100 Years Ago Today

[Jimbuna]

30th December 1917

Western Front

South of Marcoing (Cambrai) British regain portions of Welsh Ridge.

Southern Front

French storm Austrian trenches east of M. Grappa.

Padua again bombed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British continue advance north; take Bethel, etc.

Naval and Overseas Operations

H.M.S. "Aragon" torpedoed in Mediterranean.

Political, etc.

Tuskegee Institute releases report that 38 African Americans were lynched in the United States this year.

Cold weather and a coal shortages cause two riots in break out in New York City.

Ship Losses:

Aragon (United Kingdom) The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria, Egypt (31°18′N 29°48′E) by SM UC-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 610 lives.
HMS Attack (Royal Navy) The Acheron-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria (31°18′N 29°49′E) by SM UC-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) whilst rescuing survivors from Aragon ( United Kingdom). Ten of her 70 crew were killed.
Hercules (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east north east of Whitby, Yorkshire (54°32′N 0°39′W) by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twelve of her crew.
Joachim Mumbru (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Madeira, Portugal (31°17′N 17°20′W) by SM U-156 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Zone (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) off St. Ives, Cornwall (50°16′N 5°29′W) by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

December 30, 1917

Air War:

1500 Canadian RFC pilot Clifford MacKay McEwen, flying Sopwith Camel B2461 on the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1515 German pilot Ludwig Gaim, in an Albatros D.III on the Italian Front, shoots down a SPAD ffor victory number 5. Gaim is also wounded in this fight, and this is his last aerial victory. He will survive the war and serve in World War Two. Ludwig Gaim will be promoted to SS-Standartenführer on November 9, 1943. The date of his death is unrecorded, only that it occurred after his last promotion.

1555 German pilot Karl Bohnenkamp, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 3.

German pilot Eduard Hannemann, in an Albatros D.III on the Italian Front, shoots down a Caproni bomber for victory number 2.

German pilot Ernst von Stenglin, in an Albatros D.III on the Italian Front, shoots down a Caproni bomber and an unknown enemy for victories number 4 and 5. One source says these were a Camel and a SPAD, but also notes that he only filed one claim that day. It is also said that it is not known whether these kills are confirmed or not. He may have only had two victories total, and these would not be among them.

German pilot Alwin Thurm, flying Albatros D.III 4879/17 on the Italian Front, destroys an observation Balloon for victory number 5.

[Jimbuna]

31st December 1917

Western Front

Renewed German attacks on Welsh Ridge repulsed.

Eastern Front

Civil war raging in Russia; large numbers of officers have joined General Kaledin.

Southern Front

Austrians forced to abandon bridgehead in Zenson bend.

Austrians bomb Treviso, Vicenza, Castelfranco and Bassano.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Progress reported in East Africa.

H.M.S. "Osmanieh" sunk by mine in Mediterranean.

Political, etc.

Anglo-Turkish agreement for exchange of prisoners signed at Berne.

Lord Rhondda issues model rationing scheme.

Soviet Government issues a decree recognizing the independence of Finland. Finland declared independence from Russia on December 6th.

British government announces a provisional rationing scheme to control all essential food supplies. Sugar is also restricted to half a pound a week.

U.S. Justice Department sets February 4 as the date when all German men of fighting age without US citizenship must register with the government and carry a special identification card.

Ship Losses:

USS Fli-Hawk (United States Navy) The patrol boat collided with Gratitude ( United States) at Norfolk, Virginia and sank. She was subsequently raised, repaired and returned to service.
Lily (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) west of Port Said, Egypt (32°12′N 32°08′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS Osmanieh (Royal Navy) The fleet messenger struck a mine from SM UC-34 and sank at Alexandria, Egypt with the loss of 198 lives.
Vigrid (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) north west of The Lizard, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°03′N 5°55′W) by SM U-95 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.
Westville (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west south west of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight (50°32′N 1°25′W) by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

December 31, 1917

Air War:

Idflieg bi-monthly report on German fighters operating at the front at the end of December 1917:

Albatros:
D.II----6
D.III-423
D.V---513
D.Va--186

Fokker:
Dr.I----35

Halberstadt:
CL.II-120
D.II-----2
D.III----5
D.V-----3

Hannover:
CL.II-162

LFG Roland:
D.II----2
D.IIa---6

Pfalz:
D.III--276
D.IIIa-114


0945 Two RFC Sopwith Camel pilots over the Italian front shoot down Albatros D.III 4879/17:
Raymond Brownell, Australia, B2430, victory number 6.
Henry Moody, England, B6238, victory number 5.
German 5-victoy ace Alwin Thurm, making a balloon attack, is killed.

1030 Raymond Brownell and Henry Moody claim an Albatros D.V for their second kill of the day together. Number 7 for Brownell, number 6 for Moody. There are no German records of a second Albatros loss on this day.

[Jimbuna]

1st January 1918

Western Front

German raids near Loos, Mericourt, and on other portions of front fail.

French repulse raid at Beaumont (Verdun).

Eastern Front

Reported German peace term cause consternation in Russia and denounced as annexationist.

M. Litvinov appointed Bolshevik Plenipotentiary in London.

Southern Front

Austrians bomb Bassano, Treviso and Mestre (Venice).

Successful British raid across Piave river.

Austrians driven from Zenson.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance continues north of Jerusalem.

Political, etc.

Kaiser Wilhelm in his New Year’s address: “Trusting in our righteous cause and in our strength, we face the year 1918 with firm confidence and iron will. Therefore, forward with God to fresh deeds and fresh victories!”

British government announces it will house the Air Board offices at the British Museum. This results in controversy and protests, as it would make the museum a military target.

Bolsheviks denounce the peace terms of the Central Powers due to demands that the Soviets cede former Russian territory.

Inter-allied War Purchases Committee meets in Paris.

Calcutta: All-India Moslem Association formed.

Ship Losses:

Egyptian Transport (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was damaged in the Mediterranean by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew. She was beached near Bône, Algeria. Later refloated, repaired and returned to service.
Eriksholm (Sweden) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea[2] south of Aberdeen, United Kingdom (57°10′N 1°51′W) by SM UC-58 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
E. S. Hocken (United Kingdom) The schooner was set afire and abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew were rescued.
Sandon Hall (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 22 nautical miles (41 km) north north east of Linosa, Italy (36°15′N 13°00′E) by SM U-40 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

January 1, 1918

Air War:

0940 Two RFC Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Frank Gorringe, England, B2426, victory number 6
Lt C. Smith, details unknown.

1050 Two Canadian RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
John Crompton, A8901, victory number 5. This is Crompton's last aerial victory. On March 16 he will be removed from combat by a medical review board. Further information unknown.
Frank Soden, C5332, victory number 12.

1109 German ace Ernst von Stenglin, in an Albatros D.III over the Italian Front, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6414 for victory number 6. Cpt R. Erskin dies from wounds recieved. This is von Stenglin's last aerial victory. He will survive the war but further information is not listed.
German pilot Karl Lang (1 victory) is also killed in this fight.

1125 Two French Nieuport pilots share a victory over an "Enemy Aircraft":
Adj de la Forest Divone (no first name given), victory number 1.
Albert de Kergorlay, victory number 2.
(Uncertain, but Ltns N. Hillmann and H. Predohl of FltAbt 261 were killed at about this time.)

1135 Three RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a Hannover two-seater:
Robert Compston, England, B6340, victory number 16.
Gerald Kempster Cooper, England, B6321, victory number 1.
Edward Mannok, England, B665, victory number 16.

1220 German pilot Vfw Teigeler (no first name given) shoots down a SPAD for his 1st and only victory.

1330 Welsh RFC pilot John Stanley Chick, flying Bristol F.2b C4846 with Lt H.R. Kinkead as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1415 French pilot Pierre Marinovitch, in a Nieuport 24, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 4.

1500 South African RNAS ace William Jordan, in Sopwith Camel B6447, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 9.

1530 English RNAS pilot Robert Compston, in Sopwith Camel B6340, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 16. Sharing the kill is Flight Squadron Leader A.J. Dixon in Camel B6319, victory number unknown.

French ace Hector Garaud, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 7.

French ace Gabriel Guérin, flying a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 12. Uncertain, but Ltns Karl Koelschtzky and Robert Wiegard are killed on this day.

American pilot James Norman Hall, in a Nieuport with French N.124, shoots down an Albatros fighter for victory number 1. This is possibly Uffz Albert Meinhardt, killed on this day. It is also the last victory for the famed "Lafayette Escadrille".

German pilot Max Kahlow, with Jasta 34, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 3.

German pilot Georg Kröhl, with Jasta 34, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

German pilot Heinrich Küllmer, with Jasta 23, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

German pilot Johann Pütz, with Jasta 34, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

2nd January 1918

Western Front

British repulse raid near La Bassee.

Eastern Front

Central Committee of Soviets meets to receive reports of Peace pourparlers. German conditions denounced.

Southern Front

Austrians bomb Castelfranco, Veneto (west of Treviso) and hit hospitals.

Political, etc.

Air Council established by Order in Council.

U.S.A.: Statement showing result of American War Mission in Europe issued.

Newfoundland: Sir E. Morris, Prime Minister, resigns.

Ship Losses:

Boston City (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) west of St. Ann's Head, Pembrokeshire (51°40′N 5°26′W) by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Christos Markettos (Italy) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) north west of Gurnard's Head, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°13′N 5°42′W) by SM U-95 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Gallier (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 7 nautical miles (13 km) east north east of the Wolf Rock, Cornwall (50°00′N 5°39′W) by SM U-95 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS Hirpa (Royal Navy) The whaler was lost on this date.
Nadejda (Russia) The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) south west of the Chicken Rock, Isle of Man by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Veda (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) south south west of the Eddystone Lighthouse by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

January 2, 1918

Air War:

1210 An unknown Sopwith Camel pilot shoots down and kills Ltn Günther Auffarth (0 victories).

[Jimbuna]

3rd January 1918

Western Front

Allied air raids on Metz district.

South of Lens British line is advanced slightly.

French repulse attack near Anspach (Alsace) with heavy loss.

Eastern Front

Sir J. Buchanan, British Ambassador in Petrograd, granted leave of absence.

Southern Front

Austrians bomb Treviso and Padua.

Ship Losses:

Allanton (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north of Cape Bon, Algeria (37°26′N 11°00′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Asborg (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east by east of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight (50°31′N 1°16′W) by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Birchwood (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 25 nautical miles (46 km) east of the Blackwater Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-61 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS Blackwhale (Royal Navy) The patrol vessel struck a mine laid by UC 49 (Hans Kükenthal) and sank in the North Sea off Fife Ness (56°19′N 0°45′W) with the loss of twelve of her crew.
Gartland (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east south east of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Steelville (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) north of Cape Bon (37°25′N 11°06′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

January 3, 1918

Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe, owner of the Daily Mail, publishes an editorial criticizing the British Army for not disclosing the names of RFC pilots unless they are killed. Other newspapers join the call for announcing successful pilots' names.



Air War:

0920 Australian AFC observer Leslie William Sutherland, riding as observer in Bristol F.2b C4623 with pilot Lt R.A. Austin, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1005 Two RNAS Camel aces share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Robert Compston, England, B6340, victory number 18
William Jordan, South Africa, B6447, victory number 10.

1120 Robert Compston scores his second victory of the day, shooting down another DFW C.V for number 19.

1130 Canadian RFC pilot Norman Millman and English observer Arthur Cooper, in Bristol F.2b B1187, shoot down an Albatros two-seater. Victory number 2 for both.

1205 German pilot Johann Pütz, with Jasta 34, shoots down a Dorand Ar.2 for victory number 2.

1210 German ace Ludwig Hanstein, flying Albatros D.V 5285/17, shoots down SE.5a C1753 for victory number 14. 2nd Lt R.J.G. Stewart is wounded and taken prisoner.

1210 New Zealand RFC ace Keith Park and Scottish observer John Henry Robertson, in Bristol F.2b A7229, shoot down an Albatros. Park's listing says it was a D.III, while Robertson's says D.V. Victory number 17 for Park, number 1 for Robertson. According to John Guttman's Bristol F2 Fighter Aces of World War I, the plane was a DFW C.V crewed by Kurt Ungewitter and Vfw Meinke (no first name given). Ungewitter and Meinke also claimed to have shot down Park and Robertson, but this was listed as Unconfirmed.

1235 German pilot Otto Fruhner, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

1330 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A7687 for victory number 21. Cpt A.F.E. Pitman and Lt C.W. Pearson are both killed.

1330 German pilot Erik Thomas, with Jasta 9, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 1.

1340 English RFC ace Frank Gorringe, in Sopwith Camel B6426, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 7.

1345 Emglish RFC ace Frank Quigley, flying Sopwith Camel B2447, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 10.

1345 English RNAS pilot Miles Jeffrey Game Day, in Sopwith Camel N6349, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1450 German pilot Emil Liebert, probably in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5658 for victory number 2. Sub-Lt F. Booth is killed. Later this same day Liebert is killed when he collides with a balloon he is attacking.

1450 German pilot Hans Oberländer, probably in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel N6351 for victory number 5. Sub-Lt A.G. Beattie is taken prisoner.

1500 South African RFC pilot Andrew Frederick Weatherby Beauchamp-Proctor, in SE.5a B539, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1530 Irish RFC ace William Molesworth, flying Nieuport 27 B6812, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 10.

1545 American RFC pilot Wilfred Beaver and English observer Harold Edwin Easton, in Bristol F.2b B883, shoot down a Albatros D.V. Victory number 4 for Beaver and number 1 for Easton.

French ace Maurice Boyau, in a SPAD VII, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 12.

French pilot Michel Coiffard, in a SPAD VII, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 2.

French ace Omer Demeuldre, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 12.

French aircrew Sgt Duvaut and Sldt Delcy, flying a Bréguet 14, shoot down a German fighter. Victory number 1 for both. They are also shot down but land safely.

German pilot Vfw Gnadig, with Jasta 38, shoots down a BE.2 for victory number 1.

French ace Gabriel Guérin, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 13.

German pilot Erich Kämpfe, with Jasta 13, destroys an observation balloon and the shoots down a SPAD for victories 1 and 2.

German pilot Josef Kettel, in Albatros D.III 2370/17, shoots down a Paul Schmitt two-seater for victory number 1.

French pilot Henri Péronneau, flying a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 5.

German pilot Otto Stadter, with Jasta 32, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 3.

German pilot Rudolf Windisch, with Jasta 32, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 7.

[Jimbuna]

4th January 1918

Western Front

Further British air raid on Metz district.

Eastern Front

Bolshevik Government recognises independence of Finland.

Southern Front

Austrians bomb Mestre, Bassano and Castelfranco.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British again advance for a mile north of Jerusalem.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British naval aircraft bomb Ghistelles aerodrome.

Hospital ship "Rewa" torpedoed in Bristol Channel; all wounded saved.

Political, etc.

Lloyd George warns of food shortages, stating Britain must feed itself. Lord Rhondda, British Food Controller, says that compulsory rationing is necessary: “You have only to tighten your belt.”

The first group of Canadian men chosen by the draft report for military service.

French novelist Georges Lecomte proposes that the French families should adopt American soldiers for the duration of the war to forge closer ties between the two nations.

Ship Losses:

Day Spring (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) south east of Berry Head, Devon by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Goeland I (French Navy) The naval trawler was shelled and sunk in the Bay of Biscay off Penmarc'h, Finistère, France by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of sweven of her crew.
HMT Golden Sunset (Royal Navy) The naval trawler collided with another vessel and sank in the English Channel off the Shambles Lightship ( United Kingdom).
Gratitude (United Kingdom) The fishing vessel was scuttled in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) south east of Berry Head by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Otto (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south south west of St. John's Point, County Down (54°11′N 5°32′W) by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Regina Elena (Italy) The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean off Tripoli, Libya by SM UC-20 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMHS Rewa (United Kingdom) The hospital ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 19 nautical miles (35 km) west of Hartland Point, Devon (50°55′N 4°49′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of the 566 people on board.
Varuna (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) east south east of Berry Head by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

January 4, 1918

Air War:

0920 Two RFC Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:

Frank Gorringe, England, B2492, victory number 8

Lt H. Soulby, details unknown.

1045 Canadian RFC pilot Edward Eaton, flying Sopwith Camel B2394, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1105 Canadian RFC ace Guy Moore, in Nieuport 27 B3629, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1106 English RFC observer Stanley Masding, in a Bristol F.2b with 2nd Lt G.D. Joost as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1120 Welsh RNAS pilot Harold Day, in Sopwith Camel B3821, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 5.

1130 South African RNAS ace William Jordan, in Sopwith Camel B6448, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 11.

1140 German ace Willi Kampe, flying an Albatros, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2413 for victory number 7. 2nd Lt R.E. Robb is killed.

1140 German pilot Kurt Schulz, with Jasta 37, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1200 English RFC ace pilot Reginald Makepeace and observer John Hedley, in Bristol F.2b B7255, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 16 for Makepeace, number 5 for Hedley.

1220 German ace Wilhelm Reinhard, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 7. This may have actually been DH.4 B2074, 2nd Lt K.P. Ewart and Lt A.N. Westlake both killed.

1245 German pilot Wilhelm Papenmeyer, in Fokker Dr.I 214/17, shoots down SE.5a C5334 for victory number 2. Cpt F.H.B. Selous is killed.

1330 Frank Gorringe, back in Sopwith Camel B6426, scores his second victory of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for number 9.

1350 German pilot Otto Fruhner, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A7424 for victory number 4. Cpt E.E.E. Pope and Lt A.F. Wynee are teaken prisoner.

1615 French SPAD pilots Laurent Ruamps and Jean Sardier share a victory over an "Enemy Aircraft". Number 2 for Ruamps and number 3 for Sardier.

French SPAD aces Marcel Dhôme and Henri Péronneau share a victory over a German two-seater. Number 6 for both.

French ace Georges Madon, in a SPAD, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 20.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, with Jasta 32, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 8.

[Jimbuna]

5th January 1918

Western Front

Strong German attacks on British positions east of Bullecourt (Cambrai) repulsed; also two raids near Hollebeke.

British bomb Conflans station.

Eastern Front

Turkey communicates peace terms to Russia.

Southern Front

Artillery activity from Asiago to Adriatic and aerial activity on whole front.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Aden: British make string reconnaissance towards Hatum and Jabir and destroy the former.

Lt.-Col. R. Storrs made Governor of Jerusalem.

Political, etc.

Mr. Lloyd George addresses Man-power Conference on War Aims.

Independence of Finland recognised by Sweden.

Newfoundland: Mr. Lloyd forms new Cabinet.

Spain announces it has dismissed 1500 soldiers and officers from its Army for planning a coup.

Ship Losses:

Birtley (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM UB-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eighteen of her crew.
Glenarm Head (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west by south of the Brighton Lightship (50°34′N 0°12′W) by SM UB-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Iolanthe (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east by east of Portland Bill, Dorset (50°28′N 2°12′W) by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Knightsgarth (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west north west of the Bull Point Lighthouse, Devon by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Rio Claro (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Genoa 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) of Riva Trigoso, Liguria, Italy (44°13′N 9°29′E) by SM U-63 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived. The stern section of the ship was refloated in March 1919 and subsequently returned to service with a new bow.
Rose Marie (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 13 nautical miles (24 km) south east of the North Arklow Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-61 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
War Baron (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) north east of the Godrevy Lighthouse, Cornwall (50°18′N 5°35′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two lives.

[Sailor Steve]

January 5, 1918

Air War:

A fire at the German Navy airship base at Tondem triggers a series of explosions which destroy four hangers and five Zeppelins in just five minutes, killing 14 and injuring 134.

1605 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, flying a Pfalz D.IIIa, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 9.

German pilot Walter Ewers, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down either a Paul Schmitt or a Dorand AR.2, and then a SPAD for victories 4 and 5.

German pilot Franz Piechulek, in an Albatros D.V, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

6th January 1918

Southern Front

Patrol actions between Brenta and Piave rivers.

Austrian patrols active north of Costalunga.

Albania: Italians repulse large enemy detachments on Osum river.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Arabia: Arabs raid Hejaz railway south of Maan.

Aviation

German fighter ace Walter von Bülow-Bothkamp, who has 28 aerial victories, is killed in action near Ypres.


Political, etc.

Independence of Finland recognised by France and Germany.

German socialists denounce German government demands of territory from Soviet Russia. They instead urge no annexations and to uphold the principle of self-determination.

Ship Losses:

Dagny (Denmark) The cargo ship was toepedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south south west of Penmarc'h, Finistère, France by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Halberdier (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St George's Channel 27 nautical miles (50 km) west by north of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire by SM U-61 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five crew.
Harry Luckenbach (United States) The tanker was sunk in the Bay of Biscay 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off Penmarc'h by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight of her crew.
Henri Le Cour (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay 9 nautical miles (17 km) off Penmarc'h (47°45′N 4°28′W) by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Kanaris (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Bay of Biscay off Penmarc'h (47°44′N 4°13′W) by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Saint Mathieu (French Navy) The naval trawler was shelled and sunk in the Bay of Biscay off the Île d'Yeu, Vendée by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight crew.
Spenser (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 35 nautical miles (65 km) north east of the Tuskar Rock, Ireland by SM U-61 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.