100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

October 20, 1917

Western Front

Violent artillery action on Aisne front.



Eastern Front

Islands of Dago and Schilden captured by Germans.

Germans retire to Skuli-Lemburg line 30 miles east of Riga to prepared positions.



Southern Front

Germans report French attack repulsed between Skumbi valley and L. Ochrida (Macedonia).



Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turkish troops driven across Diala river (Mesopotamia).



Political, etc.

Archbishop of Athens degraded for "Anathema" ceremony of 25 December 1916.

Allies recognise Polish National Committee.



Ship Losses:

Algarve (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) south west of Portland Bill, Dorset by SM UB-38 with the loss of 21 of her crew.

Collegian (United Kingdom): The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) north west by north of Alexandria, Egypt (32°35′N 28°41′E) by SM UB-48. Her crew survived.

Colorado (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) east of Start Point, Devon by SM UB-31 with the loss of four crew.

Ionian (United Kingdom): The passenger ship struck a mine and sank in the Irish Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) west of St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire (51°35′N 4°59′W) with the loss of seven lives.

Leander (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) north north east of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, United Kingdom by SM UB-57 with the loss of a crew member.

Moyori Maru (Japan): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Cape Barbas, Morocco (22°17′N 17°14′W) by SM U-151.

Nitedal (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east south east of Flamborough Head by SM UB-57 with the loss of twelve crew.

Norden (Sweden): The barque was sunk in the North Sea by SM U-57. The crew of 12 was not rescued.

Snetinden (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Spain (45°35′N 11°10′W) by SM U-22. Her crew survived.

HMT Thomas Stratten (Royal Navy): The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the Butt of Lewis, Outer Hebrides with the loss of eight crew.

Virginia Gentile (Italy): The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Malta Channel by SM UC-25.

HMT Vitality (Royal Navy): The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Lowestoft, Suffolk with the loss of two of her crew.



Air War:

Production Fokker Dr.Is begin arriving at Jastas:
104/17 - Jasta 10
105/17, 106/17, 109/17, 110/17, 111/17, 112/17, 113/17, 114/17, 116/17, 118/17 - Jasta 11.

[Sailor Steve]

October 21, 1917

Western Front

Germans make strong attack at Bezonvaux (Verdun).

Saarbrucken bombed by British.

Dunkirk bombed by Germans.



Eastern Front

Russians repel German attempt to land eight miles north of Verder Peninsula (Riga).

Germans land on Russian mainland at Verder.

Germans claim 20,000 prisoners and 100 guns in last nine days' fighting.



Southern Front

Considerable artillery activity on Italian front.

Monastir shelled again.



Naval and Overseas Operations

Russian fleet escapes north out of Moon Sound.

Ostend bombarded by British ships.



Political, etc.

Russian Soviet's Peace Terms issued.



Ship Losses:

Anglo Dane (Denmark): The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 0.75 nautical miles (1.39 km) off the Bressay Lighthouse, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom with the loss of a crew member.

Bunty (United Kingdom): The tug struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Whitby, Yorkshire with the loss of five of her crew.

Flynderborg (Denmark): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of the Bressay Lighthouse by SM UC-40. Her crew survived.

Gryfevale (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Cap Blanc, Mauritania (21°08′N 17°04′W) by SM U-151. Her crew survived.

HMS Marmion (Royal Navy): The Admiralty M-class destroyer collided with HMS Tirade (Royal Navy) and sank off the Shetland Islands.

SMS T66 (Kaiserliche Marine): The S66-class torpedo boat struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea off the Belgian coast. She was consequently found to be a total loss.

Tom Roper (United Kingdom): The topsail schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) south south east of Start Point by SM UC-79 with the loss of a crew member.

[Sailor Steve]

October 22, 1917

Western Front

Franco-British advance on 2.5-mile front between Poelcapelle (Ypres) and Houthulst Forest, southern end of Forest captured, 200 prisoners.



Eastern Front

On the night of 21-22 October Germans retire on wide front between Riga Bay and River Dvina.



Southern Front

Italians repulse strong Austro-German attack on Cadore front (Dolom).



Political, etc.

Petrograd Soviet hold stormy meeting; Trotsky demands peace; accuses Kerenski of treason; defence of Petrograd arranged.

U.S.A. begin appropriation of raw material for war purchased and stored by Germans in U.S.A. during first two years of war.



Ship Losses:

HMS C32 (Royal Navy): The C-class submarine ran aground in the Gulf of Riga and was scuttled.

Novillo (Denmark): The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of Scarborough, Yorkshire, United Kingdom by SM UB-57 with the loss of four crew.

Zillah (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) north east of Kildin Island, Russia by SM U-46 with the loss of eighteen crew.



Air War:

1625 German ace Max von Müller, flying an Albatros D.V, claims two Sopwith Pups shot down for victories 28 and 29. 2nd Lt George Cowie, in B1782, is killed. Lt Percy Goodbehere, in B1834, is wounded and taken prisoner. In his post-war report Goodbehere will claim that the two Pups collided, leaving some controversy: Did they indeed collide, and von Müller claim them both falsely. Did he feel justified in his claimes, since he was in combat with both of them? Or did Goodbehere lie about the collision, since would look better to posterity than two pilots in very maneuverable planes being shot down by a single German? Just more questions that will never be answered.

1630 German pilot Waldemar Janssen, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Pup for his only victory.

Italian ace Francesco Baracca, in a SPAD VII, shoots down two DFW C.Vs for victories 20 and 21.

French pilot S/Lt Le Tanlay, in a single-seat Sopwith 1½ Strutter, lands on the German side of the lines, apparantly with engine trouble, and taken prisoner.

[Sailor Steve]

October 23, 1917

Western Front

Great French Victory on the Aisne, north-east Soissons; French advance up to two miles on six mile front, capture 8,000 prisoners, 70 guns.

Germans gain footing north-east Hill 344 (Verdun) but driven out.

Germans regain a little ground southern end Houthulst Forest (Ypres).

German attack near Poelcapelle repulsed.

In evening Germans' seventh counter-attack on Ypres front since 22nd repulsed.



Eastern Front

Attempted German landing eight miles south of Verder repulsed.

North-east of Riga, Germans retire 20 miles in two days, destroying bridges.



Southern Front

Strong hostile concentration towards Upper Isonzo and Bainsizza Plateau; Mt. Rombon to Bainsizza heavily shelled.



Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turkish troops approaching Smarra (north-west Baghdad) repulsed by British.



Political, etc.

M. Ribot resigns, succeeded as Foreign Minister by M. Barthou.

Mr. Redmond's motion on Irish Government.



Ship Losses:

Capo di Monte (Italy): The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) west of Heraklion, Crete, Greece (34°53′N 19°50′E) by Austro-Hungarian SM U-14.

HMT Earl Lennox (Royal Navy): The naval trawler struck a mine and sank south of Islay Sound (55°45′N 5°57′W) with the loss of seven crew.

Perim (United Kingdom) The cargo ship collided with another British merchant ship and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Barcelona, Spain.

Seistan (United Kingdom): The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) north by west of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire (54°09′N 0°08′W) by SM UB-57 with the loss of five of her crew.

Tredegar Hall (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) east south east of Flamborough Head by SM UB-57 with the loss of three of her crew.



Air War:

1630 Austrian ace Frank Linke-Crawford, flying Austro-Albatros D.III 153.11, shoots down a Pomilio PE for victory number 7.

1700 French pilot MdL Barancy, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1730 German pilot Hans Fritzsche, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 3. This is Fritzsche's last aerial victory. After April 9, 1918 he disappears from the records.

1740 German pilot Fritz Kieckhäfer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Belgian-flown RE.8 for victory number 5. S/Lt H.W. van Geel and Sgt E.L. Herman are both killed.

German pilot Karl Mendel, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a two-seat SPAD XI for victory number 2.

[Sailor Steve]

October 24, 1917

Western Front

French reach banks of Oise-Aisne Canal; 11,000 prisoners to date.

Germans attack Chaume Wood (Verdun) repulsed.

German attack repulsed Houthulst Forest (Ypres).



Eastern Front

Russians begin to evacuate Kronstadt.

Russian advance to Dvina 30 miles south-east Riga.



Southern Front

Austro-Germans attack in thick fog on 20-mile front, breaking through 2nd Italian Army at Tolmino, Caporetto and Plezzo; 10,000 prisoners.



Ship Losses

Franklin (United Kingdom): The ship capsized off The Mumbles, Glamorgan with the loss of four of her thirteen crew. Survivors were rescued by the pilot cutter Beaufort (United Kingdom). The wreck was raised in April 1918[181]

Gallia (Italy): The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 24 nautical miles (44 km) west north west of Portland Bill, Dorset, United Kingdom by SM UB-40. Her crew survived.

Ilderton (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea 35 nautical miles (65 km) north east of Kildin Island, Russia (69°46′N 35°24′E) by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Novington (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the North Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) east of Bard Island, Shetland Islands by SM UC-40. She was beached but was later refloated.

Ulfsborg (Denmark): The cargo ship was sunk in the Bay of Biscay (46°03′N 1°43′W) by SM UC-63 with the loss of seventeen of her crew.

Woron (Russia): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) north east of Lerwick, Shetland Islands by SM UC-40.

[Sailor Steve]

October 25, 1917



Western Front

Germans gain footing north of Chaume Wood (Verdun).

Further French advance on Aisne front; Filain captured; 160 guns taken since 23rd.



Eastern Front

German attempt to consolidate on Verder Peninsula frustrated.



Southern Front

Italians retreat from Plezzo to south-west of Tolmino and prepare to evacuate Bainsizza Plateau.

Germans claim 30,000 prisoners and 300 guns.



Naval and Overseas Operations

German ships from Moon Sound bombard Kuno Island near Pernau (Riga).



Political, etc.

Fall of Boselli Cabinet in Italy.

Franco-British convention for Military Service.

Sinn Fein convention in Dublin.



Ship Losses

SMS A32 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A25-class torpedo boat ran aground and sank in the Baltic Sea.

Erviken (Norway): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south east of Cabo de Gata, Spain by SM U-64 with the loss of a crew member.

Euston (United Kingdom): The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 37 nautical miles (69 km) south west of Cape Matapan, Greece (35°33′N 21°48′E) by SM UC-34 with the loss of a crew member.

Fannie Prescott (United States): The schooner was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 50 nautical miles (93 km) south of Cape Cantin, Morocco by SM U-35. Lothar von Arnauld de la Perièr's score is now 182 ships and 395,645 tons.

Gefion (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) north east of Berry Head, Devon by SM UB-40 with the loss of two of her crew.

Ness (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Cabo de Gata by SM U-64 with the loss of two of her crew.

Sheaf Blade (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 13 nautical miles (24 km) south east by south of Cabo de Gata by SM U-64 with the loss of two of her crew.

Wearside (United Kingdom): The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off the Sunk Lightship. Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

October 26, 1917



Western Front

Franco-British attack east, north-east and north of Ypres.

British positions improved from Passchendaele to Poelcapelle.

French capture Draibank; bad weather.



Southern Front

Bainsizza Plateau evacuated. Germans claim 60,000 prisoners and 500 guns.



Naval and Overseas Operations

German squadron bombards Khainash, 40 miles south of Pernau (Riga). Transports appear 12 miles further south.



Political, etc.

Brazil declared in a state of War with Germany.



Ship Losses:

Le Tarn (France): The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of Oran, Algeria (36°15′N 0°03′W) by SM U-64. Her crew survived.

Sapele (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 100 nautical miles (190 km) north west of Tory Island, County Donegal (55°56′N 11°00′W) by SM U-104 with the loss of three crew.

SMS T65 (Kaiserliche Marine): The S7-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea.

[Sailor Steve]

October 27, 1917



Western Front

French progress on Aisne front, occupy Froidmont Farm, fail to cross Canal.

French and Belgians advance astride Ypres-Dixmude road.

U.S.A. troops in action.



Eastern Front

Germans retire from Verder Peninsula (Riga).

Germans again attempt to fraternise with Russians North and Centre.



Southern Front

Cividale (west of Isonzo) in flames and occupied by Germans, who claim 80,000 prisoners.



Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British cavalry in action in centre of Gaza front (Palestine).



Political, etc.

U.S.A. infantry and artillery in action in France for first time.

Army brings about fall of Cabinet in Spain.

Polish Regency Council takes office.



Ship Losses:

D.N. Luckenbach (United States): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (46°34′N 8°34′W) by SM U-93 with the loss of five of her crew.

Lady Helen (United Kingdom): The coaster was sunk in the North Sea off Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire by SM UB-34 with the loss of seven of her crew.

HMT Strymon (Royal Navy): The naval trawler struck a naval mine and sank in the North Sea off the Shipwash Lightship (51°37′N 0°48′E) with the loss of eleven of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

October 28, 1917



Western Front

French attack on Oise-Aisne Canal and German counter-attack both fail.

German attack in Champagne repulsed.

French continue progress in Belgium.

Germans gain footing from Chaume Wood to Bezonvaux (Verdun).



Southern Front

Italian 2nd and 3rd Armies retreat.

Italians retreat from Carnia front.

Austrians occupy Gorizia and eight miles further west.

Germans claim 100,000 prisoners.



Political, etc.

U.S.A. second Liberty Loan: $1,000,000,000 has been subscribed.

Count Luxburg's plot to invade southern Brazil.

Sig. Orlando Italian Prime Minister.



Ship Losses:

Baron Balfour (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of Sem Island, Russia by SM U-46. Her crew survived.

Baron Garioch (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south east of Anvil Point, Dorset (50°36′N 1°43′W) by SM UC-63 with the loss of two of her crew.

Ferrona (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) north east of Valencia, Spain (39°28′N 0°10′W) by SM U-64 with the loss of a crew member.

USAT Finland (United States Army): The troopship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) off Brest, Finistère, France (46°21′N 6°30′W) by SM U-93 with the loss of nine of her crew.

Marc Fraissinet (France): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north of Tabarka, Tunisia (37°01′N 8°37′E) by SM UB-50 with the loss of a crew member.

Redesmere (United Kingdom): The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) west south west of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-40 with the loss of nineteen of her crew.

Senegal (Italy): The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sardinia (37°58′N 8°57′E) by SM UB-50 with the loss of two of her crew.



Air War:

1220 Canadian RNAS ace Roy Brown, flying Sopwith Camel B6617, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

1230 Australian RFC pilot Andrew King Cooper, in DH.5 A9232, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1230 Scottish RFC ace pilot David Hall and Irish ace observer Edward Hartigan, in DH.4 7568, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 6 for Hall and number 5 for Hartigan.

1325 German ace Rudolf Wendelmuth, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 12.

1705 German ace Julius Buckler, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down RE.8 A4426 for victory number 20. 2nd Lt E.H. Kier and Cpt C.W.C. Wasey are both killed.

[Sailor Steve]

October 29, 1917



Eastern Front

Enemy attack repulsed in Riga areas, Janinzen to Skuli.



Southern Front

Germans capture Udine, former Italian G.H.Q.

Austrians drive Italians back along Carnia front.



Naval and Overseas Operations

General Northey captures Liwale; Germans driven south-east.



Political, etc.

Parliament's thanks voted to Navy and Army.



Ship Losses:

Marne (France): The coaster was sunk in the English Channel 25 nautical miles (46 km) north east of Barfleur, Manche (50°30′N 1°20′W) by SM UC-63.

Namur (United Kingdom): The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 55 nautical miles (102 km) east by south of Gibraltar (36°00′N 4°15′W) by SM U-35 with the loss of a crew member.

La Epoca (Uruguay): The barque was scuttled in the Bay of Biscay 30 nautical miles (56 km) south west of the Cordouan Lighthouse, Gironde, France by SM U-93.



Air War:

Three German Luftstreitkräfte bombers set out for the first heavier-than-air raid on England in four weeks. Two divert to Calais, France, due to bad weather; the third reaches England and bombs the Essex coast.

French 5-victory ace Paul Rodde is killed in a flying accident.

[Sailor Steve]

October 30, 1917



Western Front

British attack in bad weather at Ypres from Poelcapelle to Passchendaele; enter latter but are driven back to outskirts. Five German counter-attacks repulsed.

Saarbrucken and Pirmasens bombed by British.



Southern Front

Italians fall back towards the River Tagliamento.



Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Major-General L. J. Bols succeeds Major-General Sir A. Lynden Bell as C.G.S. in Palestine.



Political, etc.

Sig. Orlando forms new Italian Cabinet.

Mr. Balfour on the Balkans.



Ship Losses:

Liff (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the Bay of Biscay 70 nautical miles (130 km) west of Penmarc'h, Finistère, France (47°37'N 5°13'W) by SM U-93. Her crew survived.



Air War:

0620 Two RFC SPAD pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
John Dartnell De Pencier, Canada, SPAD XIII B6071, victory number 1.
Claude Thompson, Australia, SPAD VII B3498, victory number 4.

0845-0925 Irish RFC pilot Walter Alexander Tyrrell, in DH.5 B4916, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

0945 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoots down Nieuport 27 B3627 for victory number 20. 2nd Lt E.D. Scott is killed.

0950 English pilot Arthur Hicks Peck and observer John Williams, in Bristol F.2b 7194, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 1 for Peck, number 3 for Williams.

1010 Four French pilots from two different escadrilles share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Marius Jean Paul Elzeard Ambrogi, Nieuport 17, victory number 1.
Adj Bordes, Nieuport 17, number 2.
Adj Dupres, SPAD, number 1.
Brig Planiol, SPAD, number 1.
(Vfw Leonhard Endress and Ltn Lehnerer are taken prisoner)

1235 German ace Ernst Hess, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Letord bomber for victory number 17.

1614 German 39-victory ace Heinrich Gontermann is killed when the top wing of Fokker Dr.I 115/17 collapses while performing aerobatics.

French pilot Georges Blanc, in a SPAD, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 5. Ltn Anton Warmuth is killed.
(This is Blanc's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and live until 1960)

French pilot Fernand Bonneton, in an unlisted aircraft flying in Romania, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 2.

French SPAD pilots Pierre de Cazenove de Pradines and Henri Péronneau share a victory over a German two-seater. Number 5 for de Cazenove de Pradines, number 2 for Péronneau.

Three French Nieuport pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Gustave Daladier, victory number 4.
Fernand Eugene Guyou, number 1.
Adj Vieljeux, number unknown.

French pilot Omer Demeuldre, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 3.

German pilot Wolfgang Güttler, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 5.

German pilot Alfred King, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Nieuport 24bis for victory number 2. Cpl H. Fabre is listed as Missing.

French pilot Sgt Lignereaux and observer Lt Mangematin, in a Sopwith 1½ Strutter, shoot down an attacking Albatros D.III. Victory number 1 for both.

German observer Gottfried Ehmann, riding in a two-seater with a pilot named Warda, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

[Sailor Steve]

October 31, 1917



Western Front

Aeroplane raid on Kent and Dover: no damage. Another raid at night on Kent, Essex and London; 10 killed, 22 injured.



Eastern Front

German attempts at fraternisation met with artillery fire.



Southern Front

2nd and 3rd Italian Armies withdrawn behind River Tagliamento.

Germans claim over 180,000 prisoners and 1,500 guns.



Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

The Third Battle of Gaza begins. The Brtitish goal is to capture Jerusalem by Christmas.

British capture Beersheba, with 1,800 Turks and 9 guns.



Political, etc.

Dr. Michaelis resigns German Chancellorship; latter offered to Count Hertling.



Ship Losses

Cambric (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) west of Cape Cherchell, Spain by SM U-35 with the loss of 24 crew.

Estrellano (United Kingdom): Convoy T 340: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay 14 nautical miles (26 km) west by north of the Île du Pilier, Vendée, France (47°04'N 2°40'W) by SM UC-71 with the loss of three of her crew. Survivors were rescued by La Batailleuse ( French Navy).

Evangelistra (Greece): The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of Crete (35°49'N 24°05'E) by SM UC-37.

North Sea (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) south west of Prawle Point, Devon by SM UC-65 with the loss of a crew member.

Phare (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) north of Scarborough, Yorkshire by SM UB-35 with the loss of fourteen of her crew.

South Bay (United States): The dredger foundered in the Atlantic Ocean off Tampico, Florida.



Air War:

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

Albatros:
D.I----9
D.II---11
D.III-446
D.V---526
D.Va---53

Fokker:
Dr.I----17

Halberstadt:
D.I----2
D.II---3
D.III--7
D.V----5

Hannover:
CL.II--19

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

Pfalz:
D.III-145

Twenty-two Gotha Bombers attempt a raid on London on the night of October 30-31, using a new incindiary bomb. About half of them reach London but many of the new bombs fail to explode. The remaining planes bomb Kent, but they only succeed in destroying one gas storage tank. Five of the bombers crash when landing.

0820 German ace Heinrich Bongartz, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 18.

0840 Heinrich Bongartz scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a SPAD VII for number 19.

0845 German pilot Harry von Bülow-Bothkamp, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 2.
(Two SPAD VIIs are shot down in this fight: B1565, 2nd Lt N.H. Kemp taken prisoner; B3351, 2nd Lt R.M. Smith also captured.)

1020 Canadian RFC pilot Albert Desbrisay Carter, in SPAD XIII B3498, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1115 German pilot Hermann Becker, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

1130 German ace Julius Buckler, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 23. 2nd Lt W. Davidson and Lt W Crowther are both killed.

1230 German ace Kurt Wüsthoff, in an OAW-built Albatros D.III, shoots down SE.5 B8474 for victory number 23. 2nd Lt E.W. Powell is killed.

1310 German ace Hans Bethge, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 18.
(Two RE.8s were shot down this day: 4214, Cpt W.A.L. Poundall and 2nd Lt E. Ripley both killed; 3827, Lt W.L.O. Parker and AM1 H.L. Postons both killed.)

1340 Albert Carter scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1440-1620 Canadian RFC ace Reginald Hoidge, in SE.5a B506, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 27.

1510 English RFC pilot Thomas Stephenson and observer Sidney Platel flying Bristol F.2b A7235, are credited with two Albatros D.Vs, victories 4 and 5 for both. Sometime later they are shot down. Stephenson lands safely but Platel has a toe shot off, a wound which will put him out for the rest of the war. British sources credit their downing to Hans Bethge, but German sources do not, leaving their victor unknown.

1610 Heinrich Bongartz scores his third victory of the day, shooting down an SE.5 for number 20.

1610 German ace Hans Hoyer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an SE.5 for victory number 7.

1620 Julius Buckler scores his second kill of the day, destroying an observation balloon for number 24.

1710 German pilot Viktor Schobinger, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1109 for victory number 8. 2nd Lt S.W. Randall is killed. 2nd Lt W. de C. Dodd is wounded and captured, later dying from his wounds.

1715 German ace Erwin Böhme, flying Albatros D.V 4578/17, shoots down SE.5a B544 for victory number 21. 2nd Lt George Robert Gray later dies from wounds recieved.

[Jimbuna]

1st November 1917

Western Front

British airmen bomb Kaiserslautern.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turkish defeat near Gaza; British capture outer defences on a front of 5,000 yards.

Political, etc.

Recruiting taken over by Ministry of National Service.

Russian Premier Kerensky states Russia is spent and that the other Allied countries must shoulder the burden of the war.

Count Hertling becomes Imperial Chancellor.

Ship Losses:

Churchill (United States) The schooner was wrecked on the French Frigate Shoals, in the Pacific Ocean north west of Hawaii.
Falk (Norway) The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank. Her crew were rescued.
Margam Abbey (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (37°12′N 6°22′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew. She was beached at Collo, Algeria but was a total loss.
Marigo (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Crete, Greece (35°30′N 25°43′E) by SM UC-37 (Kaiserliche Marine).
SM UC-63 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UC II submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off the Goodwin Sands, Kent, United Kingdom (51°23′N 2°00′E) by HMS E52 ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 26 crew.
Westmann (Denmark) The schooner was wrecked in the Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. Her crew were rescued.

[Sailor Steve]

November 1, 1917

Air War:

Sometime during this month eight old Fokker D.Is are sent to Turkey.

1225 German pilot Fritz Pütter, flying an Albatros D.II, destroys a French observation balloon from 65° Compagnie d’Aérostières for victory number 4. Adj Maurice Bex parachutes safely.

1226 Fritz Pütter flames a secind balloon, this one from 67° Compagnie d’Aérostières, for victory number 5. S/Lt Fernand Cons and Asp Emile Lenglet are both killed.

1240 French ace Gabriel Guérin, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft: for victory number 7.

1245 Frenchs pilot Bernard Artigau and Sgt Calamai, both in Nieuports, share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater. Victory number 2 for Artigau, unknown for Calamai. Gefr Josef Kremp and Vfw Josef Leppich are both killed.

1529 German ace Georg Schlenker, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a French Sopwith 1A.2 (1½ Strutter) 3150 for victory number 9. Lt Jean Le Gorju and S/Lt Chauvin are both killed.

1540 German pilot Otto von Breiten-Landenberg, flying an Albatros D.II, shoots down a French Nieuport 24 for victory number 3. Argentina-born Cpl Geronimus Wilmart is killed.

1540 German ace Kurt Student, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 6. This is Student's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and go on to command troops and then Air Divisions in World War 2. He will be indicted for taking extreme reprisals against the population of Crete. He will recieve a fairly light sentence of five years in prison, but was released a year later for medical reasons. Kurt Student will live until 1978.

1645 German pilot Karl Überschaer (or Uberschär - sources vary), in an Albatros D.III on the southern front, shoots down a Pomilio PE for victory number 2.

French pilot Paul Alfred Van Ingelandt, in a Nieuport, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

French pilot Henri Variot, in a Nieuport, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2. Possible victims are Ltn Freidrich Hahn and Ltn Karl Mangold, killed at about this time.

German pilot Rudolf Windisch, flying Albatros D.V 1055/17, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

2nd November 1917

Western Front

Hostile artillery active east of Ypres.

Big French success on Aisne; Germans retreat from Chemin des Dames on 12.5 mile front.

Southern Front

Italy reorganises her forces behind the Tagliamento; Germans reach east bank of river.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British capture positions north of Beersheba.

Tigris, British rout Turks near Dur, 85 miles above Baghdad.

Naval and Overseas Operations

In Kattegat, British destroyers sink a German auxiliary cruiser and ten armed patrol craft.

Political, etc.

U.S. Treasury Department lends another $435 million to Great Britain, putting the total lent to the Allies at $3.566 billion.

Mr. Balfour's letter to Lord Rothschild, giving Government approval to Zionism, published.

Ship Losses:

Acary (Brazil) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged at São Vicente, Cape Verde Islands, Portugal by SM U-151 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached but was declared a constructive total loss.
Bur (Sweden) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea whilst in convoy 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east of the Spurn Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Cape Finisterre (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) south south east of The Manacles, Cornwall (50°02′N 5°01′W) by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 35 of her crew.
HM CMB-11 (Royal Navy) The Coastal Motor Boat was lost on this date.
Farraline (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of Ouessant, Finistère, France (48°40′N 4°55′W) by SM UC-69 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Guahyba (Brazil) The cargo ship was sunk of São Vicente, Cape Verde Islands by SM U-151 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Jessie (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was shelled and damaged in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north east of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew. She was beached but was declared a total loss.
Maria di Porto Salvo (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sardinia by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Rochester (United States) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) west of Tory Island, County Donegal, United Kingdom (55°17′N 17°44′W) by SM U-95 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 23 of her crew.
San Francesco di Paola G. (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sardinia by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.