100 Years Ago Today

[Hedeby]

20th July 1918

Right having just lost the whole bloody lot 30 seconds before saving it - lets try again !!!!!!
Well it worked but now there are no attachments so this is the THIRD attempt

East of La Bassee, Captain Edward Corringham Mannock attacks and crashes an enemy two-seater from a height of 10,000 feet. About an hour later he attacks at 8,000 feet a Fokker biplane near Steenwercke and drives it down out of control, emitting smoke.



Near Marfaux, France, Sergeant John Meikle VC MM (Seaforth Highlanders) single-handed and armed only with a revolver and a stick, rushes and puts out of action a machine-gun which is delaying his company’s advance. Shortly afterwards, seizing a rifle and bayonet from a fallen comrade, he charges another machine-gun post, but is killed almost on the gun position at age 19. His bravery enables two other men who followed him to put this gun out of action. For his actions he will be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.



John Meikle was one of the many First World War recruits that were so anxious to join up that they lied about their age. He was just 16 years when he volunteered to go to war by pretending to be 18, the lowest official age for enlistment. One historian has estimated that as many as 250,000 "boy soldiers" under the age of 18 signed up to fight in the Great War. Three years after he enlisted, Meikle died aged 19 and is thought to be one of the youngest-ever recipients of the Victoria Cross. He is also the only Scottish railway employee to have received this award for valour. Of the 628 crosses awarded during the war, only 25 went to men under 20. Like so many young men at the start of the war, Meikle was motivated by patriotism to "do his bit" for his country. He attempted to enlist after war broke out in 1914 but was rejected due to his youthful appearance and small stature.

Eventually he was accepted by the Seaforth Highlanders on 8 February 1915 at Maryhill Barracks. He lied about his age saying he was 18, when in fact he was 16 years and five months old. But even at his pretend age of 18, he had to wait a further year to go to France, as a soldier had to be 19 to fight overseas. Meikle's personal military service record, along with many others, was destroyed in an air raid during the Second World War. But it is know that on July 30, 1916, Meikle, who had by now trained as a Lewis (machine-) gunner, was sent to France. He was transferred to the 1/4th Seaforth (Ross Highland) Battalion, fighting in the Battle of the Somme and subsequently rising quickly through the ranks.



He was injured in the 3rd Battle of Ypres in 1917, during which he was awarded the Military Medal for his actions near Langmarch. He was sent home to Glasgow to recover from his injuries. While in Nitshill in November 1917, he was presented with a gold watch on behalf of his fellow villagers in the local public hall. The watch engraved with his initials remains a treasured family heirloom. When Meikle returned to France, he had been promoted to sergeant.

The Second Battle of the Marne was the turning point for the Allies in the War, and became known as the last great German offensive. By 20 July 1918, Meikle and his unit (No 2 Company, 4th Battalion), were with the 51st Highland Division in the French Aisne-Marne Sector, and would defend the Ardre Valley. Meikle's comrade, Company Sergeant Major G W Sturrah, (who was only 23 years old himself), in a letter to Meikle's mother Annie, wrote: "It is with the deepest regret that I write to you to inform you of your dear son 200854 Sgt Meikle, J, of his death, (killed in action) on the 20th July. We were on this day attacking a strong enemy position, and your dear lad behaved as gallantly as ever Britisher did. He single handed knocked out an enemy machine gun post and its crew. Knocking out with a walking stick he always used to carry and was afterwards rushing another similar post when he was killed by Machine Gun fire. His death was instantaneous."

A memorial to John Meikle stands in Station Road, Dingwall. The inscription reads: "In memory of Sergt John Meikle V.C M.M late clerk at Nitshill Station who enlisted in H.M. Forces (Seaforth Highlanders) 8th February 1915 during the Great War and was killed in action on 20th July 1918. Erected by his railway comrades". The memorial formerly stood at Nitshill railway station and was unfortunately vandalised many times over the decades. It was moved to Levern Primary School in Nitshill, the local school John had attended and was on display in the school entrance for many years. When the school was to be demolished in 1997 the Head Teacher, Margaret Gallagher, contacted the Railway Authorities to enable the memorial to be saved for posterity. On 18 October 2016 a new memorial funded by the Railway Heritage Trust was unveiled at Nitshill Station by ScotRail Alliance MD Phil Verster with Sgt Meikle's nephews Alan and John Meikle.

Lieutenant Colonel David Francis Bickmore DSO (Norfolk Regiment) commanding 4th Gordon Highlanders) is killed at age 27. He is the only child of the Reverend Francis Askew BIckmore Vicar of Roxwell and son in law of the President of Trinity College Oxford.
Captain John Brown (Gordon Highlanders) is killed in action at age 34. He is the only son of ‘Sir’ John Brown JP.
Captain Walter Short (King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry) is killed at age 39. He is a minister of the Bootie Free Church.
Acting Captain Kenneth Walton Grigson MC (Devonshire Regiment attached West Yorkshire Regiment) is killed in action at age 23. He is the son of the Reverend Canon William Shurkforth Grigson who has already lost one son in the Great War and will lose another in October of this year.
Lieutenant Wallis Austin Jonathan Marsden (Royal Field Artillery) dies of wounds at home received on the Somme on 20th July 1916. He is the son of the Reverend J Marsden.
Lieutenant Sidney Henry Ernest Russell MM (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 22. He is the son of Herbert W H Russell, a Reuters war correspondent on the Western Front and grandson of the sea novelist William Clark Russell.
Lieutenant Noel Felix Perris (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed at home at age 24. He is the only son of a war correspondent for the Daily Telegraph.

Royal Navy troopship Justicia, already damaged by torpedo from German submarine SM UB-64 the previous day, was torpedoed while at anchor in Lough Swilly, Ireland by German submarine SM UB-124, killing 16 of her crew

SS Justicia was a British troopship sunk during the First World War. She was laid down as SS Statendam, a 32,234 gross-ton ocean liner built for the Holland America Line by Harland and Wolff in Belfast. Before the ship was completed she was acquired by the British government and operated on behalf of the shipping controller by the White Star Line. After several trips as a troopship she was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the British Isles in 1918 while sailing unladen.



Statendam was launched on 9 July 1914 and after her christening work began on fitting her for service. Before this could be completed, the First World War broke out and work stopped for one year. In 1915 the British government requisitioned Statendam for use as a troopship. The ship was at first given to the Cunard Line to manage because of the sinking of Lusitania, and the ship was renamed Justicia (Latin for justice) because of their traditional ship suffix -ia. Cunard had difficulty in assembling a crew for Justicia, so the ship was reassigned to the White Star Line, who had the crew of the sunken Britannic available. The ship’s grey hull was repainted in a dazzle camouflage scheme, and she went on to transport troops successfully. On 19 July 1918 Justicia sailed unladen from Belfast to New York escorted by destroyers.[2] While 23 miles south of Skerryvore, Scotland, she was torpedoed by the German Type III Coastal U-boat UB-64, under the command of Otto von Schrader. Justicia took on a list but the watertight doors were closed in time, temporarily preventing her from sinking. UB-64 then fired two more torpedoes at Justicia, striking her side. A fourth torpedo struck the wounded Justicia but she still remained afloat. The escorts were able to damage UB-64, which departed the area, while radioing in Justicia's position.[1] Most of the crew were evacuated, leaving only a small number on board. Justicia's engines were still operable and the tug Sonia took her in tow, in an attempt to beach the stricken ship at a suitable location near Lough Swilly.

The following day, UB-124 found Justicia and fired two more torpedoes just after 9:00 am, which struck her amidships. By noon the remaining crew had been evacuated and the vessel rolled onto her starboard side and sank. 16 crew members were killed. In total, Justicia had been hit by six torpedoes. The destroyers HMS Marne, Milbrook, and Pigeon attacked with depth charges and sank UB-124 with gunfire after she surfaced.



Today, the wreck of Justicia lies 28 mi (45 km) north-west of Malin Head, Ireland in waters 68 metres (223 ft) deep.

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: *GERMANS RECROSS THE MARNE. Total Allied captures since July 15 are 20,000 PoWs and 400 guns. Mangin has only 32 tanks but makes 8 attacks. British 51st and 62nd divisions attack but gain only a mile and 500 PoWs vs hidden MGs (Battle of Tardenois until July 31).
Flanders*: Ludendorff cables Rupprecht: ‘In view of the situation of the Army Group Crown Prince Wilhelm which … will absorb a still great amount of troops, and … the possibility of a British offensive action the ‘Hagen’ operation will probably never come into execution.’

SEA WAR
East Atlantic: Troopship White Star liner Justicia (32,234t, 10 lost) sinks off West Scotland after persistent attacks since July 19 by coastal submarine UB-64 (Schrader) and a coup de grace from UB-124 despite up to 40 escorts. (UB-124 sunk later by destroyer HMS Mame‘s depth charges in Northern Channel).

HOME FRONTS
France: Foch asks Clemenceau to call up 1920 conscript class at end of 1918.

The War in The Air



A better day for the RAF and in particular those flying the Bristol Fighter with a number of notable Hat-tricks claimed on this day...

Lieutenant William McKenzie Thompson MC, DFC 26 Squadron RAF



Raised and educated in Toronto, Ontario, William McKenzie Thomson served with 20 Squadron and scored 26 victories as a Brisfit pilot.

T./Lt. William MacKenzie Thomson, R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on offensive patrols. In five days he destroyed as many enemy machines. He showed fine determination to close with the enemy, and set a splendid example of enterprise and gallantry.

Lieut. William McKenzie Thomson, M.C.
This officer has destroyed thirteen enemy machines, invariably displaying courage, determination and skill. Disparity in numbers never daunts him. On a recent occasion, in company with eight other machines, his formation was attacked by twenty-five scouts; he shot one down. On another occasion his formation of ten machines engaged between twenty and thirty Fokkers; in the combat that ensued this officer shot down one out of the four that were destroyed.

Lieutenant George Thompson DFC 22 Squadron RAF

A printer from Celista, British Columbia, George Thomson enlisted in 1914 and served with the 30th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and the 48th Highlanders. He then served with the 7/8th King's Own Scottish Borderers and was wounded twice before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in October 1917. In 1918, he was posted to 22 Squadron as an observer and scored 14 victories before returning to the Home Establishment in August to receive pilot training. Transferred to the unemployed list on 9 April 1919.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"Lieut. George Thomson (King's Own Scottish Borderers).
A brilliant and intrepid observer in whom his pilot places implicit confidence when engaged in action. He has personally accounted for nine enemy machines. On one raid, when acting as escort, 15 enemy aeroplanes were encountered; of these this officer shot down two, which crashed, and one out of control."

Captain William Frederic James Harvey MC, DFC & Bar 22 Squadron RAF



William Frederick James Harvey transferred from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Flying Corps at the end of 1916. A year later, he was flying the Bristol Fighter with 22 Squadron. By 22 August 1918, Harvey and his observers shot down eighteen aircraft with the Bristol Fighters front gun and 8 with the rear gun. He married John Gurdon's sister in 1920. During World War II, he left his farm to rejoin the Royal Air Force. An MBE and author of "Pi in the Sky," Harvey wrote several articles for "Air Pictorial" magazine and later served as president of the British chapter of "Cross & Cockade."

Lt. William James Harvey, R. Dub. Fus., Spec. Res., and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During one night he made five consecutive raids over the enemy's lines, during which period he dropped over half a ton weight of bombs on his four objectives. In addition he fired during these raids 1,150 rounds of ammunition from a height varying from 100 to 500 feet on hostile infantry and transport. He has proved himself to be a consistently good observer, and has performed much successful night-bombing.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
Lieut. (A./Capt.) William Frederick James Harvey, D.F.C. (FRANCE.)
A brilliant fighting pilot, who has proved himself a capable leader in many offensive patrols. During the August operations he personally accounted for seven enemy machines and, in company with another pilot, destroyed an eighth, displaying courage and tenacity of high order.

Other claims on this day:



19 British Airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men:

Pte. Walter William Ford (see 29th October 1917) departed on seven days’ leave to Lake Garda.

Sgt. Lionel Vickers (see 20th June) was admitted to 23rd Division Rest Station, suffering from a recurrence of the injury to his his knee which he had suffered whilst playing football in February; he would be discharged to duty after two days.

Pte. Tom Lister Ellison (see 24th April) was reported for “being absent from billets and stating a falsehood to the Military Police”; on the orders of Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 5th July) he would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Pte. Herbert Jacklin (see 1st July), who had been wounded on 21st June, was discharged from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Horace Trinder (see 27th June), serving in France with 2nd/4th DWR, was wounded in action, suffering shrapnel wounds to his right buttock; he would be admitted to 12th General Hospital at Rouen and would be posted back to England on 27th July.

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd (see 30th March) was examined by the Medical Officer at the Officer’s Command Depot at Eastbourne, where Hulburd had been serving in the Orderly Room. The official report of his examination requested that Hulburd should be re-examined by an Army Medical Board with a view to his being classified as category Cii. Under this category he would be regarded as fit for garrison duty at home, being “free from serious organic diseases; able to walk 5 miles, see and hear sufficiently for ordinary purposes”.

A request was made for Maj. Harry Robert Hildyard (see 1st May) to be posted to Northern Command to undertake one month’s training in Assistant Provost duties. After some debate, authorisation was given for Hildyard to be posted as “there is no serving officer available in Northern Command and … it is desired to remove the Assistant to another area in this Command and no other officer, except Major Hildyard, is available to replace him”.

Esther Mary Heap, aged 59, died at home in Halifax as a result of ‘cardiac disease and bronchitis’; she was the mother of Pte. Fred Heap (see 29th May).

The Halifax Weekley Courier reported news of the death of Pte. Alfred Baker (see 7th July);

Private A. Baker (13230), WRR, who lived at 32 Victoria Street, Haley Hill, died suddenly during the night of July 6-7, the supposed cause of death being heart failure. Major W.N. Town with the Italian Expeditionary Force, has written to Mrs. Baker under date July 8. He states: “Your husband was going about apparently in his usual state of health on Saturday 6th and was seen to come into camp about 9pm, and go to his tent. There was only one other man living in the tent and he was out on a working party that evening, and did not return until 2am. He went into the tent and laid down without making a light. On the morning of the 7th he woke about 7 o’clock and tried to wake Pte. Baker. He was unable to do so and called another man. They found he was dead. A doctor was called but was unable to state definitely the cause of death. He had apparently laid down just as he came in, as he was still wearing his equipment and box respirator. He was lying on his right side with his chest towards the ground, as though he had felt unwell and thrown himself down. It looked as if it was a case of heart failure or a fit”.

Armistice Countdown 115 days

[Hedeby]

I will complete the 21st later this evening and hope to do 22nd first thing in the morning, I am away for a couple of days so the 23rd and 24th may be delayed, apologies but not certain of wi-fi where I am heading, but rest assured we won't miss a single day.

[Hedeby]

21st July 1918

Bit of a quiet one today

Sergeant Charles Allum (Inniskilling Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 41. He is the former boxing champion of England. Charlie Allum 1876-1918 Champion of England from fight record compiled by the boxing historian Harold Alderman. In 1896 he joined the Rugby Club boxing section and won the Rugby amateur boxing club ‘old guards’ challenge cup at catch weight (any weight). In a later Polytechnic boxing club fight at the Turnhalle in Kings Cross, according to The Mirror of Life he ‘shaped like a professional, which Brewer accused him of being.’ 1899 In another Mirror report, he boxed at the opening show of the season Kensington boy’s club’s competition at the Drill Hall, Wood Lane, Shepherd’s Bush. Then he joined the 2nd Royal Fusiliers after the outbreak of the Boer War.



Attack on Orleans – German submarine SM U-156 surfaced and fired on the seacoast town of Orleans, Massachusetts but was driven off by two U.S. Navy seaplanes from the Naval Air Station Chatham in Chatham, Massachusetts

SM U-156 was a German Type U 151 U-boat commissioned in 1917 for the Imperial German Navy. From 1917 until her disappearance in September 1918 she was part of the U‑Kreuzer Flotilla, and was responsible for sinking 44 ships and damaging 3 others, including a warship. She took part in the Attack on Orleans. U-156, built by the Atlas Werke in Bremen, was originally one of seven Deutschland class U-boats designed to carry cargo between the United States and Germany in 1916. Five of the submarine freighters were converted into long-range cruiser U-boats (U-kreuzers) equipped with two 15 cm (5.9 in) SK L/45 deck guns, including U-156. They were the largest U-boats of World War I. U-156 was launched on 17 April 1917 and commissioned on 22 August 1917 under Konrad Gansser, who commanded her until 31 December 1917, following which Richard Feldt took command of her on 1 January 1918.

On 15 June 1918, U-156 sailed with 77 crew. She passed through the North Sea, negotiated the Northern Passage around the northern end of the British Isles, and out into the Atlantic Ocean where she sailed for Long Island. She then proceeded to New York Harbor, where she had been ordered to lay mines. Records show that she was to lay a field of mines in the shipping lane along the south shore of Long Island, just east of the Fire Island lightship. On 8 July 1918 U-156 stopped and scuttled the Norwegian owned Manx King at 40°05′N 52°00′W, which was traveling between New York and Rio de Janeiro. Captain Rasmus Emil Halvorsen and her crew were rescued from the lifeboats after 27 hours by DS Anchites of Liverpool, England. A mine laid by U-156 is often credited with the loss of the cruiser USS San Diego on 19 July 1918, ten miles southeast of Fire Island, New York. On 21 July 1918 U-156 opened fire on the American town of Orleans, Massachusetts, and several nearby merchant vessels. She sank a tugboat and four barges. HS-1L flying boats and R-9 seaplanes were dispatched from the Chatham Naval Air Station and dive-bombed the enemy raider with bombs that failed to explode. It was the first time in history that American aviators engaged an enemy vessel in the western Atlantic. The Attack on Orleans was the only Central Powers raid mounted against the United States mainland during World War I and the first time the Continental United States was shelled by a foreign power's artillery since the Siege of Fort Texas in 1846. U-156 had meanwhile headed north to attack the US fishing fleet. She sank 21 fishing boats in the Gulf of Maine area, from Cape Cod to the Bay of Fundy, ranging from the 72 ton schooner Nelson A. (4 August) to the 766 ton Dornfontein (2 August). U-156 has been credited with the sinking of the tanker Luz Blanca, just off the headlands of Halifax on August 5/1918. On 20 August, U-156 captured the Canadian trawler Triumph southwest of Canso, Nova Scotia. They manned and armed the vessel, and used it in conjunction with the submarine to capture and sink seven other fishing boats in the Grand Banks area, before eventually scuttling her.



On 25 September 1918 and in the following days, U-156 failed to report that she had cleared the Northern barrage minefield between the United Kingdom and Norway on her return voyage to Germany. The U-156 is presumed to have struck a mine of the Northern Barrage during the last leg of her cruise. Prior to her arrival at the northern end of the barrage she had radioed the estimated time and exact route she planned to take through the mines. The British intercepted this message, decoded it, and sent a submarine to ambush U-156. The U-156 escaped the trap by diving but likely attempted to transit the barrage while underwater. The 77 crew on board were never heard from again. Rene Bastin, a prisoner on SM U-140, claimed to have witnessed the fate of U-156. He said that he was on the bridge of U-140 while she was running the Northern Barrage in company with SM U-100, SM U-102, SM U-117 and U-156 when he suddenly saw U-156 blown up. He claimed that she was "blown 500 feet in the air". However, Bastin gave the date of this event as 22 October 1918, which was almost a month after the return to Germany of U-140, the submarine aboard which he was held captive. Additionally, U-140 never met up with U-156 and crossed the Northern Barrage with only U-117 for company on 17 September.

German submarine SM UB-124 was scuttled after being damages by depth charges in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland. SM UB-124 was a German Type UB III submarine or U-boat in the German Imperial Navy (German: Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. She was commissioned into the German Imperial Navy on 22 April 1918 as SM UB-124. UB-124 was sunk on 20 July 1918 by HMS Marne, HMS Milbrook, HMS Pigeon, and more than 30 patrol craft at 55°43′N 7°51′WCoordinates: 55°43′N 7°51′W. She was built by AG Weser of Bremen and, following just under a year of construction, launched at Bremen on 19 March 1918. UB-124 was commissioned later the same year under the command of Oblt.z.S. Hans Oscar Wutsdorff. Like all Type UB III submarines, UB-124 carried ten torpedoes and was armed with an 8.8 cm (3.46 in) deck gun. UB-124 would carry a crew of up to three officers and 31 men and had a cruising range of 7,280 nautical miles (13,480 km; 8,380 mi). UB-124 had a displacement of 512 t (504 long tons) while surfaced and 643 t (633 long tons) when submerged. Her engines enabled her to travel at 13.9 knots (25.7 km/h; 16.0 mph) when surfaced and 7.6 knots (14.1 km/h; 8.7 mph) when submerged.

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: *CHATEAU-THIERRY RECAPTURED BY FRENCH after Germans retreat 5 miles (night July 20-21). French reach Lassery-Chateau-Thierry road on broad front. Between Marne and Reims, Anglo-French recapture Bois de Courton, advance down Ardre valley, capture (then lose) Marfaux and Coutrim. US 1st Division relieved (7,200 casualties) by British 15th (Scottish) Division.



EASTERN FRONT
Kuban: White guerilla Colonel Shkuto captures Stavropol by threatening artillery bombard*ment (no guns but Reds evacuate). Denikin has to help to keep town and barely repels Sorokin’s Red counter-stroke.

MIDDLE EAST
Hejaz Railway: 1,800 Arabs (over 80 killed), guns, armoured car and RAF planes repulsed by Jerdun Station’s 400 Turks and Maan garrison resupplied.
Palestine: Yeomanry Division renamed 4th Dav Division, 5th Cavalry Division joins DMC.

The following claims were made on this day



Despite the quieter day there were still 19 British airmen lost on this day



Captain Tnstill's Men: Pte. Norman Greenwood (see 10th July) was reported by CQMS Hubert Charles Hoyle (see 5th May) for “damaging by neglect one khaki drill tunic”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 13th June) he was to pay for the damaged tunic.

2Lt. Keith Sagar Bain (see 6th July) and Ptes. William Belcher (see 5th October 1917), John Bundy (see 7th January), Ernest Reeve (25923) (see 27th March) and Albert Smith (25953) (see 29th October 1917) departed on two weeks’ leave to England.

Pte. Edward Henry Chant (see 29th October 1917) was admitted to 9th Casualty Clearing Station, suffering from pleurisy.

Armistice Countdown 114 days

[Hedeby]

damn

[Mike George]

Thanks for the good read, keep it up.

[Rebel]

Sorry to report Chris that the Attachment Fairey seems to have been relieved by the Duplication Demon!

[Hedeby]

22nd July 1918

Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Morris Arden DSO (Worcestershire Regiment attached Royal Air Force) commits suicide at age 43 in Cairo. He is the son of the Reverend Henry Arden a missionary author. He served in the South African War and the Sudan Campaign of 1912. He was awarded the DSO for conspicuous gallantry at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915.

Captain Harold Thomas Mellings (Royal Air Force) is killed in action south of Ostend after recording his last two victories this morning. The fifteen victory ace dies at age 20. (See below)
Lieutenant Gilbert Richard Barnard (Cape Forces South African Infantry) is killed at age 19 in Jerusalem. He is the son of the Reverend Gilbert William Barnard.
Second Lieutenant Francois Joseph Belley MC AFC (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed at age 24. He is the son of the Honorable L G Belley KC.
Second Lieutenant Indra Lal Roy (Royal Air Force) is killed in action when his plane goes down in flames over Carvin during a dogfight. The only Indian ace of the Great War dies at age 19 scoring ten victories in two-week period earlier in this month. (see below)
Chaplain Charles Watson dies on service in the Middle East at age 51.



When the war began, Indra Lal Roy DFC, the son of Lolita Roy, was attending St. Paul's School in Kensington, London. In July 1917, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to 56 Squadron on 30 October 1917. A member of "A" Flight under Richard Maybery, Roy crashed his S.E.5a (B567) on the morning of 6 December 1917 and was injured. When he recovered, he was sent back to England for remedial training. Despite concerns that he was medically unfit to fly, he was reassigned to 40 Squadron under George McElroy on 19 June 1918. Upon his return to the front, the nineteen year old was credited with ten victories in just over 170 hours of flight time. On the morning of 22 July 1918, three days after scoring his final victory, the only Indian ace of the war was killed in action when his plane went down in flames over Carvin during a dogfight with the Fokker D.VIIs of Jasta 29.

The second son of Piera Lal Roy and Lolita Roy, he was born in Calcutta, where his father was a barrister and Director of Public Prosecutions. He was nicknamed "Laddie". Roy came from a highly qualified and distinguished family. The Roy family is a Bengali family originally from the Barisal district in present-day Bangladesh. Prior to India’s partition, the Roy family was a prominent Zamindar family of East Bengal. The Roy family estate is known as Lakhutia (note: there are several variations of the spelling of this word, including ‘Lakutia’ and ‘Lakhotia’). The Lakhutia Zamindar estate was founded by Roop Chandra Roy in the late 17th century. His older brother, Paresh Lal Roy (1893–1979), served in the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, and later became known as the "father of Indian boxing." His maternal grandfather, Dr. Surya Kumar Goodeve Chakraborty, was one of the first Indian doctors to be trained in Western medicine. His nephew, Subroto Mukerjee (1911–1960), served as a fighter pilot in World War II, and later became the first Indian Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.

When the First World War broke out, Roy was attending St Paul's School, Hammersmith in London, England. Initially rejected by the Royal Flying Corps on the grounds of defective eyesight, Roy paid for a second opinion from a leading eye specialist, and the decision was overturned. Five months after turning 18, on 4 April 1917 he joined the RFC, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 5 July. After training and gunnery practice at Vendôme and Turnberry, he joined No. 56 Squadron on 30 October. Roy was part of "A" Flight, commanded by Captain Richard Maybery. Two months later, Roy was injured after he crash-landed his S.E.5a fighter on 6 December. While recovering, Roy made numerous sketches of aircraft — many of which survive. In May he returned to duty as an equipment officer, but within a few weeks was passed as medically fit to fly and was transferred to Captain George McElroy's flight in No. 40 Squadron in June 1918.

On his return to active service, Roy achieved ten victories (two shared) in thirteen days. His first was a Hannover over Drocourt on 6 July. This was followed by three victories in the space of four hours on 8 July (two Hannover Cs and a Fokker D.VII); two on 13 July (a Hannover C and a Pfalz D.III); two on 15 July (two Fokker D.VIIs); and one on 18 July (a DFW C.V). Roy's final victory came the following day when he shot down a Hannover C over Cagnicourt. He is believed to be the first and only Indian flying ace of the First World War. Roy was killed over Carvin on 22 July 1918 in a dog fight against the Fokker D.VIIs of Jagdstaffel 29. He is buried at Estevelles Communal Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France.

Lieut. Indra Lal Roy.
A very gallant and determined officer, who in thirteen days accounted for nine enemy machines. In these several engagements he has displayed remarkable skill and daring, on more than one occasion accounting for two machines in one patrol.



Harold Thomas Mellings DSC, DFC was wounded in action on 15 April 1918. Having scored his last two victories on the morning of 22 July 1918, he was killed in action that evening when his Sopwith Camel was shot down over Ostend by Ludwig Beckmann of Jasta 56.

Birth registered in the 3rd quarter of 1899 at Ludlow, Shropshire.

Flt. Sub-Lieut. Harold Thomas Mellings, R.N.A.S.
In recognition of his services on the 19th March, 1917, when he attacked a hostile aeroplane with great gallantry at heights varying from 12,000 to 2,000 feet.

Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) Harold Thomas Mellings, D.S.C. (Sea Patrol).
A very gallant officer who, on a recent patrol, attacked and caused to crash an enemy two-seater. Later, on the same patrol, he was attacked by four Fokkers, one of which he shot down at a range of ten yards; this machine was seen to crash. A second was driven down smoking. Since he was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross Captain Mellings has, in addition to the above, accounted for eleven enemy machines—seven destroyed, and four driven down out of control.

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: ALLIES CROSS THE MARNE near Dormans, Germans retreat 5-6 miles beyond Chateau-Thierry between the Ourcq and the Marne. Franco-Americans reach Bezu-Epieds. Ludendorff finally orders southern half of salient to be abandoned.
France: General Rogers AEF QMG (Quartermaster-general American Expedition Forces) at Tours.

AFRICA
Mozambique – Action at Fort Namirrue (until July 23): Lettow night attack destro¥s 3/3rd KAR Battalion of Fitzcol after its river crossing. Germans take fort and first mortar, some ex*-German Askaris rejoin.

POLITICS
Germany: At Avesnes Hindenburg tells Kaiser 1918 offensive a failure; Wilhelm tells diners at Spa ‘I am a defeated War Lord to whom you must show consideration’.

HOME FRONTS
Britain: Munitions Ministry declares threatened Coventry strike ‘an attempt to overthrow the policy of the state’.
France: Civilian exodus back to Paris begins.
Austria: Prime Minister Dr Seidler finally resigns. Ex*-Education Minister Baron Hussarek succeeds on July 24.

The War in The Air

The top performance in the air today came from the Belgian Balloon Buster extraordinaire - Major Willy Coppens



Willy Omer François Jean Coppens de Houthulst joined the army in 1912 and served with the 2nd Grenadiers before he transferred to the Compagnie des Aviateurs in 1915. At his own expense, he and thirty nine other Belgians enrolled in a civilian flying school at Hendon, England. After additional training in France, Coppens began flying two-seaters in combat during 1916. The following year, he was assigned to single-seat fighters and soon became an expert at shooting down enemy observation balloons. After downing a balloon, Coppens would often perform aerial acrobatic displays above the enemy. On one occasion, the balloon he was attacking shot upward and Coppens actually landed his cobalt blue Hanriot HD.1 on top of it. Switching off his engine to protect the propeller, he waited until his aircraft slid off the top of the balloon, then restarted the engine and watched as the German balloon burst into flames and sank to the ground. On the morning of 14 October 1918, his days as a fighting pilot came to an end near Thourout in northwestern Belgium. Just as he began the attack that would culminate in his 37th victory, Coppens was hit in the left leg by an incendiary bullet. Despite a severed artery and intense pain, he shot down his target and managed to crash land within the safety of his own lines. His badly shattered leg had to be amputated. Nevertheless, Coppens set a parachute jump record in 1928, which he held until 1932, jumping from an altitude of about 19,700 feet. Before he retired from the army in 1940, Coppens served as a military attaché in France, Great Britain, Italy and Switzerland.



In 1914, following the German invasion of Belgium, Coppens transferred to The Motor Machine Gun Corps. On 6 September 1915, he signed up for flight training in the Compagnie des Aviateurs. Ultimately, due to insufficiencies in Belgian training, he took eight weeks of leave to train to fly. He and 39 other Belgians learned to fly on their own expense in Britain. He received his pilot's certificate on 9 December 1915. After this training in Britain he had further training at the Farman School in Étampes, France and joined the Sixieme Escradrille as a sergent 1st class (Sergeant First Class) on 8 April 1917 flying BE-2c two seaters. Later that month, he was assigned to Quatrieme Escadrille to fly a Farman pusher. On 1 May, he received a Sopwith 1½ Strutter two seater and promptly flew it into his first aerial combat.

In mid July, he transferred to the single seater fighter unit 1ère Escadrille de Chasse (1st Pursuit Squadron). He received the last remaining Nieuport 16 in the squadron; everyone else had upgraded to Nieuport 17s. When Hanriot HD.1s were offered to the squadron, he was the only pilot to initially accept one. His enthusiasm for the aircraft type prompted other pilots to also move over to Hanriots. On 19 August Coppens was promoted to Adjutant. He continued his nervy but unsuccessful combat career against enemy aircraft until 17 March 1918. On that day he carried out his first attack on German observation balloons, as an aid to a ground assault by the Belgian Army. Though handicapped by lack of incendiary ammunition he punctured two balloons, causing the observers to bail out and the balloons to collapse to the ground.

Finally, on 25 April Coppens scored his first victory by downing a Rumpler two seater. On 8 May he finally found his metier, when he shot two balloons down in flames. A week later, using his usual tactics of close range fire, Coppens cut a balloon loose from its ties. It bounced up beneath him and momentarily carried his Hanriot skyward. After his aircraft fell off the balloon, he restarted its engine and flew back to base. The balloon sagged into an explosion. Later when on another attack run, he got shot at from a balloon. He parked his plane on top of the damaged balloon, shut down his engine in order to protect its propeller, and waited until the balloon descended to slide off the balloon and fly away. From then on, Coppens' record was spectacular. Between April and October 1918 he was credited with destroying 34 German observation balloons and three airplanes, nearly as many victories as Belgium's other five aces combined. Unlike most fighter pilots of World War I, who used .303 caliber or 7.92 mm guns, Coppens used a larger bore 11 mm Vickers machine gun, having upgraded his weaponry prior to June 1918. In June, he was promoted to sous lieutenant, thus becoming an officer. His royal blue plane with its insignia of a thistle sprig wearing a top hat became so well known that the Germans went to special pains to try to kill him. On 3 August he shot down a balloon booby-trapped with explosives that when detonated from the ground narrowly missed killing him. The flaming wreckage of the balloon "fell swift as doom on the watching [German] staff officers, killing many and injuring the rest".

On his last mission, 14 October, Coppens downed a balloon over Praatbos and was attacking one over Torhout when he was severely wounded by an incendiary bullet, smashing the tibia of his left leg and severing the artery. Coppens crash landed near Diksmuide and was taken to hospital, where his leg was amputated.

Coppens achieved all his victories flying a Hanriot HD.1 fighter.



Other claims on this day included:



RAF casualties were again high with 18 British Airmen lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: In the evening the Battalion was relieved by 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and marched back to huts at Granezza.

Drill uniforms and sun helmets were issued to the Battalion in anticipation of the hot weather which they would encounter on descending from the plateau.

Sgt. Charles Marsden (see 18th February) relinquished his appointment as Pioneer Sergeant.

Pte. Alfred Ellis (see 29th June) was admitted via 9th Casualty Clearing Station to 11th General Hospital in Genoa; he was suffering from impetigo.

Pte. Frederick Sharp (see 30th May) was discharged from 62nd General Hospital at Bordighera and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. James Pidgeley (see 2nd July) who had been wounded on 21st June, was transferred from 81st General Hospital in Marseilles to 16th Convalescent Depot, also at Marseilles.

Pte. Herbert Newton (see 8th May), serving in France with 5DWR, was reported missing in action.

Pte. Edmund Peacock (see 25th April), serving in France with 1st/4th DWR, was appointed Lance Corporal.

The U.S. Navy commissioned yet another of the Wickes Class Destroyers on this day...

The first USS Lansdale (DD-101) was a Wickes-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I and later designated, DM-6 in the years following. She was named in honor of Philip Van Horne Lansdale.



Lansdale was laid down on 20 April 1918 by Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation, Quincy, Massachusetts. The ship was launched on 21 July 1918, sponsored by Mrs. Ethel S. Lansdale, widow of Lieutenant Lansdale. The destroyer was commissioned on 26 October 1918 at Boston, Comdr. C. W. Margruder in command.

Assigned to the Cruiser and Transport Force, Lansdale steamed to Norfolk from 4 November to 7 November and joined a European bound convoy as escort on 12 November. Sailing via the Azores, she reached Gibraltar on 26 November for patrol duty in the Mediterranean Sea. Operating out of Gibraltar until January 1919, she made three voyages to Tangier, Morocco, and one to Algiers, Algeria. Steaming to Venice from 4 January to 13 January, she joined the U.S. Naval Force operating the eastern Mediterranean. She performed dispatch duty in the Adriatic Sea, principally between Venice and the ports of Austria (on the Croatian coast). Departing Split, Croatia (then Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes on 10 June, she steamed to Gibraltar and the Azores and reached New York on 22 June.

During the next year Lansdale operated along the Atlantic coast with Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet. Arriving at Philadelphia on 11 July 1920, she was converted to a light minelayer and reclassified DM-6. She steamed to Newport, Rhode Island from 2 June to 3 June 1921; joined the Mine Force, Atlantic Fleet on 5 July at Gloucester, Massachusetts; and until late October practiced laying mines off the New England and Virginia coasts. After overhaul at Boston, she steamed to Guantanamo Bay from 4 January to 9 January 1922 for maneuvers, mining exercises, and war games in the West Indies with Mine Squadron 1. Departing Culebra Island on 19 April, she arrived at Philadelphia on 25 April and decommissioned on 25 June. Lansdale recommissioned on 1 May 1930 at Philadelphia, Comdr. Frank R. Berg in command. She joined Mine Squadron 1 at Yorktown on 17 May; engaged in mining and tactical exercises along the eastern seaboard; then arrived at New London, Connecticut on 30 September to serve as target ship for submarines. She departed on 12 November; and, after visiting Boston, she arrived at Philadelphia on 22 December. Remaining there, Lansdale decommissioned on 24 March 1931. On 28 December 1936 she was reduced to a hulk for disposal in accordance with the London Treaty for limitation and reduction of naval armaments. Her name was struck from the Naval Register on 25 January 1937, and she was sold on 16 March 1939 to Union Shipbuilding Company, Baltimore, Maryland.

Armistice Countdown 113 days

[Hedeby]

Additional Info. for 22nd July

MONDAY, 22 JULY 1918

General Headquarters, July 23rd.

“On the 22nd inst. improved weather was accompanied by greater activity in the air than had been possible during the past few days. Several long-distance reconnaissances were completed by our machines and many photographs taken. Twenty-three tons of bombs were dropped by us on the railway stations at Cambrai, Bray, and Lille, on ammunition dumps near Armentieres and Bapaume, and on hostile billets along the whole front. In air fighting 23 hostile machines were brought down, and three others were driven down out of control. Three German observation balloons were shot down in flames. Ten of our machines are missing. Continuous rains throughout the night prevented bombing operations."

Headquarters R.A.F., Independent Force, July 22nd.

“On the 22nd inst. the important powder factory at Rottweil was attacked. A direct hit was obtained on one of the big sheds, and, as a result, several other sheds in its vicinity blew up. A fire broke out which could be seen from a distance of 60 miles. All our machines returned safely."

Headquarters R.A.F., Independent Force, July 23rd.

“In a raid carried out on the afternoon of the 22nd inst. the main station of Offenburg was hit, and bursts were seen on the sidings. One hostile machine was destroyed. All our machines returned. On the night of July 22nd-23rd repeated attacks, attended with good results, were carried on against the enemy's aerodromes. Fires and explosions were observed. Other targets were engaged with bombs and machine-gun fire."

RAF Communiqué No 17:

Weather fine.

Fifty reconnaissances and seven counter-attack patrols.

Ninety-eight hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 14 neutralized, 95 zone calls sent.

Sixteen tons of bombs dropped by night and 16 tons by day.

Enemy Aircraft:

Active in morning, otherwise slight.

Maj R Collishaw, 203 Sqn, DFW C crashed Dorignies at 03:55/04:55 -
Lieut R Moore, 4 AFC, two-seater crashed east of Pacaut Wood at 04:15/05:15 -
Lieut W R Henderson, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control north of Harnes at 04:50/05:50 -
Capt P S Burge, 64 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed north of Harnes at 04:50/05:50 -
Lieut A G Donald, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control north of Harnes at 04:50/05:50 -
Maj R Collishaw, 203 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Scarpe River at 05:35/06:35 -
Capt J E Doyle, 60 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Aveluy Wood at 05:40/06:40 -
Capt E J K McCloughry, 4 AFC, Fokker DVII crashed east of Sailly at 05:45/06:45 -
Lieut R H Youdale, 4 AFC, Balloon in flames south-east of Estaires at 05:45/06:45 -
Capt A Morrison & Sergt R Allen, 11 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control [by Allen] Bray - Morlancourt at 05:45/06:45
Capt L D Bawlf, 203 Sqn, DFW C crashed Bauvin (east of Lens) at 06:45/07:45 -
Capt T F Hazell, 24 Sqn, Balloon in flames south of Harbonnieres at 06:50/07:50 -
Capt T F Hazell and 2nd-Lieut G B Foster, 24 Sqn, Balloon in flames Proyart at 06:50/07:50 -
Lieut C M Wilson, 29 Sqn, Hannover CL out of control Armentières at 07:50/08:50 -
Lieut A E Reed, 29 Sqn, Hannover CL crashed Erquinghem at 08:00/09:00 -
Capt H T Mellings and Capt H A Patey, 210 Sqn, two-seater crashed south of Ostend at 08:30/09:30 -
Capt H T Mellings, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed east of Ypres at 08:45/09:45 - Vzfw Emil Soltau, Jasta 20, Kia [?]
Lieut R G Landis, 40 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Carvin at 08:50/09:50 -
Lieut G J Strange, 40 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Carvin at 08:50/09:50 -
Lieut R L Manuel, 2 AFC, Fokker DVII out of control east of Lens at 09:00/10:00 - Uffz Paul Marczinski, Js30, Kia [?]
Lieut R L Manuel, 2 AFC, Pfalz Scout out of control east of Lens at 09:00/10:00 -
Lieut T S Harrison, 29 Sqn, Halberstadt CL crashed near La Gorgue at 09:10/10:10 -
Maj E Mannock, 85 Sqn, Fokker DrI broke up Armentières at 09:25/10:25 – confirmed by another pilot; Mottled green and brown; tail shot off
Lieut A E Rudge, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Carvin at 10:35/11:35 -
Lieut W Sidebottom, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Carvin at 10:35/11:35 -
Lieut R Stone, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Carvin at 10:35/11:35 -
Capt L H Rochford, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Carvin at 10:35/11:35 -
Capt L H Rochford, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Festubert at 10:35/11:35 -
Capt H W L Saunders, 84 Sqn, Balloon in flames north of Fricourt at 13:45/14:45 -
Lieut T W Nash, 204 Sqn, Rumpler C crashed south of Ypres at 15:30/16:30 -
2nd-Lieut L V Dennis & 2nd-Lieut F W Woolley and Sergt H H Wilson & Sergt F L Lee, 99 Sqn IF, Scout crashed west of Molsheim at 16:00/17:00 -
Lieut E Swale, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed south of Ostende at 17:55/18:55 -
Capt M L Doyle & Lieut W G Hurrell, 27 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Mont Notre Dame at 18:00/19:00 -
Lieut A G Donald, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed west of Seclin at 18:05/19:05 -
Sergt A S Cowlishaw, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed west of Seclin at 18:05/19:05 -
Lieut A G Donald, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control west of Seclin at 18:05/19:05 -
Lieut W R Henderson, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Annoeullin at 18:05/19:05 -
Lieut B Rogers, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Mont Notre Dame at 18:05/19:05 -
Lieut J W Trusler, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Mont Notre-Dame at 18:05/19:05 -
Lieut R N Chandler, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Bazoches (west of Fismes) at 18:10/19:10 -
Lieut G L Graham, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII broke up Bazoches (west of Fismes) at 18:10/19:10 -
Lieut G L Graham, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Bazoches (west of Fismes) at 18:10/19:10 -
Lieut W S Stephenson, 73 Sqn, Fokker DrI broke up Bazoches (west of Fismes) at 18:10/19:10 -
Lieut W Sidebottom, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fismes at 18:10/19:10 -
Lieut O M Baldwin, 73 Sqn, Fokker DrI crashed south of Paars at 18:10/19:10 -
Capt W B Green, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Mont Notre Dame at 18:10/19:10 -
Lieut O M Baldwin, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Bazoches (west of Fismes) at 18:15/19:15 -
Lieut W S Stephenson, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Bazoches (west of Fismes) at 18:15/19:15 -
2nd-Lieut J O Donaldson, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Mont Notre Dame at 18:15/19:15 -
Lieut J A Keating & 2nd-Lieut E A Simpson, 49 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Sergy at 18:20/19:20 -
Lieut E F Crabb, 92 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Merville at 19:20/20:20 -

Capt J M Robb, 92 Sqn, Albatros Scout crashed Estaires at 19:30/20:30 - Capt J M Robb scored first blood for No 92 Squadron by destroying one of four Fokker biplanes

Capt D R MacLaren, 46 Sqn, Albatros Scout destroyed Bailleul at 19:30/20:30 and Albatros Scout destroyed Bailleul at 19:30/20:30 -
Lieut G W Schwermerhorn, 64 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Beaucamps at 20:10/21:10 -
Lieut A G Donald, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control north of Harnes at 20:10/21:10 -

[Hedeby]

Place holder 24th July - no longer required (see below) so instead here is a picture selected entirely at random...

[Rebel]

Brilliant recovery Chris, I see you have overcome the Duplication Demon. Well done, have a nice break!

[Hedeby]

Thanks Reg. I have also resurrected an old laptop and I have wifi so publications can continue

[Hedeby]

So the old laptop is working, as is the wi-fi so publication can continue from deep within the Yorkshire Dales (infact right in the area from which most of Capt. Tunstill's men called home, so appropriate for this publication I think). I don't have all my shortcuts and saved web links so apologies if we are missing some of the regular sources over the next few days)

23rd July 1918

The 9th Tank Corps battalion is in a position near Moreuil. For the first time British tanks will co-operate with French infantry and although the action seems to be a success the loss of life is heavy. The objective is to seize St Ribert Wood and capture the village of Aubervillers. The battalion leaves Rosiel with 42 tanks but due to mechanical failures only 35 are able to make it to the starting point of these only 21 will see action.

After the laying of an initial barrage the tanks set off for their objective but are fired on by German artillery located in the south end of St Ribert Wood. Several tanks are hit by direct fire and put out of actions their crews being killed or wounded. The fighting is intense but the level of co-operation is good and the French troops soon move into the wood to assault the well entrenched German infantry where they capture the objectives. The cost is high with the tank crews sustaining 72 casualties.



Orders

The Battalion was temporarily attached to the 5th Tank Brigade for this operation (it was usually with the 3rd Tank Brigade).

A company started from the Bois de Fay, B and C companies from the Bois de Hure. An hour long barrage was to precede the 5:30am zero hour. The tanks were to attack in sections of 3, two tanks forward and one behind in immediate support.

A Company (12 tanks) was to support 2 battalions from each of the 51st and 87th regiments in an attack on the red line, this included the Bois des Arrachis, Sauvillers-Mongival Village, Adelpare Farm and Ouvrage des Trois Bouqueteaux.

At 7:30am three sections of B Company (9 tanks) were to attack in the centre of the second wave with the reserve Battalion of the 51st Regiment. Their objective being to clear the Plateau to the north of the Bois de Sauvillers and in the capture of the South West corner of the Bois de Harpon.

The remaining section of B Company (3 tanks) was to support the reserve battalion of the 87th regiment in the capture of Bois 1987 and Bois 2493 on the right of Sauvillers Wood. C Company (12 tanks) was to support two battalions of the 272nd Regiment in their assault on Sauvillers Wood. The tanks were to move along the outside of the wood and enter the wood if possible. The survivors of A company were to assist the reserve battalion of the 272nd Regiment as it moved in support of the other two battalions of the regiment. Once the Green line had been secured the tanks were to cover the infantries consolidation then withdraw. Meanwhile the infantry were to send 8 patrols forward to start securing the blue Line.

The Battalion Rallying Point was at the North West corner of the Bois des Arrachis to where the four supply tanks were to proceed.

Account of Operations

One A company tank broke down just after leaving the start point. The reserve tanks were with B and C companies, thus A company attacked with 11 tanks. A Company crossed the French front line a few minutes before zero (5:30am) and proceeded onwards followed by the infantry. One tank was knocked out by the enemy’s counter barrage. One section now helped clear Arrachis Wood, destroying a number of MGs at the eastern end; this section then attacked Sauvillers Village from the south and occupied the village. The infantry came into the village about 15 minutes later and eventually secured it at about 8:30am. The other three sections helped clear Sauvillers Village, Adelpare Farm and Les Trois Bouqueteaux, they encountered little resistance and quickly dealt with the few MGs encountered.

At some point a second A company tank was also knocked out.

B and C Company's tanks crossed the Red line at 7:30am.

Two C company sections went either side of Sauvillers Wood and engaged the enemy therein. Some survived however and were dealt with by a reserve C Company tank which entered the Wood.

C company reached the green line at 8:45am, unbeknown to the tank commanders heavy fighting was still going on in the Bois de Sauvillers. The Company thus proceeded towards the Bois de St Ribert but then turned back to cover the infantries consolidation, at 9:30am six tanks were knocked out in quick succession apparently from a battery to the south of St Ribert.

A company's tanks supported either side of C company and all their tanks rallied.

The Plateau to the north of the Bois d Sauvillers was cleared by three sections of B company. The fourth section lost two tanks to direct hits whilst attacking the Bois 1987 and Bois 2493, the third tank assisted the infantry in capturing the Bois de St Ribert, Bois de Harpon and the North side of Sauvillers Wood.

The other three sections of B Company crossed the Green line at 8:15am and moving towards Harpon Wood. One section went too far left and ended up assisting the advance of the 15th Colonial Division.

At 9:15am the infantry were established on the Green Line; a Battalion commander of the battalion of the 51st Regiment requested the tanks help to attack the Bois de Harpon. 7 tanks were available and these split into two sections to attack either side of Harpon Wood. The infantry managed to occupy the whole wood, three tanks were hit and knocked out, one (OIC Capt Dalton (S13.p188)) to the North of the Wood as it attempted to tow away an enemy gun. These tanks were subsequently captured by the Germans as the French evacuated the wood the night after the attack.

Three tanks from C section 2GCC followed 9th Battalion into action and proceeded as far as the Bois de Arrachis (W2GC) (Four tanks according to 9th Battalions War Diary)

21 tanks rallied, this included one which had been knocked out but repaired.

Officer casualties (W9):

Killed: Capt. TG Trafford. Capt. M Rutherford. 2Lt JMA Hannan

Wounded: Lt HL Roney, Capt JT Dalton, 2Lt M Malloy, Capt DL Robinson, Capt F Underhill, 2Lt JT Munday, Lt WS Cross; Capt JM Johnson, Capt VL Mabb, 2Lt HP Bryson

2Lt Macredy was in action in a tank that was knocked out according to Clough Williams Ellis (S13.p189)


One of the new Mark V tanks

A Company Supporting 51 and 272 regiments (W9)

9076, No formation given. Broke down 100yds from start point. (possibly with A company)
9039, m, Reached objective. Killed a large number of the enemy and ran over some MGs

Supporting 51 Regiment

9318, f, Reached objective. Cleared enemy MG nests at Adelpare farm. Hit once but rallied.
9018, m, Reached objective. Little opposition met, put an MG out of action Adelpare Farm. Fit.
9040, m, Reached objective. Several MGs put out of action Adelpare Farm and trench Adele. Fit.

Plus 7 other tanks from those listed below

B Company (less one section) Supporting 51 regiment (W9)

9406, m, Reached objective. Enemy MGs silenced in Bois de Harpon. Fit. 1 Crewman killed.
9282, f, Reached objective. Little opposition met, except MG nests at Bois de Harpon which were cleared up. Fit.
9349, f, Reached objective. Cleared enemy MG nests N of Sauvillers. Fit.

Plus 6 other tanks from those listed below

B Company detached section supporting 87 regt(W9)

9387, f, Reached objective. Many MGs silenced in woods Nos 1987 and 2493. rallied OIC and 3 Crewmen wounded.
9025, m, Did not reach objective. Silenced several enemy MGs in Wood no 1987. Suffered a Direct hit and set afire. 1 OR wounded. 2 OR missing.

One other tank from those listed below

Other tanks of A and B Companies

Supporting 51 Regiment (95/94)

9064, m, Reached objective. Suffered 3 direct hits whilst withdrawing after infantry had consolidated. 2 crewmen killed, OIC wounded. 3 crewmen missing
9370, f, Reached objective. Little opposition met, assisted Inf. When asked. Fit.
9065, m, Reached objective. Many MGs silenced including 4 pointed out by a French officer. Fit. 1 Crewmen wounded.
9341, f, Reached objective. A large number of MGs silenced. Fit.
9344, f, Reached objective. Little opposition met, one or two enemy MG put out of action. Fit.1 Crewmen wounded.
9391, f, Reached objective. Little opposition met, Fired on by enemy artillery whilst patrolling in front of final objective covering infantry’s consolidation. Fit.
9049, m, Did not reach objective. Little opposition met, case shot fired and proved useful causing a large number of enemy to surrender. Suffered a Direct hit. 1 Crewman killed. OIC and 3 Crewmen wounded.

Supporting 87 regt (95/94)

9340, f, Broke down just after leaving start point .
No WD number, m,. Reached objective. Cleared up enemy MG nest in Bois De Arraches and Sauvillers. Fit after action.
9347, f, Hit and KO whilst proceeding to section start point. 1 crewman killed, one crewman missing.
9307, f, Reached objective. Heavy MG fire concentrated on tank.
No WD number, m, Reached objective. Several enemy MG nests silenced. Suffered from mechanical trouble.
9057, m, Direct hit whilst patrolling in front of consolidating infantry. 4 Crewmen wounded.
9321, f, No notes. Suffered a direct hit, expended all ammo and assisted infantry. 4 crewmen wounded, one crewman missing.

C Company Supporting 272 Regiment (W9)

9394, f, Ditched a few minutes after leaving starting point. Hit twice and set afire. 2 Crewman killed. OIC and 2 Crewmen wounded.
9048, m,. Reached objective and accounted for many enemy MG. Rallied
9330, f, objective killed large number of enemy. Rallied
9073, m, Cleared MG nests in Wood NE of village of Sauviller. Wrecked. 1 Crewman killed. OIC and 4 Crewmen wounded.
9283, f, Reached objective cleared up MG nests in Bois de Sauvillers. Rallied (gear trouble)
9021, m, Put out of action: a battery at SW corner of St Ribert Wood.2 Crewman killed. 4 Crewmen wounded.
9434, f, Reached objective cleared up MG nests. KO whilst patrolling in front of fianl objective covering infantry's consolidation. OIC and 1 Crewman killed. 1 Crewmen wounded. 1 Crewman Missing
9085, m, Reached objective cleared up MG nests. Hit once but rallied
9337, f, Reached objective materially assisted infantry. Whilst covering consolidation fired indirectly at Bois de St Ribert. Hit twice and set afire. 1 Crewman killed. 2 OIC and 1 Crewmen wounded.
9032, m, Reached objective destroyed MG nests in Bois de Sauvillers. Broke down and blown up. OIC gassed
9339, f, Reached objective. Hit twice and KO whilst patrolling in front of fianl objective covering infantry's consolidation. OIC and 1 Crewman killed. 2 Crewmen wounded.
9408, f, Reached objective. Cleared enemy MG posts north of Sauvillers Mongival. Hit twice and set afire. 4 Crewman killed. OIC and 2 Crewmen wounded.

Summary

Total Tanks: 36
Failed to Start: 1
Engaged enemy: 35
Ditched / Broke Down:
Hit and Knocked out: 15
Rallied: 20

Note: One of the knocked out tanks was repaired and rallied

Aftermath

9 Battalion were in reserve during the Battle of Amiens.

Captain Ernest Albert Isaac Taylor (Royal Field Artillery) dies of multiple shell wounds at Salonika. He is the only son of the Reverend Isaac John Taylor, Vicar of Linstead, Suffolk.
Second Lieutenant Alexander Steven Bain Taylor (Seaforth Highlanders) is killed in action at age 22. His brother died of pneumonia in August 1917.
Second Lieutenant Ernest James Keeley (South African Infantry) is killed in action. He was a member of two Rifle Teams in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The 200 + 400 + 500 + 600 meter South African Military Rifle team finished fourth, while the Free Rifle team finished sixth.
Corporal Henry John Shelford (Tank Corps) is killed at age 23. His brother killed in July 1917.

Western Front

British take Marfaux (south-west of Reims).
French and Americans continue advance north and south of Ourcq, reaching Oulchy la Ville and occupying Bois du Chatelet.
North of Montdidier French occupy Mailly-Raineval, Sauvillers and Aubervillers.

Eastern Front

Appointment of Herr Helfferich (German ex-Minister of Interior) as Ambassador at Moscow.
Siberian Government at Vladivostok reigns; Proclamation of Siberian Government Council.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Retreat of Germans at Namirrue.

British armed mercantile cruiser "Marmora" torpedoed and sunk by German submarine, 100 lost.



Political, etc.

Munition workers' strike at Coventry.
Mr. Herbert Hoover (U.S. Food Controller) at Mansion House, London.
King visits Grand Fleet.

The War in the Air

A quieter day, especially over the Western Front, the following claims were recorded for 23rd July



Opening his account on this day we have Lieutenant John Carbery Preston 150 Squadron RAF

2nd Lieutenant J. C. Preston of the Bedford Regiment was appointed Flying Officer and seconded to the Royal Flying Corps on 27 April 1917. He was made temporary Lieutenant whilst serving with the R.F.C. on 1 June 1917. Posted to 150 Squadron in Salonika, Preston scored 7 victories in the summer of 1918 as a Sopwith Camel pilot. He relinquished his commission on 6 August 1919.

Listed as John Carbury Preston in the Medal Rolls Index.

Despite the seeming lack of air activity there were still 17 British Airmen lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: Huts at Granezza.

Starting out at 4.30am on account of the hot weather, the Battalion marched eight miles south, descending from the plateau, via Sciessere, Campana, Lusiana and Velo to San Fortunato, just south of Fara, where they arrived at 9am. The remainder of the day was spent resting.

Ptes. James Butterworth (see 25th April) and John Newton (see 25th May) were reported by Sgt. Frank Brierley (see 7th May), Cpl. Stanley Vyvyan Golledge (see 26th May), Pte. William Arthur Birch Machin (see 8th September 1917) and Pte. Albert Reynolds (see 15th May) as being “absent from roll call at 9pm until reporting at 9.20pm”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 21st July) they were to be confined to barracks for 14 days.

L.Sgt. Albert Hoggarth (see 8th June) was promoted Sergeant and Lewis Gun Instructor.

Pte. Herbert Crowther Kershaw (see 15th July), who had suffered an accidental injury eight days’ previously, was discharged from 23rd Division Rest Station and re-joined the Battalion.

Capt. Hugh William Lester MC (see 25th April), serving in France as Brigade Major to 11th Infantry Brigade, departed for England on two weeks’ leave; he would be married the following day, in London, to Marjorie Elizabeth Richie.

2Lt. Conrad Anderson, (see 30th November 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, appeared before an Army Medical Board assembled at Tynemouth. The Board reported that, “about a year ago he began to complain of undue fatigue on exertion and occasional giddiness” but found that, “This officer has no disability in the opinion of the Board; he is perfectly sound and shows no sign of disease or illness”. He was instructed to re-join his unit.

Following two weeks’ treatment for malaria, Pte. James Wilson (see 12th July) was discharged from the Military Hospital in Lancaster and posted to 728th Employment Company, based at Hitchin, Herts..

Armistice Countdown 112 days

[mikeemagnus]

Thanks Chris - I have caught up again after a weekend at Devizes, where I witnessed a young, new, player distinguish himself whilst flying a Bristol fighter. He was eventually shot down, but put up a really good fight before succumbing to enemy fire. Thought you should know (see pics on Neils Flicker account - https://flic.kr/s/aHskBJD8Nv ).

Your posts are excellent as always and I trust you enjoyed your sojourn into Tunstill land

[Hedeby]

Thanks Mike. Lucky for me am here for a few more days. The sun is hot the food great and the gin ice cold

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Tell me more about the Gin Chris.
Rob.

[Hedeby]

I would have loved to have elaborated on this gin, however the Inn's wi-fi decided to take a holiday so alas I have been bereft of communication for the past two days. I will complete yesterday and todays posts now that I have landed at home aerodrome.
(well as soon as I get bored with lying in the hot sun with a cold beer)

[Hedeby]

24th July 1918

Delayed a little because of the fun and games that is countryside wi-fi...

During ‘surprise’ operations it is necessary to destroy an impassable wire block. Sergeant Richard Charles Travis DCM MM (Otago Regiment) regardless of personal danger, volunteers for this duty. Before zero hour, in broad daylight and in close proximity to enemy posts he crawls out and successfully destroys the block with bombs, thus enabling the attacking parties to pass through. A few minutes later a bombing party on the right of the attack is held up by two enemy machine guns, and the success of the whole operation is in danger. Perceiving this Sergeant Travis with great gallantry and utter disregard of danger, rushes the position, killing the crews and capturing the guns. An enemy officer and three men immediately rush at him from a bend in the trench and attempt to retake the guns. These four he kills single handed, thus allowing the bombing party on which much depends to advance. For his actions this day he will be awarded a posthumous Victoria as he will be killed tomorrow.



Richard Charles Travis, VC, DCM, MM (born ****son Cornelius Savage; 6 April 1884 – 25 July 1918) was a New Zealand soldier who fought during the First World War and was posthumously decorated with the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to Commonwealth forces. Born in Opotiki, Travis worked as a farm hand and horse breaker and, as a young man, led a transient existence after leaving home at the age of 21. He volunteered for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force following the outbreak of the First World War and served briefly at Gallipoli. He was later sent to France where he fought in the trenches along the Western Front, earning a reputation as scout and sniper. He was killed by shellfire a day after performing the deed that led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross.

****son Cornelius Savage, as he was called originally, was born on 6 April 1884 in Opotiki, New Zealand. He was the fifth of nine children. His father, James Savage, a former member of the New Zealand Armed Constabulary, had migrated to New Zealand from Ireland and was employed as a farmer. His mother, Frances (née O'Keefe), had originally come from Sydney, Australia.As a child, ****son Savage attended schools at Opotiki and Otara but only completed the first four years of his education before his family took him out of school to work on the farm. He acquired various farming skills, but showed a particular talent for horse breaking, for which he earned a degree of local fame. The impetuous Savage left home at age 21, after an argument with his father, and moved to Gisborne. Amid claims of impropriety with a local woman he moved on and, seeking a clean break, he changed his name to Richard Charles Travis and, in 1910, he settled in Winton. There he found work as a farmhand for Tom Murray, a local farmer, at his property around Ryal Bush. Sometime later he and Murray's daughter, Lettie, became engaged although the pair were not married before the war in Europe separated them. Less than a month after the outbreak of the First World War, Richard Travis sought to join the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles, a squadron of the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment. Enlisting in Invercargill, Travis' height 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and weight 133 pounds (60 kg) with "a fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair" belied his military potential. He was attested on 20 August 1914 and after a short period of basic training Travis departed New Zealand along with the first contingent—known as the "Main Body"—of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force bound for Egypt.



Upon arrival in the Middle East in December 1914, the New Zealanders undertook further training before taking part in the landing at Anzac Cove as part of the Gallipoli campaign on 25 April 1915. The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment (including Travis' Southland Squadron) did not take part in the initial landing; instead they were sent as dismounted reinforcements the following month. Travis was not scheduled to proceed with rest of the Southland Mounted Rifles Squadron, presumably having been assigned to a rear detail or reserve party that was to remain in Egypt until called for later on. Nevertheless, exhibiting the same disregard for discipline that had gotten him in trouble earlier in his life, he stowed away upon the squadron's transport and joined them on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Travis' unauthorised presence was soon discovered and disciplinary proceedings followed: he was returned to Egypt and received 14 days' confinement. Nevertheless, he was later able to return to Gallipoli to take part in the final month of the campaign before the Allied forces were evacuated in December 1915. While at Anzac Cove he established a reputation as a fine soldier who possessed the ability to move through "no man's land" unscathed.

Following their evacuation from Gallipoli, the New Zealanders returned to Egypt while the War Office considered their future deployment. In March 1916, Travis was transferred to the infantry and was posted to the 8th (Southland) Company of the 2nd Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Division. When the division transferred to the European theatre, he sailed with it to France, arriving there in April, to serve in the trenches along the Western Front. After the 2nd Battalion entered the line near Armentières, Travis began conducting scouting missions at night into "no man's land" to gather intelligence on German positions and help in mapping the front. In September 1916 he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the Commonwealth's second highest gallantry award, when he was involved in the fighting on the Somme, singlehandedly dealing with two German snipers that were firing upon a work party. After this the 2nd Battalion moved to Flanders to hold the line during winter. Further accolades followed and throughout 1917 he progressed through the ranks reaching the rank of sergeant whereupon he was given responsibility for a sniper and reconnaissance section consisting of men hand picked by himself, tasked with conducting reconnaissance of German lines and capturing prisoners to gain intelligence. In early 1918 he was awarded the Croix de Guerre from the Belgian government, and then later the Military Medal. As a leader he was said to have a casual approach towards things such as dress and military protocol, however, he was resourceful, had a well-developed understanding of enemy courses of action and had a penchant for detailed planning.

In July 1918, as part of the operations undertaken prior to the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, planned for August, the 2nd Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment, was committed to operations around Rossignol Wood, to the north of Hébuterne, where a salient had developed in the German lines. Following the initial attacks, the Germans withdrew from their positions and Travis, with the reconnaissance section, set out to discover their new location. On 24 July the battalion was scheduled to launch its attack. Prior to stepping off, Travis crossed "no man's land" in daylight and destroyed a wire obstacle that threatened to block the path of the battalion's advance. Later, after the attack had been checked by heavy fire from a number of machine gun positions, seeing the danger, Travis approached two weapons pits alone and killed their occupants.

He was killed the following day in a German artillery barrage laid down in preparation for a counter-attack. Well known among the New Zealand Division for his exploits, his death affected its morale. On 26 July 1918, he was interred in a grave near the small village of Couin, which is now the site of the Couin New British Cemetery. For his deeds on 24 July he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) in September 1918. The citation for his VC read:

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During 'surprise' operations it was necessary to destroy an impassable wire block. Serjt. Travis, regardless of personal danger, volunteered for this duty. Before zero hour, in broad daylight and in close proximity to enemy posts he crawled out and successfully destroyed the block with bombs, thus enabling the attacking parties to pass through. A few minutes later a bombing party on the right of the attack was held up by two enemy machine guns, and the success of the whole operation was in danger. Perceiving this Serjt. Travis with great gallantry and utter disregard of danger, rushed the position, killed the crews and captured the guns. An enemy officer and three men immediately rushed at him from a bend in the trench and attempted to retake the guns. These four he killed single handed, thus allowing the bombing party on which much depended to advance. The success of the operation was almost entirely due to the heroic work of this gallant N.C.O. and the vigour with which he made and used opportunities for inflicting casualties on the enemy. He was killed 24 hours later when, in a most intense bombardment prior to an enemy counter-attack, he was going from post to post encouraging the men.

— The London Gazette, No. 30922, 24 September 1918

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: Army Group Crown Prince reports 18 divisions unbattleworthy. Allies advance north of Chateau-Thierry towards Fere-en-Tardenois, reach line Oulchy-le-Chateau*-Gaulgonne, and push along the Marne in Fere Forest. British advance north of the Ardre.
Bombon Conference of C-in-Cs at Foch’s HQ decides to expedite general counter-*offensive. Foch aims first to free 3 great rail routes: (1) Paris*-Verdun, (2) Paris-Amiens and (3) Verdun-Arricourt. (1) to be achieved by the ongoing French counter-offensive; (2) by Haig’s proposed Amiens offensive (Foch directive July 26); (3) by reducing St Mihiel salient (proposed by Pershing, Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall begins study today). Other follow-up operations to liberate North France coal mining districts and clear Calais-Dunkirk region. French Ninth Army (de Mitry) abolished due to narrowing front.



EASTERN FRONT
Volga: 1,500 Czechs and Whites take Simbirsk (rail bridge, granary, Lenin’s birthplace).

AIR WAR
Occupied Belgium: Handley Page (Dell) of No 215 Squadron drops first 1,650lb SN ‘block*buster’ bomb at Middelkerke.

HOME FRONTS
Austria: Reichsrat secret session attacks military leadership and Piave failure.
Germany: 29 British officer PoWs tunnel out of Holzminden camp, 10 get home.
USA: Fuel Administra*tor orders 4 lightless nights per week. No German in letters sent from US allowed from August 15.

The War in the Air

General Headquarters, July 25th.

“On the 24th inst. three was still a very strong west wind blowing, and the weather mainly overcast. Towards evening the sky cleared, and a certain amount of sharp fighting and bombing took place. Fifteen hostile machines were brought down and three driven down out of control. Three of our machines are missing. During the night over 24 tons of bombs were dropped by us on the railways at Valenciennes, Seclin, Courtrai, and Armentieres, and on hostile billets on different parts of the front. Two trains were hit with bombs, and thousands of rounds fired from machine guns at various ground targets, including active anti-aircraft guns, searchlights and transport. All machines returned. One of the enemy's night-bombing machines was brought down in our lines by anti-aircraft gunfire.”

Admiralty, July 27th.

“In Home waters, during the period July 18th-24th inclusive, Royal Air Force units working with the Navy have maintained escort, hostile aircraft and anti-submarine patrols. Enemy aircraft activity over the Belgian coast and in close proximity to the English coast has been above normal and several engagements have taken place. Six enemy machines have been destroyed and eight driven down out of control. Five of our machines are missing Our bombing formations have attacked military objectives at Zeebrugge, Bruges and Ostend, over 15 tons of bombs being dropped with good results. Enemy destroyers and trawlers have also been attacked, a direct hit being obtained on a trawler, which was subsequently observed to be in a sinking condition."

RAF Communiqué No 17:

Weather, fine, high wind; cloudy in morning.

Twenty-five reconnaissances and four counter-attack patrols.

Twelve hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 11 neutralized.

Five and three-quarter tons of bombs dropped by day.

On the 24th instant, three hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 49 other targets.

Enemy Aircraft:

Active in evening, otherwise slight.

Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, DFW C crashed Merville at 07:20/08:20 – confirmed by patrol
Lieut G R Hicks, 74 Sqn, DFW C crashed north of Lestrem at 07:25/08:25 – confirmed by another pilot
Capt H A Oaks & 2nd-Lieut C W Davies, 48 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Foucaucourt at 07:30/08:30 - Ltn Walter Hoefig, Js 37, Kia [?]
Capt H A Oaks & 2nd-Lieut C W Davies, 48 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Foucaucourt at 07:30/08:30 - Ltn Walter Hoefig, Js 37, Kia [?]
Lieut O A Ralston, 85 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed north-west of Armentières at 10:35/11:35 - Vzfw Ernst Wiehle, Js 43, Ftl [?]
Lieut L K Callahan, 85 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Neuve-Église at 10:40/11:40 – Js 43?
Capt A C Randall, 85 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Neuve-Église at 10:45/11:45 – confirmed by another pilot; Js 43?
Lieut W H Longton, 85 Sqn, Pfalz Scout crashed Dranoutre at 10:45/11:45 – Js 43?
Capt M C McGregor, 85 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control south-east of Kemmel at 10:45/11:45 – confirmed by another pilot; Vzfw Kurt Beinecke, Js51, Kia or Uffz Kurt Hoffmann, Js51, Kia [?]
Capt M C McGregor, 85 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed south-east of Kemmel at 10:50/11:50 - Vfw Kurt Beinecke, Js51, Kia or Uffz Kurt Hoffmann, J51, Kia [?]

A patrol of No 85 Squadron flying in two layers saw six E.A., which the lower flight decoyed towards our lines. The higher flight then attacked from the East, with the result that four of the enemy were shot down, Capt M C McGregor, Lieut W H Longton, Capt A C Randall and Lieut O A Ralston (U.S.A.S.) accounting for one each

2nd-Lieut W J B Nel, 84 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed south-east of Warfusée at 11:15/12:15 -
Capt J S Ralston and Lieut N W R Mawle, 84 Sqn, Fokker DVII broke up Warfusée at 11:15/12:15 -
Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, DFW C in flames Merville at 17:20/18:20 – confirmed by another pilot
Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, DFW C out of control east of Kemmel at 17:55/18:55 -
Lieut L Young & 2nd-Lieut H Pullen, 25 Sqn, Pfalz Scout destroyed south-west of Lille at 18:15/19:15 -
Capt H W Woollett, 43 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fère-en-Tardenois at 19:30/20:30 -
Lieut L M Price & Lieut A Mills, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII broke up north of Comines at 20:00/21:00 -
Lieut J H Colbert & Lieut R W Turner, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed north of Comines at 20:00/21:00 -
Lieut G E Randall & Lieut G V Learmond, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed north of Wervicq at 20:15/21:15 – confirmed by another pilot
Capt W O Boger, 56 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control Méricourt at 20:20/21:20 -
Lieut L Yerex, 210 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control east of Dixmude at 20:30/21:30 -
Lieut G A Vaughn, 84 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed east of Bray at 20:35/21:35 -
Lieut C F Falkenberg, 84 Sqn, Albatros Scout out of control Péronne at 20:45/21:45 -
Capt W O Boger, 56 Sqn, Pfalz Scout in flames Cappy at 20:50/21:50 -
Capt E J K McCloughry, 4 AFC, Rumpler C crashed Pont Ricquen at 20:55/21:55 -

Casualties:

Lieut C R Pithey DFC (Wia) & ? (Ok), 12 Sqn, RE8 - hit by anti-aircraft fire
Capt E H Leake MC (Wia), 59 Sqn, RE8 - anti-aircraft fire
2nd-Lieut S N Waddy (Kia) & 100435 Sergt W J Shuker (Kia), 48 Sqn, Bristol F.2B D7902 – took off 06:00/07:00 and last seen falling in flames over Foucaucourt on patrol; Ltn d R Georg Meyer, Js37, 10th victory [Bray at 07:30/08:30]
Capt P S Burge MC MM (Kia), 64 Sqn, SE5a D6900 – took off 17:00/18:00 and, last seen to be shot down by E.A. and fall in enemy lines west of Seclin 18:05/19:05 on patrol

Five confirmed ‘SE5’ victories:

Offz Stv Karl Thom, Js21, 22nd victory [Blesmes at 05:55/06:55]
Ltn d R Paul Turck, Js21, 9th victory [Le Charmel at 05:58/06:58]
Offz Stv Karl Thom, Js21, 23rd victory [Courtemont at 06:00/07:00]
Offz Stv Karl Thom, Js21, 24th victory [east of La Ferté Milon at 10:05/11:05]
Uffz Marat Schumm, Js52, 6th victory [south of Hulluch at 18:20/19:20] – usually matched with Burge

7044 Sergt H P Aldridge (Pow) & 2910 Sergt R A Samson (Pow), 20 Sqn, Bristol F.2B C4604 – took off 19:00/20:00 and last seen north of Armentières 20:20/21:20 on patrol; Oblt Hans-Eberhardt Gandert, Js51, 6th victory [Armentieres at 20:00/21:00]

The top performance on this day came from Leutnant Karl Thom of Jasta 21, and Captain James Ira Thomas "Taffy" Jones MC. DSO. DFC & Bar both of whom claimed a hat trick of allied planes in aerial combat



Lieutenant Karl Thom (19 May 1893 – 3 March 1945), was a German World War I fighter ace credited with 27 victories. He was decorated with both his nation's highest decorations for valor, the Military Merit Cross as an enlisted soldier, and the Pour le Mérite after he was commissioned as an officer. He was one of only four German aces of World War I to achieve this double award. Karl Thom was born the son of a field hand. He began his military service by enlisting in 1911 with Hussar Regiment Number 5. He was serving with Mounted Rifle Regiment Number 10 when World War I began. He was wounded for the first time in November 1914.

Upon his recovery, Thom transferred to the Air Service. His first assignment after training was piloting a two-seater reconnaissance plane for FFA 216. He patrolled in the vicinity of Vosges until he was injured in a crash in May 1916. Upon recovery, he was reassigned to FFA 48. He was captured there when forced down. He was awarded the Iron Cross First Class for his subsequent escape. He returned to duty for a brief tour with FFA 234 before transferring again. Despite being a Prussian, he was assigned to a Saxon fighter unit, Jagdstaffel 21, in May 1917. He joined his new squadron at approximately the same time as its new leader, Staffelführer Eduard Ritter von Schleich, who took charge on 26 May.

He marked his Albatros airplane's fuselage with a large black capital block 'T' with pronounced serifs to identify himself in the air. The 'T' was in addition to the customary squadron marking of a vertical black stripe and a vertical white stripe just aft of the cockpit; the 'T' itself was on the outside wall of the cockpit. Thom reeled off a string of 11 victories, including a triple win on 18 September, and doubles on 19 and 22 September.



October brought changes, as Jasta 21 received Oskar Freiherr von Boenigk as the new commanding officer[6] and Fokker D.VIIs as new airplanes to replace the Albatros D.Vs that had been the squadron's craft. On 11 October, Thom was awarded the Military Merit Cross, Prussia's and Germany's highest decoration for valorous enlisted men. He had previously been awarded the Member's Royal House Order of Hohenzollern. Thom scored only once that month, on 29 October. November was a blank. He next scored on 1 December, with one confirmed and one unconfirmed victory. On 23 December, Thom was wounded in action. He took a bullet in the leg while undertaking the usually hazardous duty of attacking an observation balloon. He was not successful in his assault, or would he ever shoot down one of the gasbags.

Thom's return to the victory rolls roughly coincided with Jasta 21's adoption of Fokker D.VIIs, replacing its Albatros D.Vs. Thom shot down five enemy aircraft in June, beginning with his 15th win overall on 11 June. July saw him victorious six more times, Including the youngest son of President Theodore Roosevelt, Quentin Roosevelt on Bastille Day, July 14, 1918. He capped his career with a triumph each on 1 and 4 August. With 27 victories confirmed, he became the leading ace for Jasta 21. All but four of his victories were against the French. On 11 August, he was severely wounded in the hip and remanded to hospital. He was also commissioned on 11 August 1918. On 1 November, while he was still in the hospital, he was awarded the Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest award for commissioned officers. On 6 November, he rejoined Jasta 21. Three days later, he crashed, suffering multiple fractures.[8] Two days after that, the Armistice ended World War I.



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

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

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

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

The following other claims were made on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at San Fortunato, just south of Fara.

With the weather now blisteringly hot, the Battalion’s march was again delayed until the cooler conditions of the evening. Starting out at 8pm they marched six miles south west to Bergana Camp, one mile south of Thiene, arriving there at 11.45pm.

Pte. Joseph Haywood (see 7th May) was reported by Sgts. Percy James Dawson (see below) and James Robinson (see 22nd April) as being “absent off 9am parade”; on the orders of Capt. James Watson Paterson (see 15th June) he was to be confined to barracks for seven days.

Sgt. Percy James Dawson was an original member of the Battalion, although, in the absence of a surviving service record, it has not been possible to establish when he had been promoted to his current rank. He had enlisted aged 22 at which time he was married with two children.

Pte. Tom Feather MM (see 16th August 1917) died of wounds; he had been wounded while serving in France with 5DWR and would be buried at Sezanne Communal Cemetery, east of Paris. In the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish when, or under what circumstances, he had left 10DWR.

Lt. Cyril William Wildy (see 21st June), who had been accepted for transfer to the Signal Service, Royal Engineers was posted to England to join an officer training class at the Signal Service Training Centre in Bedford. Prior to his departure he had spent some time (details unknown) with 23rd Division Signal Company.

A payment of £13 13s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Harold Dale (see 11th April) who had been killed in action on 11th April; the payment would be divided equally (in shares of £2 5s. 8d.) between his mother, Mary; two brothers, William and George; two unmarried sisters, Martha and Lily; and married sister, Edith Ackroyd. His mother would also receive his identity disc, which was the only surviving item of personal property.

A further payment of 3s. 7d. was made in respect of the pay and allowances due to the late Pte. Arthur Hird (see 1st April), who had died of wounds on 22nd September 1917; the payment would go to his widow, Margaret.

GUTTED to have missed this from the 2018 Grassington Festival : Tunstill's Men - Presented by The Skipton Academy.

A poignant tale of local young men sent off to war, an accomplished piece created and performed by students and staff at The Skipton Academy.

The true story of a recruiting campaigner during World War 1 is brought to life in this promenade performance through the Grassington Streets.

Meet for the Funeral of Gilbert Tunstill at the Methodist Church then walk back in time with the performers.

Please dress appropriately for the occasion. (hopefully they will repeat this event - maybe in November?)

Armistice Countdown 111 days

[Hedeby]

25th July 1918

This will probably be completed in a number of 'sittings' as the lure of the sun is very strong...

Colonel Ralph Harold Austin-Sparks (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed when his Bristol F2 spins into the ground at Lilbourne. He had been wounded in July 1915 while flying over Ypres and has been Colonel in Command of the Royal Air Force (Midland Area) for a month prior to his death. He is a member of the Thames Rowing Club, Belsize Boxing Club and the London Scottish Rugby Football Club.

Sergeant Richard Charles Travis VC DCM MM (Otago Regiment) known as the “Prince of Scouts” and “King of No Man’s Land” is killed one day after performing acts that will win him a posthumous Victoria Cross. (See 24th July)



WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: Allies advance 2 miles, occupying Fare Forest and capturing La Croise Range, Oulchy-le*-Chateau and Villemontoire (6 miles south of Soissons), last stormed by French 67th Regiment (12th Division) from Prussian 79th Regiment. Ludendorff sanctions night pullback to Fare-en*-Tardenois line for night July 27, orders Aisne-Vesle line defences on July 26.

EASTERN FRONT
Russia: Allied Diplomatic Corps from Vologda reaches Archangel.
Urals: Czechs take Ekaterinburg and form Regional Government.

AIR WAR
Western Front: RAF drops over 288t bombs on German Amiens sector rear areas (until August 1). Germans claim 31 aircraft for loss of 4.
Aegean: Turks bomb RAF Imbros station (night July 25-26), 60 bombs, one fires hangar destroying 7 Sopwith Camels. RAF retaliate vs Galata (July 25-26 and 27).

The Royal Air Force established air squadrons No. 244, No. 258, No. 260, and No. 272

No. 244 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron formed as an anti–submarine unit in World War I and a bomber and anti-submarine unit in the Middle East in World War II. No. 244 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was formed on 25 July 1918 as part of the reorganization of 255 Squadron and operated DH.6s from Bangor, Wales on anti-submarine patrols and disbanded on 22 January 1919. 'S' Squadron was reformed at RAF Habbaniya in Iraq on 21 August 1939 by re-designating the Communication Flight, Iraq & Persia. 'S' squadron moved to RAF Shaibah on 1 November 1940 and was redesignated No. 244 Squadron RAF.[1] It was equipped with Vincents and was involved in quelling the Iraqi uprising in May 1941. It re-equipped in April 1942 with Blenheims for anti-submarine patrols and in May 1942 moved to RAF Sharjah in Sharjah. Whilst based at RAF Sharjah there were detachment to airfields at Jask Ras al Hadd and Masirah. Wellingtons were delivered in February 1944 and the squadron moved to RAF Masirah on Masirah Island where it continued anti-submarine patrols. The Squadron was disbanded there on 1 May 1945.


244 Squadron RAF

No. 258 Squadron was first formed 25 July 1918 from 523, 525 and 529 Special Duties Flights at Luce Bay near Stranraer, Scotland under the control of No. 25 Group. It was equipped with De Havilland DH.6 biplanes and carried out anti-submarine patrols over the Irish Sea. It was disbanded on 5 March 1918. The squadron was reformed on 20 November 1940 at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire as a fighter squadron equipped with Hawker Hurricanes. First based at RAF Acklington they relocated to RAF Jurby, Isle of Man. By April 1941, No. 258 Squadron's time at Jurby had come to an end, and they transferred to RAF Valley and thence to RAF Kenley[2] in preparation to take the offensive to the enemy. In October they were stood down to prepare for a move to the Far East. After a few days in Singapore they were withdrawn to Sumatra and then Java, where they suffered many losses either killed or captured by the Japanese. The survivors transferred their aircraft to No. 605 squadron and most attempted to escape by ship to Australia, but all the ships were sunk en route with no survivors. The squadron was again reformed 1 Mar 1942 from G Squadron at Ratmalana Airport, near Colombo, Ceylon but suffered severe losses during the Japanese carrier strike on 5 April 1942. After a spell in Burma (under Neil Cameron) the squadron was withdrawn to be re-equipped with American Republic P-47 Thunderbolts. In June 1945 it then began training for the invasion of Malaya but on the Japanese surrender the squadron was finally disbanded on 31 December 1945.

The squadron was largely manned by RNZAF pilots from New Zealand.


258 Squadron RAF

No. 260 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force squadron formed as a reconnaissance and anti–submarine unit in World War I and a fighter unit in World War II. No. 260 Squadron Royal Air Force was formed on 25 July 1918 and operated DH.6s from Westward Ho, Devon on anti-submarine patrols and disbanded on 5 March 1919.The squadron reformed on 22 November 1940 at RAF Castletown, Scotland and operated Hawker Hurricanes. It then moved to Egypt and operated Curtiss Kittyhawk fighter bombers over the western desert. The squadron then advanced with the Eighth Army into Tunisia. With the North African Campaign over it then moved to Sicily following Operation Husky. As the allied forces advanced into Italy it converted to the North American P-51 Mustang and it disbanded at Lavariano on 19 August 1945.


260 Squadron RAF

DH.6: At the end of 1917, about 300 DH.6s were transferred to the RNAS for anti-submarine patrols. While far from ideal for this work, the type proved surprisingly "seaworthy", being known to float for as long as ten hours after ditching.On operations, the underpowered trainer could not carry both an observer and weaponry. The majority of patrols were flown solo, allowing a token bomb load and a lightweight radio installation to be carried, although convoy escort missions generally carried an observer who could communicate with ships using an Aldis lamp. The "built in" instability designed to keep a student pilot alert proved tiring for pilots on long patrols over water, and experimental changes were made in mid-1918 to improve stability. These included the introduction of 10 in (25 cm) of back-stagger to wings of reduced chord and camber, with narrower elevators and rudder. DH.6s modified to this standard were unofficially dubbed "DH 6As". Over 1,000 DH.6s were still in service in second-line roles with the RAF at the end of the war.

No. 272 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron formed as an anti–submarine unit in World War I and a coastal fighter unit in World War II. No. 272 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was formed on 25 July 1918 and operated DH.6s from Machrihanish, Scotland on anti-submarine patrols and disbanded on 5 March 1919. The squadron reformed on 19 November 1940 at RAF Aldergrove. It received Blenheims and then converted to Beaufighters. It was then based in Crete to provide protection for convoys and at Luqa, Malta and Sicily following Operation Husky. On 8 September 1944, the Italian liner SS Rex was attacked by twelve 272 Squadron Beaufighters at Capodistria Bay, south of Trieste, leaving her on fire and badly listing. As the Allied forces advanced into Italy the squadron moved to Alghero and Foggia, and it disbanded at Gragnano on 30 April 1945.


272 Squadron RAF

The British Air Ace Captain John Steel Ralston MC. DFC. 84 Squadron RAF was killed on this day - he was a 12 victory ace flying the SE5a

The son of Thomas Binnie and Mary Chalmers (Steel) Ralston, 2nd Lieutenant John Steele Ralston, of the Scottish Rifles, Territorial Force, was appointed Flying Officer and seconded to the Royal Flying Corps on 12 June 1917. With 84 Squadron in France, he scored twelve victories flying the S.E.5a.

Listed as John Steele Ralston in the London Gazette DFC citation.

"2nd Lt. John Steel Ralston, Sco. Rif.
For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried a wounded man 100 yards across the open under heavy fire. He has displayed great courage and coolness throughout the operations."

Lieut. (T./Capt.) John Steele Ralston, M.C. (Scottish Rifles, T.F.).
An intrepid patrol leader who in recent operations has accounted for three enemy machines and three kite balloons. Recently while on patrol he advanced to attack a kite balloon; on his approach the balloon party began to haul it down, but forcing home his attack, he shot the balloon down in flames. In the engagement this officer was seriously wounded. Suffering great pain, he flew back to our lines and tried to land, but fainted and crashed.

There was yet another Hat Trick for a Bristol Fighter pilot on this day... Captain David Esplin Smith 20 Squadron RAF (F2B) he would take his tally to six before he was shot down and killed.

A barber's assistant, David Esplin Smith, the son of Mungo and Rebecca Smith, enlisted on 28 November 1915 but was discharged on 12 February 1916 for being under-age. Enlisting again, he joined C Squadron, No. 2 Royal Flying Corps Cadet Wing on 14 May 1917. With 20 Squadron in the summer of 1918, Smith scored six victories flying the Bristol Fighter. Shot down by Jasta 56 on 14 August 1918, Smith was killed but his observer, John Hills, survived and was captured.

Interesting fact: The most successful fighter aircraft of the war was the Sopwith Camel, it was also the plane with most aces at 260. The Bristol Fighter had 246 aces... not that far behind (and more than the SE5a which had 209)

General Headquarters, July 26th.

“On the 25th inst. the high wind still continued, but visibility was better than on previous days. A certain amount of work in conjunction with the artillery was done, and many reconnaissances and the usual bombing carried out by our aeroplanes. Amongst the targets attacked were three large ammunition dumps, the docks at Bruges, and numerous villages used as billets by the enemy's troops. In air fighting the strong west wind greatly favoured the enemy. In spite of this, 25 hostile machines were brought down by us and six others were driven down out of control. A hostile balloon was shot down in flames. Fifteen of our machines are missing. After dark, our night-bombing machines again attacked the railways at Courtrai and Seclin, and dropped over 300 bombs on rest billets. All our machines returned. One of the enemy's night-flying aeroplanes was shot down by anti-aircraft gun fire behind our lines.”

Headquarters R.A.F., Independent Force, July 26th.

“On the night of July 25th-26th successful attacks were carried out on the station and factory at Pforzheim, the factory at Baalon, and the station at Offenburg. Two fires broke out at Offenburg. Four hostile aerodromes were bombed and attacked with machine gun fire, and hangars were hit. Trains, anti-aircraft batteries, searchlights, and other ground targets were fired upon with machine guns. All our machines returned."

RAF Communiqué No 17:

Weather fine, some showers.

Fifty-five reconnaissances, seven contact and counter-attack patrols.

Eighty-one hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, 11 neutralized, 87 zone calls sent.

Twenty-one and a half tons of bombs dropped by night and 16½ tons by day.

On the 25th instant, 43 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 109 other targets.

Enemy Aircraft:

Not particularly active, except on the French battle-front in the evening.

Lieut H D Stier & Cpl J Chapman, 206 Sqn, E.A. destroyed -
Capt A B Yuille, 151 Sqn, Friedrichshafen GIVa captured Robecq at 00:45/01:45 -
Lieut H G Watson, 4 AFC, Balloon in flames south of Comines at 04:10/05:10 -
Lieut R King, 4 AFC, LVG C crashed north of Armentières at 04:15/05:15 -
Capt G E H McElroy, 40 Sqn, Hannover CL crashed north of Neuve Chapelle at 06:15/07:15 -
Capt J S Ralston, 84 Sqn, Balloon in flames south of Warvillers at 06:30/07:30 -
Capt G E H McElroy, 40 Sqn, Hannover CL crashed west of Bois dÉpinoy at 07:15/08:15 -
Capt L H Rochford, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed east of La Bassée at 07:40/08:40 -
Lieut W Sidebottom, 203 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control south-east of La Bassée at 07:45/08:45 -
Lieut D Lloyd-Evans, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed west of Aubers at 08:10/09:10 -
Lieut T Rose, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control south of Aubers at 08:10/09:10 -
Lieut M L Howard, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed east of Neuve Chapelle at 08:15/09:15 -
Lieut M L Howard, 64 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Neuve Chapelle at 08:15/09:15 -
Lieut D E Smith & Pbr J Hills, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Comines Canal at 08:50/09:50 -
Capt H P Lale & 2nd-Lieut F J Ralph, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed north of Comines at 08:50/09:50 -
Lieut D E Smith & Pbr J Hills, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Comines Canal at 08:55/09:55 -
Capt H P Lale & 2nd-Lieut F J Ralph, Lieut D E Smith & Pbr J Hills and Lieut W M Thomson & Sergt J D C Summers, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII in flames Comines at 08:55/09:55 -
Lieut W M Thomson & Sergt J D C Summers, 20 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Gheluvelt at 08:55/09:55 -
Capt R C Phillipps, 2 AFC, Fokker DVII broke up Houplines at 09:10/10:10 -
Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, DFW C in flames south-east of Neuve-Église at 11:05/12:05 -
Lieut D F Murman, 40 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control south-west Lille at 15:20/16:20 -
1st Lieut P V Burwell and Lieut D F Murman, 40 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed south-west of Lille at 17:20/18:20 -
Lieut I F Hind, 40 Sqn, Fokker DVII broke up south-west Lille at 17:20/18:20 - Ltn Josef Raesch, Js 43, OK
Lieut E D Asbury & 2nd-Lieut W N Hartley, 49 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Mont Notre Dame at 19:00/20:00 -
Capt G Fox-Rule & Lieut R A V R Scherck, 49 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fismes at 19:00/20:00 -
Sergt Mech H W Bush & Sergt Mech E R MacDonald, 98 Sqn, Pfalz Scout broke up Fère-en-Tardenois at 19:00/20:00 -
Lieut A R Spurling & Sergt F W Bell, 49 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Mont Notre Dame at 19:00/20:00 -
Capt R L Charron & Lieut W A Owens, 49 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Chery - Chartreuve at 19:00/20:00 -
Lieut G L Graham, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed east of Courmont at 19:00/20:00 -
Lieut A V Gallie, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control east of Launoy at 19:00/20:00 -
Lieut E J Lussier, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII destroyed south of Villers at 19:00/20:00 -
Lieut E J Lussier, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control south of Villers at 19:00/20:00 -
2nd-Lieut J O Donaldson, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fismes at 19:00/20:00 -
Lieut J W Trusler, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fismes at 19:00/20:00 -
Lieut P MacFarlane, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fismes at 19:00/20:00 -
Capt G H Hackwill, 54 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Bazoches (west of Fismes) at 19:15/20:15 -
Lieut R E L McBean, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fismes at 19:15/20:15 -
Lieut W S Stephenson, 73 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed St Thibaut (east of Fismes) at 19:25/20:25 -
Capt W B Green, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control Fismes at 19:25/20:25 -
Lieut A A Callender, 32 Sqn, Fokker DVII crashed Fismes - Fère-en-Tardenois at 19:30/20:30 -
2nd-Lieut N Cooper and Lieut W S Stephenson, 73 Sqn, LVG C destroyed Cohan at 19:45/20:45 -
2nd-Lieut F A Brock & Sergt Mech L H Rowe, 206 Sqn, Pfalz Scout out of control at 20:15/21:15 -

The following claims were made on this day



21 British Airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: Bergana Camp, south of Thiene.

Another evening march, this time commencing at 7pm, took the Battalion 13 miles further south west, via Molina, Malo and Priabona to billets at Cereda and Grumo, just south of Cornedo where they had been billeted in the Spring. They arrived at 2am on the 26th; two companies would be billeted at Cereda and two at Grumo.

2Lt. Andrew Aaron Jackson (see 21st June) was promoted Lieutenant.

Pte. Joseph Blackburn (29722) (see 8th March 1917) was awarded 14 days’ Field Punishment no.1; the nature of his offence is unknown.

Pte. Ernest Taylor (29168) (see 7th July), serving in France with 1st/6th DWR, was severely wounded in action; he suffered wounds to his back, forehead and neck and would be admitted to 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station at Esquelbecq, north-west of Poperinghe.

Pte. John Edward Bartle (see 20th December 1917), serving in France with 2nd/4th DWR, was wounded in action; he suffered wounds to his right arm as a result of which he would be evacuated to England.

2Lt. Thomas Arnold Woodcock (see 6th February), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was promoted Lieutenant.

A note added to file at the War Office in relation to 2Lt. Frederick Millward MC (see 18th July), who had been severely injured during a trench raid carried out in November 1916 and had had his right leg amputated above the knee, indicated that, “this officer has been admitted to Dover House for the purpose of being fitted with an artificial limb”. ‘Dover House’ refers to Queen Mary's Convalescent Auxiliary Hospital, Dover House, Putney Park Lane, Roehampton; the property had been donated by the American financier J.P. Morgan for use as a hospital for limbless officers.

The former Battalion Chaplain, Rev. Wilfred Leveson Henderson MC (see 6th July), who had been severely wounded in the attack on the Messines Ridge on 7th June, appeared before an Army Medical Board assembled at Fort Matilda, Greenock. The Board found that, “This officer is still suffering from the effects of the wounds to both thighs with comminuted fracture of left femur received on active service in France on 7th June 1917. There is a 2 ½ inch shortening of the left leg – the result of the compound, comminuted fracture of the left femur. The right sciatic nerve was also injured. This officer complains of pain over the region of this nerve, walks lame and at a slow pace. He wears a surgical boot with a raised heel”. He was declared permanently unfit for any further service, having already relinquished his commission. Rev. Henderson would take up a post as Rector of Christ Church Lanark.

Armistice Countdown 110 days

[Flying Officer Kyte]

If you see anything more on Tunstill's men please let us know Chris.
Rob.

[Hedeby]

Keeping my eyes peeled Rob trust me.

[Hedeby]

26th July 1918

Today's edition is dedicated to the memory of the most successful and most decorated British airmen ever:

Major Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock VC, DSO & Two Bars, MC & Bar (24 May 1887 – 26 July 1918)



On a pleasant April afternoon high above northwestern France in 1918, S.E.5as of A Flight, No. 74 Squadron, Royal Air Force, were on their second patrol. It was the unit’s first day of combat, and all the pilots except their leader, Captain Edward “Mick” Mannock, were novices. As his men watched wide-eyed, Mannock suddenly wagged his wings, alerting them that the enemy was nearby, then dropped down like a hawk on a formation of German Albatros fighters. Mannock centered a black-and-yellow Albatros D.V in his Aldis sight, sucked in a breath and gently squeezed the firing button, loosing a lethal stream of silky white tracers. The Albatros broke up in the air. Back on the ground, pilots congratulated their captain on his second victory of the day, but what left them full of undying admiration for him was Mannock’s combat report, in which he wrote, “The whole flight should share in the credit for the EA [enemy aircraft], as they all contributed to its destruction.”

That disclaimer was indicative of the unselfish and intense devotion to his comrades that characterized the life of Edward Mannock, one of Britain’s all-time greatest combat pilots and leaders of men. By any measure, he was a man of extraordinary gifts, a man who surely would have made as great an impact on the postwar world as he did on those who knew and loved him during his brilliant career as a fighter pilot.



Mannock was born in Cork, Ireland, on May 24, 1887, son of a soldier in the Royal Scots Guards who fought in Britain’s imperial wars. A rough man, he beat Edward and his siblings and drank heavily. While his father was posted to India, Mannock contracted an amoebic infestation that weakened his left eye. That misfortune would be subsequently transformed into the oft-repeated myth of Mannock’s being the “ace with one eye.” Despite early hardships, young Edward possessed a sharp analytical mind. He hated inequality and later became a fervent socialist. When Mannock was in his early teens, his father abandoned the family, and Edward had to work to support them. He left home and boarded with the Eyles family. Jim Eyles later wrote that Mannock was a person “with high ideals and with a great love for his fellow mortals. He hated cruelty and poverty….A kinder, more thoughtful man you could never meet.” It seems likely that Mannock could have risen in the Labour Party, for he was an excellent speaker. But the coming global conflagration would soon shatter his high ambitions.

When war was declared in August 1914, Mannock was working for a British company in Constantinople. Since the Ottoman empire sided with Germany, he and other British citizens were thrown into prison camps, where they endured appalling conditions. Mannock quickly developed a hatred for the Turks and the Germans. In April 1915, with the assistance of Jim Eyles, he was repatriated. Shortly afterward, Mannock joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and then the Royal Engineers, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant. But he immediately transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in August 1916, so he could be more involved in the fighting. Despite his weak left eye, Mannock passed the medical exam. He was apparently a natural pilot with an excellent feel for his machine. One of his instructors, just returned from combat flying in France, was ace Captain James McCudden. The two got along well, and McCudden made a great impact on his pupil. “Mannock,” McCudden wrote, “was a typical example of the impetuous young Irishman, and I always thought he was the type to do or die.” He would do both in France.

With his flight training completed, on April 6, 1917, Mannock was posted to C Flight in No. 40 Squadron, which was flying the highly maneuverable French-built Nieuport 17 fighter armed with one Lewis machine gun mounted above the upper wing. A new phase in Mannock’s life had commenced, and as always for him it was filled with challenges. He made an awful first impression at his new home and rubbed just about everybody the wrong way, failing to appreciate the clubby public school atmosphere of an RFC squadron. Lieutenant Lionel A. Blaxland, a squadron mate, recalled that Mannock “seemed too cocky for his experience, which was nil….New men usually took their time and listened to the more experienced hands; Mannock was the complete opposite. He offered ideas about everything: how the war was going, how it should be fought, the role of scout pilots.” He also broke several unwritten rules of pilot etiquette, asking comrades how many “Huns” they had shot down and—a terrible faux pas—sitting in the seat previously occupied by a pilot who had just been killed.



To make matters worse, Mannock spent hours at target practice but appeared hesitant when confronting enemy planes over the lines. He recorded his emotions on his first combat patrol in his diary on April 13, 1917: “I went over the lines for the first time, escorting FEs [Farman Experimental F.E.2b reconnaissance planes]. Heavily ‘Archied.’ My feelings very funny.” In fact, the novice pilot who had talked so big in the mess had been very afraid. On subsequent flights Mannock was seen as timid in the face of the enemy—“windy” or “having the wind up,” in pilot’s slang. Some of his squadron mates began to shun him and talk about him behind his back. The squadron was soon divided into his supporters and detractors. His detractors could only be silenced by deeds. They got a taste of Mannock’s mettle on April 19 when, while practice diving at a ground target from 2,000 feet, the lower right wing of his Nieuport snapped off and the plane plunged downward. Mannock somehow managed to land the crippled craft safely. After that display of sang-froid and flying skill, the other pilots began to reconsider their opinions of him. They were further impressed on May 7 when Mannock joined a flight of five others for a strike on German observation balloons. Mannock destroyed a balloon for his first victory that day. But he wrote in his diary: “My fuselage had bullet holes in it, one very near my head, and the wings were more or less riddled. I don’t want to go through such an experience again.”

Still, fired with new confidence, Mannock became more aggressive in the air and was now accepted in the squadron; men who had formerly given him the cold shoulder now bought him drinks in the mess. He sometimes led combat patrols, and on at least two occasions believed he had brought down a German aircraft but did not claim it, as there were no witnesses. His great desire at that point was to gain a “real” victory over an enemy airplane, but this eluded him.

His persistence eventually paid off. On June 7, flying Nieuport B1552 north of Lille, Mannock went after an Albatros D.III at 13,000 feet. He had been flying escort for a squadron of F.E.2b bombers. Coming in from behind, Mannock pumped 60 rounds into the German fighter at 10 yards, and it went down out of control, an action he jubilantly reported back at the base.

Shortly afterward, Mannock suffered an eye injury, and was sent home on a two-week leave. He used his time at home to think about combat tactics, and when he rejoined his unit, he was convinced of his fighting abilities. On July 12, Mannock shot down a DFW C.V two-seater that crashed inside British lines. Delighted with the opportunity to examine his “work” up close, Mannock drove out to the crash site. The observer had survived, but the pilot was dead. Upon returning to base, he spoke about this to his friend Lieutenant William Maclanachan. “It sickened me,” Mannock told him, “but I wanted to see where my shots had gone. Do you know, there were three neat little bullet holes right here”—Mannock indicated the side of his head. In his diary, Mannock added a further detail, a “little black-and-tan terrier—dead—in the observer’s seat. I felt exactly like a murderer.” Nevertheless, he sent another DFW down out of control the next day.

July 1917 would be important for Mannock in many ways. Not only did he score his first concrete kill, but a squadron mate, Captain George L. “Zulu” Lloyd, spoke privately with him, telling him that a few men still doubted his fighting spirit.

“Of course, I’ve been frightened against my will—nervous reaction,” Mannock forthrightly explained. “I’ve now conquered this physical defect and, having conquered myself, I will now conquer the Hun. Air fighting is a science. I have been studying it and have not been unduly worried at not getting Huns at the expense of being reckless.” Lloyd was more than satisfied with this answer. When some men still questioned Mannock’s abilities, it was put down to jealousy.



Another event that same month was to have a profound effect on Mannock. On the 21st he watched in horror as 2nd Lt. F.W. Rook, a well-liked squadron member, plummeted to earth in flames after being attacked by 1st Lt. Adolf Ritter von Tutschek of Jasta 12. Maclanachan remembered that Mannock later came into his hut, speaking about what was to become an obsession with him. “That’s the way they’re going to get me in the end—flames and finish,” Mannock said with tears in his eyes. Then he explained why he had started to carry his service revolver with him on flights: “to finish myself as soon as I see the first sign of flames.”

The next day Mannock was awarded the Military Cross for his “very fine offensive spirit and great fearlessness attacking the enemy at close range and low altitudes under heavy fire from the ground.” Major General Hugh M. Trenchard, commander of the RFC, even sent his personal congratulations. Soon after that Mannock was made leader of A Flight.

Although taking responsibility did not come easily to Mannock, his score now rose dramatically. He had sharp eyesight and was a magnificent shot. In August alone he was credited with four Albatros D.Vs and one DFW. By the end of 1917, he had 15 confirmed victories under his belt and had received a Bar to his MC. He was becoming an excellent flight leader, fighting with tactics rather than sheer audacity. He also had a sense of humor; he once used a pair of women’s silk stockings on his struts for leader’s streamers.

Mannock looked after the men who flew with him with fatherly compassion and patience, helping them develop into successful combat pilots. If a man was killed, Mannock took it very hard, often retiring to his hut, sobbing and “keening”—mourning by rocking back and forth, as was done in ancient Ireland. Although combat intensified his hatred for the Germans, he was revolted on September 4 when he flamed a DFW. “It was a horrible sight,” Mannock wrote in his diary, “and made me feel sick.”

But that same flight illustrated Mannock’s superb tactics. As noted in his diary, he had had trouble recognizing the two-seater’s national markings at first. “So I turned my tail towards him,” Mannock related, “and went in the same direction, thinking that if he were British he wouldn’t take notice of me, and if a Hun I felt sure he would put his nose down and have a shot (thinking I hadn’t seen him). The ruse worked beautifully. His nose went (pointing at me), and I immediately whipped round, dived and ‘zoomed’ up behind him before you could say ‘knife.’ He tried to turn but he was much too slow for the Nieuport. I got in about 50 rounds in short bursts whilst on the turn and he went down in flames.”

On October 17, 1917, the squadron was delighted to receive the RFC’s new British-made fighter, the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a. This was a powerful aircraft, faster and tougher than the nimble Nieuport. The pilots loved them at first, especially their double armament—a synchronized Vickers machine gun and an over-wing Lewis—which at long last put them on a par with the Germans. They soon found out that this machine was having teething troubles, however, including gun jams and engine failures. The squadron suffered more than 20 such incidents in a two-week period. By December, after 10 months of continuous air fighting, Mannock was worn out. Maclanachan described him as tense and noted that he often “brought up the subject of catching fire in the air.” On January 1, 1918, Mannock shot down another DFW and was informed that he was being sent back to England to serve as a flight trainer. That night at his farewell party, Lieutenant W. Douglas remembered, Mannock rose and “entertained us to one of his marvelous speeches,” full of giving the Hun hell and injecting “jokes about one or other of his comrades going down in flames or crashing in some other horrible way.” The commander of No. 40 Squadron, Major L.A. Tilney, wrote in the unit’s diary, “His leadership and general ability will never be forgotten by those who had the good fortune to serve under him.”

Back in England, Mannock was posted on February 2 to London Colney as a flight commander at No. 74 Squadron, which was in training. The unit was suffering from low morale, apparently due to unmotivated instructors. Mannock electrified the disheartened pilots. He was a natural teacher and a powerful speaker, and his lectures on aerial combat were always fully attended. “Gentlemen,” he told his men, “always above; seldom on the same level; never underneath.” His practical advice was priceless and would save lives at the front. “Don’t ever attempt to dog-fight a triplane on anything like equal terms as regards height,” he warned, “otherwise he will get on your tail and stay there until he shoots you down.” He also told his pilots never to follow a victim too close to the ground, because they might be hit by fire from the trenches.

To motivate his men, Mannock—much like a football coach—affected a “kill-all-the-bloody-Huns” persona that later gave birth to another hoary myth about his being a “Hun-hater,” which would have appalled him. In fact his diary reveals his respect for his opponents. Concerning a two-seater that escaped him in early September 1917, Mannock wrote, “He deserved to get away really, as he must have been a brave Hun.” In an earlier dogfight in which the British outnumbered the Germans 2-to-1 but could not bring one down, Mannock noted, “I shall always maintain an unsullied admiration for those Huns.” Major Keith L. “Grid” Caldwell, No. 74 Squadron’s New Zealand–born commanding officer, recalled that “Mick was a very human, sensitive sort of chap; he did not hate people or things at all….I believe that this hatred was calculated or assumed to boost his own morale and that of the squadron in general.”

In April 1918, Mannock and No. 74 Squadron landed their S.E.5as at their new aerodrome in France, Clairmarais North. Mannock was eager to fight. Leading A Flight on April 12, he scored a double kill over Albatros D.Vs, the unit’s first victories. In the next three months or so, he would increase his victory list by an amazing 33, not counting those he did not claim or gave away to fellow pilots to pump up their self-confidence—a habit with him. Under his leadership, No. 74 came to be known as the “Tiger Squadron,” and his men reverently called him the “Iron Man.”

Mannock took it as his responsibility to protect the members of his flight and often guided them over the lines. “It was wonderful to be in his Flight;” remembered one young pilot, “to him his Flight was everything and he lived for it. Every member had his special thought and care.” Mannock gave them vital advice on how best to deal with the enemy. “He placed gunnery before flying,” recalled Lieutenant Ira “Taffy” Jones, a close friend. “Good flying has never killed a Hun yet,” Mannock pointed out. Moreover, he would set up kills for inexperienced pilots. Lieutenant Henry E. Dolan related how Mannock had shot up a German two-seater and then “nodded at me to get it. I went down on the Hun’s tail and saw that Mick had killed the gunner, and I could attack safely.” With his piercing blue eyes and his trademark affectations, a long-stemmed pipe and a cane, Mannock was famous along the front. He had, recalled Jones, “an intriguingly complex nature. It fluctuated so,” for Mannock could be ruthless as a fighter, boyish in the mess, harsh with his pilots’ mistakes, gentle and complimentary for good work, morbid when depressed. Once Mannock dived repeatedly on a crashed German two-seater, firing at the crew. Asked about this later, he growled, “The swines are better dead—no prisoners for me.” On May 21, Mannock brought down four German planes—three Pfalz D.IIIs and a Hannover two-seater—and the next day was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Before the month was out, he flamed eight new victims. After such victories, he would burst into the mess shouting, “Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, wonk woof!” to boost morale. But privately he expressed darker thoughts. By the middle of June, Jones noticed that Mannock’s nerves were “noticeably fraying. He was now continually talking about being shot down in flames.” Writing to his sister, Mannock said, “I am supposed to be going on leave, (if I live long enough)….” He was fighting depression and plagued by dreams of burning aircraft.

On June 18, Mannock sailed home for leave in England. Upon his arrival he was informed that he had been promoted to major and given command of No. 85 Squadron, previously led by Canadian ace Major William A. “Billy” Bishop, and that he also had been awarded a Bar to his DSO. He reacted with indifference to the news. After spending a brief but painful time with his mother, an alcoholic, Mannock went to stay with his friend Jim Eyles, who saw that he “had changed dramatically. Gone was the old sparkle we knew so well; gone was the incessant wit. I could see him wring his hands together to conceal the shaking and twitching.” One day, as the time approached for Mannock to return to the war, “he started to tremble violently. This grew into a convulsive straining. He cried uncontrollably….His face, when he lifted it, was a terrible sight. Saliva and tears were running down his face; he couldn’t stop it.” Given his condition, 31-year-old Mannock should never have been sent back to the front. But back he went.

Back in France again, Mannock took command of No. 85 Squadron on July 5, 1918, and his arrival was seen as a godsend. He immediately set to work teaching his new men about aerial tactics. Two days after his arrival he got two Fokker D.VIIs as his new squadron mates, infected by his enthusiasm, brought down an additional three. Within a matter of days, Mannock’s personality had completely transformed the unit. He threw himself into his work and even enjoyed a respite from the nightmares and depression. It would not last long.



On July 10, Mannock heard that his friend James McCudden had been killed in a flying accident, news that hurled Mannock back into depression but also spurred him to a furious killing spree. He shot down six aircraft between July 14 and 26. But he was also taking risks and ignoring his own teachings. Often he followed a victim down to spray the wreckage with bullets. He led his flights with rage and flew solo patrols in his hunt for Germans. Premonitions of death haunted him. In his last letter to his sister he wrote, “I feel that life is not worth hanging on to.” And Ira Jones found him unstable, noting: “One minute, he’s full out. The next he gives the impression of being morbid and keeps bringing up his pet subject of being shot down in flames.”

Early in the morning of July 26, 1918, Lieutenant Donald Inglis walked into the mess where Mannock was smoking his pipe and playing “Londonderry Air” on the gramophone. The two were to fly a morning patrol together. Earlier, Mannock had asked the rookie pilot, “Have you got a Hun yet, Inglis?” and to his negative answer replied, “Well come on out and we will get one.” Mannock told Inglis that they would hunt for a two-seater. Once it was located, Mannock would attack first, with Inglis coming in behind to finish the enemy off and thus get his first kill.

At 5:30 a.m. over Merville, Mannock dived on a two-seater at about 5,000 feet. He knocked out the observer and pulled away, letting Inglis come from underneath, firing into the gas tank. The German plane burst into flame, with the two S.E.5as very low over the ground. Violating his own teaching, Mannock circled the burning wreck twice. Then, as Inglis later wrote in his combat report, “I saw Mick start to kick his rudder and realized we were fairly low, then I saw a flame come out of the side of his machine; it grew bigger and bigger. Mick was no longer kicking his rudder; his nose dropped slightly, and he went into a slow right-hand turn round, about twice, and hit the ground in a burst of flame.” Mannock’s S.E.5a had been brought down by groundfire. Inglis’ plane was shot up, too, and he crash-landed in the British lines, sputtering: “The bastards killed my major. They killed Mick.”

It is impossible to know if Mannock shot himself as he had always threatened to do. Most likely, given the way his plane flew after he was hit, he was either wounded, unconscious or dead. In any event, some unknown German soldier buried the ace after first retrieving Mannock’s ID discs, pistol, notebook and other personal effects, which were returned to his family after the war. These items had all been on Mannock’s body, and they showed no signs of fire.

Back at the airfield, the awful news spread quickly. Jones scribbled in his diary: “26th July—Mick is dead. Everyone stunned. No one can believe it. I can write no more today. It is too terrible.”

In the years after the war, Eyles and others attempted to locate Mannock’s grave, which had been obliterated by shelling. Some researchers believe he lies in the grave of an unknown British aviator near La Pierre-au-Beure. In addition, his friends campaigned for him to be awarded Britain’s highest decoration, the Victoria Cross, which was conferred on July 18, 1919.

A final apocrypha is Mannock’s victory score, which most books give as 73—a number dreamed up by his admirers (above all Jones), many of whom disliked Billy Bishop, who finished the war with 72 kills. According to the most reliable estimates, Mannock brought down 61 enemy aircraft—not counting, of course, the many victories he gave away or did not claim—which makes him Britain’s second-highest scoring ace of the war.

Mannock’s deeply felt emotions, the immense fears and obstacles he faced and the manner in which he overcame them, his achievements, his unconventionality and his great promise all make him vividly human and bring home the tragedy of the lives lost in World War I. The way Mannock touched people was extraordinary. “I was awed by his personality,” wrote Maclanachan after first meeting Mannock. “He was idolized by all who came into intimate contact with him,” recalled another pilot. “He was a man among men,” added a third, while long after the war another remembered Mannock as “a warm, lovable individual of many moods and characteristics. I shall always salute his memory.”


Major Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock VC, DSO & Two Bars, MC & Bar (24 May 1887 – 26 July 1918) R.I.P. 'The RAF's Finest'

Citations:

MC: T./2nd Lt. Edward Mannock, R.E. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the course of many combats he has driven off a large number of enemy machines, and has forced down three balloons, showing a very fine offensive spirit and great fearlessness in attacking the enemy at close range and low altitudes under heavy fire from the ground.

Bar to MC: T./2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Edward Mannock, M.C., R.E. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has destroyed several hostile machines and driven others down out of control. On one occasion he attacked a formation of five enemy machines single-handed and shot one down out of control. On another occasion, while engaged with an enemy machine, he was attacked by two others, one of which he forced to the ground. He has consistently shown great courage and initiative.
(M.C. gazetted 17th September, 1917.)

DSO: T./2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Edward Mannock, M.C., R.E., attd. R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during recent operations. In seven days, while leading patrols and in general engagements, he destroyed seven enemy machines, bringing his total in all to thirty. His leadership, dash and courage were of the highest order.

DSO 1st Bar: T./2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Edward Mannock, D.S.O., R.E., and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In company with one other scout this officer attacked eight enemy aeroplanes, shooting down one in flames. The next day, when leading his flight, he engaged eight enemy aeroplanes, destroying three himself. The same week he led his patrol against six enemy aeroplanes, shooting down the rear machine, which broke in pieces in the air. The following day he shot down an Albatross two-seater in flames, but later, meeting five scouts, had great difficulty in getting back, his machine being much shot about, but he destroyed one. Two days later, he shot down another two-seater in flames. Eight machines in five days—a fine feat of marksmanship and determination to get to close quarters. As a patrol leader he is unequalled. (D.S.O. gazetted in this Gazette.)

DSO 2nd Bar: Lt. (T./Capt.) Edward Mannock, D.S.O., M.C. (formerly Royal Engineers).
This officer has now accounted for 48 enemy machines. His success is due to wonderful shooting and a determination to get to close quarters; to attain this he displays most skilful leadership and unfailing courage. These characteristics were markedly shown on a recent occasion when he attacked six hostile scouts, three of which he brought down. Later on the same day he attacked a two-seater, which crashed into a tree.
(The announcement of award of Distinguished Service Order, and First Bar thereto, will be published in a later Gazette.)



His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the late Captain (acting Major) Edward Mannock, D.S.O., M.C., 85th Squadron Royal Air Force, in recognition of bravery of the first order in Aerial Combat: —
On the 17th June, 1918, he attacked a Halberstadt machine near Armentieres and destroyed it from a height of 8,000 feet.
On the 7th July, 1918, near Doulieu, he attacked and destroyed one Fokker (red-bodied) machine, which went vertically into the ground from a height of 1,500 feet. Shortly afterwards he ascended 1,000 feet and attacked another Fokker biplane, firing 60 rounds into it, which produced an immediate spin, resulting, it is believed, in a crash.
On the 14th July, 1918, near Merville, he attacked and crashed a Fokker from 7,000 feet, and brought a two-seater down damaged.
On the 19th July, 1918, near Merville, he fired 80 rounds into an Albatross two-seater, which went to the ground in flames.
On the 20th July, 1918, East of La Bassee, he attacked and crashed an enemy two-seater from a height of 10,000 feet.
About an hour afterwards he attacked at 8,000 feet a Fokker biplane near Steenwercke and drove it down out of control, emitting smoke.
On the 22nd July, 1918, near Armentieres, he destroyed an enemy triplane from a height of 10,000 feet.
Major Mannock was awarded the undermentioned distinctions for his previous combats in the air in France and Flanders: —
Military Cross. Gazetted 17th September, 1917.
Bar to Military Cross. Gazetted 18th October, 1917.
Distinguished Service Order. Gazetted 16th September, 1918.
Bar to Distinguished Service Order (1st). Gazetted 16th September, 1918.
Bar to Distinguished Service Order (2nd). Gazetted 3rd August, 1918.
This highly distinguished officer, during the whole of his career in the Royal Air Force, was an outstanding example of fearless courage, remarkable skill, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice, which has never been surpassed.
The total number of machines definitely accounted for by Major Mannock up to the date of his death in France (26th July, 1918) is fifty—the total specified in the Gazette of 3rd August, 1918, was incorrectly given as 48, instead of 41.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 18 July 1919 (31463/9136)

Other news on this day...

Lieutenant Arthur Eyguem Jarvis (Royal Air Force) engages and shoots down an enemy machine that is seen to crash. Later during the day he attacks a hostile two-seater and forces it to land near our lines, both occupants being taken prisoner. Lieutenant Robert Reginald Richardson is summoned by another pilot at 14:10 to assist in the attack on a submarine. He drops one bomb from five hundred feet head of the previous bombing (to allow for movement of the submarine) and another from seven hundred feet, three minutes later. Ships come up to search and depth charge while he returns to back to replenish his bomb supply.

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: *GENERAL GERMAN RETREAT begins towards Eperrau, then extends to Marne and Ourcq valleys.

MIDDLE EAST
Azerbaijan: Central Caspian Dictatorship of five topple Reds in Baku and invite Dunsterforce. Turks capture 1 British Duncar and 2 lorries to west.

AFRICA
Mozambique: 28 Gold Coast Mounted Infantry surprise German baggage train on river Ligonha, take 21 porters and 2 Germans, but most captors and PoWs taken on July 27 leaving only 65 out of 165 troopers.

It was a quiet day in the air way - the following claims were made



General Headquarters, July 27th.

“On the 26th inst., during the short period of the day in which flying was possible, three enemy machines were brought down by our airmen and a hostile balloon was shot down in flames. Two of our machines are missing. One of our machines reported as missing on the 25th inst. has since been located."

RAF Communiqué No 17:

Weather cloudy, rainstorms.

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

Eighty-nine hostile batteries were engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, six neutralized, 83 zone calls sent.

Nine tons of bombs dropped by night and 18½ tons by day.

On the 26th instant, 31 hostile batteries engaged for destruction with balloon observation and fire observed on 74 other targets.

Enemy Aircraft:

Very few were seen.

Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, DFW C crashed west of Bailleul at 05:15/06:15 - Capt J I T Jones, 74 Sqn, also brought down a hostile machine. Uffz Georg Liefering (Kia) & Ltn Paul Jahnert (Kia), FA 204[?]s, G/2Bde/20

Maj E Mannock and Lieut D C Inglis, 85 Sqn, DFW CV in flames Lestrem at 05:30/06:30 – Lieut D C Inglis and Major E Mannock, No 85 Squadron, attacked an enemy two-seater which they shot down in flames. On returning at 200 feet, Lieut Inglis saw Major Mannock’s machine shot down from the ground, and his was hit in the petrol but he succeeded in landing five yards behind our front lines; Vzfw Josef Hein (Kia) & Ltn Ludwig Schopf (Kia), FA 292b, DFW CV 2216/18

Capt T F Hazell, 24 Sqn, Balloon in flames Harbonnieres at 07:15/08:15 - Capt T F Hazell, No 24 Squadron, shot down a hostile balloon in flames
Capt J K Summers, Lieut K M Walker and Lieut A L Porter, 209 Sqn, Fokker DVII out of control north of Comines at 07:20/08:20 -

2nd-Lieut W J Miller, 2nd-Lieut F S Passmore, Lieut H D Barton, 2nd-Lieut C M G Farrell and 2nd-Lieut J Palmer, 24 Sqn, DFW C captured south of Montdidier at 07:30/08:30 - a patrol of No 24 Squadron, led by Lieut H D Barton, forced an enemy two-seater to land on our side the lines; Uffz Neuendorf & Ltn Bolgeihn, FA232, Pow, DFW CV 1342/18 (G/5Bde/19)

Lieut S F H Thompson & Lieut C G Gass, 22 Sqn, Fokker DrI out of control Laventie at 09:00/10:00 -

Casualties:

Lieut D C Inglis (Ok), 85 Sqn, SE5a E1294 – took off 05:10/06:10 then force landed 5 yards this side of our outpost line at St Floris 05:35/06:35 after engagement with E.A. and shot through by enemy ground fire on offensive patrol
Maj E Mannock DSO MC (Kia), 85 Sqn, SE5a E1295 – took off 05:10/06:10 and last seen over enemy lines descending in flames between Colonne and Lestrem 05:35/06:35 on offensive patrol; ground fire
2nd-Lieut A L Porter (Wia), 209 Sqn, Camel D6495 - shot up in combat north of Comines 07:20/ 08:20
2nd-Lieut G Travers (Pow), 209 Sqn, Camel D1891 - shot down in combat north of Comines 07:40/08:40 on OP; Serg Korner & Ltn Schulz, FAA258 ?

In addition to Mick Mannock another nine British Airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

In the hill country the two billet locations were some distance apart and 2Lt. Bernard Garside (see 3rd June) recalled how, “We went off to another village built on a hillside and when we wanted to visit Battalion Headquarters we had to climb down several hundred feet … We had to begin doing nothing in the middle of the day because it was so hot – but we had to make up for it by training in the evening”.

Conditions over the next three weeks were to be very pleasant, as later remembered by Pte. Harold Charnock (see 21st June), “Billets at Grumo were sufficiently pleasant and, owing largely to the exertions of our Divisional General, Major General Sir J M Babington, the canteen was well supplied. The evenings were devoted to sport. There was an excellent range nearby. We had some cricket and very successful Battalion sport with a variety of mounted events. An excellent Brigade Horse Show and rifle meetings were held and both were well attended and most popular. The weather was very hot and nothing could be done between 1000 hours and 1630 hours. Evening concerts by the band were much enjoyed”.

Pte. William Hassall (see 22nd November 1917) was awarded seven days’ Field Punishment no.2; the nature of his offence is unknown.
Pte. Herbert Bibby (see 12th May) was admitted via 71st Field Ambulance to 24th Casualty Clearing Station, suffering from diahorrea.
Pte. Walter Dey (see 17th June), who was attached to a working party to Rocchetto Station, south-east of Verona, was ordered to be deprived of seven days’ pay; the nature of his offence is unknown.
Pte. James Duncan Foster (see 19th March), serving in France with 2DWR, departed for England on two weeks’ leave.
Pte. Ernest Franklin (25969) (see 1st July), serving at the Regimental Depot at Halifax, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.
Pte. Philip Pankhurst (see 18th May), who had been in England since November 1917, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

L.Cpl. Thomas Hemingway (see 5th October 1917), who had been in hospital in Scotland since having been wounded in September 1917, was discharged from 2nd Scottish General Hospital, Craigleath. He would be posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Edward Hogan (see 24th June 1917), who had served with 10DWR before being transferred to the Labour Corps, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service due to illness; the details of his illness are unknown.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of an appeal for exemption from military service made on behalf of Thomas Earnshaw, brother of Sgt. Kayley Earnshaw DCM (see 8th March), who had been killed in June 1916.

SKIPTON URBAN TRIBUNAL - APPEALS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

A Patriotic Family

Representing the Governors, Mr. Algernon Dewhurst appealed on behalf of the gardener at the Skipton Girls' High School, 47 and married, Grade 2, and stated that the man had charge of two acres of land, 1,000 yards of which was kitchen garden, the produce being for the use of the school mistresses and boarders. The Governors has advertised for either a male or female gardener, but there was not a single female applicant. The man had also two allotments of 700 yards. He had lost a son in the Jutland Battle, another had been through the East African campaign and was now in France, while a third enlisted at the age of 14 when war broke out and took part in the retreat from Mons. Two brothers of applicant had also been killed. He was granted six months' exemption, not to drill.

Armistice Countdown 109 days

[Hedeby]

Additional info added to 24th and 25th July

[Rebel]

Nice one Chris for the Mannock item.

[mikeemagnus]

Thank you Chris - a fitting tribute to a great man RIP Major

[Mike George]

Very nicely done, I enjoyed the read keep it up.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Yes indeed Chris! The Mick Mannock edition was exceptional.
Rob.

[Hedeby]

Thanks Guys

[Hedeby]

After yesterday there is very little to report on...

27th July 1918

Major Francis Bennett-Goldney (Army Service Corps and Assistant Military Attaché at the Embassy at Paris)) dies from injuries sustained in a motorcar accident at age 53. He was the Conservative Member of Parliament for Canterbury since 1910 and the former Mayor of Canterbury. He had been mentioned has been mentioned as a possible suspect in the theft of the insignia of the Order, known as the Irish Crown Jewels in July 1907.



Lieutenant Christopher Basil Astley (Liverpool Regiment) dies of wounds at Rouen received six days previously. He is the youngest son of the Reverend John Henry Astley. On one occasion he succeeded in bringing in seven German prisoners from a night patrol, thereby saving the battalion many casualties, and for this he was recommended for the Military Cross. On 21st July he was wounded in the neck by a piece of shrapnel, and died six days later in hospital.

British-Canadian labor and anti-conscription activist Albert Goodwin was shot dead outside Cumberland, British Columbia following a police manhunt to capture him and others evading conscription. A former police officer and member of the arrest party claimed to have killed in him in self defense, and charges of manslaughter were subsequently dismissed due to the lack of witnesses. Goodwin's popularity among the labor movement in British Columbia lead to calls of protest and general strike the following month in Vancouver.

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: Allied tanks and cavalry units pursue retreating Germans, but they have railway alternative to Soissons and still hold city.

From the British Official History: “The 27th July witnessed a definite change for the better in the situation on the eastern and southern sides of the salient. An Allied attack planned for that day led to the discovery that the Germans had retired on the front from Vrigny right round to the Butte de Chalmont (exclusive), the latter place being a hill which overlooks Oulchy-le-Chateau on the east.

Conferences had taken place during the 25th and 26th in the Fifth Army (General Berthelot) in order to discuss General Petain’s instructions of the 23rd, and a general advance had been fixed for the 27th. As regards the British XXII Corps (Lieut.-General Sir A. Godley), whose front had been diminished on the 24th to about three miles owing to the I Colonial Corps taking over some 1,200 yards on the right, and the V Corps a similar length on the left, it was agreed that until the ridge south of the Ardre had been secured further advance north of the river was impossible. Accordingly, the 186th Brigade of the 62nd Division (Major-General W.P. Braithwaite), with the 185th in support, continued to hold the line from the Bois du Petit Champ, the southward projecting portion of the Bois de Reims, to the Ardre. The 187th Brigade and the 51st Division (Major-General G.T.C. Carter-Campbell), supported by the artillery of both divisions and the French guns which had been co-operating with them, as well as the French 14th Division, were all to advance south of the Ardre; they were to capture the Bois de Courton ridge as far as a line west of Nappes, about three-quarters of a mile ahead. The order of the troops from right to left was, 152nd Brigade (Br.-General R. Laing), with the 5/Seaforth Highlanders in front line, on the low ground near the Ardre; 187th Brigade (Br.-General A.J. Reddie), with all three Battalions, 5/K.O.Y.L.I., 2/4th York & Lancaster and 2/4th K.O.Y.L.I., in line; and the 153rd Brigade (Br.-General W. Green), with the 7/Gordon Highlanders and 6/Black Watch in the front line.



As the ground over which the 152nd and 187th Brigades were to move was commanded from the edge of the Bois de Courton on the south, and the progress of the 153rd Brigade through the wood must necessarily be slow, it was settled that the advance should be made in echelon from the left, the French 14th Division and the 153rd Brigade starting, after a 10 minutes’ bombardment, at 6.10 am, the 187th Brigade at 6.56 am, and the 152nd about 7.30 am (owing to delay in the barrage lifting it did not do so until 7.45 am). The barrage, in view of the difficulties of ground, moved at a rate of only 100 metres in 8 minutes, with three 20 minute pauses, after the first pause quickening to 100 metres in 7 minutes. Twenty-four machine guns of the 51st Machine-Gun Battalion were to fire an intense barrage of 120,000 rounds against the edge of the Bois de Courton, west of Espilly. French tanks were to have taken part, but after the heavy rain of the previous night they were unable to move over the sodden ground.

No opposition worth mentioning was encountered, and the first objective was secured about 8.45 am and the second about 10 am; hostile guns maintained fire for an hour, but no contact was made with the German infantry, in fact the XXII Corps saw little of it and made only one prisoner during the day. It was apparent that the enemy was in retreat – he had, in fact, withdrawn during the night to a new line – and, after consultation, Major-Generals Carter-Campbell and Braithwaite, with covering authority from Lieut.-General Godley, issued orders for an advance by the two divisions at 1 pm to a line which passed through Chaumuzy to the south-eastern corner of the Bois d’Eclisse, between a half and three-quarters of a mile ahead, whence patrols were to be sent out. The artillery and corps mounted troops [Composite Cavalry Regiment (two squadrons of the 4th Australian Light Horse and one of the Otago Mounted Rifles) and 22nd Cyclist Battalion] were moved forward, and the French on either flank were asked to conform, which they agreed to do.

North of the Ardre the new position was occupied by 2.30 pm without opposition; south of the river, Chaumuzy was reached just before 3 pm and an hour and a half later the 152nd and 153rd Brigades were reported as consolidating. The 187th Brigade then reverted to the 62nd Division, and subsequently went into reserve near Chaumuzy.

There being fears of a trap, all too easy to lay in the wooded and broken country, a further general advance was not made immediately; when it did take place the brigades moved in depth, ready to meet any counter-attack. At 1.55pm Major-General Braithwaite had directed the corps mounted troops, which had been placed at his disposal during the morning, to push forward rapidly and seize the line Bligny – Montagne de Bligny. As soon as the mounted troops should report this line to be in their possession the 186th and 185th Brigades were to advance and relieve them. The mounted troops left Nanteuil at 2.45 pm and passed through the line of the infantry; patrols of the 186th Brigade followed them. But both parties came under machine-gun fire from the woods on their right and their progress became very slow. At 7.40pm, the previous orders to send on only patrols having been modified, the 186th Brigade began to advance to the support of the mounted troops and found them heavily engaged, but still five hundred yards from their objective, so that their relief could scarcely be completed before midnight. The 185th Brigade also moved up, but remained around Chaumuzy.

It was not until 9.43pm that a report of the situation near Bligny reached the 62nd Division, and until 10.30pm that divisional orders were issued for a further advance at dawn in conjunction with the French 77th Division, on the right, which was to clear the woods on that flank.

South of the Ardre, there was little opposition to the second advance. At 4pm Major-General Carter-Carnpbell ordered the 152nd and 153rd Brigades to send forward patrols to examine the Bois d’Eclisse, and as soon as it might be reported clear to push on and occupy an old French trench line west of the wood. It was after midnight before the patrols of the 153rd Brigade reported the wood to be free of the enemy. The brigade then moved forward until by 6.30am it occupied a north-south line through the centre of the wood, with outposts on the edge, in touch on the left with the French 14th Division, but not with the 152nd Brigade on the right, so a defensive flank was formed. The latter brigade received no reports from its patrols until early morning, except that the corps mounted troops were held up near Bligny. So, after a short advance in conjunction with the 186th on its right, it halted for the night. The men were so exhausted that although it became known that the 153rd Brigade was advancing to occupy the Bois d’Eclisse, no further move was made. But at 6.15am on the 28th patrols were sent out, and by 10.30am the 152nd Brigade had joined up with the 153rd, so that the latter’s defensive flank could be withdrawn.

Thus during the 27th some ground had been gained on the eastern wing, whilst on the whole front as far as the neighbourhood of Oulchy-le-Chateau the French divisions had similarly gone forward.

MIDDLE EAST
Mesopotamia: Royal Navy parties from gunboats Moth and Mantis leave Baghdad with 3 guns for Caspian (Commander Norris follows on July 28).
Palestine: c.150 Sikhs trench raid 3 miles from sea.

SEA WAR
North Sea: Armed yacht Vanessa depth charges and sinks coastal submarine UB-107 oft Scarborough. The steam yacht Vanessa had been built at Leith by Ramage & Ferguson in 1899 as the Golden Eagle, but when sold to Mr Arthur Bowley of Harlow she was renamed Vanessa. She measured 356 gross register tons and 455 Thames Measurement.



She was loaned to the government for war work 15th October 1914 and was fitted out at Portsmouth with iron plating. The whole of her crew volunteered to sail with her. As an auxiliary patrol yacht, she mounted two 6 pounder guns. In February 1917 she became Vanessa II so that her name could be given to a new destroyer. She was returned to her owner in March 1919 and served again in the Second World War as Carina.

The War in the Air

General Headquarters, July 28th.

“On the 27th inst. low clouds and rain prevented flying by day. During the night bombs were dropped on hostile billets and hutments in the vicinity of Bapaume."

RAF Communiqué No 17:

Weather, low clouds and rain.

Fifteen reconnaissances.

Twenty-four hostile batteries engaged for destruction with aeroplane observation, three neutralized, 16 zone calls sent.

Two and a quarter tons of bombs dropped by day.

On the 27th instant, seven hostile batteries engaged for destruction with observation and fire observed on 19 other targets.

Enemy Aircraft:

No aerial activity and no combats took place.

Casualties:

Lt R J Cullen (Ok) & Lieut E H Ward (Ok), 88 Sqn, F2b D8022 - force landed St Jacques Cappelle 20:00/21:00 after shot in fight with E.A. on offensive patrol coast - Ypref

Claims numbers were very low



There were however still 10 British Airmen lost on this day



Armistice Countdown 108 days

[mikeemagnus]

Cheers Chris

[Hedeby]

28th July 1918

Western Front - 2nd Battle of The Marne

The events of the 28th were somewhat similar to those of the 27th, and another general advance was made, with the addition that, on the western wing, the French XI Corps captured the Butte de Chalmont, overlooking Oulchy-le-Chateau, whilst the British 15th Division took Buzancy, but only to lose it again, as will be related.

The 15th Division (Major-General H. L. Reed) had on the 26th/27th taken over half a mile more front from the French 87th Division on its right, so that its total frontage was over two miles, its right now facing Buzancy. Opposite were the German 50th Reserve and 5th Divisions. The 15th, with the 44th (vice 46th) and 45th Brigades in the line, had orders to attack Buzancy on the 28th. This village, covering, together with its chateau in the northwest, a quarter of a square mile, nestled in a slope of the western side of a large flat hill, yet it stood well above the Allied front line. The objective was the line Villemontoire (exclusive, now in French possession) – high ground east of Buzancy – point where the Allied front line cut the Chateau Thierry-Soissons road, that is, it had to make a bite about two thousand yards wide and twelve hundred deep into the German front. The 44th Brigade (Br.-General N.A. Thomson) was to make the attack, with the assistance of five companies of the French 91st Regiment (87th Division). Zero hour was fixed for 30 minutes after midday, when it was hoped that the Germans would be off their guard. Most careful preparations were made. Every company was given a special task by Br.-General Thomson, and the guns were massed under the commander of the artillery of the XX Corps, who for the operation added to the artillery of the 15th Division that of the French 87th Division, the 253rd Artillery Regiment (3 ” groupes “) and 3 batteries of 155-mm. of the 69th Division; but here, as on other occasions, the infantry attack was handicapped by the allotment of the British 4 5-inch field howitzers for counter-battery work. To deceive the enemy bombardments of Buzancy and other villages near the front of attack and of various works were carried out during the afternoon of the 27th and morning of the 28th. The barrage, extending well beyond the flanks of the attack, fell two minutes before zero. Smoke was fired at the same time to screen Buzancy chateau, the south-western side of the village, three sides of the wood south-west of it and Noyant on the northern side of the Crise, so as to prevent observation from the neighbouring heights. Machine-gun barrages were also arranged and the French provided a section of .flame-throwers. Fifteen minutes after zero a fighting aeroplane patrol flew over the objective to drive off hostile aircraft and engage ground targets.

Owing to the woods and the broken nature of the ground, the close support of the infantry was difficult, but was most satisfactory in the initial stages of the attack. The French companies advanced against the wood south-west of Buzancy, which had “Grenade Work”, a strongpoint, in front of it, and the 8/Seaforth Highlanders and 1/5th Gordon Highlanders against Buzancy, with the 4th/5th Black Watch in reserve. Although the ground to be crossed was destitute of cover, the chateau was taken at once, but the village proved very troublesome, explosive charges carried by the engineers and flame-throwers having to be used, and the houses with their cellars cleared one by one; in a single cellar two offlcers and a hundred men were captured. The strongpoints north of Buzancy were also secured after a sharp bombing fight. By l.30 P.M. the 44th Brigade had captured its objectives, but on its right there was no news or sign of the French, and the situation was obscure, so a second company of the reserve was sent to support the liaison company on that wing, and later a defensive flank was formed at Buzancy.



At 1.35pm Major-General Reed received information from the French 69th Division, on the left, that a column of Germans could be seen moving north-eastward through Septmonts (1 3/4 miles N.N.E. of Buzancy), and it was at once engaged by the heavy artillery, with good results. At 2.10 P.M. he heard by wireless from the French artillery that German reinforcements (reserves of the 5th and the 50th Reservc Divisions) were advancing on Buzancy from the east. Forty minutes later he learnt by wireless that the progress of the French 91st Regiment was slow, and at 8.35pm by message from his own troops that the French were back on their original starting line and could not renew their attack; lastly, came the news that the 44th Brigade was being subjected to heavy counter-attacks.
Major-General Reed made this known to General Berdoulat (XX. Corps), requesting him to find out the exact position as regards the French 91st Regiment; he instructed Br.-General Thomson to hold on to Buzancy and the chateau and strengthen his right. Before any action could be taken on this instruction, Br.-General Thomson heard direct from the 91st Regiment that it had not been able to advance at all from its original line; simultaneously at 4.35pm the SOS signal went up in the south-eastern corner of Buzancy. Outflanked and outnumbered, the Highlanders were driven first from the village, then from the chateau, but only got clear of artillery fire to find enemy machine gunners in rear of them. These they bombed with hand-grenades taken from a German dump in the chateau grounds, and, after having sent back as prioners six officers and over two hundred others ranks, they regained their starting line soon after 6pm. The 15th Division, which had been in most of the heavy encounters of the war since Loos in September 1915, regarded the action on this day as the severest and “most gruelling” of them all.

At 5.45pm Major-General Reed had been informed by the XX. Corps that a new barrage would be fired, and that the 91st Regiment would launch a fresh attack at 6.45 P.M. This was of course all too late and the operation was cancelled. The attempt to extend the pressure upon the enemy to the northward which began so well had failed for want of co-operation.

At 6pm Major-General Reed was also warned by the liaison officer of the XX Corps that his division was to change places with the 87th Division (which the British had known as a Territorial division at Ypres in October 1914), with a view to further operation. It was that night to take ground to the right as far as Tigny, relieving parts of the 12th and 87th Divisions, and then, during the following night, to hand over its left sector to the 87th Division; the artillery was to remain where it was. An immediate relief at such short notice was a formidable task, as many of the units were in confusion after the fight – and there was, as ever, the language difficulty – but the first relief was carried out.

On the eastern wing the British were again the spearhead. The 62nd Division had issued orders at 10.30 P.M. on the previous evening for a further advance to take place at 4.30am by the 186th and 185th Brigades, the latter south of the Ardre, covered by the mounted troops, to the old trench line beyond Bligny and the Montage de Bligny held by the 19th Division on the 4th June. Rain fell all night, making the fields and even the roads heavy going, while a cold mist formed in the morning; but when the 186th Brigade, with the 2/4th Duke of Wellington’s and 2/4th Hampshire in front line, deployed on the starting line at 4am it was immediately struck by machine-gun fire, particularly from the Bois des Dix Hommes on the right, whilst the ground over which the advance was to be made was swept by an artillery barrage besides other fire. Touch could not be obtained with the French 77th Division on the right, for it stared later, it did not inform the 62nd Division of the caputure of the Bois des Dix Hommes until 4 P.M. Nevertheless, by persistent pushing forward of small parties under covering fire, ground was slowly gained. Bligny was entered during the morning but not entirely captured until 4pm when the 77th Division came up and then the whole of the brigade objective was secured.

The 185th Brigade had better luck. The 5/Devonshire soon came under fire, but, advancing swiftly in the mist, by 7am had got to its objective between Bligny village and the Montagne. The 8/West Yorkshire, without a barrage, reached the slopes of the Montage before it was quite light, surprised the Germans and drove them off the top of the hill by a charge, taking forty prisoners and three machine guns; but it could not complete the capture of the whole position.

In the 51st Division a warning order was sent out at 8.35 A.M., that as soon as the 152nd Brigade came up in line with the 153rd, although the German artillery was shelling the villages and had obviously registered the ground, the advance would probably be continued. At 11.5am, in consequence of an erroneous report that the French 14th Division was in Chambrecy, the 153rd Brigade was ordered to advance in touch with it, and the divisional artillery, 255th and 256th Brigades R.F.A., moved forward trough Chaumuzy under shell-fire.



An attack made on Chambrecy by the 14th Division at noon failed to capture it, and General Baston then sent information that it would attack Ville en Tardenois, farther to the west, at 3pm; but this movement when initiated was soon checked by artillery and machine-gun fire. The 1/7 Gordon Highlanders and 1/6th Black Watch, of the 153rd Brigade, advanced about half a mile from their morning line – squeezing out the 152nd Brigade as the front was narrowed by the left boundary of the XXII Corps, which turned northward, but the two battalions then ran into the German barrage and heavy machine-gun fire from the north-western slopes of the Montage de Bligny. Though losing heavily, they continued to push on, and in the end the 6/Black Watch entered Chambrecy and took up position, entirely isolated on its northern side; but the 7/Gordon Highlanders came up on the right to the lower western slopes of the Montage de Bligny, on top of which the 8/West Yorkshire was established. By now it was dark and the situation of the two battalions in contact with the enemy with the men dead tired was full of danger. Major-General Carter-Campbell dealt with it by sending up two battalions of the 154th Brigade to relieve both the 153rd and the 152nd Brigades. As the 7/Gordon Highlanders had not consolidated any line, the wing of the 1/4th Gordons which took its place decided to occupy the old trench west of the Bois d’Eclisse and fell back to it. All reliefs were completed by 8am (29th).

Thus a general advance of about a mile had been made by the XXII Corps. The French 77th Division was up on the right and the 14th on the left, but the latter had not taken Ville en Tardenois, although farther west as far as Oulchy le Chateau the leading French units had closed up to the new German line. No change had taken place on the important western wing. Bad weather and continuous fighting had greatly fatigued the troops; not withstanding, General Fayolle telegraphed to his Army commanders that the moment to stop had not yet come : that, whatever the state of fatigue of the troops, the Tardenois plateaux – the wide open stretches on the east and west of Fere en Tardenois – must be carried and the enemy prevented from effecting an undisturbed retirement : advanced guard of infantry and cavalry must follow him so as to keep close contact and secure all the ground which he abandoned.

Other News:

While returning from a raid on enemy rolling stock Lieutenant Gordon Sheppard Jones-Evans (Australian Flying Corps) observes an enemy two-seater machine below him. Engaging it, the machine dives vertically and crashes. He is then attacked by a second two-seater, into which he fires a very short burst and it also spins down and crashes. In this engagement Lieutenant Jones-Evans is wounded, but though faint from loss of blood, he succeeds in reaching our lines, where he crashes.

Lieutenant Robert Reginald Richardson sights a submarine at 54.45 north 0.20 west. Two bombs are dropped where the periscope has vanished, but both fail to explode. A patrol vessel is summoned but its search proves fruitless.

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: Since July 26, Allies (most of 5 US divisions engaged until July 31) have advanced 4 miles on 20-mile front. They cross the Ourcq and capture Fare-en-Tardenois. British retake Bligny in Ardre valley. Foch puts French First Army under Haig for Amiens operations and asks that Rawlinson’s planned August 20 attack be advanced to August 8 due to critical Marne situation.

HOME FRONTS
Brazil: German banks ordered to cease operations (finally closed October 16).

Royal Navy troopship Hyperia was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt by German submarine SM UB-51 with the loss of 65 lives.

SM UB-51 was a German Type UB III submarine or U-boat in the German Imperial Navy (German: Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. She was commissioned into the Pola Flotilla of the German Imperial Navy on 26 July 1917 as SM UB-51. She operated as part of the Pola Flotilla based in Cattaro. UB-51 was surrendered 16 January 1919 with the remainder of the Pola Flotilla following orders by Admiral Reinhard Scheer to return to port. UB-51 was later broken up at Swansea. UB-51 was ordered by the GIN on 20 May 1916. She was built by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg and following just under a year of construction, launched at Hamburg on 8 March 1917. UB-51 was commissioned later that same year under the command of Kptlt. Ernst Krafft. Like all Type UB III submarines, UB-51 carried 10 torpedoes and was armed with a 8.8 cm (3.46 in) deck gun. UB-51 would carry a crew of up to 3 officer and 31 men and had a cruising range of 9,040 nautical miles (16,740 km; 10,400 mi). UB-51 had a displacement of 516 t (508 long tons) while surfaced and 651 t (641 long tons) when submerged. Her engines enabled her to travel at 13.6 knots (25.2 km/h; 15.7 mph) when surfaced and 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) when submerged.

The War in The Air

The French ace Adjutant Andre Marie Paul Petit-Delchetis shot down and killed on this day. He was a 5 victory ace.



The following claims were made on this day



Eleven British airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Pte. Willie Davenport Frame (see 21st October 1917) was reported Sgt. Wilfred Fletcher and Sgt. Frank Brierley (see 23rd July) for “not complying with an order; ie not going to bed when ordered to do so”; on the orders of Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 20th July), he was to undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Pte. William Shirtcliffe Mallinson (see 16th December 1917) was reported by L.Cpl. William Arthur Hutchinson (see 29th October 1917) and Pte. Willie Cowgill (see 18th October 1917) as having been absent from his billet between 10.30pm and 11.05pm; on the orders of Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 21st June) he was to be confined to barracks for seven days.

Sgt. Charles Marsden (see 22nd July), L.Cpl. Louis Feather MM (see 21st December 1917) and Ptes. Francis Barrett (see 12th June), John Thomas Damant (see 27th March), James Grubb (see 10th June), William Gordon Johnston (see 7th May), William Robinson (see 11th January 1917) and Robert Frank Smith (25829) (see 6th February) departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

Armistice Countdown 107 days

[Hedeby]

July 29th 1918

2nd Battle of The Marne

On the 29th activity was mainly confined to the right of the French Tenth Army. The Fifth Army, in which was included the British XXII Corps, was to continue the pursuit: “if the enemy’s halt is prolonged, the Fifth Army will take all measures to attack him and throw him on to the Ardre, making its principal effort in the direction Lagery-Crugny”, that is northward. Little happened. The divisions of the XXII Corps were worn out by previous fighting and made no advance except to improve the position of the 185th Brigade on the Montagne de Bligny, where another part of the objective was gained, at heavy loss, by the 2/5th West Yorkshire. The French 77th Division also made a small advance in the woods on the right of the XXII Corps, but was driven back next morning. “The French High Command recognized the impossibility, in the circumstances in which the Fifth Army was situated, of mounting fresh attacks with the insufficient means at its disposal.”

On the eastern wing, in the French Fifth Army, little further happened on the 30th. In order to relieve the two divisions of the British XXII Corps as quickly as possible General Berthelot arranged that the 77th and 14th Divisions should extend inwards, and on the night of the 30th/31st the former took over the front of the 62nd Division. But about 8 pm on the 30th, after heavy shelling lasting all day and culminating in fifteen minutes intense bombardment, the Germans attacked the Montagne de Bligny held by the 154th Brigade, now the only infantry of the 51st Division in the front line. Thanks to a very good artillery barrage the attack was driven off by the 7/Argyll. After dusk on the 31st, the 51st Division was relieved by the French 14th. The divisional artillery began entraining for the British area on the 31st July, the remainder of the division on the 2nd August. In the 62nd Division, the artillery entrained on the 1st and 2nd August and the rest of the troops on the 3rd and 4th”.



WESTERN FRONT
Germany: Kaiser allows retreat to Bluecher position north of Vesle, Ludendorff orders on July 30.
Champagne and Marne: French pincers close northeast of Oulcq-le-Chateau, capture Grand Rozoy and surround Buzancy; German General Cappard resists fiercely between Fare-en-Tardenois and St Euphrasie. Petain concedes Germans have escaped trap.

Somme: Australians advance on 2-mile front at Morlancourt, take 138 PoWs and 36 MGs. British Amiens concentration begins at night, with camouflage and strict security.

EASTERN FRONT
USSR: Lenin proclaims de facto state of war vs Allies. Sovnarkom allows Trotsky to mobilize ex-officers (22,315 by November 30), those refusing to face concentration camps. Trotsky calls Czechoslovak Corps ‘Almost the most important factor.’

SEA WAR
Eastern Mediterranean: British transport Hyperia (52 lives lost) sunk by U-boat 84 miles from Port Said.
St George’s Channel: Asstistant USN Secretary Franklin Roosevelt and First Sea Lord Sir E Geddes visit Queenstown base, south Ireland.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Arthur Jourdain DSO (commanding 2nd Loyal North Lancashire Regiment) is killed in action at age 49. He is the son of the late Reverend F Jourdain.
Lieutenant Colonel Humfrey H Kennedy (commanding 8th Seaforth Highlanders) is killed in action at age 36. He is the son of the late Metropolitan Magistrator.
Major Charles Gordon Bell (Royal Air Force) is killed during a test flight at Villacoubley at age 29. He was a well known pre-war aviator who scored five victories in 1915 before ill health forced him to return to England at the end of the year. He was one of the trainers of James McCudden.
Flight Commodore Owen Vincent Thomas (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed at home at age 24. He is the last surviving son of Brigadier General ‘Sir’ Owen Thomas. His first brother was killed in January 1916 and the second in July last year.
Captain Arthur Nelson Hampton Weekes (Sussex Regiment) is killed in action at age 29. He is the son of late Arthur Weekes JP
Lieutenant Reginald Hawkins (Royal Air Force) is killed in action at St Omer. His brother was killed in June 1915.
Corporal Charles Morris Woollven (Sussex Regiment) is killed at age 27 during his battalions first action in France at Grand Rozoy. His brother died of meningitis in March 1917.
Corporal Gordon Henry Carrington (Australian Infantry) becomes the middle of three brothers who lose their lives in the Great War.
Private Charles Arthur Hewitt (King’s Shropshire Light Infantry) is killed at age 21. His brother was killed in September 1915.

The War in the Air

Claiming a hat trick of aerial victories on this day was: Lieutenant Leonard "Leo"Arthur Christian DFC 206 Squadron RAF



The son of Joseph W. and Josephine E. Christian, Leonard Arthur Christian was a farmer and horse breeder from British Columbia. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1917. He successfully completed pilot training but chose to serve as an observer aboard D.H.9s due to a fear of heights. During World War II, Christian served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Lieut. Leonard Arthur Christian (late R.N.A.S.).
Since joining his squadron this officer has taken part in forty-seven bomb raids, displaying at all times keenness and determination, and rendering his pilot most valuable support. He has accounted for four enemy aeroplanes, destroying two, and driving down two out of control.

Other claims on this day included...



Twenty British Airmen were lost on this day:



Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Sgt. James Henry Howarth (see 2nd March) was appointed ‘Sergeant Drummer’.

L.Cpl. Herman Tutty (see 15th March) was deprived of his Lance Corporal’s stripe and reduced to the ranks; the reason for demotion is unknown.

Brig. Genl. Archibald Bentley Beauman DSO (see 21st June), commanding 69th Brigade, wrote to each of his battalion commanders,

“I wish to convey to you and your battalion my admiration of the fighting spirit shown by the Brigade since I took over command. During this period each battalion has carried out a highly successful raid. The keenness, initiative and organising ability shown by Commanding Officers and subordinate officers in these raids have greatly impressed me and have convinced me that I command a Brigade second to none in the British Army. During these raids 98 prisoners have been captured, also three machine guns and very heavy casualties have been inflicted on the enemy. Our own casualties have been less than 60. I look on this as a very fine record, even allowing for the quality of the troops opposed to us. That the value of these raids are appreciated by the higher authorities may be gathered from the number of decorations bestowed on the Brigade by the Commander-in-Chief and the Italians. They are as follows:

Distinguished Service Order 1
Bar to the Distinguished Service order 1
Military Cross 6
Bar to the Military Cross 1
Distinguished Conduct Medal 8
Military Medal 28
Bar to the Military Medal 3
Second Bar to the Military Medal 1

Italian Decorations

Silver Medal for Valour 7
Bronze Medal for Valour 7
Croce di Guerra 15

I should be grateful if you would allow all ranks an opportunity of seeing this letter. I would have liked to have come round and spoken to them but the present weather is not suitable for inspection parades involving troops standing for any length of time in the open”.

Pte. George Bernard Hardy (see 9th July), serving in France with 2DWR, was admitted to hospital at Etaples (cause unknown).

Pte. Menhell Hudson (see 8th March), who had been in England since November 1917, having been taken ill with rheumatic fever while serving in France with 2/6thDWR, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service.

Pte. John William Camps (see 21st October 1917), who had been in England since October 1917 having suffered severe wounds to his left leg, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service.

An official notice was issued of presumption of death in the case of L.Cpl. Arthur Dyson MM (see 17th December), who had been officially missing in action since 17th October 1917.

Armistice Countdown 106 days

[mikeemagnus]

Cheers again Chris - thanks once more for all the hard work

[Hedeby]

30th July 1918

and the sun is back in Sunny Donny !

The Second Battle of the Marne

From the British Official History: “In the French Tenth Army the XXX Corps, of which the British 34th Division formed part, was to make the principal attack and reach the high ground north of Grand Rozoy, between Servenay and the Bois de St. Jean, the XI Corps coming up on its right, and the XX, in which was the British 15th Division, and I Corps, covering its left. General Mangin had received no reinforcements except the 128th Division from the Third Army in exchange for the tired 1st Division, but the 127th and 17th from the Second Army (Verdun) were expected to begin detraining on the 29th.

The operations of the XXX Corps involved a left wheel, pivoting on Tigny, and the British 34th Division was now on the wheeling flank. During the afternoon of the 26th Major-General Nicholson had been warned by General Penet (XXX Corps) that the 34th Division would be shifted to the right to take part in the attack on the the 30th. So during the night of the 27th/28th the infantry and the machine-gun battalion of the 34th had been relieved, after considerable difficulties, in the sector opposite Hartennes by the extension inwards of the flanks of the French 19th Division on the right, and the 12th (which had taken the place of the 58th) on the left. With its artillery, withdrawn the same night, it was assembled by 2 am among the woods south of Villers Helon.

Verbal orders were received at 11 am on the 28th from the XXX Corps that the division was to concentrate some five miles to the south-east, about the Bois de la Baillette, during the ensuing night, with a view of attacking in the direction of Beugneux and Grand Rozoy on the morning of the 29th. The success of the French XI Corps in capturing the Butte de Chalmont had caused the date of attack to be advanced by twenty-four hours. There was, however, time for reconnaissance. The 34th Division, with the XI Corps on the right and the 25th Division (XXX Corps) on the left, was to capture the high ground mentioned in the Tenth Army instructions – Cramaille-Beugneux-Orme du Grand Rozoy – now held by German rear guards. The sector allotted to the 34th had its front line in the valley of a small stream, and the objective lay westwards of Servenay for a little over a mile. To reach it the division had to make an advance uphill and then cross the high ground marked by Point 189 and Orme du Grand Rozoy. The troops moved off at 9 pm and reached the position of assembly, west of a light railway, by 1 am on the 29th without incident. Zero hour was 4.10 am.

The 103rd and 101st Brigades (Br.-Generals J. G. Chaplin and W. J. Woodcock), each with a machine-gun company attached, were to lead the attack, supported by the divisional artillery and two French field artillery regiments, making a total of 108 field guns and 56 howitzers, under Brigadier E. C. W. D. Walthall, and three batteries of French heavy artillery. The barrage was to move forward, with pauses, at the rate of one hundred yards in 4 minutes. The 102nd Brigade (less one battalion in corps reserve) and the rest of the divisional troops were kept in reserve. At 4.10 am fog covered the ground, but the leading line, in which were the 1/8th Scottish Rifles and 1/5th K.O.S.B. of the 103rd Brigade, and the 4/R Sussex and 2/4th Queen’s of the 101st Brigade, each on a two-company front, pushed forward through a German barrage, which fell two hundred yards in front of the starting line and contained a belt of tear-gas. Good progress of over a mile was made; so towards 6 am a short halt was ordered, during which two 18-pdr. batteries and two sections of howitzers were brought to advanced positions, amid cheers from the French gunners, whose front they had to cross. The French took Grand Rozoy on the left, but did not come up on the right: it subsequently transpired that the French XI Corps did not start until 6 am. So the line ran from Grand Rozoy southeastward. Difficulty in finding artillery support owing to failure of communication now occurred, and the German machine gunners stoutly opposed any further progress. The infantry considered that on this occasion an intermediate halt had been a mistake, as it gave the enemy time to bring up reinforcements.

When further advances were made at a number of places, as far as the Bois de Beugneux (west of the village) and Point 189, north-west of the village, the Germans counter-attacked. After a long deadlock and a struggle against machine-gun fire, the troops fell back about 2 pm to the position gained at the first advance, although the 5/Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, the reserve of the 103rd Brigade, had been engaged. Before this hour, as the fog cleared, it had become evident that the attack had come to a standstill, and at 10.50 am Major-General Nicholson had ordered the 102nd Brigade (two battalions) and the 2/4th Somerset L.I. (Pioneers) to move forward at 2.30 pm against the original objective and outflank Beugneux from the west, whilst the 103rd Brigade attacked the village from the south. This operation was anticipated by the Germans, who launched a heavy counterattack at 2.10 pm, driving the French 25th Division out of Grand Rozoy and uncovering the left of the 101st Brigade. A defensive flank was formed and the counter-attack driven off, but, as the right was also open, the 103rd and 101st Brigades fell back to the position of the Second Paris Line, half-way back to the jumping-off line.

At nightfall the outposts were pushed up to the 6 am line and the 2 /L North Lancashire (101st Brigade) – whose commander Lieut.-Colonel C. E. A. Jourdain was killed during the morning – was sent up to protect the left flank. But matters on that flank were put right at 6 am next morning when the French recaptured Grand Rozoy. As further sign of his retirement the enemy during the night shelled the 34th Division with mustard gas, and caused much inconvenience. Disappointed with the progress made on the two wings, but encouraged by the relative success of the centre (Sixth Army), due to the retirement of the enemy, General Petain on the 29th had issued a new Instruction to the Groups of Armies, of which the following is a summary. “The enemy appears to be too strongly established on the plateaux south of Soissons and on the heights between the Vesle and the Ardre to admit of any hope that these two pillars of resistance can be broken and the German forces south of the Aisne destroyed. Henceforward our object must be to hustle their retreat so as to upset their plans of evacuation and devastation of the country, and hasten the moment when the Marnne railway can be made ready again for traffic.” “The Sixth Army possesses the largest resources, is charges with the principal role: it will push forward vigourously without interruption on its whole front in the general direction of Fismes and Bazoches [3 miles west of Fismes], its left establishing itself in the Saponay area, so as to facilitate the advance of the right wing of the Tenth Army towards Cramaille. From midnight of the 29th/30th the Sixth Army will take over the III Corps, the left of the Fifth Army, so that the boundary between the Groups of Armies of the Centre and Reserve will be Verneuil – Ste. Gemme and thence northwards to the east of Fismes.” “The Tenth Army, which cannot count on any more reinforcements after receiving the 17th Division, will continue to act in the direction of Braine. It will make its principal effort with its right; but the centre will participate in the movement so as to occupy progressively the heights on the left bank of the Crise.” “The Fifth Army, which not only cannot count on any reinforcements but must also release the British XXII Corps on the 31st, will act preferably south of the Ardre northwards on the axis Lagery-Crugny, so as to support the right of the Sixth Army.” “The commanders of Groups of Armies are requested to see that the forces are methodically employed, to insist that each Army engaged is echeloned in depth so as to facilitate the employment of reserves and to guard against enemy action, which might entirely compromise our advance by a counter-offensive suddenly launched either between Oise and Aisne, or against the Reims salient.” By a telegram timed 7.10 pm, General Petain withdrew the two cavalry corps into reserve pointing out that the form which the battle had assumed precluded any possibility of employing cavalry corps in the fighting. He was aware by now that General Foch had in his mind operations on another part of the front, as will be related later. Where this would be, even he, in the interest of secrecy, had not yet been informed; he had been personally and specially warned on the 25th by General Weygand, on behalf of the Generalissimo, not to come to a conference at Sarcus, Foch’s headquarters. But in the afternoon of the 28th Colonel Desticker, Foch’s Assistant Chief of the Staff, had brought to him a copy of a short Special Directive from which he learnt that the new offensive would be carried out by the French First Army and the British Fourth Army. The Generalissimo had come to the conclusion that the enemy in the Soissons salient “will without doubt occupy a defensive position behind a river, which we cannot attack immediately; this in all likelihood will permit him to reorganize his forces, so that in the course of time he may make some of them available for use elsewhere”.

The only indications of future action so far visible were that General Foch, in spite of the battle, had accumulated two groups of reserves, one of 4 divisions behind the left of the G.A.R., around Conty (12 miles S.W. by S. of Amiens), and the other of 3 divisions behind the centre of the G.A.R., behind Compiegne; six tired divisions and the Italian Corps from the G.A.C. were in the course of transport to, or reorganizing behind, the G.A.E., where also the American 1st and 2nd Divisions were being sent to relieve French divisions and reorganize, after having been the spearhead of General Mangin’s attack of the 18th July. Meanwhile the American Army of two corps (I and III, the II being with the British) was being constituted in the area of the French Sixth Army, where the American 3rd, 28th, 42nd, 32nd and 4th (portion) Divisions had taken part in the operations of the 28th and 29th July. What General Petain had in his mind in issuing his Instruction of the 29th July is best explained by a telegram which he sent on the 31st to Generals Fayolle and Pershing: “The state of the forces at our disposal at the moment obliges us to give the battle a new turn (‘allure’) which will economise infantry to the maximum. . . . In consequence regulate your efforts by your resources. The object to attain is to throw back the enemy on the Vesle gradually by successive efforts in accordance with my directive of the 29th July, giving the American forces of the Sixth Army more and more the principal role, so that towards the 15th August they will hold all the front of that Army.” There was no need, as it turned out, for any special effort to throw the Germans back on the Vesle, for in two great retirements on the nights of the Ist/2nd and 2nd/3rd August they withdrew behind it”.



Summary from Official History

The net result of the operations of the XXII Corps between 8am on the 20th July and 10pm on the 31st had been an advance of about four miles commencing on a frontage of 7,000 yards which decreased to 4,000. The captures were 21 officers and 1,148 other ranks of seven different German divisions, with 135 machine guns and 32 recovered French and Italian guns.

The gross casualties were reported as:

51st (Highland) Division 115 officers and 2,950 other ranks;
62nd (2nd west Riding) Division 118 officers and 3,865 other ranks. [The strength (excluding artillery) at 6 pm on the 30th July was: 51st Division 220 officers, 5,598 other ranks; 62nd Divison 226 officers, 5,536 other ranks. The reinforcements received were: 51st Division 60 officers and 1,065 other ranks; 62nd Division 69 officers and 1,712 other ranks.]

The German losses are not yet available, but must have been very heavy: never had British divisions seen such a number of enemy dead as they found in the Woods. French calculations place the total German casualties on the Marne battle front in July at 168,000

In an Order of the Day General Berthelot specially thanked the divisions of the XXII Corps for their success; involved in heavy fighting in extremely difficult country, they had certainly done well.

Other News:

99 Squadron sets out to bomb Stuttgart but finds low clouds as they near the target. The town of Lahr is bombed instead, but their activities attract a large formation of enemy fighters. Three enemy aircraft are claimed destroyed and another two shot down out of control but two of their DH9’s are shot down east of the lines with 3 of the 4 crew being killed.

Major Cuthbert Everard Brisley (Royal Air Force) is killed while flying in England. He played cricket internationally several times versus France, Wales, and Belgium and is the son of George Charles Brisley JP.
Captain Owen John Fredrick Scholte an eight-victory ace (Royal Air Force) is killed in an automobile accident while returning from a party when the car driven by fellow ace Cyril Crowe collides with a tree. Also killed is
Major Cyril Edgar Foggin (Royal Air Force) at age 26. He is the holder of Royal Aero Club Certificate #349.
Sergeant John J Cowell (Royal Air Force) is killed in action by German ace Friedrich von Roth. He is a sixteen-victory ace.
Second Lieutenant Charles St Aubyn Clarke (Punjabis) dies of endocarditis at age 20 in India. His brother was killed in December 1917.
Lance Corporal Harold Temperley Green (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 27. His brother will be killed in a fall from his horse on service in November.

The Austro Hungarian Air Ace Oberleutnant Frank Linke-Crawford is killed on this day. He is a 27 victory ace

After serving with a calvary regiment on the Russian front, Frank Linke-Crawford transferred to the Army Air Service in December 1915 and attended pilot's school in September 1916. Posted to Flik 12 in January 1917, he flew numerous reconnaissance and bombing missions on the Isonzo front. Flying an Aviatik C.I (37.08) without an observer, he was shot down on 2 August 1917, probably by Pier Piccio. On 4 August 1917, Linke was posted to Flik 41J and scored 13 victories by the end of the year. He assumed command of Flik 60J at the end of December 1917 and he scored 14 more victories before he was killed in action on the morning of 30 July 1918. Flying an Aviatik D.I, der Falke von Feltre (the Falcon of Feltre) was shot down by two Italian Hanriot HD.1 fighters from 81a Squadriglia. After the war, Linke's body was recovered and reinterred in Austria.

"Linke was both a fine flier and a fine man. He gave his men full support and generally ignored the rules about officers and non-officers having little to do with each other. He often gave away victories to other, less experienced pilots. As you can imagine, the feelings of his men for him were quite strong." Julius Arigi to Dr. Martin O'Connor, 6 October 1977



He was born in Cracow, in what is presently Poland but then a provincial city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His father, Major Adalbert Linke, was a Galician soldier; his mother, Lucy Crawford, was British. Despite this mixed background, he was an Austrian citizen.

Linke-Crawford attended school in Meran, Tyrol and Hranice (Weißkirchen), Moravia before in 1910 he entered the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt. Upon graduation, he was commissioned Lieutenant and assigned to the 6th Dragoon Regiment. On July 28, a month after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This was the initial declaration of war that snowballed into World War I. Linke-Crawford first saw battle on the Russian Front. In November, 1914, he was appointed commander of the infantry troop of the Sixth Dragoons. Between October 1914 and October 1915, he received several decorations; he also was hospitalized several times with malaria and dysentery. In 1915, Linke-Crawford's fascination with the Luftfahrtruppen (Austro-Hungarian air service) led him to request a transfer for pilot training. His poor health is also mentioned as a reason for his transfer.

Upon his completion of observer training at Wiener-Neustadt in March 1916, Linke-Crawford was posted to Fliegerkompanie 22 to fly reconnaissance and bombing missions in two seater airplanes.

In September, 1916, after six active months flying as an observer, he retrained as a pilot.

In January, 1917, he was transferred to Fliegerkompanie 12 as chief pilot, which made him second in command of the unit. His new posting was still to a unit serving on the Isonzo Front in northern Italy. While his duties remained recon and bombing, he was now operating over mountainous terrain. He also flew some attack sorties in single seat fighters. On one of these missions, on 13 April, he shot down a Nieuport that cartwheeled into a crash far behind the Italian lines. He did not bother to attempt to claim this victory, though he mentioned it in a letter home to his sister. On 25 May, his aircraft was badly shot up, taking 14 hits from a couple of SPAD fighters. He then had another unconfirmed triumph on 25 June. He gained a reputation for courage. On one of his long range reconnaissance missions, he was attacked by an Italian SPAD, which riddled his Hansa-Brandenburg C.I with 68 bullet holes over a half-hour period. Nevertheless, he completed his mission. On 2 August 1917, while flying his Aviatik C.I with no rear gunner aboard to man the craft's single machine gun, he was shot down as Pier Piccio's eighth victim, but was uninjured. On 4 August 1917, he was transferred to Fliegerkompanie 41, situated near Trieste. Flik 41 was Austro-Hungary's most renowned air unit; it was commanded by the empire's top ace, Godwin von Brumowski. Linke-Crawford damaged his airplane upon landing at his new base, Sesana Airfield. He began wearing a scarlet flying helmet and white trousers when he flew, leading to the nickname of "Redhead". He marked his plane with falcons painted on either side.

He scored his first confirmed aerial victory on 21 August 1917, using a Hansa-Brandenburg D.I to down a Nieuport. In the next five days, he scored three more confirmed wins using this plane, with one claim going unconfirmed. The Hansa-Brandenburg D.I had serious liabilities as a fighter plane; it spun easily, had poor forward visibility, and its machine gun was mounted well above the pilot's head on the top wing to fire above the propeller arc. It was nicknamed "the flying coffin" and killed more pilots in flying accidents than died in combat. Linke-Crawford's switch to flying an Albatros D.III mounted him in a fighter that not only offered him better field of vision, especially downward, but also armed him with twin Spandau machine guns in front of him that were synchronized to fire through his propeller. Flying the Albatros D.III, he shot down a seaplane on 23 September 1917 to become an ace. Continuing to use the Albatros, he ran up a score of 13 by 13 December.

In late December, 1917, Linke-Crawford was appointed commander of Fliegerkompanie 60. This unit was stationed at Grigno in northern Italy until March, 1918. This airfield was located in a swampy mountainous basin and was prone to flooding. Flik 60j's seven pilots flew against an opposition of British, Italian, and French pilots. Linke-Crawford's plane in Flik 60j was a Phonix D.I. He used this slow but sturdy twin-gunned fighter to run up seven triumphs in the first three months of 1918. Flik 60 transferred to Feltre, also in northern Italy. This was a better airfield than Grigno. Linke-Crawford scored his last victory in a Phonix on 11 March. Aeroplanes of this nature were still in their early phases of development, and in mid-March, he is said to have grounded all the Phonix's in his unit because of their increasing unreliability. Beginning on 10 May, Linke-Crawford switched to an Aviatik (Berg) D.I (115.32) At least five of his seven victories in this machine were over superior aircraft, such as the Sopwith Camel and Bristol F.2 Fighters.



On July 30, 1918, the day after his final victory, he was flying an early model Aviatik (Berg) D.I in a formation of four. He was shot down in flames by a pair of Italian Hanriot HD.1 fighters, with his plane disintegrating before impact. Linke-Crawford had separated from his wingmen before engaging the Italians. His plane had spun out before engaging them; he had then recovered and been fired upon. His plane had then fallen apart in midair. Linke-Crawford was accredited as Caporale Aldo Astolfi's sole success as a fighter pilot. Given that the Aviatik was the first fighter manufactured entirely in Austria, and that it initially had a reputation for wing failures during violent aerial maneuvers, there was suspicion that Linke-Crawford had fallen afoul of a faulty airplane rather than an Italian pilot. While the original Aviatik D-I design by Julius von Berg was sound, the Series 115 aircraft license-produced by the Lohner firm at Wien-Floridsdorf were notorious for failures along the wing trailing edges in high speed maneuvers, as Lohner had deviated from Aviatik specifications by employing thinner, lighter wing ribs. At the time of his death, Linke-Crawford was flying one of these sub-standard machines, build number 115.32.

His legacy was best described by one of his peers, Julius Arigi, who was the second ranked Austro-Hungarian ace:

"Linke was both a fine flier and a fine man. He gave his men full support and generally ignored the rules about officers and non-officers having little to do with each other. He often gave away victories to other, less experienced pilots. As you can imagine, the feelings of his men for him were quite strong."

Although Frank Linke-Crawford was originally buried at Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor (now Slovenia) after the war, in 1919, he was reinterred in Salzburg.

The British Air Ace Sergeant John Cowell DCM - 20 Squadron RAF was also killed on this day - he was flying Bristol F2B E2471. He was a 16 victory ace. (15 in an FE2d)

One of ten children and the son of Michael and Kate Cowell, John Cowell was born at Carey's Road in the city of Limerick. He was married in the same city on 20 December 1916. After serving as a sapper with the 12th Field Company of the Royal Engineers, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Posted to 20 Squadron, Cowell served as a mechanic before becoming an observer/gunner aboard F.E.2Ds in 1917. He was one of the highest scoring gunners to serve with 20 Squadron. He returned to the Home Establishment for flight training, then rejoined 20 Squadron as a pilot in the summer of 1918. Having scored his first victory as a Bristol Fighter pilot on 29 July 1918, he was killed in action the following day, shot down by Friedrich von Röth of Jasta 16.

78171 Sjt. J. Cowell, R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry whilst assisting an aerial gunner during bomb raids. He showed remarkable skill and judgment in the eight combats in which he has been engaged, and on several occasions has shot down hostile air craft.

The German ace Leutnant Heinrich Drekman was also killed - alas I have no further information, other than he was an 11 victory ace flying flying for Jasta 4

The outstanding performance today came from Lieutenant William Watson Smith DFC 139 Squadron RAF (Bristol F2b) who shot down FIVE enemy aircraft in a single day as an observer.

2nd Lt. William Watson Smith. (ITALY)
This officer has shown exceptional keenness and efficiency as an observer. He has taken part in numerous reconnaissances, and his reports are invariably clear and accurate, containing valuable information which has proved of great assistance in our recent operations.



Also claiming FIVE victories was Watson Smith's Pilot in 139 Squadron - the American (and the first American to claim five kills in a day) Lieutenant Walter Carl Simon DFC

The first American pilot credited with five victories in a single engagement, Walter Carl Simon joined the Royal Flying Corps in March 1918. Posted to 139 Squadron under William Barker, he was flying the Bristol Fighter on the Italian Front when he and his observer, William Watson Smith, shot down five enemy aircraft on the morning of 30 July 1918. Though both men were wounded and flying a badly shot-up aircraft, Simon successfully returned to his aerodrome at Villaverla. Post-war, Simon left London for Lima, Peru where he was appointed sub-director of Peru's first Naval Aviation Flying School on 9 August 1920. He was responsible for training pilots to fly surplus Bristol Fighters and played an instrumental role in the formation of the Peruvian Air Force for president Augusto B. Leguia's controversial government. During World War II, Simon held the rank of Major in the United States Army Air Force and was discharged from service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He remained on flying status as a civilian, flying army trainers on weekends until the age of 65.



The following claims were made on this day



25 British Airmen were lost on this day



WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: Allies capture Romigny-St Gemme. Fierce German resistance continues. American poet and journalist Sergeant Joyce Kilmer killed on Ourcq (165th Infantry REgiment, 42nd Division).

EASTERN FRONT
Ukraine: Field Marshal Eichhorn and Captain Dressler murdered at Kiev by Left Socialist Revolutionary bomb. General Kirchbach succeeds as German C-in-C Army Group Kiev (August 8); Kathen replaces him in command of Eighth Army in Baltic area (July 31).

SEA WAR
Channel: Collier Q-ship Stock Force (Lieutenant H Auten wins Victoria Cross) sunk after engaging coastal submarine UB-80 25 miles southwest of Start Point, near Plymouth (severely damaged). (See below)



Commander Harold Auten VC, DSC, RD (22 August 1891 – 3 October 1964) was a Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) officer who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. A former pupil of Wilson's School, Wallington, London, Auten had joined the RNR before the outbreak of the First World War during which he served in Q-ships. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1917 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross "for services in Vessels of the Royal Navy employed on Patrol and Escort duty" in that year.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1918 following an action when he was commanding a Q-ship, HMS Stock Force:

H.M.S. "Stock Force," under the command of Lieutenant Harold Auten, D.S.C., R.N.R., was torpedoed by an enemy submarine at 5 p.m. on the 30th July, 1918. The torpedo struck the ship abreast No. 1 hatch, entirely wrecking the fore part of the ship, including the bridge, and wounding three ratings. A tremendous shower of planks, unexploded shells, hatches and other debris followed the explosion, wounding the first lieutenant (Lieutenant E.J. Grey, R.N.R.) and the navigating officer (Lieutenant L.E. Workman, R.N.R.) and adding to the injuries of the foremost gun's crew and a number of other ratings. The ship settled down forward, flooding the foremost magazine and between decks to the depth of about three feet. "Panic party," in charge of Lieutenant Workman, R.N.R., immediately abandoned ship, and the wounded were removed to the lower deck, where the surgeon (Surgeon Probationer G.E. Strahan, R.N.V.R.), working up to his waist in water, attended to their injuries. The captain, two guns' crews and the engine-room staff remained at their posts. The submarine then came to the surface ahead of the ship half a mile distant, and remained there a quarter of an hour, apparently watching the ship for any doubtful movement.

The "panic party" in the boat accordingly commenced to row back towards the ship in an endeavour to decoy the submarine within range of the hidden guns. The submarine followed, coming slowly down the port side of the "Stock Force," about three hundred yards away. Lieutenant Auten, however, withheld his fire until she was abeam, when both of his guns could bear. Fire was opened at 5.40 p.m.; the first shot carried away one of the periscopes, the second round hit the conning tower, blowing it away and throwing the occupant high into the air. The next round struck the submarine on the water-line, tearing her open and blowing out a number of the crew.

The enemy then subsided several feet into the water and her bows rose. She thus presented a large and immobile target into which the "Stock Force" poured shell after shell until the submarine sank by the stern, leaving a quantity of debris on the water. During the whole of the action one man (Officer's Steward, 2nd Class, R.J. Starling) remained pinned down under the foremost gun after the explosion of the torpedo, and remained there cheerfully and without complaint, although the ship was apparently sinking, until the end of the action.The "Stock Force" was a vessel of 360 tons, and despite the severity of the shock sustained by the officers and men when she was torpedoed, and the fact that her bows were almost obliterated, she was kept afloat by the exertions of her ship's company until 9.25 p.m. She then sank with colours flying, and the officers and men were taken off by two torpedo boats and a trawler.

The action was cited as one of the finest examples of coolness, discipline and good organisation in the history of "Q" ships.

Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

The more relaxed conditions at Grumo allowed time for other activities. Many years later 2Lt. Bernard Garside (see 26th July) would relate to his niece and nephew how he remembered being taught to ride,

“It was somewhere about now I learnt to ride a horse and I had some rather funny adventures. I was one of several who went out each morning with the Adjutant (Capt. Leonard Norman Phillips MC see 27th July) on a ride and he taught us how to hold our feet and handle the reins and so on. One morning I was riding a horse called Tommy when the Adjutant stopped his horse by a stream with very high and steep banks and by a very narrow bridge over the stream. It was really just a flattened tree trunk with small railings along each side and one or two steps led up to it from the ground on each side. When you stood on this narrow bridge you could see the water quite a little way below you – I suppose say 20 feet or so. Well, the Adjutant stopped and we all gathered round him and he tried to get his horse to go up the steps and across the bridge, but it wouldn’t. Then someone said they thought Tommy had been across. So everyone looked to see who was on Tommy and there I sat. The Adjutant said, “Come on Garside, try Tommy”. Well! My heart popped up into my mouth but of course I couldn’t show people that and I took Tommy to the front. Then I sat on his back petting him and digging him, persuading him to go up the steps. He put first one foot forward and then another and was high enough presently to see the water running there away below the bridge. His eyes rolled about and he was frightened and I knew if he shied we might both go over. But he was a good little horse and presently he was standing on the tree trunk. Very very slowly and safely he went across and I tried so hard to keep his head up, away from looking into the water. Down the steps on the other side he went. Then I turned around and the Adjutant laughed and said, “How about coming back Garside?”. But he was really very relieved and had thought it rather foolish to call me after he had done it. So when I said, “If I’m ordered to Sir”, and laughed, he laughed back and said, “All right, go back your side of the stream”. So that was that – I did. I was very glad to be so well out of it. If Tommy had taken fright on that bridge, your uncle probably wouldn’t be writing this.

Then another day I was on the same little Tommy – who wasn’t so very little really. We had ridden some way when suddenly I slipped in my seat as we cantered – the groom had not fastened the belly band properly. This startled Tommy and off he went. And off I went too, nearly, but not in the same way. Well I struggled and struggled to keep on and Tommy went all the harder. I managed to wriggle back and tried to pull on the reins and couldn’t keep my balance – and all the harder went poor old, frightened Tommy. Finally I gave it up and made a wild grab at his neck! – for I was sure I’d be off any stride. I got old Tommy round the neck and lay forward so far I could get my arms round him and slowly I dropped and dropped until I was hanging like a weight on his neck and I was about 12 stone – which was too much for Tommy. He slowed down and finally stopped – feeling, I suppose, what a stupid little horse he’d been. Oh dear I was so relieved I had to laugh and laugh for the pair of us must have looked a very funny sight”’

2Lt. Garside also recalled relations with the locals,

“By now I was learning Italian very fast and could talk quite a lot to the inhabitants who were usually very friendly. But the poorer ones were sometimes thieves and the little bambinos (children) stole the men’s puttees and so on. This grew so bad that, when one was caught by my men, they brought him to me and to frighten him I showed him a rifle and said he would be shot if he did it again. Oh how he howled and howled and howled. But he ran off and we didn’t lose any more stuff.

Sometimes when we were out we would pass Italian peasants who said ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ – ‘good evening’ in Italian is ‘buona sera’, pronounced rather like ‘bonny Sarah’. So the Tommies – not horses! – used to reply ‘bonny Mary Ann, owd lad’ to the old man who said ‘buona sera’. They used to say other funny things too in Italian. Someone might say to the Yorkshire lads in the Dukes, “Come state”, which means, “How do you do” and is pronounced rather like “Kommy starty”. So the lads used to ask the Italians in English, “Come and start me?”, and the Italians would understand, grin, and say, “Ah, bene, bene”, which means “Very well”.

Armistice Countdown 105 days

[Mike George]

Thanks for the good read.

[Hedeby]

My pleasure Mike

[Hedeby]

31st July 1918



Captain Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson VC (Northamptonshire Regiment) will be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading, and determination in attack. The tactical situation having developed contrary to expectation, it is not possible for his company to adhere to their original plan for deployment, and, owing to the difficulties of the ground, and to enemy wire. Captain Colyer-Fergusson finds himself with a sergeant and five men only. His party is then threatened by a heavy counter-attack from the left front, but this attack he successfully resists. During this operation, assisted by his orderly only, he attacks and captures an enemy machine gun and turns it on the assailants, many of whom are killed, and a large number are driven into the hands of an adjoining unit. Later, assisted only by his sergeant, he again attacks and captures a second machine gun, by which time he has been joined by other portions of his company and is enabled to consolidate his position. He is killed by a sniper shortly afterwards. He is killed at age 21 and is the third and youngest son of Thomas Colyer-Fergusson 3rd Baronet. Captain Colyer-Fergusson was intending to go up to Oriel College, Oxford, but when the war broke out he joined the Public Schools Battalion, subsequently obtaining a temporary commission in February 1915, in the Northamptonshire Regiment, and a permanent one in December 1916. He went to France in November 1915, and was wounded at Contalmaison in July 1916, returning to France the following November. He was appointed Acting Captain in January 1917. His brother will die on service in August 1940 serving in the Royal Army Service Corps.

Lieutenant Gerald Anderson and Second Lieutenant Thomas Sydney Chiltern shoot down a Pfalz D III at Fromelles. Lieutenant George Poole and Sergeant Charles Hill (Royal Air Force) bring down a Fokker D VII at Estaires-Merville.

Lieutenant Colonel John Graham Dooner DSO (Royal Field Artillery) is killed in action. He is a South Africa War veteran and his brother was killed in October 1914.
Major Eric Brown Lees JP (Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry attached Sherwood Foresters) of Thruland Castle, Lancaster is killed in action at age 40. He is the son of Edward Brown Lees JP DL and son in law of the late vicar of Holy Trinity, Southport. He was the Justice of the Peace for Yorks, Lancs and Westmorland.

Captain George Edward Henry McElroy (Royal Air Force) is killed by ground fire near Laventie at age 25. He is a forty seven victory ace, Ireland’s highest scoring ace and Edward Mannock’s star pupil. He is killed less than one week after his teacher.
Lieutenant Patrick James Lamb (Royal Garrison Artillery) is killed in action at age 23. He is the son of Commissioner Lamb of the Salvation Army.
Private Walter Milner (Leinster Regiment) is killed in action at age 19. His brother will die of wounds in April 1918.
Bombardier E Watmough (Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 27. His two brothers have already been killed in the Great War.

AIR WAR
Italian Front: Austrian ace Oblt F Linke-Crawford (c.30 victories) killed, his Phoenix fighter shot down at Montello by Cuttle of No 43 Squadron RAF in Sopwith Camel.
Germany: 12 DH9s (7 lost) of No 99 Squadron (Taylor) dispatched to Mainz (alternate Saarbruecken); 5 aircraft bomb Saarbruecken, attacks by 3 fighter waves (total 40) decimate formation; 2 fighters damaged, No 99 non*-operational until August 20. IAF’s July losses 15 bombers.
Western Front: German night bombing of Allied troops south of Aisne. Allies have lost 200 aircraft and balloons over German Seventh Army alone since July 15. French July loss of 67 aircraft worst month in 1918. During July Germans claim 505 Allied aircraft for loss of 129. Record 1,478 German aircraft delivered in July.

RAF 273 Squadron is founded on this day:



No. 273 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was formed on 30/31 July 1918 and operated DH.4s, DH.9s and Sopwith Camels from Burgh Castle on reconnaissance missions. It also operated from Covehithe airfield, previously an RNAS night airfield. The squadron disbanded on 5 July 1919 at Great Yarmouth.

The squadron reformed on 1 August 1939 at China Bay in Ceylon as a torpedo bomber squadron operating the Vickers Vildebeest. In March 1942 it equipped with the Fairey Fulmars and lost an aircraft during the Japanese attack on Ceylon. It re-equipped with Hurricanes in August 1942 and then the Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII in March 1944.

From March 1944 pilots were given the new Spitfire Mk VIII to fly, and the squadron was moved up to British India to join in the war against the Japanese imperial forces. From May 1944 through to the end of the war, it was recorded that 14 pilots were killed. The period March - early July 1944, was the period in which the major Japanese attacks (Operation U-Go) against Imphal and Kohima were beaten back by Allied Indian and British forces, greatly assisted by the Third Tactical Air Force (TAF). The monsoon rains then followed, so that the next major round of strategic land battles commenced in late 1944 and early 1945. The Allied 14th Army pushed into Central Burma in January/February 1945, with their initial principal objectives being Meiktila and Mandalay. Mandalay fell towards the end March 1945, and the next imperative was to capture Rangoon before the monsoon rains started in earnest.

Along the coast, 273 Squadron was part of 224 Group RAF (which in turn was part of the 3 TAF). The RAF here was charged to support Commonwealth ground forces belonging to XV Corps, the role of which was to drive Japanese forces out of the coastal Arakan region. During July/August 1944, 273 Squadron flew out of Chittagong; and then mainly operated out of Cox’s Bazar from September–December 1944. During January 1945 the squadron operated out of the more inland Maunghnama. There was constant fighting over this period, this concentrating on ground support operations for the army, but also flying against Japanese Nakajima Ki-43 Oscars (based out of Akyab), and convoy patrols. At least one pilot was killed over this period. Akyab was evacuated by the Japanese at the end of December 1944, and Ramree Island was then occupied by Allied forces in February 1945. From February through to early May, 273 Squadron was based at Ramree Island, where it supported army operations as they moved against Japanese forces further south down the coast. Again this was a period of intense fighting, when at least a further three other pilots were killed. Rangoon was liberated by early May, and 273 Squadron moved into its new base at Mingaladon (just outside Rangoon) in the middle of that month. There was then a six-week period of somewhat frustrating operations, taken up mainly with patrolling. The first three weeks of July however involved a further final period of intense fighting however, as Allied army units and the RAF decimated Japanese forces as they attempted to cross the Sittang River, and head back towards Thailand. At least three other pilots were killed during these final operations.

In mid-September, 273 Squadron was transferred to Don Muang, Siam (Thailand), and then moved to Tan Son Nhut, French Indo-China (Vietnam) at the end of that month. The squadron was re-equipped with Spitfire Mk XIVs in November 1945, used them in their only offensive operation on 11 December against Viet Minh in support of a surrounded French unit at Ban Me Thout and then finally disbanded (at Tan Son Nhut) at the end of January 1946. The story of 273 Squadron does not end there. A squadron badge was designed and submitted to the Air Ministry in November 1944. The design included an ancient Asian fylfot (swastika) and a black widow spider, together with the motto Toujours prêt. Because of the controversial fylfot design, this badge was initially rejected by the RAF, and only accepted, in a modified design, over 50 years later, where it now rests next to No. 1 Squadron in the RAF Chapel at St Clement Danes, London.

The British air ace Captain George Edward Henry "McIrish" McElroy DFC & Bar, MC & 2 Bars 40 Squadron RAF was killed on this day. He was a 47 victory ace and was Ireland's most successful ever fighter pilot.



Before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, George Edward Henry McElroy spent time in the trenches until he was badly wounded in a gas attack. He was Ireland's highest scoring ace and Edward Mannock's star pupil. Five days after Mannock was killed in combat, McElroy's S.E.5a was shot down over Laventie by anti-aircraft fire. The Royal Air Force lost two of its finest pilots in less than one week.

Distinguished Flying Cross
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C.
A brilliant fighting pilot who has destroyed thirty-five machines and three kite balloons to date. He has led many offensive patrols with marked success, never hesitating to engage the enemy regardless of their being, on many occasions, in superior numbers. Under his dashing and skilful leadership his flight has largely contributed to the excellent record obtained by the squadron.

Military Cross
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, R.G.A. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown a splendid offensive spirit in dealing with enemy aircraft. He has destroyed at least two enemy machines, and has always set a magnificent example of courage and initiative.

Military Cross 1st Bar
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on an offensive patrol, observing a hostile scout diving on one of our aeroplanes, he opened fire, and sent down the enemy machine in an irregular spin out of control, when it finally crashed completely. Later in the same day, he sent down another enemy machine in flames. On another occasion, when on offensive patrol, he singled one out of four enemy machines, and sent it down crashing to earth. On the same day he attacked another enemy machine, and, after firing 200 rounds, it burst into flames. On a later occasion, he opened fire on an enemy scout at 400 yards range, and finally sent it down in a slow spin out of control. In addition, this officer has brought down two other enemy machines completely out of control, his skill and determination being most praiseworthy.

Military Cross 2nd Bar
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While flying at a height of 2,000 feet, he observed a patrol of five enemy aircraft patrolling behind the lines. After climbing into the clouds, he dived to the attack, shot down and crashed one of them. Later, observing a two-seater, he engaged and shot it down out of control. On another occasion he shot down an enemy scout which was attacking our positions with machine-gun fire. He has carried out most enterprising work in attacking enemy troops and transport and in the course of a month has shot down six enemy aircraft, which were seen to crash, and five others out of control.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
Lieut. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., D.F.C. (Royal G. Artillery).
In the recent battles on various army fronts this officer has carried out numerous patrols, and flying at low altitudes, has inflicted heavy casualties on massed enemy troops, transport, artillery teams, etc., both with machine-gun fire and bombs. He has destroyed three enemy kite balloons and forty-three machines, accounting for eight of the latter in eight consecutive days. His brilliant achievements, keenness and dash have at all times set a fine example and inspired all who came in contact with him.

The following claims were made on this day:



Another 22 British Airmen were killed on this day:



WESTERN FRONT
Meuse: German gas shell French Neuilly sector with 340,000 rounds (850t) mustard gas; 3,400 gassed (68 deaths).

EASTERN FRONT
Northern Russia: Allies seize Archangel (until August 1) with little shooting (2 casualties) thanks to Russian Navy officers’ help. Some of the 1,500 British Elope Force also take Onega on White Sea.

SEA WAR
North Sea: Flight Sub-Lieutenant Culley successfully takes off in Sopwith Camel from a lighter towed by destroyer Truculent.
Allied and neutral shipping losses July 1918: 95 ships (37 British with 202 lives) worth 259,901t (British 165,449t); U*-boat figure 113 ships worth 280,820t including 39 ships of 76,864t in Mediterranean (10 ships with 235t to Austrians); 6 U-boats sunk.

HOME FRONTS
Britain: Month’s coal output record lowest at 15,760,000t due to flu epidemic. Sir Charles Fielding new Director-General Food Production (Lord Lee resigned July 22).
Marne and Champagne: French now control main east rail line between Chateau-Thierry and Epernay. Severe fighting round Seringes. The 4 British divisions return to BEF zone (until August 7).
France: During July Record 313,410 US troops land in Europe including 6 divisions and 34 aircraft (total now 1,210,703 men).

Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

L.Cpl. Cain Rothera MM (see 10th June) was reported by CSM Edward Arthur Myers (see 7th May) and CQMS Maurice Harcourt Denham (see 10th June) for “not complying with Battalion orders, ie wearing his SD cap before 6pm”; on the orders of Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 28th July) he would be deprived of his Lance Corporal’s stripe and reduced to the rank of Private.

Pte. Ernest Ashness (see 10th June) was reported by Cpl. Percival John Munn (26th March) and CSM Edward Arthur Myers (see above) as being “absent off pass” from 10.30pm; he would return to duty at 5pm the following day. On the orders of Maj. Borrow he would undergo three days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Pte. Matthew Stone (see 19th June), who was currently under medical treatment with the RAMC (details and location unknown) was reported as “absent from billets from 9pm until 10pm whilst undergoing medical treatment”; he would be reported again the following day on a similar charge, from 11am until 8.30pm and would be ordered to undergo 14 days’ Field Punishment no.2.

Pte. Thomas Henry Cox (see 29th May) was discharged from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

2Lt. Archibald (Archie) Allen (see 21st June), who had left the Battalion after suffering severe shrapnel injuries to his left arm and chest on 21st June, was evacuated to England from Le Havre. On arrival in England he would be admitted to 1st Southern General Hospital in Birmingham.

Pte. Albert John Start (see 16th July), who had been posted back to England two weeks previously, was transferred to the Non Combatant Labour Corps; he would have ten days’ leave before taking up his new posting.

Armistice Countdown 104 days

[Hedeby]

1st August 1918

The French air ace Sous Lieutenant Gabriel Guerin was killed on this day.

Sous Lieutenant Gabriel Fernand Charles Guérin (25 July 1892 – 1 August 1918), Legion d'honneur, Medaille militaire, Croix de guerre, was a World War I fighter pilot credited with 23 confirmed aerial victories. Gabriel Fernand Charles Guérin was born in Morocco on 25 July 1892. He joined the 28e Regiment d'Infanterie in October 1913, starting as a soldat de 2e class.

Guérin was cited for his service the first time in June 1915, when he had risen to soldat de 1e classe. He was cited a second time as a corporal, in July 1916. The following month, he began aviation training. He received Pilot's Brevet 4981 on 10 December 1916. After advanced training, he was posted to Escadrille 15, a Nieuport squadron on 25 April 1917. He scored his first aerial victory a month later. By July, he was a sergeant credited with four victories. He scored his sixth win on 26 August, and was awarded the Médaille militaire the next day. He was promoted to adjutant by 1 November, when he notched his seventh triumph. He closed out 1917 with 11 victories. By 27 February 1918, when he was inducted into the Legion d'honneur, he was a triple ace. At some time during the summer, he had access to a Spad XII armed with a 37mm cannon, and may have scored with it.[3] Guérin had run his total to 22 when he was wounded in action on 11 May 1918. After convalescence, he was given command of Escadrille 88, a Spad squadron on 7 July 1918. Six days later, he was promoted to a commissioned officer as a lieutenant. Six days after that, he scored his 23rd victory. On 1 August 1918, while taking off in a Spad VII, Guérin spun in to his death. His victory total of 23 included five shared victories; however, he also had ten claims unconfirmed. In addition to the Legion d'honneur and Médaille militaire, he had won the Croix de guerre with 15 palms and two bronze stars.



Médaille Militaire, 27 August 1917:

"Never ceases to give the highest examples of bravery, strength, sang-froid, and devotion. On 23 July 1917, he downed his fourth enemy plane. Already cited five times in orders."

Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, 27 February 1918:

"Elite officer and incomparable pursuit pilot. Raises the morale and enthusiasm of his Escadrille by his great example, moral courage and by the prestige of his victories. On 3 February 1918 he downed his 14th and 15th enemy planes. Médaille Militaire for feats of war and nine citations."



Highlighted British losses on this day

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Leslie Barlow DSO (West Yorkshire Regiment commanding 1st/5th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) is killed.
Major Augustine George Richard Whitehouse MC (Herefordshire Regiment) is killed at age 25. He is the son of the Reverend George Whitehouse Vicar of Sellack.
Captain Haddo Reginald Drummond-Fraser (Cheshire Regiment attached Herefordshire Regiment) is killed in action at age 22. He is the second son of ‘Sir’ Drummond and Lady Drummond-Fraser to be killed in the Great War.
Captain John Champain Tanner (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed while instructing at home at age 20. He is the son of the Reverend Maurice Tanner Rector of Eversley.
Lieutenant Findlay Macfadyen Ross MC (Royal Scots) is killed in action at age 25. He is the son of the late Reverend John Ross DD, Missionary U F Church, Manchuria.
Lieutenant George Frederick Glaister (Tank Corps) is killed in action at age 28. He is a direct descendant of ‘Sir’ Richard de Glasserith who fought under Bruce in the 13th Century and he rowed crew for Cambridge.
Lieutenant George Gordon Carmichael (King’s Own Scottish Borderers) is killed at age 22. He is the son of Robert Carmichael JP.
Lieutenant the Reverend Frank W Saunders (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) is killed at age 37. He is the Minister of the Parish of Anworth.
Second Lieutenant Henry Stokes Richards (Essex Regiment attached Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed while instructing at home at age 24. He was the first Rhodes Scholar at Canterbury College New Zealand and the fourth New Zealand Rhodes scholar to lose his life in the Great War.

Second Lieutenant Gerard Croft Hoare (Rifle Brigade) dies of wounds received in action at home at age 19. He is the son of Captain Geoffrey de M G Hoare JP.
Second Lieutenant James Crosby Jackson (Royal Scots) is killed at age 23. He is the son of Reverend George Walker Jackson.
Private James McIntosh (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) is killed in action at age 25. One brother was killed in action in July 1917 another will be killed as a miner in the Auchengeich Pit disaster on 17th September 1959, while their brother in law will be killed one week after James.
Private Frederick Owen Werndly (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 23. His brother will be killed next month.
Private Cyril Cuthbert Agar (West Yorkshire Regiment) dies of wounds received in action as a prisoner of war at age 19. His brother was killed in action in October 1917.
Private Alfred Edmund Watson (Yorkshire Regiment) dies while a prisoner of war at age 32. He is a schoolmaster and artist.
Air Mechanic 2nd class David Jones (Royal Air Force) dies at home on his wedding day.

North Russia Intervention – Royal Navy Fairey Campania seaplanes from the seaplane carrier HMS Nairana joined Allied ground forces in driving Bolshevik troops from the mouth of the Northern Dvina River in Russia in the first fully combined air, sea, and land military operation in history.



The Fairey Campania was a British ship-borne, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War and Russian Civil War. It was a single-engine, two-seat biplane with twin main floats and backward-folding wings. The Campania was the first aeroplane ever designed specifically for carrier operations.

The Royal Navy was an early leader in carrier aviation and in the autumn of 1914, purchased the liner Campania for conversion into a seaplane carrier. Operating seaplanes required the carrier to stop to hoist the aircraft out- and in-board by crane, leaving the ship exceedingly vulnerable to U-Boat attacks and the Admiralty began to seek alternatives. By the middle of 1916, Campania had been fitted with a 200 ft (61 m) flight deck forward on which, experiments were being carried out in launching aircraft. The Admiralty issued a specification for a purpose-built, two-seat patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. Fairey Aviation designed a single-engined tractor biplane of fabric-covered wooden construction, which first flew on 16 February 1917. The two-bay wings folded rearwards for storage, the crew of two sat in separate cockpits, the observer being provided with a Lewis gun on a Scarff ring. The first of two prototypes, F.16, was powered by a 250 hp (190 kW) Rolls-Royce Eagle IV and the second prototype, powered by an Eagle V of 275 hp (205 kW), was named F.17. Both prototypes were later flown operationally from Scapa Flow.

Trials proving satisfactory, the type went into production and service. Most of the F.17s shipped aboard the carriers HMS Campania, HMS Nairana and HMS Pegasus; the first aircraft joined Campania and the type took its name from her. Only Campania possessed a flight deck; Campanias operated from this using jettisonable, wheeled bogies fitted to the floats. The aircraft in the other ships took off from the water in the normal way. The 27 F.22s operated from Royal Naval Air Service air stations. The Campania had an undistinguished career, but performed useful work as a spotter aeroplane. On 1 August 1918, during the North Russia Campaign in support of the British intervention in the Russian Civil War, Campanias from Nairana participated in what was probably the first fully combined air, sea, and land military operation in history, joining Allied ground forces and ships in driving Bolsheviks out of their fortifications on Modyugski Island at the mouth of the Northern Dvina River in Russia, then scouting ahead of the Allied force as it proceeded up the channel to Arkhangelsk. The appearance of one of the Campanias over Arkhangelsk induced the Bolshevik leaders there to panic and flee. Campanias from Nairana then operated against the Bolsheviks from Arkhangelsk, as well as against the White Finnish defensive positions in Uhtua in the autumn of 1918 from Kem.


According to the internet this is one of our Clipper's specials

The Campania was declared obsolete in August 1919.

AIR WAR
Germany: Army Air Service has 318 front-line units with establishment of 2,569 aircraft (excluding depot reserve) including 1,053 fighters and c.253 bombers.
Western Front: During August Jastas equipped with Fokker DVII fighters claim 565 victories but serious fuel shortages beginning to affect all German flying units (150 or 250 litres per day and aircraft from mid-August). French have 2,970 aircraft.

WESTERN FRONT
Marne and Aisne: Franco-British advance north of the Ourcq; 2-mile advance along Fare-en*-Tardenois road; 600 PoWs. 100 PoWs taken at Cierges. German retreat to Vesle begins in rain (night August 1-2).
Somme*: British Fourth Army in Amiens sector secretly doubled by August 8; 290 special trains bring up 6 infantry and 2 cavalry divisions including Canadian Corps from Arras, 8 tank battalions and huge ammo stock piles. Small Canadian force sent north to Flanders (Mt Kemmel), part of deception plan including first land use of radio traffic deception.
Germany: During August OHL reduces 400-strong battalions from 4 coys to 3.

EASTERN FRONT
USSR: New German Ambassador Helfferich’s memo urges Reds’ overthrow, Kaiser agrees. Lenin via Chicherin asks for German help vs counterrevolutionaries.
Trans-Caspia*: Ashkabad Whites appeal to Major-General Malleson; he sends Punjabi MG detachment which covers 1,800 Whiles’ defeat by 3,000 Reds at Bairam Ali (August 13); Reds take Merv Oasis (c. August 18).

HOME FRONTS
Britain: RFP up 8% to record 118%. Commons passes record £700m credit. Postwar rationing of raw materials and scheme of pay compensation for torpedoed seamen announced.
France*: Chamber votes for 1920 class call up.
Turkey: In August political exiles allowed to return.
Germany: During August 1920 conscript class reaches field depots but not used in front line for political reasons. Ludendorff raises soldiers’ pay 1 Reichsmark per day.
USA: 1 million women now working in factories.

The War in the Air

The followng claims were made on this day



It was a bad day for the RAF with 29 losses including...



Capt. Tunstill's Men: The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Pte. Simpson Phillips (see 30th May) was reported by Cpl. Reginald Robinson (see 17th May) as “absent off parade from 8pm until found in his billet at 9.45pm; on the orders of Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 31st July) he would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Cpl. Horace Dewis MM (see 1st April), serving with the RAF, was appointed Acting Sergeant (unpaid).

2Lt. Arthur Lilley (see 22nd June), in training in England with the RAF, was promoted Lieutenant (Observer).

Pte. Sidney Best (see 10th July 1917), who had been wounded in July 1917, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service.

A payment of £10 4s. was authorised, being the part of the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Walton Thomas (see 12th April), who had been killed in action in April while serving with 1st/7th DWR; the payment would go to his father, John.

Armistice Countdown 103 days

[mikeemagnus]

Cheers Chris. Many thanks again. like the Campania. Think I'll get one myself if they have them available at Shapeways

[Hedeby]

August 2nd 1918

Mrs. L's birthday... (although NOT in 1918)

Lieutenant Frederick Stanley Gordon (Royal Air Force) achieves his first victory when he shares shooting down an enemy LVG C with George Gauld over ****ebusch.

Mine laying destroyers Vehement (Lieutenant Commander Hammersley-Heenan) and Ariel (Lieutenant Frank Alan Rothera, killed) are both part of the 20th Destroyer Flotilla that is performing mine laying operations in the Heligoland Bight. Vehement is struck by a mine which causes a magazine explosion which blows off her bow. Attempts to tow her fail and she is eventually scuttled. While attempting to leave the minefield that Vehement has sunk in Ariel also has her bow blown off by a mine and she sinks in less than an hour. Among the almost 100 sailors lost between the two ships is

Sub Lieutenant Laurence Wortland Acton Blake (HMS Ariel) killed at age 19. He is the only son of Captain ‘Sir’ H Acton Blake KCMG KCVO Deputy Master of Trinity House.



The first HMS Vehement was a V-class destroyer of the British Royal Navy that saw service in World War I. She spent her short career in minelaying operations in the North Sea before striking a mine and sinking in 1918. Vehement was ordered in July 1916. She was laid down on 25 September 1916 by William Denny and Brothers at Dumbarton, Scotland, and, per a British Admiralty order of 12 January 1917, was fitted to carry 60 naval mines. She was launched on 6 July 1917 and was completed later in 1917 and commissioned into service. Her original pennant number, F1A, was changed to F12 in January 1918 and to H2A in June 1918.

Upon completion, V- and W-class destroyers, including Vehement, were assigned to the Grand Fleet or Harwich Force[1] Vehement herself was assigned to the 20th Destroyer Flotilla in February 1918. In 1918, the 20th Destroyer Flotilla was engaged in a major British effort to lay minefields in the North Sea to close the Heligoland Bight to passage by German ships and submarines. On 31 May 1918, Vehement put to sea from Immingham with the flotilla to lay mines in the Dogger Bank area.[5] On the night of 4–5 June 1918, the flotilla again deployed from the Humber estuary to mine the same area, bringing the total number of mines laid in the two expeditions to 330.

Vehement′s next sortie from Immingham on 21 June 1918 ended almost as soon as it began when her propellers suffered damage after striking a cable while she was leaving the harbor, forcing her to remain in port for repairs. She was back in service in time to join her flotilla in laying a North Sea minefield on 27 June 1918. On the night of 5–6 July and again on the night of 8–9 July 1918, she joined her flotilla in laying a field of 384 mines in 18 rows in the North Sea. On the night of 13–14 July 1918, Vehement and the destroyers HMS Telemachus, HMS Vanquisher, and HMS Venturous laid a field of 224 mines in the North Sea. On the night of 17–18 July 1918, her flotilla laid another North Sea minefield of 424 mines with cover for the operation provided by the 7th Cruiser Squadron, but German forces did not interfere.

Vehement′s next minelaying operation on 24 July 1918 involved the entire flotilla laying 496 mines in the North Sea in 22 rows; during the operation, Vehement detected two periscopes. The flotilla sortied from the Humber again at 13:00 hours on 28 July 1918 and during the night of 28–29 July laid a North Sea field of 416 mines in 18 rows. On 1 August 1918, the 20th Destroyer Flotilla departed the Humber to lay a minefield in the North Sea at the seaward end of one of the German-swept channels through the German minefield in the Heligoland Bight. At 23:47 hours the force was within 20 nautical miles (37 km) of the area it was to mine when Vehement struck a mine at 55°33′00″N 005°24′00″E. Its explosion caused her forward ammunition magazine to detonate, blowing off the entire forward section of the ship forward of the forward funnel, killing one officer and 47 ratings. As the force manoeuvered to clear the German minefield it had entered, the destroyer HMS Ariel also struck a mine at 00:10 hours on 2 August and, in a repeat of what had happened to Vehement, suffered a magazine detonation that blew off the entire section of the ship forward of the whaleboat′s davit. Ariel sank at about 01:00 hours, with the loss of four officers and 45 ratings, but Vehement remained afloat, and by about an hour after she struck the mine her crew had put out all of her fires. She was taken in tow by the destroyer HMS Abdiel in the hope of saving her, but at 04:00 hours on 2 August Vehement′s stern rose into the air, making further towing impossible. Vehement′s surviving crew opened all of her hull valves to speed her sinking and abandoned ship. Telemachus and Vanquisher then sank Vehement with gunfire.

HMS Ariel was an Acheron-class destroyer built in 1911, which served during the First World War and sank in 1918 after striking a mine. Named after Shakespeare's "airy spirit", or the biblical spirit of the same name, she was the tenth and last ship of the name to serve in the Royal Navy.



With her sister, Acheron, she was a "Thornycroft special", and as such was slightly longer and more powerful than the standard destroyer of her class. Ariel was laid down at the Woolston yard of John I. Thornycroft & Company, and launched on 26 September 1911. Capable of 29 kn (33 mph; 54 km/h), she carried two 4 in (100 mm) guns, other smaller guns and 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes and had a complement of 70 men. As part of the First Destroyer Flotilla, she was attached to the Grand Fleet in August 1914, and then to the Third Battle Squadron from the spring of 1916. Once converted to a minelayer in 1917, she became part of the 20th Flotilla.

On 5 August 1914, Ariel towed submarine E8 to Terschelling. They were in company with cruiser Amethyst and submarine E6. After releasing the tow, the two submarines conducted the first Heligoland Bight patrol of the war. As part of the Harwich Force, the First Destroyer Flotilla took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28 August. Ariel — under Commander Dashwood Moir — shared in the prize money for the battle. On 24 January 1915, Ariel took part in the Battle of Dogger Bank as part of the First Destroyer Flotilla, with Aurora as flotilla leader. Aurora was the first British ship to engage the German ships as she encountered Hipper's screening vessels at the Dogger Bank at 07:05. On 10 March, in company with her sisters Attack and Acheron, Ariel was searching for a German submarine reported by the trawler Man Island near Aberdeen. At 10:10, Attack sighted U-12 and opened fire. Ariel, commanded by Lt Cdr J V Creagh, sighted the submarine at 10:12 at about 2 nmi (2.3 mi; 3.7 km) and all three destroyers turned towards it. U-12 dived and raised her periscope, which Ariel sighted at a distance of 200 yd (180 m). She turned to ram, sighting the conning tower under the water in the final moments before she struck the submarine at a fine angle. Within two minutes, the submarine had returned to the surface so that the crew could escape, but they found the conning tower hatch jammed, and most of the survivors managed their escape via the other hatches. The destroyers opened fire as the submarine lay on the surface, killing and injuring some of the escaping sailors. At 10:30, U-12 sank approximately in position 56°15′N 1°56′W, and the destroyers picked up 10 survivors; 19 lives had been lost. The damage to Ariel's bow was so serious that she had to be towed into port.

Ariel was present at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916 under the command of Lieutenant Commander Tippet as part of the First Destroyer Flotilla, led by Fearless. On 6 December 1916, UC-19 sank the Russian sailing ship Ans (Later claimed to have been sunk by UB-29). The P&O vessel Kashmir sent out a radio warning, and later the same day Ariel's lookouts spotted the conning tower of a submarine. A depth charge was dropped in the position of the submarine, but it failed to explode. Ariel's explosive paravane was deployed, and after an explosion at about 30 ft (9.1 m), oil and bubbles were observed. Twenty-five German sailors were killed, and UC-19 now lies in about 330 ft (100 m) of water in an approximate position of 49°41′N 06°31′W. In 1917, the Acheron-class destroyers Ferret, Sandfly and Ariel were converted to minelaying destroyers, capable of carrying 40 mines. Ariel served with the 20th Flotilla, and operated out of Immingham. The provision of converted minelaying destroyers and the availability of reliable H2-pattern mines allowed the greatest allied minelaying operation of the First World War — the attempt to close Heligoland Bight to German ships and submarines. Ariel — with her sisters — was employed on this work until the end of the war. On 27 March 1918, while laying a barrier minefield 70 nmi (81 mi; 130 km) north-west of Heligoland, Ariel — in company with Ferret, Abdiel, Legion and Telemachus — came upon three armed German trawlers, Polarstern, Mars and Scharbentz. All three vessels were sunk and 72 prisoners were captured.

On 2 August, while conducting minelaying in the western end of the Heligoland Bight, the V-class destroyer Vehement sank after striking a German mine. In attempting to exit the minefield, Ariel lost her bow and sank in less than an hour. 49 lives were lost, including her commanding officer, Lieutenant Frank A Rothera.

WESTERN FRONT
Champagne and Marne: FRENCH (11th Division chasseurs) REOCCUPY SOISSONS (300 of 15.000 population left) and advance up to 6 miles; 50 villages retaken. Germans regroup behind rivers Veste and Aisne.
Germany: Hindenburg and Ludendorff Press Conference at OHL, latter claims ‘limited tactical success’ on Marne. Both slight AEF* comparing it with France’s Black African ‘auxiliaries’. Hindenburg insists his goal is ‘a peace of honour’.

EASTERN FRONT
USSR: Lenin tells at five meetings ‘The Soviet Republic is in Danger’.
Northern Russia: 870 French colonial infantry and Major-General Poole land at Archangel.
Siberia: Japan declares she will land troops at Vladivostok but not to create new Eastern Front

SECRET WAR
Eastern Front: US War Secretary Baker tells Major-General Graves, Commander designate for Siberia ‘Watch your step, you will be walking on eggs loaded with dynamite’. US Vice-Consul at Petrograd notifies state of war between US and Russia.

MIDDLE EAST
Persia: Turks occupy Urmia; all 80,000 Jelus flee, only, 59,000 reach Bijar.
Azerbaijan: Petrov’s 1200 Reds and 2 guns (from Astrakhan) land in Baku and secure Bolshevik leaders’ release.

SEA WAR
North Sea: British minelayer destroyers Vehement and Ariel mined and sunk (97 lives lost) by German mines close to Dutch neutral zone. During August Royal Navy lays 9,000 mines off Yorkshire and Durham coasts (until September).
French submarine Floréal accidentally collided with a Royal Navy steamer ship and sank in the Aegean Sea. Floréal was one of 18 Pluviôse-class submarines built for the French Navy in the first decade of the 20th century.

On 2 August 1918, Floréal collided with the Royal Navy armed boarding steamer HMS Hazel in the Aegean Sea and sank

AIR WAR
Western Front: US ‘Liberty Planes’ (DH4s) first in action.
Britain: *RAF Captain Prince Albert joins St Leonards-on-Sea Air Cadet School (King George V inspects on August 30).

Claiming his first victory today we have Lieutenant Frederick Stanley "Freddie" Gordon DFC of 74 Squadron RAF



A farmer from Hillsborough, Frederick Stanley Gordon was the only son of Dr. Gordon. He received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 5505 on a Curtiss Flying Boat at New Zealand Flying School, Kohimarama on 17 October 1917. Flying the S.E.5a on the Western front with 74 Squadron, he scored nine victories. Post-war, he was appointed to the New Zealand Air Force, with the rank of First Lieutenant, in 1923. His sister married Keith Caldwell.

Other claims on a quiet day were...



13 British airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Pte. Jonas Yoxall (see 25th June) was reported as having been drunk on duty; on the orders of Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 1st August) he would undergo 14 days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Pte. Herbert John Wicks (see 27th November 1917) was reported by L.Sgt. Jonathan Richardson Sunderland (see 10th July) as having “dirty small arms ammunition on 6pm guard mounting parade”; he was ordered by Capt. James Watson Paterson (see 24th July) to serve one extra guard duty.

Pte. William Hutchinson (see 14th July), who had been on leave, failed to report on time at Waterloo Station for his return journey to France; he would be reported as “absent off leave” until reporting at Southampton at about 2.30am on 6th August.

Pte. Thomas Caton (see 18th December 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported for “quitting his fatigues without permission”; he would be confined to barracks for three days.

Pte. William Hartley (see 24th June 1917), who had been transferred to the Labour Corps more than a year previously, was formally discharged from the Army, on account of illness.

A payment of £13 was authorised, being the part of the amount due in pay and allowances to L.Cpl. Walter Maynard Willis (see 15th May), who had been discharged from the Army having been committed to an asylum in April; the payment would go to his wife, Jeannie.

Armisitice countdown 102 days

[Hedeby]

Ooh duplication time...

[Hedeby]

3rd August 1918

Today (in 1918) sees the 4th anniversary of the start of the war that they said would be over by Christmas.

Today also marks four years to the day I was sitting browsing the internet in the 8th floor lobby area of the Times Square Hilton in New York (waiting for my wife and daughter to get ready) when I cam across a short news item stating that the First World War had officially started 100 years ago today. Assuming this would be of interest I copied that note and title and began this thread - and here we are 4 years, 3490 posts and nearly 290,000 views later.

With the benefit that comes with hindsight I can absolutely guarantee that the war will be over by Christmas, in fact the end is definitley in sight as after today we have 100 days until the guns fall silent.

Today's full edition will be added once the sun has gone in and I have stopped working on my tan. - editor (so its nw dark - time to finish)

S S Warilda, an ambulance transport, is torpedoed and sunk between Le Havre and Southampton, and one hundred nine patients and seven of the crew are killed or drowned. Killed in the sinking

Captain Reginald Lightbrown Bolton (Manchester Regiment) who played for his country Rugby team and was a social worker prior to joining the army.
Deputy Chief Controller Violet Alice Lambton Long OBE (Queen Mary Auxiliary Army Corps) when after ensuring all 11 of her charges are safely in lifeboats she attempts to escape the sinking ship herself only to become entangled in ropes and crushed against the side of the ship.



In August 1915, the SS Warilda was requisitioned by the Commonwealth and fitted out as a transport ship. HMAT Warilda made two trips to Egypt and one to England, carrying more than 7,000 troops. Following the Warilda’s conversion to a hospital ship in July 1916, she spent a few months stationed in the Mediterranean, before being put to work transporting patients across the English Channel. Between late 1916 and August 1918 she made over 180 trips from Le Havre to Southampton, carrying approximately 80,000 patients. HMAT Warilda survived two potential disasters in early 1918. She narrowly missed being sunk in February when she was struck by a torpedo which failed to explode. Then, in March while her regular captain was having a month break, she collided with the SS Petit Gaudet near the Isle of Wight. The Petit Gaudet was seriously damaged and had to be run ashore in St Helen’s Bay.

On 3 August 1918, the Warilda’s luck ran out. The night was very dark, the sea was smooth and visibility was about half a mile. At 1.35am, a torpedo fired from the German submarine UC-49 took out Warilda’s starboard propeller. The port engine could not be shut down as the engine room had been flooded and the steering gear blown away, so the ship continued moving in a circle at about 15 knots. Life boats could not be lowered until the engine ran out of steam. HMS P.39, one of the escorts, attempted to tow the Warilda, but had to cut the line when it became clear the Warilda was going to sink. She finally sank by the stern at 4.10am. That night, the Warilda had 801 people on board. Sadly 123 lost their lives, including all the engine room staff, all the occupants of “I” ward (the lowest ward containing 101 “walking” patients), and 19 people from capsized lifeboats. The fifteen Australians who died in the sinking of the Warilda are commemorated on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour.

Private George James Tevelein (2403, 38th Battalion) was on board the Warilda that night. He later wrote “we were all shocked by our boat being lifted out of the water, and then seeming to roll over on her side, with all the men tossed out of their bunks. This was accompanied by the roar of a torpedo… It was not necessary to ask what was the matter, as the smell of the explosive soon permeated through the ship”. He described the horror of the occupants of I ward: “Suddenly came terrible screams and shouting from under the deck, which, fortunately did not last long, caused by, as we found after, 153 [actually 101] poor beggars who were trapped in the lower deck and were drowned like rats in a trap.” (AWM, MSS1457) Private Alfred Edward Taylor (1253, 29th Battalion) was also on board the Warilda when it sank. He had an even luckier escape. He wrote to his mother from the Alexandra Hospital at Cosham, telling her “I was to have gone as a walking case but the Sister and Doctor kept asking me if I could make the trip. I naturally said yes but this wouldn’t satisfy them so they dumps me on a stretcher and the way events turned out later on this saved my life.” (AWM, PR01110) Many reports praise the discipline on board the Warilda that night. Private Tevelein wrote that “although we were not supposed to be any good at discipline, it seemed as it if came automatically”. Captain James Sim was commended in the London Gazette in recognition of his conduct that night. On 30 August, Captain Sim received the following message:

Paris newspapers of the 11th inst. publish the following message from Havre, dated 10th instant – “News has reached Havre that the German submarine which sank the Ambulance Ship ‘Warilda’ was herself sunk by a number of British destroyers. The submarine lost a lot of her crew, and the remainder, including the German commander, were captured and taken to England.” (AWM7, Warilda) The Warilda now lies about 50m underwater, approximately mid-way in the English Channel between Le Havre and Portsmouth. An underwater video of the wreck of the Warilda has been posted on YouTube.

WESTERN FRONT
Marne and Aisne: Allied advance on 30-mile front to Fismes, US III Corps marching towards the Vesle takes Fismes on August 4.
Somme: Germans withdraw behind the Ancre.

In an attempt to overturn a string of military defeats in June and July on the Western Front, Germany launched an attack on the commune of Fismes, France that was occupied by the U.S. Army 32nd Infantry Division. The unit suffered 2,000 casualties during the first two days of fighting before they were relieved by the 28th Infantry Division

EASTERN FRONT
East Siberia: British (25th Middlesex Regiment, 521 men) and Japanese 12th Division troops (12,000 by August 21) land at Vladivostok.
Volga: White Samara Government invites Allied intervention.

SEA WAR
Adriatic: Coastal submarine UB-53 scuttles after fouling Otranto Barrage and exploding 2 mines.
Channel: *U-boat sinks British ambulance transport Warilda (125 lost) on Le Havre-Southampton route.

SM UB-53 was a German Type UB III submarine or U-boat in the Imperial German Navy (German: Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. She was commissioned into the Pola Flotilla of the German Imperial Navy on 21 August 1917 as SM UB-53.



She operated as part of the Pola Flotilla based in Cattaro. UB-53 was sunk by mines of the Otranto Barrage on 3 August 1918 at 39°40′N 18°40′E in the Otranto Strait, 10 crew members died. SS Athenia (1914). On 7 April 1918 the submarine saw an airship catch fire accidentally and crash into the sea near the Strait of Otranto with the loss of all hands. It apparently is the German Navy Zeppelin L 59, modified for long-range flights, on the outbound leg of a flight from Yambol, Bulgaria, in an attempt to bomb the Royal Navy base at Malta.

UB-53 was ordered by the GIN on 20 May 1916. She was built by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg and following just under a year of construction, launched at Hamburg on 9 March 1917. UB-53 was commissioned later that same year under the command of Kptlt. Robert Sprenger. Like all Type UB III submarines, UB-53 carried 10 torpedoes and was armed with a 8.8 cm (3.46 in) deck gun. UB-53 would carry a crew of up to 3 officer and 31 men and had a cruising range of 9,040 nautical miles (16,740 km; 10,400 mi). UB-53 had a displacement of 516 t (508 long tons) while surfaced and 651 t (641 long tons) when submerged. Her engines enabled her to travel at 13.6 knots (25.2 km/h; 15.7 mph) when surfaced and 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) when submerged.

The War in The Air

The following claims were made on this day



Top performance today Lieutenant Leslie William Sutherland MC 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps - who claimed a hat trick on this day

In 1917, Sutherland transferred to the Australian Flying Corps after serving in the Signals Service and the Light Horse. Posted to Palestine, he scored 8 victories as an observer on Bristol Fighters. Author of Aces and Kings, Sutherland served in the Royal Australian Air Force and became a pilot.

Military Cross (MC)
Lt. Leslie William Sutherland, F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He continually carried out difficult reconnaissances and brought in most valuable reports though he was often attacked by hostile aeroplanes. He showed the greatest initiative and determination.

On a better day for the RAF 'only' nine airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Pte. Tom Midgley (see 28th October 1917) was reported by Sgt. Harry Holmes MM (see 17th May) as having “dirty and untidy kit on CO’s hut inspection”; on the orders of Capt. James Watson Paterson (see 2nd August) he would be confined to barracks for seven days.

Ptes. Harry Bailey (25198) (see 20th June), Jack Edgar Hall (see 27th November 1917) and George Lownsborough (see 31st May) departed on seven days’ leave to Lake Garda.

Pte. Harry Briggs (19286) (see 27th November 1917), serving with 5th Army School of Mortars, was posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

A/Cpl. Rowland Firby (see 11th July), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reprimanded for having been ‘improperly dressed’ while out of camp.

Following the recent exchange of correspondence Maj. Harry Robert Hildyard (see 20th July) reported to Northern Command Depot at Ripon to undertake one month’s training in Assistant Provost duties.

Armistice Countdown 101 days

[Rebel]

A really great move by your wife and daughter if I might say. Thank them for me.

[Hedeby]

4th August 1918

Well then end is in sight - just 100 days to go until the Armistice...

A fairly quiet day overall with only (And apologies 'only' is probably the wrong word) 323 British losses on this day

Captain Walter Henry Lloyd (Royal Army Medical Corps attached London Regiment) is killed at age 27. He is the son of Whiter Lloyd JP.
Second Lieutenant Douglas F Mackenzie (Royal Air Force) is accidentally killed at age 24. He is the only child of the Reverend Dr. Mackenzie.
Private Francis Arthur Stanford (Machine Gun Corps) is killed at age 21. His brother was killed in May of this year.
Private J L H Faulkner (Royal West Kent Regiment) dies of wounds at age 31. His brother was killed last October.
Trooper Henry John Chauvel Prior (Lord Strathcona’s Horse) dies in England at age 40 while on active service. He is the son of the late Major General B I C Prior of the Madras Staff Corps.

So what have ARES games, chocolate and Zeppelins go in common? read on...

On August 5, 1918, Major Egbert Cadbury, heir to the chocolate empire, and his air gunner Capt Robert Leckie took off from Great Yarmouth’s South Denes air base, pitting their flimsy biplane against the airship menace. Five giant German Zeppelins were intercepted by British biplanes and the L70 – one of the latest Zeppelins, whose crew included the head of the German airship service, Peter Strasser – was attacked by Maj Cadbury’s plane at 17,000ft and plummeted in flames into the sea off Wells. Cadbury and Leckie were both awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses, Cadbury sealing his reputation as the station’s most celebrated “Zepp killer.”

Maj Cadbury’s proud descendants, grandson Justin Cadbury and his great grandson Leander Cadbury, attended the ceremony to fix the plaque at his Kimberly Terrace lodgings, now part of the Carlton Hotel, and remember the historic episode. Andrew Fakes, of Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society which has put up more than 56 plaques around the town, said the attack “was the culmination of the air war over Britain in the first world 
war when it was demonstrated that airships were vulnerable to powered aircraft.” Egbert Cadbury was a member of the long-established chocolate maker and Quaker family who as a Cambridge undergraduate joined the Navy in 1914 as an Able Seaman but quickly transferred to the Royal Naval Air Service and was posted to Yarmouth. He worked alongside mechanic Henry Allingham who witnessed Great Britain’s first air raid in Yarmouth in 1915. An icon for remembrance, he died aged 113.

Cadbury married the daughter of flamboyant Gorleston vicar Rev Forbes Phillips. Mary Phillips was an accomplished singer and was giving a charity concert in a Yarmouth theatre when the order to scramble came through. Maj Cadbury, who was also singing, left immediately and drove to the airfield taking off in a De Havilland F4 aircraft. A photograph of Maj Cadbury is displayed in the Time and Tide Museum, in Great Yarmouth, alongside an aluminium cigarette box which the flying ace had made out of Zeppelin parts.

During the early war years, planes struggled to combat the airships and pilots even contemplated such desperate measures as ramming them. But by the end of the war they were armed with incendiary ammunition which was used in the final attack. Maj Cadbury had downed Zeppelin L21 off Lowestoft in 1916 and witnessed the top gunner leaping to his death from the nose. Following the unveiling at midday, a second ceremony saw the curtain rise on another plaque half an hour later at the former Royal Naval Hospital in Queen’s Road. Opened in 1811 to cater for casualties of the Napoleonic Wars it was seldom in use 15 years later and was over the years variously used as a barracks and lunatic asylum. More recently it was an NHS psychiatric hospital before the building was converted into apartments. Both plaques were unveiled by Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Royal Navy, who travelled from London to represent the service, reflecting the significance of both the plaques and Yarmouth’s frontline role as a witness to war.



The ARES connection is that one of the first set of DH.4s was in fact Cadbury & Leckie (nightmare to try and find a photo of one...)


Don't think this is it though as it was the 'brown' one...

The Great Zeppelin Ace Peter Strasser was killed when L70 was shot down.

Peter Strasser (1 April 1876 – 5 August 1918) was chief commander of German Imperial Navy Zeppelins during World War I, the main force operating bombing campaigns from 1915 to 1917. He was killed when flying the war's last airship raid over Great Britain.

Strasser was born in Hanover, Germany, on 1 April 1876. At the age of 15, he joined the German Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine). After serving on board SMS Stein and SMS Moltke, he entered the Naval academy in Kiel. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1895. He served on board SMS Mars, SMS Blücher, SMS Panther, SMS Mecklenburg and SMS Westfalen from 1897 to 1902. He was an excellent gunnery officer and was placed in the German Imperial Naval Office (Reichsmarine-Amt) in charge of German shipboard and coastal artillery. In September 1913, he took command of the Naval Airship Division (Marine-Luftschiff-Abteilung). Airships were as yet an unproven technology and Korvettenkapitän Strasser became the new naval airship chief after his predecessor, Korvettenkapitän Friedrich Metzing, drowned in the crash of the very first naval airship, the L 1. Also the single remaining naval airship L 2 was soon lost in another fatal accident. Strasser completed theoretical studies on airships and gained practical experience piloting the civilian airship LZ 17 Sachsen. Another airship, LZ 13 Hansa was chartered to train naval crews while new ships were being built. At the start of the war Navy had only one airship operational, the LZ 24 (Navy designation L 3). L 3, under Strasser's personal command, was the only one to participate in the Imperial Navy manoeuvres just before the war.



Following the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, Navy airships were initially confined to anti-submarine, anti-mine and scouting missions. They served in the Battle of Heligoland Bight.

However, on 19–20 January 1915, L3 and L4 participated in the first bombing raids over England, attacking Great Yarmouth, Sheringham and King's Lynn. Over the next 3 years, bombing campaigns would be launched primarily against Britain, but also on Paris and other cities and ports. Strasser would participate in the England raids at least once a month. He decided to test the newly developed spy basket himself, and almost fell out when it became entangled with the Zeppelin's aerial. Initially, bombing was limited to military targets but with great lobbying support of Konteradmiral Paul Behncke, the Kaiser approved attacks against civilian targets. Official British estimates list 498 civilians and 58 soldiers killed by air attack in Britain between 1915 and 1918. 1,913 injuries are recorded. The Imperial Navy dropped 360,000 kg of bombs, the majority on the British Isles. 307,315 kg were directed at enemy vessels, ports and towns; 58,000 kg were dropped over Italy, the Baltic and the Mediterranean. German army airships carried 160,000 kg of bombs to their designated targets: 44,000 kg hit Belgium and France, 36,000 kg England, and 80,000 kg Russia and south eastern Europe. However, questions remain over whether airships (and more importantly, their irreplaceable crews) would have been better used as a purely naval weapon.

Vizeadmiral Reinhard Scheer became Strasser's superior in January 1916, and tried unsuccessfully to tame Strasser's aggressive pursuit of independence.On 28 November,[citation needed] 1916, Strasser was appointed by imperial decree as "Leader of Airships" (Führer der Luftschiffe; F.d.L.)

Strasser did not live to see the end of the war. On 5 August 1918, during a night raid against Boston, Norwich, and the Humber Estuary, Strasser's L 70 met a British reconnaissance D.H.4. Pilot Major Egbert Cadbury and Gunner Major Robert Leckie shot down the L 70 just north of Wells-next-the-Sea on the Norfolk coast. None of the 23 men aboard survived. It proved to be the last airship raid over Great Britain.

Strasser's impact on both the war and history was important for the future of air warfare. He was instrumental in the development of long range bombing and the development of the rigid airship as an efficient, high altitude, all-weather aircraft. He was a major proponent of the doctrine of bombing attacks on civilian as well as military targets, to serve both as propaganda and as a means of diverting resources from the front line.

We who strike the enemy where his heart beats have been slandered as 'baby killers' ... Nowadays, there is no such animal as a noncombatant. Modern warfare is total warfare. — Peter Strasser

One possible but unconfirmed name for Flugzeugträger B, the unfinished sister ship of the World War II German aircraft carrier Graf Zeppelin, was Peter Strasser.

THE IRONY: Adolf Hitler was awarded a second Iron Cross on recommendation by Lieutenant Hugo Gutmann, Hitler's Jewish superior, for action during the Second Battle of the Marne.



WESTERN FRONT
Marne and Aisne – SECOND BATTLE OF THE MARNE ENDS: Allies have taken 35,000 PoWs and 700 guns. German rearguards withdraw to north bank of Vesle.
Somme*: Germans withdraw on 10-mile front (Montdidier-Moreuil) on east bank of the Avre. Corporal Hitler awarded Iron Cross 1st Class for ‘personal bravery and general merit’. Ludendorff order of the day tries to raise morale, says Second Army ready for an 18 July-style tank offensive.

MIDDLE EAST
Azerbaijan: First British troops (Colonel Stokes with 44 men) reach Baku.
North Persia: Dunsterville arrests Bolsheviks at Enzeli.

HOME FRONTS
Japan: Toyama fishing families riot vs high rice prices, unrest spreads to Kyoto, Kobe and other cities. Government requisitions all stocks for sale at fair prices (August 17).

Britain: Prime Minister’s 4th anniversary war message in 4,000-5,000 theatres and cinemas etc. Bishop of London consecrates war shrine in Hyde Park.

The War in the Air



10 British airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Pte. Robert Fiedler (see 16th January 1917) was reported by 2Lt. Sam Benjamin Farrant (see 9th October 1917), for ‘causing a disturbance in billets’; on the orders of Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 2nd August) he was to be deprived of seven days’ pay.

Pte. Edwin Kenyon (see 7th June) was reported by Cpl. Sidney Twine (see 21st March) and Sgt. John William Wardman DSO, MM (see 3rd June) for ‘insolence to an NCO’; on the orders of Maj. Borrow he was to be deprived of seven days’ pay.

L.Cpl. Benjamin Tetley (see 24th April) and Ptes. Wellington Baldwin (see 21st June), Francis James Barnes (see 22nd November 1917), Joseph Barnes (see 11th July), Andrew Davidson (see 13th February), Ernest William Gilbert (see 29th October 1917), Jesse Merritt (see 27th March), Frederick Thomas Peart (see 21st March), Abraham Sunderland (see 29th June) and Frank Tucker (see 11th July) departed on two weeks’ leave to England.

Pte. Ernest Locker Smith (see 4th July), who was in England having been wounded in April, was posted to Northern Command Depot at Ripon.

Armistice countdown 100 days

[Flying Officer Kyte]

You had the correct aircraft Chris. I just think that the colour rendering was a bit off.



Rob.

[Hedeby]

Phew - thanks Rob

[Hedeby]

August 5th 1918

Four Bristol F2bs are attacked by three Albatros single-seaters while reconnoitering Pergine aerodrome. Though not known at the time by the British the Albatroses are flying a protective patrol while Emperor Karl is on an inspection tour.



The Battle of Amiens (Background and Prelude)

The Battle of Amiens, also known as the Third Battle of Picardy (French: 3ème Bataille de Picardie), was the opening phase of the Allied offensive which began on 8 August 1918, later known as the Hundred Days Offensive, that ultimately led to the end of the First World War. Allied forces advanced over 11 kilometres (7 mi) on the first day, one of the greatest advances of the war, with Henry Rawlinson's British Fourth Army playing the decisive role. The battle is also notable for its effects on both sides' morale and the large number of surrendering German forces. This led Erich Ludendorff to describe the first day of the battle as "the black day of the German Army". Amiens was one of the first major battles involving armoured warfare and marked the end of trench warfare on the Western Front; fighting becoming mobile once again until the armistice was signed on 11 November 1918..

On 21 March 1918, the German Army had launched Operation Michael, the first in a series of attacks planned to drive the Allies back along the length of the Western Front. With the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with revolutionary-controlled Russia, the Germans were able to transfer hundreds of thousands of men to the Western Front, giving them a significant, if temporary, advantage in manpower and materiel. These offensives were intended to translate this advantage into victory. Operation Michael was intended to defeat the right wing of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), but a lack of success before Arras ensured the ultimate failure of the offensive. A final effort was aimed at the town of Amiens, a vital railway junction, but the advance had been halted at Villers-Bretonneux by British and Australian troops on 4 April. Subsequent German offensives—Operation Georgette (9–11 April), Operation Blücher-Yorck (27 May), Operation Gneisenau (9 June) and Operation Marne-Rheims (15–17 July)—all made advances elsewhere on the Western Front, but failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough. By the end of the Marne-Rheims offensive, the German manpower advantage had been spent and their supplies and troops were exhausted. The Allied general, General Ferdinand Foch, ordered a counteroffensive which led to the Second Battle of the Marne, after which victory he was promoted to Marshal of France. The Germans, recognising their untenable position, withdrew from the Marne to the north. Foch now tried to move the Allies back onto the offensive.

Foch disclosed his plan on 23 July 1918,following the Franco-American victory at the Battle of Soissons. The plan called for reducing the Saint-Mihiel salient (which would later see combat in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel) and freeing the railway lines that ran through Amiens from German shellfire.

The commander of the British Expeditionary Force, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, already had plans in place for an attack near Amiens. When the British retreat had ended in April, the headquarters of the British Fourth Army under General Sir Henry Rawlinson had taken over the front astride the Somme. Its left hand corps was the British III Corps under Lieutenant General Richard Butler, while the Australian Corps under Lieutenant General John Monash held the right flank and linked up with French armies to the south. On 30 May, all the Australian infantry divisions were united under the corps HQ, for the first time on the Western Front. The Australians had mounted a number of local counter-attacks which both revealed the suitability of the open and firm terrain south of the Somme for a larger offensive and also established and refined the methods which were to be used. Rawlinson had submitted Monash's proposals to Haig in July and Haig had forwarded them to Foch. At a meeting on 24 July, Foch agreed to the plan but insisted that the French First Army, which held the front to the south of the British Fourth Army, should participate. Rawlinson opposed this as his and Monash's plans depended on the large-scale use of tanks (now finally available in large numbers) to achieve surprise, by avoiding a preliminary bombardment. The French First Army lacked tanks and would be forced to bombard the German positions before the infantry advance began, thus removing the element of surprise. Eventually, it was agreed that the French would participate, but not launch their attack until 45 minutes after the Fourth Army. It was also agreed to advance the proposed date of the attack from 10 August to 8 August, to strike the Germans before they had completed their withdrawal from the Marne salient. Rawlinson had already finalised his plans in discussion with his Corps commanders (Butler, Monash, Sir Arthur Currie of the Canadian Corps and Lieutenant General Charles Kavanagh of the Cavalry Corps) on 21 July. For the first time, the Australians would attack side by side with the Canadian Corps. Both had a reputation for aggressive and innovative tactics and a strong record of success over the past two years.

The tactical methods had been tested by the Australians in a local counter-attack at the Battle of Hamel on 4 July. The German defenders of Hamel were deeply dug in, and their position commanded a very wide field of fire. Similar positions had resisted capture for two months in the Battle of the Somme. The Australians had used surprise rather than weight at Hamel. The artillery had opened fire only at the moment the infantry and tanks advanced, and the Germans were rapidly overrun. A key factor in the final plan was secrecy. There was to be no pre-battle bombardment, only artillery fire immediately prior to the advance of Australian, Canadian, and British forces. The final plan for the Fourth Army involved 1,386 field guns and howitzers and 684 heavy guns, making up 27 medium artillery brigades and thirteen heavy batteries, in addition to the infantry divisions' artillery. The fire plan for the Fourth Army's artillery was devised by Monash's senior artillery officer, Major General C. E. D. Budworth. British sound ranging advances in artillery techniques and aerial photographic reconnaissance made it possible to dispense with "ranging shots" to ensure accurate fire. Budworth had produced a timetable which allowed 504 out of 530 German guns to be hit at "zero hour", while a creeping barrage preceded the infantry. This method was similar to the Feuerwalze which the Germans themselves had used in their Spring Offensive, but its effectiveness was increased by the surprise achieved.

There were also to be 580 tanks. The Canadian and Australian Corps were each allocated a brigade of four battalions, with 108 Mark V fighting tanks, 36 Mark V "Star", and 24 unarmed tanks intended to carry supplies and ammunition forward. A single battalion of Mark V tanks was allocated to III Corps. The Cavalry Corps were allocated two battalions each of 48 Medium Mark A Whippet tanks.



The Allies had successfully moved the Canadian Corps of four infantry divisions to Amiens without them being detected by the Germans. This was a noteworthy achievement and reflected well on the increasingly efficient staffwork of the British armies. A detachment from the Corps of two infantry battalions, a wireless unit and a casualty clearing station had been sent to the front near Ypres to bluff the Germans that the entire Corps was moving north to Flanders. The Canadian Corps was not fully in position until 7 August. To maintain secrecy, the Allied commanders pasted the notice "Keep Your Mouth Shut" into orders issued to the men, and referred to the action as a "raid" rather than an "offensive"

Although the Germans were still on the offensive in late July 1918, the Allied armies were growing in strength, as more American units arrived in France, and British reinforcements were transferred from the Home Army in Britain and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. The German commanders realised in early August that their forces might be forced onto the defensive, though Amiens was not considered to be a likely front. The Germans believed the French would probably attack the Saint-Mihiel front east of Rheims, or in Flanders near Mount Kemmel, while they believed the British would attack along either the Lys or near Albert. The Allies had indeed mounted a number of local counter-offensives in these sectors, both to gain local objectives to improve their defensive positions and to distract attention from the Amiens sector. German forces began to withdraw from the Lys and other fronts in response to these theories. The Allies maintained equal artillery and air fire along their various fronts, moving troops only at night, and feigning movements during the day to mask their actual intent.

The German front east of Amiens was held by their Second Army under General Georg von der Marwitz, with six divisions in line (and two facing the French 1st Army). There were only two divisions in immediate reserve. There was some concern among the Allies on 6 August when the German 27th Division actually attacked north of the Somme on part of the front on which the Allies planned to attack two days later. The German division (a specially selected and trained Stosstruppen formation) penetrated roughly 800 yards (730 m) into the one-and-a-half mile front. This attack was made in retaliation for a trench raid by the 5th Australian Division north of the Somme on the night of 31 July, which had gained many prisoners, before the Australian Corps was concentrated south of the river. The German division moved somewhat back to its original position on the morning of 7 August, but the movement still required changes to the Allied plan.

WESTERN FRONT
France: 4th and final Paris Gun bombardment (66 shells until August 9).

EASTERN FRONT
USSR: Anglo-French nationals arrested in Moscow.
East Siberia: 1,150 French colonial troops land at Vladivostok (arrive at front under shell fire August 11-12), Marines land on August 9.
Volga*: 2,500 Czechs and Whites land at Kazan but are driven back.

MIDDLE EAST
Azerbaijan: First Turk attack on Baku repulsed by 8,000 defenders (620 casualties); 2 Duncars and 200 British troops reach city and help (2 more Duncars and 150 British soldiers land on August 7).
Georgia: Kress radios Berlin ‘I have hampered every shipment of munitions [for Turks] from Batumi via Tiflis up to the present’. US interception station, picks up and solves in 1 hours (another signal decoded on August 8).

SEA WAR
USA: Hog’s I, Philadelphia, launches first fabricated ship SS Ouistconck and 7 completed by January 8, 1919, yard having been built from scratch since September 20, 1917 (16 ships launched).

It was a very quiet day over the trenches...

The following claims were made



Eight British airmen were lost on this day



Captain Tunstill's Men : Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

In the evening, starting at 5.15pm, a Brigade horse show was held. Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 4th August) was one of the senior stewards for the event; Maj. James Christopher Bull MC (see 15th July), in temporary command of 8Yorks, was one of two “ring masters for jumping and riding events”; Maj. Herbert St. John Carr West (see 15th July) joined was “officer in charge of ring and buildings” and Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 25th May) was one of three “ring masters for transport events”. The Battalion band, along with those of the other battalions of the Brigade, contributed to a programme of musical entertainment.

Pte. William John Thomas Hurst (see 29th October 1917) was reported by Cpl. Sidney Twine (see 4th August) and L.Cpl. Bertie Thurling (see 31st October 1917) as “when on light duty, absent from billets from 5.30pm until 9.20pm”; on the orders of Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 8th July) he would be confined to barracks for seven days.

Pte. Willie Davenport Frame (see 28th July) was also reported by Cpl. Twine and L.Cpl. Thurling; in his case he had been “absent from billets from roll call 9pm until 9.35pm”; on the orders of Capt. Payne he would be confined to barracks for seven days.

Armistice Countdown 99 days

[Hedeby]

6th August 1918

The end of the Aisne -Marne Offensive

The Aisne-Marne Offensive was the second phase of the Second Battle of the Marne (15 July-6 August) and marked a major turning point in the fighting on the Western Front in 1918. The first phase of the battle had been the German Champagne-Marne Offensive, which had begun on 15 July with attacks east and west of Reims. The attacks east of the city had met with little success, but the attack to the west, by the German Seventh Army under General Max von Boehn, had advanced four miles, creating a beachhead on the southern side of the Marne. At its greatest extent the German salient reached from Soissons in the north west, to Château Thierry at its south west corner and then east along the Marne. One positive result of the earlier German successes had been the appointment of Ferdinand Foch as overall Commander in Chief on the Western Front. Even before the German offensive on the Marne he had been planning a massive counterattack in the area. This was to involve four French armies attacking all around the salient created during the Third Battle of the Aisne. The main attack was to come from the west and would be launched by the French Tenth Army (General Charles Mangin) with the Sixth in support to his south (General Jean Degoutte). Further around the line the Fifth (General Henri Berthelot) and Ninth (Genereal M. A. H. de Mitry) would launch supporting attacks on the southern flank of the German salient.

This would be an Allied attack, with British and Italian Divisions involved. It would also be a major American battle. The American 1st and 2nd Divisions were with the Tenth Army, while the Sixth and Ninth Armies each contained three American Divisions. These were massive formations, each containing 28,000 men, making them twice the size of their British, French or German equivalents. The attack would be supported by 350 Allied tanks. The main attack was launched on 18 July by Mangin, with fourteen divisions from the Tenth and Sixth armies. All around the line the Allies advanced between two and five miles. That night the Germans were forced to retreat back across the Marne. The rapid Allied advance threatened German communications within the salient and even offered the chance of trapping the German troops around Château Thierry. Facing with this massive Allied counterattack Ludendorff ordered his troops to pull out of the salient to form a new defensive line along the line of the Aisne and Velse rivers. The new line began to take shape on 3 August, the day after Soissons had been liberated. On 6 August the Americans probed the new line and were repulsed, ending the offensive.

The Aisne-Marne offensive marked a key turning point in the fighting of 1918. It ended the series of German victories that had begun on the Somme in March 1918 and opened the way for the great Allied offensive that would start at Amiens on 8 August. Ludendorff’s great gamble to end the war before the full strength of the American army could be deployed had failed.

WESTERN FRONT
France: Foch created Marshal of France (receives baton on August 24). Vienna newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung praises Foch: ‘… the Allies now possess a leader whose name arouses confidence and … they believe that, unlike his predecessors, he will not fall far short of the mature skill … possessed by Hindenburg and Ludendorff’. (see below)

Marne and Aisne: Franco*-American troops reach river Vesle and straighten out Salient (Soissons-Reims). Carlowitz takes over German Ninth Army from F Below. Army Group Boehn formed.
Somme*: German division counter-attack at Morlancourt regains much ground and 250 PoWs (British 18th and 58th Divisions replacing Australians).

EASTERN FRONT
USSR: Sovnarkom authorizes unions to send armed men to get bread from villages. Recalled German Ambassador leaves Moscow (arrives Pskov on August 11).
Britain: Government issues non-interfer*ence declaration to Russian people (published August 9).

SEA WAR
Mediterranean: U-boat sinks destroyer HMS Comet. Allied mining conference at Malta (until August 9), US Navy to lay second Otranto mine barrage and a South Aegean one.



HMS Comet was an Acorn class destroyer of the Royal Navy that saw active service in the First World War. She was built under the 1909–1910 programme by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Company in Govan. She was launched on 23 June 1910 and lost after a collision while under tow on 6 August 1918 in the Mediterranean. Initially it was believed that she was torpedoed and sunk by an Austro-Hungarian U-boat, but this was dismissed since no submarine claimed her sinking.

The Acorn class marked a return to oil-firing as pioneered in the Tribal or F class of 1905 and HMS Swift of 1907. This change allowed a generally smaller vessel than the Beagles even with an increase in armament. The Comet was built to an individual design by Fairfield Shipbuilding although the Acorns had a more-or-less uniform appearance, with three funnels, a tall, thin fore funnel, a short, thick central and a short narrow after stack. Comet had two 4-inch guns on the fo'c'sle and on the quarterdeck. The 12-pounder guns were amidships, one on each side between the first pair of funnels, and the torpedo tubes were abaft the funnels, mounted singly with a searchlight position between them.



Marshal Ferdinand Jean Marie Foch (French pronunciation: (2 October 1851 – 20 March 1929) was a French general and military theorist who served as the Supreme Allied Commander during the First World War. An aggressive, even reckless commander at the First Marne, Flanders, and Artois campaigns of 1914–1916, Foch became the Allied Commander-in-Chief in 1918 and successfully coordinated the French, British, American, and Italian efforts into a coherent whole, deftly handling his strategic reserves.

At the outbreak of war in August 1914, Foch's XX Corps participated in the brief invasion of Germany before retreating in the face of a German counter-attack and successfully blocking the Germans short of Nancy. Ordered west to defend Paris, Foch's prestige soared as a result of the victory at the Marne, for which he was widely credited as a chief protagonist while commanding the French Ninth Army. He was then promoted again to Assistant Commander-in-Chief for the Northern Zone, a role which evolved into command of Army Group North, and in which role he was required to cooperate with the British forces at Ypres and the Somme. At the end of 1916, partly owing to the disappointing results of the latter offensive and partly owing to wartime political rivalries, Foch was transferred to Italy. Foch was ultimately appointed "Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies" on 26 March 1918 following being the Commander-in-Chief of Western Front with title Généralissime in 1918. He played a decisive role in halting a renewed German advance on Paris in the Second Battle of the Marne, after which he was promoted to Marshal of France. Addington says, "to a large extent the final Allied strategy which won the war on land in Western Europe in 1918 was Foch's alone."

On 11 November 1918 Foch accepted the German request for an armistice. Foch advocated peace terms that would make Germany unable to pose a threat to France ever again. Foch considered the Treaty of Versailles too lenient on Germany and as the Treaty was being signed on 28 June 1919, he declared: "This is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years". His words proved prophetic: the Second World War started twenty years and 64 days later.

1914

On the outbreak of World War I, Foch was in command of XX Corps, part of the Second Army of General de Castelnau. On 14 August the Corps advanced towards the Sarrebourg–Morhange line, taking heavy casualties in the Battle of the Frontiers. The defeat of the XV Corps to its right forced Foch into retreat. Foch acquitted himself well, covering the withdrawal to Nancy and the Charmes Gap before launching a counter-attack that prevented the Germans from crossing the River Meurthe.

Foch was then selected to command the newly formed Ninth Army during the First Battle of the Marne with Maxime Weygand as his Chief of Staff. Only a week after taking command, with the whole French Army in full retreat, he was forced to fight a series of defensive actions to prevent a German breakthrough. During the advance at the marshes at St.-Gond he is said to have declared: "My centre is yielding. My right is retreating. Situation excellent. I am attacking." These words were seen as a symbol both of Foch's leadership and of French determination to resist the invader at any cost, although there is little evidence that the signal was sent.[12] Accordingly, on October 4, 1914, Ferdinand was made the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Zone under Joseph Joffre. Foch's counterattack was an implementation of the theories he had developed during his staff college days and succeeded in stopping the German advance. Foch received further reinforcements from the Fifth Army and, following another attack on his forces, counter-attacked again on the Marne. The Germans dug in before eventually retreating. On 12 September, Foch regained the Marne at Châlons and liberated the city. The people of Châlons greeted as a hero the man widely believed to have been instrumental in stopping the retreat and stabilising the Allied position. Receiving thanks from the Bishop of Châlons (Joseph-Marie Tissier), Foch piously replied, "non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam." ("Not unto us, o Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory", Psalm 115:1).

As assistant Commander-in-Chief with responsibility for co-ordinating the activities of the northern French armies and liaising with the British forces; this was a key appointment as the Race to the Sea was then in progress. General Joseph Joffre, Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the French Army, had also wanted to nominate Foch as his successor "in case of accident", to make sure the job would not be given to Joseph Gallieni, but the French Government would not agree to this. When the Germans attacked on 13 October, they narrowly failed to break through the British and French lines. They tried again at the end of the month during the First Battle of Ypres, this time suffering terrible casualties. Foch had again succeeded in coordinating a defense and winning against the odds.

Field Marshal Sir John French, C-in-C of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) had described Foch in August 1914 to J. E. B. Seely, a liaison officer, as "the sort of man with whom I know I can get on" and later in February 1915 described him to Lord Selbourne as "the best general in the world". By contrast, Lieutenant General William Robertson, another British officer, thought that Foch was "rather a flat-catcher, a mere professor, and very talkative" (28 September 1915). On 2 December 1914, King George V appointed him an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

1915–16

In 1915, his responsibilities by now crystallised in command of the Northern Army Group, he conducted the Artois Offensive and, in 1916, the French effort at the Battle of the Somme. He was strongly criticised for his tactics and the heavy casualties that were suffered by the Allied armies during these battles, and in December 1916 was removed from command by Joffre and sent to command Allied units on the Italian front; Joffre was himself sacked days later.

1917

Just a few months later, after the failure of General Robert Nivelle's offensive, General Philippe Pétain, the hero of Verdun, was appointed Chief of the General Staff; Foch hoped to succeed Pétain in command of Army Group Centre, but this job was instead given to General Fayolle. The following month Pétain was appointed C-in-C in place of Nivelle, and Foch was recalled and promoted to chief of the general staff. Like Pétain, Foch favoured only limited attacks (he had told Lieutenant General Sir Henry Wilson, another British Army officer, that the planned Flanders offensive was "futile, fantastic & dangerous") until the Americans, who had joined the war in April 1917, were able to send large numbers of troops to France. Outside of the Western Front, Foch opposed British Prime Minister David Lloyd George's plans to send British and French troops to help Italy take Trieste, but was open to the suggestion of sending heavy guns. The Anglo-French leadership agreed in early September to send 100 heavy guns to Italy, 50 of them from the French army on the left of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, C-in-C of the BEF, rather than the 300 which Lloyd George wanted. As the guns reached Italy, Cadorna called off his offensive (21 September). Until the end of 1916 the French under Joffre had been the dominant allied army; after 1917 this was no longer the case, due to the vast number of casualties France's armies had suffered in the now three and a half year old struggle with Germany.

The Supreme War Council was formally established on 7 November 1917, containing the Prime Minister and a Minister from each of the Western Front powers (i.e., excluding Russia), to meet at least once a month. Foch (along with Wilson and Italian general Cadorna) were appointed military representatives, to whom the general staffs of each country were to submit their plans. The French tried to have Foch as representative to increase their control over the Western Front (by contrast Cadorna was disgraced after the recent Battle of Caporetto and Wilson, a personal friend of Foch, was deliberately appointed as a rival to Field Marshal Robertson, the British Chief of the Imperial General Staff, an ally of Haig's, who had recently lost 250,000 men at the battle of Ypres the same year.) Clemenceau was eventually persuaded to appoint Foch's protégé Weygand instead, although many already suspected that Foch would eventually become the Allied Generalissimo. Late in 1917 Foch would have liked to have seen Haig replaced as C-in-C of the BEF by General Herbert Plumer; however, Haig would remain in command of the BEF for the remainder of the war.

1918

In January 1918, in accordance with Lloyd George's wishes, an executive board was set up to control the planned Allied General Reserve, with Clemenceau's agreement being obtained by having Foch on the board rather than Maxime Weygand. Pétain agreed to release only eight French divisions and made a bilateral agreement with Haig, who was reluctant to release any divisions at all, to assist one another. The situation was worsened by Clemenceau's and Pétain's dislike of Foch. At a Supreme War Council meeting in London (14–15 March), with a German offensive clearly imminent, Foch agreed under protest to shelve the Allied Reserve for the time being. On the evening of 24 March, after the German Spring Offensive was threatening to split apart the British and French forces, Foch telegraphed Wilson (who by now had replaced Robertson as Chief of the Imperial General Staff) "asking what [he] thought of situation & we are of one mind that someone must catch a hold or we shall be beaten". Wilson reached France the following lunchtime. Pétain had sent a dozen divisions to plug the gap and it is unclear that a committee would actually have acted any faster during the immediate crisis. At the Doullens Conference (26 March) and at Beauvais (3 April), Foch was given the job of coordinating the activities of the Allied armies, forming a common reserve and using these divisions to guard the junction of the French and British armies and to plug the potentially fatal gap that would have followed a German breakthrough in the British Fifth Army sector. At a later conference he was given the title Supreme Commander of the Allied Armies with the title of Généralissime ("Supreme General"). In May 1918, in the fifth session of the Supreme War Council, Foch was given authority over the Italian Front.

Foch was surprised by the German offensive ("Bluecher") on the Chemin des Dames (27 May). Foch believed it was a diversion to draw Allied reserves away from Flanders. This was partly true, although the planned German Flanders Offensive ("Hagen") never took place. The Allied armies under Foch's command ultimately held the advance of the German forces. The celebrated phrase, "I will fight in front of Paris, I will fight in Paris, I will fight behind Paris", attributed both to Foch and Clemenceau, illustrated the Généralissime's resolve to keep the Allied armies intact, even at the risk of losing the capital. The British General Sir Henry Rawlinson, commanding the British Fourth Army, commented after meeting Foch: "I am overjoyed at his methods and far-sighted strategy. I was in close touch with him in 1916. He is a better man now than he was then, for his fiery enthusiasm has been tempered by adversity." Rawlinson also noted Foch's intense Frenchness: "He knew nothing of Britain. The Rhine was for him a river of life and death." At the sixth session of the Supreme War Council on 1 June Foch complained that the BEF was still shrinking in size and infuriated Lloyd George by implying that the British government was withholding manpower. At a major Allied conference at Beauvais (7 June) Lord Milner agreed with Clemenceau that Foch should have the power to order all Allied troops as he saw fit, over the protests of Haig who argued that it would reduce his power to safeguard the interests of the British Army.

The British were disappointed that Foch operated through his own staff rather than through the Permanent Military Representatives at Versailles, and on 11 July 1918 British ministers resolved to remind Foch that he was an Allied, and not a French, C-in-C. The Allies (mainly French and the growing American forces) counterattacked at the Second Battle of the Marne in July 1918. On 6 August 1918, Foch was made a Marshal of France. Along with the British commander, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, Foch planned the Grand Offensive, opening on 26 September 1918, which led to the defeat of Germany. After the war, he claimed to have defeated Germany by smoking his pipe. An unintended consequence of Foch's appointment was that he sheltered Haig from British political interference. Before the armistice and after the Armistice of Villa Giusti Foch controlled all the operations against Germany including a planned invasion from Italy into Bavaria. Foch accepted the German cessation of hostilities in November from the German delegate, Matthias Erzberger.

On the day of the armistice, 11 November 1918, he was elected to the Académie des Sciences. Ten days later, he was unanimously elected to the Académie française. He received many honours and decorations from Allied governments.

Assessments

In the euphoria of victory Foch was regularly compared to Napoleon and Julius Caesar. However, historians took a less sanguine view of Foch's talents as commander, particularly as the idea took root that his military doctrines had set the stage for the futile and costly offensives of 1914 in which French armies suffered devastating losses. Supporters and critics continue to debate Foch's strategy and instincts as a commander, as well as his exact contributions to the Marne "miracle": Foch's counter-attacks at the Marne generally failed, but his sector resisted determined German attacks while holding the pivot on which the neighbouring French and British forces depended in rolling back the German line. After the reading of the preamble of the November 1918 armistice, Foch left the carriage, in a move that was perceived as humiliating by the defeated Germans. In 1940, after the defeat of France by Germany early in World War II, when France signed an armistice with Germany, Adolf Hitler, in a calculated gesture of disdain to the French delegates – left the carriage, as Foch had done in 1918.

Foch's pre-war contributions as military theorist and lecturer have also been recognised, and he has been credited as "the most original and subtle mind in the French Army" of the early 20th century.

Another Quiet day in the air...

The following claims were made



The top performer on this day was Captain Mansell Richard James DFC 45 Squadron RAF flying Sopwith Camel D8211

Living in Watford, Ontario when he enlisted, Mansell Richard James joined the Royal Flying Corps on 22 September 1917. He was posted to 45 Squadron in Italy on 12 February 1918 and remained with this unit until 5 February 1919, scoring 11 victories flying the Sopwith Camel in the summer of 1918.

James was last seen on 29 May 1919 when he departed Lee, Massachusetts on a flight to Hazelhurst aviation field. His plane was never found although many fliers looked for him and rewards for finding him were offered by various organizations.

Lieut. Mansell Richard James.
An excellent scout pilot who has at all times shown great skill, courage and determination in attacking enemy machines. During a short period of time he has destroyed nine enemy aeroplanes.

more...

On 6 May 1919, James surrendered his commission in the Royal Air Force upon being transferred to the unemployed list. He shipped out to the United States. On 28 May 1919 James flew what was reputedly the first Sopwith Camel in the United States, from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Boston, Massachusetts. He was competing for a $1,000 prize offered by The Boston Globe for fastest flight between the two cities. At 115 miles per hour despite headwinds, he was much faster than a prior competitor's 90 mph gait. After landing at a field eight miles north of Boston, James departed again at 6 PM, supposedly for a stop at Mitchel Field on Long Island en route to Atlantic City, both of which are southwest of Boston. He buzzed frightened spectators watching his takeoff. It was Captain James' intent to follow railroad tracks from Boston on his return flight. He apparently guided on the wrong set of railroad tracks, as he later landed at Tyringham, Massachusetts, (near Lee), about 100 air miles west of Boston, to have his aircraft serviced. On 29 May, he was reportedly seen at 11:30 AM at an altitude of about 5,000 feet over Connecticut after departing Lee, Massachusetts; he apparently had a sound engine at that sighting and was headed southeast.

A more reliable report tells a somewhat different story. On the morning of 2 June 1919, he took off from Tyringham toward the south, then turned west, away from Boston. He drew a crowd of spectators for his departure because the local populace was not used to aircraft. Because of his direction of flight, they thought he might be returning to the field he departed, but he did not reappear. On 5 August 1919, a berry picker in a ravine on Mount Riga outside Millerton, New York found aircraft wreckage. It was speculated to be James'.In 1921 there was a report that his aircraft could have gone down in a river at Poughkeepsie, New York. Years later, on 17 December 1925 near Pittsfield, Massachusetts, several search parties went into woods trying to relocate plane wreckage discovered by a lost hunter from Brooklyn several days previously. They were spurred by a reward offer of $500 posted by James's uncle six years previously. On 19 May 1927, U. S. Coast Guard Boat 290 found an aircraft wing floating in Fort Pond Bay, Long Island Sound. Captain James's brother, E. D. James, wrote a letter requesting a description of the wing, hoping to identify it.

Despite extensive searches for him spurred partially by rewards offered, no sign of James has ever been found

Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Sgt. William Walker Rossall MM (see 24th April) was reprimanded for ‘neglect of duty’ (details unknown).
Pte. William Henry Luke (see 30th May) was appointed Lance Corporal. Ptes. Robert William Gough (see 13th July) and Harry Seward (see 29th October 1917) were also appointed Lance Corporal, although for both the appointment would be, in the first instance, unpaid.
Pte. George Bernard Hardy (see 29th July), serving in France with 2DWR, was discharged from hospital and transferred to one of the convalescent depots at Etaples.

Armistice Countdown 98 days

[Hedeby]

August 7th 1918

The lull before the storm, all leave at the Snipers Times HQ has been cancelled and gallons of extra coffee has been ordered as we prepare for the start of the Battle of Amiens which kicks off tomorrow on the 8th... but for now we have:

WESTERN FRONT
Volga: Czechs and Whites capture Kazan from Red First Army whose Colonel Vatsetis just escapes. Red gold reserve moves to Samara. Largest workers rebellion vs Red rule at Izhevsk (arms factory town 150 miles northeast of Kazan, until November 7). Trotsky leaves Moscow in armoured train for Volga.
Kuban: Denikin breaks Reds before Ekaterinodar after week’s fighting.



MIDDLE EAST
Palestine: Kemal re*appointed C-in-C Seventh Army (sees Sultan and Enver for last time on August 9).

SEA WAR
North Atlantic: French cruiser Dupetit Thouars (13 lost) sunk by U-62 (Hashagen).

Dupetit-Thouars was a Gueydon-class armoured cruiser of the French Navy. She was torpedoed and sunk on 7 August 1918 by SM U-62 with the loss of 13 of her crew.



Designed by the naval architect Emile Bertin, the Gueydon-class ships were intended to fill the commerce-raiding strategy of the Jeune École. They measured 137.97 meters (452 ft 8 in) long overall with a beam of 19.38 meters (63 ft 7 in) and had a draught of 7.67 meters (25 ft 2 in). Dupetit-Thouars displaced 9,367 metric tons (9,219 long tons). The ship had a crew of 566 officers and enlisted men. The Gueydon class had three vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving a single propeller shaft. Steam for Dupetit-Thouars's engines was provided by 28 Belleville boilers and they were rated at a total of 22,000 metric horsepower (16,000 kW) that gave them a speed of 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph). The ships enough coal to steam for 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). The Gueydons had a main armament that consisted of two 40-caliber 194 mm (7.6 in) guns that were mounted in single gun turrets, one each fore and aft of the superstructure. Their secondary armament comprised eight 45-caliber quick-firing (QF) Canon de 164 mm (6.5 in) Modèle 1893 guns in casemates. For anti-torpedo boat defense, they carried four 45-caliber QF Canon de 100 mm (3.9 in) Modèle 1891 guns on the forecastle deck, as well as ten QF 47 mm (1.9 in) and four QF 37 mm (1.5 in) Hotchkiss guns. They were also armed with two submerged 450-millimetre (17.7 in) torpedo tubes.

The Harvey armor belt of the Gueydon-class cruisers covered most of the ships' hull. The lower strake of armor was generally 150 millimetres (5.9 in) thick, although it reduced to 91 millimetres (3.6 in) forward, 81 millimetres (3.2 in) aft. The curved lower protective deck ranged in thickness from 51 to 56 millimetres (2.0 to 2.2 in). The gun turrets were protected by 160–176-millimetre (6.3–6.9 in) armor and had roofs 23 millimetres (0.9 in) thick

In 1918, she was part of the Atlantic Naval Division, under Commander Paqué, and tasked with escort duty. On 7 August 1918, escorting a 24-ship convoy inbound from New York, she was torpedoed by the submarine U-62, off Brest. At nightfall, at 20:51, a torpedo hit the port side underneath the forward bridge, followed ten seconds after by another under the aft bridge. The explosions killed three men, and neither the submarine nor her periscope were spotted, although a Lieutenant detected the first torpedo shortly before it hit.[4]

Assessment of the ship soon revealed extensive damage, but as the list was moderate, the officers deemed that although the ship was lost, she would not sink rapidly. They moved the ship off the route of the convoy, radioed a distress call, and stopped the engines to allow the crew to evacuate. The list then started to increase while the crew abandoned ship. Fifty minutes after the torpedo hit, Dupetit-Thouars rolled over and sank, killing ten sailors still aboard trying to launch the last raft. Following the sinking, U-62 surfaced to inquire as to the name and tonnage of the cruiser, and collect a ribbon from a sailor's hat.[4]

The survivors spent 16 hours in boats and rafts before being rescued the next day, in late afternoon, by six US destroyers Tucker, Drayton, Winslow, Porter, Warrington and Fanning.

Dupetit-Thouars was mentioned in dispatches at the Army level on 25 October 1919, the mention stating

“the armoured cruiser Dupetit-Thouars: during an escort mission, was torpedoed and sunk on 7 August 1918 by an enemy submarine. The whole personnel demonstrated, in these circumstances, the greatest calm and the high dedication".

POLITICS
Britain: Lloyd George Commons speech says German high water mark reached, their economic position desperate.

The Air War

The Blériot-SPAD S.XX aircraft was first flown.

The Blériot-SPAD S.20 (originally known as the SPAD S.XX) was a French fighter aircraft developed near the end of World War I. Too late to serve in the war, almost 100 of these aircraft equipped the French Air Force in the years immediately following. These agile aircraft were also used successfully for air racing and record-setting



The S.XX was a refinement of the S.XVIII and was a two-seat fighter biplane which carried a pilot and tail gunner. The design was conventional but featured an upper wing with a pronounced sweep-back. This was joined to the lower wing by large I-struts. Like its predecessor, the S.XX became known colloquially as the "Herbemont", after its designer. Originally the French government issued an open-ended contract for these aircraft at the rate of 300 per month. However, this was cancelled at the Armistice, before any aircraft had been delivered. The order was later revived to obtain a modern fighter for France's post-war air force, and 95 were purchased. Additionally, the Japanese Mitsubishi company bought three examples, and the government of Bolivia bought one.

In 1918, a S.XX set the world airspeed record for a two-seat aircraft, with a speed of 230 km/h (143 mph), and in July 1919 Joseph Sadi-Lecointe set an altitude record of 8,900 m (29,200 ft) in one. This was the beginning of a prodigious streak of records set by a series of refined S.20s with increasingly shorter wingspans. Before the year was over, Sadi-Lecointe set two new speed records for the S.20's class: 249 km/h (155 mph) in September, and 252 km/h (157 mph) in October, as well as winning the Prix Henri Deutsch de la Meurthe competition five days earlier.

1920 saw S.20s used to break records not only in their own class, but the world absolute airspeed record three times over. On February 28, Jean Casale reached 283 km/h (176 mph), but this was soon broken twice by Bernard de Romanet, first on October 9 with a speed of 292 km/h (182 mph), and then on November 4 at 309 km/h (193 mph). The same year, the two S.20bis-5s competed in the Gordon Bennett Cup. One, piloted by Casale, was disqualified, but the other, piloted by de Romanet placed second.

The Royal Air Force established air squadron No. 154 but it was disbanded within a month due to shortage of available aircraft. The squadron number was revived in 1941

No. 154 Squadron Royal Air Force was formed on 7 August 1918, but was disbanded on 11 September having not received any aircraft



Reformation in World War II

The squadron reformed in November 1941 at RAF Fowlmere as a fighter squadron equipped with Spitfire IIAs. It was briefly located in the south west of England then based at RAF Hornchurch. In November 1942 it moved to Gibraltar and Algeria to take part in Operation Torch. On 4 June 1943 it arrived in Malta, it then operated from Palestine and Cyprus. From 23 August 1944 it was based at Fréjus, France, providing air cover for the forces that moved north to join those that had landed at Normandy. It was disbanded in Naples on 1 November 1944, but reformed on 16 November 1944 at RAF Biggin Hill to escort bombers and flew Mustangs until it was finally disbanded on 31 March 1945.

It was a busier day when it comes to aerial victory claims, but none of the 'big guns' registered on this day



Another poor day for the RAF as there were another 18 British Airmen lost on this day:



Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

Temporary, Medical Officer, Lt. E.J. Fisher (see 8th July), left the Battalion; presumably Capt. N. R Davis (see 8th July) had returned from leave.

Pte. Charles Walton (see 31st October 1917) was reported by Cpl. Mark Butler (see 25th May) and Lt. Andrew Aaron Jackson (see 21st June) as “absent from roll call at 9pm until reporting at 9.30pm’; on the orders of Capt. **** Bolton MC (see 27th July) he was to be confined to barracks for five days.

Pte. Alfred Charles Dolphin (see 17th July) was transferred from 29th Stationary Hospital in Cremona to 62nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia; he was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his left hand.
Pte. Herbert Bibby (see 26th July) was discharged from 24th Casualty Clearing Station and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.
Pte. Patrick Conley (see 23rd June), serving in England with the Labour Corps, was posted to 303rd Reserve Labour Company.
Acting L.Cpl. John Widdup (see 9th March), serving with 322nd Quarrying Company, Royal Engineers, had his rate of pay raised to ‘skilled rate’; he was the brother of 2Lt. Harry Widdup (see 8th March).

Armistice Countdown 97 days

[Hedeby]

August 8th 1918

The Battle of Amiens (and the start of the end of the war)

The Battle of Amiens begins in a dense fog at 04:20. Under General Rawlinson’s Fourth Army, the British III Corps attacks north of the Somme, the Australian Corps to the south of the river in the center of Fourth Army’s front, and the Canadian Corps to the south of the Australians. The French 1st Army opens its preliminary bombardment at the same time and begins its advance 45 minutes later, supported by a battalion of 72 Whippet tanks. The attack is so unexpected that German forces only begin to return fire after five minutes. In the first phase, seven divisions attacked: the British 18th (Eastern) and 58th (2/1st London), the Australian 2nd and 3rd and the Canadian 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The Canadian and Australian attackers are supported by eight battalions of the Royal Tank Corps, with a paper strength of 216 Mark V and 72 Mark V tanks, with 48 unarmed tanks used as supply-carrying tractors. Parts of the American 33rd Division support the British attackers north of the Somme.

The attackers capture the first German position, advancing about 4,000 yards by about 07:30. In the center, supporting units following the leading divisions attack the second objective a further two miles on. Australian units reach their first objectives by 07:10 and by 08:20 the Australian 4th and 5th and the Canadian 4th divisions pass through the initial hole in the German line. The third phase of the attack is assigned to infantry-carrying Mark V tanks. However, the infantry is able to carry out this final step unaided. The Allies penetrate well to the rear of the German defenses and cavalry now continue the advance, one brigade in the Australian sector and two cavalry divisions in the Canadian sector. Royal Air Force and armoured car fire keeps the retreating Germans from rallying. The Canadian and Australian forces in the center advance quickly, pushing the line 3 miles forward from its starting point by 11:00. The speed of their advance is such that a party of German officers and some divisional staff are captured while eating breakfast. A gap 15 miles long is punched in the German line south of the Somme by the end of the day. There is less success north of the river, where the British III Corps has only a single tank battalion in support, the terrain is rougher and a German incursion on two earlier disrupted some of the preparations. Although the attackers gain their first objectives, they are held up short of the Chipilly spur, a steep wooded ridge. The British Fourth Army takes 13,000 prisoners while the French capture a further 3,000. Total German losses are estimated to be 30,000 today. The Fourth Army’s casualties are approximately 8,800, exclusive of tank and air losses and their French allies.

German general Erich Ludendorff described the first day of Amiens as the “Schwarzer Tag des deutschen Heeres” (“the black day of the German Army”), not because of the ground lost to the advancing Allies, but because the morale of the German troops had sunk to the point where large numbers of troops began to capitulate. He recounted instances of retreating troops shouting “You’re prolonging the war” at officers who tried to rally them. Five German divisions have effectively been engulfed. Allied forces pushed, on average, 7 miles into enemy territory by the end of today. The Canadians gain 8 miles, Australians 7 miles, British 2 miles, and the French 5 miles. Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Conway Macalister Farrell attacks enemy troops and transport with machine gun fire and bombs. Having silenced a machine gun, he attacks some transport, driving off the personnel. Later he attacks a dump and carries out a reconnaissance in an area where our cavalry is reported to be held up, rendering a most valuable report of the situation. Eventually, in a combat with about forty scouts, he is shot down near Warfusee at 15:05.



The battle began in dense fog at 4:20 am on 8 August 1918. Under Rawlinson's Fourth Army, the British III Corps attacked north of the Somme, the Australian Corps to the south of the river in the centre of Fourth Army's front, and the Canadian Corps to the south of the Australians. The French 1st Army under General Debeney opened its preliminary bombardment at the same time, and began its advance 45 minutes later, supported by a battalion of 72 Whippet tanks. Although German forces were on the alert, this was largely in anticipation of possible retaliation for their incursion on the sixth and not because they had learned of the preplanned Allied attack. Although the two forces were within 460 metres (500 yd) of one another, gas bombardment was very low, as the bulk of the Allied presence was unknown to the Germans. The attack was so unexpected that German forces only began to return fire after five minutes, and even then at the positions where the Allied forces had assembled at the start of the battle and had long since left.

In the first phase, seven divisions attacked: the British 18th (Eastern) and 58th (2/1st London), the Australian 2nd and 3rd, and the Canadian 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions. Parts of the American 33rd Division supported the British attackers north of the Somme.

The attackers captured the first German position, advancing about 3.7 km (4,000 yd; 2.3 mi) by about 7:30 am. In the centre, supporting units following the leading divisions attacked the second objective a further 3.2 km (2.0 mi) distant. Australian units reached their first objectives by 7:10 am, and by 8:20 am, the Australian 4th and 5th Divisions and the Canadian 4th Division passed through the initial breach in the German lines.[21] The third phase of the attack was assigned to infantry-carrying Mark V* tanks; however, the infantry was able to carry out this final step unaided. The Allies penetrated well to the rear of the German defences and cavalry now continued the advance, one brigade in the Australian sector and two cavalry divisions in the Canadian sector. Aircraft fire by the new RAF and armoured car fire kept the retreating Germans from rallying. The Canadian and Australian forces in the centre advanced quickly, pushing the line 4.8 km (3.0 mi) forward from its starting point by 11:00 am. The speed of their advance was such that a party of German officers and some divisional staff were captured while eating breakfast. A gap 24 km (15 mi) long was punched in the German line south of the Somme by the end of the day. There was less success north of the river, where the British III Corps had only a single tank battalion in support, the terrain was rougher and the German incursion of 6 August had disrupted some of the preparations. Although the attackers gained their first objectives, they were held up short of the Chipilly Spur, a steep wooded ridge.



The British Fourth Army took 13,000 prisoners, and the French captured a further 3,000. Total German losses were estimated to be 30,000 on 8 August. The British, Australian and Canadian infantry of the Fourth Army sustained about 8,000 casualties, with further losses by tank and air personnel, and French forces.

German Army Chief of Staff Paul von Hindenburg noted the Allies' use of surprise and that Allied destruction of German lines of communication had hampered potential German counter-attacks by isolating command positions. The German General Erich Ludendorff described the first day of Amiens as the "Schwarzer Tag des deutschen Heeres" ("the black day of the German Army"), not because of the ground lost to the advancing Allies, but because the morale of the German troops had sunk to the point where large numbers of troops began to capitulate. He recounted instances of retreating troops shouting "You're prolonging the war!" at officers who tried to rally them, and "Blackleg!" at reserves moving up.[26] Five German divisions had effectively been engulfed. Allied forces had pushed, on average, 11 km (6.8 mi) into enemy territory by the end of the day.[10] The Canadians gained 13 km (8.1 mi), Australians 11 km (6.8 mi), the French 8 km (5.0 mi), and the British 3.2 km (2.0 mi).



Temporary Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Bushell VC DSO (commanding 7th Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment) is killed in action at age 29 south of Morlencourt, Somme. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions west of St Quentin Canal on 23 March 1918.

A total of five Victoria Crosses were awarded on this day



Lieutenant Jean Baptiste Arthur Brillant VC MC (15 March 1890 – 10 August 1918) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross.

Brillant was born on 15 March 1890 in Assemetquagan, Routhierville, Quebec, the son of Joseph Brillant, a railway maintenance worker, and Rose-de-Lima Raiche. Brillant studied at the College of Saint Joseph in Memramcook, New Brunswick, and then at the Séminaire de Rimouski in 1904–5. He later worked as a telegraph operator for a railway. Brillant volunteered for service with the 89th (Temiscouata and Rimouski) Regiment (from 1920 the Fusiliers du St-Laurent) and held the rank of lieutenant. In 1916, eager to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force, he declared 13 years' service with this unit. On 20 March 1916 Brillant left his job as a telegrapher. After about six months’ training in Valcartier, he embarked for England with the 189th on 27 September 1916; on disembarking at Liverpool on 6 October, he was assigned to the 69th Infantry Battalion. He left for France on 27 October and joined the 22e Battalion (Canadien Francais) at Bully-Grenay.

During the night of 27/28 May 1918, in the vicinity of Boiry-Becquerelle, Brillant was called to lead a group of volunteers to help silence an outpost defended by about 50 men. Troops charged the enemy position, cut through the barbed wire protecting it, and took it. He was injured in the attack, yet captured enemy soldiers who had "valuable information". Remaining in action that day despite his wounds, Brillant would be awarded the Military Cross on 16 September 1918. He was awarded the VC for his actions on 8/9 August east of Meharicourt, France the first and second days of the Battle of Amiens. He died the next day on 10 August 1918.



For most conspicuous bravery and outstanding devotion to duty when in charge of a company which he led in attack during two days with absolute fearlessness and extraordinary ability and initiative, the extent of the advance being twelve miles. On the first day of operations shortly after the attack had begun, his company's left flank was held up by an enemy machine gun. Lt. Brillant rushed and captured the machine-gun, personally killing two of the enemy crew. Whilst doing this, he was wounded but refused to leave his command. Later on the same day, his company was held up by heavy machine-gun fire. He reconnoitred the ground personally, organised a party of two platoons and rushed straight for the machine-gun nest. Here 150 enemy and fifteen machine-guns were captured. Lt. Brillant personally killing five of the enemy, and being wounded a second time. He had this wound dressed immediately, and again refused to leave his company. Subsequently this gallant officer detected a field gun firing on his men over open sights. He immediately organised and led a "rushing" party towards the gun. After progressing about 600 yards, he was again seriously wounded. In spite of this third wound, he continued to advance for some 200 yards more, when he fell unconscious from exhaustion and loss of blood. Lt. Brillant's wonderful example throughout the day inspired his men with an enthusiasm and dash which largely contributed towards the success of the operations.

Brillant is buried at Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Fouilloy, France located 15 km (9 miles) east of Amiens. (Plot VIa, Row B, Grave 20). The gravestone bears the inscription: FILS DE JOSEPH BRILLANT ENROLE VOLONTAIREMENT A RIMOUSKI, PROVINCE DE QUEBEC TOMBE GLORIEUSEMENT SUR LE SOL DE SES AIEUX BON SANG NE PEUT MENTIR.[1] His medals are held at the Royal 22e Regiment Museum in Quebec City. A monument to Jean Brillant was erected in 1970 in Montreal, located in the park which also bears his name.

John Bernard Croak VC (May 18, 1892 – August 8, 1918) was a soldier in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War and posthumous recipient of the Victoria Cross.



Croak was born in Little Bay in Newfoundland, on May 18, 1892 to James and Cecelia Croak. The family moved to Glace Bay, Nova Scotia when Croak was two years old. He attended school there and then, at the age of 14, began work as a coal miner. In 1915, Croak enlisted in the Canadian Army and volunteered for service abroad with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Posted to the 55th Battalion as a private, he embarked for Europe in November 1915. He soon transferred to the 13th Battalion, which was serving on the Western Front as part of 3rd Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. Through 1917 and the early part of 1918, Croak participated in several engagements as part of 13th Battalion; these included the Battles of Vimy Ridge, Hill 70 and Passchendaele.

On 8 August 1918, the opening day of the Battle of Amiens, and the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive, the 3rd Brigade, accompanied by a battalion of tanks, was at the forefront of the 1st Division's advance. The 13th Battalion became held up by machine gun posts in the vicinity of Hangard Wood. Croak attacked a machine gun post and took several prisoners whom he escorted to his company headquarters. Ignoring instructions to seek medical treatment for a wound to his arm, he carried out an attack on another machine gun post nearby. He was wounded again, this time fatally, in the act, and died that same day. He was recognised for his actions with an award of the Victoria Cross (VC). The citation for Croak's VC read:

For most conspicuous bravery in attack when having become separated from his section he encountered a machine gun nest, which he bombed and silenced, taking the gun and crew prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded, but refused to desist. Having rejoined his platoon, a very strong point, containing several machine guns, was encountered. Private Croak, however, seeing an opportunity, dashed forward alone and was almost immediately followed by the remainder of the platoon in a brilliant charge. He was the first to arrive at the trench line, into which he led his men, capturing three machine guns and bayonetting or capturing the entire garrison. The perseverance and valour of this gallant soldier, who was again severely wounded, and died of his wounds, were an inspiring example to all.

Croak is buried at Hangard Wood British Cemetery, which is located 12 miles south west of Albert. His VC, the first to be awarded to a soldier born in Newfoundland, was presented to his mother at Government House in Halifax by MacCallum Grant, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, on 23 November 1918. In Glace Bay, where Croak grew up, a school and a Royal Canadian Legion branch were named in his honour but both were later closed down. A park, located on the site of his former workplace, the Dominion No. 2 Colliery, is also named for him. In 1992, the park was the scene of the unveiling of a memorial plaque, made of Cape Breton rock, to Croak.

Lieutenant Alfred Edward Gaby, VC (25 January 1892 – 11 August 1918) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross



Born in Tasmania, Gaby worked as a farmer and then a labourer before enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 and volunteering to serve overseas. Serving initially in the ranks, Gaby was quickly promoted, having previously served as a part-time soldier before the war, and was commissioned in 1917. He was one of 64 Australians to receive the award for their actions during the First World War, receiving it for his actions during an attack around Villers-Bretonneux in France during the Battle of Amiens that took place at the start of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive. He was killed three days later, at the age of 26, while leading another attack around Lihons. Gaby was labouring in Katanning, Western Australia, when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in January 1916. He had been twice previously rejected for enlistment. He embarked from Fremantle on board HMAT A38 Ulysses in April 1916, and was assigned to the 28th Battalion – an infantry battalion that was formed mainly from Western Australian recruits, which was assigned to the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division – as part of the unit's tenth draft of reinforcements.[2] Over the course of the next twelve months while in the frontline on the Western Front, he was promoted through the ranks at a rapid speed, reaching sergeant before being selected for officer training in the United Kingdom. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in April 1917 and graduated from the course in May. Further promotion came in September when he made lieutenant. On 29 October, Gaby was gassed during the 28th Battalion's involvement in the Battle of Passchendaele.

Gaby was 26 years old lieutenant when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). On 8 August 1918, at the start of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, Gaby was acting as commander of his battalion's 'D' Company, which was committed to an attack around Villers-Bretonneux, France during the Battle of Amiens. When the advance was checked by a large German force about 40 yards beyond the wire, Gaby found a gap and approached the strong point under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. He emptied his revolver into the garrison, drove the crews from their guns and captured 50 prisoners and four machine-guns. Three days later, on 11 August 1918 while leading his men during an attack at Lihons, he was killed.

His VC citation from the London Gazette of 30 October 1918 reads:

For most conspicuous bravery and dash in attack, when on reaching a wire in front of an enemy trench, strong opposition was encountered. The advance was at once checked the enemy being in force about 40 yards beyond the wire, and commanding the gap with machine guns and rifles. Lieutenant Gaby found another gap in the wire, and, single handed, approached the strong point while machine guns and rifles were still being fired from it. Running along the parapet, still alone, and at point blank range, he emptied his revolver into the garrison, drove the crews from their guns, and compelled the surrender of 50 of the enemy with four machine guns. He then quickly reorganized his men, and led them on to his final objective, which he captured and consolidated. Three days later, during an attack, this officer again led his company with great dash to the objective. The enemy brought heavy rifle and machine gun fire to bear upon the line, but in the face of this heavy fire Lieutenant Gaby walked along his line of posts, encouraging his men to quickly consolidate. While engaged on this duty he was killed by an enemy sniper.

He is buried at the Heath Cemetery in Harbonnieres, France. He was unmarried at the time of his death. The Alfred Gaby ward at the former Repatriation General Hospital, Hollywood was named in his honour.

Corporal Herman James Good, VC (29 November 1887 – 18 April 1969) was a soldier in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War and a recipient of the Victoria Cross



Good was born on 29 November 1887 in South Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada. He was one of fourteen children of Walter and Rebecca Good. He was educated at the local public school and involved in lumber operations in the area

On 29 June 1915, Good enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) on 29 June 1915 in Sussex, New Brunswick. He embarked for England in late October 1915. Arriving there the following month, he was posted to the 2nd Pioneer Battalion serving on the Western Front. In April 1916, he transferred to the 13th (Royal Highlanders of Canada) Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Canadian Division. Two months later, he received gunshot wounds to his buttocks which required six weeks of treatment before he could return to his unit. He experienced a bout of shell shock in early October and was in and out of care for the next several weeks. He was back with the 13th Battalion by early 1917. He became an acting lance corporal in mid-1917, following a further period in hospital with the mumps, and his rank was made substantive by the end of the year. In May 1918, he was promoted again, to corporal.

On 8 August 1918, the opening day of the Battle of Amiens, and the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive, the 3rd Brigade, accompanied by a battalion of tanks, was at the forefront of the 1st Division's advance. The 13th Battalion had secured Aubercourt village but became held up by machine gun posts in the vicinity of Hangard Wood. At the head of his company, Good attacked the machine guns and put them out of action. Later in the day he located a battery of field guns and led a group of men in the capture of them. Good's battalion was able to push on to its objective and consolidate its positions. He was recognised for his deeds of 8 August 1918 by being awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). The citation for Good's VC read:

For most conspicuous bravery and leading when in attack his company was held up by heavy fire from three enemy machine-guns, which were seriously delaying the advance. Realising the gravity of the situation, this N.C.O. dashed forward alone, killing several of the garrison, and capturing the remainder. Later on, Corporal Good, while alone, encountered a battery of 5-inch guns, which were in action at the time. Collecting three men of his section, he charged the battery under point-blank fire and captured the entire crews of three guns.

The next month, Good was promoted to lance sergeant. He received his VC in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 29 March 1919. Soon afterwards, Good returned to Canada aboard the RMS Olympic. He was formally discharged from the CEF on 26 April 1919

Harry Garnet Bedford Miner VC (24 June 1891 – 8 August 1918) was a soldier in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War and posthumous recipient of the Victoria Cross



Harry Garnet Bedford Miner was born at Cedar Springs in Ontario, on 24 June 1891, the son of John and Orphra Miner. He was educated in Selton and at Highgate School in Oxford Township. After finishing his education, he took up farming. He lived for a time in the United States, first in Ohio and then Detroit.

In November 1915, after the outbreak of the First World War, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. He volunteered for the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was posted to the 142nd Battalion. Arriving in England at the end of October 1916 as a lance corporal, he was transferred to the 161st Battalion. Then, after a period of training, he was sent to the Western Front and taken onto the strength of the 58th Battalion, part of 9th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. In early 1918, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his actions as a leader of a wiring party late the previous year. He was also promoted to corporal.

On 8 August 1918, the opening day of the Battle of Amiens, and the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive, the 9th Brigade was engaged in fighting at Rifle Wood and then near Demuin. It was at the latter location that he performed the actions that led to his recommendation for the Victoria Cross (VC). He was involved in attacks on two machinegun positions and then a bombing post, and was severely wounded in the process. He died later that day of his injuries.

The citation for his VC read:

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack, when despite severe wounds he refused to withdraw. He rushed an enemy machine-gun post single-handed, killed the entire crew and turned the gun on the enemy. Later, with two others, he attacked another enemy machine-gun post, and succeeded in putting the gun out of action. Cpl. Miner then rushed single-handed an enemy bombing post, bayoneting two of the garrison and putting the remainder to flight. He was mortally wounded in the performance of this gallant deed.

Miner was buried in the Crouy Military Cemetery just outside the village of Crouy-Saint-Pierre, about 15 kilometers northwest of Amiens and about 25 km northwest of the battlefield on which he fell.

WESTERN FRONT

France: FOCH BEGINS HIS ‘FREEING ATTACKS’ (until September 18).
Somme – BATTLE OF AMIENS (French Battle of Montdidier) (*until August 11): BEF Fourth Army, with French First Army (Moreuil captured with 3,150 PoWs and 161 guns), and 430 tanks (96 Whippets) attacks at 0420 hours on 15-mile front east of city. 5 German divisions routed (27,700 casualties including 15,565 PoWs from 11 divisions and 400 guns). Newly arrived Canadian Corps (3,868 casualties) advances 6 miles taking 12 villages; 5,033 PoWs and 161 guns; Australians (3,000 casualties) take 7 villages; 7,920 PoWs and 173 guns.
The ‘BLACK DAY OF THE GERMAN ARMY’ IN THIS WAR (Ludendorff War Memoirs). From a German headquarter BEF obtain map of all ‘Hindenburg Line’ dug-outs, emplacements, HQs, OPs, dumps, railheads, billets, balloon sheds and landing grounds between river Oise and Bellicourt. BEF loss under 9,000 soldiers and 109 tanks (8 to 1 anti-tank gun).

SEA WAR
Channel: Destroyer HMS Opossum and minelayers depth charge and sink UC-49 off Start Point near Plymouth. 6 Royal Navy destroyers lay first 234 magnetic mines off Dunkirk. Officially designated Sinker Mk1(M) they are prone to explode prematurely, but Germans never discover.

At the beginning of the "Great War" the British had about 4,000 of their unreliable "Navy Spherical Mine" on hand and had tried out a few other types developed by other nations. Sometime soon after the start of the war, the British procured 7,500 Russian mines left at Port Arthur at the end of the Russo-Japanese War.

Britain attempted a variety of mine and physical barriers across the Dover Straits, the North Channel and the Adriatic Sea with a total of 128,000 mines being laid. Most of these fields were of relatively limited value, with the exception of the Irish Sea Barrage, which sank 10 U-boats. Minefields laid in enemy waters were more effective. British mines sank a total of 150 enemy war vessels and naval auxiliaries including some 35 U-boats. Worldwide, British mines are reckoned to have sunk a total of 1,047 enemy vessels and damaged a further 541. A total of 48 German submarines were sunk by all Allied mines in World War I.

British contact mines of this era suffered from a variety of faults, especially when compared to the German equivalents and to the USA "K" type mines. As noted above, a magnetic ground mine was developed and deployed in August of 1918, but this was too late to be of significant use and was not very successful. Captain Taprell Dorling, commander of a destroyer minelayer during World War I, states in his book "Swept Channels" that in 1917 the Royal Navy had 20,000 mines in stock but "only 1,500 were fit for laying."

SM UC-49 was a German Type UC II minelaying submarine or U-boat in the German Imperial Navy (German: Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I. The U-boat was ordered on 20 November 1915 and was launched on 7 November 1916. She was commissioned into the German Imperial Navy on 2 December 1916 as SM UC-49. In 13 patrols UC-49 was credited with sinking 24 ships, either by torpedo or by mines laid. UC-49 was sunk by depth charges from British destroyer Opossum off Start Point on 8 August 1918.

A German Type UC II submarine, UC-49 had a displacement of 434 tonnes (427 long tons) when at the surface and 511 tonnes (503 long tons) while submerged. She had a length overall of 52.69 m (172 ft 10 in), a beam of 5.22 m (17 ft 2 in), and a draught of 3.64 m (11 ft 11 in). The submarine was powered by two six-cylinder four-stroke diesel engines each producing 290–300 metric horsepower (210–220 kW; 290–300 shp) (a total of 580–600 metric horsepower (430–440 kW; 570–590 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 11.8 knots (21.9 km/h; 13.6 mph) and a submerged speed of 7.2 knots (13.3 km/h; 8.3 mph). When submerged, she could operate for 56 nautical miles (104 km; 64 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 8,820 to 9,450 nautical miles (16,330 to 17,500 km; 10,150 to 10,870 mi) at 7 knots (13 km/h; 8.1 mph). UC-49 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.

AIR WAR

Somme: Record losses of aircraft in 1914-18 air combat – 83 Allied plus another 52 RAF planes written off (90 casualties), 49 German during Battle of Amiens which 800 RAF (376 fighters) and 1,104 French aircraft (612 fighters) support vs 365 German planes (140 fighters). Some German pilots (including Goering) 10 hours in air successfully defending Somme bridges (14 permanent) from 205 RAF sorties (12t bombs dropped). 9 RAF fighter squadrons drop 1,563 bombs and fire 122,150 MG rounds at ground targets (until August 9). RAF shoot down 9 German balloons, ace Beauchamp-Proctor shares in all these kills.

Italian Front: 4 No 139 Squadron Bristol Fighters destroy 2 of 3 Austrian Albatroses over Pergine airfield (east of Trent) during Emperor Charles’ visit.

37 RAF lives were lost on this day

Aerial activity was frenetic and the following claims were made including several notable hat tricks with many of the top aces scoring big (especially the germans)



The following pilots were amongst those claiming three victories on this day.



Oberleutnant Ernst Udet

Extract from Udet's recollections of the day... A rather dubious distinction given to me is that I am the only living ace to have rammed an enemy plane in mid-air and lived to tell the tale. Whether I am the only one to have had the good fortune to pull such a stunt and get away it, I don't know. I do know, though, that I went through such an experience.

It was nearly dark on the evening of August 8, 1918, that I was coasting along at an altitude of 2500 feet in my red Fokker, D-7 (4253), in escort with several other planes when an Englishman swooped in from an angle, the guns in his Camel chattering a death dirge for me. I banked up on one wing, circled up and gained the top position, re-attacking at once. The Englishman pushed his nose down and went into a screaming dive with me on his tail. He continued his mad dive down to 1000 feet when he suddenly pulled the nose up and came back at me in an Immelmann. I held my course, thinking that he would swerve off to one side and that I would get him as we passed. He kept right on coming. Apparently he had figured things out the same way I had. The situation immediately became a test of nerve. He wouldn't give in. Neither would I. We both started shooting as soon as our planes got within range of each other. But our shots all went wild. In a moment we were so close that we could shout to each other. I started to curse. I guess he did the same. We were a pair of stubborn, damn fools. The next moment the inevitable had happened. With a terrific crash, we came together. I was tossed into the cockpit by the impact. There was a jar, a jolt, a bump, a rending, tearing noise. The next thing I knew my machine had broken clear and when I looked back the Camel was falling earthward in a series of drunken curves.

Having the top position and my speed being greater than his, I carried more potential destruction. My undercarriage struck the upper surface of his wings and crushed them. But that Englishman had grit. He manipulated his controls and got his machine straightened out. Then he broke into another spin. I thought it was all up with him because by that time he was pretty well down. But less than a hundred feet up he got her straightened out again and held her under partial control until he hit the ground in a cloud of dust. His plane was completely wrecked in landing. I went through some bad moments on the way down, myself, wondering whether my undercarriage had been away or put out of commission when we struck each other. But everything held and I made the ground without mishap. That was my 47th victory. As far as German records go I am credited with the highest battle and victory of the war. I'm not exploiting that in a bragging manner. It is merely a part of the official records and the battle itself was interesting to the extreme, providing, what was for me, the most dramatic incident of the entire war.



Lieutenant Maurice Jean Paul Boyau SPA 77

Well know for his skill at rugby, Boyau served in the infantry before the war. In 1915, while serving as a driver in the Army Service Corps, he requested a transfer to the French Air Service. Obtaining a Pilot's Brevet on 28 November 1915, he served as an instructor at Buc before being posted to N77 in September 1916. Before he was killed in action, Boyau downed 21 balloons and 14 enemy aircraft.



Leutnant Otto Konnecke

Könnecke entered the military in 1911 and learned to fly at Metz in 1913. When the war began, he was serving as a flight instructor. In December 1916, he was posted to Jasta 25 in Macedonia where he scored his first confirmed victory on 5 February 1917. At the end of April, Könnecke was sent to the Western Front where he often flew a green Albatros D.V with red trim and a black and white checkerboard insignia. As non-commissioned officers, Könnecke, Fritz Rumey and Josef Mai shot down 109 enemy aircraft while serving with Jasta 5.



Oberleutnant Erich Lowenhardt

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.



Oberleutnant Lothar Von Richthofen

When the war began, Lothar von Richthofen was an officer in the cavalry. Following Manfred von Richthofen's example, he transferred to the German Air Force in 1915 and was assigned to Jasta 11 on 6 March 1917. Under the watchful eye of his older brother, Lothar scored 24 victories in 47 days and was credited with shooting down English ace Albert Ball on 7 May 1917. On 13 May 1917, Lothar was badly wounded in a dogfight with a B.E.2e but recovered and assumed command of Jasta 11 on 24 September 1917. Wounded again on 13 March 1918, he crash landed his Fokker DR.I after being shot down by Camel pilot Augustus Orlebar and Bristol F.2b crew Geoffrey Hughes and Hugh Claye. The following month, he was still in a hospital bed when he learned of his brother's death. In the summer of 1918, Lothar returned to duty and achieved ten more victories by the end of the war. Scoring his final victory on 12 August 1918, he shot down a Sopwith Camel flown by English ace John Summers. The following day, Lothar was seriously wounded for the third time 13 August 1918 when his Fokker D.VII was shot down over the Somme by a Sopwith Camel of the 148th Aero Squadron.



Captain Tom Falcon Hazell MC, DFC & Bar, DSO 24 Squadron RAF

Tom Falcon Hazell was the highest scoring ace to serve with 24 Squadron.

Lieut. (T./Capt.) Tom Falcon Hazell, M.C.
This officer is conspicuous for his bravery and skill, having destroyed twenty enemy machines and four kite balloons. On one occasion, while attacking troops on the ground, he observed seven enemy scouts above him; he at once engaged them, shooting down one out of control. Some days later he, with another pilot, attacked a kite balloon, driving it down in flames; they then attacked a second balloon, driving it down in a deflated condition.

Lieut. (T./Capt.) Thomas Falcon Hazell, M.C., D.F.C.
This officer has accounted for twenty seven enemy machines and four kite balloons. On the 8th August he shot down two machines out of control, and destroyed a third in the air. In these combats he was so heavily engaged that all his instruments were wrecked, and only one strand of his elevator control cable was intact. Relentless in attack, Capt. Hazell displays disregard of personal danger in a marked degree.



Major Reed Gresham Landis

Reed Gresham Landis was the son of Kenesaw Mountain Landis, a federal judge and the first commissioner of American professional baseball. After the war he became chairman of the American Legion and was a colonel with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

The top performer on the day was Leutnant Alfons Scheicher of Jasta 34 who opened his account with 4 victories on this day. He would go on to claim another two but alas I can find no futher information on him

The British ace Captain Michael Edward Gonne MC was lost on this day

Residing at Ringwood, Hampshire when he enlisted. After serving with the 3rd Royal Fusiliers, Michael Edward Gonne was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps in May 1917. Posted to 54 Squadron, he scored 2 victories in 1917 flying the Sopwith Pup. The following year, he scored three more victories flying the Sopwith Camel before being injured in a crash on 28 January 1918. Missing in action on 8 August 1918, Gonne was last seen flying his Camel (D6575) near Brie.

2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Michael Edward Gonne, R. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He is a daring and skilful leader of patrols, and has led his flight throughout a large amount of fighting, often against superior numbers, far over the enemy's lines. He has destroyed five enemy machines.

Captain Tunstill's Men: Billets at Cereda and Grumo.

The Battalion was engaged in training and on the rifle range.

A Brigade Musketry Meeting was held on the range at Madonetta near Cornedo Vicentino. Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 5th August) and Maj. James Christopher Bull MC (see 5th August), in temporary command of 8Yorks, were on the organising committee for the event; Maj. Bull was also in charge of the firing points, with Maj. Herbert St. John Carr West (see 5th August) assigned as ‘officer in charge of butt duties’ and Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 5th August) ‘officer in charge of targets’. There were to be a variety of competitions fired on the 200 yard range, with a morning session from 7.30am to 10am and an evening session from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Medals were to be awarded in all classes and in the officer’s revolver completion there was a first prize of a silver cigarette case. There was also a Battalion prize based upon the outcome of various of the events. Unfortunately the results of the competitions are unknown.

Pte. John Richard Newell (see 15th June) died at 39th Casualty Clearing Station; his cause of death was given as ‘influenza’. He would be buried at Montecchio Precalino Communal Cemetery Extension, north of Dueville.

L.Cpl. Victor Munnery (see 2nd April) was admitted via 71st Field Ambulance to 9th Casualty Clearing Station; he was suffering from diarrohea.

Pte. John George Inshaw (see 19th April), serving at the Trench Mortar School at Arquata Scrivia, departed on seven days’ leave to Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda.

L.Cpl. Dennis Waller (see 27th July), serving in France with 2DWR, was severely wounded during an attack on the German lines, suffering a bullet wound to his left thigh resulting in a compound fracture of the femur. He was evacuated to 54th Casualty Clearing Station where, at 1am following morning, a major operation was carried out: “morphine and atrophine; gas and oxygen anaesthesia; through and through bullet wound left thigh; compound fracture femur; great tension; ruptured femoral vessels; radical drainage; femoral vessels ligated; track excised; gauze pack; Thomas splint”. L.Cpl. Waller’s actions would earn him a recommendation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal; “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He set a splendid example of courage and determination under heavy fire. By getting round with two sections in rear of the enemy and clearing him out he enabled a village to be occupied. Whilst consolidating he was wounded by a sniper, but refused to be moved for fear of drawing fire on the position”. He had at some point (details unknown) already been recommended for the award of the Military Medal.

Pte. Willie Kershaw (see 3rd July 1917), serving with 3DWR, who had been posted back to England in March 1917, was attached to 497th Company, Labour Corps.

Pte. Michael Henry Rourke (see 13th June 1917), who had been wounded in June 1917, appeared before an Army Medical Board which recommended that he be discharged from the Army due to his wounds

Armistice Countdown 96 days

and rest... lol

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Thanks for another very big issue Chris, and I have just finished watching the memorial service at Amiens Cathedral.

I just noticed that we have hit the 3500 posts!

Rob.