100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

May 1:

Air War: The precise date is unavailable, but it is around this time that Idflieg asks all the major aircraft manufacturers to look at the captured Morane of Roland Garros and see if they can copy his deflector plate system for shooting through his propeller. Several will try, but the initial success will come from the Fokker corporation. The M5K monoplane, itself an unlicensed version of Morane's model 'H', will be fitted with the world's first working synchronizer and put into service the following month.

Louis Strange doesn't give the exact date in his autobiography, but sometime right around the end of April and first of May he scores his second victory, which is unconfirmed.

It was out of the question to think of trying to mount Lewis guns on our B.E.2c's, and as the German anti-aircraft guns had grown more numerous while many German pilots became more daring when their aeroplanes were equipped with machine guns, we did not often fly without excitement of some sort or other. Many duels were fought in the air above Houthulst Forest, Menin, and Hollebecke, usually without any definite results, but one day Lieut. Awcock and I managed to account for an Aviatik which had attacked us six times.

It was getting late in the evening when we fought this Hun machine, and the setting sun sent out dazzling rays. After a certain amount of maneuvering I managed to get our machine between the sun and the enemy, meaning to have a shot at him when he came close enough. My patience was rewarded, for I was able to pounce on him when he had the sun in his eyes, and I do not think he saw me at all, for he let me fly under him at so close a distance that it was impossible to miss. Awcock only needed to fire one shot from the old, stripped rifle, and when we got clear we saw the Aviatik roll over and shoot down out of the sky in a vertical spin. We watched it until it disappeared in the hazy dusk over Houthulst Forest. We followed our vanquished foeman down, but failed to discover the wreckage of his machine ; in all probability it crashed in the wood itself, which at that time was a veritable armed camp. It was unhealthy for us to drop low, and so we were never able to get confirmation of this lucky hit.

During this same period Strange is wounded by anti-aircraft fire:

Not long afterwards the gunner of a German Archie did his best to avenge our victory over his fellow-countryman, for a spent piece of one of his shells hit me in the leg. It made a nasty wound, which was not very deep, and so I did not report it when I got back to the aerodrome, but merely dosed it with iodine and bandaged it myself. My leg was stiff for some days afterwards, but otherwise I was none the worse for this amateur doctoring and achieved my main object, which was to avoid being sent back to the base for treatment and then posted to some other squadron when discharged. I was greatly attached to No. 6 Squadron and would have done anything to avoid a transfer.

I greatly missed the Lewis gun of my old Avro in No. 5 Squadron, but after dint of much pleading I was given a scout machine like Hawker's.

The Martinsyde S.1 scout is the preferred single-seat fighter of the RFC at this time, and is fitted with a Lewis gun mounted to the top wing.



New York: RMS Lusitania departs for Liverpool. On April 22 the German embassy had issued a warning that British ships would be attacked and anyone travelling on them did so at their own risk. Despite this the ship carries many American passengers. This notice was placed alongside the advertisement for Lusitania's sailing, published on the same day, May 1.





Atlantic Ocean: In the Western Approaches Erich von Rosenberg-Grusczyski in U-30 sinks two ships: SS Edale, 3,110 tons, bound from Rosario to Manchester with a load of wheat and linseed, and the French steamer SS Europe, heading from Barry to St. Nazaire with a load of coal. He also damages the American tanker SS Gulflight. His score is now 8 ships and 18,165 tons.

Walter Forstman, commanding U-39, sinks the Norwegian freighter SS Balduin, 1,059 tons, heading from Drammen to London with a cargo of lumber and wood pulp. He then stops and sinks the Swedish sailing vessel Elsa, 120 tons, travelling from Halmstad to Granton with a load of mine props.

Erich Haeker in UB-6 also scores his first sinking when he torpedoes the destroyer HMS Recruit.



German East Africa: At 0415 HMS Chatham sights the Moresby Point lighthouse at Mafia Island. At 0650 she anchors off Niororo Island. At 0830 she begins coaling from SS Cento.

HMS Hyacinth departs Niororo for Zanzibar. HMS Weymouth accompanies her on the trip.

HMS Kinfauns Castle departs Niororo for North Fanjove Island for Durban.
HMS Laconia anchors off Niororo Island, and notes Kinfauns Castle's departure.



Saudi Arabia: Suleiman Pasha, Sheik of Al Wajh, takes a liking to Hellmuth von Mücke and helps him collect the camels necessary for the next stage of their journey. Suleiman also tells von Mücke that he will personally conduct their caravan through his territory.

[Jimbuna]

2nd May 1915

Western Front

Second Battle of Ypres: German attack repulsed near St. Julien.

German forces launch a series of gas attacks on British positions at Hill 60 in Flanders but are unable to advance.

Eastern Front

Austro-Germans take Gorlitse and Ciezkowica and cross the Biala (Galicia).

Russians take Mt. Makovoka (near Styrj), but lose it again.

Southern Front

Dardanelles: Turkish attack and Franco-British counter-attack; British fail at Gaba Tepe.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Gallipoli Campaign
Albion, battleship, Canopus-class, 14,300t, 4-12in/12-6in, just returned from repairing damage sustained on 28 April, providing gunfire support with Agamemnon, Goliath, Prince George and Vengeance off southern beachheads, operating on French right. Hit badly by Turkish gunfire from Asiatic shore in evening, retired to Mudros again to make good the damage; one man DOW on this date, not known if he was wounded at this time. Next day Prince George, Majestic-class, c16,000t, 4-12in/12-6in, was holed on the waterline by a 6in shell from the Asiatic batteries, had to leave for Mudros, and then for Malta to dock.

Battle off Noordhinder Bank results in a British victory; 1 British naval trawler is sunk vs 2 German torpedo boats sunk.

Russian Black Sea fleet shells the forts on the Bosporus.

Union forces occupy the Otjimingwe (German south-west Africa).

Political, etc.

Turkish Minister of War sends British and French subjects into the danger zone at Gallipoli.

Clara Immerwahr, first woman to get a doctorate in chemistry in Germany, commits suicide. It is speculated that she was troubled by her husband Fritz Haber’s work on chemical weapons.



Berlin lifts the restriction on the use of oxen for transport in the city, as many horses have been requisitioned for military use.

Ship Losses:

America ( Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 200 nautical miles (370 km) off Bergen, Nordland (57°20′N 1°09′W) by SM U-41 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her 39 crew were rescued by Sterling ( Norway).
Cruiser ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) south east of Aberdeen by SM U-41 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her eleven crew. The survivors were rescued by T. W. Stewart ( United Kingdom).
Ellida ( Sweden): The cargo ship was reported to have been torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea by a German submarine but probably hit a mine. All eighteen people on board were rescued by Jeno ( Denmark).
Martaban ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 22 nautical miles (41 km) east of Aberdeen by SM U-41 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Mercury ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) east by north of Girdleness, Aberdeenshire by SM U-41 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
St. George ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 65 nautical miles (120 km) east of Aberdeen by SM U-41 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived but were taken as prisoners of war.
St. Louis No.1 ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) east by north of the Isle of May, Fife by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Sunray ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 56 nautical miles (104 km) north by east of the Longstone Lighthouse by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

May 2:

North Sea: Walter Forstmann, in U-39, sinks the trawlers St. Louis No. 1, 211 tons, and Sunray, 165 tons, bringing his score to 4 ships and 1,555 tons.

Claus Hansen, commanding U-41, sinks the Norwegian steamer SS America, 3,706 tons, sailing from Boston to Bergen with a general cargo. Hansen then attacks a British fishing fleet, sinking four trawlers - Cruiser, 146 tons, Mataban, 148 tons, Mercury, 222 tons, and St. George, 215 tons.



Mediterranean Sea: Collier SS Kendal Castle is sent ahead of the monitors' convoy to make arrangements for coaling at Port Said. Her crew are under restriction: no shore leave and no one from outside to be allowed on board.



German East Africa: HMS Chatham moves to Niororo Island and takes on more coal from SS Cento. Later Chatham moves to Koma Island.

HMS Hyacinth and Weymouth arrive at Zanzibar.

HMS Kinfauns Castle departs Fanjove Point for Durban.

HMS Laconia moves from Niororo Island to Mafia Island and back again.



Saudi Arabia: Escorted by Suleiman Pasha and a contingent of his guard, Hellmuth von Mücke's party of German sailors set out on camelback for Al Ula, roughly 150 miles away.

[Jimbuna]

3rd May 1915

Western Front

Second Battle of Ypres: Withdrawal to new British line completed.

Germans again driven back.

Eastern Front

Germans continue to advance towards Mitau (Baltic Provinces); 8,200 prisoners reported.

German and Austro-Hungarian troops push back Russian forces in Galicia, capturing over 8000 prisoners.

Southern Front

Dardanelles: Turks unsuccessfully attack the French lines at Gallipoli.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Submarine E14 sinks a Turkish gunboat in the Sea of Marmora.

Swedish steamer Roxane was taken as a prize by U 41 (Claus Hansen) off Aberdeen and conducted to List (Sylt). Vessel later released.

Political, etc.

Italy denounces the Triple Alliance.

Advertisement in American papers states that ships flying the British flag are liable to destruction in the war zone.

Due to friction between the American Relief Commission & German authorities in Belgium, over 200 barges of food are laid up at Rotterdam.

Japanese Cabinet and War Council meets to consider using military force to force China to accept the 21 Demands.

The Gishun Maru becomes the first Japanese merchantman to enter New York Harbour.

Major John McCrae begins writing the poem “In Flanders Fields”

IN Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Ship Losses:

Bob White ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 125 nautical miles (232 km) east of Spurn Point, Yorkshire by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by the trawler Leonardo ( United Kingdom).
Coquet ( United Kingdom): The trawler was captured and scuttled in the North Sea 160 nautical miles (300 km) east north east of Spurn Point by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her nine crew were rescued by the trawler Etruscan ( United Kingdom).
Hector ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 160 nautical miles (300 km) east north east of Spurn Point by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her nine crew were rescued by the trawler Etruscan ( United Kingdom).
Hero ( United Kingdom): The trawler was captured and scuttled in the North Sea 150 nautical miles (280 km) east north east of Hornsea, Yorkshire by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by the trawler Leonardo ( United Kingdom).
Iolanthe ( United Kingdom): The trawler was captured and scuttled in the North Sea 140 nautical miles (260 km) east north east of Hornsea by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by the trawler Leonardo ( United Kingdom).
Minterne ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 50 nautical miles (93 km) south west of the Wolf Rock by SM U-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two or her 25 crew. The survivors were rescued by two fishing vessels.
Northward Ho ( United Kingdom): The trawler was captured and scuttled in the North Sea 125 nautical miles (232 km) east north east of Hornsea by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by the trawler Leonardo ( United Kingdom).
Oscar ( Norway): The sailing vessel was sunk in the North Sea south west of Lindesnen, Vest-Agder (56°55′N 4°20′E) by SM U-41 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by the trawler Leonardo ( United Kingdom).
Progress ( United Kingdom): The trawler was captured and scuttled in the North Sea 155 nautical miles (287 km) east north east of Spurn Point by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her eleven crew were rescued by the trawler Etruscan ( United Kingdom).
Scottish Queen ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) east south east of Aberdeen by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Uxbridge ( United Kingdom): The trawler caught a mine in her nets and was sunk when it exploded. All nine crew were rescued by another trawler.

[Sailor Steve]

May 3:

North Sea: U-9 was the submarine used by Otto Weddigen to sink the armoured cruisers Aboukir, Cressy and Hogue. Johannes Spieß is now commanding U-9, and his first encounter is with a British fishing fleet. Spieß captures and scuttles seven trawlers: Bob White, 191 tons, Coquet, 176 tons, Hector, 179 tons, Hero, 173 tons, Iolanthe, 179 tons, Northward Ho, 180 tons, and Progress, 273 tons. His initial tally is 7 ships for 1,351 tons.

Erich von Rosenberg-Grusczyski, commanding U-30, sinks SS Minterne, 3018 tons, tavelling from Cardiff to Buenos Aires with a cargo of coal. His score is now 9 ships and 21,183 tons.

Walter Forstman in U-39 captures and scuttles the trawler Scottish Queen, 125 tons, bringing his score to 5 ships and 1,680 tons.

Claus Hansen in U-41 scuttles the Trawler Oscar, 107 tons, and takes the trawler Roxane as a prize. Roxane is later released. Hansen's total is now 6 ships and 4,562 tons.



Mediterranean Sea: The tugs Blackcock and Revenger catch up to the monitors' convoy, and Southampton returns to Malta. That evening the convoy arrives at Port Said. After several hours taking on coal and water the convoy enters the Suez Canal.



German East Africa: HMS Chatham has taken Weymouth's place watching the Rufiji Delta.

HMS Hyacinth is still at Zanzibar, the crew employed in painting the ship.

HMS Kinfauns Castle is en route to Durban.

HMS Laconia spends the day coaling and taking on stores for the seaplanes.

HMS Weymouth is also still at Zanzibar.



Saudi Arabia: Hellmuth von Mücke's caravan spends its first day crossing the desert.

[Jimbuna]

4th May 1915

Western Front

Second Battle of Ypres: French advance between Lizerne and Het Sas; Germans capture Zonnebeke, Wetshoek and Zevenkote.

Battle of St. Julien comes to a close as British forces withdraw towards new defensive lines closer to Ypres.

Eastern Front

Severe fighting in Galicia: Russians stand on the Visloka River. Austro-Hungarian and German troops continue their advance in Galicia and claim they have captured 30,000 Russian soldiers.

Southern Front

Dardanelles: British failure at Gaba Tepe.

Naval

The US Navy launches the USS Tucker, the lead ship of the Tucker-class destroyer.


Political, etc.

David Lloyd George states that if the war continues for another 6 months, it would cost £2.1 million (£150 million today) per day.

Irish Parliamentary Party protest the proposed taxation of spirits and beers, as it would disproportionately hurt Ireland’s industries.

Italy denounces the Triple Alliance.

Japanese Legation in Peking advises its citizens to leave the city; 100,000 Chinese troops prepare to defend the capital.

Ship Losses:

Elsa ( Sweden): The schooner was sunk in the North Sea south east of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her five crew were rescued by Sernebo ( Sweden).
Rugby ( United Kingdom): The trawler was captured and scuttled in the North Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) east north east of the Spurn Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Vanadis ( Sweden): The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Baltic Sea by SMS Silvana ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

May 4:

North Sea: Johannes Spieß, commanding U-9, stops the trawler Rugby, 205 tons, allows the crew to abandon ship, then torpedoes her. This brings his score to 8 ships and 1,556 tons.

Walter Forstmann in U-39 sinks the Swedish sailing vessel Elsa, 329 tons, bound from Hälsingborg to Granton with a load of timber. His score is now 6 ships and 2,009 tons.



Saudi Arabia: Hellmuth von Mücke's caravan reaches the foot of the Hijaz mountain range. He notes that the wells in the mountains are much cleaner and better maintained than those in the desert. Suleiman Pasha informs the Germans that there is running water near the ridge they will cross on the way to Al Ula. The Arabs are surprised to see the Germans, due to their earlier experiences, dig trenches and throw up makeshift fortifications when they make the night's camp.

[Jimbuna]

5th May 1915

Western Front

Second Battle of Ypres: Germans gain a foothold on Hill 60.

Eastern Front

Germans bombard Grodno; are checked south of Mitau.

Russian troops begin retreating from the Carpathian passes, as the recent Austro-Hungarian & German advance threatens to cut them off.

Southern Front

Allied troops at Gallipoli, with the support of naval gunfire, fight back several counterattacks by Ottoman troops.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turks reported severely beaten by Russians in Armenia.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Cunard Line announces it will resume service for the Mauretania on the New York to Liverpool line as the route is deemed safe.

Japanese warships enter Liaodong Bay to add further pressure on the Chinese government.

Union forces occupy Karibib (German south-west Africa).

General Botha reports that retreating German troops in Southwest Africa have poisoned wells with arsenical cattle wash.

Political etc.

Premier Asquith states Britain will avenge all German crimes & is keeping record of all grievances so that proper punishment may be given.

Ship Losses:

Cathay ( Denmark): The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea either after striking a mine. All 43 people on board survived.
Earl of Lathom ( United Kingdom): The three-masted schooner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) south west of Kinsale, County Cork by SM U-20 ( Kaiserliche Marine).[30][38] Her five crew were rescued by a drifter.
Sceptre ( United Kingdom): The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) south east by south of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Straton ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) east of Hartlepool, County Durham by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by the trawler Loch Katrine ( United Kingdom).

French soldiers pose behind an unexploded German shell, "weighing 900 kg and containing 300 kg worth of explosives"

[Sailor Steve]

May 5:

Atlantic Ocean: Walther Schwieger in U-20 sinks the 132-ton sailing vessel Earl of Lathom, bound from Connah's Quay to Limerick. This gives hims a total of 6 ships and 20,646 tons.



North Sea: Johannes Spieß, in U-9, stops and sinks the trawler Straton, 198 tons. His score is now 9 ships and 1,754 tons.

Walter Forstmann in U-39 sinks the fishing vessel Sceptre, 166 tons. He now has 7 ships and 2,175 tons.



Suez Canal: As the monitors' convoy proceeds southward, the tug Sarah Joliffe is fired upon by Turkish troops. Her armoured deckhouse prevents any harm.



German East Africa: HMS Laconia moves from Niororo to Mafia Island. At 1330 hours Short Folder No. 119, flown by Lt. Watkins, departs on a flight to reconoiter SMS Königsberg.Though Watkins stays at what should be a safe distance, a lucky hit by an anti-arcraft gun destroys the Short's rudder.
1615 HMS Chatham recalls her libertymen ashor.
1619 Lt. Cull takes No. 122 aloft to look for the missing plane.
1630 A motorboat is sent to search.
1640 HMS Chatham weighs anchor and proceeds at 19 knots to help search for the missing plane.
Unknown time: Apparently Short 122 suffers some kind of failure, because 119 is left as a wreck and 122 is towed home.
1736 Lookouts aboard Chatham spot the missing plane.
1818 HMS Fly picks up both pilots and takes No. 122 in tow.
1945 HMS Laconia is informed of the position of the wrecked seaplane.
2020 The motorboat returns.



Saudi Arabia: As von Mücke's party passes the top of the mountains, he notes that the promised stream is not deep enough for bathing. "In fact, the water in the tiny rivulet that we saw did move, but any one of us could easily have stopped its flow for some time, by stepping into it with both feet."

[Jimbuna]

6th May 1915

Western Front

Second Battle of Ypres: British recover some trenches on Hill 60.

Eastern Front

Austria-Hungarian troops recaptures Tarnow (Galicia) and drive the Russians back across Wisloka River.

Southern Front

Dardanelles: 2nd Battle of Krithia begins as Allied troops again attempt taking the village, but is unable to advance more than a few hundred meters.
Sub-Lt Arthur Walderne St Clair Tisdall RNVR (Anson Battalion, RN Division) killed ashore on 6th, awarded Victoria Cross for gallantry.

Naval and Overseas Operations

North Sea
Two sorties towards the German coast were thwarted by dense fog and resultant collisions involving three destroyers:

Comet and Nemesis, H-class, 970t, 2nd DF Grand Fleet, two of eight destroyers escorting minelayer Orvieto from Scapa into Heligoland Bight. In collision, Nemesis "seriously damaged"; no casualties.

Lennox, L-class, c1,300t, 3rd DF, with Harwich Force of light cruisers and destroyers escorting seaplane carriers for attempted raid, fog so thick twice had to anchor. Lennox rammed by one of the carriers and Force recalled; no casualties.

Western Mediterranean
TB.92, torpedo boat, Thornycroft 140ft-type, 130t, 1894, 3-3pdr/3-14in tt, Gibraltar Patrol, with one or more TB's watching area to east of Gibraltar for expected U-boats entering the Mediterranean, sighted submarine. Torpedo fired at TB.92, 40 miles W of Alboran island, submarine dived and two attempts made to ram. Believed to be U.21 which left the Ems on 25 April, reaching Cattaro on 13 May.

Political etc.

Mr. Harcourt makes a statement as to poisoning of wells by Germans in south-west Africa.

Ship Losses:

Candidate ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 13 nautical miles (24 km) south by east of the Coningbeg Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-20 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Centurion ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 120 nautical miles (220 km) south of the Coningbeg Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-20 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Don ( United Kingdom): The trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) east by south of Spurn Point, Yorkshire with the loss of seven of her crew.
Merrie Islington ( United Kingdom): The trawler was captured and scuttled in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) north north east of Whitby, Yorkshire by SM U-9 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her nine crew survived.
Truro ( United Kingdom): The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 85 nautical miles (157 km) east north east of St Abb's Head, Berwickshire by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine).[30][44] Her twenty crew were rescued by Tanjeu ( Norway).

[Sailor Steve]

May 6:

Irish Sea, between Ireland and Wales: Walther Schwieger in U-20 sinks two big freighters - SS Candidate, 5,858 tons, heading from Liverpool to Jamaica with a General cargo, and then SS Centurion, 5,495 tons, bound from Liverpool to South Africa, also with a general (mixed) cargo. His score is now 9 ships and 31,999 tons.



Atlantic Ocean: At 1952 hours Captain William Thomas Turner of RMS Lusitania, en route from New York to Liverpool, receives a warning from the British Admiralty: "SUBMARINES ACTIVE OFF SOUTH COAST OF IRELAND."

When passengers attending the Seamen's Charities Concert express concern, Captain Turner tells the audience that there had indeed been a submarine warning, but that "On entering the war zone tomorrow we shall be securely in the care of the Royal Navy."

At 2030 there is a second Admiralty Warning: "TO ALL BRITISH SHIPS: TAKE LIVERPOOL PILOT AT BAR AND AVOID HEADLANDS. PASS HARBOURS AT FULL SPEED. STEER MID-CHANNEL COURSE. SUBMARINES OFF FASTNET." Turner orders that Lusitania maintain 21 knots unless fog is encountered, in which case he is to be awakened immediately. He also orders the lifeboats swung out, watertight bulkheads and portholes closed, lookouts doubled and the ship blacked out.



North Sea: Johannes Spieß, commanding U-9, stops the trawler Merrie Islington, 147 tons, and scuttles her, bringing his score to 10 ships and 1,901 tons.

Walter Forstmann in U-39 sinks the small freighter SS Truro, 836 tons, headed from Christiania to Grimsby with a load of wood, giving him 8 ships for 3,011 tons.



Red Sea: The monitors' convoy leaves the Suez Canal. Once in open water they begin to encounter a heavy following sea.



German East Africa: At 0635 HMS Chatham anchors above the wreck of Short 119 and sends divers down to examine the remains.

HMS Fly has spent all night towing Short 122 back to HMS Laconia. At 0735 they arrive and the seaplane is hoisted back aboard the armed merchant cruiser.



Saudi Arabia: As they descend the eastern slopes of the Hijaz Mountains Suleiman Pasha informs Hellmuth von Mücke that his territory does not quite reach Al Ula, and that the Sheik of that region is Suleiman's enemy. That Sheik is also unhappy with the Germans, as they had declined to hire his camels for the four hours they would be in his territory. Suleiman has put the word out to his people, and every few hours they are joined by another band of his followers. By the time they reach the desert again their party numbers more than four hundred men.

[Jimbuna]

7th May 1915

Eastern Front

Russians fall back to the Vistok, and retreat in the Carpathians.

Southern Front

The 2nd Battle of Krithia continues after Allied troops receive reinforcements, but they continue to face heavy Ottoman opposition.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Massacres of Christians in Ottoman Empire.

Naval and Overseas Operations

"Lusitania" torpedoed off south-west coast of Ireland; 1,198 men, women, and children drowned, including 124 U.S. citizens. (See http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...01#post2312101).

Political, etc.

Japan presents an ultimatum to China demanding agreement on 13 of the 21 Demands within 48 hours.

Sir Edward Grey sends a message to the Ottoman Government as to the placing of allied citizens in the danger zone.

Secretary of State Bryan states the US will not interfere in the current dispute between Japan & China unless US interests are threatened.

George Orson Welles is born in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Richard Head Welles and Beatrice Ives Welles.

Ship Losses:

Benington ( United Kingdom): The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 180 nautical miles (330 km) south east of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Lusitania ( United Kingdom): Sinking of the RMS Lusitania: The ocean liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea off the Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork by SM U-20 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 1,195 of the 1,959 people on board.
HMS Maori ( Royal Navy): The Tribal-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Zeebrugge, West Flanders, Belgium.

So much more should have been added to this day but seriously short of real life time.

[iambecomelife]

A little something to commemorate a great anniversary... 100 years since "Lusitania" went down.



Let me know if you have sound issues...

[ABBAFAN]

There is a discrepancy between the causality figure in the two Lusitania passages. Incidentally I attended a memorial service at the Lusitania propeller this afternoon.

[Sailor Steve]

May 7:

Irish Sea, south of Ireland:

Morning: RMS Lusitania runs into a fog bank and slows to 15 knots, occasionally sounding her foghorn. Lusitania passes Fastnet Rock. Captain Turner notes in his log that they could not see this landmark.

1100: U- 20 is running at a depth of 20 meters when her crew hear propellers passing over head. Captain Walther Schwieger brings the boat up to 10 meters and raises his periscope. Rushing away is the old protected cruiser HMS Juno, 5,600 tons. Schwieger can only watch as the warship disappears into the fog.

1125: Another Admiralty warning is recieved: "SUBMARINE ACTIVITY IN SOUTHERN PART OF IRISH CHANNEL. LAST HEARD OF TWENTY MILES SOUTH OF CONINGBEG LIGHT VESSEL. MAKE CERTAIN LUSITANIA GETS THIS." At the same time Lusitania's lookouts sight the south coast of Ireland.

By 1200 hours the fog has lifted. Turner increases the ship's speed to 18 knots and orders a straight course so they can take their bearings when land is sighted. Schwieger, meanwhile, has surfaced U-20 to enjoy the fresh air and recharge the boat's batteries.

1240: Another wireless message is recieved: "SUBMARINE FIVE MILES SOUTH OF CAPE CLEAR, PROCEEDING WEST WHEN SIGHTED AT 10:00 A.M."

1300: Galley Head is sighted. Turner notes that they are further west than previously believed. He maintains his course and speed. About this same time the liner is spotted by the crew of U-20. Schwieger orders a dive and then watches as Lusitaina's course takes her safely away from his boat.

1325: Schwieger notes in his log "Have advanced eleven metres towards the steamer in hope it wil change its course along the Irish coast."

1330: Old Head of Kinsale is sighted by Lusitania's lookouts. Admiralty instructions are to maintain full speed when passing ports. Captain Turner decides that if he does this he will arrive at Liverpool before high tide, which will mean remaining outside the harbour for several hours, practically inviting an attack. Turner is also surprised that they have not been met by an escort vessel, which has been standard practice.

1335: Lusitania changes course to 87 degrees east. Schwieger notes in U-20's log "2.35 pm* Steamer turns, takes direction to Queenstown, and thereby makes it possible for us to approach for a shot. We proceed at high speed in order to reach correct firing position."

1410: U-20's log notes "3.10 pm Torpedo shot at distance of 700 metres, going three metres below the surface." Aboard Lusitania second officer Percy Hefford tells Captain Turner that the lookouts in the crow's nest report a torpedo wake approaching. Turner doesn't have time to give an order before the torpedo hits. Hefford goes below to make sure the portholes are secure.

At the subsequent inquest Turner stated "I at once gave an order to lower the boats down to the rails and I directed that women and children should get into them. I also had the bulkheads closed. I also gave orders to stop the ship, but we found that the engines were out of commission, and so could not reverse screws. It was not safe to lower boats until speed was off the vessel. As a matter of fact there was a perceptible headway on her up to the time she went down."

Schwieger's log notes "Hit steering centre behind bridge. Unusually great detonation with large cloud of smoke and debris shot above funnels. In addition to torpedo, a second explosion must have taken place. The ship stops and very quickly leans over to starboard, at the same time sinking by the bow. It looks as though it will capsize in a short time. There is great confusion on board. Boats are cleared and many of them lowered into the water. Many boats, fully loaded, drop down into the water bow or stern first and capsize. The boats on the port side cannot be made clear because of the heavy list."

Schwieger hands the periscope over to his first officer, who almost immediately says "My God! It's the Lusitania!" Schwieger takes the periscope back to confirm this for himself.

Later, in Wilhelmshaven, Schwieger will tell a fellow captain "It was the most terrible sight I have ever seen. The ship was sinking with unbelievable rapididty and there was a terrible panic on her decks. Desperate people ran helplessly up and down while men and women jumped onto the water and tried to swim to empy overturned lifeboats. The scene was too horrible to watch and I gave orders to dive to 20 metres, and away."

1411: Captain turner gives the order to swing Lusitania toward Kinsale, hoping to beach the ship. Quartermaster Robert Johnston attempts to do so, but the ship does not respond to the helm. Turner orders the engines reversed, but again there is no change. With the list steadily increasing the bridge crew abandon ship. Turner will later testify that at the time he believed himself to be the last person on board.

1428: Lusitania sinks in just 18 minutes.

Walther Schwieger is now Germany's leading U-boat ace, with 10 ships and 62,395 tons.



North Sea: Walter Forstmann in U-39 sinks the trawler Bennington, i31 tons, bringing his score to 8 ships and 3,142 tons.



Patrolling the Rufiji Delta, HMS Chatham recoals from the collier SS Zanoni.

HMS Kinfauns Castle arrives at Durban and recoals from lighters.



Saudi Arabia: Hellmuth von Mücke's caravan is now in sight of Al Ula. Suleiman Pasha has been sending out regular patrols to watch for an ambush by his rival Sheik. As they leave the mountains word is brought that this Sheik has been involved in a fight to the north, and is no threat.

Von Mücke decides to ride ahead to the town and telegraph for a train to pick them up. Suleiman Pasha accompanies him, along with his two sons and other officials of his court. When in sight of the town von Mücke stops to look with his binoculars. The Arabs are curious and von Mucke lets them all have a look.

Around noon they arrive at Al Ula, and von Mucke is surprised to find that arrangements have already been made. A special train is waiting for them. German and Turkish officers greet them with wine from the Rhine River area. When his men arrive there are flags flying and photographers snapping pictures. To their great delight they are provided with fresh uniforms, the first since the sinking of SMS Emden two days shy of six months previously.

*Apparently U-20's clocks are set to her home time zone. All of Schieger's logs are an hour ahead of Lusitania's.

Much of the information comes from this very well-written article.
http://www.rmslusitania.info/people/deck/william-turner/
The German side of the story is from The U-Boat War: 1914-1918, by Edwyn A. Gray