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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #301

    Default

    17th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    Small French advances near Roclincourt (north of Arras), near Perthes, and north-west of Verdun.
    War underground: On Hill 60 on the Ypres salient of the Western Front, the newly formed “mining” unit of the British Royal Engineers explode their first “deep mine” under German trenches, but it is not enough to enable them to take control of the hill.

    Two Zeppelins wrecked off north-west Denmark.
    German Zeppelin Z3 is brought down in Denmark and put permanently out of action by a storm. Also today, Zeppelin Z4 is taken out of service. Both aircraft have recently been involved in a raid on the coast of Norfolk, England, late in January 1915.


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    Z3

    Eastern Front.

    Russians defeated on line Plotsk-Ratsionj (north-west Poland).
    Memel reoccupied by German forces.

    Great battle near Nadworna and Kolomea.
    Austrians take Czernowitz (Bukovina).

    Naval and overseas.

    The seaplane carrier HMS Ark Royal arrives off the Island of Tenedos to conduct air operations in support of Royal Navy vessels attacking Turkish fortifications in the Dardanelles.

    In Quincy, Massachusets, the US navy lays down the new keels of L-class submarines L-10 and L-11.

    Political.

    The British War Office experiments today with an early form of tank based on a Holt tractor, but the caterpillar tracks become bogged down in the mud, and the project is abandoned, temporarily at least.

    Rob.
    Attached Images  
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 02-20-2015 at 01:34.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  2. #302

    Default

    18th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    Sharp fighting near Arras, in Champagne, near Verdun, and in Alsace.
    French recover the Xon signal station and Norroy.

    Eastern Front.

    Germans take Tauroggen (north-east of Tilsit).
    Austrians offensive on the Dunajec near Tarnow.
    Austrians recapture Czernowitz, capital of the province of Bukowina, now known as Cernivci in the Ukraine.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German submarine "blockade" begins.
    The first German U-Boat campaign of the war begins with unrestricted attacks against merchant and passenger ships in the waters around the British Isles. Within six months, Allied shipping losses at sea surpass the number of new ships being built. However, the unrestricted attacks also arouse the anger of the neutral United States as Americans are killed.
    Mary Ada Short cargo ship scuttled in South Atlantic 400 miles off the Brazilian coast after being intercepted by SMS Prinz Eitel Fredrich .


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    Prinz Eitel Fredrich .

    The British registered Cargo ship Membland struck a mine in the North sea. Twenty of her crew members were lost when she sank.


    HMS Cornwallis (1901) firing at Ottoman Turkish forts in the opening attack on the Dardanelles 18-19 February 1915.

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

  3. #303

    Default Also, today (18 February)

    From: https://twitter.com/centuryagotoday
    Political.
    Kaiser Wilhelm, Prince Henry, & Admiral von Tirpitz visits Wilhelmshaven and other naval stations to oversee the blockade of Britain.
    China shares the 21 Demands imposed on them by Japan to the U.S., Britain, France, and Russia.

    Southern Front.
    Austria-Hungary heavily bombards Belgrade, Serbia; Serbia responds by bombarding Semlin.

  4. #304

    Default

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

  5. #305

    Default

    19th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    French make a little progress at Les Eparges (east of Verdun).
    Heavy fighting in the Vosges; Germans take the Reichsackerkopf and occupy Metzeral and Sondernach.
    German troops launched their offensive on the mountain of Reichackerkopf*. It has a vitally important position because control of the summit gave control of the two prongs of the vallée de Munster, one the vallée de la Fecht to the Petit Ballon and Markstein via Metzeral, and the other to the pass of Col de la Schlucht.

    Eastern Front.

    Russian counter-offensive on East Prussian frontier.
    Sorties at Przemsyl repulsed.
    Austrian offensive on Dunajec checked after slight advance.
    Russian retreat near Nadworna.
    Stanislau (Galicia) captured by Austrian forces.



    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Norwegian S.S. "Belridge" torpedoed in Channel, but not sunk and reaches port. The first ship torpedoed by a German submarine without warning. The German Government subsequently asserted that this ship was attacked in error.

    Bombardment of forts at entrance to Dardanelles by five British and three French battleships and battle-cruisers.
    British and French battleships launch a massive attack on Turkish positions at Cape Helles and Kum Kaleh at the entrance to the Dardanelles, the narrow strait separating Europe from Asia in north western Turkey and the only waterway linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea.

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    More info:-
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwa...allipoli.shtml

    Political, etc.

    Memoranda published by British Government in reply to U.S.A. Notes about the neutral flag and S.S. "Wilhelmina".

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

  6. #306

    Default

    20th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    Germans gain a little ground near Ypres.
    French take wood north of Perthes, and progress near Les Eparges.
    German advance south-east of Sulzern (Alsace).

    Eastern Front.

    German attacks at Kosziowa repulsed.

    Southern Front.

    Bombardment of Dardanelles forts continued.

    Naval and overseas.

    A British steel steamship, built by Laing James & Sons Ltd., Sunderland for Harris & Dixon, London, SS Almeria was originally launched as SS Patapsco. She was subsequently renamed SS Wakefield when she was purchased by Wakefield SS. Co., Ltd. (Harris & Dixon), London. She was bought by Woodruff SS. Co., Ltd. (Woodruff, Shillito & Co.), Cardiff in 1889 Sold to the Almeria SS Co, Ltd (R. E. Morel & Co.) Cardiff in 1903, the SS Wakefield was renamed SS Almeria. She was purchased by the Admiralty in 1914 and was originally intended for use as an accommodation ship. The vessel was subsequently scuttled as a blockship in Skerry Sound on 20th February 1915.

    The Norwegian cargo ship Bjaerke struck two mines in Nakskov Fjord and sank. Her crew survived.

    The British cargo ship Cambank was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 10 nautical off Anglesey by SM U-30 with the loss of four of her 25 crew.

    The Naval Trawler HMT. Corcyra was also lost on this date.

    The coaster Downshire was scuttled in the Irish Sea off Point Lynas by SM U-30. Her crew survived.

    The British cargo ship Willerby was scuttled in the South Atlantic 490 nautical miles north east by north of Pernambuco, Brazil by SMS Prinz Eitel Friedrich.

    Political.

    Orders issued for employment at the Dardanelles of the Australian and New Zealand troops in Egypt.

    “Kitchener had telegraphed to Sir John Maxwell, Commander-in-Chief in Egypt, on February 20th:
    ‘In order to assist Navy a force is being concentrated in Lemnos Island to give cooperation and to occupy any captured forts. At present 2,000 Marines in the Island, to be followed about 13 March by 8,000 more.
    You should warn a force of approximately 30,000 Australians and New Zealander contingent under Birdwood to prepare for this service. We shall send troopships from here to convey these troops to Lemnos, which should arrive Alexandria about March 9th. You should, however communicate through Navy with Admiral Carden, commander at the Dardanelles, as he may require a considerable force before that date and in order that you may send him what he most requires.
    You should not therefore wait till the transports arrive from here, but should take up any transports you can obtain and despatch units to Lemnos immediately…..’”


    Muavin ed Douleh succeeds Ala es Sultaneh as Persian Foreign Minister.

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

  7. #307

    Default

    21st February 1915.


    Western Front.

    German aeroplane drops bombs at Colchester, Coggeshall and Braintree at night. Little damage recorded, but one person killed.

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    Friedrichshafen FF 29, no.203, came inland at Brightlingsea at about 7.45pm, proceeding westwards until about 8.30pm when it released two incendiary bombs over Braintree. A group of soldiers saw ‘a flash of light as a flaring light was dropped from the aeroplane’. It fell in a field not far from the railway station and the River Brain, between the London and Notley roads, making a hole about a foot deep and setting fire to a fence. Two soldiers thrust a fence pole through the handle and carried the bomb to the river where they extinguished the flames. Moments later a second incendiary landed in a field at Great Bradford's Farm that burnt itself out harmlessly.

    Heading eastwards, the crew dropped a high explosive (HE) bomb which landed at Coggeshall at about 8.35pm, in a meadow adjacent to Abbey View, where shrapnel damaged the carpenter’s shop and smashed windows in the greenhouse. Another piece of shrapnel flew through the cowshed, just missing a cow, before smashing through a window in the house. Although there were no direct casualties, the following day, Mrs Thomas Parker, wife of an agricultural worker, died from shock as a result of the explosion.

    A fourth bomb, at Marks Tey - between Coggeshall and Colchester - dropped in a garden causing some minor damage to nearby cottages. Then, at about 8.40pm, the final bomb dropped on Colchester. This HE bomb landed in the back garden of 41 Butt Road, occupied by Quarter-Master-Sergeant Rabjohn, 20th Hussars, and his family, not far from the Artillery Barracks. The bomb wrecked outbuildings and kitchen furniture, while several shrapnel bullets flew into the room where Rabjohn and his wife were eating supper, but they were untouched, as was their infant upstairs who slept through, despite the collapse of part of the ceiling. About 50 other houses suffered minor damage from the blast.

    It proved to be Prondzynski’s last raid. Engine problems forced the FF 29 down in the sea where they remained for 30 hours before a British trawler rescued them.

    ZX, and LZ35 raided Calais.

    French progress near Perthes.

    Germans take Hochrod and Stossweiler (Alsace).

    Eastern Front.

    Successful Russian counter-attacks near Plock, Lomja and Pltsk Poland.
    I n the Carpathians Russians carry heights near Lupkow and Wyzskow Passes, and make successful attack on Austrians south-east of Stanislau.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Turks driven across River Ichkalen (Armenia).

    This week in general. More info:-

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph...b_6542950.html

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

  8. #308

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    22nd February 1915.

    Western Front.

    Zeppelin bombs Calais.

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    Heavy bombardment of Reims; cathedral vault broken.
    French capture trenches and two woods on the line Souain-Beausejour.

    Eastern Front.

    On the Eastern Front in Europe, the German 8th and 10th Armies wage a successful offensive against the Russian 10th Army in the Masurian Lakes region of East Prussia, pushing the Russians eastward into the Augustow Forest where they are decimated.
    Germans report that "the pursuit of the Russians is now finished", and claim over 100,000 prisoners in East Prussian offensive.
    Heavy fighting at many points in northern Poland, especially near Przasnysz, where strong German attacks are repulsed.
    Big battle begins south of the line Dolina-Stanislau.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Net barrage across North Channel (between Ireland and Scotland) established.
    Occupation of Garub (German south-west Africa) by Union forces.South African Northern Force begins advance from Swakopmund on Windhuk.

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

  9. #309

    Default

    23rd February 1915.


    Western Front.

    The 23rd Battalion, Royal Montreal Regiment which was authorized on 21 October 1914 as the ’23rd Battalion, CEF’, embarked for Great Britain on 23 February 1915. It was redesignated ’23rd Reserve Battalion, CEF’ on 18 April 1915, to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians advance across the Bobr, south-east of Augustovo.
    Germans report capture of 300 guns in recent offensive.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Germany sinks US ships Carib & Evelyn & torpedoes Norwegian ship Regin.

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    Cartoon from the days Western Mail newspaper.

    Entrance to the North Channel, except south of Rathlin Island, closed by British Government.

    Occupation of Nonidas and Goanikas (German south-west Africa).

    In the Dardanelles, British Marines occupy the Greek Island of Lemnos as part of the attempt to capture the Dardanelles and the sea route to Constantinople.

    More info:-
    http://www.burnleyinthegreatwar.info...cemeteries.htm

    Colonial tensions:

    British instructions for the “colonial contingents” (including Australians and New Zealanders) in Egypt include stern advice on dealing with “natives”
    “The ill-treatment of natives is a very serious offence, and all cases are to be fully investigated and reported to Divisional Headquarters before disposal….
    “Men should be warned against striking natives, altercations with them should be carefully avoided. They should be particularly warned against donkey boys and dragomen [ie guides and interpreters] as most of these know the English language and are apt to become familiar… They should have as little dealings with natives as possible, whose one idea is to make money out of them.”

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

  10. #310

    Default

    24th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    The first British Territorial division (the North Midland) [Not to be confused with first division of the New Armies, for which see May 9th.] leaves England for France.
    French progress north of Mesnil (Champagne).

    Eastern Front.

    Germans cross Niemen near Sventsiansk, and take Przasnysz, with 10,000 prisoners and 20 guns.
    Russians take Mozely, near Bolimov.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    The collier Branksome Chine was torpedoed and sunk in the Channel 6 nautical miles south of Beachy head by SM U8 Her twenty crew survived.

    The collier Oakby was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 4 nautical miles east by north of the Royal Sovereign Lightship also by SM U8. She was taken in tow but sank the next day off Folkstone.Her twenty crew survived.


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    U8.


    The Norwegian cargo ship Regin was torpedoed and sunk in the Channeloff the Goodwin Sands. Her 23 crew were rescued by a Royal Navy Destroyer.

    The naval trawler HMT. Tern was also lost on this date.

    The French, Bouclier class Destroyer Dague was hit by
    by a floating mine laid by the German submarine UC 25, in the Antivari Roads.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 02-24-2015 at 01:10.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  11. #311

    Default

    25th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    Heavy overnight snowfalls.
    Small British advance near La Bassee.
    Further French progress near Mesnil.
    Heavy bombing of German rear in Champagne.

    Eastern Front.

    Continued heavy fighting near Przasnysz; Russians take 2,600 prisoners.
    Russians retake Stanislau.
    Germans bombard Osovyets.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.


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    Second bombardment of the outer Dardanelles forts was resumed after delays due to bad weather. Runs were made by battleships Vengeance and Cornwallis, French Suffren and Charlemagne, supported by anchored dreadnought Queen Elizabeth, battleships Agamemnon, Irresistible and French Gaulois. Fired was opened around 1015, but within a short time, Agamemnon was hit:

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    HMS Agamemnon.

    Seven British merchantmen sunk by submarines in first week of "blockade".

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

  12. #312

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    26th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    French take two lines of German trenches north of Mesnil.
    Liquid fire first used by the Germans on the Western front.


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    Attempted Zeppelin raid on London, 26th February 1915. The first attempt was made on 26 February but turned back due to headwinds, and a second attempt ended when the airship flew below the cloud base to check its position and found itself over Belgian army positions near Ostend, riddled by rifle fire, it came down near Tirlemont and was destroyed by the wind. [LZ33(L8)]


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    Eastern Front.

    Russians report German retirement near Przasnysz.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Straits swept clear for four miles.
    Between 26 February and 3 March detachments of Royal Marines were landed at Turkish forts at Kum Kale on the mainland and at Sedd-el-Bahr on Gallipoli. They put many of the Turkish guns out of action.


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    Victoria Cross recipient. Lt Commander E G Robinson R.N.

    26 February 1915 near the Orkanieh Battery, Kum Kale: Lt Commander E G Robinson RN: Gazetted 16 August 1915
    Robinson displayed great bravery and leadership during the operation to complete the destruction of the Orkanieh played battery.


    More info:-
    http://www.westernfrontassociation.c...binson-vc.html
    http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/fo...howtopic=28623

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

  13. #313

    Default

    27th February 1915.

    Western Front.

    French take part of Beaujesour, near Perthes (Champagne).

    Eastern Front.

    First Battle of Przasnysz ends.
    Russians retake Przasnysz. 5,400 prisoners reported.
    Russians report capture of 4,000 prisoners near Dolina (southern Galicia).

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles operations hindered by bad weather.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    SMS "Dacia" intercepted in Channel by French and taken into Brest.
    Admiralty proclaim blockade of German East Africa.
    SS Minieh was sold to the Admiralty in 1915 and was sunk as a blockship in Kirk Sound on the 27th February.


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    The Light Cruiser HMS. Gloucester leaves Scapa Flow outward bound for Gibraltar.

    The sailing vessel Conway Castle was scuttled in the Pacific Ocean 560 nautical miles south west by west of Valparaiso, Chile by SMS Dresden.

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    SMS Dresden.

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

  14. #314

    Default

    28th February 1915.


    Western Front.

    French make progress near Perthes.
    After the French try to drive the Germans forces back into the Champagne region, they gain a few hundred yards - at the cost of 50,000 casualties.

    On the night of 28 February 1915, 100 men of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry staged the first trench raid of the war near Ypres, Belgium. They destroyed 30 yards of German trenches and experienced casualties of 5 killed and 11 wounded. At that time, the British, French, and Germans had never conducted any small-scale operations between major offensive operations.

    Germans bombard Soissons and Reims Cathedral.

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

  15. #315

    Default 28 February, 1915 addendum

    Political, etc..
    Russia imposes a war tax of 6-10% on incomes of individuals exempt from military service and under 43 years old.
    Important artifacts and the Sultan’s harem are transferred from Constantinople to Asia Minor.
    German Supreme Court rules that property owned by foreigners of belligerent nations cannot be seized, as the war is not against individuals.
    Anatole de Baudot, French architect known for pioneering reinforced-concrete construction, passed away: http://imgur.com/eADTQJq

    Eastern Front.
    Russian forces launch an offensive against the Germans in northern Poland, with both sides supported by massed armored cars and motor vans.

  16. #316

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    Eastern Front.
    Russian forces launch an offensive against the Germans in northern Poland, with both sides supported by massed armored cars and motor vans.
    Interesting; I wonder what designs of ACs they used then.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  17. #317

    Default

    Hm, that does seem like an interesting question. I have a number of reference works for military equipment laying around, I'll have to look at them and see what the possibilities were, at least.

  18. #318

    Default

    Did they give this battle a name; might help with some research.
    It sounds like it has possibilities for a tabletop action
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  19. #319

    Default

    1st March 1915.

    Western Front.

    French establish a new line two kilometres in front of old positions between Perthes and Beausejour.

    Eastern Front.

    Niemen River front: Collapse of German offensive; signs of a general retreat.
    Heavy fighting near Grodno and Osovyets.
    Austrian attacks repulsed in the Carpathians.

    Naval and Overseas.

    British blockade of German East Africa commences.

    HMAS Pioneer joined RN forces blockading the German cruiser Konigsberg in the Rufigi River, East Africa.


    Antivari bombarded by Austrian squadron.
    Between 1 and 17 March, British fishing trawlers, equipped as minesweepers and with largely civilian crews, failed to successfully clear the Dardanelles of mines.
    HMS Amethyst took part in the covering operation for the mine weeping effort in the Dardanelles, and during the action on 1 March and 4 March 1915 she exchanged fire with Turkish forts.


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    Amethyst.

    Political, etc.

    Joint declaration signed by Great Britain and France to prevent trade by or with Germany.
    Premier announces presumed "enemy destination" ships will be detained if necessary.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 03-01-2015 at 12:18.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  20. #320

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    Did they give this battle a name; might help with some research.
    As far as I can find out, this was the fighting near Przasnysz, Poland.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jager
    It sounds like it has possibilities for a tabletop action.
    It ever so much does. I'm going to start a new thread, maybe we can jointly develop such through the forums.

  21. #321

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    Interesting; I wonder what designs of ACs they used then.
    Karl
    This website might help, Karl. http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww...mored_cars.php

  22. #322

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    As far as I can find out, this was the fighting near Przasnysz, Poland.



    It ever so much does. I'm going to start a new thread, maybe we can jointly develop such through the forums.
    Might add some dimension to our gaming

    Quote Originally Posted by Naharaht View Post
    A good start, thanks.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  23. #323

    Default

    Sorry chaps but can I just draw your attention to the title of Hedeby's thread.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  24. #324

    Default

    2nd March 1915.

    Western Front.

    German counter-attacks repulsed near Perthes.
    Estaires Relieved by 7th Regt. Canadians, 9 P.M., Marched to ESTAIRES, arrived 11 P.M.

    Eastern Front.

    Niemen River front: Continued Russian offensive, prisoners reported to number over 10,000.
    Continued heavy fighting near Grodno and Osovyets.
    Russians bombard Czernowitz.
    Austrian attacks repulsed at Lupkow Pass.

    Naval and Overseas.

    British vice admiral Sackville Hamilton Carden resumes bombing of Dardanelles forts.

    Political, etc.

    Anglo-French Note to Germany declares policy of reprisals in retaliation for submarine blockade; neutrals protest.
    South African Government issues White Book on the rebellion.
    Austria declares a Metal Week, steel being excepted.
    Vladmir Jabotinsky forms a Jewish military force to fight in Palestine.

    Information connected with the Jewish war effort.

    http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...gallipoli.html

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

  25. #325

    Default

    3rd March 1915.

    Western Front.

    French repulse attacks by German Guards north-east of Mesnil (Champagne).
    Germans again bombard Reims.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians retake Stanislau and village of Krasna; over 6,000 prisoners.
    Austrian attacks repulsed in the Carpathians.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.
    At Ahwaz, in Persia, close to the Shatt al-Arab waterway, a small British force attacks, and is soon forced to retreat with heavy losses by, a larger Turkish and Arab force.
    More info:-

    http://www.westernfrontassociation.c...arch-1915.html

    Naval and Overseas Operations.
    HMS Majestic shells the Dardanelles forts.


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    Vice-Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee's despatches on Falkland Isles battle published.
    Admiral Sir David Beatty's despatches on Dogger Bank (24 January) engagement published.

    Political, etc.

    South Africa: Debate on the Rebellion in the Union Parliament.
    US National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics(NACA) created, the predecessor of NASA.

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

  26. #326

    Default

    4th March 1915.

    Eastern Front.

    Prisoners taken by Russians round Stanislau increased to 19,000.
    Continued fierce Austrian attacks in the Carpathians.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Bombardment of the inner forts continued.
    Royal Marines sent ashore at Sedd-el-Bahr met strong resistance and have to be taken off. The battleship HMS Majestic shelled the village and, as was reported by one British naval officer, ‘in a few minutes there was in place of a village a smoking ruin’.


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    HMS Majestic

    HMS Agamemnon spends the day with its 9.2 inch Mk XI guns trained relentlessly on the Turkish forts at Sedd el Bahr (“Walls of the Sea”).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    First case of "indicator" nets aiding in the destruction of a German submarine ("U.-8" in Straits of Dover). [First experimented with in January 1915.]Submarine finally sunk by destroyers in the Channel; crew taken prisoner.

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    U8.

    S.S. "Thordis" rammed and sunk by a German submarine.

    Political, etc.

    Admiralty decides enemy submarine prisoners cannot be afforded "honourable treatment".

    The Allied “Triple Entente” nations – Russia, France and Britain – begin secret talks on how to divide up the lands of the Ottoman Empire (The “Constantinople Agreement”, agreed two weeks from today on 18th March 1915). In the event, the agreement is never implemented because: firstly, the British and French campaign in the Dardanelles fails; and secondly, the Russian empire collapses (temporarily at least) with the Bolshevik revolution in 1917, which takes Russia out the war (and the subsequent peace) completely.

    The Bulgarian Armenian Committee telegraphs to London confirming a force of 20.000 Armenian Volunteers who want to fight against the Turks and await British assistance to assist them to Iskenderun province (the ancient Greek city of Alexandretta on the borders of Turkey and what is now Syria).

    French Government decide to send Expeditionary Force to the Dardanelles.

    Russian Government send circular telegram to Entente Governments laying claim to Constantinople.

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

  27. #327

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    Bit of a turnabout, a sub ramming a ship to sink it.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  28. #328

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    I guess the U boat captain just had not read the rules properly.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  29. #329

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    5th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    French attack on German positions at Hartmannsweilerkopf.


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    The LZ 33, a zeppelin, is damaged by enemy fire and stranded south of Ostend near Tirlemont.

    Eastern Front.

    Germans concentrate strong forces between Thorn and Mlava.
    Russians cross the Bistritza (eastern Carpathians) and threaten Austrian flank.

    Southern Front.

    Phase 1 of the Dardanelles Campaign had been successful with the outer defences destroyed, beach and demolition parties landed, little damage to the bombarding ships, and few casualties. Now Adm Carden was ready for Phase 2 - sweeping the minefields, believed to consist of ten lines of mines starting 8 miles inside the entrance and reducing the gun and other defences right up to the Narrows. For the latter, naval forces included 14 British and 4 French capital ships and four British light cruisers, but the only minesweepers were eight slow trawlers.


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    HMS Queen Elizabeth.

    Queen Elizabeth, dreadnought, 31,500t, completed January 1915, 8-15in/16-6in, taking leading part in first bombardment of the inner defences, anchored in the Aegean 2˝m W of Gaba Tepe and firing over the Gallipoli peninsula at the Narrows forts, spotting by seaplanes and battleship Albion within the Straits. Turks brought up mobile field guns and howitzers, mainly 12pdrs and hit her 17 times, no serious damage.
    Forts bombarded by "Queen Elizabeth" from Gulf of Saros, blown up and others damaged.

    Naval and Overseas Operations'

    British warships bombard Smyrna.
    The Naval Trawler HMT Calliope II collided with another vessel off the Butt of Lewis and sank with the loss of a crew member.
    The ship Dongola was driven ashore in Porthkerry bay. Her passengers were taken off by two Royal Naval patrol ships. She was subsequently refloated.

    Political, etc.

    In Greece, Prime Minister Elefthrios Venizelos resigns after the King, whose wife is German, refuses to join the alliance with the Triple Entente nations, and instead open treaty negotiations with Germany.
    German Note issued an answer to attempt to United States to mitigate rigours of war zone.

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

  30. #330

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    5th March 1915.
    French attack on German positions at Hartmannsweilerkopf.
    Hm, I've seen this particular massif spelled both "Hartmannsweilerkopf", as above, and "Hartmannswillerskopf". Drives me nuts when I try and investigate the fighting around there-very much the death of the French Alpine corps. Google maps currently gives the latter spelling, I wonder if that was finalized as "official" (Or maybe both are, it's not like humans in general are at all consistent).

  31. #331

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    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    Hm, I've seen this particular massif spelled both "Hartmannsweilerkopf", as above, and "Hartmannswillerskopf". Drives me nuts when I try and investigate the fighting around there-very much the death of the French Alpine corps. Google maps currently gives the latter spelling, I wonder if that was finalized as "official" (Or maybe both are, it's not like humans in general are at all consistent).
    Yes Sam.
    It is a real drag when dredging for information on these events, and you find three items which contradict each other on spelling, the actual events accuracy, and sometimes even the date on which it occurred. Then having to make a best guess because someone else in the household is waiting to use the computer.
    You would sometimes think it was the only machine in the house, never mind the Laptop.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  32. #332

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    6th March 1915.


    Western front.

    Attacks renewed at Cuinchy.

    Eastern Front.

    Austrian attacks in the Carpathians again repulsed. They retreat in the Bukovina.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Bombardment continued by "Queen Elizabeth" and seven other warships.
    The Turkish navy minelayer Nusret set a line of twenty mines in Erenkoy Bay. This row of mines was responsible for sinking three British and French ships during the naval bombardment of the Dardanelles on 18 March.


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    Nusret.

    Naval and Overseas.

    German submarine U2 sunk in Channel and crew captured. Admiralty announce that “Thordis”, Captain John Bell, “in all probability” sunk German submarine when ramming it.

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    Captain Bell.
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    Political, etc.


    Greece: King Constantine forces the resignation of Venizelos cabinet.

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

  33. #333

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    7th March 1915.


    Western Front.

    Air raid on Ostend; Kursaal bombed by six British aviators.

    Champagne: French 64th Brigade secures small part of Sabot Wood, fighting until March 15.


    Eastern Front.


    Russians pursue retreating Germans in Augustovo Woods (northern Poland).
    Heavy fighting at Osovyets.

    Further Austrian attacks repulsed at Baligrod (Carpathians).


    Southern Front.


    Dardanelles: "Queen Elizabeth", "Ocean" "Nelson"and "Agamemnon" plus the French Battleships Gaulois, Charlemagne, Bouvet and Suffren (Admiral Guépratte),continue bombardment from Gulf of Saros. 6 Anglo-French battleships, two of which are hit, engage Narrows’ forts, apparently silence two of them including Fort Dardanos batteries.


    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Dreadnought Battle Fleet on three days cruise in northern part of North Sea, and Battle Cruiser Fleet in central North Sea.


    Several coast batteries silenced at Smyrna.

    In the Black Sea Russian squadron shells Eregli and Zonguldak sink 7 steamers and 1 sailing ship. Russian submarine Nerpa off Bosphorus for first time.

    British ss Bengrove (3,840 tons) sunk by U-Boat off Ilfracombe; no warning.


    Politics.

    Greece: Government protests against British occupation of the island of Lemnos. British government pleads military necessity on March 9 and guarantees its return on March 20.

    King lends York House to Kitchener.
    British S.S. "Lusitania" arrives at Liverpool flying United States flag .British Foreign Office issue statement justifying use of neutral flag at sea.

    German Naval Staff abolished free route for Scandinavian ships; but designated area to be free from mines.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 03-07-2015 at 02:34.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  34. #334

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    8th March 1915.


    Western Front.

    Local attack by Germans, after heavy bombardment, fails at Dixmude.
    On the eve of the opening of the battle of Neuve Chapelle, orders for attack on the next morning were received by the British troops, and preparations were made. One of those preparations is perhaps of some little interest. In view of the uncertain weather the troops were to fight in greatcoats, the skirts of which were ordered to be fastened back in the French manner.
    As planned, the attack was intended to crush the salient in the German line formed by the village of Neuve Chapelle, and thus to break a gap through the German defensive line. Through that gap the British reserves and cavalry were intended to push forward to seize the Aubers Ridge and possibly Lille itself.

    Eastern Front.

    Severe fighting on whole front north of Vistula.
    Fighting goes in favour of Russians round Osovyets.
    Despite heavy losses, Austrians continue to attack at Baligrod.
    Russians checked at Kosziowa (southern Carpathians), but retain positions by a counter-attack.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Operations hindered by bad weather.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    1st US navy minelayer, Baltimore, commissioned.
    Heraclea (Eregli) (Asia Minor) and neighbouring coast bombarded by Russian Black Sea fleet.


    Political, etc.

    Greece: M. Zaimis having refused to form a ministry, King Constantine summons M. Gounaris who forms a cabinet.

    In a council at Vienna, the Emperor Francis Joseph accepts the principle of a rectification of frontiers in favour of Italy.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  35. #335

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    8th March 1915.


    Western Front.
    In view of the uncertain weather the troops were to fight in greatcoats, the skirts of which were ordered to be fastened back in the French manner.

    As planned, the attack was intended to crush the salient in the German line formed by the village of Neuve Chapelle, and thus to break a gap through the German defensive line. Through that gap the British reserves and cavalry were intended to push forward to seize the Aubers Ridge and possibly Lille itself.
    One cannot help but wonder at the mind(s) which issued such a series of unrealistic orders.

  36. #336

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    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    One cannot help but wonder at the mind(s) which issued such a series of unrealistic orders.
    With the benefit of hindsight (and from a more modern and possibly more enlightened perspective) the orders of many of the generals and politicians from all the nations (including America) involved in the Great War appear so strange as to be almost bizarre. But the pace of change of modern warfare was so quick, the scale of the warfare so great, the complexity of logistics so large and the problems of maintaining lines of communication so hard meant the generals and politicians (of all nations) were completely out of their depth. Some generals had complete mental breakdowns and some killed themselves. One politician made such a complete hash of things, he resigned from his post and went to serve in the trenches - his name was Churchill.

  37. #337

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    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    One cannot help but wonder at the mind(s) which issued such a series of unrealistic orders.
    Yeah, after all, who would want to take fashion tips from the French......?!

    "He is wise who watches"

  38. #338

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    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Yeah, after all, who would want to take fashion tips from the French......?!
    Well the nice bright red cap and the bright red trousers of their early uniforms look really very smart and snazzy!
    Much nicer and more fashionable than the dirty khaki and boring grey of other nations.
    I can't think why they decided to give them up.

  39. #339

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    9th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    French gain ground in the Perthes-Mesnil district.
    Heavy fighting between Four-de-Paris and Bolante.

    Eastern Front.

    New German offensive near Przasnysz.
    Russian advance north of Osovyets.
    Heavy artillery firing along the river Narev.
    Austrian attack fails in the Carpathians.

    Southern Front.

    British bombardment of Smyrna ends.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    The cargo ship Aberdon was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off St Abbs Head, Berwickshire by SM U12 with the loss of fifteen crew. U12 was then rammed and sunk by H.M.S Ariel.


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    HMS Ariel.

    The cargo ship Blackwood was torpedoed and sunk in the Channel 18 nautical miles south west by south of Dungeness, by SM U35. Her crew survived.
    The French trawler Griz |Nez was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 20 nautical miles west south west of Beachy Head, also by SM U35.Her crew survived
    The cargo ship Princess Victoria was sunk in Liverpool Bay16 nautical miles north west by north of the Liverpool Bar Lightship by SM U20. Her crew survived.
    The cargo ship Tangistan was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Scarborough with the loss of 37 of her 38 crew. The survivor was rescued by the Woodville.


    Political, etc.

    Bill introduced to give Government powers over Munition Works.

    M. Gounaris appointed Premier of Greece.

    Pleading military necessity British Government reply to Greek Government as to occupation of Lemnos.

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

  40. #340

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    10th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    The Battle of Neuve Chappelle opens. The assault on Neuve Chappelle is based, for the first time in the history of warfare, on maps prepared solely by photographic reconnaissance. The battle also included the first attempt at air interdiction, with bombing attacks on railways at Courtrai, Menin, Lille, Douai, and Don by Royal Flying Corps aircraft carrying 25 pound and 100 pound bombs in an effort to delay the progress of enemy reinforcements. However, Royal Flying Corps Headquarters judged only 3 out of 141 railway attacks to have been successful. The aircraft also bombed a divisional headquarters at Fournes.

    17th (Poplar and Stepney Rifles) Battalion, The London Regiment proceeded to France on the 10th of March 1915, landing at le Havre. The 5th London Brigade was ordered to Cassel, and the remainder of the Division concentrated near Bethune and were joined by 5th London Brigade near the end of the month.

    Eastern Front.

    Russians repulse renewed German attacks on the Niemen and west of Grodno.

    Southern Front.

    Dardanelles: Renewed bombardment.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    SM U12 1 ship sunk with a total of 1,005 tons. 1 warship sunk with a total of 810 tons. Rammed and shelled by destroyers Acheron and Attack off Fife Ness, then scuttled. 20 dead and 10 survivors.


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    U 12.

    German armed auxiliary cruiser "Prinz Eitel Friedrich" puts into Newport News (U.S.A.) for repairs.

    Political, etc.

    Greece: Gounaris ministry sworn in.

    Further report on German treatment of civilians in occupied territory issued by the French Government.
    A new Note on the Anglo-French naval blockade presented by the United States.

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

  41. #341

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    11th March 1915.

    Western Front.


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    British make progress near Neuve Chapelle, occupying village of l'Epinette.
    Battle of Neuve Chapelle; German attempts to recover lost ground repulsed.



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    British casualties.

    More info:-
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Neuve_Chapelle.

    Eastern Front.

    New German offensive near Przasnysz develops.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    Cavalry reconnaissance to Nakaila (west of Basra).

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    HMS Superb returned to Scapa from Portsmouth.
    HM AMC Bayano (5,948 tons) sunk by U-Boat off Clyde.
    Blockade of Germany took effect.
    Commander Otto Weddigen in U29 captured British ss Adenwen off Casquets. Ship towed in damaged.
    .
    French warships bombarded Bulair Lines (Gallipoli).
    British auxiliary cruiser "Bayona" torpedoed and sunk close to coast of Scotland.

    Political.

    British "Retaliatory Order in Council" relating to detention of enemy goods and Proclamation extending list of "absolute" contraband issued (see 12th, and December 23rd, 1914).
    German auxiliary Prinz Eitel Friedrich arrived at Newport News USA, disarmed.

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

  42. #342

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    12th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    German counter-attacks repulsed at Neuve Chapelle.
    Attack on Spanbroek Mill, Lindenhoek, Belgium.
    More info:-
    http://www.worcestershireregiment.co...spanbroek_mill

    Eastern Front.

    Russians repulse German attacks near Augustovo Woods and north of Przasnysz.


    Naval and overseas.

    French force for Dardanelles collecting in North Africa.

    The Royal Navy charters the cargo steamship SS Manica for conversion into a balloon ship. The first vessel of its kind, the Manica is modified to accommodate observation balloons to help direct fire towards the enemy. A long sloping deck and winch were added, along with a wireless telegraphy house and officer’s quarters. The vessel is later employed in the Dardanelles campaign.

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    A ‘Drachen’ type balloon is held steady aboard the SS Manica, as a spotter prepares to climb into the basket, Gallipoli 1915.
    Image courtesy Imperial War Museum.

    Royal Navy warships begin a concerted blockade of Germany and its ports.

    The British auxiliary cruiser Bayona is torpedoed and sinks off the coast of Scotland. Captain HC Carr and the majority of his officers and crew perish.

    Political.

    Dutch Government issue warning that foreign merchant ships using Dutch flag will be detained .
    British Government notify Russian Government of their acceptance of Russian claims to Constantinople.
    French Government issue decrees similar to British Order in Council and Proclamation of the 11th March.
    General Sir Ian Hamilton appointed Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean (Dardanelles) Expeditionary Force.

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

  43. #343

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    13th March 1915.


    Western Front.

    On March 13, the third and final day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, British troops repelled a German attack and launched another of their own. They were forced to call a halt after less than two hours, however, as many units had been decimated. By the time the attacks were called off later that day, Allied forces had captured a small salient 2,000 yards wide and 1,200 yards deep, along with 1,200 German prisoners, at the cost of 7,000 British and 4,200 Indian casualties.
    The Battle of Neuve Chapelle highlighted the primitive state of communications on the battlefield during World War I, which made it incredibly difficult for commanders on both sides to know where and when to effectively deploy their reserve troops. General John Charteris, director of military intelligence under British commander Alexander Haig, took another sobering lesson from the battle, writing that “England will have to accustom herself to far greater losses than those of Neuve Chapelle before we finally crush the German army.”


    German attacks fail, and French gain ground, in counter-attacks in Champagne.

    Belgians gain ground on the Yser.

    Germans bombard Ypres.

    Eastern Front.

    German offensive checked near the Augustovo Woods and Przasnysz.

    Austrian attacks fail in the Carpathians and East Galicia.

    Naval and overseas.

    Swedish S.S. "Hanna" torpedoed without warning. First neutral ship actually sunk by German submarine.

    Mediterranean Expeditionary Force sailed from Egypt.


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    Golden Eagle

    On 13th March 1915, the paddle steamer Golden Eagle conveyed 569 German prisoners of war, who had been captured at Neuve Chapelle, from Rouen to Southampton under guard from 75 men and 2 officers of the Border Regiment.


    Political.

    On learning that the Dardanelles forts were short of ammunition, the British broke off secret negotiations with Turkey aimed at a Turkish withdrawal from the war. British agents had been authorised to offer Turkey up to Ł4 million for such a withdrawal.

    Agreement signed by French and Belgian Governments suspending Franco-Belgian Convention of July 30th, 1891, regarding military service laws.

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

  44. #344

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    14th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    Battle of St. Eloi begins; Germans attack south of Ypres.


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    The "Action of St. Eloi" 14-15 Mar 1915, was a battle to recapture 'The Mound' (top right on the map) which was lost the previous day during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. In this same action Lt George Davies was killed; who was the step-son of the author Sir James Barrie and the model for Peter Pan.
    Belgians make progress in the bend of the Yser and south of Dixmude.
    Violent German attacks fail between Four-de-Paris and Bolante.

    Eastern Front.

    Continued Russian success in the district of Przasnysz.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    German cruiser "Dresden" sunk by British warships off Juan Fernandez.


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    SMS Dresden.

    On this day in 1915, the British ships Kent and Glasgow corner the German light cruiser Dresden in Cumberland Bay, off the coast of Chile. After raising the white flag, the Dresden‘s crew abandoned and scuttled the ship, which sank with its German ensign flying.



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    HMS. Kent.



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    HMS. Glasgow.


    Dresden
    , a 3,600-ton light cruiser, was one of the fastest ships in the German Imperial Navy, capable of traveling at speeds of up to 24.5 knots. The sister ship of the Emden, it was one of the first German ships to be built with modern steam-turbine engines. The British navy possessed faster ships, but luckily for Dresden, it had never had to face one. In continuous service since its introduction in 1909, Dresden traveled over 21,000 miles between August 1, 1914 and March 1915, more than any other German cruiser in action during the early months of World War I.

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

  45. #345

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    13th March 1915.

    Political.

    On learning that the Dardanelles forts were short of ammunition, the British broke off secret negotiations with Turkey aimed at a Turkish withdrawal from the war. British agents had been authorised to offer Turkey up to Ł4 million for such a withdrawal.

    Rob.
    Sounds like someone missed a chance to reopen the supply route to Russia without a fight
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  46. #346

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    Sounds like someone missed a chance to reopen the supply route to Russia without a fight
    Karl
    Oh yes!
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  47. #347

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    15th March 1915.


    Western Front.


    Battle of St Eloi continues; British regain the village.
    French make new progress in Champagne and the Argonne.


    Eastern Front.


    Russian counter offensive along both banks of the Orzec (northern Poland).
    Austrian centre broken by Russian counter offensive near Smolnik (Carpathians).


    Southern Front.


    British Squadron blockading Smyrna withdrawn.
    H.M.S. "Amethyst" dashes into Straits and is damaged.


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    HMS. Amethyst.


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    Dartmouth, light cruiser, Weymouth-class, 5,800t, Dardanelles. Boiler explosion (1 of 12 Yarrow-manufactured) totally wrecking a boiler room, moved and anchored astern of battleship Agamemnon off Tenedos at 1100; 4 killed, seven died of injuries.
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    HMS Dartmouth.


    Naval and overseas.


    First merchant ship (S.S. "Blonde") attacked by aircraft.
    Blonde, 613grt, Mr A Milne, Cowes for Tyne in ballast, 3 miles E of North Foreland. Second mate on bridge noticed an aircraft flying from the east, five bombs dropped but just missed, ship went to full speed, zigzagged and sounded her whistle, armed trawler came up, fired one shot and the plane disappeared.

    The cargo ship Fingal was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles east by south of Coquet Island Northumberland, by Sm U 23 with the loss of six crew.

    The U.S. schooner William J Quillin collided with the Norwegian ship Laly in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hattaras North Carolina and sank.


    Political, etc.


    British reply to the German Submarine Blockade issued.

    Germany compensates the United States for the sinking of the "W. P. Frye".

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

  48. #348

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    16th March 1915.

    Western Front.

    French gain an important crest and repulse strong counter-attacks north of Mesnil.
    Attack on Spanbroek Mill, Lindenhoek, Belgium.


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    More info:-
    http://www.worcestershireregiment.co...spanbroek_mill

    Home Front.

    The 1st Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers departs from Avonmouth in the west of England, bound for the Dardanelles and Gallipoli.

    Southern Front.

    Brit battle cruisers Inflexible & Irresistible hit mines in Dardanelles.

    Political.

    Memorandum to the Prime Minister.

    By the Secretary of the War Council (Lieut.-Colonel M. P. A. Hankey).

    Dated 16th March 1915.

    1 From the point of view of the War Council the situation as regards the attack on the Dardanelles is far from clear. As recently as the last meeting the War Council were informed by the First Lord that the navy still hoped and expected to get through the Dardanelles without the assistance of military forces. Now, however, as was anticipated by most naval officers who were acquainted with the locality, the fleet is held up by a combination of mines and howitzers. In order to overcome these obstacles, the employment of a considerable land force is contemplated.
    2 It must be borne in mind that up to the present time the employment of military force has been proposed only to clear up the situation after the Dardanelles had been forced. Now, therefore, so far as the War Council is concerned, we are faced with a new and possibly very formidable operation to be carried out by land forces.
    3 Is it not desirable that the War Council should ascertain definitely the scope of the operations contemplated, and the extent of the preparations made to carry out these operations? In this connection it must be remembered that combined operations require more careful preparation than any other class of military enterprise. All through our history such attacks have failed when the preparations have been inadequate, and the successes are in nearly every case due to the most careful preparation beforehand. It would appear to be the business of the War Council to assure themselves, in the present instance, that these preparations have been thoroughly thought out.
    4 It must be remembered also that one of the greatest advantages to be obtained from this class of operation, namely, that of surprise, has been lost. If a large force of troops had been sent at the very outset, secretly and unobtrusively, and fully equipped with boats and everything required, so as to be available the moment the outer forts had fallen, it is by no means unlikely that, assisted by judicious feints to confuse the enemy as to their intended objective, they might have captured the plateau overlooking the forts at the Narrows by a coup-de-main. Instead of being announced as a mere demonstration, as was contemplated by the War Council, even the first bombardment of the outer forts was announced as an attack, and at no time has any attempt been made to conceal our intention to force the Dardanelles at any cost. Now that the fleet has been held up by the minefields, the enemy knows exactly the point at which our attack must be directed. He has had as much time as he requires to entrench this point, to emplace his artillery, to pour reinforcements on to the land on both sides of the Straits, and to make every sort of preparation. The military enterprise, therefore, will be of a most formidable nature. It is suggested that the War Council ought to cross-examine the naval and military authorities on the extent of the preparations, and particularly with regard to such points as the following:

    a - The number of troops it is proposed to employ?
    b - The arrangements made for the supply of boats and tugs?
    c - The preparations made for the provision of landing piers, pontoons, etc.?
    d - The arrangements for the supply of water and provisions?
    e - The hospital arrangements. Is it contemplated to use nothing but floating hospitals, or will there be field hospitals on shore?
    f - Is it expected that the Dardanelles will be carried by a coup-de-main, or is the possibility of siege operations contemplated?
    g - In the latter event, what siege guns will be available, and what arrangements have been made for landing them and their ammunition?
    h - Possibly, it is proposed that the men-of-war should supply the necessary heavy artillery to overcome the enemy’s heavy movable artillery. If so, are the military authorities satisfied that the projectiles available in men-of-war are suitable for this purpose, and that they will be able to search the valleys in which the howitzers are likely to be found?
    i - What arrangements have been made for the supply of the very large amount of ammunition that may be required for the operation?
    j - What arrangements are contemplated for the transport from the landing place to the army, of supplies of ammunition, food, water, etc., over a rough country with very few roads in it, bearing in mind that these roads will probably be broken up by the enemy before evacuating them?

    5 Unless details such as these, and there are probably others, are fully thought out before the landing takes place, it is conceivable that a serious disaster may occur.


    All bases covered there then.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  49. #349

    Default

    The memo to the PM makes interesting reading, sounds like all the planning of a school trip not a military undertaking

  50. #350

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hedeby View Post
    The memo to the PM makes interesting reading, sounds like all the planning of a school trip not a military undertaking
    Not the best risk assessment in the world, I agree Chris.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

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