100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

August 16, 1917

Air War:
0610 English RFC pilot Lovell Dickens Baker, flying SPAD VII B1530, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

0700 Canadian RNAS pilot Stanley Rosevear, in Sopwith Triplane N6299, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

0725 German pilot Alfred Träger, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 3.

0725 German pilot Rudolf Wendelmuth, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 3.

0755 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, on his first patrol since receiving his severe head wound on July 6, in Albatros D.V 2059/17, shoots down RFC Nieuport 23 for victory number 58. 2nd Lt William Harold Trant Williams is severely wounded and taken prisoner. He will die six days later, on August 22. Von Richthofen is suffering from dizzyness and nausea, and returns to his base immediately following the combat.

"At about 0755, accompanied by four aircraft of Staffel 11, I pusued a small flight of Nieuports. After a long chase, I attacked an opponent and after a short fight I shot up his engine and fuel tank. The aeroplane went into a tail spin. I followed right after it until just above the ground, gave it one more shot, so that the aeroplane crased south-west of Houthulst Forest and went right into the ground. As I was about 50 metres behind him, I passed through a cloud of gas from the explosion that made it hard to see for a brief moment."
-Manfred von Richthofen

0930 English RFC pilot Arthur Gilbert Vivian Taylor, flying FE.2d A6456 with 2nd Lt M. Dodd as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

0936 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 6

1045 German pilot Kurt Schönfelder, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 2. Two French SPADs are lost this day - 1639, SLt Henri Rabatel taken prisoner and 21--, Cpl Marcel Cornet listed as Missing.

1120 German pilot Gisbert-Wilhelm Groos, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Triplane N6304 for victory number 4. Sub-Lt A.T. Gray is wounded and captured, later dies from his wounds.

1120 German pilot Johannes Klein, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down SPAD VII A6634 for victory number 1. Lt A.T. Shipwright is taken prisoner.

1145 English RFC ace pilot Harry Luchford and Scottish ace observer James Tennant, flying FE.2d A6448, shoot down an Albatros two-seater. Victory number 10 for Luchford, number 6 for Tennant.

1945 German ace Werner Voss, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel B3756 for victory number 37. English 14-victory ace Cpt Noel William Ward Webb's Camel disppears without a trace. Neither Webb nor his plane are ever found, and he is listed as Missing.

French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD VII, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 8.
(per French Air Service War Chronology. The Aerodrome has this as August 19.)

French ace Charles Nungesser, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a Gotha bomber for victory number 30.

[Sailor Steve]

August 17, 1917
Britain:
South African General Jan Smuts files a report to the British War Cabinet discussing the uses of air power in the Great War. He postulates an independent Air Force working with the Army and Navy, capable of bombing indutrial and population centers in enemy territory.

Air War:

0630 English RFC ace Frederick Sowrey, flying SPAD VII B3620, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 6.

0705 German ace Max von Müller, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down SE.5 A8903 for victory number 22. Lt David Stanley Wilkinson is wounded and captured, later dying from his wounds.

0725 German pilot Gisbert-Wilhelm Groos, in an Albatros D.III, ahoots down SE.5a B514 for victory number 5. Lt R.T. Leighton is wounded and taken prisoner.

0740 Welsh RFC pilot Francis Kitto, in Sopwith Strutter A8244 with an unknown observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.
(The Aerodrome lists Kitto's plane as A8244, but their own Serial Number listing says this plane was destroyed in a collision two months earlier. Other sources agree with the collision on June 12.)

0810 German ace Eduard von Dostler, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Martinsyde G.100 for victory number 25.
(per Jasta War Chronology. The Aerodrome has this as a DH.4.)

0815 German pilot Johannes Wintrath, flying Albatros D.V 1072/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

0820 French ace Georges Guynemer, in a SPAD VII, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 51.

0830 Canadian RNAS pilot George Trapp, in Sopwith Triplane N5354, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 2.

0924 Georges Guynemer scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a DFW C.V for number 52.

1015 German pilot Johannes Ohlrau, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a plane identified only as a "Sopwith" for victory number 1.

1030 French pilot Constant Emmanuel Plessis, flying a Nieuport, shares a victory over a German "Scout" with S/Lt Decazes, for victory number 1.

1030 German pilot Rudolf Eck, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 1.

1045 Constant Plessis scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a two-seater for number 2.

1110 German ace Karl Deilmann, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an FE.2d for victory number 6. This is his last aerial victory. He will serve out the war as an instructor, and live until 1985.

1110 German pilot Heinrich Drekmann, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an FE.2d for victory number 1.

1110 German ace Fritz Kosmahl, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down an FE.2d for victory number 6.

1200 German ace Emil Thuy, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 6.

1205 German ace Heinrich Gontermann, in an Albatros D.V, is credited with destroying two French observation balloons for victories 29 and 30.

1240 German pilot Franz Büchner, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Nieuport 24bis for victory number 1. Victim is uncertain, but M/Lt Robert Lonet of Escadrille N.92 is reported Missing.

1445 English RFC ace pilot Harry Luchford and Scottish ace observer James Tennant, in FE.2d B1897, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 11 for Luchford, number 7 for Tennant. This is Tennant's last aerial victory. He disappears from the records after this, even his date of death being unknown.

1820 Canadian RNAS ace Joseph Fall, flying Sopwith Camel N6364, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 13.

1900 German pilot Robert von Greim, in am Albatros D.III, shoots down a Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 5.
(per Jasta War Chronology. The Aerodrome has this as taking place on the previous day.)

French Cpt Jean Mutel of Esc F.19 is killed and S/Lt Liaudet wounded when their car is hit by shellfire.

[Jimbuna]

18th August 1917

Western Front

French counter-attack on right bank of Meuse and recapture trenches lost on 16 August.

Eastern Front

Romanian front fighting less intense, situation unchanged.

Romanians retire towards Marasesti (20 miles north of Focsani).

Southern Front

Great fire at Salonika.

Political, etc.

British government proclamation forbids threatened strike of Associated Society of Engineers and Firemen.

Six women suffragists arrested for demonstrating at the White House with banners and pickets are sentenced to 30 days in a workhouse.

Ship Losses:

Ardens (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) east of Filey, Yorkshire by SM UC-16 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
HMT Benjamin Stevenson (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) east of Fetlar, Shetland Islands by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Dunkerquois (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km) west by north of the Île de Batz, Finistère (48°50′N 4°19′W) by SM UC-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 16 of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by Phenix ( France)
Kongsli (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 172 nautical miles (319 km) off Punta de Estaca de Bares, Galicia, Spain (46°10′N 10°12′W) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Politania (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north west by west of Cape Sigli, Algeria (36°56′N 4°38′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Jimbuna]

19th August 1917

Western Front

British line slightly advanced on a front of one mile in neighbourhood of Ypres-Poelcapelle road.

Eastern Front

Romanian front fighting in Slanie region south of Ocna; enemy gains trenches in Focsani region. Germans claims 22,000 Russian prisoners in recent fighting in Galicia and Bukovina.

Southern Front

Italian attack on 30-mile front in Carso (between Mrzli Vrh and sea). Carry Austrian first line east of Isonzo from Plava to sea (25 miles); 7,500 prisoners. Italians take Austrian bridgehead near Anhovo on right bank Isonzo and attack Bainsizza plateau.

Ship Losses:

Aghios Georgios (Greece) The schooner was sunk in the Ionian Sea (36°23′N 21°44′E) by SM UC-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Brema (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 7.5 nautical miles (13.9 km) south of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by Lonfanny ( United Kingdom).
Eika II (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) west of Sulen, Sogn og Fjordane by SM U-87 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Gartness (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 180 nautical miles (330 km) east south east of Malta (34°52′N 18°14′E) by SM U-40 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of 13 of her crew.
General Dutemple (France) The dredger struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off Cherbourg, Seine-Maritime (49°43′N 1°34′W) with the loss of seven of her crew.
Glocliffe (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) east north east of Berry Head, Devon (50°29′N 3°17′W) by SM UB-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Monksgarth (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 17 nautical miles (31 km) north by east of Ouessant, Finistère, France by SM UC-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Rosario (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Ireland by SM UC-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 20 of her crew. Two survivors were taken as prisoners of war.
Spectator (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 11 nautical miles (20 km) south East of Galley Head, County Cork (51°28′N 8°41′W) by SM UC-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Thérèse et Marie (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Bay of Biscay 13 nautical miles (24 km) north west of the Île du Pilier, Vendée (47°04′N 2°40′W) by SM UC-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Ytterøy (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) east north east of the Île de Batz, Finistère (48°44′N 4°29′W) by SM UC-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.

[Sailor Steve]

August 19, 1917

Air War:

0600 English RNAS pilot Thomas Le Mesurier and observer Horace Jackson, flying DH.4 N6005, shoot down an attacking Albatros D.V. victory number 4 for Le Mesurier, number 3 for Jackson.

0725 Italian ace Francesco Baracca, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a Hanssa-Brandenburg C.I for victory number 17.

0752 German pilot Fritz Jacobson, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2307 for victory number 2.

0815 German ace Max von Müller, in an Albatros D.V, claims a SPAD VII shot down for victory number 23. No SPADs are reported lost in this sector, but the claim is honored anyway.

German pilot Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down RE.8

0850 Three RNAS Sopwith Camel aces and a rookie share a victory over a DFW C.V:
William Jordan, South Africa, B3921, Victory number 5.
Roderick MacDonald, Canada, N6375, number 6.
Sub-Lt J.S. Thompason, N6378, unknown.
Ronald Thornely, England, B3845, number 8.

1040 German ace Heinrich Gontermann, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 31.

1100 German ace Emil Thuy, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 7.

1700 English RFC ace Philip Fullard, in Nieuport 17 B3459, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 25.

1715 German pilot Bruno von Voigt, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 3.

1735 German ace Otto Kissenberth, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Nieuport 24 for victory number 9. M/Lt J. Wetzel is listed as Missing.

1800 German ace Ernst Hess, in an Albatros D.V, shoos down FE.2d B1890 for victory number 9. 12-kill Australian ace Cecil Roy Richards and observer 2nd Lt S.F. Thompson are both wounded and taken prisoner.

1810 Max von Müller scores his second victory of the day, shooting down Nieuport 17 B1683 for victory number 24. Lt Harold Ernest Arthur Waring is wounded and taken prisoner.

1923-1926 Heinrich Gontermann is credited with the destruction of four French observation balloons in four minutes. French records only show three balloons destroyed this day, but which balloon companies they belonged to is not listed, so records are incomplete.

[Jimbuna]

20th August 1917

Western Front

North of Ypres slight British advance.

French carry enemy defences north of Verdun (third offensive) on 11-mile front to a depth of 1.25 miles, and hold Avocourt Wood, Mort Homme and Hill 240; 5,000 prisoners.

U.S. Expeditionary Force soldiers in France receive gas masks and begin training with them before they head to the front.

Eastern Front

Romanians gain ground north of Focsani lost on 19 August.

In Ocna region enemy gain ground.

Indisciplined Russians forced to retire on Riga front.

Southern Front

Battle continues in favour of Italians; enemy defences between Korite and Sella (right wing) carried.

Naval

British submarine HMS E47 sinks in the North Sea with loss of all 30 crew.

Aviation

German General Erich von Ludendorff inspecting officers of Jagdstaffel 11. Von Richthofen’s (Red Baron) plane is in the background.


Political, etc.

Dr. Wekerle appointed Hungarian Prime Minister.

Ship Losses:

Bulysses The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 142 nautical miles (263 km) west north west of the Butt of Lewis by SM U-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Claverley (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south east of the Eddystone Lighthouse by SM UB-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten of her crew.
HMS E47 (Royal Navy) The E-class submarine was lost in the North Sea with the loss of all 30 crew.
Edernian (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) east of Southwold, Suffolk by SM UB-10 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 14 of her crew.
Elswick Lodge (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 260 nautical miles (480 km) west by south of Ouessant, Finistère, France by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Ilya Muromets (Imperial Russian Navy) The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and sank in Worms Sound with the loss of eleven of her crew. by SM UC-58 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Incemore (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 52 nautical miles (96 km) south east by south of Pantelleria, Italy (36°27′N 13°02′E) by SM U-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
HMT Kirkland (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by U 80 (Alfred von Glasenapp) and sank in the Atlantic Ocean off Papa Stour, Shetland Islands (60°21′N 1°47′W) with the loss of eleven crew.
Serra do Marco (Portugal) The fishing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Serra do Pilar (Portugal) The fishing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS Vala (Royal Navy) The Q-ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 120 nautical miles (220 km) south west of the Isles of Scilly (48°37′N 9°28′W) by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 43 of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

August 20, 1917:

Air War:

0625 Three RFC SPAD VII pilots share a victory over an Albatros two-seater:
Lt H.C. Ainger, B3564, country and victory unknown.
Alexander Pentland, Australia, B3620, victory number 4.
Frederick Sowrey, England, B3616, victory number 7.

0905 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD VII, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 9.

0905 German pilot Joseph Mai, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1015 German ace Otto Kissenberth, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 10.

1950 Otto Kissenberth scores his second victory of the day, shooting down another SPAD VII for victory number 11.

French ace Georges Guynemer, in SPAD XIII S504, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 53.

[Jimbuna]

21st August 1917

Western Front

British capture enemy positions west and north-west of Lens on front of 200 yards.

Verdun front, French take Cote de l'Oie, Regneville (on left bank), Samogneux and fortified trenches connecting village with Hill 344.

Eastern Front

Enemy attack on Riga front commences.

Russians evacuate positions between Tirul Marsh and River Aa.

Enemy attack town of Sereth (Bukovina) and take one of fortified heights.

Southern Front

Battle in Carso region continues.

Aviation

Eduard Ritter von Dostler, German fighter ace with 26 victories, is shot down and killed over Belgium.


Naval

German submarine SM UC-41, credited with sinking 18 ships, is sunk by British naval trawlers with loss of all crew.

Political, etc.

Labour Party reaffirm their decision to send delegates to Stockholm.

Parliament adjourns.

Ship Losses:

Devonian (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north east of Tory Island, County Donegal by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two lives.
Goodwood (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 28 nautical miles (52 km) north west by west of Cape Bon, Tunisia by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HS 4 (United Kingdom) The tug was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 130 nautical miles (240 km) west south west of Ouessant, Finistère, France by SM UC-72 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Mountpark (United Kingdom) The collier collided with Alexandra (United Kingdom) and sank in the Bristol Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) north west of the Bull Point Lighthouse, Devon.
USS Nemes (United States Navy) The patrol vessel exploded, caught fire and sank in Cotteral Bay, Florida.
Norhilda (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south east of Scarborough, Yorkshire (54°15′N 0°10′W) by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Oslo (United Kingdom) The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) east by north of the Out Skerries, Shetland Islands by SM U-87 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
RB 6 (United Kingdom) The refrigerated barge was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 130 nautical miles (240 km) west south west of Ouessant by SM UC-72 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Roscommon (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north east of Tory Island by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Stroini (Imperial Russian Navy) The Storozhevoi-class destroyer ran aground in the Gulf of Riga whilst minelaying. She was then bombed and sunk by Kaiserliche Marine Friedrichshafen FF.41 aircraft.
SM UC-41 Kaiserliche Marine The Type UC II submarine sank in the Tay estuary after an internal explosion. All 27 crew and 7 British prisoners of war were killed.
Volodia (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 285 nautical miles (528 km)) west of Ouessant, Finistère, France by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

August 21, 1917

Air War:

0740 Welsh RNAS pilot Howard Saint, flying Sopwith Triplane N6295, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 3.

0800 German pilot Julius Fichter, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Nieuport fighter for victory number 2.

0805 German ace Hans Bethge, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Martinsyde G.100 A3992 for victory number 14. 2nd Lt D.P. Cox is killed.

0810 German pilot Karl Bolle, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Martinsyde G.100 A6259 for victory number 2. Cpt G.K. Smith is killed.

0817 German ace Rudolf Berthold is credited with a Martinsyde G.100 for victory number 13. Only three planes were actually lost. With the other three accounted for, Berthold's claim seems to be in error.

0820 German ace Max von Müller, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Martinsyde G.100 7276 for victory number 25. 2nd Lt Sydney Thompson is take prisoner.

0845 German ace Ernst Udet, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A7577 for victory number 9.

0950 German ace Ernst Hess, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 10.

0955 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 10.

1000 Canadian RFC pilot, in a Sopwith 1½ Strutter with Gnr H. Grenner as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1025 Ernst Hess scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an RE.8 for victory number 11.

1200 German ace Emil Thuy, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 8.

1605 German ace Otto Könnecke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down RE.8 A3535 for victory number 7. Cpt F.D. Pemberton is killed. Lt J.A. Manners-Smith is wounded.

1830 Canadian RNAS pilot John Gerald Manuel, in Sopwith Triplane N5380, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1835 John Manuel scores kill number 2, another Albatros D.V.

1835 Canadian RNAS pilot George Trapp, in Sopwith Triplane N5366, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1900 English RFC ace Philip Fullard, flying Nieuport 17 B3459, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 26.

1925 Max von Müller scores his second kill of the day, shooting down DH.4 A7555 for number 26. Lt W.B. Hutcheson is taken prisoner and Lt Thomas Ernest Godwin is killed.

1935 German ace Otto Hartmann, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Triplane N6308 for victory number 7.

2015 German pilot Rudolf Wendelmuth, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 4.

French ace Joseph Robert de Bonnefoy, in a Nieuport, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 6. His victim is probably Ltn Hugo Geiger of Jasta 34, killed about 10 km north of Verdun.
This is de Bonnefoy's last victory. He will survive both World Wars and die of hypotghermia in 1946 after swimming in the River Ain.

Austro-Hungarian pilot Frank Linke-Crawford, flying Hansa-Brandenburg D.I 28.40, shoots down an Italian Nieuport for victory number 1.

British aircrew Lt N. Staples and 2nd Lt M.A. O'Cahhaghan, in an RE.8, are attacked by an Albatros D.V. O'Callaghan manages to shoot the attacker down. German 26-victory ace Eduard Dostler is killed.

[Jimbuna]

22nd August 1917

Western Front

heavy fighting on Ypres front; British line advanced 500 yards on 1-mile front. Also advance 0.25 mile on 2.5 mile front (objective Lens).

Eastern Front

At Raggazen (Gulf of Riga) Russians retire from 3 to 8 miles, to shorten line.

Situation unchanged on Romanian front, where fighting continues.

Southern Front

Fierce fighting in Carso region.

Italian progress on both right and left wings.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

War Office reports Turkish defeat in Hejaz.

Aviation

German Gotha bombers raid Dover and the Yorkshire coast, but lose 3 bombers to British aeroplanes. 12 civilians are killed, 25 injured.

Zeppelin destroyed by naval forces off Jutland.

Political, etc.

Earl Grenville appointed Minister at Athens.

Ship Losses:

Alexander Shukoff (Denmark) The cargo ship was sunk in the Norwegian Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) west of Florø, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway by SM U-87 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Golo II (French Navy) The armed boarding steamer was sunk in the Ionian Sea off Corfu, Greece by SM UC-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 42 lives.
Gro Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) south of Start Point, Devon, United Kingdom by SM UC-47 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Sophron (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 41 (Hans Förste) and sank in the Firth of Tay with the loss of eight of her crew.
Verdi (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 115 nautical miles (213 km) north west by north of Eagle Island, County Mayo (55°15′N 13°20′W) by SM U-53 ((Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six crew.

[Sailor Steve]

August 22, 1917

Air War:

0530 English RFC pilot Alwyne Lloyd, flying DH.5 A9211, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4.

0900 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 11.

0905 RFC team of Canadian pilot Robert Dodds and English observer Thomas Tuffield, in Bristol F.2b A7222, shoot down an Albatros D.III. Victory number 2 for both.

0945 English RNAS pilot Geoffrey Hemming, in Sopwith Camel B3841, is credited with two Albatros D.Vs for victories 4 and 5.

0945 Canadian RNAS pilot Charles Robert Reeves Hickey, in Sopwith Camel N6347, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

0945 English RNAS pilot Adrian James Boswell Tonks, flying Sopwith Camel B3856, is credited with two Albatros D.Vs for victories 1 and 2.

0950 Geoffrey Hemming scores his third kill of the day, another Albatros D.V, for victory number 6.
This is Hemmings' last victory. He will survive the war and die in a flying accident in 1926.

1120 English RNAS pilot Edward Barfort Drake, in Sopwith Camel B3844, shoots down a Gotha G.IV bomber for victory number 1.

1216 German ace Otto Kissenberth, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Paul Schmidt two-seater for victory number 12.

1550 Canadian RNAS pilot George Anderson, in Sopwith Camel B3858, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 2.

1550 South African RNAS pilot Edwin Tufnell Hayne, flying Sopwith Camel B3895, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1820 French pilot Henri de Slade, in a Nieuport, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 3.

1835 English RFC ace Philip Fullard, in Nieuport 17 B5430, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 27.

1835 German pilot Rudolf Wendelmuth, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 5.

Austrian pilot Frank Linke-Crawford, in Hansa-Brandenburg D.I 28.40, shoots down a Pomilio PE for victory number 2.

German ace Eduard von Schleich, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Caudron for victory number 7.

German pilot Kurt Student, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 5.

German pilot Karl Thom, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

23rd August 1917

Western Front

South-west of Lens and north-east of Langemarck British line slightly advanced.

Southern Front

Battle continues. Italians carry new positions.

Political, etc.

British press criticizes the air service for not preventing German air raids. Manchester Guardian proposes an independent air ministry.

Suffragist Adela Pankhurst is arrested in Australia and sentenced to a month in prison for demonstrating against conscription.

Ship Losses:

Boniface (United Kingdom) The cargo liner was torpedeoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 7 nautical miles (13 km) north east by north of Arranmore, County Donegal (55°08′N 8°27′W) by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Carl F. Cressy (United States) The four-masted schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 180 nautical miles (330 km) north west of Cape Finisterre, Spain by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Constance (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 142 nautical miles (263 km) north east of Malta (36°15′N 17°25′E) by SM U-14 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy).
Fratelli Danielli (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, Italy by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Peer Gynt (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) north of Pendeen Point, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°23′N 5°20′W) by SM UC-47 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Veghtstroom (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 7 nautical miles (13 km) north west of the Godrevy Lighthouse, Cornwall (50°16′N 5°35′W) by SM UC-47 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.
Winlaton (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 25 nautical miles (46 km) west of Cape Spartel, Morocco (35°40′N 6°25′W) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew. Her captain was taken as a prisoner of war.

[Sailor Steve]

August 23, 1917

Air War:

0705 German pilot Hans Auer, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 4.

0750 German ace Gisbert-Wilhelm Groos, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B3768 for victory number 6.

0835 German pilot Hans Hoyer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7204 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt H.G. Tambling and Sgt W. Organ are both taken prisoner.

0840 German pilot Hans Böhning, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1101 for victory number 1. Sgt C.L. Randall and AM1 J.V. Hurley are both killed.

0840 English RFC team of Edward Denman Clarke and George Brooke, in Sopwith 1½ Strutter A1048, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for Clarke, number 4 for Brooke.

1000 German ace Werner Voss, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down SPAD VII B3528 for victory number 38. Cpt Arthur Lionel Gordon-Kidd is seriously wounded, but manages to get his plane home safely. Four days later, on August 27, Gordon-Kidd dies of his wounds.

1825-2050 English RFC pilot Thomas Carlyon Luke, in Sopwith Pup B1703, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

Hungarian pilot Friedrich Hefty, in Hansa-Brandenburg C.I 69.79, shoots down a Farman for victory number 1. Whether Hefty has an observer with him is unknown.

Austrian pilot Frank Linke-Crawford, in Hansa-Brandenburg D.I 28.40, shoots down a Pomilio PE for victory number 3.

[Jimbuna]

24th August 1917

Western Front

British advanced line forced back from positions gained on 22 August.

Enemy post capture near Lombartzyde (coast section).

French advance 1.5 miles on 2,000 yards front at Verdun, carrying Hill 304 and Bois Camard, reach south bank of Forges Brook, between Haucourt and Bethincourt, make progress north of Mort Homme.

Southern Front

Italians occupy summit of Monte Santo and continue their advance towards eastern border of Bainsizza Plateau.

Italian advance in this region four miles on 12.5 mile front.

Battle further south dies down. Italians consolidating positions.

Political, etc.

German Vice Chancellor Helfferich claims UK entered the war because it felt threatened by Germany’s increasing economic & military power.

156 African-American soldiers in Houston, Texas mutiny & riot after encountering segregation. 4 soldiers and 12 civilians are killed.

Ship Losses:

Henriette (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 230 nautical miles (430 km) north west of Penmarc'h, Finistère (48°00′N 14°45′W) by SM U-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Kilwinning (United Kingdom) The collier was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 94 nautical miles (174 km) east south east of Malta (35°26′N 16°30′E) by SM U-14 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Parana (France) The troopship was torpedoed and damaged in the Aegean Sea between Andros and Euboea, Greece by SM UC-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She consequently sank in Karystos Bay with the loss of seven lives.
Penelope (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Baltic Sea off the Swalfre Ort Lighthouse by a Kaiserliche Marine submarine.
Springhill (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east north east of Scarborough, Yorkshire (54°21′N 0°22′W) by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

August 24, 1917

Air War:

Three Italian pilots, all in Nieuport 11s, share a victory over Austrian Albatros D.III 53.33:
Antonio Amantea, victory number 2
Antonion Riva, number 1
?? Tola, no information.



North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Bay of Biscay:
Ernst Hashagen, commanding U-62, torpedoes French freighter SS Henriette, 2,005 tons; 230 miles west of Penmarch, southern Brittany.



Aegean Sea:
Wilhelm Marschall, in UC-74, torpedoes French freighter SS Parana, 6,248 tons, carrying troops and war materials from Marseilles to Salonica; between Andros and Eubea. The damaged ship makes it to Karystos Bay and then sinks there. Marschall's score is now 12 ships and 37,189 tons.



Mediterranean Sea:
Georg von Trapp, in Austrian U-14, sinks British freighter SS Kilwinning, 3,071 tons, en route from Barry to Port Said with a load of coal plus general cargo; 94 miles east-southeast of Malta. His score is now 7 ships and 26,555 tons.