported no opposition at San Narciso, but Rathburne remained in the area until after the landings. By 3 February, Rathburne was back in San Pedro Bay, whence, the next day, she sailed for Saipan. From Saipan, she carried mail to Iwo Jima in early March, then at mid-month she returned to the Bonin-Volcano area for antisubmarine patrol duty. On 22 February, she departed the area; transported prisoners of war to Guam; and prepared for duty off Okinawa. Escorting LST Group 91 en route, Rathburne arrived at Kerama Retto on 18 April. The next day, she shifted to the Hagushi anchorage and took up screening and escort duty. On the evening of 27 April, she was on patrol off Hagushi. Air alerts had been called throughout the day. At about 2200, her radar picked up an enemy plane on the port quarter, 3,700 yards (3,383 m) out but closing fast.

    Increasing speed, changing course, and antiaircraft fire did not deter the kamikaze. He crashed the port bow on the waterline. Three compartments were flooded. Sound gear was put out of commission. Fires broke out on the forecastle. But there were no casualties. Damage control parties soon extinguished the fires and contained the flooding. Rathburne, slowed to 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph), made for Kerama Retto. By mid-May, temporary repairs had been completed and she was underway for San Diego. Arriving on 18 June, she was reconverted to a destroyer and reclassified DD-113 on 20 July. Still on the west coast when hostilities ceased in mid-August, Rathburne was ordered to the east coast for inactivation. Sailing on 29 September, she arrived at Philadelphia on 16 October and was decommissioned on 2 November 1945. Struck from the Navy list on 28 November, she was sold for scrapping to the Northern Metals Co., Philadelphia, in November 1946.

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  30. #3380

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    I see we hit the 275,000 sales overnight Chris.
    Well done the team.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  31. #3381

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    Congrats guys and many thanks again for your continued hard work

    Where did you get the figure of 275,000 from Rob? I'm obviously blind as a bat, so point me in the right direction if you would be so kind

  32. #3382

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Congrats guys and many thanks again for your continued hard work

    Where did you get the figure of 275,000 from Rob? I'm obviously blind as a bat, so point me in the right direction if you would be so kind
    Mike, if you go to - Forum-Todays' posts-- 100 years ago today; the figure is on the right top corner of the post and is now over 275,000.

  33. #3383

  34. #3384

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    A massive thank you to all our readers - 275,000 that's not half bad... and all from an idea that germinated whilst killing time in a New York hotel lobby waiting for my wife and daughter to get changed... its been some journey over the past four years.
    Not long to go now...

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    25th June 1918

    Probably won't get today's finished before the clock strikes Tuesday - but will complete tomorrow as soon as possible - real life a little hectic at the moment

    The steamship Orissa is torpedoed and sinks in the North Atlantic twenty-one miles south west from Skerryvore killing six of the crew. The explosion took place about twenty feet from the store room where some members of the crew including Boatswain Hugh Brown and his son who was the Steward’s Boy are receiving their tobacco issue. The store room is immediately flooded but the Boatswain and his son are able to fight their way to the stairway leading to the weather deck, the bottom stairs of which have been blown away. The boy manages to reach the weather deck but Brown then hears the Storekeeper who is still in the flooded store room calling for help. As soon as he has been assured of his son’s safety Brown wishes the boy farewell and though he could probably have saved himself he turns back in the hope of assisting the Storekeeper. The ship sinks not long after and neither the Boatswain nor the Storekeeper is seen again. For his actions Boatswain Brown is posthumously awarded the Albert Medal. Hugh Brown dies at age forty-three.

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    WESTERN FRONT
    Marne – Battle of Belleau Wood ends: US 2nd Division and US 4th Marine Brigade (5,200 casualties) capture objective 5 miles west of Chateau-Thierry.

    On 26 June, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, under command of Major Maurice E. Shearer, supported by two companies of the 4th Machine Gun Battalion and the 15th Company of the 6th Machine Gun Battalion, made an attack on Belleau Wood, which finally cleared that forest of Germans. On that day, Major Shearer submitted a report simply stating, "Woods now U.S. Marine Corps entirely", ending one of the bloodiest and most ferocious battles U.S. forces would fight in the war.

    United States forces suffered 9,777 casualties, included 1,811 killed.Many are buried in the nearby Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. There is no clear information on the number of German soldiers killed, although 1,600 were taken prisoner.

    After the battle, the French renamed the wood "Bois de la Brigade de Marine" ("Wood of the Marine Brigade") in honor of the Marines' tenacity. The French government also later awarded the 4th Brigade the Croix de guerre. An official German report classified the Marines as "vigorous, self-confident, and remarkable marksmen ..."General Pershing—commander of the AEF—even said, "The deadliest weapon in the world is a United States Marine and his rifle." Pershing also said "the Battle of Belleau Wood was for the U.S. the biggest battle since Appomattox and the most considerable engagement American troops had ever had with a foreign enemy."

    Legend and lore has it that the Germans used the term "Teufelshunde" ("devil dogs") for the Marines. However, this has not been confirmed, as the term was not commonly known in contemporary German. The closest common German term would be "Höllenhunde" which means "hellhound".

    Regardless of the term's origin, ten years after the battle, Lieutenant Colonel Ernst Otto, from the Historical Section of the German Army, wrote of the Marine Corps; "Their fiery advance and great tenacity were well recognized by their opponents

    AIR WAR
    Germany: Karlsruhe bombed by DH9s (1 lost, forced landing) of No 104 squadron; many houses and workshops damaged. 1 aircraft hit by flak and lost; 2 fighters shot down; 5 Handley Pages damage permanent way at Metz-Sablon.
    Western Front: *Fonck destroys 3 German aircraft out of 7 lost today.

    HOME FRONTS

    USA: First of 45 Japan-built ships arrives. Now 5,810 US Army dentists, 58 at outset.
    Britain: General Smith-Dorrien Gouverneur of Gibraltar.

    Air Ministry, June 25th.

    On the morning of the 25th inst. attacks were successfully carried out against the railway sidings and factories at Saarbrücken, the engine sheds and barracks at Offenburg and the explosives factory works and railway station at Karlsruhe. Many direct hits were observed on the engine sheds at Offenburg, and also on the barracks. At Karlsruhe two direct hits were observed on the engine sheds and on the Metallurgique works, causing a large explosion. This is confirmed by photographs. The factories and station at Saarbrücken were damaged. In the course of many attacks by hostile aeroplanes on our machines two of the enemy were shot down and two others were driven down. Three of our machines are missing, one of which is known to have been forced to land in the enemy's lines with engine trouble.”

    General Headquarters, June 26th.

    “Weather conditions on June 25th were unfavourable for artillery observation but some hostile batteries were located and reported by our machines. A number of reconnaissances were carried out, also, and photographs taken. In air fighting, 10 enemy aeroplanes were destroyed and four driven down out of control. Seven of our own machines are missing. The total weight of bombs dropped during the day and the night following amounted to 10 tons.”

    RAF Communiqué number 13:

    Weather overcast. Visibility bad.

    Seventeen reconnaissances, ten contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Five hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation and five neutralized; 20 zone calls sent. Six and three-quarter tons of bombs dropped.

    On the 25th, 14 hostile batteries were engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 35 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity was slight except on the southern part of the front.

    E.A. were brought down by the following Capt C N Lowe, No 24 Squadron; Capt A Claydon, No 32 Squadron; 2nd Lieut N Roberts and 2nd Lieut C C Walmsley, No 48 Squadron; Major K R Park and 2nd Lieut H Knowles, No 48 Squadron; Capt R A James, No 54 Squadron; Capt J l T Jones, No 74 Squadron (2); Lieut E W Springs, No 85 Squadron; Lieut A Cunningham-Reid, No 85 Squadron; Lieut J P West and Sergeant E Antcliffe, No 88 Squadron; Lieut H G Watson, 4th Squadron A.F.C.; Capt A H Cobby, 4th Squadron, A.F.C.

    Lieut J D I Hardman, 19 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Comines at 07:15/08:15 -
    Capt C N Lowe, 24 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Contalmaison at 11:10/12:10 -
    Lieut J P West & Sergt E Antcliffe, 88 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Thourout at 11:15/12:15 -
    Maj K R Park & 2nd-Lieut H Knowles, 48 Sqn, Rumpler C out of control Wiencourt at 11:25/12:25 -
    2nd-Lieut G B Foster, 24 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Contalmaison at 11:30/12:30 -
    Maj K R Park & 2nd-Lieut H Knowles, 48 Sqn, DFW C crashed Baynovillers at 11:30/12:30 -
    2nd-Lieut N Roberts & 2nd-Lieut C C Walmsley, 48 Sqn, Fokker DVII captured east of Foucaucourt at 11:45/12:45 -
    2nd-Lieut H A Oaks & 2nd-Lieut G J Maynard, 48 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Foucaucourt - Rosičres at 11:45/12:45 - Ltn d R Fritz Hilberger, Jasta 13, Kia [?]
    Capt F C Ransley & 2nd-Lieut C W Davies, 48 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Foucaucourt - Rosičres at 11:45/12:45 - Ltn d R Fritz Hilberger, Jasta 13, Kia [?]
    Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control west of Estaires at 12:15/13:15 -
    Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, Halberstadt CL in flames Steenwerck at 12:15/13:15 -
    Lieut C F Falkenberg, 84 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Chipilly at 13:30/14:30 -
    Capt J V Sorsoleil, 84 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Chipilly at 13:30/14:30 -
    2nd-Lieut D M Darroch & Lieut B A Tussaud, 103 Sqn, Scout out of control Estaires at 15:00/16:00 -
    Lieut E W Springs, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed east of Kemmel at 16:10/17:10 – confirmed by another pilot
    Maj R Collishaw, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Dixmude - Nieuport at 18:00/19:00 -
    Capt A Claydon, 32 Sqn, two-seater crashed Fleurbaix - Laventie at 18:15/19:15 -
    Lieut A S Cunningham-Reid, 85 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Nieppe at 18:45/19:45 -
    Lieut A S Cunningham-Reid, 85 Sqn, two-seater crashed east of Ypres at 19:15/20:15 – confirmed by A.A. [in flames according to 2 Brigade summary]
    Capt H A James, 54 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames south-east of Ypres at 19:25/20:25 – confirmed by A.A.
    Capt A H Cobby, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout broke up Estaires - Laventie at 19:35/20:35 – confirmed by another pilot
    Lieut H G Watson, 4 AFC, AGO C crashed south-east of Estaires at 19:40/20:40 – confirmed by another pilot

    Casualties:

    Lieut J E Drummond (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut J W Whitmarsh (Wia), 48 Sqn, Bristol F.2B – combat?
    2nd-Lieut G A Sweet (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut C R F Goodyear (Kia), 55 Sqn IF, DH4 B7866 - last seen over lines going down under control during bombing Saarbrücken
    Lieut H Sanders (Ok)& 2nd-Lieut W W L Jenkins (Wia; dow), 99 Sqn IF, DH9 - shot up on bomb raid Offenburg; Vzfw Heidfeld, Kest 5, 1st victory [Offenberg, no time] ?
    Lieut E W Mundy (Wia) & 2nd-Lieut H A B Jackson (Wia; dow), 104 Sqn IF, DH9 C6260 - shot by enemy aircraft on day bombing raid Karlsruhe
    Lieut A W Robertson (Wia) & Lieut M H Cole (Ok), 104 Sqn IF, DH9 D1675 - shot by enemy aircraft on day bombing raid Karlsruhe

    Lieut N S Harper (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut D G Benson (Kia), 99 Sqn IF, DH9 D5570 – took off 04:45/05:45 and last seen at 10,000 feet going down under control south of Strasbourg with several EA following on bomb raid Offenburg; Vzfw Heinz Heidfeld, Kest 5, 1st victory [Offenburg, no time] ?

    Lieut S C M Pontin (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut J Arnold (Pow), 104 Sqn IF, DH9 C2170 – took off 09:35/10:35 and last seen going down Vosges apparently with engine trouble on bomb raid Karlsruhe; Sgt Willi Rössel, Kest 1B, 1st victory [Karlsruhe, no time] ?

    Lieut E B Wilson (Wia), 24 Sqn RAF, SE5a C1800 – took off 09:45/10:45 then petrol tank set on fire by EA and destroyed by fire in forced landing Bouzincourt during OP; Vzfw Fritz Rumey, Js5, 24th victory [west of Albert - near Roye, no time] ? Bouzincourt is north-west of Albert

    Capt C N Lowe (Ok), 24 Sqn, SE5a C6452 - force landed Sh57d.N.10.c [west of Raincheval] 11:20/12:20 after propellor smashed by enemy gunfire from ground on OP

    Lieut N H Muirden (Pow) & Lieut J Roberts (Pow), 48 Sqn RAF, Bristol F.2B C4719 – took off 10:40/11:40 and last seen entering combat with formation of EA and falling to earth apparently out of control 11:30/12:30 on OP Foucacourt; Ltn Kurt Hetze, Js13, 2nd victory [south of Albert at 11:50/12:50] ?

    Lieut F Cabburn (Kia) & Sergt W Lauder (Kia), 48 Sqn RAF, Bristol F.2B C789 – took off 10:40/11:40 and last seen entering combat with formation 11:30/12:30 and falling to earth out of control on patrol; Ltn d R Ulrich Neckel, Js12, 15th victory [south of Albert at 11:40/12:40] ?

    2nd-Lieut F Daltrey (Pow) & 224388 1/Pte R Sheppard (Kia), 206 Sqn RAF, DH9 C2176 - last seen 2 miles east of Ostende 11:30/12:30 at 5,000 feet under heavy A.A. fire on bombing raid to Ostende; anti-aircraft fire
    Lieut G Richmond (Ok) & Sergt F Sefton (Ok), 98 Sqn, DH9 C6170 – took off 16:10/17:10 then attacked by enemy aircraft over lines and shot through during bombing raid
    1st Lieut H B Bradley (Kia), 1 Sqn RAF, SE5a C1102 – took off 16:35/17:35 and last seen near Bac St Maur 17:25/18:25 on offensive patrol; often said to be Ltn d R Paul Billik, Js52, 21st victory [south-west of Doulieu at 17:26/18:26] but time?
    Lieut W H Stubbs (Pow; dow), 54 Sqn RAF, Camel B7164 – took off 18:15/19:15 and last seen at 1,000 feet west of Bailleul 19:00/20:00 under control on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Carl Degelow, Js40, 6th victory [Zandvoorde at 19:25/20:25]
    Lieut O J F Lloyd-Jones (Pow), 54 Sqn RAF, Camel C8238 – took off 18:15/19:15 and last seen at 12,000 feet Foret de Nieppe 19:00/20:00 on offensive patrol; Ltn d R Wilhelm Oberstadt, Js56, 2nd victory [Zandvoorde at 19:30/20:30] ?
    Lieut E Nightingale (Kia), 201 Sqn, Camel B7278 - last seen by Lieut Gates going down in flames followed by 7 EA east of Villers Bretonneux 19:00/20:00 on special mission

    The following claims were made on this day

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    Amongst the many doubles today were Ernst Udet (again) and Keith Park (48 Squadron - flying a Bristol Fighter)

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    There were 22 British airmen lost on this day

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    An interesting debate in the House of Commons on this day - as reported in Hansard

    ENEMY ALIENS.
    HC Deb 25 June 1918 vol 107 cc878-9 878

    Sir R. COOPER asked the Undersecretary of State for War if the Intelligence Department of the War Office is frequently prevented from taking action against enemy aliens and suspected spies by pressure or instructions from the Home Office?
    Mr. MACPHERSON As regards enemy aliens, I would explain that the War Office has no executive powers for taking action against any person on grounds of enemy nationality or on any ground of nationality alone. Subject to this, the answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative.
    Sir R. COOPER Is it the fact that the Intelligence Department of the War Office has perfect freedom, without reference to the other Departments, to take action against a suspected person?
    Mr. MACPHERSON That raises a very difficult question.
    Captain DOUGLAS HALL Have they means of dealing with enemy aliens?
    Mr. MACPHERSON That is a question for the Home Office.
    Mr. KING asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mr. Malivanski, who, after having four times told the police his new residence, was summoned for not having registered it and sentenced to three months' hard labour, was suffering from advanced phthisis and other disorders, was so ill on admission to prison that he could not sweep his cell, lost 2 stone in prison, and was taken to Newcastle for deportation in handcuffs and chained to a gang of others, though in a state of extreme weakness; on what date was the deportation order in this case 879 signed; whether it is customary to chain sick persons ordered for deportation in gangs of six when on the train in charge of warders; what State Regulation or Order authorises such treatment; and on what date was Mr. Malivanski deported?
    Mr. BRACE None of the facts are correctly stated by the hon. Member. Malivanski changed his residence without notifying the police of his intention to do so, as required by the Aliens Restriction Order, and it was only as a result of prolonged inquiry by the police that nearly three weeks later he was traced and attended at the police station. He appealed against his conviction, and his appeal was dismissed.
    The report of the medical officer at Pentonville Prison shows that he was in fair health on admission, and that, though suffering from tuberculosis, he was not in need of hospital treatment. He lost only 3 lbs. in prison, not 2 st., and was not in a state of extreme weakness when taken to Newcastle. In accordance with the usual practice, he and the other prisoners travelling with him were fastened together with a light chain. The expulsion order made in the case was signed on the 25th May, but, as it proved impracticable to send him to Russia within a reasonable time of the end of his sentence, he was released some weeks ago.

    Mr. KING Is it not the fact—disregarding other matters—that this man was not deported because the Home Office were afraid that they could not get him alive on board ship, and that now he is in hospital?
    Mr. BRACE No; certainly not.

    Captain Tunstill's Men: Information was received of a possible renewal of the recent Austrian attacks and consequently the British attack which had been planned for 27th June (see 24th June) was cancelled. As a result, the Battalion was relieved by 8Yorks and moved back into support positions near Mount Torle, from where they would provide working parties for the Royal Engineers. This support for the Royal Engineers was part of a larger plan to reinforce the British defences following the shocks delivered by the Battle of the Solstice. A key component would be the strengthening of the rock-cut dugouts which had not proved as secure under Austrian barrage as had been hoped.

    Following 11 days’ treatment for influenza, Pte. Jonas Yoxall (see 14th June) was discharged from 23rd Division Rest Station and re-joined the Battalion.

    Cpl. William Foulds (see 14th June), suffering from swollen glands in his neck, was transferred from 11th General Hospital in Genoa to 81st Stationary Hospital in Marseilles.

    Pte. Charles Knight (see 18th May), who was on attachment to a working party at Rocchetto Station, was reported for ‘drunkenness and being absent from his billet; he was ordered to undergo five days’ Field Punishment no.1.

    Pte. Cyril Hollingsworth (see 21st April), who had been in England since March, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  35. #3385

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    "Killing time in a New York hotel lobby" huh? Well here's to that moment of inspiration
    Bye the bye, was that a Bristol I noticed just now? Unusual
    Cheers again Chris

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    Good evening loyal readers this evening's edition is brought to you couresy of the smooth taste of a 16 year old Glen Morangie and the music of 'All Them Witches' (check them out on youtube - brilliant)

    June 26th 1918

    The roadstead and military works at Durazzo are bombed during the day with visible results by a squadron of British aircraft and a squadron of seaplanes from the Italian Navy. The enemy machines that rise to fight are compelled to withdraw and do not succeed in preventing the action of the Allied squadrons, all of whose machines returned undamaged to their bases.

    General Headquarters, June 27th.

    “Seven German machines were brought down by our airmen on June 26th, and two others were driven down out of control. Two of our aeroplanes are missing. With the improvement of the weather, more photographic and artillery observation work was accomplished than has been possible for some time. Day bombing machines dropped 14˝ tons of explosives on enemy railway station, dumps transport, and billets, and on Bruges Docks. On the night of June 26th-27th bombing operations continued, and 16 tons of bombs were dropped by our night-flying machines on various targets without loss.”

    Air Ministry, June 26th

    “On the night of the 25th-26th inst. successful attacks were made by us on the enemy ‘s aerodrome at Belcham. Observation was difficult, but much damage is believed to have been done, and a fire started. Bombs were released from low altitudes and machine guns fired into the hangars, trains were attacked by machine gun fire by low-flying machines, and one was brought to a standstill. A large number of bombs was also dropped on the railway sidings at Metz-Sablon. On the 26th inst. the railway establishments and powder works at Karlsruhe were attacked with good results. The powder works, the main station and other railway buildings were hit. Our formations were heavily attacked by hostile aeroplanes. Three of our machines have not returned.

    Admiralty, June 29th.

    “Weather conditions during the period June 24th to 26th inclusive have not been generally favourable for operations. Air Force contingents working with the Navy have, however, carried out continuous offensive operations, some 15 tons of bombs being dropped on enemy targets and fires started. Enemy aircraft have been active, and three enemy machines were driven down. Two of our machines are missing. In Home waters during the same period anti-submarine, escort, and hostile aircraft patrols have been maintained by seaplanes, aeroplanes, and airships. Hostile submarines have been sighted and attacked. Enemy mines have been located and destroyed, and Allied and neutral ships have been escorted.”

    RAF Communiqué number 13:

    Weather cloudy, with bright intervals.

    Twenty-three reconnaissances, 11 contact and counter-attack patrols; 72 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 9 neutralized; 66 zone calls.

    Eighteen and a quarter tons of bombs dropped.

    On the 26th, 11 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation, and fire observed on 53 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity was slight.

    E.A. were brought down by the following: - Lieut C J Venter, No 29 Squadron; Capt G E H McElroy, No 40 Squadron; Capt A A Leitch, No 65 Squadron; Major R Collishae, No 203 Squadron, Capt H A Patey, No 210 Squadron; Capt L P Coombes, Lieut K R Unger, Lieut J C Sanderson, No 210 Squadron (1); Lieut S C Joseph, No 210 Squadron; Lieut R King, 4th Squadron A.F.C.; Lieut H G Watson, 4th Squadron, A.F.C.

    Capt G E H McElroy, 40 Sqn, DFW C crashed south-east of Annay at 06:55/07:55 -
    Lieut C J Venter, 29 Sqn, Hannover CL crashed south-east of Kemmel at 17:45/18:45 -
    Lieut P T Iaccaci & 2nd-Lieut F J Ralph, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control [by Iaccaci] Armentičres at 19:00/20:00 -
    Capt H A Patey, 210 Sqn, Halberstadt CL in flames south-west of Armentičres at 19:20/20:20 -
    Capt L P Coombes, Lieut K R Unger and Lieut I C Sanderson, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed west of Armentičres at 19:20/20:20 - OFlugM Kurt Schonfelder, Jasta 7, Kia
    Lieut S C Joseph, 210 Sqn, LVG C in flames north of Armentičres at 19:25/20:25 -
    Capt L P Coombes, Lieut K R Unger and Lieut I C Sanderson, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Ypres - ****ebusch at 19:45/20:45 -
    Capt L P Coombes, Lieut K R Unger and Lieut I C Sanderson, 210 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Ypres - ****ebusch at 19:45/20:45 -
    Capt L P Coombes, Lieut K R Unger and Lieut I C Sanderson, 210 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Ypres - ****ebusch at 19:45/20:45 -
    Maj R Collishaw, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Bussy (north of Noyon) at 20:00/21:00 -
    Lieut R King, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout in flames Armentičres at 20:05/21:05 – confirmed by 2 other pilots
    Capt A H Cobby, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout out of control Armentičres - Haubourdin at 20:05/21:05 -
    Lieut H G Watson, 4 AFC, Pfalz Scout in flames south-east of Armentičres at 20:05/21:05 – confirmed by another pilot
    Lieut A A Leitch, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Albert at 20:30/21:30 - Ltn Wilhelm Lehmann, Jasta 5, Kia [?]
    Lieut A A Leitch, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control east of Albert at 20:30/21:30 -
    1st Lieut F E Kindley, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control smoking east of Albert at 20:35/21:35 - Ltn Wilhelm Lehmann, Jasta 5, Kia [?]

    Casualties:

    2nd-Lieut F F H Bryan (Pow) & 105048 Sergt A Boocock (Pow), 55 Sqn IF, DH4 A8073 - seen to go down under control south of Strasburg and land in field just north of Saverne during bombing Karlsruhe
    2nd-Lieut C G Jenyns (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut H C Davis (Kia), 104 Sqn IF, DH9 C6265 - lost over enemy lines on day bombing raid Karlsruhe

    One credited claim was to Ltn d R Willi Rosenstein, Kest 1b, 3rd victory [Kefferdingen – west of Hagenau, no time], said to be Bryan & Boocock; my response to this suggestion was “unlikely, this crew went down north of Saverne, some 35 Km west of Hagenau; if the claim location should be Hagenbach, then a potential match is Jenyns & Davis since they were lost bombing Karlsruhe, 11 Km east of Hagenbach”

    Lieut B A Hewett (Ok), 213 Sqn, Camel D3411 - force landed near Wormhout after attack by 4 Fokker biplanes over Ypres on high offensive patrol
    2nd-Lieut J E Doe (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut A J Elvin (Pow), 48 Sqn RAF, Bristol F.2B C818 – took off 03:45/04:45 then missing on reconnaissance Villers-Bretonneux; hit by anti-aircraft fire 05:00/06:00
    Lieut T H Broadley (Ok) & Sergt F R Bower (Wia), 62 Sqn RAF, Bristol F.2B B1273 – took off 06:15/07:15 then crashed on landing at dummy aerodrome Senlecques after observer wounded in combat on offensive patrol Lille area
    2nd-Lieut B Critchley (Wia; Dow), 80 Sqn RAF, Camel D1777 - shot down by A.A. Annequin
    Lieut C Eaton (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut Tatnall (Ok), 206 Sqn, DH9 D2783 – took off 18:08/19:08 then force landed after shot through by E.A. fire during bombing Estrée-Blanche
    2nd-Lieut C D Boothman (Kia), 210 Sqn RAF, Camel D9614 – took off 18:15/19:15 and last seen over Armentičres 19:10/20:10 on patrol; Ltn d R Josef Jacobs, Js7, 22nd victory [Menin at 19:15/20:15] ?
    Lieut E C Eaton (Kia), 65 Sqn RAF, Camel D6630 – took off 19:30/20:30 and last seen being attacked by Pfalz scouts north-east of Albert 20:30/21:30 on offensive patrol

    Three Aces lost their lives on this day

    Lieutenant Edward Carter Eaton 65 Squadron RAF After serving on the Western Front with the 60th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, Edward Carter Eaton, the son of Edward C. & Isabella (Carter) Eaton, transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. Later that year, he was assigned to 65 Squadron as a Sopwith Camel pilot. He was credited with five confirmed victories before he was killed in action by Fritz Rumey of Jasta 5.

    Oberflugmeister Kurt Schönfelde Schönfelder was a naval pilot attached to Jasta 7. He was killed in combat when his black Fokker D.VII, distinctively marked with a gold star on the fuselage, was shot down by the Sopwith Camels of 210 Squadron.

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    Leutnant Werner Steinhäuser Jasta 11. After downing a balloon with FA(A) 261, Steinhäuser joined Jasta 11 at the end of 1917. He was wounded in action and forced to land on 17 March 1918. Having scored ten victories, he was killed in action when his Fokker DR.I was shot down over Neuilly.

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    The following claims were made on this day

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    There were two outstanding performances today - both pilots climbing four victories, one of them opening his account with 4 in one day !

    Captain Lawrence Percival Coombes MC 210 Squadron RAF

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    Born in India and educated in London, Lawrence Percival Coombes joined the Royal Naval Air Service in July 1917. Assigned to 12 Naval Squadron in January 1918, he was posted to 10 Naval Squadron two weeks later. After downing 15 enemy aircraft as a Sopwith Camel pilot, he returned to England in August 1918 and served the remainder of the war as an instructor with 204 Training Squadron in Eastchurch. Discharged from the Royal Air Force in March 1919, Coombes and two friends spent the summer barnstorming throughout Lancashire in surplus B.E.2e's. After obtaining a degree in engineering from London University, Coombes was employed by the Royal Aircraft Establishment and later served as technical advisor to the 1927 Schnieder Trophy Team. He emigrated to Australia in 1938 when he was selected to establish the Aero Research Laboratory in Melbourne. In 1960, while serving as a United Nations advisor, Coombes helped India establish its first aeronautical research laboratories.

    Coombes personal records were deposited with the La Trobe Library, State Library of Victoria, in 1993.

    Lieutenant Kenneth Russell Unger DFC (American) 210 Squadron RAF

    Rejected by the armed forces of his own country, Kenneth Russell Unger went to Canada and joined the Royal Flying Corps in June 1917. Posted to 210 Squadron on 18 June 1918 he scored 14 victories flying the Sopwith Camel. On 26 June 1918 he shot down a Fokker D.VII piloted by Kurt Schonfelder.

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    HOME FRONTS
    Britain: London Labour Conference (until June 28) ends political truce. Prime Minister appeals to women to help harvest.
    USA: Sugar rationing, 3lb per head per month (reduced to 2lb on July 26).
    Germany: Ludendorff angrily rejects Colonel Thaer’s idea that he be Chancellor or dictator.

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    SEA WAR
    North Sea: British Harwich shore*-controlled minefield sinks UC-11.

    SM UC-11 was a German Type UC I minelayer submarine or U-boat in the German Imperial Navy (German: Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. The U-boat was ordered on 23 November 1914, laid down on 26 January 1915, and was launched on 11 April 1915. She was commissioned into the German Imperial Navy on 23 April 1915 as SM UC-11. Mines laid by UC-11 in her 83 patrols were credited with sinking 27 ships. UC-11 was mined and sunk on 26 June 1918. A crew member was Rudolf Finkler from Oberlinxweiler, Kreis St. Wendel, Germany. According to his death record the boat went down in the North Sea near Harwich, abt. 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km; 2.9 mi) north east of Funk Feuerschiff on position 51°55′N 1°41′E.

    A German Type UC I submarine, UC-11 had a displacement of 168 tonnes (165 long tons) when at the surface and 182 tonnes (179 long tons) while submerged. She had a length overall of 33.99 m (111 ft 6 in), a beam of 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in), and a draught of 3.06 m (10 ft). The submarine was powered by one Benz six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine producing 80 metric horsepower (59 kW; 79 shp), an electric motor producing 175 metric horsepower (129 kW; 173 shp), and one propeller shaft. She was capable of operating at depths of up to 50 metres (160 ft). The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 6.20 knots (11.48 km/h; 7.13 mph) and a maximum submerged speed of 5.22 knots (9.67 km/h; 6.01 mph). When submerged, she could operate for 50 nautical miles (93 km; 58 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 910 nautical miles (1,690 km; 1,050 mi) at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph). UC-11 was fitted with six 100 centimetres (39 in) mine tubes, twelve UC 120 mines, and one 8 millimetres (0.31 in) machine gun. She was built by AG Weser Bremen and her complement was fourteen crew members

    SS Wimmera was a passenger steamship that was built in 1904 by Caird & Company in Greenock, Scotland, for Huddart Parker & Co of Melbourne, Australia. She was sunk on 26 June 1918 following contact with a German mine north of Cape Maria van Diemen, New Zealand, killing 26 passengers and crew.

    At 10:00 am on 25 June 1918 the ship left Auckland, New Zealand, bound for Sydney, Australia, via Three Kings Islands. There were 76 passengers and 75 crew aboard. Her route was to take her north towards the Three Kings Islands where she would turn west and south toward Sydney. However, at 5:15 a.m. on 26 June 1918 she struck a mine laid by the German merchant raider SMS Wolf and sank.

    The 16 Australian merchant seamen who were killed are commemorated by the Australian Merchant Seamen's Memorial at the Australian War Memorial.

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    AIR WAR
    Germany: 11 of 20 DHs (1 DH4, 2 DH9s lost) attack factories and railways at Karlsruhe; a DH9 of No 104 Squadron loses its way, violates Swiss border and is brought down by anti-aircraft fire (crew interned). 3 Handley Pages bomb Mannheim, Saarbruecken and Boulay airfields (night June 26-27).

    Captain Tunstill's Men: Over the next few days the Battalion would provide large working parties for the Royal Engineers, “for wiring and for making the strong points in front of the line and on the San Sisto Ridge”. Much of the labour was involved with creating deep dugouts which would afford greater protection against enemy shelling. Under the direction of Major Bullock of the Royal Engineers, British troops, supported by Italian labour, would create “large underground chambers by blasting down from the surface; the dugouts then being roofed by layers of heavy timber, iron and concrete”.

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  37. #3387

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    Advance warning - Thursday's edition will not be posted until the Friday as Thursday is my work leaving do and I'm not going to be back much before 01:00hrs (and probably not in the most sober of conditions either)

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  38. #3388

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Advance warning - Thursday's edition will not be posted until the Friday as Thursday is my work leaving do and I'm not going to be back much before 01:00hrs (and probably not in the most sober of conditions either)
    Be sure to get one of your pilot colleagues to fly you home then. Preferably one who doesn't drink!

  39. #3389

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    May your leaving party be as good as mine was Chris.
    A decade on, and I still have not sobered up.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  40. #3390

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    Congratulations Chris - I'll drink a toast to your retirement from here oops!

  41. #3391

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rebel View Post
    Be sure to get one of your pilot colleagues to fly you home then. Preferably one who doesn't drink!
    Putting my trust in the midnight train - what can possibly go wrong ???

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  42. #3392

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    Well its been a long time since we have seen the duplication fairy - looks like that is my next challenge

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  43. #3393

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    27th June 1918

    The Hospital Ship Llandovery Castle (Captain E A Sylvester) assigned to the Canadian Naval Medical Service is sunk by the German submarine U-86 returning to Europe after delivering wounded and sick Canadians to their home. A torpedo strikes her amidships on the port side and the damage is so extensive that the ship sinks in about ten minutes. There is no panic on board the sinking ship and Captain Sylvester is the last man to leave her. At least three lifeboats get away clear of the sinking ship. Of the entire ship’s company of two hundred fifty-eight only twenty-four survive; and of these only six, one officer and five other ranks, are from the ninety-seven in the medical personnel. The lost includes the entire complement of nursing sisters, a total of fourteen. The attack is made with utter savagery; even the escaping lifeboats are pursued and sunk. Among those killed is

    Chaplain the Reverend Donald George MacPhail (attached British Columbia Regiment) who dies at age 55.
    Trimmer George Broadbent at age 35. He has two brothers who have been previously killed in the Great War, the first in April 1917 the second in January of this year.
    Corporal Neville Raymond Stevenson Carater (Canadian Army Medical Corps) is among the dead at age 37. He is the grandson of the late Reverend W A Carter.
    Private William Frederick Cates (Canadian Army Medical Corps) is lost at age 30. He is the last of three brothers who lose their lives in the Great War, the first being Second Lieutenant George Edward Cates VC.

    Among the nursing sisters killed are

    Margaret Marjorie Fraser, daughter of the late Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,
    Minnie Katherine Gallaher, daughter of the late Reverend John Gallaher,
    Rena Maud McLean daughter of Senator John McLean of Prince Edward Island. All three were serving in the Canadian Army Medical Corps.

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    HMHS Llandovery Castle, built in 1914 in Glasgow as RMS Llandovery Castle for the Union-Castle Line, was one of five Canadian hospital ships that served in the First World War. On a voyage from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Liverpool, England, the ship was torpedoed off southern Ireland on 27 June 1918. The sinking was the deadliest Canadian naval disaster of the war. Tragically, 234 doctors, nurses, members of the Canadian Army Medical Corps, soldiers and seamen died in the sinking and subsequent machine-gunning of lifeboats. Only 24 people, the occupants on a single life-raft, survived. The incident became infamous internationally as one of the war’s worst atrocities. After the war, the case of Llandovery Castle was one of six British cases presented at the Leipzig trials.

    Under the command of Lt.-Col. Thomas Howard MacDonald of Nova Scotia, HMHS Llandovery Castle was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine SM U-86 on 27 June 1918.[3] Firing at a hospital ship was against international law and standing orders of the Imperial German Navy. The captain of U-86, Helmut Brümmer-Patzig, sought to destroy the evidence of torpedoing the ship. When the crew, including nurses, took to the lifeboats, U-86 surfaced, ran down all but one of the lifeboats and machine-gunned many of the survivors.

    Only 24 people in one surviving lifeboat survived.


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    Lt.-Col. Thomas Howard MacDonald.

    They were rescued shortly afterwards by the destroyer HMS Lysander and testified as to what had happened.

    Only 6 of the 97 hospital personnel survived. Among those lost were fourteen nursing sisters from Canada, including the Matron Margaret Marjory (Pearl) Fraser, formerly of Nova Scotia (daughter of Duncan Cameron Fraser who served as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, 1906-1910 ).

    Sergeant Arthur Knight was on board lifeboat #5 with the nurses. He reported:

    "Our boat was quickly loaded and lowered to the surface of the water. Then the crew of eight men and myself faced the difficulty of getting free from the ropes holding us to the ship's side. I broke two axes trying to cut ourselves away, but was unsuccessful. With the forward motion and choppy sea the boat all the time was pounding against the ship's side. To save the boat we tried to keep ourselves away by using the oars, and soon every one of the latter were broken. Finally the ropes became loose at the top and we commenced to drift away. We were carried towards the stern of the ship, when suddenly the Poop deck seemed to break away and sink. The suction drew us quickly into the vacuum, the boat tipped over sideways, and every occupant went under.

    Matron Margaret Marjory (Pearl) Fraser (daughter of Lt. Governor of Nova Scotia Duncan Cameron Fraser).
    "Unflinchingly and calmly, as steady and collected as if on parade, without a complaint or a single sign of emotion, our fourteen devoted nursing sisters faced the terrible ordeal of certain death--only a matter of minutes--as our lifeboat neared that mad whirlpool of waters where all human power was helpless.
    I estimate we were together in the boat about eight minutes. In that whole time I did not hear a complaint or murmur from one of the sisters. There was not a cry for help or any outward evidence of fear. In the entire time I overheard only one remark when the matron, Nursing Matron Margaret Marjory Fraser, turned to me as we drifted helplessly towards the stern of the ship and asked:
    "Sergeant, do you think there is any hope for us?"
    "I replied, 'No,' seeing myself our helplessness without oars and the sinking condition of the stern of the ship. A few seconds later we were drawn into the whirlpool of the submerged afterdeck, and the last I saw of the nursing sisters was as they were thrown over the side of the boat. All were wearing lifebelts, and of the fourteen two were in their nightdress, the others in uniform. It was doubtful if any of them came to the surface again, although I myself sank and came up three times, finally clinging to a piece of wreckage and being eventually picked up by the captain's boat."
    Afterward, HMS Morea steamed through the wreckage. Captain Kenneth Cummins recalled the horror of coming across the nurses' floating corpses;

    "We were in the Bristol Channel, quite well out to sea, and suddenly we began going through corpses. The Germans had sunk a British hospital ship, the Llandovery Castle, and we were sailing through floating bodies. We were not allowed to stop - we just had to go straight through. It was quite horrific, and my reaction was to vomit over the edge. It was something we could never have imagined ... particularly the nurses: seeing these bodies of women and nurses, floating in the ocean, having been there some time. Huge aprons and skirts in billows, which looked almost like sails because they dried in the hot sun."

    After the war, the captain of U-86, Lieutenant Helmut Patzig, and two of his lieutenants, Ludwig Dithmar and John Boldt, were arraigned for trial in Germany on war crimes. On 21 July 1921 Dithmar and Boldt were tried and convicted in the case became famous as one of the "Leipzig trials". Patzig was able to avoid prosecution as he fled the country and avoided extradition; and though Dithmar and Boldt were convicted and sentenced to four years in prison, they both escaped. At the Court of Appeal, both lieutenants were acquitted on the grounds that the captain was solely responsible.

    SOUTHERN FRONTS
    Italy: US 332nd Infantry Regiment lands at Genoa, enters line end of September. Badoglio promoted general for his able staff role in the Piave battle. Foch writes to Diaz urging offensive in mountains, repeats request on July 13.

    SEA WAR
    Eastern Atlantic: U-86 (Patzig) sinks brightly lit from Canada homeward*-bound British hospital ship Llandovery Castle 116 miles off Fastnet Rock (southwest Ireland); 283 die, all excluding 1 lifeboat with 20 survivors. Last hospital ship sinking in which Patzig, rare U-boat commander of both world wars, to fire on survivors.
    North Sea: 4 Royal Navy destroyers fight 8 German without result

    AIR WAR
    Western Front: Lieutenant Steinbrecher of Jasta 46 in Albatros DVa shot down by Sopwith Camel fighters over Somme is first fighter pilot to descend successfully by parachute. Udet in Fokker DVII shot down by French Breguet 14, parachutes and flies again same day on June 29. Germans claim 39 Allied aircraft for loss of 9.
    Germany: 27 DHs (1 lost) attacked by fighters over Thionville (4 shot down).

    Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Ives Lord (Royal Air Force) single-handed attacks and destroys a Fokker biplane. On his return journey he observes one of our formations engaged with a number of Pfalz scouts. Joining in the combat he shoots one down to the ground. A full day’s work is done by reconnaissance, artillery and photographic machines, and by British observation balloons. There is an increase in hostile activity in the air. Twenty German aircraft are reported destroyed and nine others driven down out of control. Bombing is carried out vigorously behind the German lines, and twenty-one tons of bombs are dropped during a twenty-four hour period on railway junctions and other targets.

    The top pilot on the day was Captain Frederic Ives "Fred" Lord 79 Squadron RAF (American) who downed three enemy aircraft

    Attachment 250213

    Frederic Ives Lord enlisted in the U.S. Army but was discharged from the 3rd Texas Infantry when it was learned that he was too young for military service. With an altered birth certificate that declared he was born in 1894, Lord went to Canada where he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps. After completing his training in England, he joined 79 Squadron in France. Flying the Sopwith Dolphin, Lord and four other pilots in the squadron became aces. Post-war became vice-president of the Garland-Lord Aircraft Sales Company.

    Listed as Frederick Ives Lord in the Supplement to the London Gazette, the 1900 and 1920 U.S. censuses, and the 1905 Wisconsin State Census. Listed as Frederic Lord in the California Death Register, the 1910 U.S. census and the Social Security Death Index.

    The following claims were made on this day

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    Another 22 British Airmen were lost on this day

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    Battle of Goychay (Azerbaijani: Göyçay döyüşü, Russian: Гейчайский бой, Turkish: Göyçay Savaşı), was a battle that took place from 27 June, 1918 to 1 July of the same year, between Ottoman–Azerbaijani coalition forces led by Nuri Pasha and Armenian branches of the Bolshevik 11th Army. The initial battle ended in 30 June, but minor clashes continued on 1 July. Being outnumbered 6 to 1, the coalition forces were able to defeat Armenian–Bolshevik forces before reaching Ganja, then headquarters of the Ottoman Islamic Army of the Caucasus. The coalition forces seized control of lands from Goychay to Shamakhi and ended Armenian–Bolshevik rule in the region as a result of the battle.

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    The Shaumian-led Baku Commune decided to launch a military operation to prevent the Ottoman army from recovering in Ganja. Commander of the Military and Maritime Affairs Committee of the Baku People's Commissariat Grigory Korganov signed an order on June 4, 1918 and asked the Red Army to take action. He gave instructions to the Armenian–Bolshevik–Russian forces to capture the plain flat up to Yevlakh and seize the Yevlakh bridge. On June 6, 1918, Armenian and Russian Bolshevik troops set off from Baku to Kazi-Magomed (modern-day Hajigabul). They pillaged Kazi-Magomed and burned down the surrounding villages.

    The Red Army forces, which began to gather at Kazi-Magomed Station, set off on June 10 to go to Ganja, then capital of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. There was a small military unit consisting of Georgians and Azerbaijanis against of the Red Army. Georgian-born Levan Makalov was the commander of this group. The coalition forced seized the Syghyr Station on June 11. During this time, Shaumian learned that the Ottoman military forces had not yet reached Ganja. Armenian residents of Ganja were clashing with the Ottoman–Azerbaijani troops. He wanted to take advantage of this situation, which was in favor of the Baku Commissioner. The seizure of the Syghyr Station was highly encouraging to Shaumian. On a telegram he sent to Vladimir Lenin, he wrote:

    The frontal forces of the military occupied the Syghyr Station on June 11. Our intelligence branch is currently under heavy fire in Karrar Station. Our military forces are moving forward.

    — Stepan Shaumian,

    The headquarters of the Islamic Army of the Caucasus was located in Ganja, then Elisabethpol. The members of the army in Ganja came to the conclusion that there was no physical barrier between them and the railway, and that this situation would pose a great threat to the capital. Nuru Pasha calculated that the real threat to Ganja would come from the Red Army forces near Goychay. The clashes occurred in the Goychay region were a turning point for the Red Army's withdrawal from Azerbaijan and the nation's independence. All the soldiers in the 5th Caucasian infantry division of the Caucasus Army Group did not reach Ganja yet. The 10th Caucasian regiment crossed the Vanadzor–Dilijan road and entered Aghstafa. They reached Goychay in 15th of June. Nazim bey and his soldiers were sent to Myusyuslyu and Kyurdamir fronts. The 10th Caucasian regiment, led by Osman bey, was sent to Garamaryam front. After some days of fighting, the Ottoman forces defeated the Armenian troops, resulting in them retreating to Galakar village.

    Chief of Staff of the Islamic Army of the Caucasus in Myusyuslyu, Nazim bey, instructed Osman bey to carry out an intelligence assault on Armenian–Bolshevik forces. According to the order of Osman bey, the 28th battalion took action on 17 June against the Armenian–Bolshevik forces in the west of Garamaryam. Continuing the operation along the road, the 28th battalion was caught by a Bolshevik ambush, as they failed to take timely measures. After a bloody fight, the Ottoman forces retreated to Veysalli village. Seeing that the situation became dangerous, Osman bey moved his 30th and 28th battalions to protect the 28th battalion from both sides. However, these battalions were attacked by Bolshevik forces in an area of extremely steep valleys and hills. The 29th battalion, which was attacked from both sides, was able to move to Veysalli village after a very bloody fight. During the day, warring sides could not overcome each other in the hot summer weather, and when the darkness fell, they interrupted the clashes and moved to their original positions. This first significant battle of the Ottoman Islamic Army of the Caucasus in the region resulted in failure near Garamaryam. Morale of the Bolsheviks, especially the 3rd division and it's leader Hamazasp Srvandztyan's morale mood had risen dramatically. Thus, they were further strengthened in the occupied Garamaryam and seized some important positions to attack Goychay.

    The Ottoman–Azerbaijani coalition army lost around 200 soldiers in the first battle that occured near Garamaryam village. The number of wounded was 156. The Armenian–Bolshevik forces were able to capture few cannons and ammunition from the coalition army.

    The commander of the 10th regiment ordered Osman bey to distract the Bolsheviks near Garamaryam in order to prevent them from attacking Goychay. Osman bey did not expect additional forces from Ganja to reach the front. The Caucasian Army of Islam troops in Myusyuslyu, under the leadership of Nazim Bey, decided to launch an intelligence attack on the Red Army forces without the permission of the commander Nuru Pasha. They had launched this operation to gather enough information about the power and positions of the enemy without using advanced intelligence arms. At the time of the attack, the reserve forces were not even released. At the same time, the double envelopment maneuver used by the Ottoman army in such battles were not applied

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    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  44. #3394

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    June 28th 1918

    Lieutenant Alec Williamson and Sergeant Edward Hoare (Royal Air Force) achieve their first two victories as a team when they shoot down two Halberstadt’s at Houlthulst Forrest.

    Twenty members of the crew of SS Queen (Captain Carlton Valentine de Mornay Cowper) including

    Signaler Ernest Godfrey ****s (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) are killed when their ship is sunk 130 miles northwest from Cape Villano. His brother was killed last month.
    Signalman Samuel Watmore (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) lost at age 19. His father was killed in action last April.

    SS Queen

    Seems to be some confusion re SS Queen sunk 28 June 1918

    The Official History, Newbolt, Vol 4, has her sunk, in ballast, near Varne Lightship, Strait of Dover, by German destroyers of 17th Half Flotilla, after crew left her, picked up by P34 just before midnight.

    From another source, usually reliable, I have: torpedoed and sunk by U53 130 miles N1/2W Cape Villano, carrying general and coal from Cardiff to Spezia, Italy. Ship owned by Fisher, Alimonda & Co Ltd - London and managed by Rome Steamship Co.

    Extract:

    "Meanwhile, news of the raid had come through to Dover and Dunkirk. Commander W. H. Owen, R.N.R., in the yacht Ombra, was the first to give the alarm. He was somewhere near No. 11A buoy when the 10th Drifter Division was attacked; and as soon as he sighted gun flashes to the westward of him, he reported by wireless (at 10.30 p.m.) that there were " enemy warships 20 miles east of Dover." His signal was confirmed a few minutes later by a message from Calais which ran : " We observe flashes, apparently gun-fire, to the north of Calais from the sea." Admiral Bacon at once passed on the Ombra's signal to Dunkirk and set his available forces in motion. At 10.50 the " Tribal " destroyers, Viking, Mohawk, Tartar, Nubian, Cossack and Amazon, were ordered to slip and proceed; five minutes later the commodore at Dunkirk was ordered to send out the Laforey's division. As these second orders were sent out, Commander Owen sent in a further signal that the forces he had previously reported were " apparently three destroyers firing at object north of me." After sending in his first message he had steamed westwards, and at eleven o'clock was trying to get into touch with the 16th Drifter Division to warn them of the danger. Meanwhile, the two half flotillas of the 9th Flotilla, which had crossed the barrage about an hour before and had slipped past our outpost forces, were getting near the transport line between Dover and the French ports. As they approached the Straits (10.30 to 11.0 p.m.), four British vessels were particularly exposed. Patrol boat P 34 was duty to the north-westward of the Varne; the hospital ship Jan Breydel was crossing to Boulogne, and was still in Gris Nez area, making for Dover; the empty transport Queen was also on her way back from Boulogne, and was between the Varne and the French side; another hospital ship, St. Denis, was steering for Boulogne, and was still on northern side of the Straits. The transports which were cross to Boulogne during the night were, apparently, still well down the Channel and out of danger. The 17th and 18th Half Flotillas pressed well on into the Straits, and found nothing; at a quarter to eleven the 17th reached the southern end of the Colbart, and turned back; the 18th steamed on a little further, and turned north-east at a few minutes after eleven. The Jan Breydel was the first to sight them : at about eleven o'clock, when she was about seven miles northwest of Grisnez, she sighted a group of destroyers which must have been the 17th Half Flotilla. They were to the southward of her, and were crossing her bows. Her captain was unable to signal the news, as he was in charge of a hospital ship, bound by international law to take no part in any warlike operation. Shortly after this, the transport Queen and the hospital ship St. Denis passed one another, near the Varne, on opposite courses. It was noticed from the St. Denis that the Queen was burning all her navigation lights, and was being followed by five destroyers. The captain of the St. Denis suspected nothing, and steamed on towards Boulogne. When the two ships had passed, the German destroyers steamed rapidly up on each side of the Queen, and stopped her. An officer from V 80 came on board, and allowed the captain and the crew to get into the boats; the Queen was then sunk by gunfire. The German 17th Half Flotilla then continued its course for home. This second attack, which took place between eleven o'clock and half-past, was accompanied by a fresh onslaught against the drifters on the barrage."

    The action described took place at the same time as raids on the Dover Barrage.

    Casualties this day included:

    Major Henry Wilfred Persse MC (Royal Fusiliers) dies of wounds at age 32. He played in 51 matches for Hampshire County including the 1905 County Championship. His brother will be killed in October.
    Lieutenant Maurice Richard Wheatley Johnson (Indian Army Reserve of Officers attached Kohat Mountain Battery Indian Mountain Artillery) is killed in Mesopotamia at age 28. He is the son of Brigadier General R F Johnson CB CMG CBE.
    Lieutenant Harold Francis Amboor Keating (Royal Engineers) is killed in action at age 23. He had won the Gold Medal of the Royal Asiatic Society while at Eton.
    Second Lieutenant Douglas Gordon Fisher-Brown (Royal Garrison Artillery) dies at home. His brother was killed in action in August 1915.
    Sergeant Alexander McClintock DCM (Montreal Regiment) commits suicide after having been severely wounded in November 1916. He is the author of Best O’Luck.

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    WESTERN FRONT
    Aisne: Franco-American local counter-attack gains three villages and 1,200 PoWs on edge of Villers-Cotterets forest.
    Flanders – Action of La Becque: substantial raid by 5th and 31st divisions of British First Army northwest of Bethune advances nearly 1 mile on 3 1/2-mile front’ 440 PoWs.

    The Action of La Becque - The Accrington Pals

    After the bitter fighting of the Battle of the Lys had ended with the failure of the German Army to break through to Hazebrouck, the front lines in the Vieux Berquin sector were re-established in front of Aval Wood, on the eastern fringe of the Nieppe Forest.

    On 20th June 1918, 5th and 31st Divisions received orders to attack on a 6,000-yard (5.5km) front east of the Nieppe Forest. The operation was designed both to disrupt any plans the enemy might have for a renewed offensive, and to push the British lines away from the edge of the wood where they had made an easy target for hostile artillery. In a night time operation aimed at securing a position from which enfilade fire could be used to support the main attack, two companies of the 13th York & Lancasters supported by part of two companies of the 18th Durham Light Infantry captured Ankle Farm in the early morning of 27th June. Later that day the main attack was practiced by 92nd Brigade (31st Division) in the area of la Papote, some 3˝ miles (5-6km) behind the front line. Conditions were all too realistic. As the regimental historian wryly remarked: "The closing stages were somewhat marred through the enemy putting down a heavy destructive shoot on the imaginary final objective which gave a touch of reality to the proceedings which was neither helpful nor desired."

    In one of many contrasts to the opening day of the Battle of the Somme two years previously, the enemy were not to be forewarned of the attack by a preliminary artillery bombardment. The attacking troops reached their assembly trenches in the quiet early hours of the 28th, unnoticed by the enemy.

    At the far left of the 31st Division front, the 15th/17th West Yorkshires (Leeds Pals & Bantams) of 93rd Brigade were to capture and consolidate la Becque Farm - from which the action takes its name - before pushing on to Plate Becque stream. To the right of the West Yorkshires were the three battalions of 92nd Brigade, the 11th East Yorkshires (Hull Tradesmen), 11th East Lancashires (Accrington Pals), and 10th East Yorkshires (Hull Commercials). The two Hull battalions were each to attack in four waves, with the first two waves expected to go straight through to the final objective. The objectives allocated to the 11th East Lancashires included the capture and consolidation of two heavily-fortified farms. For this reason, the battalion was to employ a "leap frog" approach, in which "Z" Company would halt after capturing Beaulieu Farm, allowing "W" Company to pass through to capture and hold Gombert Farm; "X" and "Y" Companies would then move on to the line of the final objective. To the right of the 10th East Yorkshires, 5th Division was to attack with five battalions in line.

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    As an intense shrapnel barrage broke over the enemy front line at 6am on the 28th, the first wave of attacking troops left their trenches and hurried forward through the tall crops. The enemy wire was easily passed through - one battalion commander likening it more to trip wire than anything else - and the first wave was able to close up to the barrage before its first lift. On the extreme right of the 31st Division front, a few guns tragically fired short into the right forward company of the 10th East Yorkshires, Major Colin Traill M.C. being among those killed. At the moment the shrapnel barrage lifted, British troops swarmed forward giving the enemy little or no chance to reach machine guns or man parapets before being overrun.

    Behind the German lines, gun batteries, road junctions and likely assembly points were being targeted by heavy artillery while the main road through Vieux Berquin was cloaked by a thick smoke screen laid down by Australian artillery. On the left of the attack, the 15th/17th West Yorkshires encountered only isolated pockets of resistance in driving through to their objectives under the protection of the creeping barrage. In circumstances that were repeated along the length of the front, attacking troops pressing too closely to the barrage were inevitably hit by their own shrapnel, accounting for many of the battalion's 170 casualties.

    Lt.-Col. Gurney, commanding the 11th East Yorkshires, commented that while his battalion faced little resistance from enemy infantry "individual [enemy] MG teams put up splendid fights to the last, which in certain cases necessitated flanking movements". By 7.25am, both forward companies of the battalion had taken their objectives. Patrols sent out towards the Plate Becque found no enemy west of the stream.

    At the centre of 92nd Brigade, it was vital that Beaulieu Farm - known to be heavily garrisoned with heavy and light machine guns - was quickly captured by the 11th East Lancashires. Pressing closely behind the creeping barrage, "Z" Company led by Capt. Spencer Fleischer stormed the farm before many of the guns could be brought to bear. Fleischer personally rushed one of them. To his right, 2/Lt. Norman Fuller and L/Cpl. Wilfred White - having already overrun one machine gun in the front line - charged at another. White was killed in the attempt, Fuller going on to shoot the enemy gunner with his revolver and take the gun. A third machine gun opened fire on L/Cpl. John Foden's Lewis gun section, hitting five men. Foden immediately retaliated, shooting the enemy gunner; as man after man bravely tried to take over the machine gun, Foden shot each one down before his section rushed forward to capture it.

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    John Foden, born 10th June 1897 at Cloughfold, son of John and Mary Alice Foden. Photograph courtesy of Ann Taylor, granddaughter of John's sister, Grace Foden.

    With the capture of Beaulieu Farm, "W" Company led by Capt. Cyril McKenzie moved through to press on behind the barrage to Gombert Farm. Although enemy machine guns began to exact a terrible toll as "W" Company crossed the 1,100 yards (1,000m) between the two farms, Gombert Farm was captured shortly after 7am. Among many acts of gallantry seen that day were those of Cpl. James Ashton. After passing Beaulieu Farm, Ashton spotted an enemy machine gun post concealed in a hedge in front. He worked up along another hedge at right angles, until he was close enough to bomb the machine gun out of action. On then discovering that both his platoon officer and sergeant had become casualties, he took command, leading the platoon to its objective where it consolidated under heavy shell-fire. As "W" Company consolidated on a line from Gombert Farm to Verte Rue, "X" and "Y" Companies led by Capt. George Bentley forged ahead to the final objective 300 yards (275m) beyond Gombert Farm. Both companies reached their objectives, though not before "X" Company had been reduced to just 34 men under the command of Sgt. Beech. Despite having been severely wounded by shellfire, C.S.M. James Fleming led two platoons of "Y" Company to their objectives after the loss of their officers. During their advance across more than 1,500 yards (1,400m) of ground, the 11th East Lancashires captured 10 light machine guns, 2 heavy machine guns, 1 heavy trench mortar, 2 medium trench mortars and 2 light field guns. The battalion suffered the heaviest casualties in 31st Division with 253 men killed, wounded or missing.

    Capt. Spencer Fleischer was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Military Crosses were awarded to Capt. George Bentley (Bar), Capt. Cyril McKenzie, 2/Lt. Norman Fuller and C.S.M. James Fleming. Sgt. Otho Elliott, Cpl. James Ashton, L/Cpl. John Foden, L/Cpl. John Ratcliffe, L/Cpl. Fred Watson and Pte. Frank Dixon were each awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Military Medals were awarded to A/Sgt. A. R. Greenwood, Cpl. Russell Bradshaw, A/Cpl. S. Maude, L/Cpl. Percy Crabtree, L/Cpl. Wilfred White (posthumous) and Pte. Harold Bell.

    At the right of the 31st Division front, the 10th East Yorkshires encountered little resistance in reaching all of their objectives by 7.20am. The enemy were found to have been occupying makeshift defences comprising little more than unconnected slit trenches with adjoining shelters, most if not all of which were not even shrapnel-proof. The battalion's advance was held up only for a short time by machine gun fire from Gars Brugghe; the farm was soon captured in an outflanking manoeuvre supported by a brief trench mortar bombardment.

    In the operations of 27th-28th June, 31st Division reported the capture of 278 men from I.R.102 along with 3 field guns, 10 heavy machine guns, 29 light machine guns, 4 heavy trench mortars and 5 light trench mortars. 223 of the enemy were buried in the area of the advance with more thought to be lying undiscovered in the thick crops. More of the enemy were undoubtedly killed by the barrage of artillery and machine gun fire placed beyond the line of the objective. All objectives were reached practically on time. To the right of 31st Division, 5th Division was no less successful.

    After the retreats of March and April, La Becque was one of the first operations in which the Allies returned to the offensive. Although no-one could have foreseen it at the time, the end of the war was less than 5 months away.

    France: US Army Chemical Warfare Service created.

    EASTERN FRONT
    USSR: Sovnarkom decrees nationali*zation of major industry (c.2,000 firms).
    North Russia: Sir E Geddes on visit reports to Prime Minster that 5,000 troops via Archangel can reach Vologda rail junction and join Czechs.
    South Russia: Maj*or-General Malleson’s Trans-Caspia Mission leaves Simla (India) for Meshed.

    AIR WAR
    Western Front: Germans claim 31 Allied aircraft for loss of 2 including record (so far) 23 victories in single army (Seventh) sector.

    General Headquarters, June 29th.

    “There was much fighting in the air on the British front on the 28th inst. and enemy machines showed considerable activity. During the day we shot down 17 German aeroplanes and drove down six others out of control. Three of our machines are missing. Our airmen and balloons employed in observation work took advantage of the fine weather to co-operate with the artillery in engaging hostile batteries and dumps with good destructive effect. A great number of explosions and fires were caused thereby. Photographic machines were also active, and many reconnaissances were carried out both by day and night. Twenty-two tons of bombs were dropped by us during the day on various targets, and 14˝ tons in the course of the following night.”

    Air Ministry, June 29th, 3.10 a.m.

    “On the afternoon of the 28th inst. our aeroplanes attacked the railway workshops, stations, and sidings at Thionville. Observation was difficult, but direct hits were observed on the works and railway line. Nearly 3 tons of bombs were dropped on this objective. Our formations were attacked by hostile aeroplanes. Severe, fighting ensued, during which three hostile aeroplanes were shot down and one other was driven down. Two of our machines have net yet returned, one of which is known to have been forced to land through engine trouble. On the night of the 27th-28th our aeroplanes made a successful attack on the enemy's aerodrome at Bolchen. Bombs were released from a low altitude, and machine-guns were fired into the hangars. All our machines returned safely. The enemy bombed one of our aerodromes last night. No material damage was done.”

    Air Ministry, June 29th, 10.30 p.m.

    “On the evening of the 28th inst. the enemy aerodrome at Frescaty was attacked. Owing to bad visibility the bursts were unobserved.”

    RAF Communiqué number 13:

    Weather fine.

    Thirty-nine reconnaissances, 17 contact and counter-attack patrols; 91 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 13 neutralized, 80 zone calls sent.

    Twenty-seven and a half tons of bombs dropped,

    On the 28th instant, 35 hostile batteries were engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fired observed on 75 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity was considerable.

    E.A. were [also] brought down by:- Lieut F C Gibbons and Lieut V St B Collins, No 22 Squadron; Lieut W E Shields, No 41 Squadron; Lieut E Stephens and Lieut F R McCall (1), No 41 Squadron; Capt G C Maxwell, No 56 Squadron; Lieut W R Irwin, No 56 Squadron; Capt H W L Saunders, No 84 Squadron; Major J C Callaghan, No 87 Squadron; Lieut A Williamson and Aerial-gunner E Hoare, No 88 Squadron; Lieut K B Conn and 2nd Lieut E H Smyth, No 88 Squadron; Lieut G S Jones Evans, 4th Squadron, A.F.C.; Lieut R King, 4th Squadron, A.F.C.

    Lieut M D Willis, 40 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control -
    Maj A W Keen, 40 Sqn, Fokker DrI crashed -
    Capt H W L Saunders, 84 Sqn, LVG C crashed Fricourt at 06:50/07:50 -
    Maj J C Callaghan, 87 Sqn, Albatros Scout destroyed Bapaume - Quéant at 08:15/09:15 -
    Maj J C Callaghan, 87 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Bapaume at 09:15/10:15 -

    Capt A A N D Pentland, 87 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control north of Bapaume at 09:15/10:15 -

    patrols of 23 Sqn and 201 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Bois de Tailles at 09:45/10:45 -

    Lieut R C B Brading, 201 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control & 23 Sqn Bois de Tailles at 09:45/10:45 -
    Lieut H A White, 23 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control east of Bray at 10:00/11:00 -
    Lieut F G Gibbons & Lieut V St B Collins, 22 Sqn, Fokker DrI destroyed north of Estaires at 10:15/11:15 -
    Lieut G S Jones-Evans, 4 AFC, Albatros C crashed Verte Roe at 11:30/12:30 -
    Lieut F R McCall and Lieut E J Stephens, 41 Sqn, Rumpler C crashed Belloy-en-Santerre at 11:50/12:50 -
    Lieut W E Shields, 41 Sqn, two-seater crashed north of Lignieres at 12:30/13:30 -
    Capt G E H McElroy, 40 Sqn, Balloon in flames Provin at 12:55/13:55 - Capt G E H McElroy, No 40 Squadron, shot down a hostile balloon in flames

    Capt A H Cobby, 4 AFC, LVG C crashed east of Outtersteene at 14:55/15:55 and Pfalz Scout in flames south-east of Estaires at 15:05/16:05 - Capt A H Cobby, 4th Squadron, A.F.C. dived on an E.A. two-seater near Merris which he shot down. Soon after, he attacked a Pfalz Scout which went down in flames.

    Capt E J K McCloughry, 4 AFC, Fokker DVII out of control Merville at 16:12/17:12 -
    Lieut A L Jones, 210 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Estaires at 16:40/17:40 -
    Capt A H Cobby, 4 AFC, Halberstadt CL crashed north-west of Misanes at 18:40/19:40 – later in the day, Capt Cobby, also shot down an Albatros two-seater, which was observed to crash; confirmed by another pilot
    Lieut R King, 4 AFC, LVG C crashed Wytschaete - Messines at 18:40/19:40 -
    Lieut C W Bragg & 1/Pte G/L E E Hunnisett, 217 Sqn, Albatros crashed Out to sea at 19:35/20:35 -
    Lieut A Williamson & Gunner E Hoare, 88 Sqn, Halberstadt CL in flames Houthulst Forest at 20:00/21:00 -
    Lieut A Williamson & Gunner E Hoare, 88 Sqn, Halberstadt CL in flames Houthulst Forest at 20:00/21:00 -
    Lieut K B Conn & 2nd-Lieut B H Smyth, 88 Sqn, Halberstadt CL in flames Houthulst Forest at 20:00/21:00 - Ltn Handschurer & Ltn Knadgen, FAA 288b, Kia [?]
    Lieut O C Holleran, 56 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Dompierre at 20:00/21:00 -
    Lieut S A Puffer, 41 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Belloy at 20:05/21:05 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Bray - Péronne at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Bray - Péronne at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Halberstadt CL crashed Bray at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Bray at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Bray at 20:10/21:10 -
    Capt G J C Maxwell, 56 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Dompierre at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control west of Péronne at 20:15/21:15 -
    Lieut W R Irwin, 56 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Dompierre at 20:20/21:20 -
    Capt C M Crowe, 56 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Dompierre at 20:20/21:20 -
    Lieut S A Puffer, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Belloy-en-Santerre at 20:35/21:35 -

    Casualties:


    ? (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut H H Stephens (Kia), 42 Sqn, RE8 - machine-gun fire
    Lieut L C Storey (Ok), 209 Sqn, Camel D3327 - longerons and undercarriage shot through in close engagement with E.A. on special mission Moreuil
    Lieut J P Naish (Ok), 209 Sqn, Camel D3420 - shot up in combat with two-seater Lamotte
    Lieut A J Garrett (Pow), 56 Sqn RAF, SE5a B8421 - last seen near Miraumont 04:45/05:45 at 14-16,000 feet prior to heavy shelling of patrol by A.A. on OP
    Lieut W G Allanson (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut S E Grand (Ok), 7 Sqn, RE8 C2465 – took off 02:45/03:45 then shot through from ground on counter attack patrol St Julien, returned aerodrome 05:20/06:20
    Lieut R S Burch (Kia) & Pbr T Garlick (Kia), 4 Sqn RAF, RE8 C4593 – took off 06:45/07:45 then fell in flames at Sh36a.E.4.d.5.4 [west of Merris] on artillery patrol; 31st Division report aeroplane shot down near Jobbery Crossing
    Lieut M W Richardson (Ok) & 2nd-Lieut J C Gleave (Ok), 2 Sqn, AW FK8 D5061 - shot through by heavy A.A. over Richebourg 08:25/09:25 on artillery patrol
    Lieut P C Mitchell (Pow), 54 Sqn RAF, Camel B4612 - last seen 1 mile east of Forest de Nieppe 14:00/15:00 at 2,000 feet under control on offensive patrol
    Lieut A E Bingham (Pow) & Lieut L J Smith (Pow), 217 Sqn RAF, DH4 A8023 - shot down by enemy Scout on reconnaissance and last seen in water off Belgian coast 18:00/19:00 [?]; Ltn Reinhold Poss, MLS II, 2nd victory [Westende, in sea at 06:00/07:00] ?

    2nd-Lieut J P West (Kia) & Gnr A J Loton (Kia), 88 Sqn RAF, Bristol F.2B C4880 - last seen over Houthulst Forest 19:55/20:55 on offensive patrol after fight - Belgian SDA reports English machine shot down in flames near Clerkem; VFlugM Alexander Zenses, MFJ II, 4th victory [south-west of Blankartsee, no time] ?

    Lieut O C Holleran (Wia), 56 Sqn RAF, SE5a C5434 - destroyed by EA 20:00/21:00; Ltn Franz Buchner, Js13, 5th victory Js13, 5th victory [no location at 20:00/21:00] ?

    Lieut T D Hazen (Ok), 56 Sqn, SE5a D283 - force landed Harponville 20:30/21:30 after engine shot through on DOP south-east of Bray

    Lieut H Austin (Pow), 56 Sqn RAF, SE5a D6086 - last seen in combat with EA at 11,000 feet between Bray and Fricourt 20:35/21:35 during DOP

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    The following claims were made on this day

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    We will finish today with a Victoria Cross:

    Phillip Davey, VC, MM (10 October 1896 – 21 December 1953) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross. Davey enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in December 1914, and joined his unit, the 10th Battalion, before it landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, on 25 April 1915. He fought at Anzac until he was evacuated sick in early November, returning to Australia the following January.

    Davey re-embarked for England in June 1916, and re-joined to his battalion on the Western Front in October. In January 1918 he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, which involved rescuing a wounded man under fire. He was then promoted to corporal. In the lead-up to the capture of Merris in June, he killed an eight-man German machine-gun crew, saving his platoon from annihilation, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. During this action he was severely wounded. He returned to Australia to be discharged, and was employed by the South Australian Railways over many years before dying in 1953, having suffered for years with bronchitis and emphysema. He was buried with full military honours in the AIF Cemetery, West Terrace. His medal set is displayed in the Hall of Valour at the Australian War Memorial.

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    Phillip Davey was born on 10 October 1896 at Unley, South Australia, to William George Davey and his wife Elizabeth née O'Neill, one of at least five sons of the couple. His father was a carpenter. He attended the Flinders Street Model School and the Goodwood Public School. Prior to the outbreak of World War I he was a horse-driver.

    On 22 December 1914, aged 18 years, Davey enlisted as a private in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), and was posted to the 2nd reinforcements to the 10th Battalion with the regimental number 1327. He embarked in Melbourne on 2 February 1915 and sailed to Egypt. He joined the 3rd Brigade's 10th Battalion at the island of Lemnos on 10 April 1915. The 3rd Brigade was the covering force for the landing at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, on 25 April 1915 and so was the first brigade ashore about 4:30 am. Davey was involved in the heavy fighting at the landing and subsequent trench warfare defending the beachhead until, after several bouts of illness, he was evacuated to Egypt with enteric fever in early November. In January 1916 he was repatriated to Australia to recover his health. He re-embarked at Melbourne in June, arriving in the United Kingdom in August, and embarking for France the following month. While he had been recuperating, the infantry formations of the AIF had been withdrawn from Gallipoli to Egypt, then transferred to the Western Front in France and Belgium. Davey rejoined the 10th Battalion in early October.

    From the date of his return, the 10th Battalion rotated through front-line, reserve, training and fatigue duties, mainly in the Somme river sector. In February, they participated in an operation at Le Barque, southwest of Bapaume. On 15 March 1917, Davey was accidentally wounded by a hand grenade while the battalion was in camp, but returned to duty less than a month later, during the Battle of Arras. He was promoted to lance corporal in early May, at which time the battalion was engaged in fighting in a support role at Bullecourt. In September, the battalion was committed to the Battle of Menin Road, fighting at Polygon Wood. The following month he was gassed while the 10th Battalion was relieving troops in the front-line near Westhoek Ridge; he returned to his unit in early November. Through the winter of 1917/1918, the battalion continued to rotate through various duties, in and out of the front-line. On 3 January 1918, Davey rescued a wounded soldier under heavy fire, and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The recommendation read...

    On the night of 3 January 1918, near Warneton, when on patrol one of our men was badly wounded by machine gun fire. On seeing this from a forward post, L/Cpl Davey crawled out through our wire to a distance of 60 yards and with another NCO brought in the wounded man. This was done under a bright moon and under heavy enemy machine gun fire. The work of this NCO was greatly admired by his officers and all who witnessed it.

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    Davey was promoted to corporal on 24 April 1918, and that night the 10th Battalion conducted an operation near Méteren. The following month he was detached to Tidworth in England as an instructor, but returned to his unit of his own accord on 23 June. Five days later, he was with his battalion during a "peaceful penetration" operation near Merris. His actions in the fighting resulted in the award of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry that can be received by Australian service personnel. The citation read:

    For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack. In a daylight operation against the enemy position, his platoon advanced 200 yards, capturing part of the enemy line, and while the platoon was consolidating, the enemy pushed a machine gun forward under cover of a hedge and opened fire from close range, inflicting heavy casualties and hampering work. Alone, Corporal Davey moved forward in the face of a fierce point-blank fire, and attacked the gun with hand grenades, putting half of the crew out of action. Having used all the available grenades he returned to the original jumping-off trench, secured a further supply, and again attacked the gun, the crew of which had in the meantime been reinforced. He killed the crew, eight in all, and captured the gun. This very gallant NCO then mounted the gun in the new post, and used it in repelling a determined counterattack, during which he was severely wounded. By his determination, Corporal Davey saved the platoon from annihilation, and made it possible to consolidate and hold a position of vital importance to the success of the whole operation.

    Davey had sustained wounds to his back, abdomen and legs, and was evacuated to England. After he had recovered sufficiently he received his Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on 12 September, and was then embarked to return to Australia the following month. He was discharged from the AIF on 24 February 1919. Four of his brothers had enlisted, one of them reportedly being under the age of fifteen when he joined up. His brothers Claude and Richard were also awarded the Military Medal during World War I, Claude being killed in action in 1917

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-29-2018 at 11:19.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  45. #3395

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    29th June 1918

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    A fire breaks out on board Motor Launch No. 483 while refueling alongside the jetty at Pembroke Dock, the fire being caused by the ignition of an overflow of petrol from a hose. Leading Seaman Charles Davie Millar (HMS PC 51) is walking up and down the forecastle of his ship, on seeing the flames break out on the upper deck of the motor launch rushes afte and removes the primers of the depth charges on board. He then forces his way through the flames and kicks the hose overboard his clothes igniting as he does so. Having extinguished his burning clothing by jumping overboard, he climbs back on board and assists in getting the motor launch in tow. For his actions he will be awarded the Albert Medal.

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    Captain Allan Hepburn and Sergeant Ernest Antcliffe shoot down a Fokker D VII near Bois Grenier, while Lieutenant William Wheeler and Second Lieutenant Thomas Sydney Chiltern (Royal Air Force) achieve two victories over D VII’s, the first northwest of Dixmude and the second at Ghistelles. The second victory they share with three other pilots and observers, Captain K R Simpson and Sergeant Charles Hill, Lieutenant Robert Cullen and Lieutenant Edward Ward and Lieutenant Kenneth Conn and Second Lieutenant Bertram Smyth.

    The destroyer HMS Lysander finds the Captain’s lifeboat from the HMHS Llandovery Castle. The crew is taken aboard and the boat left to its fate.

    A depth charge explodes prematurely on HMS Vivien killing three.

    The steamer Sixty Six (Master C Rounce) is torpedoed and sunk three miles east from Scarborough by UB-88. Six are killed including her skipper.

    SOUTHERN FRONTS
    Serbia: Franchet d’Esperey visits Serb front with Crown Prince and Field Marshal Misic and decides Serbs will have the main role in future offensive with 2 French divisions attached.
    Trentino: Italian Sixth Army recaptures (until June 30) Mt Val bella, Cols del Rosso and d’Echele with 2,087 PoWs, 8 guns and 82 MGs.

    EASTERN FRONT
    East Siberia: 15,000 Czechs overthrow Vladivostok Soviet.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Azerbaijan: Azeri Tartars with Turk troops attack and defeat 8 Armenian battalions (800 casualties) on heights east of Gök-cay (until June 30).

    POLITICS

    France: Government recognizes Czech right to independence and National Council as Allied government (Italy also on June 30); President Poincare presents flag to first Czech unit (21st Regiment) on Western Front at Darney (Vosges, June 30).
    Germany: Vienna ambassador urges press campaign to prepare for German intervention against Austria’s collapse.

    The War in the Air

    Air Ministry, June 29th, 10.30 p.m.

    “On the 29th inst. the Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik at Mannheim, in spite of adverse weather conditions, was very successfully attacked. Many heavy bombs were dropped, and six bursts were observed on the factory. Our formation was attacked over the objective by five hostile machines. Three of these were driven down, two of which were out of control. All our machines returned safely.”

    RAF Communiqué number 13:

    Weather fine, visibility not good.

    Thirty reconnaissances, five contact and counter-attack patrols.

    Fifty-four hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation and seven neutralized. Thirty-five zone calls sent.

    Thirty tons bombs were dropped.

    On the 29th instant, 20 hostile batteries engaged with balloon observation and fire observed on 40 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity was not great.

    Hostile machines were brought down by the following:- Capt A H Cobby, 4th Squadron, A.F.C.; Lieut R King, 4th Squadron, A.F.C.; Capt G C Maxwell, No 56 Squadron; Lieut W R Irwin, No 56 Squadron; Lieut F R McCall, No 41 Squadron; Lieut S A Puffer, No 41 Squadron; Capt J Gilmour, No 65 Squadron; Lieut K B Conn and 2nd Lieut B H Smyth, No 88 Squadron; Lieut A Williamson and Aerial Gunner E Hoare, No 88 Squadron; a patrol of No 23 Squadron (1); Lieut W C Lambert, No 24 Squadron; Lieut W G Claxton, No 41 Squadron; Lieut W E Shields, No 41 Squadron; Capt J E Drummond and 2nd Lieut J A Galbraith No 48 Squadron; Lieut E D Asbury and 2nd Lieut W N Hartley, No 49 Squadron; Capt J I T Jones, No 74 Squadron; Lieut R J Cullen and 2nd Lieut E H Ward, No 88 Squadron; a patrol of No 88 Squadron (1); Lieut W A Wheeler and 2nd Lieut T S Chilton, No 88 Squadron; Capt R M Foster, No 209 Squadron; Capt H A Patey, Lieut W W Gyles, No 210 Squadron (1); Lieut S C Joseph, No 210 Squadron

    Lieut R Manzer, 84 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Wiencourt at 08:45/09:45 -
    Capt J T Morgan, 70 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Irles at 09:20/10:20 -
    Lieut K B Watson, 70 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Irles at 09:20/10:20 -
    Lieut G C Morris, 70 Sqn, Albatros out of control Irles at 09:20/10:20 -

    Capt A B Fairclough, Dolphin C8070, Lieut J Adam, Dolphin C8063, Lieut A O Bentley, Dolphin D3715, Lieut Macpherson, Dolphin D3669, Lieut A H P Pehrson, Dolphin C4181, Lieut C C A Sherwood, Dolphin C3903 and Lieut H A White, Dolphin C3786, 23 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Hangard at 10:30/11:30 -

    Lieut H E Browne, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Morlancourt at 11:25/12:25 -
    Lieut H Spreadbury, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Morlancourt at 11:25/12:25 -
    Capt J Gilmour, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south-east of Morlancourt at 11:25/12:25 -
    Lieut E D Asbury & 2nd-Lieut W N Hartley, 49 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames west of Lille at 14:00/15:00 -
    Lieut C P Allen, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control south of Ghistelles at 14:45/15:45 -
    Lieut M A Newnham, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout destroyed south-east of Bray at 17:35/18:35 -
    Capt A B Fairclough, 23 Sqn, Dolphin C8070 and Lieut J Adam, 23 Sqn, Dolphin D3687, Fokker DVII out of control Hangard at 18:30/19:30 -
    Capt W Selwyn, 24 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control at 18:30/19:30 -
    2nd-Lieut J E A R Daly, 24 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames north of Le Quesnel at 18:50/19:50 -
    2nd-Lieut W C Lambert, 24 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed north of Le Quesnel at 18:50/19:50 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout destroyed south of Maricourt at 19:15/20:15 -
    Lieut W E Shields, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed north-west of Fouquescourt at 19:30/20:30 -

    A patrol of No 41 Squadron encountered several E.A. in the neighbourhood of Bray. In the fighting, two hostile machines were brought down

    Capt H A Patey and Lieut W W Gyles, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Armentičres at 19:30/20:30 – confirmed by 3 other pilots
    Lieut S C Joseph, 210 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Armentičres at 19:30/20:30 – confirmed by another pilot
    Lieut W E Shields, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control east of Fouquescourt at 19:32/20:32 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Chaulnes at 19:40/20:40 –

    A patrol of No 41 Squadron encountered several E.A. in the neighbourhood of Bray. In the fighting, three (?) hostile machines were driven down out of control

    Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed east of Comines at 19:45/20:45 -
    Capt K R Simpson & Sergt C Hill, Lieut K B Conn & 2nd-Lieut B H Smyth, Lieut R J Cullen & 2nd-Lieut E H Ward and Lieut W A Wheeler & 2nd-Lieut T S Chiltern, 88 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed Ghistelles at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut K B Conn & 2nd-Lieut B H Smyth, 88 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed Ghistelles at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut W A Wheeler & 2nd-Lieut T S Chiltern, 88 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames north-north-west of Dixmude at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut R J Cullen & 2nd-Lieut E H Ward, 88 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed west of Ghistelles at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut R J Cullen & 2nd-Lieut E H Ward, 88 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control west of Ghistelles at 20:10/21:10 -
    Capt R M Foster, 209 Sqn, Fokker DVII broke up Harbonnieres at 20:10/21:10 -
    Capt J E Drummond & 2nd-Lieut J A Galbraith, 48 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Hangest at 20:10/21:10 -
    Lieut W B Giles, 74 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Bailleul - Kemmel at 20:15/21:15 -
    Lieut J W Warner, 85 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Kemmel at 20:17/21:17 -
    Lieut A S Cunningham-Reid, 85 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Kemmel at 20:17/21:17 -
    Lieut M A Newnham, 65 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control ? Guillecourt at 20:45/21:45 -
    Capt J Gilmour, 65 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control south of Cayeaux at 20:55/21:55 -
    Capt E F Peacock, 65 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Dernancourt at 21:00/22:00 -

    Capt D V Armstrong, 151 Sqn, LVG C out of control Estrées-en-Chausee at 23:25/00:25 - Whilst patrolling over the lines at night, Capt Armstrong, No 151 Squadron [given as No 101 Squadron in the Communiqué], encountered a large tractor machine, at which he fired several hundred rounds. It went down vertically, but could be followed owing to the visibility

    Casualties:

    Lieut W F Purvis (Int) & 2/AM L H Locke (Int), 218 Sqn RAF, DH9 C1211 - last seen firing white Very lights and going down in direction of Holland during air raid; anti-aircraft fire
    2nd-Lieut G Ballance (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut E G Turner (Kia), 38 Sqn RAF, FE2b B425 – took off 00:50/01:50 then missing from bombing Zeebrugge
    Lieut C Eaton (Pow) & 2nd-Lieut E W Tatnell (Pow), 206 Sqn RAF, DH9 C1177 – took off 14:15/15:15 then missing on long reconnaissance
    Lieut F P Pemble (Kia), 213 Sqn, Camel D3333 – took off 14:45/15:45 then collided with Camel D3383 at 15,000 feet and crashed near Moeres village on HOP
    Lieut F L Cattle (Kia), 213 Sqn RAF, Camel D3383 – took off 14:45/15:45 then collided with Camel D3333

    One of these Camels was apparently credited to Ltn d R Anton Wessels, MFJ I, 3rd victory [Nieuport - Ramskapelle, no time]

    Lieut B L Lindley MC (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut D Boe (Pow), 25 Sqn RAF, DH4 A7913 - missing during photography Bruges 16:40/17:40
    2nd-Lieut J N Gatecliff (Kia) & 2nd-Lieut J Harrison (Kia), 53 Sqn, RE8 D4834 - seen to descend in flames and destroyed by fire on bombardment shoot 19:00/20:00; Ltn d R Heinrich Kroll, Js24, 28th victory [west of Villers-Bretonneux at 20:25/21:25] ?
    Capt K R Simpson (Ok) & Sergt C Hill (Ok), 88 Sqn, Bristol F.2B C983 - overturned in forced landing Beveren after petrol tank and landing wires shot through in fight with E.A. 20:10/21:10 on offensive patrol coast – Ypres
    Lieut R J Cullen (Wia) & 2nd-Lieut E H Ward (Ok), 88 Sqn, Bristol F.2B D8022 – took off 18:30/19:30 then force landed St Jacques Cappelle 20:10/21:10 after shot in fight with E.A. on offensive patrol coast – Ypres

    Four victories over ‘Bristols’ and ‘DHs’ credited:

    Ltn d R Theo Osterkamp, MFJ II, 16th victory [Pervyse, no time]
    Flgmt Alexander Zenses, MFJ II, 5th victory [south-east of Dixmuiden, no time]
    Ltn z S Theodor Lodemann, MFJ II, 3rd victory [no location or time]
    Flgmt Clemens Kähler, MFJ II, 1st victory [St Andre – Varsenaere, no time]

    2nd-Lieut R P Whyte (Pow), 65 Sqn RAF, Camel B7829 – took off 19:30/20:30 and last seen over Guillaucourt 20:45/21:45 on offensive patrol; Vzfw Max Kahlow, Js34, 6th victory [west of Caix, no time] ?

    The following claims were recorded on this day

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    The 2d Pursuit Group was an Air Service, United States Army unit that fought on the Western Front during World War I as part of the Air Service, First United States Army. It was demobilized in France on 10 April 1919. There is no modern United States Air Force unit that shares its lineage and history.

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    The group was organized on 29 June 1918[1] at Croix de Metz Aerodrome, Toul, France. The 13th Aero Squadron was initially the only unit assigned. The 2d Pursuit Group immediately began operations against the enemy. The 139th Aero Squadron was assigned to the group the next day, and by 16 August the 13th and 22nd Aero Squadrons filled out the unit's complement of squadrons.[2] All the group's squadrons were equipped with French SPAD S.XIIIs. In theory the group totaled 72 aircraft and an equal number of pilots. The reality was that it was rare for the number of pilots to equal the number of aircraft or for the aircraft to be fully standardized across the entire group.[3] The 28th Aero Squadron was assigned to the Group on 6 November.

    When the armistice with Germany was signed and hostilities ceased at 11:00 on 11 November 1918, the pilots of the group had flown 7,788:21 hours in combat over enemy territory. In the 111 flying days made possible by the weather, 358 pilots engaged the enemy in 166 air battles with the loss of 30 pilots. During the 166 air battles, 132 victories were credited to the pilots of the group, with 16 flying aces having the destruction of five or more enemy aircraft to their credit. In addition, four pilots of the group were decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross

    A total of 20 British Airmen were lost on this day

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    The first USS Luce (DD-99) was a Wickes-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I and the years following. She was named in honor of Stephen B. Luce.

    Luce was laid down by Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation at Quincy, Massachusetts on 9 February 1918. The ship was launched on 29 June 1918, sponsored by Mrs. Boutelle Noyes, daughter of Rear Admiral Luce. The destroyer was commissioned on 11 September 1918, Lieutenant Commander R. C. Parker in command.

    Luce departed Boston on 19 September 1918 and reported to Commander Cruiser Force, Atlantic Fleet, in New York two days later. She sailed with Troop Convoy 67 for France on 23 September. Upon arrival at the Azores on 1 October, she was detached and proceeded to Gibraltar on 19 October. Luce performed escort and patrol duty in the Mediterranean Sea for the duration of the war. On 26 November she departed for the Adriatic Sea and for five months patrolled the area in cooperation with the Food Commission. After voyaging to the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas in May and June 1919, she returned to Gibraltar on 27 June en route to the United States. She arrived in New York on 10 July and proceeded to Boston for overhaul.

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    On 29 October she was transferred to Reserve Squadron 1, Atlantic Fleet, and 18 March 1920 was reclassified Light Mine Layer (DM-4). In April she departed Boston for Newport, Rhode Island, where she operated with the destroyer force until July. On 5 July 1921 she joined Mine Squadron 1 at Gloucester, Massachusetts, and participated in tactical exercises until October. After a cruise to the Caribbean Sea in January 1922, Luce arrived at Philadelphia where she decommissioned on 30 June 1922. Luce recommissioned on 19 March 1930 and sailed to Panama on 18 April where she operated with submarines of the Canal Zone Control Force until May. She returned to the east coast on 4 June and trained with Mine Squadron 1 until steaming to Boston where she decommissioned for the final time on 31 January 1931. Luce was sold to Schiavone-Bonomo Corporation, New York on 29 September 1936 and scrapped 13 November 1936.

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-30-2018 at 00:35.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  46. #3396

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    A minor attachment Fairy seems to have struck this time Chris.
    Maybe it's the retirement Fairy?
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  47. #3397

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    A minor attachment Fairy seems to have struck this time Chris.
    Maybe it's the retirement Fairy?
    Rob.
    Reminds me of an ex-girlfriend - she used to say I had attachment issues !!

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  48. #3398

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    June 30th 1918

    I will upload this in installments hopefully avoiding any attachment issues (see above, lol)

    A corporal of the Royal Air Force who has been lowered by a rope into a crater caused by a bomb which had been dropped by an enemy aeroplane is overcome by carbon monoxide gas which had accumulated in the crater. Efforts are made to haul him out but his head becomes caught and Private Arthur Johnson (Royal Army Service Corps) volunteers to descend and re-adjust the rope which he does successfully and the corporal is rescued but Private Johnson is overcome by the gas. Driver Alfred Edward Montague Horn (Royal Army Service Corps) at once puts on his respirator and lowers himself to assist Private Johnson but is likewise overcome. Sergeant Victor Brooks (Canadian Cavalry Field Ambulance) now volunteers to attempt to help both men but is also overcome by the gas, but he is fortunately hauled out. Lieutenant Colonel (Temporary Brigadier General) Alfred Burt DSO refuses to permit anyone else to descend bu does so himself and drags one of the unconscious men some ways towards the rope he however also becomes unconscious and has to be pulled out himself. All four men will be awarded the Albert Medal, Private Johnson and Driver Horn posthumously.

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    Captain Eldon Abraham Burn (Royal Air Force) is attacked by two Fokker biplanes, one of which he drives down out of control. He is then forced to land in ‘No Man’s Land’ when his engine cuts out. He and his observer, Second Lieutenant C O Shelswell, eventually reach our lines after two hours in ‘No Man’s Land’.

    The War in the air produced two remarkable achievments on this day, a record equalling SIX victories in a day from Captain William Gordon "Dozy" Claxton DSO, DFC & Bar followed by FIVE victories for Captain Frederick Robert Gordon McCall DSO, DFC, MC & Bar. All the more amzing is that both pilots were flying SE5a aircraft from the same 41 Squadron. Must have been one hell of a night in the mess after that lot (editor).

    Captain William Gordon "Dozy" Claxton DSO, DFC & Bar

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    Born on June 1, 1899 in Gladstone, Manitoba, Claxton enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in Canada upon his eighteenth birthday in 1917. After pilot's training at Camp Borden, he was assigned to No. 41 Squadron in France the following March flying S.E.5a aircraft. Claxton arrived on the Western Front late in the war but he had a run of victories that saw him emerge from the war as his squadron's most successful airman. He claimed 37 air victories in 79 days during the War's final year. This meteoric career was marked by several multiple victory days. His calmness under fire earned him the nickname "Dozy". It also led him into situations where his planes experienced battle damage. In June 1918 alone, he crash-landed once and brought home shot planes twice.

    Claxton opened his tally of 'kills' on May 27, 1918 in the skies above East Estaires, downing a German Fokker Dr.I aircraft. The following day he brought down two Pfalz D.III aircraft. Between June 12 and June 30, Claxton successfully downed 17 German aircraft plus an observation balloon. Thirteen of these planes fell in a four-day stretch, from June 27 through June 30. On June 30, alone he brought down six enemy aircraft. On that incredible day, he flamed a Pfalz D.II, destroyed two Albatros D.Vs, and drove another Pfalz D.III down out of control — all before lunch. In the afternoon, he destroyed yet another Pfalz D.III and shot a DFW C model down in flames. No World War I ace would do better in a single day.
    By the end of July, he had increased his total to 27. On August 3, 1918, Claxton was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and appointed flight commander. By that time, his victory list had grown to 30.

    On August 17, 1918, Claxton was shot down by Leutnant Johannes Gildemeister during an encounter with Jasta 20 in which he and fellow pilot Frederick McCall were outnumbered 20-to-1; by this time he had amassed 37 air successes. In this dogfight, he brought down three enemy planes before being hit. Claxton crash-landed behind enemy lines with a serious head wound and was only saved by prompt attendance of a German doctor, who performed cranial surgery. Claxton's final score was two observation balloons destroyed, 16 aircraft driven down out of control, and 19 aircraft destroyed. Two of the planes he destroyed were shared victories with 41 Squadron's second ranking ace, Frederick McCall.

    He remained a prisoner of war until the armistice. Claxton was repatriated on December 1, 1918. Returning to his homeland Claxton, who had received a Bar to his DFC and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) took up a career as a financial journalist.

    He died in Toronto on September 28, 1967, aged 68. He was cremated.

    Distinguished Flying Cros
    Lt. William Gordon Claxton.
    This officer at all times shows fine courage and disregard of danger. He has accounted for six enemy aeroplanes and one kite balloon, three of the aeroplanes being destroyed and three driven down out of control. On a recent occasion, having destroyed a hostile balloon, he pursued an enemy scout ten miles and eventually drove it down; he was then attacked by five enemy triplanes and other scouts, but managed to return to our lines, though his machine was riddled with bullets.

    Distinguished Flying Cross - Bar
    "Lieut. William Gordon Claxton, D.F.C. This officer is conspicuous for his courage in attack. Recently in one day he destroyed six enemy aeroplanes—four in the morning and two in the evening. In thirteen days he accounted for fourteen machines. His utter disregard of danger inspires all who serve with him."

    Distinguished Service Order
    "Lieut. William Gordon Claxton, D.F.C. Between 4 July and 12 August this officer destroyed ten enemy aeroplanes and one kite balloon, making in all thirty machines and one "kite balloon to his credit. Untiring in attack in the air or on the ground, this officer has rendered brilliant service."

    Captain Frederick Robert Gordon McCall DSO, DFC, MC & Bar

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    Frederick Robert Gordon McCall went overseas with the 175th Battalion in 1916 and was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps on 22 November 1917. After scoring 35 victories, he became ill and returned to Canada. Post-war he performed stunts at air shows and pioneered the air trails along the mountainous regions between Golden, British Columbia, Banff, Alberta and Fernie, British Columbia. As managing director of Great Western Airways in 1929, McCall made headlines when he ignored bad weather and flew round trip to the Skiff oil fields with Dr. J. S. Wray of Lethbridge in a Stinson-Detroiter to treat and recover two workers who had been injured in an explosion. During World War II McCall served as a squadron leader at a number of flying stations across Canada. He retained an active interest in flying throughout his life and was one of the founders of the civilian flying club system in Canada as well as the originator and first president of the Calgary Flying club.

    MC: Lt. Frederick Robert McCall, Inf., and R.F.C.
    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While observing artillery fire he attacked an enemy scout and destroyed it. He has set a fine example of courage and determination on all occasions, and has rendered most valuable service.

    MC (Bar): Lt.. Frederick Robert McCall, M.C., Infy., and R.F.C.
    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Whilst engaged on photographic work, he observed a hostile scout, on which he dived and fired a burst from his machine-gun. The enemy machine went down in a steep dive out of control. On a later occasion he engaged two hostile two-seater planes, which immediately turned East. Though a steady rate of fire was kept up against him, he continued the attack, during which the observer of one of the hostile machines collapsed in the cockpit, other observers reporting that this machine crashed to earth in the enemy lines. He has always displayed the greatest gallantry and determination in carrying out his work, and has set a very high example to his squadron.
    (M.C. gazetted 4th March, 1918.)

    DFC: Lt. Fred Robert McCall, M.C; (formerly Alberta Regt.).
    This officer has driven down four enemy machines which were seen to crash, and two others out of control. His determination and tenacity in attack is remarkable. On one occasion whilst acting as escort to reconnaissance machines he shot down an enemy machine which attempted to interrupt their work; he was then attacked by three enemy scouts which, however, he skillfully managed to elude.

    DSO: Lt. Fred Robert McCall, M.C., D.F.C. (formerly Alberta Regt.).
    A brilliant and gallant officer who has accounted for fourteen enemy machines. On a recent date he destroyed four during a patrol in the morning, and another in the evening, in each case closing to point-blank range with his opponent. His courage and offensive spirit has inspired all who serve with him.

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    The following claims were made in addition to those of McCall and Claxton

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    General Headquarters, July 1st.

    “On June 30th we had a most successful day in the air. In fighting, 25 enemy machines were shot down and 10 others were driven down out of control. Two German balloons were destroyed in addition. Our airmen carried out a large number of reconnaissances over the lines both by day and by night, and many aerial photographs-were taken. The number of hostile batteries destructively engaged by our artillery with aeroplane and balloon observation was greater than on any day during the past fortnight. 29˝ tons of bombs were dropped by us by day and 17 tons on the following night. Of the latter, over 7 tons fell with good effect on the railway connections at Tournai.

    “From the whole of these operations all our aeroplanes returned safely, with the exception of one scout and one night-bombing machine.”

    Air Ministry, June 30th
    .

    "On the 30th inst. we dropped many bombs at Hagenau aerodrome with good results. The barracks and station at Laudau were also bombed. The formation over Landau was heavily attacked by hostile aeroplanes. Three of the enemy were destroyed. Two of our machines are missing."

    Air Ministry, July 1st.

    “In addition to the attacks already reported on the night of June 29th-30th, the chemical works at Mannheim were also bombed. One of the machines reported as missing on the 30th ult. has now returned. On the night of June 30th-July 1st further attacks were made on the enemy aerodrome at Boulay [Bolchen], on railway works and stations at Thionyille, Remilly, Landau, Zweibrücken, and Saarbrücken. The works at Mannheim were again attacked.”

    RAF Communiqué number 13:

    Weather fine, visibility good.

    Sixty-two reconnaissances, nine contact and counter-attack patrols.

    One hundred and eight hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation and seven neutralized, 82 zone calls sent.

    Forty-seven and a half tons bombs were dropped.

    On June 30th, 55 hostile batteries engaged with balloon observation and fire observed on 192 other targets.

    Enemy Aircraft:

    Activity was considerable.

    E.A. were [also] brought down by:- Capt P J Clayson, No 1 Squadron; Lieut F R McCall, No 41 Squadron (3); Lieut H E Watson, No 41 Squadron; Lieut S A Puffer, No 41 Squadron; Lieut W G Claxton, No 41 Squadron (4) ; Capt W O Boger, No 56 Squadron; Capt J Todd, No 70 Squadron; 2nd Lieut O A P Heron, No 70 Squadron; Lieut H G Clements, No 74 Squadron; Lieut J Dymond No 85 Squadron

    Hostile balloons were shot down in flames by:- Lieut A Buchanan, No 210 Squadron (1); Capt G E H McElroy, Lieuts G Strange, A R Whitten, No 40 Squadron (1)

    Lieut A M Phillips & G/L Toulmaine, 217 Sqn, two-seater out of control -
    Capt H G Hegarty, 60 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Rainecourt at 05:10/06:10 -
    Capt D Latimer & Lieut T C Noel, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b C987, Pfalz Scout broke up Comines at 07:30/08:30 -
    Capt T P Middleton & Capt F Godfrey, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b C951, Fokker DrI crashed east of Comines at 07:30/08:30 -
    Lieut T C Traill & 2nd-Lieut P G Jones, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b C938, Albatros Scout out of control north of Comines at 07:30/08:30 -
    Capt H P Lale & Lieut E Hardcastle, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b A8716, Fokker DVII crashed north-west of Menin at 07:30/08:30 – confirmed by occupants of another machine
    Lieut A T Iaccaci & Sergt A Newland, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b C892, Pfalz Scout crashed west of Halluin at 07:30/08:30 -
    Lieut D J Weston & Lieut W Noble, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b B1307, Pfalz Scout crashed by Weston Wervicq at 07:30/08:30 -
    Lieut D J Weston & Lieut W Noble, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b B1307, Pfalz Scout out of control Wervicq at 07:30/08:30 -
    Lieut D J Weston & Lieut W Noble, 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2b B1307, Pfalz Scout out of control Wervicq at 07:30/08:30 -

    A patrol of No 20 Squadron attacked two formations of E.A., one of nine, the other of seven machines, two of which were shot down by Capts T P Middleton and F Godfrey. Lieut A T laccaci and Sergt A Newland, Capt D Latimer and Lieut T C Noel, Lieuts D J Weston and W Noble, Capt H P Lale and 2nd Lieut E Hardcastle, of the same patrol, also accounted for an enemy machine each, making total of six E.A. destroyed
    Capt J B Home-Hay & Lieut C C Blizard, 104 Sqn IF, Albatros Scout destroyed Landau at 07:40/08:40 -
    Capt T P Middleton & Capt F Godfrey, 20 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed west of Wervicq at 07:50/08:50 -
    Capt F S Wilkins and Lieut E A Coapman, 79 Sqn, Halberstadt CL destroyed east of Foręt de Nieppe at 07:55/08:55 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames Bray at 08:15/09:15 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout in flames Bray at 08:15/09:15 -
    Lieut E J Stephens, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Bray - Péronne at 08:15/09:15 -
    Lieut S A Puffer, 41 Sqn, Rumpler C crashed Guerbigny at 08:15/09:15 -
    Lieut H E Watson, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Bray at 08:15/09:15 -
    Lieut R T Goodyear, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Péronne at 08:15/09:15 -
    Capt C B Ridley, 201 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Pozičres at 08:15/09:15 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Cappy at 08:20/09:20 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed east of Méricourt at 08:20/09:20 -
    Lieut H E Watson, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Bray at 08:45/09:45 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Caix at 08:45/09:45 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed west of Cappy at 08:45/09:45 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Caix at 08:45/09:45 -
    Lieut S A Puffer, 41 Sqn, DFW C out of control south of Guerbigny at 09:40/10:40 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control west of Roye at 09:40/10:40 -
    Capt G E H McElroy, Lieut G J Strange and Lieut A R Whitten, 40 Sqn, Balloon in flames Annay at 10:45/11:45 -
    Capt W O Boger, 56 Sqn, LVG C in flames Courcelles at 10:45/11:45 -
    Lieut A Buchanan, 210 Sqn, Balloon in flames north-east of Estaires at 11:10/12:10 – confirmed by patrol

    Maj A W Keen, 40 Sqn, Fokker DrI broke up Beauchamps at 12:40/13:40 - Major A. W. Keen, No 40 Squadron, dived on one of three Fokker triplanes, which turned very sharply the left in an attempt to get on the S.E.'s tail. Major Keen looped, coming out 100 feet above the E.A., and fired burst of 10 rounds before he overshot it. The E.A. went, into a flat, spin and, after several bursts had been fired it, broke up in the air, both its wings being seen to fall off

    Lieut J Dymond, 85 Sqn, DFW C in flames Berthem at 12:55/13:55 – confirmed by A.A.
    Lieut H G Clements, 74 Sqn, Rumpler C captured Fletre at 13:05/14:05 - Flgr Schott (Pow) & Ltn Josef Keller (Kia), FA 48b,
    Lieut C R R Hickey, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Off Blankenberghe at 14:30/15:30 -
    Lieut J G Lumley, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Zeebrugge at 14:30/15:30 -
    Lieut J H Mesham, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Zeebrugge - Blankenberghe at 14:30/15:30 -
    Lieut R M Gordon, 204 Sqn, two-seater out of control Zeebrugge - Blankenberghe at 14:30/15:30 -
    Lieut G H D Gossip, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Zeebrugge at 14:40/15:40 -
    Lieut R M Gordon, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Zeebrugge - Blankenberghe at 14:40/15:40 -
    Capt A C Burt, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Blankenberghe at 14:45/15:45 -
    Lieut A J B Tonks, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Blankenberghe at 14:45/15:45 -
    Lieut J E L Hunter, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Blankenberghe at 14:45/15:45 -
    Capt A J Enstone, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed north of Blankenberghe at 14:45/15:45 -
    Capt A J Enstone, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames north of Blankenberghe at 14:45/15:45 -
    Lieut W A Pomeroy, 204 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Ostende at 14:45/15:45 -
    Lieut F R McCall, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Albert at 17:45/18:45 -
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed east of Mametz Wood at 17:50/18:50 -
    Lieut E F H Davis, 41 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Albert at 17:50/18:50 - Ltn Hans Viebig, Jasta 5, Wia7 [?]
    Lieut W G Claxton, 41 Sqn, DFW C in flames west of Proyart at 18:30/19:30 - Flg Friedrich Starke (Kia) & Ltn Robert Schneider (Kia), FA 219 [?],
    Capt J Todd, 70 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Bray at 18:35/19:35 - Ltn Hans Viebig, Jasta 5, Wia7 [?]
    Capt J Todd, 70 Sqn, Fokker DrI crashed south of Bray at 18:40/19:40 -
    Capt P J Clayson, 1 Sqn, Fokker DVII broke up Wulverghem at 19:00/20:00 – confirmed by patrol; Ltn d R Ewald Carl, Jasta 51, Kia [?]
    Maj R Collishaw, 203 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Houthulst Wood at 19:05/20:05 -
    Sergt H W Bush & Sergt E R MacDonald, 98 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control smoking S Roulers at 19:30/20:30 -
    Sergt H W Bush & Sergt E R MacDonald, 98 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control S Roulers at 19:30/20:30 -
    Capt R A De L'Haye, 19 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Armentičres at 20:00/21:00 -
    Capt C L Frank, 70 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Bray at 20:35/21:35 -
    2nd-Lieut O A P Heron, 70 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Bray at 20:35/21:35 -
    Capt J T Morgan, 70 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control east of Bray at 20:35/21:35 -
    2nd-Lieut O A P Heron, 70 Sqn, Albatros Scout in flames east of Bray at 20:40/21:40 -

    14 British Airmen were lost on this day

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    WESTERN FRONT
    Germany: Total German casualties since March 21 are 894,853 soldiers.
    USA: During June 6 US divisions land in France.

    EASTERN FRONT
    Russia: By now 517,000 Austro*-German PoWs repatriated.
    Northern Russia: Murmansk Soviet, led by non-Red ex-stoker, approves working with Allies.

    SEA WAR
    Allied and neutral shipping losses to U-boats in June: 101 ships (49 British with 453 lives) worth 252,637t (162,990t British including 2 ships mined), U-boat figure 110 ships worth 268,505t including 23 ships worth 58,248t in Mediterranean; 3 U-boats sunk. Lowest monthly tonnage loss since August 1916.

    Air War
    Britain: In June RAF Nursing Service formed.
    Western Front*: In June peak French tactical bombing effort in 1918 – 642t (RAF 674t). Germans claim 505 Allied aircraft for loss of 153 during June.

    Captain Tunstill's Men: Support positions near Mount Torle.

    Work with the Royal Engineers continued.

    L.Cpl. Smith Hesselden (see 25th May) was wounded by shell fire; he suffered severe wounds to his back and to both thighs and would be admitted via 70th Field Ambulance to 24th Casualty Clearing Station. Pte. Frank Patterson (see 5th July 1917) was also wounded, but his head wounds were relatively minor; he would be admitted via 70th Field Ambulance to 29th Casualty Clearing Station.

    Pte. Walter Gibson (see 10th May), serving at XIV Corps Reinforcement Camp at Arquata Scrivia, was admitted via 39th Casualty Clearing Station to 38th Stationary Hospital in Genoa, suffering from pleurisy.

    Capt. John Atkinson (see 5th January), who had been in England since September 1916 and had previously been declared unfit for further service overseas as a result of trench fever, was posted back to France. However, on arrival, he was immediately admitted to hospital in Le Havre, with a diagnosis of trench fever.

    Pte. Mark Beaumont (see 6th May), serving with 169th Protection Company, Royal Defence Corps, was transferred to 27th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry at Herne Bay.

    Casualties for the month were officially recorded as being:

    Killed 2

    Accidentally killed 0

    Died of wounds 0

    Wounded 1 officer (2Lt. Archibald (Archie) Allen) and 24 other ranks

    Accidentally wounded 0

    Missing 1 officer (2Lt. Lawrence Tindill MM) and 2 other ranks



    The official cumulative casualty figures since arriving in France in August 1915 were thus:

    Killed 277

    Accidentally killed 5

    Died of wounds 21

    Wounded 1,312

    Accidentally wounded 53

    Missing 181

    A concert was performed in Grassington to raise money for St. Dunstan’s Institution for Blinded Soldiers and Sailors. In the words of a subsequent report in the Craven Herald (6th July) the performers were, “Mr. Nicholas Smith’s Ladies Concert Party of Skipton; the artistes were Miss M. Fisher, Mrs. N. Smith, violins; etc etc. There was a good audience and every item was encored. The programme was one of the best entertainments given in the village for some time. The object was especially of interest to local people as one of the Grassington lads – Lt. W. Oldfield (see below) – has lost the sight of both eyes in the recent fighting. Over Ł17 was the sum realised”.

    2Lt. Billy Oldfield MM (see 10th June), had recently relinquished his commission having been severely wounded while serving in France with 1st/4th DWR and was currently being treated at 2nd Northern General Hospital, Leeds.

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    Last edited by Hedeby; 06-30-2018 at 03:35.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  49. #3399

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    Reminds me of an ex-girlfriend - she used to say I had attachment issues !!
    That will be why she is an ex then Chris.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  50. #3400

    Default

    Very, lol

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

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