4th June 1916
Western Front
Battle of Verdun: French forces charge toward Fort Vaux but are fought off by the Germans. Inside the fort, Germans use flamethrowers in an attempt to dislodge the French within. It fails. At night, 300 French soldiers make it out of the fort, but most of them will be killed or captured.
Eastern Front
Great Russian offensive from Pripet (Poland) to Romanian frontier, under General Brusilov; 13,000 prisoners reported.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres
Sheriff of Mecca starts revolt against Turks.
Southern Front
British and French troops occupying Salonica [Thessalonica], Greece take over government offices and impose martial law.
Political, etc.
London: Lord Kitchener leaves by train for Thurso, Scotland, where he will board ship for his top-secret journey to Archangel, Russia.
National War Savings Committee urges wealthy Britons to be thriftier, particularly on things like motor cars and petrol.
Ship Losses:
HMT Klondyke (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.