100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

December 22, 1917

Air War:

1430 Scottish RFC pilot Charles Davidson, flying Bristol F.2b A7192 wotj 2md Lt A. Simmons as observer, shoots down a Germanu two-seater for victory number 4.

1630 German pilot Herbert Boy, in an Albatros D.III or D.V, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 1.

French pilot Omer Demeuldre, in a SPAD, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 5.

Three French SPAD XIII pilots share a victory over a German two-seater. Victims uncertain, but Ltn Bruno Grosse was shot down and taken prisoner this day and Ltn Adolf Gerhard was killed:
Hector Geraud, victory number 5.
Gabriel Guérin, victory number 10.
Marcel Henriot, victory number 3.

German pilot Otto Klaiber, in an unknown aircraft, is credited with a SPAD for victory number 1.

French ace Georges Madon, flying a SPAD XIII, shoots down German "Scout" for victory number 18.

French pilot Pierre Marinovitch, in a Nieuport 24, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

23rd December 1917

Western Front

Fighting at Poelcapelle, near Epehy (south-west Cambrai) and Caurieres Wood (Verdun).

Naval

The Royal Navy destroyers HMS Surprise, HMS Tornado, and HMS Torrent run into a German minefield, and all three ships are sunk, resulting in 252 deaths.

Political, etc.

The Kaiser on the Almighty as a German ally.

Moldavian Republic, including Bessarabia, proclaimed at Kishinev.

Ship Losses:

Caboto (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Gulf of Genoa 20 nautical miles (37 km)north of Polpulonia, Tuscany by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Grantley Hall (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 4 (Walter Schmitz) and sank in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east of Orfordness, Suffolk. Her crew survived.
Hilda Lea (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 24 nautical miles (44 km) south by east of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Pietro (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Puerto Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain (37°28′N 1°10′W) by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Ragna (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 16 nautical miles (30 km) north west of the Cap de La Heve Lighthouse, Seine-Maritime, France by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS Surprise (Royal Navy) The Yarrow Later M-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands.
HMS Tornado (Royal Navy) The R-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands.
HMS Torrent (Royal Navy) The R-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands.
Vellore (Norway) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 35 nautical miles (65 km) west of the Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

December 23, 1917

Air War:

1300 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
William Brown, Canada, B559, victory number 2.
Edward Pennell, England, B4886, victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

24th December 1917


Western Front

Mannheim (Rhine) heavily bombed by British airmen.

Eastern Front

German forces not sent west or to Italy being massed on southern and Romanian fronts.

Telegraph between Petrograd and south-west interrupted by Ukraine authorities.

Southern Front

Italians regain much of lost ground near the Brenta.

Enemy claims 9,000 prisoners in last two days.

Snow severe on Italian front.

French raids in Albania.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British seaplanes bomb Bruges Docks and other aerodromes.

Political, etc.

Starting today, Canada prohibits the importation of alcohol of more than 2.5%. Prohibition of liquor will follow in 1918.

Kim Jong-suk (future wife of North Korean leader Kim Il-sung and mother to Kim Jong-il) is born in the Japanese colony of Korea.

Ship Losses:

Canova (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk 15 nautical miles (28 km) south of Mine Head, Ireland by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven crew.
Daybreak (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) east of the South Rock Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-87 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 21 of her crew.
Luciston (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) west by south of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member. She was beached was declared a total loss. The wreck was dispersed in December 1923.
HMS Penshurst (Royal Navy) The Q-ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel (51°38′N 5°48′W) by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two crew.
Turnbridge (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 34 nautical miles (63 km) north east by north of Cape Ivi, Algeria (36°37′N 0°24′E) by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.

Weihnachten im Unterstand | Christmas in Shelter. 24 December 1917

[Sailor Steve]

December 24, 1917

Air War:

German ace Otto Rosenfeld, flying with Jasta 41 in the Alsace district, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 7.

[Jimbuna]

25th December 1917

Southern Front

Heavy fighting continues on Asiago plateau for passage of Brenta river.

Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: British pursue Germans 40 miles south of River Rovuma; latter broken up.

German submarine SM U-87, credited with sinking 22 ships during its career, is sunk with all 44 crew when it is rammed by the HMS Buttercup in the Irish Sea.

Political, etc.

Count Czernin replies to Russian peace proposals of 22 December.

Ukrainian People’s Republic of Soviets is proclaimed in Bolshevik-occupied Kharkiv. Most of Ukraine is controlled by the anti-Bolshevik Rada.

Ship Losses:

Agberi (United Kingdom) The Elder Dempster 3,463 grt ocean liner was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 18 nautical miles (33 km) north west of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire by SM U-87 ( Kaiserliche Marine) en route from Dakar to Liverpool. There were no casualties.
Ajax (Denmark) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay off Audiere, Finistère (47°53′N 4°32′W) by SM U-104 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven crew.
Argo (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 18 nautical miles (33 km) north west of Cape Ténès, Algeria (36°42′N 1°01′E) by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Cliftondale (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 36 nautical miles (67 km) east by north of Cape Ténès by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Espagne (Belgium) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel off St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (50°26′N 1°29′W) by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 21 crew.
Hekla (Denmark) The coaster struck a mine laid by UC 53 (Kurt Albrecht) and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south west of Cape Palinuro, Italy (39°50′N 15°42′E) with the loss of thirteen of her crew.
Nordpol (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Cape Cherchell, Algeria (37°02′N 2°02′E) by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Sant' Antonio (Italy) The barque was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Algeria by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
SM U-87 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 87 submarine was rammed in the Irish Sea by HMS Buttercup and was then depth charged and sunk by the patrol craft PC-56 (both Royal Navy) with the loss of all 44 crew.
Umballa (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Policastro 8 nautical miles (15 km) south of Cape Scala, Italy (39°46′N 15°39′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

December 25, 1917


Air War:

No aerial activity this day.

[Jimbuna]

26th December 1917

Western Front

Hostile artillery activity near Vimy and east of Ypres.

Germans repulsed in Caurieres Wood (Verdun).

Southern Front

Big aerial fight 18 miles north of Venice.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Palestine: Sharp fighting during night; British picquets attacked.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Admiral Sir R. Wemyss appointed First Sea Lord vice Sir John Jellicoe (peerage conferred on latter).

Political, etc.

U.S.A. Shipping Board promises five million tons in 1918.

Mr. McAdoo appointed Director of Railways.

Ship Losses:

Benito (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) south of Dodman Point, Cornwall (50°04′N 4°45′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Lydia (Portugal) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Faial Island, Azores (37°50′N 28°40′W) by SM U-157 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Skaala (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) west of Prawle Point, Devon, United Kingdom (50°11′N 3°50′W) by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Tregenna (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) south of Dodman Point (50°04′N 4°45′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

December 26, 1917

Air War:

0900 Italian ace Silvio Scaroni, flying an Hanriot HD.I, shoots down an "Ememy Aircraft" for victory number 7.

0920 Five Allied pilots from different services share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Lt O.W. Frayne, nationality unknown, Sopwith Camel B6345, victory number unknown.
Arthur Gordon Jarvis, England, Sopwith Camel B2303, victory number 1.
2nd Lt P.G. Mulholland, nationality unknown, Sopwith Camel B5183, victory number unknown.
Antonio Riva, Italy, Hanriot HD.I, victory number 2.
Silvio Scaroni, Italy, Hanriot HD.I, victory number 8.

1235 Another inther-service teamup brings down an AEG G.IV bomber:
James Mitchell, England, Sopwith Camel B6344, victory number 6.
Silvio Scaroni, Italy, Hanriot HD.I, victory number 9.

1520 English RFC ace Frank Quigley, flying Sopwith Camel B2447, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 8.

Italian pilot Antonio Chiri, in an Hanriot HD.I, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 3.

Italian pilot Mario Fucini, in an Hanriot HD.I, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 2.

Antonio Riva scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a DFW C.V for victory number 3.

[Jimbuna]

27th December 1917

Western Front

German attacks around the Verdun are repulsed by French defenders, although 100 French prisoners are taken.

Eastern Front

Bolsheviks try to get Ukraine to fight Cossacks.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turko-Germans attempt to recapture Jerusalem.

Political, etc.

Sir F.E. Smith emphasises British solidarity in New York.

Ship Lossers:

Adela (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) north west of The Skerries, Isle of Anglesey by SM U-100 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 24 of her crew.
P.L.M. 4 (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 28 nautical miles (52 km) north east of Barfleu, Seine-Maritime by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

December 27, 1917

Air War:

1050 Three RFC Sopwith Camel pilots share avictory over an Albatros two-seater:
Frank Hobson, England, B6251, victory number 8.
Kenneth Seth-Smith, England, B2438, victory number 3.
Frank Quigley, Camada, B2447, victory number 9.

[Jimbuna]

28th December 1917

Western Front

Much activity on both sides north of St. Quentin.

Southern Front

Enemy bridges at Zenson bend (lower Piave) destroyed.

Padua bombed, 13 killed, 60 injured.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Enemy driven back north of Jerusalem; Ramah and Bertunia captured.

Political, etc.

Labour memo on War Aims accepted in special Conference.

French war aims outlined by Foreign Minister.

Ship Losses:

Alfred H. Read (United Kingdom) The pilot vessel struck a mine laid by UC 75 (Johannes Lohs) and sank in the River Mersey with the loss of 39 lives.
Chirripo (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by
UC 75 (Johannes Lohs) and sank in Belfast Lough. Her crew survived.
Clara (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel (50°11′N 5°36′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Dauno (Italy) The coaster was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of Benghazi, Libya by SM UC-73 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Fallodon (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) south south east of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight (50°26′N 1°06′W) by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Lord Derby (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south west by south of St. Anns Head by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Magellan (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 166 nautical miles (307 km) north west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (43°10′N 13°32′W) by SM U-43 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Maxton (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 28 nautical miles (52 km) north of Malin Head, County Donegal by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
HMT Piscatorial II (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 71 (Ernst Steindorff) and sank in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south west of Brighton, East Sussex with the loss of all ten of her crew.
Robert Eggleton (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south west of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Santa Amalia (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) north north east of Malin Head by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 43 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

December 28, 1917

Air War:

1100 Canadian RFC pilot George Robert Howsam, flying Sopwith Camel B2311, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 1.

1115 Two RFC Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Godfrey Bremridge, England, B5597, victory number 2.
Lt C.B. Matthews, nationality unknown, B2487, victory number unknown.

1120 Irish RFC pilot George Edward henry McElroy, in SE.5a B598, shoots down an LVG two-seater for victory number 1.

1330 German ace Emil Thuy, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 17.

1600 Scottish RFC pilot Charles Davidson and observer Frederick Knowles, in Bristol F.2b A7192, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 5 for both.

1200 English RFC pilot Harry Noel Cornforth Robinson, flying Sopwith Camel B2429, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

German pilot Max Brandenburg (0 victories), in Pfalz D.III 4020/17, is shot down by ground fire and taken prisoner.

French pilot Sgt Georges Burlaton and observer S/Lt Debrus, in Bréguet 14 1168, become lost, land in German territory and are taken prisoner.

German pilot Wilhelm Mattheus of Marine Feld Jasta I (2 victories), is wounded in action and later dies from his wounds.

German ace Karl Meyer of the SeeFrontStaffel is injured in a flying accident and dies on the 31st.

[Jimbuna]

29th December 1917

Western Front

Local German attacks south of St. Quentin and near Ypres-Staden railway.

Southern Front

Padua again bombed, three killed, three injured.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Further British advance north of Jerusalem.

Naval and Overseas Operations

German Naval Mission under Admiral Kaiserling arrives at Petrograd.

Political, etc.

First batch of British prisoners arrives in Holland for internment.

French Chamber of Deputies adopts a resolution prohibiting the manufacture of gin.

Efforts of U.S.A. Shipping Board bent on steel ships.

US Generals slam the War Department for the shortage of arms, as soldiers are training without guns.

Finnish Republic asks for recognition.

Bolsheviks seize all banks.

Ship Lossers:

Ennismore (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) south east of Buchan Ness, Aberdeenshire (57°17′N 1°25′W) by SM UC-58 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten of her crew.
Patria (Russia) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) off Hartlepool, County Durham, United Kingdom by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Peregrine (United Kingdom) The passenger ship ran aground in the North Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) off Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. All 88 people on board were rescued by the Walton Lifeboat.
HMT Sapper (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 71 (Ernst Steindorff) and sank in the English Channel off the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) (50°37′N 0°41′W) with the loss of all nineteen crew.
Tiro (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 7 nautical miles (13 km) north west by west of The Lizard, Cornwall, United Kingdom (49°56′N 5°23′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

December 29, 1917

Air War:

0830 Scottish RFC ace Charles Davidson, flying Bristol F.2b A7202 with 2nd Lt A. Simmons as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 6. This is Davidson's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and remain in the RAF. He will die in the crash of a home-built aircraft in 1936.

1010 English RFC ace John Candy, in SPAD VII B1660, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6. This is Candy's last aerial victory. He will retire from the RAF in 1937 but be recalled in 1939 and serve throughout World War Two, retiring for goond in 1946. John Geoffrey Sadler Candy will live until 1955.

1020 Canadian RFC pilot John De Pencier, in SPAD VII B1581, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1120 German ace Karl Menckhoff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down SPAD VII B6780 for victory number 18. 2nd Lt H.E. Galer is taken prisoner.

German pilot Ltn Golz (first name unknown, flying for Jasta 13, shoots down a Caudron for his only victory. No further details.

French pilot Gustave Naudin, flying a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 2.

German ace Otto Rosenfeld, flying for Jasta 41, shoots down a French observation balloon for victory number 8. Sgt Pierre Prieur parachutes safely. Rosenfeld is also shot down by ground fire and taken prisoner.