100 Years Ago Today

[Jimbuna]

9th January 1918

Western Front

Successful raid by Canadians south of Lens.

Eastern Front

Russo-German negotiations at Brest-Litovsk.

Bolsheviks issue appeal for volunteers to march against "Bourgeoisie of the world".

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

War Office announces further Arab activity on Hejaz railway.

Naval and Overseas Operations

H.M.S. "Racoon" founders in snowstorm off coast of Scotland: all hands lost.

Aviation

German ace Max Ritter von Müller, who is credited with 36 victories and is the highest scoring Bavarian pilot, is killed in action over Belgium.
https://i.imgur.com/7Ogq1If.jpg

Political, etc.

Mr. Hughes forms new ministry.

The British Air Board abandons plans to move its offices to the British Museum due to logistical difficulties and public protests that the move would make the museum a military target.

Italy bans the making and sale of cakes, pastry, and confectionery as a measure to conserve food supplies.

Ship Losses:

Bayvoe (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay 10 nautical miles (19 km) south of the Glénan Islands, Finistère, France (47°30′N 4°01′W) by SM U-84 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
HMS Racoon (Royal Navy) The Beagle-class destroyer was lost in the Atlantic Ocean off the Garvan Isles, County Donegal.
Taiyabi (India) The collier foundered in St George's Channel.
SM UB-69 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean off Bizerte, Algeria (37°30′N 10°38′E) with the loss of all 31 crew.
Ula (Norway) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) east south east of The Lizard, Cornwall, United Kingdom (49°55′N 5°47′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

January 9, 1918
Air War:

1145 German ace Max von Müller, flying Albatros D.V 5405/17, attacks RE.8 B5045, flown by Cpt G.F.W. Zimmer with 2nd Lt H. A. Somerville as observer. According to Under The Guns of the Kaiser's Aces, by Norman Franks and Hal Giblin, Somerville gets off a good burst that sets von Müller's plane on fire. The 36-victory German ace is seen to jump or fall from his burning plane.
Welsh RFC aces Robert Chidlaw-Roberts (SE.5a B626) and Canadian ace Frank Soden (C5332) are also given credit for this victory. Number 9 for Chidlaw-Robers and number 14 for Soden.

1145 South African RFC pilot Alfred Stewart Hemming, in SE.5a B639, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 1.

1200 German pilot Hans Müller, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

10th January 1918

Western Front

British raids near Ypres.

Ammunition depot near Courtrai bombed.

Eastern Front

Central Powers and Bolsheviks recognise the Ukraine as separate state; latter to be represented at negotiations.

British Government assure Russian Government of their support in creation of an independent Poland.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

General Maude's despatch of 15 October 1917 issued.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Board of Admiralty reconstituted, with Sir E. Geddes as First Lord and Sir R. Wemyss as First Sea Lord.

Political, etc.

House of Lords adopts Women's Suffrage clause.

Australia: Conscription Referendum: majority against - 165,000.

Vladimir Lenin heads to newly-independent Finland for few days of vacation.

Ship Losses:

Atlas (Netherlands) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 25 nautical miles (46 km) off Fuertaventura, Canary Islands, Spain (28°32′N 12°52′W) by SM U-156 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Cardiff (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Bay of Biscay 20 nautical miles (37 km) south west of Lorient, Morbihan, France by SM U-84 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight of her crew. She was beached but was later refloated.
Hulda Maersk (Denmark) The cargo ship was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 24 nautical miles (44 km) off Cape Bojador, Río de Oro (26°26′N 14°28′W) by SM U-157 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Portland (United Kingdom) The auxiliary schooner caught fire and sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal. Her crew were rescued.
Ydun (Sweden) The schooner was abandoned in the North Sea off Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway. She came ashore at Ulboer, Rogaland and was wrecked.

[Sailor Steve]

January 10, 1918

Air War:

1530 Canadian RFC pilot Harry Symons, flying Sopwith Camel B5600, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1615 Australian RFC ace Raymond Brownell, in Sopwith Camel B2430, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 8.

Austrian ace Kurt Gruber, in Phönix D.I 228.24, shoots down an SAML 2 and a Nieuport Scout for victories number 6 and 7.

[Jimbuna]

11th January 1918

Western Front

Unsuccessful German raid south of Armentieres.

French raids in Argonne, Vosges and Champagne.

Eastern Front

Bolshevik excesses in Sevastopol and Kilia.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Three columns of British troops pursuing Germans in Mozambique.

Political, etc.

U.S. Labour supports War Aims declarations.

Denmark recognises independence of Finland.

The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which gives women the right to vote, passes the House of Representatives with the required two-thirds majority by a margin of 1 vote.

British House of Lords rejects an amendment that would have denied women the right to vote by 134 to 69.

Ship Losses:

Barsac (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 18 nautical miles (33 km) north west of Cap de la Hève, Seine-Maritime by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Kasuga (Imperial Japanese Navy) The Kasuga-class cruiser ran aground in the Bangka Strait. She was refloated in June, repaired and returned to service.
HMML 356 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was lost on this date.

[Sailor Steve]

January 11, 1918

Air War:

A large ongoing fight takes place over Italy between Albatros D.IIIs of Jasta 39 and Sopwith Camels of 45 Squadron RFC:

1245 German ace Wilhelm Hippert shoots down Camel B1436 for victory number 6. 2nd Lt D.W. Ross is killed.

1530 English ace Henry Moody, in Camel B6383, shoots down an Albatros for victory number 7.

1535 Australian ace Raymond Brownell (B2430) shoots down an Albatros for victory number 9.

Lt H.T. Thompson (B2494) shoots down an Albatros, details unknown. German 7-victory ace Obltn Hans Kummetz is killed.

German pilot Josef Loeser shoots down Camel B2404 for victory number 1. Lt H.T. Thompson is wounded.

[August]

Jan 11th 1918

Having left the Tarnopol area of the Russian Front on December 19th after their victory at Riga, my Great Grandfathers unit, the 8th Royal Bavarian Infantry Regiment of the the 14th Bavarian Infantry Division arrived today on the Mont Haut sector of the western front to relieve the 7th Reserve Infantry Division.

[Jimbuna]

12th January 1918

Western Front

British make successful raid at Loos and disperse four German raids south of Lens and east of Monchy.

French repel "flame" attack on Chaume Wood (Meuse).

Eastern Front

Russo-German Peace Conference adjourns.

Romanian Minister in Petrograd arrested by Bolsheviks.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Two British destroyers lost in gale off Scottish coast.

British column disembarks at Port Amelia, Portuguese East Africa.

Political, etc.

French War Department takes over all postal and telegraph services in the country.

US factories making corsets and covers for automobiles and carriages are ordered by the government to manufacture powder bags. This is the first time in the US during the war where factories are ordered to change production for war goods.

Ship Losses:

Adolph Meyer (Sweden) The coaster struck a mine laid by UC 58 (Karl Vesper) and sank in the North Sea south east of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom with the loss of all seventeen crew. Adolph Meyer was part of a convoy, but struggled to keep her position and disappeared from view.
Bosforo (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean off Cape Spartivento, Sardinia (37°54′N 16°06′E) by SM U-28 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Château Laffite (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Bay of Biscay 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off Penmarc'h, Finistère (47°35′N 4°40′W) by SM U-84 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Mica (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) west of Milos, Greece (37°09′N 23°45′E) by SM U-47 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of six of her crew.
HMS Narborough (Royal Navy) The Admiralty M-class destroyer ran aground on the Pentland Skerries and sank with the loss of all 92 crew.
HMS Opal (Royal Navy) The Admiralty M-class destroyer ran aground on the Pentland Skerries and sank with the loss of 96 of her 97 crew.
Whorlton (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel off the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) (50°34′N 0°45′W) by SM UB-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all thirteen crew.

https://i.imgur.com/57TKyCT.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

January 12, 1918

Air War:

Unknown time: German ace Fritz Pütter, flying with Jasta 9, shoots down a French SPAD for victory number 6. This is possibly 4267, Sgt Joseph Leboucher taken prisoner.

1205 Fritz Pütter destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 7.

1205 German pilot Erik Thomas, with Jasta 9, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 2.

1250 German ace Ludwig Hanstein, in Albatros D.V 5285/17, shoots down FK.8 B283 for victory number 15. 2nd Lts T.A. Urwin and J.H. Young are both wounded and taken prisoner. Both later die from their wounds.

1630 German pilot Hermann Stutz, with Jasat 20, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2354 for victory number 2. Lt J. Boyd is taken prisoner.

[Jimbuna]

13th January 1918

Western Front

Raid by Canadians north of Lens.

Eastern Front

Estonian Government issue declaration of independence.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Japan despatches warships to Vladivostok.

Ship Losses:

Rapallo (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) south of Cape Peloro, Sicily, Italy (38°05′N 15°34′E) by SM U-28 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of a crew member.

[Sailor Steve]

January 13, 1918

Air War:

0920 Irish RFC pilot George McElroy, flying SE.5a B598, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 2.

1107 German ace Heinrich Kroll, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 16.

1130 Canadian RFC pilot John Victor Sorsoleil, in SE.5a B5463, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1158 German ace Josef Mai, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1110 for victory number 6.

1230 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7174 for victory number 7. 2nd Lt H.V. Biddington is taken prisoner; 2nd Lt J.H. Corbet is killed.

1240 German pilot Max Kraus, flying with Jasta 27, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 4.

1250 German pilot Günther Schuster, with Jasta 29, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5602 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt F.B. Wilmott is taken prisoner.

1328 German pilot Hans Schlömer, in an Albatros D.V, scores victory number 2. Schlömer claims a Bristol F.2b but this may have been Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 B5826, Lt F.H. Hall wounded and Lt A.S. Balfour killed.

1425 English RFC pilot Thomas Colvill-Jones and observer Henry George Crowe, in Bristol F.2b B1122, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 3 for Colvill-Jones, number 1 for Crowe.

1637 German pilot Werner Steinhäuser, with Jasta 11, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 2.

German 4-victory pilot Eberhard Stapenhorst, in Fokker Dr.I 144/17 is brought down by anti-aircraft fire during a balloon attack and taken prisoner.

[Jimbuna]

14th January 1918

Western Front

British bomb successfully, by day, Karlsruhe, Thionville and Metz area.

French repulse attacks on Chaume Wood and make successful raid in Lorraine.

British raid north of Lens.

Eastern Front

Von Kuhlmann warns Russians that German terms have now reached extreme limit.

Attempted assassination of Lenin at Petrograd.

Southern Front

Italians advance east of Brenta Valley in Asolone District and to lesser extent in Piave Delta.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Tafile, south-east of Dead Sea, captured by Hejaz troops.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Yarmouth bombarded by enemy destroyers; six killed, six injured.

Political, etc.

House of Commons reassembles. Sir A. Geddes introduces Man-power Bill.

Allies sign wheat convention with Argentine.

Former French Premier Joseph Caillaux is put under arrest on charges of treason.

Ship Losses:

Alster (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east south east of Noss Head, Shetland Islands by SM UB-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Arthur Capel (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) north west of Barfleur, Manche (49°52′N 0°47′W) by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Babin Chevaye (France) The barque was sunk in the Bay of Biscay 30 nautical miles (56 km) west south west of Penmarc'h, Finistère (47°36′N 5°07′W) by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Centauro (Greece) The cargo ship ran aground at Estepona, Andalusia, Spain and was wrecked.
HMS G8 (Royal Navy) The G-class submarine was lost in the North Sea on this date.
Miranda (United Kingdom) The trawler was wrecked in Pelwick Bay.
SM UB-63 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine departed for a patrol in the North Sea and Irish Sea. No further trace, lost with all 33 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

January 14, 1918

Air War:

1030 German ace Fritz Pütter, flying with Jasta 9, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 8.

1100 Italian ace Silvio Scaroni, in an Hanriot HD.I, shoots down an Aviatik (Berg) D.I for victory number 10. Fw Karl Cislaghi is taken prisoner.

1155 English RFC pilot George Cox, over the Italian Front in Sopwith Camel B2411, shoots down a two-seater for victory number 2.

1500 Australian RFC pilot Cedric Ernest Howell, in Sopwith Camel B4609, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1. There may be no connection, but Ltn Theodor Wrege is shot down and killed this day.

1535 German pilot Josef Schwendemann, with Jasta 41, shoots down a French-flown Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 2. Sgt Louis Silberman and Sgt Liauzu are both listed as Missing.

1540 German pilot Hermann Reisch, flying with Jasta 41, shoots down a French-flown Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 1. Brig Victor Piel and MdL Ruse are both listed as Missing.

Italian pilots Attilio Imolesi and Antonio Reali, both in Nieuport 27s, share a victory over a two-seater. Number 6 for Imolesi, number 1 for Reali.

Italian pilot Cosimo Rennella, in a Nieuport 17, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 3.

[Jimbuna]

15th January 1918

Western Front

Results of Cambrai enquiry published.

Eastern Front

Bolsheviks issue 24 hours' ultimatum to Romania. Corps Diplomatique secure release of Ambassador. Arrest of King of Romania ordered by Bolsheviks.

Southern Front

Austrian counter-attacks on new Italian positions are repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Considerable air and patrol activity in Palestine.

Amman (Hejaz railway) bombed.

Naval

Construction begins on the HMS Hermes, the first ship designed as an aircraft carrier, at Walker, Tyneside, England.
https://i.imgur.com/0ufhzlV.jpg

Political, etc.

Draft of compulsory rationing scheme issued to Control Committees.

U.S.A.: War labour administrator appointed.

Strikes in Austria.

Ship Losses:

Bonanova (Spain) The coaster was damaged in the Mediterranean 8 nautical miles (15 km) off Cape Farrara (43°11′N 4°37′E) by SM U-63 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was towed into Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France where she was declared a constructive total loss.
HMT Ethnee (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
HMML 278 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was lost on this date.
Spital (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 28 nautical miles (52 km) south west by west of St Anthony Head, Cornwall by a Kaiserliche Marine submarine.
War Song (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Bay of Biscay 12 nautical miles (22 km) west of the Île de Sein, Finistère, France (48°02′N 5°10′W) by SM U-93 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of sixteen of her crew.
Westpolder (Netherlands) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by
U 79 (Karl Thouret) and sank in the North Sea west of Scheveningen, South Holland (52°11′N 3°57′E).[77] Six of her eighteen crew were killed.

[Sailor Steve]

January 15, 1918

Air War:

Italian pilot Cosimo Rennella, flying a Nieuport 17, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

16th January 1918

Western Front

Successful French raid south-east Verdun.

British again bomb Metz.

Eastern Front

Settlement in principle arrives at between Central Powers and Ukraine.

Southern Front

Austrians attack on Italian positions at Cape Sile (lower Piave) repulsed with heavy loss.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Hospital ship "Rewa": Spanish Commissioner guarantees all conditions were observed.

Political, etc.

U.S.A. publishes documents referring to Caillaux case.

Prussian Finance Minister Hergt declares sufficient American troops cannot reach Europe.

Committee of Enquiry into expenditure of Government Departments announced.

Romania ignores Soviet Russia's ultimatum from yesterday, heightening tensions between Romania and Russia soldiers still stationed in the country.

Ship Losses:

HMT John E. Lewis (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 11 (Ferdinand Schwartz) and sank in the North Sea off the Cork Lightship ( United Kingdom) (51°54′N 1°24′E) with the loss of two of her crew.
Genevieve (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km) north west of St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°23′N 5°20′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

January 16, 1918

Air War:

German pilot Uffz Eggebrecht, flying for Jasta 25, destroys an observation balloon for his only victory. further details, including his first name, are unknown.

[Jimbuna]

17th January 1918

Naval and Overseas Operations

War Office announces progress in East Africa.

Political, etc.

At Brest-Litovsk, Central Powers reject Soviet Russia’s proposal that armies of the Central Powers leave occupied areas before official peace is concluded.

U.S. government orders all factories east of the Mississippi River and in Minnesota and Louisiana to close for five days, starting on the 18th, as a measure to combat coal shortages.

Ship Losses:

Kingsdyke (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) north east by east of Cape Barfleur, Manche, France by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of sixteen of her crew.
Windsor Hall (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean 45 nautical miles (83 km) north west of Alexandria, Egypt by SM UB-66 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the kloss of 27 crew. Her captain was taken as a prisoner of war.

[Sailor Steve]

January 17, 1918

Air War:

0920 Canadian RFC pilot Austin Lloyd Fleming and Scottish ace observer Frederick Knowles, flying Bristol F.2b A7192. sjppt dpwm a Ger,am twp-seater. Victory number 1 for Fleming, number 6 for Knowles.

[Jimbuna]

18th January 1918

Western Front

German raids near Neuve Chapelle and Lens repulsed.

Eastern Front

Bolsheviks send further two hours' ultimatum to Romania demanding passage of troops.

Germany refuses undertaking to withdraw troops from Russia.

Constituent Assembly meets in Petrograd and denounces Bolsheviks.

Southern Front

Italian patrols active on Asiago plateau.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance at Dura, 12 miles north of Jerusalem.

Arabs capture important Turkish convoy east of Medina.

British bomb Samaria.

Naval

HMS Cavendish (later HMS Vindictive), Royal Navy cruiser converted into an aircraft carrier, is launched. The ship later in the year after completion:
https://i.imgur.com/kgyZ9TQ.jpg

Political, etc.

Mr. Lloyd George again addresses Man-power Conference.

Australia: Mr. Hughes' Government defeats "No confidence" vote.

Hungary: Serious strikes in Budapest.

All passenger railroad traffic in Germany is reduced by 60 percent in order to free up capacity for the transport of soldiers and war-related materials.

Factories in the U.S., with the exception of those engaged in war work, will be shut down for 5 days, starting today, on order by the government to conserve coal supplies.

Ship Losses:

HMS Blackcock (Royal Navy) The Admiralty tug ran aground near Tsip Navalock, Russia and was abandoned. She was later crushed by ice and sank.
HMT Gambri (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 71 (Ernst Steindorff) and sank in the English Channel 0.75 nautical miles (1,390 m) off the Royal Sovereign Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of 21 of her crew.
Maria P. (United Kingdom) The barquentine was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean 75 nautical miles (139 km) west of Cape Mannu, Sardinia, Italy (39°52′N 6°36′E) by SM U-63 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ville de Bordeaux (French Navy) The troopship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Caccia, Sardinia (40°29′N 6°49′E) by SM U-63 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight lives.
SM UB-66 (Kaiserliche Marine) German Type UB III submarine or U-boat in the German Imperial Navy was sunk by HMS Campanula (38°30′N 24°25′E) on 18 January 1918, 30 crew members died in the event.

[Sailor Steve]

January 18, 1918

British tug Blackcock sails from Vardo for Murmansk with passengers. At 0745 on the 18th she runs aground. Passengers and some crew walk to Tsip Navalock. Dog-sled party rescues remaining crew. All survive.

Air War:

0920 English RFC pilot Reginald Maxwell, flying Sopwith Camel B6403, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1020 German pilot Otto von Breiten-Landenburg, with Jasta 6, shoots down a "Sopwith" (actual type unknown) for victory number 5.

1025 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 10.

1120 German pilot Karl Gallwitz, with Jasta 2, shoots down Sopwith Camel B4629 for victory number 5. 2nd Lt A.E. Wylie is killed.

1125 German pilot Ulrich Neckel, with Jasta 12, shoots down an Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 4. 2nd Lts W.K. Fenn-Smith and N.L. Cornforth are both killed.

1130 Two RFC Bristol F.2b crews share a victory over a German two-seater:
A7196, Lt D.B. Aitken and Lt A.J. Barbe.
A7198, Austin Lloyd Fleming, Canada, victory number 2, Frederick Knowles, Scotland, victory number 7.

[Jimbuna]

19th January 1918

Western Front

Raids and counter raids in Cambrai sector.

Political, etc.

In Britain, it is announced that compulsory rationing will go into effect on February 25th.

The democratically-elected Russian Constituent Assembly declares the founding of the Russian Democratic Federative Republic. However, the Assembly is soon dissolved by the Soviet government, making the declaration moot.

Ship Losses:

HMS H10 (Royal Navy) The H-class submarine was lost in the North Sea.
Trocas (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north east of the Skyro Lighthouse, Greece by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 24 of her crew.
SM UB-22 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB II submarine struck a mine and sank in the Heligoland Bight (54°27′N 6°35′E) with the loss of all 22 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

January 19, 1918

Air War:

1000 German pilot Hans Joachim von Hippel, flying with Jasta 5, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6523 for victory number 2. Lt F.M. Ohrt is taken prisoner. This is von Hippel's last confirmed aerial victory, though he will have two more unconfirmed. He will survive the war and keep flying, piloting Ju.52s in World War 2, and live until 1975.

1020 Canadian RFC pilot George Howsam, in Sopwith Camel B5598, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 2.

1025 English RFC pilot John Lightfoot Trollope, in Sopwith Camel B6210, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 1.

1110 French pilot Jean Dubois de Gennes, in a SPAD, shoots down a German fighter (unnamed) for victory number 2.

1115 English RFC pilot Gwilym Lewis, in SE.5a C9534, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1120 English RFC observer Tom Cecil Noel, riding in a Bristol F.2b with Cpt N.V. Harrison as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1145 German pilot Ltn Koch (no first name given), with Jasta 12, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6208 for victory number 1. Lt C.N. Madely is killed.

1205 Canadian RFC pilot William Harrison, in SE.5a B22, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 2.

1205 Irish RFC pilot George McElroy, in SE.5a B598, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 3.

1235 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7193 for victory number 22. 2nd Lt B. Starfield and Lt A Hutchinson are both killed.

1445 German ace Karl Gallwitz, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2468 for victory number 7. 2nd Lt E.T. Baker is killed.

1420 German pilot Otto Hohmuth, flying an Albatros D.V, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 4.

1425 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD, shoots down a German fighter for victory number 20.

1430 German pilot Max Krauss (4 victories) is killed over Blankaart See in combat with two-seater.

1435 René Fonck scores his second victory of the day, shooting down another "Scout" for number 21.

1610 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 9 (probably an Albatros D.III), shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 9. Adj H. Variot is killed.

English RFC pilot Thomas Colvill-Jones, flying a Bristol F.2b with 2nd Lt L.H. Phelps as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

French pilot Pierre Marinovitch, in a Nieuport 24, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

American pilot David Endicott Putnam, flying a SPAD XIII for the French Air Service, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

French pilot François de Rochechouart de Mortemart, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

20th January 1918

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Samaria again bombed.

Troops of King of Hejaz active.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Naval action at entrance to Dardanelles: German cruiser "Breslau" and British monitor "Raglan" sunk and "Goeben" damaged.
https://i.imgur.com/juMLLbu.jpg

H.M.S. "Mechanician" torpedoed in English Channel.

Two German destroyers mined in North Sea.

Political, etc.

General strike in Austria-Hungary wanes, as people return to work. However, demonstrations continue in Bohemia and Moravia, fueled by rising Czech nationalism.

Ship Losses:

SMS A73 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Jutland, Denmark with the loss of 40 of her 57 crew.
SMS A77 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Jutland with the loss of all 33 crew.
Faustina B. (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean east of Sardinia by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Hirondelle (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the English Channel north of Le Tréport, Seine-Maritime by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS M28 (Royal Navy) The M15-class monitor was shelled and sunk by Midilli and Yavûz Sultân Selîm (both Ottoman Navy) with the loss of eleven of her 69 crew.
HMS Mechanician (Royal Navy) The escort ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) west of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen of her crew.
Midilli (Ottoman Navy) The Magdeburg-class cruiser struck five mines and sank in the Ionian Sea with the loss of 330 of her 492 crew.
HMS Raglan (Royal Navy) The Abercrombie-class monitor was shelled and sunk by Midilli and Yavûz Sultân Selîm (both Ottoman Navy) with the loss of 127 of her 198 crew.
SMS S16 (Kaiserliche Marine) The V1-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of 80 of her crew.
Yavûz Sultân Selîm (Ottoman Navy) The Moltke-class battlecruiser struck three mines in the Aegean Sea and was beached at Nagara Point, in the Dardanelles. She was later repaired and returned to service.

[Sailor Steve]

January 20, 1918

Air War:

1510 German pilot Hans Joachim Rolfes, flying with Jasta 45, shoots down a French Nieuport for victory number 2. American Cpl Harry F. Johnson is wounded.

German pilot Emil Meinecke, with FA 6 over Turkey, shoots down a Sopwith Baby for victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

21st January 1918

Western Front

French raid in Argonne.

British bomb Thionville and Metz district and aerodromes in Belgium.

Eastern Front

Germany announces agreement with Ukraine.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Mesopotamia: British bomb Turkish aerodrome at Kifri, north of Baghdad.

Naval and Overseas Operations

War Office reports further progress in East Africa.

British occupy Mwembe.

H.M.S. "Louvain" torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean.

Political, etc.

Sir Edward Carson, Irish unionist politician, resigns his position on the British War Cabinet, as he opposes plans to conscript the Irish into the British Army.

Austria: Strikes reported at an end.

Ship Losses:

HMS Louvain (Royal Navy) The armed boarding steamer was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea (37°38′N 24°10′E) by SM UC-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 227 lives.
Maria Caterina (Netherlands) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the North Sea (52°47′N 3°28′E) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all seven crew.
Teelin Head (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) south south west of the Owers Lightship by SM UC-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen of her crew.
West Wales (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean 140 nautical miles (260 km) south east by south of Malta (34°00′N 16°50′E) by SM U-28 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of two of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

January 21, 1918

Air War:

1150 German pilot Josef Mayer of Jasta 32 killed in action. Victor unknown.

German pilot Günther Gellenthin of Jasta 40 killed in action. Victor unknown.

French pilot Paul Riche and observer Lt Drouet, in a Dorand AR.2, are shot down and taken prisoner. Victor unknown.

[Jimbuna]

22nd January 1918

Western Front

German raids near St. Quentin and La Bassee.

Much British bombing at Roulers, Menin and Courtrai.

Eastern Front

Russian protest against omissions in German report of peace proceedings.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Samaria again bombed.

Political, etc.

French government announces it will cut bread rations, starting on the 29th, due to the need to feed arriving U.S. soldiers.

First meeting of Allied Naval Council in London.

Japan: Prime Minister warns Russia that Japan will intervene in Eastern Asia if necessary.

Resignation of von Seidler (Austrian Prime Minister).

Ship Losses:

Andrea Costa (Italy) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean off Malta by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy).
Anglo-Canadian (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 33 nautical miles (61 km) south of Malta (35°15′N 15°05′E) by SM U-63 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Greatham (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of Dartmouth, Devon by SM UB-31 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven crew.
Manchester Spinner (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 33 nautical miles (61 km) south of Malta (35°15′N 15°05′E) by SM U-63 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Molina (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) west of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (50°34′N 1°29′W) by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Serrana (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) west of St. Catherine's Point by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.
Victor De Chavarri (Spain) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 7.5 nautical miles (13.9 km) north west of Cherbourg, Manche, France (49°48′N 1°45′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

January 22, 1918

Air War:

1035 English RFC pilot Kenneth Seth-Smith, flying Sopwith Camel B2438, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1110 English RFC pilot Douglas Graham Cooke and Irish observer henry Crowe, in Bristol F.2b A7256, shoot down an Albatros D.V Victory number 1 for Cooke; number 2 for Crowe.

1115 Douglas Cooke and Henry Crowe shoot down their second Albatros of the day. Victory number 2 for Cooke and number 3 for Crowe.

1117 English RFC observer Cyril Agelasto, riding in Bristol F.2b B883 with Sgt H.O. Smith as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1120 Welsh RNAS ace Harold Day, in Sopwith Camel B6371, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1140 German pilot Richard Plange, flying either an Albatros D.V or a Fokker Dr.I (Jasta Boelcke had a full complement of triplanes by this time but still had some D.Vs in use as well), shoots down Sopwith Camel N6370 for victory number 2. Sub-Lt J.E. Beveridge is killed.

1205 German pilot Theodor Cammann, with Jasta Boelcke in an Albatros D.V or a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 2.

1205 German pilot Karl Gallwitz, with Jasta Boelcke in an Albatros D.V or a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.
(Only one Bristol was lost this day - C4825, 2nd Lt A.R. Paul wounded and taken prisoner, later died from his wounds, and AM2 A. Mann, taken prisoner.)

1235 Irish RFC ace William Molesworth, in Nieuport 27 B6812, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 11.

1245 Canadian RFC pilot George Howsam, in Sopwith Camel B5598, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1305 German ace Karl Menckhoff, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 B3313 for victory number 19. 2nd Lt R. Buchanan is wounded but lands safely. Lt T.G. Mather is unharmed.

1315 George Howsam, now in Camel B2530, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4.

1355 German pilot Otto Fruhner, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6426 for victory number 5. 2nd Lt F.W. Dogherty is taken prisoner.

1414 George Howsam, this time in the company of ace Frank Quigley in Camel B5214, shoots down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 5 for Howsam; number 13 for Quigley.

1420 George Howsam and Frank Quigley bring down another Albatros D.V. Victory number 6 for Howsam and 14 for Quigley.

1430 Frank Quigley scores his third kill of the day, this time accompanied by Scottish pilot John Todd in Camel B3890, shoots down yet another Albatros D.V. Victory number 15 for Quigley; number 1 for Todd.

[Jimbuna]

23rd January 1918

Western Front

Germans occupy trenches east of Nieuport (Belgian Coast) after heavy bombardment. French restore position later.

British bomb aerodromes at Courtrai and Ghent.

French raid east of Auberive (Champagne).

Eastern Front

M. Trotsky declares policy of Central Powers to be "a monstrous annexation".

Rioting with much bloodshed in Moscow.

Congress of Soviets meets in Petrograd.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Action between a British submarine and three German submarines reported from Canary Islands.

Political, etc.

Appointment of Sir H. Lawrence to be Chief of the General Staff, France, vice Sir L. Kiggell; other H.Q. appointments announced.

New Army officers to be employed more in staff and higher ranks.

Labour Party Conference meets in Nottingham.

Signor Orlando, Italian Prime Minister, arrives in London.

Leon Trotsky, the Soviet Foreign Minister, decries Central Powers’ demands against Russia to be annexationist. He also accuses Austria-Hungary of simply agreeing to all German demands.

Ship Losses:

Ålesund (Norway) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) south west by west of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (50°28′N 1°33′W) by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.
Birkhall (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south east of Cape Kafireas, Euboea, Greece by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Kerbihan (French Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 67 (Karl Neumann) and sank in the Mediterranean between Pomègues and Cap Croisette, Bouches-du-Rhône (43°14′N 5°19′E).
La Drôme (French Navy) The supply ship struck a mine laid by
UC 67 (Karl Neumann) and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône (43°14′N 5°19′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 26 of her 60 crew.
Portaferry (United Kingdom) The coaster ran aground. She broke up on 3 March and was a total loss.

[Sailor Steve]

January 23, 1917

Air War:

0800 Australian AFC observer Wilmot Hudson Fish, riding in Bristol F.2b A7237 with Cpt S.W. Addison as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1500 Canadian RNAS pilot George Anderson, in Sopwith Camel B3940, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 5. This is Anderson's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and live until 1958.

1545 German pilot Gustav Wandelt, with Jasta 36, shoots down Sopwith Camel B7184 for victory number 1. Sub-Lt J.E. Youens is taken prisoner. Jasta 36 had been flying Albatros D.IIIs for several months and was in the process of receiving its first Fokker Dr.Is.

1550 Gustav Wandelt scores his second victory, shooting down Camel B5663. Sub-Lt R.A. Blyth is killed. Wandelt himself is killed colliding with a Camel. Whether it is Blyth's aircraft or another whose pilot survived is uncertain.

1650 German pilot Franz Brandt, with Jasta 27, shoots down a Camel for victory number 3.

English RFC ace William Fry, flying SPAD XIII B6847, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 10.

German pilot Emil Meinecke, with FA 6 in Turkey, shoots down a Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 4.

Irish RFC ace Major William Robert Gregory, flying on the Italian Front, crashes to his death in Sopwith Camel B2475. Some sources say he was accidentally shot down by an Italian pilot. Others say he was innoculated for something shortly before this and shouldn't have been flying so soon. W.B. Yeats wrote four famous poems about him. Gregory was 36 years old and left behind a wife and three children.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gregory_(cricketer)
https://www.historyireland.com/20th-century-contemporary-history/major-robert-gregory-and-the-irish-air-aces-of-1917-18/

[Jimbuna]

24th January 1918

Western Front

Great aerial activity in Flanders.

Courtrai, Ledeghem and Douai bombed.

Air raids into Germany on Mannheim, Treves and Thionville.

French repulse raids north of Aisne river and at Caurieres Wood.

Southern Front

Italians occupy Austrian advanced post at Capo Sile.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Naval aircraft continue to bomb "Goeben".

Enemy post at Pamuni Hill (East Africa) taken.

Political, etc.

British Food Controller Lord Rhondda announces rationing of meat, butter, and margarine will begin February 25.

Ship Losses:

Aghia Arene (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea off Skyros (39°09′N 25°17′E) by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Aghios Johannes (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea off Skyros (39°09′N 25°18′E) by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Antonios J. Dracoulis (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean off Alexandria, Egypt by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Apostoles Andreas (United Kingdom) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Charles (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 16 nautical miles (30 km) south west of the Casquets, Channel Islands (49°30′N 2°45′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of one of her crew. Three survivors were taken as prisoners of war.
Corse (French Navy) The troopship was sunk at La Ciotat, Bouches-du-Rhône by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS Desire (Royal Navy) The naval tug was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) north east of Filey, Yorkshire (54°57′N 0°35′W) by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten of her crew.
Elsa (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east south east of Dartmouth, Devon, United Kingdom by SM UB-31 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Fylgia (Sweden) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Bell Rock (56°23′N 2°15′W) by SM UC-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew . Fylgia was part of the same convoy as Jönköping II.
Jönköping II (Sweden) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east nortn east of Bell Rock by SM UC-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived. Jönköping II was part of the same convoy as Fylgia. One casualty.
X6 and X110' (Royal Navy) The barges were sunk in the North Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) north east of Filey by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six crew from X6.

[Sailor Steve]

January 24, 1917

Air War:

1120 Canadian RFC ace George Howsam, in Sopwith Camel B5598, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 6.

1120 Canadian RFC ace Frank Quigley, in Sopwith Camel B2447, shoots down a two-seater for victory number 16.

1130 English RFC pilot William Edward Green, flying DH.4 A2161 with 2nd Lt H.S. Gros as observer, is recorded as shooting down a Fokker Dr.I and an Albatros D.V for victories number 2 and 3.

1130 Two RNAS Sopwith Camel aces share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Edward Johnstone, England, N6377, victory number 6.
William Jordan, South Africa, N6368, number 14.

1135 Edward Johnstone and William Jordan share a second Albatros for victories 7 and 15 respectively, this time joined by Reginald Leach Johns of England, in Camel N6356, victory number 1.
Note: These Camels were redesignated from RFC to RNAS at some point. In some sources the prefix is 'B' and in some it is 'N'.

1140 Canadian RNAS pilot James Butler White, in Sopwith Camel N6321, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1200 Irish RFC ace William Molesworth, in Nieuport 27 B1652, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 12.

1230 English RFC pilot James Coombe, in Nieuport 27 B6832, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4.

1250 Irish RFC pilot George McElroy, in SE.5a B598, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 4,

1310 William Molesworth scores his second kill of the day, shooting down another two-seater for number 13,

1335 German pilot Wilhelm Schulz, flying with Jasta 41, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2. Sgt Paul Joubert and S/Lt Dechery are both killed.

1350 German pilot Martin Möbius, with Jasta 7, and RFC pilot A.W. Morley, in SE.5a B4897, collide in combat. Both men are killed.

1420 German pilot Paul Lotz, with Jasta 7, shoots down DH.4 A7912 for victory number 3. Lt J.O. Beattie is killed; AM1 W.J. Belchamber is taken prisoner.

1500 English RNAS pilot Wilfred Sneath, in Sopwith Camel B3821, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1620 Two RFC Camel pilots destroy an Austro-Hungarian observation balloon over the Italian Front.
William Barker, Canada, B3821, victory number 9.
Harold Byrn Hudson, Canada, B6313, number 1.

1621 Barker and Hudson shoot down a second balloon; Number 10 for Barker, number 2 for Hudson.

[Jimbuna]

25th January 1918

Western Front

East of Loos, Germans make raid after heavy bombardment.

Great Allied air activity: Courtrai, Tournai, Ghent and Douai districts heavily bombed by British and Thionville, Freiburg and Ludwigshafen by French.

Eastern Front

Fight between Romanians and Bolsheviks at Galatz.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Palestine: British bomb troops south of Shechem.

General Allenby's despatch issued.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Unsuccessful bombing of "Goeben" continues.

War Office report progress in East Africa.

Political, etc.

President Wilson cancels all engagements today due to catching a cold.

Ensign Krylenko, acting Soviet Russian Commander in Chief: “We are against the whole world. We shall fight for the revolution, and the revolution alone.”

Germany and Austria-Hungary rejects Allied peace conditions, particularly on the point that Alsace-Lorraine be returned to France.

Ship Losses:

Aghios Dimitrios (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea by SM UC-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Carignano (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Stromboli (38°58′N 15°08′E) by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Eastlands (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 13 nautical miles (24 km) north west of Île Vierge, Finistère, France by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Folmina (Netherlands) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of Sunderland, County Durham, United Kingdom (55°00′N 1°20′W) by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Giralda (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Cape Guardia (41°15′N 9°20′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by Cabo Meñor ( Spain).
Giuseppe O. (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea east of Corsica by SM U-65 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Humber (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) east of Sunderland by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven crew.
Normandy (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) east by north of the Cap de La Hague, Manche, France (49°46′N 1°44′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fourteen lives.

[Sailor Steve]

January 25, 1918

Air War:

1045 German ace Heinrich Arntzen, flying OAW Albatros 2380/17, destroys a French observation balloow for victory number 7.

1045 English RFC pilot Norman Cyril Jones, in Sopwith Camel B6344, shoots down an Aviatik two-seater for victory number 1.

1145 English RFC pilot Percy Wilson, in Sopwith Camel B6363, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1225 English RFC pilot David John Weston and observer Walter Noble, in Bristol F.2b B1177, shoot down two Albatros D.Vs. Victories number 1 and 2 for both.

1235 German pilot Georg Michaelis, with Jasta 13, shoots down a Dorand AR.1 for victory number 1. Possible victims are S/Lt Auguste Jacob and Adj Jean Jacob, both listed as Missing.

1240 Canadian RFC pilot David McGoun and English observer Cyril Agelasto, flying Bristol F.2b C4836, shoot down two Albatros D.Vs. Victories 2 and 3 for McGoun, 4 and 5 for Agelasto.

1245 English RFC pilot Godfrey Bremridge, in Sopwith Camel B5597, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 3. Gfr W. Schreiber and Offz O. Hass are both killed.

1245 German 1-victory pilot Herbert Werner is killed in combat with Sopwith Camels. No claim was filed, and nothing is known abut the victor.

1250 German ace Otto Kissenberth, with Jasta 23, shoots down a French SPAD for victory number 18. American Cpl Philip Benney dies from his wounds the following day.

1200 German pilot Friedrich Ritter von Röth, in an Albatros D.III, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 1.

1304 Friedrich von Röth brings down a second French balloon for victory number 2.

1308 Friedrich von Röth shoots down French balloon number e for his third victory.

1315 German pilot Carl Degelow, possibly in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 2. Sgt H.O. Smith and 2nd Lt H.S. Clemons are both wounded and taken prisoner.

1315 Two RNAS Sopwith Camel aces share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
Edward Johnstone, England, N6377, victory number 8.
William Jordan, South Africa, N6369, victory number 16.

1340 English RFC pilot William Lewis Wells and Scottish observer Hugh Fitzgerald Moore, in Bristol F.2b A7236, shoot down an Albatros D.III. Victory number 1 for both.

1415 English RFC pilot Trevor Durrant, flying SE.5a B35, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1425 English RFC pilot Hugh Elliott and observer Robert Samuel erring, in Bristol F.2b B1187, shoot down an Albatros D.III. Victory number 5 for Elliott; number 1 for Herring.

1430 Two Canadian RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Frank Taylor, C1752, victory number 2.
Harry Ellis Watson, B8235, victory number 1.

1440 South African RFC pilot Hugh William Lumsden Saunders, in SE.5a C9500, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1515 French pilot Adj Duret (no first name listed), in a SPAD, shoots down an Albatros scout for victory number 1.

1525 English RNAS pilot Miles Day, flying Sopwith Camel N6363, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1735 German ace Heinrich Kroll, in a Pfalz D.III, shots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 17. During the fight Kroll's Pfalz suffers a serious wing spar failure. Kroll survives the crash unharmed.

German pilot Vfw Amschl (no first name given), with Jasta 31, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3. This is Amschl's last aerial victory. He will survive the war, but further records are lacking.

French aircrew of Lt Berlioz and S/Lt Gaudy (no first names given), in a Dorand AR.2, claim an Albatros D.III. This is possibly Hermann Reisch (1 victory), who was killed while attacking an AR.2.

German pilot Jon Santjer, with Jasta 26, shoots down DH.4 B2085 for victory number 1. 2nd Lts D.T.C. Rundle-Woodcock and J.H. Holland crash-land safely on their own side of the lines.

[Jimbuna]

26th January 1918

Western Front

Germans report air attack on Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne.

Extension of British line to south of St. Quentin reported.

Eastern Front

Ukraine declares its complete independence.

Provisional Siberian Government elected by Regional Government at Tomsk.

Southern Front

Austrian attempt at Capo Sile repulsed.

Austrians bomb Mestre and Treviso and damage hospitals.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turkish attacks near Tafile and Maan repulsed by Hejaz troops.

Naval

German submarines SM U-84, credited with sinking 28 ships, and SM UB-35, credited with sinking 42 ships, are both sunk on the same day.

Ship Losses:

Asimina (Greece) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Stromboli, Italy by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Athos (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) east north east of Kettleness, Yorkshire, United Kingdom by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Caterina (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Gulf of Genoa by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Cork (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 9 nautical miles (17 km) north east of Point Lynas, Anglesey (53°34′N 4°14′W) by SM U-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twelve of the 35 people on board.
Germano (Portugal) The trawler was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Mondego (40°11′N 9°37′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
USS Guinevere (United States Navy) The patrol vessel ran aground in the Bay of Biscay and sank without loss of life.
Hartley (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) north east of Skinningrove, Yorkshire (54°36′N 0°49′W) by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Louie Bell (United Kingdom) The schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) north of Cherbourg, Seine-Maritime, France (49°53′N 1°44′W) by SM UB-58 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
May (United Kingdom) The ketch was scuttled in the English Channel 18 nautical miles (33 km) south east of Berry Head, Devon by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ministro Iriondo (Argentina) The auxiliary schooner was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Toulon, Var, France (43°00′N 5°46′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Rob Roy (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) south west of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight (50°17′N 1°30′W) by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Serra do Gerez (Portugal) The trawler was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean (40°04′N 9°36′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM U-84 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 81 submarine was depth charged and sunk in St George's Channel (51°53′N 5°44′W) by USS PC-62 ( United States Navy) with the loss of all 40 crew.
SM UB-35 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB II submarine was depth charged and sunk in the North Sea (51°03′N 1°46′E) by HMS Leven ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 26 of her 28 crew.
Union (France) The coaster was sunk in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) north of Sept Îles, Côtes-du-Nord (48°58′N 3°30′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Figaro (France) On a voyage from Brest to Rouen carrying coal, the coaster was sunk, maybe by a mine, certainly after an explosion 3.5 nm SW of Les Hanois Lighthouse, west of Guernsey Channel Islands

[Sailor Steve]

January 26, 1918

Air War:

1335 Australian RFC pilot Cedric Howell, flying Sopwith Camel B4609, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

27th January 1918

Western Front

Treves bombed by British, Conflans and Metz district by French.

Eastern Front

Bolshevik Government breaks off diplomatic negotiations with Romania.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Cunard liner S.S. "Andania" torpedoed off Ulster coast.

Naval aircraft bomb Aertrycke and Engel.

"Goeben" refloated.

Political, etc.

French Food Minister Victor Boret says France will stop importing coffee to free up ships for the transportion of troops and other materials.

U.S. government bans the production of white bread. Instead “Victory Bread,” containing 5-20% of other cereals, must be produced.

Ship Losses:

RMS Andania (United Kingdom) The ocean liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea off Rathlin Island, County Antrim (55°20′N 6°12′W) by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven crew.
Attilio (Italy) The brigantine was scuttled in the Mediterranean off the coast of Liguria by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Carolus (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) south of Dodman Point, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°11′N 4°47′W) by SM UB-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Free to the Core (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in the English Channel (49°42′N 0°32′W) by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Julia Frances (United States) The three-masted schooner was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 100 nautical miles (190 km) off Lisbon, Portugal (38°01′N 11°28′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Minnie (Canada) The brig was abandoned in the Bay of Biscay 15 nautical miles (28 km) off the Sisaragas Islands, Spain. Her crew were rescued.
Volonta di Dio (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Sicily by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

January 27, 1918

Air War:

1700 German pilot Hans Weiss, flying with Jasta 41, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 4.

1730 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 9, shoots down a French Nieuport for victory number 10. Lt Raoul Belloc is killed.

Two Italian Hanriot HD.1 pilots share a victory over an Austrian "Scout":
Guglielmo Fornagiari,, victory number 5.
Antonio Riva, number 4.

Austrian ace Kurt Gruber, in Phönix D.I 228.24, shoots down a Nieuport fighter for victory number 8.

French ace Georges Madon, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 21.

American pilot David Putnam, flying for France in a SPAD XIII, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

28th January 1918

Western Front

Aeroplane raid on London: 67 killed, 166 injured; one enemy machine down.

French make two small attacks in Champagne and one in Upper Alsace.

Air attacks by British on Roulers and other aerodromes.

German raid repulsed between Lens and Arras.

Eastern Front

Heavy fighting between Bolsheviks and Ukrainians at Lutsk.

Romanian Legation ordered to leave Petrograd.

Civil War in Finland: Helsingfors captured by Socialists and Russian troops.

Southern Front

Italians attack between Asiago and Brenta Valley and capture Col del Rosso and 1,500 prisoners.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

War Office reports further operations near Hejaz railway.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Further naval air attacks on Aertrycke and Engel.

H.M.S. "Hazard" sunk in collision in Channel.

Ankwalu (East Africa) occupied by British.

Political, etc.

U.S.A.: Mr. Baker makes statement on strength of Army.

Germany: Great strikes in Berlin, etc.

Ship Losses:

Djibouti (France) The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean 8 nautical miles (15 km) off Cape Bengut, Algeria (37°06′N 3°55′E) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS E14 (Royal Navy) The E-class submarine was damaged by the premature explosion of one of her torpedoes. She was forced to surface and was sunk by coastal artilleray off Kum Kale, Turkey with the loss of 21 of her 30 crew. The survivors were taken as prisoners of war.
Elsa (Italy) The barquentine was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea (41°23′N 12°37′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS Hazard (Royal Navy) The Dryad-class torpedo gunboat collided with Western Australia ( United Kingdom) in the English Channel and sank.
Lysa (Italy) The brigantine was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea east of Sardinia (40°44′N 9°50′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMML 55 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was lost on this date.
Neptuno (Portugal) The cargo ship was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 140 nautical miles (260 km) off Lisbon (37°12′N 11°37′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM U-109 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 93 submarine struck a mine and sank in the English Channel (50°53′N 1°31′E with the loss of all 43 crew.
Urania (Italy) The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sardinia (40°15′N 10°26′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
W. H. L. (United Kingdom) The ketch was scuttled in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) south south east of Portland Bill, Dorset by SM UB-58 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

January 28, 1918

Air War:

The first German bombing raid on the UK in more than a month takes place overnight when thirteen Gotha bombers and two R-Bombers attack London. The latter are Riesenflugzeugs, giant bombers with four or more engines designed to haul very heavy bomb loads. Six of the Gothas get lost in the fog and return home. The remaining seven and the two R-planes attack various targets, killing 67 and injuring 166 people. Fourteen of the dead and 14 af the injured are crushed in the crowed trying to get into air-raid sheltrs. Eleven more are injured by falling shrapnel from British anti-aircraft shells. Many of the casualties are the result of a single 300kg (660 lb) bomb that hit the Odhams printing factory in Long Acre, London.

1105 Three RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Sub-Lt C.S. Devereaux, B7230, no other information.
James Glen, Canada, B6408, victory number 7.
Leonard Rochford, England, B6401, victory number 6.

1130 Two RFC pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Gerald Ernest Gibbs, Canada SE.5a B813, victory number 1.
Acheson gosford Goulding, Canada, Nieuport 5574, victory number 1.
(This serial number is given by Above The Trenches (Shores, Franks, Guest) but doesn't match any known RFC Nieuport number. A cross-check of all A, B, and C numbers came up with the same. On the other hand B574 is definitely an SE.5a)

1133 South African RNAS ace William Jordan, in Sopwith Camel B6369, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 17.

1210 German ace Josef Mai, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1189 for victory number 7. 2nd Lts J.L. Milne-Anderson and E. Cunningham are both killed.

1215 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7288 for victory number 7. 2nd Lt S. Reay and AM2 A. Patterson are both killed.

1120 English RFC pilot James Coombe, flying Nieuport 27 B6836, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1240 English pilot Frank Cecil Ransley and observer Robert Herring, in Bristol F.2b B1193, shoot down a Rumpler two-seater. victory number 1 for Ransley, number 2 for Herring.

1315 Welsh RFC pilot John Chick and English ace observer Reginald Makepeace, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down a DFW C.V. Victory number 2 for Chick, number 17 for Makepeace. Makepeace normally flies as a pilot, choosing to ride as observer on this mission.
(Time is according to listings for Chick. Makepeace's listings have the time as 1715.)

1320 Irish RFC pilot Herbert George Hegarty, in SE.5a B626, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1345 Two Italian Nieuport 27 pilots share a victory over an "Enemy Aircraft":
Marziale Cerutti, victory number 4.
Antonio Reali, victory number 2.

1350 English RFC pilot Thomas Colvill-Jones, flying Bristol F.2b B1122 with 2nd Lt L.H. Phelps as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1410 Marziale Cerutti and Antonio Reali share their second victory of the day, an "Enemy Aircraft". Victory number 5 for Ceruttie; number 3 for Reali.

1450 German ace Otto Könnecke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down SE.5a B610 for victory number 12. Lt L.J. Williams is taken prisoner.

1520 German pilot Joachim-Friedrich Huth, with Jasta 14, destroys a French observation balloon. This is Huth's oly aerial victory. On March 23rd he will be wounded so severely that he will be hospitalized until April 1919. Huth will remain in the armed forces, rising to the rank of Generalleutnant in the Luftwaffe in World War 2. After that war Huth will live until 1962.

1550 Scottish RFC pilot John Todd, in Sopwith Camel B3890, shoots down a Fokker DR.I for victory number 2.

1635 German ace Ernst Udet, flying Albatros D.V 4476/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 18.

2210 In the first successful victory over a heavier-than-air bomber, two English RFC Sopwith Camel pilots shoot down Gotha G.V 938/16 on the previously mentioned night bombing raid:
Charles Chaplin Banks, B3827, victory number 1.
George Hackwill, B2402, victory number 3.
Uff Karl Ziegler. Ltn Friedrich von Thomsen and Uffz Walter Heiden are all killed.

Italian pilot Mario Fucini, in an Hanriot HD.1, shoots down a two-seater for victory number 3.

German naval pilot Hnns Groth, in Pfalz D.III 5923/17, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

German pilot Heinrich Kramer, with Jasta 13, shoots down a French Caudron for victory number 4. This is Kramer's last aerial victory, after which he disappears from the records.

Italin ace Silvio Scaroni, flying an Hanriot HD.1, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 11.

[Jimbuna]

29th January 1918

Western Front

Aeroplane raid on London: bombs dropped in outskirts, 10 killed, 10 wounded.

Successful British raids and patrol encounters near Havrincourt and Bullecourt (Cambrai).

Southern Front

Italian attack continues.

Monte di Vall Bella captured.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Naval aircraft bomb Coolkerke aerodrome (Bruges).

Allied air raid on Zeebrugge.

Enemy driven down Lujenda Valley towards Mtarika (East Africa).

Political, etc.

Ukrainian-Soviet War heats up, with Soviet Russian troops attacking a smaller Ukrainian force, made up of mostly students, near Kruty. While the Ukrainians lose the battle, they slow down the Russian advance towards Kiev.

Strikes in Germany, caused by food shortages and protests against the war, grows in number, with up to 400,000 people stopping work.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian poet and physician known for writing the poem “In Flanders Fields,” has passed away at the front due to pneumonia.
https://i.imgur.com/94gIxxJ.jpg

Ship Losses:

Ada (Italy) The brigantine was scuttled in the Tyrrhenian Sea (41°20′N 12°40′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Addax (United Kingdom) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) south east by east of Berry Head, Devon (50°21′N 3°18′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Butetown (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) south of Dodman Point, Cornwall (50°12′N 4°48′W) by SM UB-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
De Julia (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in Seine Bay (49°50′N 0°17′W) by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
De Twee Marcels (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in Seine Bay (49°50′N 0°17′W) by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
HMT Drumtochty (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the English Channel with the loss of eleven of her thirteen crew.
Ethelinda (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north north west of The Skerries, Isle of Anglesey (53°29′N 5°12′W) by SM UC-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 26 of her crew.
Fanny (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Gulf of Genoa by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
General Leman (United Kingdom) The fishing ketch was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) south east of Berry Head (50°21′N 3°10′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Geo (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) north by west of Cape Peloro, Sicily, Italy (38°19′N 15°38′E) by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of sixteen of her crew.
Giuseppe B. (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Sicily by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Glenfruin (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea by SM U-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all 32 crew.
Guiana (United Kingdom) The tug was run down and sunk in the North Sea off Whitby, Yorkshire by HMS Bat ( Royal Navy) with the loss of four of her crew.
H. Debra Huysseme (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in the English Channel by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Ibex (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) south east of Berry Head (50°21′N 3°10′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Jean Mathilde (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in Seine Bay (49°50′N 0°17′W) by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Le Jeune Arthur (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in the English Channel by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Maria S.S. del Paradiso (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Sicily by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Marie (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in Seine Bay (49°50′N 0°17′W) by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Montreal (Canada) The cargo ship collided with White Star Line ocean liner RMS Cedric in Liverpool Bay and was severely damaged. She sank two days later. Her crew were rescued.
Naha Maru (Japan) The passenger ship struck a rock and sank in the Bungo Strait off Shimonoseki with the loss of 36 lives.
Perriton (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) east of Berry Head by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Perseverance (United Kingdom) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) south east by east of Berry Head (50°21′N 3°10′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Taxiarchis (United Kingdom) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean 100 nautical miles (190 km) south west of Cape Gala, Cyprus by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Tosho Maru (Japan) The cargo ship was sunk in the La Galita Channel by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

https://i.imgur.com/GlxU0Tz.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

January 29, 1918

Air War:

A second German nighttime raid hits Britain, this time with only four giant R-bombers. One turns back, leaving three to cause light damage. A large number of British night-fighters attack them, damaging one and not harming the other two. All three return to Germany safely.

1110 Canadian RFC ace Frank Quigley, flying Sopwith Camel B5251, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 17.

1135 German ace Wolfgang Güttler, in with Jsta 13, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 7.

1135 German ace Heinrich Kroll, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 18.

1140 Welsh RNAS ace Harold Day, in Sopwith Camel B6371, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 8.

1140 Canadian RFC pilot Kenneth William Junor, in SE.5a B591, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1200 German ace Ernst Udet, flying Albatros D.V 4476/17, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 19.

1215 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A7600 for victory number 8. Apt A.G. Whitehead and Lt W.J. Borthistle are both killed.

1255 Irish RFC ace William Molesworth, in Nieuport 27 B6797, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 14.

1255 English RFC pilot Kenneth Seth-Smith, in Sopwith Camel BB2438, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1255 Canadian RFC pilot Harry Symons, in Sopwith Camel B5600, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1257 English RFC pilot Thomas Melling Williams, flying Sopwith Camel B9166, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1300 Canadian RFC pilot Harry Symons, in Sopwith Camel B5600, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4.

1305 German ace Heinrich Arntzen, in Albatros D.III (OAW) 2480/17, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 8.

1325 English RFC pilot Edwin Arnold Clear, in SE.5a B627, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1350 German ace Heinrich Bongartz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 26.

1400 Five RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share in downing a German seaplane:
Maurice Cooper, Ireland, B6410. victory number 2.
John Edmund Greene, Canada, B2909, victory number 1.
George MacKay, Cananda, B6407, victory number 4
Johy Paynter, England, B3782, victory number 3.
Leonard Slatter, B7186, victory number 5.

1515 German pilot Hans Müller, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2. Lt Fabre is injured. Müller claimed 2 Dorands, but despite a MdL Chouineau also being injured this claim was denied.

1525 English RNAS pilot Reginald Johns, in Sopwith Camel N6328, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1530 German pilot Hans von Freden, in an Albatros D.III over the Italian Front, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 1.

1610 German pilot Karl Bolle, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B3890 for victory number 4. Lt K.M. Rodger is wounded and taken prisoner.

1615 German ace Emil Thuy, flying a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 18.

German pilot Christian Brunnengräber, in an Albatros D.III, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 1.

Two French SPAD pilots shoot down and kill Christian Brunnengräber immediately after his balloon attack:
Armand de Turenne, victory number 7.
Bernard de la Fregeolière, victory number 2.

German pilot Albert Hurrle, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Caudron G.4 for victory number 3.

German ace Emil Meinecke, with FA 6, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 6. This is Meinecke's last aerial victory. He will survvive the war, first serving as a mechanic and test pilot for Fokker in Holland. In 1948 he will assist the U.S. Air Force in the Berlin Airlift, move to Canada in 1950 and live until 1975.

German pilot Lt z.S Tinschert (no first name given) flying with MFJ 1, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

30th January 1918

Western Front

14 tons of bombs dropped on Paris, 1 raider brought down; 49 killed, 206 injured.

Southern Front

Battle dies down on Asiago plateau; Italians gain ground along Frenzela Gorge and at Val Bella and Rosso.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British line advanced near Arnutiya, 12 miles north of Jerusalem.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Brazil to send naval squadron to Europe.

Political, etc.

Allied War Council meets at Versailles.

German strikes spread to Kiel, Munich and Hamburg.

The city of Kiev, Ukraine is paralyzed as the Bolshevik uprising strengthens and many other workers also go one strike.

France announces it will increase the rights of Algerians fighting in the French Army, such as by opening up all ranks and decorations for Algerians, equaling pay, and giving pathways for naturalization.

Ship Losses:

Ange Gardien (France) The sailing vessel struck a mine laid by UC 48 (Kurt Ramien) and sank in the English Channel off Sept-Îles, Finistère.
Empress Ekaterina II (France) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean north of Bougie, Algeria by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ferryhill (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) west of Cap d'Antifer, Seine-Maritime, France (49°40′N 1°11′W) by SM UB-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Fratelli Barrera (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Harlaw (Italy) The coaster was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) west north west of Corsica, France (43°02′N 8°30′E) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Lindeskov (Denmark) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 6 nautical miles (11 km) west north west of Ouessant, Finistère (48°30′N 5°17′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Maizar (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean 38 nautical miles (70 km) north by west of Cap Ferrat, Algeria (36°32′N 1°00′W) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Michele Padre (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterraneand Sea (39°15′N 15°11′E) by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Minnietonka (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) east north east of Malta by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four lives. Ten survivors were taken as prisoners of war.
HMS Wellholme (Royal Navy) The Q-ship was shelled and sunk in the English Channel south west of Portland Bill, Dorset by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

January 30, 1918

Air War:

1045 Three RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over two Albatros D.Vs:
Aubrey Ellwood, England, B6242, victories 2 and 3.
James Glen, Canada, B6408, bictories 8 and 9.
Leonard Rochford, B6401, victories 7 and 8.

1050 Canadian RFC pilot Earl Hand, in Sopwith Camel B4609 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 3.

1140 English RFC pilot Sydney Oades and observer Stanton William Bunting, in Bristol F.2b B1152, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 5 for Oades, number 1 for Bunting.

1145 English RFC pilot John McCudden, in SE.5a C5310, shoots downa an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1225 English RFC ace James Coombe, in Nieuport 27 B6826, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

1230 German pilot Vfw Mikat (first name not listed), possibly flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a SPAD for his only victory, after which he disappears from the records. Md/L Raymond Varnier of Escadrille Spa 57 is wounded. Mikat's plane is based on the fact that Jasta 14 was one of only three Jastas completley equipped with Dr,Is, though the exact dates are uncertain.

1245 German ace Harald Auffarth, with Jasta 29, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4832 for victory number 8. 2nd Lt G.G. Johnstone is killed. AM2 A.R. Duff is wounded, later dying from his wounds.

1330 English RMAS pilot Charles Bartlett and ace observer Walter Naylor, in DH4 N6001, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 2 for Bartlett; number 6 for Naylor.

1330 English RNAS observer Charles Victor Robinson, riding in DH.4 A7744 with Sub-Lt J.M. Mason as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1410 Canadian RFC pilot Kenneth Junor, in SE.5a C9532, shoots down Albatros D.Va 4630/17 for victory number 2. Obltn Bruno Justinius (1 victory) is killed.

1420 English RFC pilot Rex George Bennett,flying Bristol F.2b A6404 with AM2 Matthews as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1420 German pilot Karl Bolle, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down DH.4 N6982 for victory number 5. Sub-Lt G.P. Williams and Lt C.A. Leitch are both killed.

1420 Two RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Miles Day, England, N6363, victory number 3.
John Paynter, England, B3782, victory number 4.

1425 German ace Heinrich Kroll, in a Pfalz D.III, claims a Bristol F.2b for victory number 19. The only one reported lost this day was the one shot down by Auffarth at 1245.

1425 Canadian RFC pilot David McGoun and English ace observer Cyril Agelasto, in Bristol F.2b C4828, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 4 for McGoun; number 6 for Agelasto.

1510 English RNAS pilot Walter George Raymond Hinchliffe, flying Sopwitn Camel B6204, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

Four French pilots share a victory over an "Enemy Aircraft":
S/Lt Borde, aircraft and victory number unknown.
Jules Covin, SPAD VII, victory number 5.
Jacques Gerard, SPAD VII S4236, victory number 1.
M/Lt Lienhard, aircraft and victory number unknown.

German pilot Gerhard Fieseler, in an Albatros D.III over the Macedonian Front, shoots down a Nieuport 17 for victory number 2.

German pilot Wolfgang Plüschow, in an Albatros D.III over the Italian Front, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

Italian pilot Antonio Reali, in a Nieuport 27, shoots down an Austrian two-seater for victory number 4.

German pilot Albert Hurrle (3 victories) is killed in combat. Victory unknown.

[Jimbuna]

31st January 1918

Southern Front

Strong Austrian counter-attack on Monte di Val Bella defeated.

Political, etc.

Martial Law in Berlin, Hamburg, etc.; Trade Unions refuse strike pay.

Ship Losses:

Elephant (French Navy) The auxiliary patrol vessel was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel north of the Île-de-Bréhat, Finistère (48°53′N 3°00′W) by SM UC-79 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fifteen of her crew.
HMS K4 (Royal Navy) The K-class submarine collided with HMS K6 and HMS K7 (both Royal Navy) in the Firth of Forth and sank with the loss of all 59 crew.
HMS K17 (Royal Navy) The K-class submarine collided with HMS Fearless ( Royal Navy) in the Firth of Forth and sank with the loss of all 59 crew.
Martin Gust (Russia) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Ouessant, Finistère, France by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Towneley (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 18 nautical miles (33 km) off Trevose Head, Cornwall (50°48′N 4°48′W) by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six crew.

MERCHANT SHIPPING

British, Allied and Neutral ships lost to enemy submarines, mines and cruisers etc in the month - 151 ships of 307,299 tons gross. (Lloyd's War Losses).

[Sailor Steve]

January 31, 1918

Air War:

1220 English RFC pilot Gerald Gibbs, flying SE.5a B613 on the Macedonian Front, shoots down a Rumpler 2-seater for victory number 2.

1600 German pilot Hans von Freden, in an Albatros D.III on the Italian Front, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

1st February 1918

Eastern Front

Central Powers recognise Ukraine Republic as independent state.

Southern Front

Mutiny of Greek troops at Lamia suppressed; M.M. Skouloudhis and Lambros arrested.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Austrian Naval mutiny at Cattaro.

Political, etc.

German strikes die down.

Sir E. Geddes states submarines being sunk as fast as Germany can build them.

Austro-Hungarian sailors at Cattaro (Kotor) mutiny to demand for better treatment and the end of the war.

Sándor Wekerle, the Prime Minister of Hungary, states: “Our readiness for peace is sincere and earnest. We never strove nor do we strive for conquests.”

U.S. currently spends $39 million a day on the war, of which $15 million is used as loans for the Allies.

Ship Losses:

Arrino (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) north west by west of Île Vierge, Finistère, France (48°43′N 4°54′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Cavallo (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 6 nautical miles (11 km) north west of Trevose Head, Cornwall (50°36′N 5°10′W) by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
HMT Cleon (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off Folkestone, Kent with the loss of twelve of her crew.
HMS E50 (Royal Navy) The E-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the South Dogger Lightship ( United Kingdom).
Kindly Light (United Kingdom) The ketch was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) east north east of Trevose Head (50°38′N 5°49′W) by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
La Dives (France) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 54 nautical miles (100 km) north west of Cape Carbon, Algeria (37°25′N 4°18′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 134 lives.

[Sailor Steve]

February 1, 1918

Air War:

1500 Italian pilot Antonio Reali, flying a Nieuport 27, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 5.

Galicia-born Austro-Hungarian ace Godwin Brumowski, in Austrian Albatros, gets into a running fight with eight Italian fighters. His Albatros is set on fire but he manages to land unharmed.

Austrian ace Kurt Gruber, in Phönix D.I 228.24, shoots down an Italian-flown Nieuport for victory number 9.

Italian ace Silvio Scaroni, in an Hanriot HD.1, shoots down an Austro-Hungarian two-seater for victory number 12.

[Jimbuna]

2nd February 1918

Western Front

U.S. troops reported in front line.

Political, etc.

End of Supreme War Council meeting; vigorous combined prosecution of war.

Strikes and antiwar demonstrations in Germany continue, but dwindle in intensity, as workers are threatened with punishment if they do not go back to work. Several socialist and labour leaders have been imprisoned.

The Netherlands bans the serving of tea in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and other establishments due to lack of supplies caused by the war.

Boxing great John L. Sullivan dies at age 59.
https://i.imgur.com/JqcOBPi.png

Ship Losses:

Avanti (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south east by east of St. Alban's Head, Dorset by SM UB-59 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 22 of her crew.
Celia (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 44 nautical miles (81 km) east by north of Cap de Creus, Spain (42°39′N 4°08′E) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Edilio (Italy) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) east by north of Cap de Creus by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Esterel (Italy) The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea off Bizerta, Algeria by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Ida (Italy) The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea off Bizerta by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Jaffa (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east by south of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten of her crew.
Marie Magdeleine (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Bristol Channel 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) north west of Lundy Island, Devon, United Kingdom by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Newminster Abbey (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 44 nautical miles (81 km) east by north of Cap de Creus by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Remindo (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Seine Estuary by SM UC-79 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twenty of her crew.
Sofie (United Kingdom) The coaster was sunk in the Bristol Channel by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 2, 1918

Air War:

Following the success of Jagdgeschwader I, the Luftstreitkräfte forms JG II, commanded by Adolf Ritter von Tutschek and consisting of Jastas 12, 13, 15 and 19; and JG III, with Jastas Boelcke (2), 26, 27 and 36, headed by Bruno Loerzer.

1050 Canadian RFC ace William Barker, flying Sopwith Camel B6313 over the Italian Front, shoots down a Phönix D.I and a two-seater for victories 11 and 12.

1050 Canadian RFC pilot Clifford McEwen, in Sopwith Camel B2461 on the Italian Front, shoots down 2 two-seaters for victories 2 and 3.

1130 Four RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Robert Compston, England, B6340, victory number 21.
Sub-Lt W.F. Crundall, nationality unknown, B6356, victory number unknown.
Harold Day, Wales, B6371, victory number 9.
Reginald Johns, England, aircraft number unknown, victory number 3.

1210 French pilot Michel Coiffard, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 3.
(per The French Air Service War Chronology. The Aerodrome says his victim was a Pfalz D.III.)

1215 Robert Compston, W.F. Crundall, Harold Day and Reginald Johns bring down a second two-seater. Victory 22 for Compston, unknown for Crundall, 10 for Day and 4 for Johns.

1245 English RNAS pilot Miles Day, in Sopwith Camel N6363, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 4.

1330 Irish RFC ace George McElroy, in SE.5a B598, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 5.

1335 German pilot Otto Esswein, flying Fokker Dr.I 426/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

1430 English RFC pilot Roy Chappell, in SE.5a B663, is credited with shooting down two Albatros D.Vs for victories number 3 and 4.

1540 German pilot Max Kühn, with Jasta 10 (uncertain, but likely a Pfalz D.III), shoots down SE.5a B8273 for victory number 3. Maj F.J. Powell is wounded. Kühn is listed as having 2 prior victories, but dates and locations are unknown. This is Kühn's last victory. His later life is uncertain, but former Jasta 10 pilot Friedrich Rüdenberg (no victories) said in his memoires that while working in Turkey in 1934 he was visited by his old friend Max Kühn, at that time Director General of the State Electric Company of Saxony. It seems fairly certain that this is the same man.

1720 German pilot Werner Steinhäuser, with Jasta 11 (probably an Albatros), shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 3.

1750 German pilot Erik Thomas, with Jasta 9, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 3.

German pilot Konrad Bieler, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 3. This is possibly Adj Robert Ragaz and MdL Duffrène, bot killed at about this time.

German pilot Günther Keitsch, in an Albatros D.III over the Italian Front, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2607 for victory number 1. Lt F.D.C. Gore is taken prisoner.

French pilot Lionel De Marmier, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

3rd February 1918

Western Front

About 185 German divisions on Western Front.

Southern Front

Austrians bomb Venice, Padua, and other towns in Venetian plain.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Mtarika (East Africa) occupied by British troops.

Political, etc.

Enlargement of powers of Supreme War Council at Versailles announced.

The mutiny of Austro-Hungarian sailors at Cattaro (Kotor) is crushed by loyalist forces, and around 800 mutineers are imprisoned. They had been demanding better treatment and the end to war.

Ship Losses:

Aboukir (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) east by south of Cap de Creus, Spain (42°20′N 3°40′E) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived, but her captain was taken as a prisoner of war.
Holmtown (United Kingdom) The coaster was sunk in the English Channel off the Shambles Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-59 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all fifteen crew.
Lofoten (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south east by east of Start Point, Devon (50°11′N 3°29′W) by SM UB-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seventeen of her crew.
Lutece (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west of the Godrevy Lighthouse (50°14′N 5°32′W) by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Svanfos (Norway) The coaster was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Orkney Islands, United Kingdom (59°12′N 3°55′W) by SM UB-72 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

February 3, 1918


Air War:


1035 English RFC pilot Godfrey Bremridge, flying Sopwith Camel B5597, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1040 German pilot Otto Löffler, in Fokker Dr.I 190/17, shoots down DH.4 A7873 for victory number 2. Lts Ernest G. Green and P.C. Campbell-Martin are both taken prisoner, and Green is also wounded.

1045 English RFC pilot Henry Maddocks, in Sopwith Camel B5243, shoots down two Albatros D.Vs for victories number 6 and 7. One of these is 2-victory German pilot Karl Stock, who is killed. These are Maddocks' last victories. He will survive the war and become a barrister, then become Recorder for the Borough of Burton-upon-Trent in 1938 and finally a member of the Royal Commission on Marriage and Divorce in 1962. Date of death unknown.

1125 English RNAS Robert Compston, in Sopwith Camel B6340, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 23.

1145 German ace Otto Fruhner, in Albatros D.V 2329/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6430 for victory number 7. Cmdr R.R. Winter is killed.

1225 Three RNAS pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Robert Compston, England, B6340, victory number 24.
Sub-Lt W.F. Crundall, B6356, nationality and victory number unknown.
Edward Johnsotone, England, B6377, victory number 9.

1230 Canadian RNAS pilot James White, in Sopwith Camel N6321, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1245 English RFC ace pilot Wilfred Beaver and observer Harold Easton, in Bristol F.2b B1156, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 6 for Beaver; number 3 for Easton.

1245 German pilot Siegfried Büttner, in an Albatros D.III, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 2.

1245 English RFC pilot William Green, in DH.4 A7674 with 2nd H.S. Gros as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1510 German pilot Paul Schröder, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for his first and only victory. Schröder will be transferred to a training post, where he will survive the war. Further information unknown.

1510 German pilot Hermann Vallendor, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1. 2nd Lt G.A. Lipsett is killed.

1600 German pilot Otto Esswein, in Fokker Dr.I 426/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

1610 Otto Esswein scores his second victory of the day, shooting down another Camel for victory number 4.

1615 Otto Esswein claims a third Camel for number 5.

1615 Otto Fruhner scores his second kill of the day, shooting down Sopwith Camel B6370 for number 8. Sub-Lt W.H. Wilmot is killed.

German pilot Herbert Boy, with Jasta 14, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.
(Jasta 14 was one of only three squadrons to be fully equipped with the Fokker Dr.I, but it is uncertain whether this had happened yet.)

German pilot Konrad von Bülow-Bothkamp, with Jasta 19, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 2.

French ace Jules Covin, in a SPAD VII, shoots downa Fokker Dr.I for victory number 6.

French ace Omer Demeuldre, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 8.

Omer Demeuldre scores his second victory of the day, shooting down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 8. Sharing this kill as a Sgt Prouvost, victory number 1.

French ace Gabriel Guérin, flying a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 14. This is probably Uffz Otto Gumz and Ltn Karl Otto, both killed.

Gabriel Guérin scores his second kill of the day, sharing a German two-seater with Bernard Artigau. Victory number 15 for Guérin; number 4 for Artigau.

French ace Georges Madon, in a SPAD XII, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 22.

Georges Madon scores a second victory for the day, bringing down a German two-seater for number 23.

French pilot Del Vial, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 2.

German pilot Ltn Hans Joachim Wolff safely lands his Fokker Dr.I after suffering a partial wing failure.

[Jimbuna]

4th February 1918

Western Front

Considerable aerial activity; more American troops occupy portions of western battle front.

Eastern Front

General Kaledin reported to have relinquished leadership of Cossacks to General Alexeiev, who with 30,000 men advances towards Moscow against Bolsheviks.

Political, etc.

Bolo Pasha trial commences.

British Government renew to King of Hejaz pledges for freeing Arab peoples.

Ship Losses:

Aurania (United Kingdom) The troopship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) north west of Inistrahull, County Donegal by SM UB-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nine crew. Aurania was taken in tow but ran aground at Tobermory, Isle of Mull. She subsequently broke up and was a total loss.
Maid of Harlech (United Kingdom) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 46 nautical miles (85 km) north by west of Cape Ivi, Algeria (36°46′N 0°02′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Participation (Italy ) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain (38°26′N 0°13′W) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Standish Hall (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 38 nautical miles (70 km) west by north of Alexandria, Egypt by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Treveal (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk off The Skerries, Isle of Anglesey by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 33 crew.
SM UC-50 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UC II submarine was depth charged and sunk in the English Channel off Dungeness, Kent, United Kingdom by HMS Zubian ( Royal Navy).

A British observation balloon falling down in flames after being shot by German aircraft over Boyelles.
https://i.imgur.com/zKMqQf5.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

February 4, 1918


Air War:

1005 English RFC pilot Percy Wilson, flying Sopwith Camel B6363 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2. Sources say his victim is Uffz Dierenfeld, though the times are off by more than a simple time-zone difference could account for.

1055 English RFC ace pilot Thomas Colvill-Jones and ace observer John Hedley, in a Bristol F.2b, destroy a German observation balloon. Victory number 6 for both.

1115 Canadian RFC pilot Alfred Atkey, in DH.4 A7798 with observer C.R.H. Ffolliott, claims two Siemens-Schuckert D.IIIs. A problem is that the first SSW D.IIIs weren't delivered until late March.

1115 Canadian RFC pilot Alfred John Haines, in Sopwith Camel B5182, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1120 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.III:
William Duncan, Canada, C1056, victory number 4.
2nd Lt J.O. Priestley, B103, nationality and victory number unknown.

1120 English RFC pilot Arthur Jarvis, flying Sopwith Camel B6285 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 2.

1125 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Lt H.D. Crompton, B545, nationality and victory number unknown.
Herbert Hegarty, Ireland, B626, victory number 2.

1130 German pilot Uffz Dierenfeld (no first name given), in an Albatros D.III over the Italian Front, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for his first and only victory. Dierenfeld is severely wounded in this fight. Further information about his life is unknown at this time. Also, the time given in Dierenfeld's listing does not match that given in the listing of Percy Wilson, the man whose record claims his downing at 1005.

1130 German pilot Josef Loeser, in an Albatros D.III over the Italian Front, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.
(Despite the two claims at this time only one Camel was shot down over Italy this day, B2494, Lt D.G. McLean being killed. To further complicate matters, a third claim is listed in The Jasta War Chronology for this time for Ltn F. Schröder, also of Jasta 39. The complication comes from the fact that in The Jasta Pilots the only 'F. Schröder' listed at all scored his only victory in November 1917.)

1220 Prussian ace Karl Menckhoff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 20. 2nd Lt F.D. Miller is killed.

1250 Canadian RFC pilot Hilliard Bell, in Sopwith Camel B4628 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 2.

1415 English RFC pilot Wilfred Beaver and observer Harold Easton, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 7 or Beaver; number 4 for Easton.

1415 English RFC pilot Rex Bennett and Scottish observer Malcolm Mather, flying a Bristol F.2b, shoot down two Albatros D.Vs. Victories 2 and 3 for Bennet, 3 and 4 for Mather.

1415 Thomas Colvill-Jones and John Hedley score their second victory of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for number 7 each.
(Per Colvill-Jones' listing. Hedley's listing has this at 1100.)

1415 English RFC pilot Douglas Cooke and observer Cyril Agelasto, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 3 for Cooke; number 7 for Agelasto.

1415 South African RFC pilot Ernest Lindup, flying a Bristol F.2b with 2nd Lt N.S. Dougall as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1415 English pilot David Weston and observer Walter Noble, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 3 for each.

1550 German pilot Ulrich Fischer, in an unspecified Albatros, shoots down a French Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 1. Sgt Henri Cordonnier and Cpl Allais are both killed.

German pilot Konrad Bieler, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a French Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 4. S/Lts Baillodz and Rousseau are both killed. Bieler is also severely wounded, ending his combat career. Further information is unknown.

German ace Walter Böning, in an unspecified aircraft with Jasta 76, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 8.

For the second time in four days Galicia-born Austro-Hungarian ace Godwin Brumowski takes on eight enemy aircraft, this time Sopwith Camels. Brumowski's Austrian Albatros 153.52 is shot to pieces. He crashes badly, the plane ending up on his back, but Brumowski walks away unharmed.

[Jimbuna]

5th February 1918

Western Front

French airmen bomb Saarbrucken junction.

Eastern Front

First Duma of Independent Siberian Republic opens.

Southern Front

Venice again bombed.

Naval and Overseas Operations

SS Tuscania, carrying American soldiers to Europe, is torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-77, resulting in 210 deaths.
https://i.imgur.com/c4AqyXh.jpg

Political, etc.

Andrew Bonar Law says that German U-Boats have killed 14,120 British civilians over the course of the war.

Peace negotiations between Soviet Russia and the Central Powers at Brest-Litovsk are in a deadlock over the status of Ukraine. Ukraine is also negotiating separately with the Central Powers.

Ship Losses:

Almanace (United States) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) off Maiden's Head, Ireland by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.
Caprera (Italy) The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea of Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain (38°26′N 0°09′W) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Cresswell (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 18 nautical miles (33 km) east by north of the Kish Lightship ( United Kingdom) (53°29′N 5°30′W) by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Idena (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost in the Arctic Sea on this date.
Mexico City (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) west by south of South Stack, Anglesey by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 29 crew.
Sebastian (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Madeira, Portugal (29°12′N 19°15′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Tuscania (United Kingdom) The ocean liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 7 nautical miles (13 km) north of Rathlin Island, County Donegal (55°37′N 6°26′W) by SM UB-77 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 210 lives.

[Sailor Steve]

February 5, 1918

Air War:

1130 English RFC pilot Percy Jack Clayson, flying SE.5a B4881, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1200 Canadian RFC ace William Barker, in Sopwith Camel B6313 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 13.

1200 English RNAS pilot Ronald Cory Berlyn, in Sopwith Camel B3926, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1205 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victoryn mumber 23.

1210 Canadian RFC pilot Harold Hudson, in Sopwith Camel B6313 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

Second Lieutenant Stephen Wilkins Thompson of the 1st Observation Squadron, US Army Air Service, is on loan to Escadrille Br 123, as the US group is not yet ready for combat. He flies with Sgt Duvall in a Bréguet 14 on a bombing mission. They have just dropped their bombs when they are jumped by four Albatros D.IIIs. Thompson shoots one down, scoring the first aerial victory by the US military.

[Jimbuna]

6th February 1918

Eastern Front

German ultimatum to Romanian Government, giving four days in which to enter peace negotiations (afterwards denied); Bratianu Cabinet resigns.

Bolshevist campaign against Orthodox Church rousing opposition.

Political, etc.

President Wilson asks for new powers to reorganise the Government and war machine.

Reprisals threatened if British leaflet-scattering airmen improperly treated.

Former President Roosevelt undergoes surgery for fistula and abscesses in his ears, but contracts an infection during the process.

The Representation of the People Act is given royal assent in Britain, which eliminates all property requirements for men to vote and allows women over the age of 30 who meet property requirements to also vote. This expands suffrage by 5.6 million men and 8.4 million women.

Ship Losses:

Duca di Genova (Italy) The passenger ship was damaged in the Mediterranean Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) off Cape Canet, Spain (39°36′N 0°11′W) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached but was declared a total loss.
Glenartney (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) north east of Cape Bon, Algeria by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Holkar (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Trevose Head, Cornwall (50°39′N 5°10′W) by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Marsouin (France) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Trevose Head (50°55′N 4°55′W) by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMT Nathaniel Cole (Royal Navy) The naval trawler foundered in Lough Swilly off Buncrana, County Donegal with the loss of all hands.
Ville de Verdun (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Guardamar, Spain (38°03′N 0°36′W) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten crew.

https://i.imgur.com/OeFZ65M.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

February 6, 1918

Air War:

0820 Canadian RFC pilot Hilliard Bell, flying Sopwith Camel B5172 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik two-seater for victory number 3.

German pilot Hermann Becker, in an Albatros D.V or Fokker Dr.I with Jasta 12, shoos down Sopwith Camel C1552 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt P.F. Kent is killed.

French pilot Albert Chabrier, in a Nieuport, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 2.

Geran pilot OfStv Dobberahn (no first name given), with Jasta 12 in an Albatros D.V or Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel C6706 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt A.G.D. Alderson is taken prisoner. This is Dobberahn's only aerial victory. No other information on him is available.

[Jimbuna]

7th February 1918

Western Front

British troops carry out successful raids against German lines east of Armentieres and at Queant, France, taking several German prisoners.

Eastern Front

Civil war in Finland still raging.

Political, etc.

Britain makes a call for Jews holding British or other Allied citizenship to serve in the British Army to fight against the Ottomans in Palestine.

Ship Losses:

SMS A10 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A1-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of Belgium with the loss of nineteen of her crew.
Albert A. Young (Canada) The schooner was abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 57°N 28°W). Her crew were rescued.
Ardbeg (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 32 nautical miles (59 km) north of the Liverpool Bar Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ayuthia (United Kingdom) The cargo ship caught fire and sank at Rangoon, Burma.
Beaumaris (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) off the Longships Lighthouse by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached in Whitesand Bay but was a total loss. Her crew survived.
Ben Rein (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 35 nautical miles (65 km) west north west of the Liverpool Bar Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
RFA Creosol (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east north east of Seaham, County Durham (54°52′N 1°12′W) by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Elfi (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of Sunderland, County Durham by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.
Fridland (Sweden) The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the North Sea (54°34′N 4°10′E) by a Kaiserliche Marine submarine with the loss of six of her crew.
G32 (Regia Marina) The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Genoa off Livorno, Tuscany by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Limesfield (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) off Maughold Head, Isle of Man by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Sturton (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) south east by east of Porquerolles, Var, France (42°54′N 6°30′E) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

February 7, 1918

Air War:

0600 English RFC pilot Charles George Douglas Napier and observer Joseph Michael John Moore, flying a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an LGV two-seater. Victory number 1 for both.

[Jimbuna]

8th February 1918

Western Front

General Cadorna succeeded by General Giardino on Versailles Committee.

Repulse of Germans on Chemin des Dames.

Eastern Front

Lenin and Trotsky alleged by Paris press to be receiving pay from German agents.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British destroyer HMS Boxer collides with the passenger ship SS St Patrick in the English Channel and sinks. 1 crewman is killed.

Political, etc.

City of Kiev falls to the advancing Soviet Russian forces as the Ukrainian government retreats to Zhytomyr.

R. M. McElroy, a history professor at Princeton, calls for the Frederick the Great statue in Washington DC to be melted down and made into bullets.

Ship Losses:

Agnes Madre (Italy) The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Mediterranean Seas south of Sardinia (38°24′N 8°10′E) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Artesia (United Kingdom) The tanker was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 190 nautical miles (350 km) north west of Madeira, Portugal by SM U-156 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Basuta (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 45 nautical miles (83 km) south south west of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°13′N 5°21′W by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). with the loss of a crew member. Survivors were rescued by Royal Navy destroyers.
HMS Boxer (Royal Navy) The Ardent-class destroyer collided with St. Patrick ( United Kingdom in the English Channel and sank.
Chariton (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Madeira (34°22′N 14°00′W) by SM U-156 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Emily Anderson (United Kingdom) The schooner was abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 48°N 27°W). Her crew survived.
Emma Felice (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sardinia (38°25′N 8°23′E) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Kia Ora (United Kingdom) The Thames barge was scuttled in the English Channel 30 nautical miles (56 km) north by west of Dieppe, Seine-Maritime, France by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Mette (Denmark) The schooner was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea south of La Ganoupe, France by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Nuzza (Italy) The barque was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar (34°33′N 13°40′W) by SM U-156 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Straton (United Kingdom) The trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) east of the Humber Lightship ( United Kingdom).
SM UB-38 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB II submarine struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (50°56′N 1°25′E) with the loss of all 27 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 8, 1918

The United States replaces the Star symbol on its aircraft

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?pictureid=9775&albumid=1156&dl=1518102097&thumb=1 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/album.php?albumid=1156&pictureid=9775)
with a roundel comparable to the British, French and Russian symbols. The outer ring is red, the inner ring is blue and the dot in the middle is white.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?pictureid=9774&albumid=1156&dl=1518102097&thumb=1 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/album.php?albumid=1156&pictureid=9774)



Air War:

French pilot Fernand Henri Chavannes, flying a SPAD, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1. German 1-kill pilot Georg Michaelis is killed.

[Jimbuna]

9th February 1918

Eastern Front

Peace signed between Central Powers and Ukraine Rada: boundary defined.

General Averescu forms new Romanian Cabinet.

Political, etc.

Embargo on Dutch commercial cables provisionally raised.

The Central Powers and Ukraine sign the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk separately from Russia. In return for food, the newly-independent Ukraine receives military protection.

Disease spreads across U.S. Army and National Guard camps, with 117 soldiers dying of “pneumonia” in just one week.

Ship Losses:

Armenia (United States) The cargo liner was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) south of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom by SM UB-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached but was later salvaged.
Atlantide (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Madeira, Portugal (34°40′N 14°00′W) by SM U-156 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Ceferino (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Rio de Oro (15°42′N 19°06′W by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Fantoft (Norway) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 69 (Erwin Waßner) and sank in the Bay of Biscay off Belle Île, Morbihan, France (47°31′N 3°13′W) with the loss of six of her crew.
Lydie (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) east by south of The Manacles, Cornwall (50°03′N 5°01′W) by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine with the loss of two of her crew.
Maggie Smith (United Kingdom) The fishing vessel struck a mine laid by UC 49 (Hans Kükenthal) and sank in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north of the Bell Rock with the loss of three of her crew.

[February 9th, 1918] "The Huns' Renewed Challenge" (Western Mail cartoon).
https://i.imgur.com/nHuVVGq.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

February 9, 1918

Air War:

RFC pilot 2nd Lt W.H. Kent, flying SE.5a B4860, shoots down Albatros D.Va 4495/17 for his only victory. German 1-victory pilot Georg Michaelis is killed.

[Jimbuna]

10th February 1918

Eastern Front

Trotsky states that Russia, while desisting from signing formal peace, is no longer at war with Quadruple Alliance.

Order given for demobilisation of Russian forces.

Russia out of the War.

Publication of peace treaty between Central Powers and Ukraine.

Southern Front

Renewed Austrian activity on Asiago front.

Political, etc.

Lord Beaverbrook appointed Minister in charge of Propaganda.

Bertrand Russell is sentenced by a British court to 6 months in prison for opposing the U.S. entering the war on the Allied side.

Canada observes “heatless” days, where factories not deemed essential will be shut down for three days starting today.

Death of Abdul Hamid, ex-Sultan of Turkey.

Soviet delegation at Brest-Litovsk, led by Leon Trotsky, withdraws from peace negotiations with the Central Powers due to their harsh terms. The Soviet government declares that the state of war is over and demobilizes its armies.

General Alexandru Averescu becomes the new prime minister of Romania to conclude peace with the Central Powers.

Ship Losses:

Pilgrim (United Kingdom) The ketch was driven ashore and wrecked at Beaumaris, Anglesey. Her crew were rescued.
Romford (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) east of Cape Carthage, Tunisia (36°54′N 10°24′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 28 of her crew.

[February 10th, 1918] "The Jack-Boot" (News of the World cartoon).
https://i.imgur.com/Na0B4jp.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

February 10, 1918

Air War:

No aerial activity this day.

[Jimbuna]

11th February 1918


Western Front

Metz raided by French airmen.

Eastern Front

Polish Cabinet resigns as protest against Ukraine treaty.

Southern Front

Fighting in Asiago region to advantage of Italians.

Naval and Overseas Operations

French submarine Diane suffers an internal explosion in the Bay of Biscay and sinks with all 43 of its crew.

(11-18 February): Main German force dislodged from Lujenda Valley, moves southwards from Mtarika area towards Upper Rio (frontier of Mozambique).

Political, etc.

President Wilson restates War Aims.

Lord Reading arrives in U.S.A. as Ambassador, etc.

Ship Losses:

Baku Standard (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south by west of Tod Head, Aberdeenshire by SM UC-58 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 24 of her crew.
Bo (Sweden) The cargo ship sank in La Palice after two subsequent collisions, one within a convoy and the last, fatal one while maneuvring into the harbour. The crew survived.
Diane (French Navy) The Diane-class submarine was sunk in the Bay of Biscay off La Pallice, Vendée by an internal explosion with the loss of all 43 crew.
Golden Light (United Kingdom) The schooner sank in the Bristol Channel off Lundy Island, Devon. Her crew survived.
Merton Hall (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) north by west of Ouessant, Finistère, France (48°38′N 4°56′W) by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 57 crew.
HMS Westphalia (Royal Navy) The Q-ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) east of Drogheda, County Louth (53°48′N 5°51′W) by SM U-97 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 46 of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 11, 1918

Air War:

American Major William Thaw takes command of the 103rd Aero Squadron. Officially the first American flying squadron to enter service, at this point they are busy constructing hangars and buildings at their new base near La Cheppe.

1010 German pilot Ltn Niedebecker (no first name recorded), flying with Jasta 43, destroys a French observation balloon. S/Lt Henri Parizy of the 82° Cie d’Aérostiers is killed.

1650 German ace Walter Böning, with Jasta 76, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 9.

1650 Uffz Walther (first name unknown) of Jasta 76, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2. Brig Frédéric Monnier and S/Lt Taron are both wounded. This is Walther's last aerial victory. On April 20, 1918 he is transferred to Armee Flug Park 2, and there his record ends.

1710 German pilot Erich Raabe, with Jasta 41, shoots down a French observation balloon. 1st Lt James Wallace of the United States Balloon Service, on loan to the 26° Cie d’Aérostiers, parachutes safely.

1715 German pilot Hans Weiss, with Jasta 41, destroys a French observation balloon. Unidentified observer with the 27° Cie d’Aérostiers parachutes safely.

German pilot Alfred King, flying with Jasta 40, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 3.

German pilot Wilhelm Schulz, with Jasta 41, shoots down a French Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 3. While not absotely certain, the only Strutter reported lost this day is 3504, Adj Jean Desbaus and S/Lt Turinas both wounded and taken prisoner.

[Jimbuna]

12th February 1918

Western Front

Allied planes bomb Offenburg, Metz, etc.

Fighting in Passchendaele region.

Political, etc.

Parliament meets. Mr. Asquith asks for explanation of extension of powers of Versailles Council; answer refused.

Ship Losses:

Aghios Nicholaos (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea (38°28′N 23°49′E) by SM UC-37 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Eleanor (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) off St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight (50°30′N 1°30′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 34 of her crew.
Italia (Sweden) The cargo ship collided with another vessel while in convoy and sank. Her twenty crew were rescued.
Montenegro (France) The schooner foundered in the Mediterranean Sea.
Polo (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) south east by east of St. Catherine's Point by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
St. Magnus (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north north east of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire (57°32′15″N 1°43′36″W) by SM UC-58 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five lives.
SM U-89 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 87 submarine was rammed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Malin Head, County Donegal, United Kingdom (55°38′N 7°32′W) by HMS Roxburgh ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 43 crew.

A dive on U-89, sunk of February 12, 1918.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvzhnez2XnY&feature=share

[Sailor Steve]

February 12, 1918

Air War:

1420 German ace Hans Weiss, flying with Jasta 41, shoots down SPAD VII 1268 for victory number 6. Lt Henri Schwander is wounded and taken prisoner.

1445 Two Canadian RFC Sopwith Camel aces over the Italian Front are credited with shooting down five observation ballooes:
William Barker, B6313, victories 15-19.
Harold Hudson, B6353, victories 4-8. Hudson isn't officially an ace when the day starts but he is by the time it's over.

1515 German ace Heinrich Arntzen, in OAW-built Albatros 2480/17, shoots down a French balloon for victory number 9. Lt Pierre Bacalou of the 45° Cie d’Aérostiers and 2nd Lt Doherty on load from the United States Balloon Service both parachute safely.

German two-seater crew of Vfw Bauschke and Ltn Buse, of FlAbt 218 shoot down an attacking SPAD. Cpl Louis Bardoulat is listed as Missing.

German two-seater crew of Obltn Schmid and Gefr Braun, of FlAbt 289, shoot down an attacking SPAD. Sgt Adolphe Baranovitch is killed.

[Jimbuna]

13th February 1918

Western Front

French win salient between Tahure and Butte de Mesnil (Champagne).

Eastern Front

Bolsheviks defeat General Alexeiev; suicide of General Kaledin reported.

Southern Front

British line in Italy extended.

Naval

French submarine Bernouilli goes missing, presumed sunk with all 23 of its crew after hitting a mine in the Adriatic.
https://i.imgur.com/0teTwfZ.jpg

Political, etc.

Pacifist group in House of Commons defeated.

Exchange of prisoners between Austria-Hungary and the Allies take place, with several hundred POWs exchanged at Buchs, Switzerland.

Ship Losses:

Bernoulli (French Navy) The Brumaire-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Adriatic Sea off Durres, Albania.
HMT Sardius II (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.

[Sailor Steve]

February 13, 1918

Air War:

1210 English RFC pilot Percy Kyne Hobson, flying SE.5a D260, claims an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

14th February 1918

Eastern Front

Resignation of M. Kucharzewski, Prime Minister, and Cabinet, Warsaw.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British troops advance at Mukhmas, north-east of Jerusalem; line advanced two miles on six mile front.

Political, etc.

Bolo Pasha and Cavallini condemned to death.

Death of Sir Cecil Sping Rice, British Ambassador, U.S., at Ottawa.

Ship Losses:

Atlas (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) east south east of Hartlepool, County Durham by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Bessie Stephens (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Bristol Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) west by south of Lundy Island, Devon by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Carlisle Castle (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) east by north of the Royal Sovereign Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Chrysopolis (United Kingdom) The cargo ship ran aground in the Irish Sea off Southport, Lancashire.
Hugh Bourne (United Kingdom) The tug struck a submerged wreck and foundered. Her crew were rescued.
Lenore (United Kingdom) The brigantine collided with another vessel and sank. Her crew were rescued.
Saga (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east north east of Sunderland, County Durham (54°56′N 1°19′W) by SM UB-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ventmoor (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) south west by south of Skyros, Greece (38°41′N 24°36′E) by SM UC-37 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 21 of her crew.
War Monarch (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 11 nautical miles (20 km) east of the Royal Sovereign Lightship ( United Kingdom) (50°46′N 0°43′E) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

February 14, 1918

Air War:

1115 German pilot Hermann Leptien, flying with Jasta 21, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2.

Roland Garros escapes from German POW camp. Back in April 1915 Garros had become the world's first fighter pilot, shooting down three German aircraft while flying solo in a Morane-Saulnier 'L' parasol fitted with a machine gun firing through the propeller, with bullets that hit the prop being deflected by a specially-designed steel wedge system. On April 18 that year, after shooting down his third German two-seater, he had attacked a railway station and had been shot down and captured by ground gunners. After almost three years in a German prison Garros is now heading home.

[Jimbuna]

15th February 1918

Naval and Overseas Operations

Submarine shells Dover, one killed, seven injured.

A flotilla of German torpedo-boat destroyers raids the Straits of Dover and sink 1 British trawler and 7 drifters.

Maloktera (on Upper Lurio) reoccupied by Portuguese troops.

In Coastal area British column from Port Amelia approaching Meza.

A small Swedish naval force occupies the island of Åland, ostensibly to protect the inhabitants from the fighting of the Finnish Civil War.

Political, etc.

U.S. Government takes over complete control of foreign trade.

U.S. government threatens striking shipbuilders that their draft exemptions will be revoked if they do not go back to work.

Ship Losses:

HMT Christina Craig (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine destropyer with the loss of all hands.
HMT Clover Bank (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine warship with the loss of all but one of her crew.
HMT Cosmos (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine destroyer. Three of her crew survived.
HMT James Pond (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine warship with the loss of three of her crew.
HMT Jamie Murray (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine destroyer.
HMS Ludgate (Royal Navy) The tug was wrecked in Wigtown Bay.
HMML 12 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was shelled and sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserlich Marine destroyer.
Neguri (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (29°11′N 20°30′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS Newbury (Royal Navy) The Racecourse-class minesweeper was shelled and sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine destroyer.
San Rito (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea 23 nautical miles (43 km) south west of Chios, Greece (37°51′N 25°33′E) by SM UC-37 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
HMT Silver Queen Royal Navy World War I: The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine destroyer.[92][93]
HMT Veracity (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine destroyer.
HMT W. Elliott (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Strait of Dover by a Kaiserliche Marine destroyer.

[February 15th, 1918] "The Creed Of Grab" (Western Mail cartoon).
https://i.imgur.com/Moz4WfW.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

February 15, 1918

Air War:

1545 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, South Africa, B539, victory number 2.
John McCudden, England, C5310, victory number 4.

1600 German pilot Siegfried Büttner, in an albatros D.III, shoots up a French balloon. It is not destroyed, but is forced to abandon its mission, so he is awared the victory. S/Lt Allegrie and 1st Lt Allpoort of the United States Balloon Service both parachute to safety.

[Jimbuna]

16th February 1918

Western Front

Fighting in Cambrai section.

Air raid on London and Dover: one enemy machine down, 12 killed, 6 injured.

Political, etc.

Sir Henry Wilson succeeds Sir William Robertson as Chief of Imperial Staff.

Ship Losses:

Carlo (Austria-Hungary) The cargo ship was wrecked in the Adriatic Sea off Vegl, Austria-Hungary.
Commander (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) south south west of Beer Head, Devon by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Mar Caspio (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Canary Islands by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Tea (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Cape St. Vincent, Portugal (35°30′N 10°28′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Thames (United Kingdom) The tug was lost on this date.

[Sailor Steve]

February 16, 1918

Air War:

An overnight raid is conducted by four giant R-bombers against southern England. One of them carries a single 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) bomb which it drops over Victoria Station in London. The bomb misses the station but lands on the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

0735 Two RFC Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Edward Eaton, Canada, B5621, victory number 3.
Lt H.D. Harrington, B2416, nationality and victory number unknown.

0830 Two RFC Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Horace Gilbert Wanklyn Debenham, England, B9195, victory number 1.
George Thomson, Scotland, B9131, victory number 6.

0940 English RFC pilot John McCudden, in SE.5a C5310, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 5.

0945 Canadian RFC pilot John Sorsoleil, in AE.5a B5463, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

17th February 1918

Aviation

Six German aeroplanes raid Dover and London, killing 12 and injuring 6. One German aeroplane is brought down in the English Channel. British aeroplanes drop 400 bombs on German aerodromes in Belgium.

A single German "Riesenflugzeug" bomber attacks England. It hits St. Pancras station in London, killing 21 people and injuring 32.

Political, etc.

The Council of Lithuania proclaims the independence of Lithuania from both Russia and Germany.

Ship Losses:

Estrella da Bissao (Portugal) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Freetown, Sierra Leone by SM U-157 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Northville (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) south east by east of Berry Head, Devon (50°23′N 3°24′W) by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Pinewood (United Kingdom) The collier was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) south of Mine Head, County Cork (51°50′N 7°35′W) by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 17, 1918

Air War:

1045 South African RFC pilot Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, flying SE.5a D259, shoots down a Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1115 English RFC ace John McCudden, in SE.5a C5310, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 6.

1120 RFC pilot Rex Bennett, in Bristol F.2b C6404 with Cpl F. Archer as observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 4.

1120 RFC ace pilot Frank Johnson and ace observer John Hedley, in Bristol F.2b B1177, shoot down a Pfalz D.III. Victory number 12 for Johnson, number 8 for Hedley.

1125 English observer Walter Noble, riding in Bristol F.2b B1209 with 2nd Lt L.P. Roberts as pilot, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

18th February 1918

Western Front

German raiders fail to get through defences in attempted air raid on London.

Eastern Front

End of Russian armistice.

German army crosses Dvina and marches on Dvinsk and Lutsk. A second army advances into Ukraine against Bolsheviks.

Russians evacuate Armenia.

Turks within eight miles of Trebizond.

Southern Finland now in hands of Bolsheviks.

General Mannesheim (commanding Constitutional forces, "White Guards") gathers an army together in the north.

Ship Losses:

Cecil L. Shave (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the Azores, Portugal (35°30′N 11°20′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Nagata Maru (Japan) The cargo ship ran aground off Kirosaki, Niigata. She broke up on 12 March and was a total loss.
Normand (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Marsa Sirocco, Malta by UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached on Malta two days later. Subsequently refloated, repaired and returned to service.

[Sailor Steve]

February 18, 1918

Air War:

The famous Lafayette Escadrille (French Escadrille Spa 124) is disbanded. Seventeen pilots are transferred to the 103rd Aero Squadron.

0830 Three RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Horace Dale Barton, South Africa, B120, victory number 1.
Andrew Cowper, Australia, B664, victory number 3.
Ronald Turnbull Mark, England, B67, victory number 1.

0950 Canadian RNAS pilot John Manuel, in Sopwith Camel B7195, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1050 German ace Ernst Udet, in Albatros D.V 4476/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel N6347 for victory number 20. Sub-Lt R.E. Burr is mortally wounded, and will die two days later.

1100 English RFC pilot Percy Hobson, in SE.5a C5313, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1100 South African RFC pilot Hugh Saunders, in SE.5a C9500, shoots down an LVG two-seater for victory number 2.

1100 English RFC pilot Charles Lionel Stubbs, flying SE.5a C5303, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1115 South African RNAS ace William Jordan, in Sopwith Camel B7198, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 18.

1140 Canadian RNAS pilot Louis Bawlf, in Sopwith Camel D6417, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1155 Australian pilot Jack Manning Allport and English observer Arthur William Hammond, in Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 B5782, claim two Pfalz D.IIIs. Victories 1 and 2 for both.

1200 Canadian RFC pilot Clifford McEwen, in Sopwith Camel B5169, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

19th February 1918

Eastern Front

Germans occupy Dvinsk and Lutsk and advancing on whole line from Riga to Volhynia, enter Estonia and press towards Reval and Petrograd.

Bolshevik Government formally declare willingness to sign peace upon conditions dictated at Brest-Litovsk by Quadruple Alliance.

Austria-Hungary and Ukraine sign agreement by which Kholm district of Poland will not necessarily be included in Ukraine Republic.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British troops attack on 15-mile front east of Jerusalem; all objectives secured.

British now within eight miles of Jericho.

Aviation

German aeroplanes attempt to raid London for a third day in a row, but fail to get through British anti-air defenses.

Remains of a German Friedrichshafen G.III bomber, which crashed upside down near Ytres, 19 February 1918.
https://i.imgur.com/XayH6y9.jpg

Political, etc.

General Sir H. Rawlinson appointed British Army representative at Versailles. Premier defends arrangements re: latter.

Lenin and Trotsky signal to the Central Powers that they are now willing to sign a formal peace treaty.

Ship Losses:

Barrowmore (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 53 nautical miles (98 km) north west by west of the Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly (49°58′N 7°54′W) by SM U-94 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 25 of her crew.
Beacon Light (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) south east of the Butt of Lewis, Outer Hebrides by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 33 of her crew.
Comandant Baratier (France) The sailing vessel was scuttled in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) south of Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Commonwealth (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) north east of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fourteen of her crew.
Glencarron (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 47 nautical miles (87 km)) south by east of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°20′N 4°57′W) by SM U-82 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Philadelphian (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 47 nautical miles (87 km) south by east of The Lizard by SM U-82 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Wheatflower (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) north west by north of the Tuskar Rock, Ireland (52°09′N 5°45′W) by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Wilhelmina VII (Netherlands) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the North Sea (54°49′N 3°37′E), probably by SM UB-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 19, 1918

Air War:

0810 Prussia-born German pilot Franz Schleiff, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 B3305 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt H.H. Wilson and Cpt J.S. Gregory are both killed.

0840 Four RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Andrew Cowper, Australia, B664, victory number 5
Reuben George Hammersly, England, B891, victory number 1.
Peter MacDougall, Scotland, B120, victory number 2.
Ronald Mark, England, B67, victory number 3.

0850 Andrew Cowper, Reuben Hammersly, Peter MacDougall and Ronald Mark share a second kill, this time a DFW C.V. Number 6 for Cowper, number 2 for Hammersly, number 3 for MacDougall and number 4 for Mark.

1015 English RFC pilot John McCudden, in SE.5a C5310, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1015 Canadian RFC pilot John Sorsoleil, in SE.5a B5463, is credited with two Albatros D.Vs for victories number 3 and 4.

1020 South African RFC pilot Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, flying SE.5a B539, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1020 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Jens Larson, United States, serial number unknown, victory number 4.
John McCudden, England, C5310, victory number 8 (his second of the day).

1125 German ace Friedrich Altemeier, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 10.

1130 RFC pilot Lt W.H. Kent, in SE.5a B4860, shoots dwon Albatros D.Va 4495/17. Victory number unknown. Ltn Hans von Puttkamer is taken prisoner.

1205 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 24.

1240 Two English RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros two-seater:
Frank Billinge, B4880, victory number 4.
Louis William Jarvis, B53, victory number 1.

1315 American pilot Frank Leaman Baylies, om a SPAD for the French Air Service, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1400 German ace Hans-Joachim Buddecke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel B9185 for victory number 13. 2nd Lt S.R. Pinder is killed.

1405 German ace Hans Bethge, in a Pfalz D.III, shots down Sopwith Camel B9171 for victory number 19. 2nd Lt E. Westmoreland is killed.

1405 Polish-born German pilot Hans-Georg von der Marwitz, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3. Lt S.L.H. Potter is killed.

[Jimbuna]

20th February 1918

Western Front

A French raid against German lines in Lorraine, north of Bures and east of Moncel, nets them 500 German prisoners.

Eastern Front

German armies still advancing towards Reval, Petrograd, Moscow and Kiev, meeting with little resistance, and occupy Hapsal and Minsk.

German troops reach Finland to reinforce White Guard.

Southern Front

Great bombing raids from both sides; Venice, Padua, etc., again bombed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British troops north of Jerusalem advance on four-mile front on Shechem road; within four miles of Jericho.

Khan Abu Rayan occupied by British patrols within ten miles of Hit (Mesopotamia).

Political, etc.

Inter-Allied Labour and Socialist Conference meets at Westminster.

Ship Losses:

Balgray (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 38 nautical miles (70 km) south west by west of Dellimara Point, Malta (35°07′N 14°01′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Djerv (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) north north west of The Skerries, Isle of Anglesey (53°41′N 4°32′W) by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
USS Gallup (United States Navy) The minesweeper was driven ashore at Cape Henlopen, Delaware. Her crew were rescued before she broke in two and became a total loss.
Huntsmoor (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 23 nautical miles (43 km) south west of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twenty of her crew.
Hagios Nicolaos (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Bay of Pelgonesi by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
SS Harrogate (United Kingdom) The coaster foundered and sank in a storm off Norway.
Kithira (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco (10°11′N 16°04′W) by SM U-157 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Linz (Austria-Hungary) The ocean liner sank in the Adriatic Sea on 20 February or 19 March 1918 after she hit a mine.
Maria Archis (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Snowdrop (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) south west of the Eddystone Lighthouse (50°03′N 4°21′W) by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Taxi Arches (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Taxiarchis (Greece) The schooner was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (32°06′N 29°08′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Zeno (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 48 nautical miles (89 km) south west of Dellimara Point, Malta (35°04′N 14°03′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

February 20, 1918

Air War:

German high-command lays out rules for employing ground-attack aircraft in the upcoming Spring Offensive. Planes will be assigned specifically for the purpose of supporting advancing German troops and attacking enemy supply vehicles.

0735 Two French SPAD pilots destroy a German observation balloon:
Maurice Boyau, victory number 13.
Jean Sardier, victory number 4.

1000 Canadian RFC ace Harold Hudson, in Sopwith Camel B5356 over the Italian Front, is credited with two Albatros D.Vs for victories 9 and 10.

1120 Two French SPAD XIII pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Jean Bozon-Verduraz, victory number 3.
Guy de La Rochefordière, victory number 2.

1640 French ace Georges Raymond, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 6.

German pilot Ltn Niebecker (no first name given), flying with Jasta 43, shoots down Nieuport Nieuport 24bis 3305 for victory number 3. Cpl Jean Six is taken prisoner.

French ace Armand Pinsard, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 17.

German pilot Ltn Wittenhagen, with Jasta 31 over Italy, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5193 for his first and only victory. Lt D.C. Wright is wounded and taken prisoner. Wright will die from his wounds two days later. Wittenhagen will survive the war. Further information unknown.

German ace Wolfgang Güttler (8 victories) and pilot Paul Hiob (2 victories) are both killed when their planes collide during combat over Reneuil Ferme.

[Jimbuna]

21st February 1918

Eastern Front

Main Committee of German Reichstag adopts peace treaty with the Ukraine.

New peace terms for Russia formulated by Germany.

Germans within 60 miles of Reval.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Jericho taken.

British established on line of the Jordan to east and Auja to north, threatening Hejaz railway.

Ship Losses:

Bør (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea off Coquet Island, Northumberland, United Kingdom by SM UC-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Cheviot Range (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the English Channel 25 nautical miles (46 km) south of The Lizard, Cornwall by SM U-102 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 27 crew.
Hugin (Sweden) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean[129] 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) off St Agnes, Cornwall (50°28′N 5°12′W) by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Idalia (United Kingdo) The fishing ketch was scuttled in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Berry Head, Devon (50°27′N 3°14′W) by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Irex (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) east by south of Hope Cove, Devon (50°27′N 3°14′W) by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Leonora (United Kingdom) The fishing ketch was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 11 nautical miles (20 km) east of Hope's Nose, Devon (50°27′N 3°14′W) by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Mercia (Sweden) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 85 nautical miles (157 km) east of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom (57°43′N 2°28′E) by SM UB-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine). The crew of eighteen did not survive.
Oryx (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east by south of Berry Head, Devon (50°27′N 3°14′W) by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Reaper (United Kingdom) The drifter struck a mine laid by UC 49 (Hans Kükenthal) and sank in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) north east of Tynemouth, Northumberland with the loss of eight of her crew.
Rio Verde (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in then Irish Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) off Crammock Head, Wigtownshire by SM U-100 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twenty of her crew.
Rosebud (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south south east of Hope Cove by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM U-23 (Austro-Hungarian Navy) The U-20-class submarine was sunk in the Strait of Otranto by the Italian destroyer Airone ( Regia Marina) with the loss of all eighteen crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 21, 1918

Air War:

0710 Englsih RFC pilot Harold Ross Eycott-Martin, flying Sopwith Camel B5623 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik two-seater for victory number 1.

1000 German ace Hermann Göring, in Albatros D.V 2159/17, shoots down SE.5a C5325 for victory number 17. Lt George Barton Craig is wounded and taken prisoner, later dying from his wounds.

1000 German ace Rudolf Klimke, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down SE.5a B4860 for victory number 6. 2nd Lt W.M. Kent is killed.
(There is a chance that the two SE.5as collided.)

1015 Scottish RFC pilot Peter MacDougall, in SE.5a B8257, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1045 Australian AFC pilot Alexander Goodlet Clark, in SE.5a B4895, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1050 Australian AFC pilot George Jones, flying Sopwith Camel B2551, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1140 German pilot Artur Weber (1 victory) killed in combat with four Sopwith Camels.

1200 German ace Rudolf Matthaei, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5552 for victory number 10. 2nd Lt A. Couston, Australian Flying Corps, is taken prisoner.

1210 English RFC pilot Rex Bennett, in Bristol F.2b with Cpl E. Veale as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1715 Prussia-born German pilot Franz Schleiff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down RE.8 B535 for victory number 5. Lt W.J. Blitch is wounded.

Italian ace Guglielmo Fornagiari, flying an Hanriot HD.1, shoots down a "Scout" for victory number 6*

Australian RFC pilot Geoffrey Forrest Hughes and Englsih observer Hugh Claye, in Bristol F.2b C4630, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 1 for both.

German ace Reinhold Jörke, with Jasta 13, shoots down SE.5a B619 for victory number 10. 2nd Lt G.C. Logan is taken prisoner.

[Jimbuna]

22nd February 1918

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Retreat of Turks beyond River Jordan.

Naval and Overseas Operations

German rearguard dispersed between Mtende and Msalu (Portuguese East Africa); v. 21 March 1918.

Political, etc.

Soviet Russia publishes the decree “The Socialist Fatherland is in Danger!” to urge its citizens to resist the Central Powers offensive.

Ship Losses:

Haileybury (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) east south east of The Maidens by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Reidar (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a rock and foundered with the loss of a crew member.

[Sailor Steve]

February 22, 1918

Air War:

No aerial activity this day.

[Jimbuna]

23rd February 1918

Western Front

French and American troops conduct a joint raid against German lines in the Chemin-des-Dames sector, capturing 22 Germans and 1 machine gun.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Patrol activity on wide front north of Jerusalem, east of Jericho.

Political, etc.

End of Inter-Allied Labour Conference; statement of War Aims.

Central Powers now demand from Russia the ceding of the Baltic Countries, Poland, and Ukraine, as well as commercial concessions.

Ship Losses:

Aspasia (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Birchleaf (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed, shelled and severely damaged in the Irish Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) west by north of The Skerries, Anglesey by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew. Her captain was taken as a prisoner of war. Birchleaf was salvaged, repaired and returned to service.
British Viscount (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) north by west of The Skerries, Anglesey by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.
Florizel (Newfoundland) The passenger ship ran aground at Horn Head Point, Cappahayden and was wrecked with the loss of 94 lives.
Humberto (Portugal) The barquentine was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Cape Tortosa, Spain by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMT Marion (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 25 (Ernst von Wangenheim) and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Malta (35°45′N 14°23′E) with the loss of six of her crew.
Remus (United Kingdom) The collier struck a mine laid by UC 59 (Herbert Lefholz) and sank in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) south south west of Copinsay, Orkney Islands (58°20′N 2°42′W) with the loss of five of her crew.
Sardinero (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar (34°30′N 8°40′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ulabrand (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off Crammag Head, Wigtownshire, United Kingdom (54°40′N 5°03′W) by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 23, 1918

SMS Wolf enters Kiel amidst great celebrations. Wolf has been at sea for fifteen months without ever entering a port, refueling and replenishing from supply ships the whole time. She has on board 467 prisoners and large quantities of rubber, copper, zinc, brass, silk, copran and cocoa.

Air War:

1530 German pilot Fritz Danker, flying with Jasta 32, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 2.

1535 German pilot Jakob Landin, with Jasta 32, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 3.

1620 German ace Walter Ewers, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 7. S/Lt Henri Schneider is wounded, and dies from his wounds the next day.

German ace Hans Weiss, with Jasta 41, shoost down a Salmson 2A2 for victory number 7.

[Jimbuna]

24th February 1918

Eastern Front

Russia accepts German terms of peace.

Novocherkask, capital of Don Cossack territory, in Bolshevik hands.

The Central Powers offensive against Soviet Russia results in the capture of Dorpat (Tartu, Estonia), and troops reach Zhitomir (Ukraine).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turks re-occupy Trebizond.

Naval and Overseas Operations

German auxiliary cruiser "Wolf" returns to Pola after 15 months' absence, having sunk 11 vessels, 33,000 tonnage.

Political, etc.

Count Motono states if Russia concludes separate peace Japan will take decided and adequate steps to meet occasion.

Arthur Scherbius applies for a patent in Germany for the mechanical cipher Enigma machine.
https://i.imgur.com/bZ7PJBw.jpg

Ship Losses:

Amsterdam (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east by east of Coquet Island, Northumberland by SM UC-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Gaetana Costanzo (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Rio de Oro (24°18′N 15°49′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Renfrew (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) south west of St. Ann's Head, Pembrokeshire by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 40 of her crew.
Sarpfos (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea off Holyhead, Anglesey, United Kingdom (53°46′N 5°04′W) by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two crew.

[Sailor Steve]

February 24, 1918

Air War:

1415 German ace Friedrich Altemeier, flying with Jasta 24, shoots down RE.8 B2293 for victory number 11. 2nd Lt G.R.T. Marsh is taken prisoner; 2ne Lt I.M. Dempser is killed.

1545 German pilot Wilhelm Papenmeyer, in Fokker Dr.I 214/17, shoots down RE.8 B5071 for victory number 3. 2nd Lts R.D. White and W.A. Keeler are both killed.

1610 German ace Hans Weiss, with Jasta 41, is credited with shooting down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 8.

1615 German ace Georg Schlenker, with Jasta 41, is credited with shooting down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 12.

1620 German pilot Albert Dietlen, with Jasta 41, is credited with shooting down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 5.

Despite these three "confirmed" claims, only 2 Bréguet 14s were lost this day:
1346, S/Lt Raymond Arnault and Cpl Henri Rouanet, both listed as Missing.
1354, Adj André Lévy and Cpl Jean Albrecht, both listed as Missing.

French pilot François de Boigne, flying a Nieuprt, shoots down two "Enemy Aircraft" for victories number 2 and 3.

[Jimbuna]

25th February 1918

Eastern Front

Revel and Pskov occupied by Germans.

In Ukraine Germans reach Zhitomir, temporary capital of Ukraine Republic.

Southern Front

Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes drop 62 bombs on Venice, Mestre, and Castelfranco, resulting in 5 deaths and 12 injuries.

Political, etc.

Meat, butter and margarine rationing comes into force in London and Home Counties.

Fresh meeting of German-Austrian and Romanian peace delegates at Bucharest.

Ship Losses:

Apollo (Denmark) The schooner was sunk in St. George's Channel by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all seven crew.
Rubio (United Kingdom) The collier struck a mine laid by UC 4 (Kurt Loch) and sank in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) north of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom). Her crew survived.
Santa Maria (United States) The tanker was sunk in Lough Swilly, County Donegal, United Kingdom (55°14′N 6°19′W) by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Captain Karl Nerger of the German raider SMS Wolf in Kiel after a 15-month raiding cruise, which sunk around 25 Allied vessels.
https://i.imgur.com/yczpJN9.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

February 25, 1918

Air War:

German pilot Edwin Kreuzer, flying with Jasta 39 on the Italian Front, destroys an Italian observation balloon for victory number 2. This is Kreuzer's last aerial victory. He will survive the war but further information is unknown.

Hungarian 6-victory ace Johann Frint is killed when his Austrian Albatros D.III 53.46 crashes in an orchard.

[Jimbuna]

26th February 1918

Western Front

American trenches near Toul, France are hit by German gas shells for the first time, resulting in at least 5 deaths and 80 injuries.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Patrols reach Rujm el Bahr (at northern end of Dead Sea, two miles east of mouth of Jordan).

Naval and Overseas Operations

Hospital ship "Glenart Castle", outward bound, torpedoed in Bristol Channel. 162 lost.

Political, etc.

Lawlessness in Ireland; additional troops sent to aid police.

Foreign ambassadors in Petrograd prepare to leave the city as the German offensive continues to advance towards the Soviet capital.

Ship Losses:

USS Cherokee (United States Navy) The tug foundered in the Atlantic Ocean off the Fenwick Island Lightship ( United States Navy) with the loss of 32 of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by British Admiral ( United Kingdom).
Dalewood (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south west of the Isle of Man (53°48′N 5°09′W) by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nineteen crew.
Eumaeus (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 24 nautical miles (44 km) north north east of Île Vierge, Finistère, France by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was taken in tow by HMS Crocus ( Royal Navy and was scuttled by that ship after the tow parted. Her crew survived.
HMHS Glenart Castle (Royal Navy) The hospital ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) west of Lundy Island, Devon (51°07′N 5°03′W) by SM UC-56 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 162 lives.
Greavesash (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) north east of Cape Barfleur, Manche, France by SM UB-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight of her crew.
Maltby (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) west by south of Pantelleria, Italy by SM UC-27 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.
Mouche (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the English Channel 25 nautical miles (46 km) south east of The Lizard, Cornwall, United Kingdom by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Pytheas (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) south by east of Cape Palos, Murcia, Spain by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two crew.
Rambler (United Kingdom) The trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east of Blyth, Northumberland with the loss of nine of her crew.
Romny (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Cape Barfleur by SM UB-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nine of her crew.
Saida (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) off Cyprus by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Siljestad (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (23°36′N 16°16′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Snyg (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north by east of Ouessant, Finistère, France (48°51′N 5°12′W) by SM U-94 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Tiberia (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Belfast Lough (54°47′N 5°39′W) by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

https://i.imgur.com/UkL2XNy.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/btRB3OR.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

February 26, 1918

Air War:

0840 Australian RFC ace Andrew Cowper, flying SE.5a B664, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 7.

0840 English RFC pilot Ian McDonald, in SE.5a C1057, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 4.

0840 English RFC pilot Herbert Richardson, in SE.5a B124, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.
The above three kills are all at the same time, and though listed separately may actually be one shared victory.

0900 Andrew Cowper scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 8.

0900 Four English RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Fokker Dr.I:
James Jeffery Dawe, B85, victory number 1.
Ronald Mark, B67, victory number 5.
Ian McDonald, C1057, victory number 5.
Herbert Richardson, B124, victory number 3.

0945 Canadian RFC pilot William Harrison, flying SE.5a C1071, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1005 Canadian RFC pilot John De Pencier, Sopwith Dolphin C3841, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 3.

1010 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory 25.

1025 René Fonck scores his second kill of the day, bringing down another two-seater for number 26. This is possible Uffz Paul Hess, killed over Pannes.

1110 German pilot Richard Plange, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down SPAD VII B6871 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt J.L. McLintock is killed.

1120 German ace Adolf von Tutschek, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down SPAD XIII B6732 for victory number 24. 2nd Lt David Coloquhoun is taken prisoneer.

1125 German pilot Kurt Schönfelder, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A7804 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt J.M. Allen and Capt F.R. Sutcliffe are both taken prisoner.

1130 English RFC pilot Eernest John Elton, in a Bristol F.2b with Sgt Joh Charles Hagen as observer, is credited with shooting down two Albatros D.Vs for victoris number 1 and 2.

1250 German pilot Friedrich von Röth, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down RE.8 A3531 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt W.G. Duthie is wounded. 2nd Lt R.W.stG Cartwright is killed.

1250 German pilot Erich Weiss, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down Nieuport 5690 for victory number 2. S/Lt Pierre Marin is killed.

1540 German pilot Gerhard Schulte, flying an Albatros D.III, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 2.

1600 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A7697 for victory number 9. Lt G.M. Shaw is wounded. He and Lt C.H.S. Ackers are taken prisoner.

1695 English RFC pilot Reuben Hammersley, in SE.5a B8257, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1615 Scottish RFC pilot Peter MacDougall, in SE.5a B120, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 5.

1700 German pilot Paul Rothe, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2.

1700 German pilot Rudolf Kassner, flying an Albatros D.Va, shoots down two observation balloons for victories 1 and 2.

German pilot Paul Färber in an Albatros D.III, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 2.

Austrian ace Kurt Gruber, in Phönix D.I 228.24, shoots down an Hanriot HD.1 for victory number 10.

German pilot Ulrich Neckel, with Jasta 12, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 5.

[Jimbuna]

27th February 1918

Western Front

Big British raid in Houthulst Forest (Flanders).

Eastern Front

Ukraine Central Soviet accepts treaty concluded with Germany by the Rada.

Japan proposes military action in Serbia.

Political, etc.

Soviet Russia announces a peace delegation is on their way to Brest-Litovsk to sign the surrender to the Central Powers.

Ship Losses:

Elmwood (United Kingdom) The schooner was driven ashore and wrecked.
Largo (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) west of the Calf of Man, Isle of Man (53°52′N 5°02′W) by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Machaon (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) north by east of the Cani Rock (38°40′N 10°35′E) by SM UC-27 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

February 27, 1918

Air War:

1020 Canadian RFC pilot Clifford McEwen, flying Sopwith Camel B5169 over the Italian Front, claims two Albatros D.Vs for victories 5 and 6.

1030 English RFC pilot Percy Wilson, in Sopwith Camel B5183 over the Italian Front, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 3.

1245 English RFC pilot Alan Jerrard, in Sopwith Camel B3840 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik Berg D.I for victory number 1.

1730 German pilot Jakob Landin (3 victories) is Killed in a flying accident.

German pilot Paul Blumenbach claims a SPAD XI for victory number 1. This may be a case of extreme misidentification, as the SPAD XI is a two-seater and the only French plane lost this day is Nieuport 24bis 4713, with Cpl Marcel Janet reported as Missing.

[Jimbuna]

28th February 1918

Western Front

Repulse of German attack near Chavigeron (north-east of Soissons).

Eastern Front

Russian delegates return to Best-Litovsk.

Continued German advance in the Ukraine: armed Pripet flotilla captured.

Austrians invade the Ukraine north of the Pruth River.

Political, etc.

Resignation of M. Pashich and Serbian Cabinet.

Ship Losses:

Bellande (Netherlands) The galeas was driven ashore near the Gjeita Lighthouse, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway and was wrecked. Her crew were rescued.
HMS Brown Mouse (Royal Navy) The Q-ship was lost on this date.
Hagios Triast (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Heenvliet (Netherlands) The coaster was sunk in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) south west of the Swartebank Lightship ( Netherlands) by SM UB-31 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMT Nerissa II (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was wrecked on the Valanhidi Shoal, in the Aegean Sea off Lemnos, Greece.
Savoyarde (France) The sailing vessel struck a mine laid by UC 27 (Otto Gerke) and sank in the La Galite Channel.

MERCHANT SHIPPING
British, Allied and Neutral ships lost to enemy submarines, mines and cruisers etc in the month - 142 ships of 321,000 tons gross. (Lloyd's War Losses).

[Sailor Steve]

February 28, 1918

Idflieg bi-monthly report on German fighters operating at the front at the end of February 1918:

Albatros:
D.III--357
D.V---250
D.Va--475

Fokker:
D.V----25
Dr.I--143

Halberstadt:
CL.II--224
D.II------1
D.III-----1
D.V------2

Hannover:
CL.II-295

LFG Roland:
D.III----9

Pfalz:
D.III--182
D.IIIa-261



Air War:

1230 Australian AFC pilot Richard Howard, flying SE.5a D212, shoots down an Albatros D.Va for victory number 2.

1600 German pilot Hermann Becker, with Jasta 12, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 5.

1630 Canadian RFC pilot Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, in SE.5a B539, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 5.

1715 English RFC pilot Percy Clayson, in SE.5a B8930, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

German pilot Hermann Becker, with Jasta 12, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 5.

German pilot Ltn Koch (no first name given), with Jasta 12, claims an SE.5a for victory number 2. Koch will survive the war with one more unconfirmed claim. Further information is unknown.
(Only one SE.5a is reported lost this day, C5379, Lt E.O. Krohn killed.)

German ace Ulrich Neckel, flying with Jasta 12, also claims an SE.5a this day. According to The Aerodrome website this is C5310, English 8-victory ace John McCudden landed safely. I could find on other source verifying this.

[Jimbuna]

1st March 1918

Western Front

Germans recapture trenches south-west of Butte de Mesnil, but fail in local attacks elsewhere in Champagne and near Reims.

Big German raids at Haucourt (north-west of Verdun) and Seicheprey (Lorraine), the latter against Americans.

Naval

British armed merchant cruiser HMS Calgarian is torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-19, killing 49 sailors.
https://i.imgur.com/fv9UOoT.jpg

Ship Lossers:

SMS A57 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A56-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of twelve of her crew.
Borga (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) south east by south of Beer Head, Devon (50°32′N 2°56′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 5 crew.
HMS Calgarian (Royal Navy) The armed merchant cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea off Rathlin Island, County Antrim (55°25′N 6°15′W) by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 49 crew.
Norefos (Norway) The supply vessel was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles (110 km) off Dakar, French West Africa.
Penvearn (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north of South Stack, Anglesey (53°35′N 4°49′W) by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 21 crew.
Sunrise (United Kingdom) The ketch struck a submerged wreck and sank.
HMT Thomas Collard (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk by the force of the explosions of the torpedoes that sunk HMS Calgarian ( Royal Navy), which was a victim of SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 1, 1918

The exact date is unknown, but sometime in March 1918 Russian ace Alexander de Seversky is sent to the United States to serve as assistant naval attaché at the Russian embassy. Seversky has had an interesting combat career. On his very first combat flight Seversky's bomber was shot down with his bombs still aboard. His observer died in the crash, and De Seversky lost one of his legs below the knee. He managed to convince the Tsar himself that he was still combat-capable, and went on to become an ace. His score varies depending on the source, with him claiming thirteen victories and some listing as few as four. The commonly accepted number seems to be six. After the war Seversky will remain in the United States, first opening a restaurant but later organizing his own aircraft company. Later reorganized as Republic Aviation, Seversky's company will be responsible for the legendary P-47 Thunderbolt. Alexander de Seversky will live until 1974.



Air War:

0845 German ace Adolf von Tutschek, flying a Fokker Dr.I, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 25.

1000 Australian RFC pilot Eustace Slade Headlam, in Bristol F.2b A7198 with Lt E.B.S. Beaton as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1010 Canadian RFC pilot Norman Millman and English observer Arthur Cooper, in Bristol F.2b B1190, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 3 for both.

1030 Norman Millman and Arthur Cooper score their second victory of the day, bringing down an Albatros D.III. Victory number 4 for both.

French ace René Montrion, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 8.

[Jimbuna]

2nd March 1918

Western Front

Many German raids on British lines.

Eastern Front

Capture of Kiev by Germans and continued advance of Austrians in the Ukraine.

Romania agrees to negotiate for peace on basis of enemy demands.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance on 12-mile front astride Jerusalem-Nablus road.

Naval

British submarine HMS H5 is mistaken for a German U-boat and rammed by a British merchantman, killing all of the submarine’s crew.

Ship Losses:

Bessy (Isle of Man) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) north west of Peel by SM U-91 and SM U-105 (both Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Carmelite (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south west of the Calf of Man, Isle of Man (54°00′N 4°52′W) by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Euxeinos (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (32°17′N 32°03′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS H5 (Royal Navy) The H-class submarine was rammed and sunk by Rutherglen ( United Kingdom), which mistook her for a U-boat. All 22 crew were killed.
Havna (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) east south east of the Tuskar Rock by SM UB-65 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven of her eighteen crew.
Kenmare (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) north west of The Skerries, Isle of Anglesey by SM U-104 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 29 crew.
Maria (United Kingdom) The schooner foundered with the loss of three of her crew.
Rockpool (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km) north east by north of Eagle Island, County Mayo by SM U-94 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived, but her captain was taken as a prisoner of war.
Stina (Sweden) The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) north by east of the Cairns of Coll, Argyllshire, United Kingdom[16] (56°48′N 6°30′W) by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 2, 1918

Air War:

No aerial activity this day.

[Jimbuna]

3rd March 1918

Western Front

Great raiding activity by British.

Eastern Front

Peace between Russia and enemy Powers signed at Brest-Litovsk.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance in Palestine continued, reaching maximum of 3,000 yards.

Political, etc.

Germany notifies Sweden of forthcoming occupation of Naland Islands.

Ship Losses:

Countess (United Kingdom) The vessel foundered in the English Channel off Deal, Kent. Her crew were rescued by the Deal Lifeboat.
Diamond (United Kingdom) The vessel foundered in the English Channel off Deal. Her crew were rescued by the Deal Lifeboat.
Eliza and Alice (United Kingdom) The vessel foundered in the English Channel off Deal. Her crew were rescued by the Deal Lifeboat.
Navator (United Kingdom) The vessel foundered in the English Channel off Deal. Her crew were rescued by the Deal Lifeboat.
Romeo (United Kingdom) The refrigerated cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) north west of Peel, Isle of Man (52°22′N 4°52′W) by SM U-102 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 26 of her 29 crew. The survivors were rescued by Ardgavel ( United Kingdom) and HMS Kilgobnet ( Royal Navy).

[Sailor Steve]

March 3, 1918

Air War:

0750 English RFC pilot Arthur Peck, flying SE.5a B26 over the Palestinian Front, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 5. This is shared by Maj F.W. Stent in B678, further information not listed.

[Jimbuna]

4th March 1918

Western Front

France conducts a large-scale raid against German trenches near Verdun, advancing on a 1200-metre line and taking 150 German prisoners.

Eastern Front

Despite the peace treaty signed at Brest-Litovsk, German troops take the city of Narva (Estonia) and Austro-Hungarian troops continue advancing in Ukraine.

Germans claim capture of 6,000 officers, 57,000 men, 2,600 guns, and 5,000 machine-guns in recent invasion.

Aviation

First flight: Airco DH.10 Amiens
https://i.imgur.com/C5HZ83s.jpg

Political, etc.

Soviet Russia signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, renouncing its claims in Finland, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic states to the Central Powers. Russia is out of the war.

Romania also declares it is ready to negotiate a formal peace with the Central Powers.

Ship Losses:

Antioco Accame (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar (35°11′N 7°55′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Castle Eden (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south south east of the Inishtrahull Lighthouse, County Donegal by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Clan Macpherson (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 24 nautical miles (44 km) north of Cape Serrat, Tunisia (37°47′N 9°05′E) by SM UC-27 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eighteen of her crew.
Geneva (United Kingdom) The coaster struck a submerged wreck and was beached. She sank the next day.
Lady Londonderry (United Kingdom) The coaster collided with another vessel and sank.
Northfield (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 25 nautical miles (46 km) south west of Lundy Island, Devon (50°55′15″N 4°45′30″W) by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fifteen crew.
Polkerris (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Portland Bill, Dorset, United Kingdom by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

https://i.imgur.com/4N63lzM.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

March 4, 1918

Air War:

No aerial activity this day.

[Jimbuna]

5th March 1918

Eastern Front

Romania accepts enemy terms and signs at Buftea preliminary treaty of peace.

Germans land on Aaland Islands at request of Finnish Government.

Political, etc.

Sir E. Geddes reviews shipping situation in House of Commons.

The Soviet Russian government moves its capital from Petrograd to the more defensible city of Moscow.

Ship Losses:

Coalgas (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 4 (Ernst Berlin) and sank in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south by west of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom). Her crew survived.
Edouard Marie (Belgium) The fishing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south of the Wolf Rock, Cornwall, United Kingdom (49°52′N 5°52′W) by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Estrella (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 4 (Ernst Berlin) and sank in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south by west of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of twenty of her crew.
Quarnero (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) north of Portreath, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°21′N 5°19′W) by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Roxburgh (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) east by north of Cape St. John, Crete, Greece by SM UC-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.
Tusnastabb (Norway) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 4 (Ernst Berlin) and sank in the North Sea south west of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom) (51°57′N 1°43′E). Her crew survived.
Uskmoor (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south west of Prawle Point, Devon by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT William Tennant (Royal Navy) The naval trawler collided with a British trawler and sank.

[Sailor Steve]

March 5, 1918

Air War:

1040 German pilot Helmuth Contag, flying with Jasta 65, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 4. Brig Jacques Duteurtre, of the 80° Cie d’Aérostiers, is wounded.

1040 Two French SPAD aces share a victory over a German two-seater:
Andre Herbelin, victory number 10.
Henri Péronneau, victory number 7.

1445 German pilot Gefr Lothmann (no first name given), in Albatros D.Va 5695/17, lands behind French lines and is taken prisoner. The German record says he was shot down while attacking a balloon. The French record says he ran out of petrol.

1500 German pilot Adolf Schreder, with Jasta 56, shoots down SE.5a B145 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt W.F. Poulter is wounded and taken prisoner. He will die the following day.

1655 Prussia-born German pilot Franz Schleiff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down RE.8 A4748 for victory number 6. 2nd Lt W.H. Boston is wounded; Lt J.E.G. Mosby is unharmed.

French SPAD pilots Fernand Chavannes and Lionel de Marmier share a victory over two DFW C.Vs. Victoies 2 and 3 for both.

German pilot Franz Piechulek, flying an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 3.

German pilot Georg Sandleitner, with Jasta 77, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

6th March 1918

Western Front

Failure of German night attack on Belgians near Ramscapelle and Stuyvenskerke.

Unusual aerial activity on British front.

Naval

The SS Faith, the first concrete ship in the U.S., being constructed in California. Concrete ships were proposed to deal with lack of steel-making plants on the West Coast.
https://i.imgur.com/oQMJLvp.jpg

Political, etc.

John Redmond, Irish nationalist and leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party, has passed away.

Ship Losses:

Daiten Maru (Japan) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Sicily, Italy by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Elector (Portugal) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Rio de Oro by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Kalgan (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 33 nautical miles (61 km) south west of Jaffa, Occupied Enemy Territory Administration by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
HMT Princess Alice (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost in the Mediterranean Sea on this date.

[Sailor Steve]

March 6, 1918

Swedish count Eric von Rosen gives Finland her second aircraft, flown to Vaasa by Lt Nils Kindberg with von Rosen as a passenger. The first aircraft was a an N.A.B. Albatros purchased from the Swedish Nordiska Aviatik A.B. company and flown from Sweden to Haparanda on February 25. Due to Swedish neutrality earlier plane was considered to be illegal and the Thulin was designated F.1 and March 6, 1918 is considered the founding date of the Finnish Air Force. The plane itself carried a right-facing blue swastika as von Rosen's personal symbol. This would become the National marking of the Finnish Air Force.

Air War:

0900 German pilot Erik Thomas, flying with Jasta 9, shoots down a French balloon for victory number 4. S/Lt Gustave Lemaitre of the 87° Cie d’Aérotiers and 1st Lt Sidney I. Howell of the U.S. Balloon Service both parachute safely.

0900 German pilot Paul Jäger, with Jasta 9, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 1. 56° Cie d’Aérotiers, unnamed observer(s) parachutes safely.

1000 English RFC pilot Roy Chappell, in SE.5a B624, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 5.

1015 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Alfred Brown, England, C9494, victory number 3.
Andrew Cowper, Australia, B664, victory number 9.

1040 French ace Hector Garaud, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 9. This is possibly Erich Bahr (no victories), Fokker Dr.I 106/17, killed about this time.

1040 German ace Hans Pippart, flying with Jasta 13, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 8.

1055 English RFC pilot Herbert Richardson, in SE.5a B124, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 4.

1115 Canadian RFC pilot George William Bulmer, in Bristol F.2b C4810 with 2nd Lt S.J. Hunter as observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1115 English RFC observer William Norman Dyke, riding in DH.4 A7833 with Sgt W. McCleery as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V and then a two-seater for victories number 1 and 2.

1115 Canadian RFC pilot, in RE.8 B6525 with 2nd Lt F.C. Farrington as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

[Rockstar]

6th March 1918

Western Front

Failure of German night attack on Belgians near Ramscapelle and Stuyvenskerke.

Unusual aerial activity on British front.

Naval

The SS Faith, the first concrete ship in the U.S., being constructed in California. Concrete ships were proposed to deal with lack of steel-making plants on the West Coast.
https://i.imgur.com/oQMJLvp.jpg



Everyday heading north from Cat Cay on patrol we passed a concrete ship built during world war I. Seen here SS Sapona just south of Bimini Bahamas.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ybGq4TRRmJE/RxJbZb3cV4I/AAAAAAAAADs/_GppdwaJaVo/w1200-h630-p-nu/sapona1.jpg

[Jimbuna]

7th March 1918

Eastern Front

Peace signed between Germany and Finland.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance in Palestine, pressed continuously for some days, reaches maximum of three miles on front of 18.

Aviation

Aeroplane raid on Kent, Essex, Herts, Bedforshire and London; 23 killed, 39 injured; one Gotha downed.

German Albatros D.V (serial number D2359/17), which was forced to land at Feuchy, being examined by British servicemen, 7 March 1918.
https://i.imgur.com/HTflbHc.jpg

Political, etc.

Entente Note to Holland demanding unconditional use of Dutch shipping in ports of Allies.

Ship Losses:

Begona No.4 (Spain) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) north west of Marettimo, Italy by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Braatt II (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south west by south of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (50°29′N 1°21′W) by SM UB-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Brise (France) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) north of Trevose Head, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°36′N 5°03′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Luigi (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Rio de Oro (25°35′N 14°38′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Martha (Belgium) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west by south of Portland Bill, Dorset, United Kingdom (50°30′N 2°36′W) by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Saint Georges (France) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) north of Trevose Head (50°35′N 5°03′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Saint Joseph (France) The three-masted barquentine was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) north west of Trevose Head (50°36′N 5°08′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Tarbetness (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) south west of the Caernarvon Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
RFA Vitol (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) The tanker was sunk in the Irish Sea (52°38′N 5°04′W) by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 7, 1918

Air War:

1015 English RFC pilot Alan Jerrard, flying Sopwith Camel B5648 on the Italian Front, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 2.

1015 English RFC pilot Francis Stanley Symondson, in Sopwith Camel B2445 over the Italian Front, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 1.

American pilot Frank Baylies, in a SPAD with the French Air Service, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 2.

Ltn Niebecker (no first name given), with Jasta 43 (3 victories), is severely injured in a landing accident. There are no further records after that.

[Jimbuna]

8th March 1918

Western Front

Failure of heavy local attacks on British near Ypres.

Eastern Front

At Bakhmach (Ukraine), Czechoslovak Legion clash with German forces who are preventing their evacuation towards Siberia.

Aviation

Big aeroplane raid by night on Paris; 13 killed, 50 injured.

Political, etc.

British House of Commons votes on a new war credit of £600 million, bringing the total spent since the start of the war to about £6.842 billion.

Patriotic speech by M. Clemenceau: Vote of confidence in Government.

Ship Losses:

Ayr (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 31 nautical miles (57 km) north of Linosa, Italy (36°23′N 13°45′E) by SM UC-27 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Corsham (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) east south east of the mouth of the River Tees by SM UC-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nine of her crew.
Erica (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south west of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Intent (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east by north of Seaham, County Durham by SM UC-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Madeline (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 14 nautical miles (26 km) east north east of the Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall (50°02′N 5°25′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Uganda (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 32 nautical miles (59 km) north east by north of Linosa, Italy (36°18′N 13°15′E) by U-28 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of a crew member.

[Sailor Steve]

March 8, 1918

In an overnight raid covering March 7-8, five giant German R-Bombers attack England. A 1,000 kg bomb dropped on Warrington Crescent, near Paddington Station, kills 48-year-old lyricist Lena Ford and her 30-year-old son Walter. Lena Ford was famous for her song 'Keep The Home Fires Burning, written with composer Ivor Novello. Lena and Walter Ford are the first American citizens to die in an air raid on London.



Air War:

0600 English RFC pilpt Charles Napier and observer Joseph Moore, flying a Bristol F.2b, shoot down a DFW C.V. Vicrory number 2 for both.

0800 Australian RFC ace Andrew Cowper, in SE.5a B664, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 10.

1040 Canadian RFC pilot Norman Millman and English observer Arthur Cooper, in Bristol F.2b B1190, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 5 for both.

1050 Scottish RFC pilot Herbert Hartley and observer John Robertson, in Bristol F.2b A7114, claim two Albatros D.Vs. Victories 4 and 5 for Hartley, victories 2 and 3 for Robertson.

1100 Canadian RFC pilot John Elmer Drummond, in Bristol F.2b B1265 with 2nd Lt N. Sillars as observr, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1100 Two Australian AFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Richard Howard, D212, victory number 3.
Lt A.L. Paxton, C9496, victory number unknown.

1110 German ace Josef Mai, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 8.

1140 German pilot Wolf Baron von Manteuffel-Szöge, with Jasta 35, shoots down SE.5a B8264 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt R.H. Topliss is wounded and taken prisoner.

1200 Thre RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Sub-Lt C.S. Deveraux, B7230, nationality and victory number unknown.
Aubrey Ellwood, England, B7229, victory number 4.
Sub-Lt K.D. Mackleod, B7232, nationality and victory number unknown.

1208 German ace Willi Kampe, with Jasta 27, shoots down DH.4 B2094 for victory number 8. 2nd Lt J.F.R.I. Perkins and Lt R.G. Foley are both killed. Kampe is also killed.

1215 German pilot Otto Fitzner, with Jasta 17, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 3.

1215 German pilot Julius Keller, flying with Jasta 21, shoots down Morane 'N' 1512 for victory number 1. American pilot Cpl Wallace Winter, flying for the French Air Service, is killed.

1220 German pilot Alois Heldmann, with Jasta 10, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 1.

1230 English RFC pilot Thomas Rose, in an SE.5a, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1315 Brazil-born English RFC pilot Gordon Fox Rule and English observer Philip Teerence Holligan, in DH.4 A7705, shoot down a Rumpler two-seater. Victory number 1 for both.

1430 Saxony-born German ace Hans von Haebler, in Fokker Dr.I 509/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel B3905 for victory number 7. Sub-Lt H.R. Casgrain is taken prisoner.

1555 Norman Millman and Arthur Cooper score their second kill of the day, shooting down another Albatros D.V. Victory number 6 for both. This is Millman's last aerial victory. He will finish the war as a flight instructor in Britain and live until 1981.

1600 Herbert Hartley and John Roberston claim their third kill for the day, shooting down another Albatros D.V. Victory number 6 for Hartley, number 4 for Robertson.

1630 German pilot Alexander Hellwig, with Jasta 77, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 1.
(Three Bréguets are shot down this day: 1272, Sgt Aureléin Larroucau and Brig Bouet both KIA; 1277, MdL Commin and Sldt Cador both MIA; 1278, Cpl Michel and MdL Hertzog both MIA.)

1710 German pilot Andreas Triebswetter, with Jasta 16, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 1.

French ace Omer Demeuldre, in a SPAD, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 10

French ace Hector Garaud, flying a SPAD XIII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 10.

[Jimbuna]

9th March 1918

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British cross Wadi Auja (Jordan valley) and advance 2-3 miles on front of 13, astride Jerusalem-Nablus road, taking height of Tel Asur.

British occupy Hit (on Euphrates).

Aviation

Daylight air-raid by British on Mainz.

Political, etc.

George von Lengerke Meyer, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and ambassador to Italy and Russia, has passed away.

Ship Losses:

Grane (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) west south west of Portland Bill, Dorset, United Kingdom by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Hindenburg (Germany) The icebreaker struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Åland, Sweden with the loss of three of her crew. The wreck was found 1995 at 50 meters by diveinstructor Richard Johansson from Maltaproffsen and his crew from Ålands Dykcenter and FF-Dyk.
Jolanda (Italy) The brigantine was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea north east of Sardinia (41°25′N 9°40′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Marguerite (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the Irish Sea off Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Nanny Wignall (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 14 nautical miles (26 km) south east by south of the Tuskar Rock, Ireland by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Pasqualina (Italy) The schooner was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea north east of Sardinia by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Randelsborg (Denmark) The cargo ship was sunk in the Skagerrak 20 nautical miles (37 km) south east of Oscö by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Silverdale (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 28 nautical miles (52 km) east by north of the Cani Rocks, Tunisia by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Udala Mendi (Spain( The cargo ship collided with a British merchant vessel and sank. Her crew were rescued.

[Sailor Steve]

March 9, 1918

Air War:

0800 English RFC pilot Leslie Howard Tandy Capel and Scottish observer Malcolm Mather, flying Bristol F.2b B1191, shoot down two Albatros D.Vs. Victores number 1 amd 2 for Capel; 6 and 7 for Mather.

0800 English RFC ace pilot Douglas Cooke and observer James John Scaramanga, in Bristol F.2b C4605, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 6 for Cooke; number 1 for Scaramanga.

1010 English RFC pilot George Cox, in Sopwith Camel B2411, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 3.

1015 Australian RFC pilot George alexander Lindfield, in Sopwith Camel B5631, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 1.

1045 English RNAS observer William James Middleton, riding in DH.4 N6095 with Lt G.E. Siedle as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V. for victory number 1 for both.

1110 German ace Paul Bäumer, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 19.

[Jimbuna]

10th March 1918

Western Front

Many German raids on French.

Eastern Front

Enemy advance on Odessa continues.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance 3,000 yards on front of 12 miles astride Jerusalem-Nablus road.

Aviation

British aircraft bomb the Daimler Motor Works in Stuttgart in a daylight raid, dropping 1.25 tons of bombs.

German ace Hans-Joachim Buddecke is shot down and killed over Lens, France, in combat with Sopwith Camels of the Royal Naval Air Service's No. 3 Naval Squadron. He has 13 victories at the time of his death.
https://i.imgur.com/ffZBvuc.jpg

Naval and Overseas Operations

Hospital ship "Guildford Castle" torpedoed in Bristol Channel, but not sunk.

Ship Losses:

Chagres (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 62 nautical miles (115 km) east north east of Cape Drepano, Crete, Greece by SM UC-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of one life.
HMT Columba (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 40 (Hermann Menzel) and sank in the Firth of Forth 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off the Isle of May, Fife (56°10′N 2°34′W) with the loss of five of her crew.
Cristina (Spain) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) south west of Trevose Head, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°23′N 5°13′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Endeavour (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost due to enemy action.
Germaine (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off Pentire Head, Cornwall (50°37′N 4°58′W) by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Prince Charles de Belgique (Belgium) The cargo ship collided with Firtree ( United Kingdom) in the English Channel, 3 to 4 nautical miles (5.6 to 7.4 km) east of Bull Point 51°20′N 4°06′W and sank. Her ten crew were rescued.
Skrymer (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off Pendeen, Cornwall (50°11′N 5°40′W) by SM UC-77 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Sunrise (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Maughold Head, Isle of Man by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM UB-58 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine struck a mine and sank in the English Channel (51°00′N 1°19′E) with the loss of all 35 crew.
Wave (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south west by west of St Bees Head, Cumberland by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 10, 1918

Swedish pilot John-Allan Hygerth becomes the first commander of the Finnish Air force.

0730 German pilot Karl Hertz, flying with Jasta 50, shoots down Sopith Camel B9147 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt E.P.P. Edmonds is wounded and taken prisoner.

1130 Two RFC Camel pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Sidney Joseph Cottle, England, B6354, victory number 1.
Richard Dawes, Canada, B6412, victory number 5.

1210 German ace Hans Bethge, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down DH.4 A7719 for victory number 20. 2nd Lt J.N.B. McKim and Lt C.H.R. Ffolliott are both killed.

1215 English RFC pilot George William Francis Darvill, in DH.4 B9435 with Sgt A. Pollard as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1305 German ace Kurt Wüsthoff, in an OAW-built Albatros D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 27. Lt B.A. Cooke is wounded.

1315 Four RNAS Camel pilots claim an Albatros D.V at this time. though not listed as a shared victory, only one Albatros was brought down in this fight, killing German 13-victory ace Hans-Joachim Buddecke:
Frederick John Shaw Britnell, England, B7251, victory number 1.
William Chisam, England, B7223, victory number 3.
Aubrey Ellwood, England, B7229, victory number 5.
Arthur Whealy, Canada, B7220, victory number 10.

1400 Brazil-born English RFC pilot Gordon Rule and English observer Philip Holligan, in DH.4 A7705, shoot down an LVG two-seater. Victory number 2 for both.

1415 English RFC pilot Maurice Le Blanc-Smith, in Sopwith Camel B55572, shoots dow a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1420 English RFC pilot Edwin Clear, in SE.5a C5325, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1420 German pilot Franz Hemer, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel C6719 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt C.H. Flere is taken prisoner.

1425 English RFC pilot George Stacey Hodson, flying Sopwith Camel B7291, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1545 English RNAS pilot Walter Hinchliffe, in Sopwith Camel B7190, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1745 German ace Adolf von Tutschek, in Fokker Dr.I 404/17, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 27. Adj Eugène Vallod is listed as Missing.

Australian RFC pilot Geoffrey Hughes and English observer Hugh Claye are credited with shooting down two Albatros D.Vs. Victories 2 and 3 for both.

German pilot Gefr Zell (no first name given, with Jasta 42, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

11th March 1918

Western Front

Big German raids near Ypres and Armentieres repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Further British progress astride Nablus road.

Aviation

Big aeroplane raid by night on Paris; four Gothas downed.

Seaplane raid by night on Naples.

Lieutenant Paul Frank Baer shoots down a German aircraft, becoming the first pilot of the US Army Air Service (forerunner of the US Air Force) to shoot down an enemy craft.
https://i.imgur.com/mgjobGB.jpg

Political, etc.

Mr. Lloyd George on connection between Government and Press.

National Expenditure Committee report on extravagance in munitions, etc.

American Secretary of War Baker arrives in France to tour the frontlines and meet with other Allied officials.

Ship Losses:

HMT Frigate Bird (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
Stolt Nielsen (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 38 nautical miles (70 km) south of Dellimara Point, Malta (35°10′N 14°40′E) by SM U-28 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Tripoli (Italy) The barque was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea off Toulon, Var, France by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
SM UB-17 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB I submarine departed Zeebrugge, West Flanders, Belgium on patrol. No further trace, lost with all eighteen crew.
W. A. Massey (United Kingdom) The trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) west by north of Handa Island, Sutherland with the loss of ten of her crew.
SM UB-54 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine departed for a patrol in the English Channel. Sunk on 11 March 1918 at 53°15′N 0°45′E by British destroyers HMS Sturgeon, Thruster, and Retriever using depth charges, lost with all 29 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 11, 1918

Air War:

1000 Canadian RNAS pilot Hazel Wallace, flying Sopwith Camel B6359, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1140 English RFC pilot Alan Jerrard, in Sopwith Camel B5648 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik Berg D.I for victory number 3.

1230 Four RFC Camel Pilots share the destruction of an observation balloon:
Walter McFarlane Carlaw, Scotland, s/n unlisted, victory number 1.
Alfred Koch, Canada, s/n unlisted, victory number 8.
Frank Quigley, Canada, B7475, victory number 24,
Kenneth Seth-Smith, England, s/n unlistted, victory number 6.

1255 Scottish ace RFC pilot Herbert Hartley and Scottish observer John Robertson, in Bristol F.2b A7114, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 7 for Harttley; number 5 for Robertson. Robertson is mortally wounded in this fight, and dies later this day.

1300 Englsh RFC observer Arthur Cooper, in Bristol F.2b B1269 with 2nd Lt R.J. Smethan-Jones as pilot, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 7. This is Arthur Lewis Cooper's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and live until 1985. Further details unknown.

1310 German ace Lothar von Richthofen has been out of action for four recovering from a wound, now flying Fokker Dr.I 454/17, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7227 for victory number 27. 2nd Lt Wynne Llewellyn Thomas and Cpl J.H. Bowler crash on their own side of the lines unharmend.

1310 German pilot Edgar Scholtz, in a Fokker Dr.I (possibly 591/17, with which he is later associated), shoots down SE.5a B54 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt Douglas Woodman is killed.

1315 Five RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Alfred Brown, England, C9494, victory number 4.
Lt E.W. Lindeberg, B125, nationality and victory number unknown.
Ronald Mark, England, C6397, victory number 6.
2nd Lt P.J. Nolan, C5301, nationality and victory number unknown.
Herbert Richardson, England, C1070, victory number 5.

1355 English RFC pilot Thomas Sydney Sharpe, in Sopwith Camel B5627, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1445 South African RNAS ace Leonard Slatter, in Sopwith Camel B6400, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

[Jimbuna]

12th March 1918

Western Front

Repulse of big German raid on Portuguese near Laventie.

Eastern Front

German troops land at Aabo (Finland), and advance inland.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance three miles on 11-mile front in coastal sector of Palestine.

Turks report recapture and burning of Erzerum.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British submarine D3 is mistakenly targeted and sunk by a French airship in the English Channel, with the loss of all crew.

Enemy driven from Poluvu (Portuguese East Africa).

Aviation

Daylight air-raid by British on Coblenz.

Zeppelin raid on Yorkshire; Hull bombed, one woman killed.

Ship Losses:

HMS D3 (Royal Navy) The D-class submarine was bombed and sunk in the English Channel by the French airship AT-0 with the loss of all 25 crew.
Gaupen (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south east by east of North Foreland, Kent.
Nordkyn (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (34°12′N 10°17′W) by SM U-154 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Oswin (Sweden) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) east north east of St Abb's Head, Berwickshire, United Kingdom[79] by SM UB-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 12, 1918

Air War:

0710 German pilot Waldemar Baron von Dazur, flying with Jasta 20, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

0905 Four RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Sub-Lt E.V. Bell, B7226. nationality and victory number unknown.
Maurice Cooper, Ireland, B6410, victory number 3.
John Greene, Canada, B6407, victory number 2.
George MacKay, Canada, B6400, victory number 5.

1045 German pilot Robert Heibert, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 4.

1045 German ace Franz Schleiff, in an Albatros d.V, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 7.

1050 German pilot Erich Gürgenz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

1050 German pilot Helmut Steinbrecher, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down SE.5a 4889 for victory number 1. Lt A.H. Fitzmaurice is killed.

1100 English RFC pilot George Everard Gibbons and observer Sidney Arthur William Knights, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 1 for both.

1100 German ace Lothar von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 454/17, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1247 for victory number 28. Cpt Douglas Stewart Kennedy and Lt Hugh Goddard are both killed.

1120 English RNAS pilot Leonard Rochford, in Sopwith Camel B7203, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 9.

1100 German pilot Werner Steinhäuser, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4824 for victory number 4. Lt J.A.A. Ferguson and Sgt L.S.D. Long are both wounded and taken prisoner.

1110 Lothar von Richthofen scores his second victory of the day, shooting down Bristol F.2b B1250 for number 29.

1115 Welsh RFC pilot John Chick and English observer Percy Douglas, in Bristol F.2b C4847, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 3 for Chick and 1 for Douglas.

1115 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, who has missed three months of flying over the winter due to adminstative duties as commander of JG I, in Fokker Dr.I 152/17, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1251 for victory number 64. 2nd Lt Leonard Cyril Frederick Clutterbuck is taken prisoner; 2nd Lt Henry James Sparks is wounded and taken prisoner.

1140 German ace Friedrich Albemeier, with Jasta 24, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7290 for victory number 12. 2nd C.H. Hore is unharmed; Cpl J. Cruickshank is killed.

1145 John Chick and Percy Douglas score their second kill of the day, shooting down a German two-seater. Number 4 for Chick; number 2 for Doublas.

1150 John Chick and Percy Douglas bring down another Two-seater, victory number 5 and 3 respwctively.

1155 John Chick and Percy Douglas shoot down another German two-seater and the Fokker Dr.I defending it. They end the day with 5 victories, bringing Chick's total to 7 and Douglas' to 5.

1250 English RFC ace Kenneth Seth-Smith, in Sopwith Camel B7474, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1300 Scottish RFC pilot Walter Carlaw, in Sopwith Camel B7473, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1315 Two English RFC Camel pilots share the destruction of an observation balloon:
Cyril Ridley, B7248, victory number 6.
Herbert Rowley, B6429, victory number 6.

French ace Charles Nungesser, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 31.

[Jimbuna]

13th March 1918

Eastern Front

Germans and Austrians occupy Odessa.

Aviation

Daylight air-raid by British on Freiburg.

Zeppelin raid on Co. Durham, Hartlepool bombed; 8 killed, 39 injured.

Political, etc.

Lts. Sholtz and Woolley released by Germans.

Japanese industrialist Matsu****a Kōnosuke founds an electric company (that will later be known as Panasonic).

Ship Losses:

SMS A56 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A56-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of sixteen of her crew.
Adine (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) off the Heugh Battery, Hartlepool, County Durham, United Kingdom (54°42′N 0°58′E) by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Adrian (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
A. E. Whyland (United States) The whaler was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 55 nautical miles (102 km) off Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain (27°02′N 16°26′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Arno Mendi (Spain) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) south of the Stack Lighthouse by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Crayford (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 110 nautical miles (200 km) west by south of Skudesnes, Rogaland, Norway by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Lisette (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) north east by north of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom) by UB 16 (Rudolf Stier) with the loss of a crew member.
Londonier (Belgium) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (50°31′N 1°19′W) by SM UC-71S ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMT Nexus (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
San Francesco di Paola (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea 70 nautical miles (130 km) south of Naples (39°45′N 12°38′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Tweed (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south by west of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-59 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven of her crew.
Wegadesk (Norway) The cargo ship was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 13, 1918

Air War:

1010 English RFC pilot Percy Hobson, flying SE.5a D260, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1010 English RFC pilot Charles Stubbs, in SE.5a C5303, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1015 German pilot Julius Fichter, with Jasta 67, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 4.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At 1015 a huge air battle begins as Albatros D.Vs from Jasta 56 attack a formation of Bristol F.2bs from No 72 Sqadron RFC. This is quickly joined by Sopwith Camels of No 73 Squadron and Fokker Triplanes from Jasta 11.

1015 English RFC pilot George Hodson, in Sopwith Camel B7291, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3. His victim is uncertain but Ltn Walter Bowien of Jasta 57, in an Albatros, is killed at this time. The victory is reported as an F.2b but the fight is escalating quickly and becoming confused.

1016 German pilot Rudolf Heins, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1207 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt C. Allen is killed; Lt N.T. Watson is wounded and taken prisoner.

1020 German ace Franz Schleiff, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1268 for victory number 8. 2nd Lt N.B. Wells and Lt G.R. Crammond are both taken prisoner.

1030 Australian RFC pilot Geoffrey Hughes and English Observer Hugh Claye, in Bristol F.2b C4630, report a Pfalz D.III shot down. Victory number 5 for both. Jasta 56 is reported as flying Albatros D.Vs, but they may have had an odd plane or Hughes and Claye may have mistaken their target.

1030 At the same time Geoffrey Hughes and Hugh Clay score thier second victory of the day in conjunction with English RFC pilot Augustus Orlebar in Sopwith Camel B7282. Their victim is Fokker Dr.I 454/17. The Triplane sheds the center section of its top wing and crashes heavily. German 29-victory ace Lothar von Richthofen, only back from his four-month leave for a few weeks, suffers a broken jaw that will keep him back in the hospital for another three months. Victory number 6 for Hughes and Claye; number 3 for Orlebar.
"...by far the most amazing fight I ever had. We started off with 11 Bristols in two formations to patrol the Cambrai-Le Cateau road to keep the air clear for some DH4 bomb raids. I was leading my Flight with C Flight on top. A single Albatros came under my nose and went gently east in front of me. It was rather too obvious a decoy and a careful search revealed about 30 Huns in three formations down below, waiting for us.

I decided to try and bait the Huns and manoeuvred to try and draw one formation away so that we could mop it up. This game of cat and mouse went on for an hour...I could not see an opening to attack. Meantime, another formation of Triplanes was coming in from the east at our height. By this time we had completed our 90 minute patrol, so I decided we'd done our job. To my horror, as I turned, two of my Flight began to dive on the 30 Huns below us. There was nothing for it but to go after them. The fight that followed is beyond description. I dived on a Triplane that was on the tail of one of my Bristols, firing until I had to pull away for fear of a collision. I have never seen anything like the tracers that streaked from the Triplanes that were round our tail in a semi-circle.

Claye shot one down - its top wing fell off - but then his gun jammed and I was hard put to keep the Huns off our tail and I dived steeply. Then a single bright red Triplane came at us from above and when I saw he was gaining on us I decided to turn and fight him with the front gun. I did a sudden climbing turn and first got my sights on him, when he simply half-rolled over me and came down vertically, firing both his guns. He was the only Hun I ever met who really was a wonderful shot, and the splinters fairly flew down from my old Bristol. I did a half-roll, dived and managed to get clear, though he followed us to the lines. Staton got back, his machine shot about too, and later all but two got home."
- Geoffrey Hughes

Orlebar reported seeing 35 Triplanes and Albatros scouts near Cambrai. He shot one Albatros, which went down upside-down, and then attacked a Triplane which nose-dived and lost its top wing. He next went to the aid of a Camel under attack by four Germans, but his guns jammed and he had to run. This may have been 2nd Lt Hyatt, who barely made it home in a shot-up airplane.

1030 Augustus Orlebar is credited with a second victory at the same time, shooting down an Albatros for number 4.

1030 German pilot Franz Piechulek, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down SE.5a C1070 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt D.A. Whitehead is killed.

1030 English RFC pilot William Ernest Staton and observer Horace Ernest Merritt, flying Bristol F.2b C4619, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I and an Albatros D.V. Victories 1 and 2 for both.

1035, German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 152/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2523 for victory number 65. Lt Elmer Ernest Heath is wounded and taken prisoner.
"I started with Jasta 11 and fought later on with two Staffels of my group against 20 to 30 Englishmen (DH4s, SE5s and Sopwith Camels). I forced down a DH4 from 4,000 to 2,000 metres. My opponent glided down in the direction of Caudry with only very slowly working engine. The fight took place quite a distance behind our lines. The Englishman landed south of Le Terrière in square 2256. Harrassed by Albatroses of another Staffel, I let my doomed adversary off, climbed to 3,200 metres, where I fought with several Sopwith Camels.

In this moment I saw an Englishman attacking one of my Staffel's planes. I followed him, approached to within 20 metres, and put holes through his benzine tank. Apparently I had hit the pilot, as the machine dived and plunged to the ground. The Englishman tried to land in the fighting area near Gonnelieu but smashed his machine just behind our lines."
-Manfred von Richthofen. Von Richthofen apparently mistook the Bristols for DH.4s, a not uncommon mistake for German pilots at this stage of the war.

1040 German pilot Edgar Scholtz, in a Fokker Dr.I (possibly 591/17, with which he was later associated), shoots down Sopwith Camel B5590. 2nd Lt James Noble Layton Millett is killed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1040 German pilot Franz Hemer, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 4.

1050 German pilot Ludwig Beckmann, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1.

1215 German ace Harald Auffarth, flying with Jasta 29, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 11.

1215 German pilot Karl Pech, with Jasta 29, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

1220 Nine RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
Percy Clayson, England, A8908, victory number 4.
2nd Lt W.M.R. Grey, A8904, nationality and victory unknown.
Herbert Hamilton, England, B32, victory number 7.
Lt A. Hollis, B520, nationality and victory number unknown.
2nd Lt L.W. Mawbey, B632, nationality and victory number unknow.
Guy Moore, Canada, B511, victory number 8.
William Patrick, Scotland, B641, victory number 6.
Harry Alexander Rigby, Australia, C9724, victory number 1.
2nd Lt A.E. Sweeting, A8932, nationality and victory number unknown.

1235 Australian RFC ace Andrew Cowper, in SE.5a C5428, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 11.

[Jimbuna]

14th March 1918

Western Front

French recover trenches near Butte de Mesnil lost on 1 March.

Severe aerial fighting; 223 enemy machines disabled since 1 March.

Eastern Front

Congress of Soviets at Moscow ratifies Best-Litovsk treaty by 704 votes to 261.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British make small advance in Jordan valley.

Political, etc.

Mr. Balfour, speaking in House of Commons, defends proposed Japanese intervention in Asiatic Russia.

Meeting of Supreme War Council in London, attended by Entente Premiers and Foreign Ministers.

Ship Losses:

A. A. Raven (United States) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) south of the Wolf Rock, Cornwall, United Kingdom (49°41′N 5°50′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven crew.
HMT Agate (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off the Royal Sovereign Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of four of her crew. by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Amulet (United Kingdom) The cargo ship collided with a Norwegian merchant vessel and sank. Her crew were rescued.
HMS Ardandearg (Royal Navy) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 86 nautical miles (159 km) east of Malta by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Arpillao (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Las Palmas, Canary Islands (29°08′N 14°53′W) by SM U-157 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Carla (Norway) The barque was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 56 nautical miles (104 km) north west by north of Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, France by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Castleford (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) east by north of Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire by SM UC-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Jeanne (France) The schooner was scuttled in the Gulf of Lion (42°32′N 4°10′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Jeanne Marie (France) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 47 (Paul Hundius) and sank in the English Channel off Sark, Channel Islands (49°20′N 2°22′W).
Principessa Laetitia (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Ponza by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Tweed (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) south south east of the Tuskar Rock, Ireland (52°11′N 5°50′W) by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Venezuela (France) The coaster was sunk in the English Channel off the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom by SM UB-59 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all hands.

[Sailor Steve]

March 14, 1918

Air War:

1630 German pilot Ernst Binkenstein, flying with Jasta 51, claims a French observation balloon for victory number 1. There is no corresponding French record of a balloon in this sector being flamed, but one balloon is attacked but hauled down safely. Lt Gaston Sauvage and Adj Charles Guggenheim, 57° Cie d’Aérostières, are both okay.

1805 German ace Erich Thomas, with Jasta 9, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 6. S/Lt Emile Ponge, 85° Cie d’Aérostières, is wounded.

German pilot Josef Schwendemann, with Jasta 41, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 3.

Scottish 7-victory ace Herbert Henry Hartley, in a Bristol F.2b, is shot through the heart and killed in a dogfight. His observer manages to land the plane safely. There is no corresponding German claim for this aircraft, and the name of the observer is not listed in any source I could find.

[Jimbuna]

15th March 1918

Eastern Front

Germans occupy Nicolaiev (Odessa).

German Protectorate over independent Courland announced.

Naval

After an extensive conversion, HMS "Furious" re-enters service with the Royal Navy as the world's first aircraft carrier with aircraft lifts (elevators).
https://i.imgur.com/rE1Vs6v.jpg
Closeup of the ship shortly following its initial conversion and in dazzle paint scheme. An SSZ class blimp is on the after deck.

Political, etc.

Publication by "Politiken" of Prince Lichnowsky's memorandum.

Strikes in Austro-Hungary.

Ship Losses:

Adriatico (Italy) The cargo ship collided with a British merchant vessel and sank.
Alessandra (Italy) The full-rigged ship was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean west of Madeira, Portugal (33°21′N 21°00′W) by SM U-153 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Amazon (United Kingdom) The ocean liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Malin Head, County Donegal (55°49′N 8°06′W) by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Armonia (Canada) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 38 nautical miles (70 km) off Porquerolles, Var, France by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven of her crew.
Carrie A. Lane (United States) The schooner foundered in the Gulf of Guinea off Assinie, French West Africa.[
Clan Macdougal (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) south of Cape Carbonara, Sardinia, Italy by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 33 crew.
Severn (United Kingdom) The coaster collided with the Widnes-Runcorn Transporter Bridge and sank in the River Mersey with the loss of all three crew.
Sparkling Foam (United Kingdom) The three-masted sailing vessel was scuttled in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) south east of Beer Head, Devon by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM U-110 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 93 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Malin Head (54°49′N 8°06′W) by HMS Michael and HMS Moresby (both Royal Navy) with the loss of all 39 crew.
SM UB-106 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine sank at Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein (54°42′N 10°09′E) with the loss of all 35 crew. She was raised on 18 March, repaired and returned to service.

[Sailor Steve]

March 15, 1918

Air War:

0820 South African RFC ace Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, flying SE.5a D259, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 6.

0920 American RFC pilot Jens Larson, in SE.5a C1077, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 5.

0945 English RFC pilot Edwin Clear, in SE.5a C1075, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1010 Scottish RFC ace William Patrick, in SE.5a B520, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7. This is William Donald Patrick's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and return to his pre-war legal career. He will rise through the ranks of that profession, becoming Dean of the Faculty of Advocates in 1937. He will represent the United Kingdom at the War Crimes trials in Japan. In 1950 he will become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Lord Patrick will live until 1967.

1015 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 27.

1020 Thre RFC SE.5a aces share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Andrew Cowper, Australia C5428, victory number 12.
Ronald Mark, England, C9494, victory number 8.
Herbert Richardson, England, B8257, victory number 7.

1030 English RFC pilot Harold Redler, in SE.5a B79, shoots down Fokker Dr.I 404/17 for victory number 4. German 27-victory ace Adolf Ritter von Tutschek is killed.

1115 Welsh RFC pilot John Chick and English observer Percy Douglas, in Bristol F.2b A7153, shoot down two Albatros D.Vs. Victories 9 and 10 for Chick; 7 and 8 for Douglas. These are Percy Douglas' last aerial victories. He will survive the war and live until sometime after 1981, when the last known records end.

1115 Canadian RFC observer Eric Charlton Gilroy, riding in Bristol F.2b C4845 with Cpt L.R. Wren as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1145 English RNAS pilot George Brian Gates, in Sopwith Camel B7233, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1245 English RNAS pilot Alfred Atkey, in DH.4 A7798 with 2nd Lt L.A. Mayne as observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

1315 German naval pilot Alfons Nitzsche, flying with MFJ II, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

1725 René Fonck scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 28.

1905 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, with Jasta 10, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 12.

German ace Walter Böning, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down two French-flown Sopwith 1½ Strutters for victories 12 and 13.

German pilot Uffz Hapf (No first name given), with Jasta 76, shoots down a SPAD for his first and only aerial victory. Hapf will survive the war, but further details are unknown.

American pilot David Putnam, flying a SPAD XIII for the French Air Service, ahoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 3.

French ace Charles Quette, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 6.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, with Jasta 66, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 9.

[Jimbuna]

16th March 1918

Western Front

Big French raids near Cheppy and Malancourt (west of Verdun).

Aviation

British aircraft conduct a daylight raid on Zweibrucken, Germany, dropping 24 bombs. All bombers return safely.

German ace Adolf Ritter von Tutschek, credited with 27 aerial victories, is killed in action over France.
https://i.imgur.com/i26E6Iw.jpg

Political, etc.

Strikes in Austro-Hungary.

Ship Losses:

Ellaston (United Kingdom) The collier was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 180 nautical miles (330 km) off the Canary Islands, Spain by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived, but her captain was taken as a prisoner of war.
Lightfoot (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) south of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-30 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Oilfield (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Wrath, Sutherland (58°45′N 5°26′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached at Stornoway, Orkney Islands but was declared a constructive total loss.
Quintero (Denmark) The three-masted barque was scuttled in the North Sea off Skagen (57°54′N 9°33′E) by SM UB-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Vulture II (Royal Navy) The naval trawler collided with another vessel and sank off Eriboll, Sutherland.

[Sailor Steve]

March 16, 1918

Air War:

0600 English RFC pilot Charles Napier and observer Joseph Moore, flying a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an LVG two seater and an Albatros D.III. Victories 3 and 4 for both.

0715 German pilot Bruno Hobein, with Jasta 20, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5442 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt A.L. Taylor is taken prisoner.

1000 Australia AFC pilot Garnet Francis Malley, in Sopwith Camel B2488, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1000 German pilot Gilbert Wagner, with Jasta 29, shoots down Sopith Camel B5208 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt W.H. Nichols is taken prisoner.

1030 Canadian RFC pilot George Bulmer and English observer Percy Williams, in Bristol F.2b C4810, claim two Pfalz D.IIIs. Victories number 2 and 3 for both.

1030 English ace pilot Ernest Elton and observer Roland Critchley, flying Bristol F.2b B1162, ahoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 10 for Elton, number 1 for Critchley.

1045 Ernest Elton and Roland Critchley shoot down a second Albatros D.V. Victory number 11 for Elton, number 2 for Critchley.

1100 German pilot Franz Bohlein (1 victory) is killed in action. Victor unknown.

1100 Australian pilot Stanley Goble is now commanding No 5 Naval Squadron. Though he has 8 victories as a pilot, he chooses to ride in the observer's seat on several bombing missions. On this occasion, with Lt T. Watkisn as pilot, his squadron is attacked by German fighters and Goble shoots down two Albatros D.V for victories number 9 and 10. This is Goble's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and return home to become one of the founding members of the Royal Australian Air Force. He will serve an a variety of capacities and keep flying. In 1924 Goble and Ivor McIntyre will become the first men to circumnavigate Australia. The beginning of World War Two will find Goble as Chief of Air Staff, though differences between himself and his superiors will soon lead to his resignation. In 1946 Goble will preside over the court martial of Group Captain Clive Caldwell, charged and found guilty of alcohol trafficking. He will leave the RAAF shortly after this and die in 1948.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Goble

1100 English pilot William Frederick James Harvey, in Bristol F.2b A7161 with Sgt A. Burton as observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1110 German ace Joseph Mai, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A7908 for victory number 9. Cdr L.W. Ormerod and Sub-Lt W.L.H. Pattisson are both killed.

1115 Scottish RNAS ace Maxwell Findlay, in Sopwith Camel B5319, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 7.

1120 English RNAS ace Leonard Rochford, in Sopwith Camel B7203, shoots down a Hannover C.V for victory number 10.

1125 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over an LVG two-seater:
Percy Hobson, England, D260, victory number 4.
George Johnson, Canada, serial number unknown, victory number 4.

1130 German pilot Rudolf Heins, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 N6005 for victory number 2. Sub-Lt Cartmall and AGL R.B. Wilcox are both wounded.

1145 English RFC ace Roy Chappell, in SE.5a B624, shoots down an LVG two-seater for victory number 6.

1145 English RNAS ace Herbert Rowley, in Sopwith Camel B6429, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1150 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 29.

1200 Canadian RFC pilot Hilliard Bell, in Sopwith Camel B5180 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik Berg D.I for victory number 4.

1200 English RFC pilot Louis Jarvis, flying SE.5a C5430, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1200 English RFC pilot Francis Symondson, in Sopwith Camel B2445 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik Berg D.I for victory number 2.

1207 German ace Erich Thomas, with Jasta 9, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 7. Adj René Feuilette, 41° Cie d’Aerostiers, parachutes safely.

1210 Erich Thomas destroys a second French balloon. Adj Paul Marion, 44° Cie d’Aerostiers, is also alright.

1250 Welsh RFC pilot Francis Kitto, in Sopwith Camel C1603, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory numbr 4.

1255 German pilot Hans-Joachim Rolfes, flying with Jasta 45, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 3. S/Lt Jean Desbouts and Adj André Bry are both okay.

1305 German pilot Rudolf Kassner, with Jasta 65, destroys a balloon for victory number 4.

1420 Polish-born German pilot Hans-Georg von der Marwitz, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down an Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 4.

1520 Canadian RFC pilot Alfred Atkey and English observer Sgt M.V. Kilroy, in DH.4 A7770, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 4 for Atkey; number 3 for Kilroy.

1555 German ace Harald Auffarth, with Jasta 29, shoots down DH.4 A8043 for victory number 12. 2nd Lt R.A. Mayne is wounded and taken prisoner; Lt V.W. Scott is killed.

1555 German naval ace Theo Osterkamp, in an Albatros D.V with Marine Feldjasta II, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 7.

1600 Canadian RFC pilot Frank Taylor, flying SE.5a C1752, shoots down an LVG two-seater for victory number 3.

1625 Two RNAS Sopwith Camel pilot s share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Maxwell Findlay, Scotland, B6419, victory number 8.
Hazel Wallace, Canada, B6359, victory number 3.

1630 English RFC ace Herbert Richardson, in SE.5a B176, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 8.

1730 German pilot Lt Bleibtrau (no first name given), with Jasta 45, shoots down SPAD XI for victory number 1. Cpl Raymond d'Argence and Cpl Ledig are both listed as Missing.

1735 American pilot Frank Baylies, flying a SPAD for the French Air Service, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 3.

1755 German pilot Paul Jäger (1 victory) is killed in a fight with French SPADs. Adj Garaud filed the claim but it was Unconfirmed.

American pilot Paul Baer, in a SPAD with the 103rd Aero Squadron, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 2.

German pilot Arno Benzler, with Jasta 65, shoots down SPAD XIII 2167 for victory number 3. French 7-victory ace S/Lt François de Rochechouart de Mortemart is listed as Missing.

English RFC pilot Orlando Clive Bridgeman, in a Sopwith Camel, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

French ace Omer Demeuldre, in a SPAD, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 11.

German pilot Vfw Godermann (no first name given), flying with Jasta 42, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2,

German naval pilot Lt z.S. Tinschert (no first name given), with MFJ 1, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

17th March 1918

Western Front

Big German raid north-east of Verdun.

Aviation

British aircraft continue their daylight raids against Germany, hitting the barracks and railway station at Kaiserslautern, Bavaria.

Political, etc.

White House announces it will cancel its annual egg rolling for Easter to conserve food. Other groups in the U.S. also urge people to observe an eggless Easter.

Ship Losses:

Anne Yvonne (France) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off Cadgwith, Cornwall, United Kingdom (49°59′N 5°10′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Arvor (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the English Channel 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) north east of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°59′N 5°10′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Beata (France) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) north east of The Lizard (49°59′N 5°10′W) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Cressida (United Kingdom) The steam yacht was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) west by north of The Skerries, Isle of Anglesey (53°23′N 5°05′W by SM U-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Dunure (United Kingdom) The barque sprang a leak and foundered in the Mediterranean Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) south of Isla Cristina, Spain. Her crew were rescued.
Eliza Anne (United Kingdom) The ketch was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 33 nautical miles (61 km) south by west of the Eddystone Lighthouse by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Guadalquivir (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (33°10′N 9°37′W) by SM U-154 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ivydene (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 36 nautical miles (67 km) north of Cape Bougaroni, Algeria (38°49′N 6°32′E by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Sea Gull (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) off Point Lynas, Anglesey by SM U-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twenty crew.
South Western (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) west by south of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-59 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 24 of her crew.
Tripoli (Italy) The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Capo Figari, Sardinia (41°07′N 9°57′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Waihemo (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 37 (Otto Kümpel) and sank in the Aegean Sea off Piraeus. Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 17, 1918

Air War:

0710 South Africa-born German pilot Hans Joachim Rolfs, probably flying an OAW-built Albatros D.III, as this was the major aircraft for the Jasta at this time, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 4

0715 German pilot Konrad Brendle, with Jasta 45, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2.

0720 German pilot Gustav Dörr, with Jasta 45, shoots down a French-flown Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 1.

0735 German pilot Erich Meyer, with Jasta 45, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 2. MdL Houdard, 59° Cie d’Aérostières, is unharmed.

0740 Erich Meyer scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a SPAD Vii for victory number 3.

English RFC pilot Harold Alfred Whistler, flying a Sopwith Camel, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1025 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down SE.5a B673 for victory number 10. 2nd Lt J.F. Barrett is unharmed.

1025 German pilot Lt Matzke (first name not given, with Jasta 54, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for his first and only victory. Further details unknown.

1030 German pilot Gustav Bürck, with Jasta 54, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1030 German pilot Vfw Weimar (first name not given), with Jasta 41, shoots down SE.5a B684 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt P. Burge is unharmed.

1035 German pilot Robert Schwarz, flying with Jasta 77, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

1100 German ace Heinrich Kroll, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 21.

1130 German 20-vicrtory ace Hans Bethge, in Pfalz D.IIIa 5888/17, is killed while attacking a No 57 Squadron DH.4.

1135 Five RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III. None of the serial numbers are known:
Lt J.F.T. Barrett, nationality and victory number unknown. Rather than being shot down an hour earlier by Frits Rumey and immediately taking off in another plane, it's probably that there was an hour's difference in the time zone and Barrett was shot down at about this same time.
Charles Arthur Bissonette, United States, victory number 1.
Lt K.G.P. Hendrie, nationality and victory number unknown.
Lt C.B. Stringer, nationality and victory number unknown.
Edmund Tempest, England, victory number 3.

1140 South African RFC ace Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, in SE.5a D.259, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1142 Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor shoots down a second Albatros D.V for victory number 8.

1145 Andrew Beauchamp-Proctory scores his third kill of the day, shooting down a Pfalz D.III for vumer 9.

1145 Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Lucien Gasser, victory number 2.
Adj Plessier (no first name given), victory number 1.

1145 English RFC pilot John Sorsoleil, in SE.5a B8233, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 5.

1145 English RFC pilot Charles Stubbs, in SE.5a C5303, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1145 English RFC ace John Trollope, flying Sopwith Camel C8270, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

1150 German pilot Adolf Schreder (1 victory), is killed in combat. Details unknown.

1200 John Trollope scores his second victory of the day, bringing down another Albatros D.V for number 8.

1210 English RNAS pilot Euan Dickson and ace observer Walter Naylor, in DH.4 N6000, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 2 for Dickson; number 7 for Naylor.

1225 German pilot Friedrich Ehmann, with Jasta 47, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6420 for victory number 2. Cmdr R.P. Minifie is taken prisoner.

1230 Gefr Gebhardt (no first name given), flying with Jasta 47, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1320 German ace Otto Könnecke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 13.

1620 German pilot Franz Piechulek, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 5.

1625 German ace Franz Schleiff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1231 for victory number 10. 2nd Lt N. Roberts and Cpl T. Ramsden land unharmed.

1630 German ace Karl Odebrett, with Jasta 42, shoots down SPAD XIII B6843 for victory number 11. 2nd Lt T.G. Shaw is killed.

1730 English RFC pilot Edwin Clear, flying SE.5a C1075, is credited with a Fokker Dr.I and an Albatros D.V for victories number 4 and 5.

1750 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 30.

1820 Australian RFC ace Andrew Cowper, in SE.ta B8407, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 13.

1825 English RFC ace Ronald Mark, in SE.5a B8411, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 9.

German pilot Wilhelm Frickart, with Jasta 38 on the Russian Front. shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 8.

English RFC pilot George Gibbons and observer Sidney Knoghts, flying a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an "Enemy Aircraft". Victory number 2 for both.

German naval pilot Gotthard Sachenberg, in an Albatros D.V with MFJ 1, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 9.

German pilot Kurt Straube, with Jasta 66, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 1.

German pilot Josef Strauch, with Jasta 41, shoots down a French-flown Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 1.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, with Jasta 66, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 10.

[Jimbuna]

18th March 1918

Western Front

French raids against German lines near Verdun nets them 160 additional prisoners and the destruction of German defenses on a 2000-metre line.

Belgians repulse heavy local attacks in Flanders.

Daylight air-raid by British on Mannheim.

Political, etc.

Publication of manifesto by Premiers and Foreign Ministers of Entente regarding Germany's policy towards Russia and Romania; they refuse to recognise the peace treaties.

Holland accepts Entente demands in regard to Dutch shipping, with reservations.

Ship Losses:

Atlantic Sun (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk off Orsay, Inner Hebrides (55°49′N 7°10′W) by U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Baygitano (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off Lyme Regis, Dorset (50°41′N 2°56′W) by SM UC-77 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Heian Maru No.18 (Japan) The cargo ship caught fire and sank at Nagasaki. She was a total loss.
John H. Barry (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 104 nautical miles (193 km) north north west of Cape Bougaroni, Algeria (38°42′N 5°45′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Massilia (Italy) The coal hulk was torpedoed and sunk at Augusta, Sicily by SM UC-25 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Prometeo (Italy) The tanker was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Carvoeiro, Portugal (37°54′N 16°00′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Reidar (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 340 nautical miles (630 km) off the coast of Portugal by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Saldanha (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea 95 nautical miles (176 km) north of Algiers, Algeria (38°19′N 2°39′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was torpedoed again the next day and sank with the loss of six crew.
Utrecht (French Navy) The naval tug was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 90 nautical miles (170 km) east of Capo Figari, Sardinia, Italy (41°04′N 11°48′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 18, 1918

Air War:

0745 Two RFC SPAD XIII pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Henry Arthur Frank Goodison, England B6845, victory number 1.
2nd Lt E.R. Varley, B6835, nationality and victory number unknown.

0825 Canadian RFC pilot Gerald Alfred Birks, in Sopwith Camel B6424, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 1.

1030 English RFC pilot Ernest Elton and observer Roland Critchley, in Bristol F.2b B1162, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 3 for both.

1030 English RFC pilot William Harvey and Welsh ace observer Josiah Morgan, in Bristol F.2b C4808, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 2 for Harvey; number 6 for Morgan.

1100 Another large mixed battle begins when German pilot Siegfried Gussmann, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 3.

1100 German pilot August Schwind, flying with Jasta 54, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1102 English RNAS pilot Charles Bartlett and observer Walter Naylor, in DH.4 N5961, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 3 for both.

1105 South African RNAS pilot Edwin Hayne, in Sopwith Camel B7231, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1105 German pilot Hans Kirschstein, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel C6720 for victory number 1. Cpt Fl.L. Luxmoore is taken prisoner.

1105 German ace Wilhelm Reinhard, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down DH4 A7663 for victory number 9. Sub-Lt R.B. Ransford and AGL G. Smith are both killed.

1110 German pilot Karl Bohnenkamp, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel C1566 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt G. Russell is wounded and taken prisoner, dying from his wounds later.

1110 German pilot Robert Heibert, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5421 for victory number 5. Lt N. Clark is killed.

1110 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 13.

1115 German ace Heinrich Geigle, with Jasta 16, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4844 for victory number 7. Cpt A.P. McLean is wounded and captured, later dying of his wounds. Lt F.H. Cantlon is killed.

1115 German pilot Hermann Kohze, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1115 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, flying Fokker Dr.I 152/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5243 for victory number 66. 2nd Lt William George Ivamy is taken prisoner.
I started with 30 planes of my Geschwader and flew to the Front, commanding all three Staffeln at 5,300 metres. Just as we were approaching the Front, I saw several English squadrons crossing our lines and flying in the direction of Le Cateau. The first squadron we came across was approximately at 5,500 metres altitude, and together with Leutnant Gussmann, Jasta 11, I shot down the last oponent, a Bristol Fighter. He lost his wings, and Leutnant Gussmann brought him down.

Thereupon, I took my 30 planes in hand, climbed to 5,300 metres and pursued two enemy squadrons which had made their way right through to Le Cateau. I attacked just when the enemy tried to fly aside and retreat. The enemy machine flying nearet to me, apparently a Bréguet or a Bristo Fighter, was fired upon my me and Leutnant Löwenhardt of Jasta 10. The tank was shot to pieces and I observed how the aircraft crashed straight down. Leutnant Löwenhardt had brought it down.

Then I attacked from the centre of two English one-seater squadrons a plane flying pennants, and forced it to land near Molain."
-Manfred von Richthofen

1115 German pilot Hans Joachim Wolff, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down SE.5a B172 for victory number 1. English 8-victory ace John McCudden is killed.

1120 German ace Hans von Haebler, in Fokker Dr.I 509/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel B7217 for victory number 8. Sub-Lt J.L. Allison is killed.

1120 German pilot Benedikt Jehle, with Jasta 16, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1120 German pilot Fritz Oppenhorst, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

1120 German pilot Edgar Scholtz, flying Fokker Dr.I 591/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel C1576 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt E.B. Lee is taken prisoner.

1130 American RFC ace Jens Larson, in SE.5a C1077, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 6.

1140 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Bernard Beanlands, Canada, C1081, victory number 7.
Harold Redler, England, C7824, victory number 5.

1145 English RFC pilot Francis James Davies, in Nieuport 27 B6815, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1155 German pilot Ernst Pabst, with Jasta 51, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 1.

1200 German pilot Josef Hohly, flying an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

1205 German pilot Friedrich Ehmann, with Jasta 47, shoots down Nieuport 27 B6823 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt R.E. Neale is killed.

1240 two RNAS Sopwith Camel pilot share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Ronald Berlyn, England, B7224, victory number 2.
Edwin Hayne, South Africa, B7231, victory number 4.

1245 Canadian RFC ace William Barker, in Sopwith Camel B6313 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 20.

1259 German ace Emil Thuy, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B3781 for victory number 19. Sub-Lt G.T. Steeves is taken prisoner.

1400 German pilot Anton Bauhofer, flying a Roland D.IIa over the Macedonian Front, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 3.

1550 Canadian RFC pilot Stanley Stanger, in Sopwith Camel B2497 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik Berg D.I for victory number 2.

1620 German ace Walter Ewers, with Jasta 77, shoots down a Paul Schmitt for victory number 8.

German pilot Albert Dietlen, with Jasta 41, shoots down a French Nieuport for victory number 3. MdL Aidenot is killed.

French pilot Raoul Echard, in a Nieuport, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 5.

German pilot Uffz Hess (no first name given), with Jasta 60, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

American pilot Gorman DeFreest Larner, in a SPAD XIII with the French Air Service, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1. Uffz Kurt Straube (1 victory) is killed.

German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 58, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 11.

German pilot Josef Schwendemann, with Jasta 41, shoost down Bréguet 14 1479 for victory number 4. Capt Lavidalie and S/Lt Le Bouter are listed as Missing.

German pilot Lt Seewald (no first name given), with Jasta 30, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

English RFC pilot Charles Ronald Steele, flying a Bristol F.2b with an unknown observer, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

German pilot Otto Gustav Wandelt, with Jasta 43, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

19th March 1918

Eastern Front

Germans still advancing in Ukraine.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Small British advance in coastal sector of Palestine.

Naval

Austro-Hungarian ship SS Linz hits a mine and sinks, resulting in 697 deaths, including 283 Italian POWs.
https://i.imgur.com/c80ZCpg.jpg

Political, etc.

Allies demand unconditional acceptance of their demands by Dutch.

The House of Lords debates on the principles of the League of Nations, with Lord Landsdowne stating it was the only guarantee of future peace.

President Wilson signs the Standard Time Act, which implements daylight savings time and institutes time zones in the United States.

Ship Losses:

Burnstone (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 44 nautical miles (81 km) north of the Farne Islands, Northumberland by SM UB-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.
Giovanni Albanesi (Italy) The barque was shelled and sunk in the Gulf of Naples (40°25′N 13°17′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Linz (Austria-Hungary) The ocean liner sank in the Adriatic Sea on 20 February or 19 March 1918 after she hit a mine.
San Francesco di Paolo (Italy) The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Gulf of Naples 70 nautical miles (130 km) west of Naples (40°40′N 13°48′E) by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Luxor (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 27 nautical miles (50 km) west by south of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 19, 1918

Air War:

1045 Three French SPAD pilots share a victory over a Rumper two-seater:
Adj Duhomme (no first name given), victory numbe 2.
Lucien Gasser, victory number 3.
Laurent Ruamps, victory number 5.

[Jimbuna]

20th March 1918

Western Front

Repulse of strong German local attacks in Champagne, near Verdun, in the Woevre, and in Lorraine.

Political, etc.

Britain and the U.S. seize Dutch ships in their ports to prevent them from carrying goods destined for Germany.

Sir E. Geddes, speaking in House of Commons, gives figures relating to submarine warfare and shipbuilding, and announces that Lord Pirrie is to be Controller-General of Merchant Shipbuilding.

Alexandru Marghiloman is appointed as the new Prime Minister of Romania to negotiate peace with the Central Powers.

Mr. A. Henderson declares that Labour cannot accept peace of Brest-Litovsk.

American Base Hospital No. 1 starts operations in Vichy, France to treat war wounded for both French and American soldiers.

Ship Losses:

Antonios M. Theophilatos (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 75 nautical miles (139 km) north west of Port Said, Egypt (32°04′N 32°08′E) by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Azemmour (France) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (50°32′N 1°36′W) by SM UB-59 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Eros (Sweden) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) west of The Lizard, Cornwall, United Kingdom[141] (49°56′N 5°25′W) by SM UB-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
Glenford (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 24 nautical miles (44 km) east of Rockabill, County Dublin (53°40′N 5°20′W) by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Kassanga (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 23 nautical miles (43 km) south east by south of the South Arklow Lightship ( United Kingdom) (52°27′N 5°26′W) by SM U-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Matteo Renato Imbriani (Italy) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) south west of the Île du Planier, Bouches-du-Rhône, France by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Saint Dimitrios (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) north by east of Port Said by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Samoset (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) east north east of Port Said by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Yochow (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 54 nautical miles (100 km) north by east of Port Said by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 50 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 20, 1918

Air War:

0930 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Gerald Gibbs, England, B694, victory number 6.
Acheson Goulding, Canada B690, victory number 2.

English RFC observer John Bruce-Norton, in a Bristol F.2b with 2nd Lt H.N. Arthur as pilot, shoots down two "Enemy Aircraft" for victories 1 and 2.

French pilot Del Vial, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 3.

[Jimbuna]

21st March 1918

Western Front

Second Battle of the Somme.

Great German offensive on 50-mile front between Sensee and Oise rivers.

British battle positions penetrated at various points, especially near St. Quentin.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Great activity off Flanders coast: Dunkirk bombarded by German destroyers, Ostend by British monitors; two destroyer actions, three enemy vessels sunk.

Official report of fighting 22 February 1918 at Msalu (Portuguese East Africa) and of occupation of Nampula by column from Mozambique.

Political, etc.

This day was the Imperial German Army's worst single day. 10,851 Killed In Action (KIA), 28,778 WIA, 300 taken POW for a total of 39,929 Casualties.

Kaiser Wilhelm: “We are at the decisive moment of the war, and one of the greatest moments in German history.”

London and southern counties of England will institute a curfew for 10:30 pm, when all theatres and shops must close and restaurants and hotels cannot serve hot meals, as a measure to conserve fuel and power.

Ship Losses:

SMS A7 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A1-class torpedo boat was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Zeebrugge, West Flanders, Belgium by HMS Morris ( Royal Navy) and/or Bouclier and Capitaine Mehl (both French Navy) with the loss of 23 of her crew.
SMS A10 (Kaiserliche Marine) The destroyer was rammed and sunk in the North Sea off Zeebrugge by HMS Botha ( Royal Navy).
Begonia (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 44 nautical miles (81 km) north of Wolf Rock, Cornwall (49°13′N 5°40′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Dante C (Italy) The vessel was sunk in the Gulf of Naples by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Ikeda (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) west of the Brighton Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Termini (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea off Milos, Greece (36°49′N 24°21′E) by SM UC-37 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Tyrhaug (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) north east of the Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall (50°19′N 5°36′W) by SM UB-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 21, 1918

Air War:

Operation Michael, the German Spring Offensive, begins. In support of the troops the German Luftstreitkräfte fields 1,860 aircraft, most of them two-seat close-support machines. They are opposed by the British Royal Flying Corps with 579 planes.

0720 Scottish RNAS ace Maxwell Findlay, flying Sopwith Camel B6419, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 9.

0825 English RNAS pilot John Hunter, in Sopwith Camel B3879, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

0900 German pilot Wolf von Manteuffel-Szöge, with Jasta 35, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

0905 Australian AFC pilot Arthur Henry Cobby, in Sopwith Camel B2535, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

0920 Indian RNAS pilot Lawrence Percival Coombes, in Sopwith Camel B6358, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1030 English RFC pilot William Staton and Australian observer John Rutherford Gordon, flying a Bristol f.2b, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 3 for Staton; number 1 for Gordon.

1115 Two RNAS Sopwith Camel aces share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
James Glen, Canada, B7185, victory number 12.
Leonard Rochford, England, B7222, victory number 11.

1130 German pilot Friedrich von Röth, in an Albatros D.V, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 5. 2nd Lt A.H. Burton is unhurt.

1135 Friedrich von Röth flames a second balloon for number 6.

1145 Indian RFC pilot Alexander George Vlasto, in Sopwith Camel B9195, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1245 English RFC pilot Alan Jerrard, flying Sopwith Camel B5648 on the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 4.

1255 English RFC pilot Harold Eycott-Martin, in Sopwith Camel B7283 over the Italian Front.

1310 German ace Erich von Löwenhardt, in an Albatros D.V, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 14.

1315-1345 Canadian RFC pilot Henry John Burden, in SE.5a D283, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1315-1345 English RFC pilot Trevor Durant, in SE.5a B35, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1340 Three French SPAD pilots shoot down a Rumpler two-seater. Ltn Michael Freiherr von Korff and Gefreiter Willi Speier are both taken prisoner.
Adj Baron (no first name given), France, victory number unknown.
Auguste Baux, France, victory number 1.
Adj Tasque (no first name given), France, victory number unknown.

1345 South African RFC pilot pilot Alfred Hemming, in SE.5a B8267, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1350 Canadian RFC pilot Harry Watson, in SE.5a B9235, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1355 German pilot Friedrich Friedrichs, with Jasta 10, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 1,

1420 English RFC ace pilot William Lewis Wells and observer Walter Beales, in Bristol F.2b C4707, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 7 for Wells; number 1 for Beales.

1425 German ace Robert Greim, flying with Jasta 34, shoost down Sopwith Camel B2456 for victory number 9. 2nd Lt C.S.L. Coulson lands safely.

1430 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 68, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 12.

1615 English RFC pilot Herbert Sellars and Scottish observer Charles Robson, in Bristol F.2b C4673, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 5 for both.

1620 Wolf von Manteuffel-Szöge scores his second victory of the day, shooting down a Sopwith Camel for number 3.

1630 German ace Erich Thomas, with Jasta 22, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 9.

1645 Canadian RNAS ace James Glen, flying Sopwith Camel B7185, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 13.

1745 German pilot Ludwig Hanstein, in Albatros D.V 5285/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 16.

1800 Herbert Sellars and Charles Robson score their second victory of the day, shooting down Albatros D.V 5285. Victory number 6 for both. German 16-victory ace Ludwig Hanstein is killed.

1805 German ace Heinrich Arntzen, in Albatros 2480/17, downs a British observation balloon for victory numer 10.

1808 Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V. Ltn Herbert Kohl is taken prisoner:
Andre Jean louis Barcat, victory number 1.
Gilbert de Guingand, victory number 5.

English RFC observer John Bruce-Norton, riding in a Bristol F.2b with 2nd Lt H.N. Arthur as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

English 8-victory RFC ace Bernard Beanlands is wounded strafing German troops. He wil miss the rest of war only to be killed in a flying accident on May 8, 1919.

French 6-victory ace Jules Covin dies from wounds received in combat.

English RFC pilot Percival Vrnon Godfrey Chambers and Scottish observer Thomas Laurence Purdon are credited with two Albatros D.Vs. Victories 1 and 2 for both.

German ace Max Kahlow, with Jasta 34, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 4.

German pilot Hellmuth Krätzschmer, flying with Jasta 48, shoots down an Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 1.

German ace Friedrich von Röth, in an Albatros D.V, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 6.

English RFC pilot William Staton and Australian observer John Rutherford Gordon, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 3 for Staton; number 1 for Gordon.

German pilot Ernst Schulze, with Jasta 48, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

German observer Gottfried Ehmann, riding in a two-seater with a pilot named Warda (no first name given), shoots down a Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

22nd March 1918

Western Front

Germans generally held on northern part of battle-front, but British defences broken through west of St. Quentin, and troops here and in adjoining sectors retreat hastily. Germans claim 16,000 prisoners and 200 guns.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British cross Jordan and advance eastward.

Political, etc.

Dutch Government informed that Allies have decided to seize Dutch ships in their ports.

New Spanish Cabinet under Senores Maura and Dato.

Ship Losses:

HMS Gaillardia (Royal Navy) The Aubretia-class sloop struck a mine and sank in the North Sea.
HMT J. C. P. (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
Polleon (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-78 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Saint Jean II (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 61 nautical miles (113 km) north west of Cape Bon, Algeria (37°56′N 10°49′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
San Giuseppe C. (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sardinia by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Trinidad (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) east of the Codling Bank Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 39 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 22, 1918

Air War:

1230 Canadian RNAS pilolot, flying Sopwith Camel B7192, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1330 English RFC pilot Horace Debenham, in Sopwith Camel C1659, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1415 Horace Debenham scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a German two-seater for victory number 3.

1430 English RFC pilot Adrian Winfrid Franklyn, in Sopwith Camel C1611, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1430 English RFC pilot Augustus Orlebar, in Sopwith Camel B7282, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1430 English RFC pilot Thomas Sharpe, flying Sopwith Camel C1696, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1440 German ace Friedrich Altemeier, with Jasta 24, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 13.

1440 German ace Franz Schleiff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 11.

1455 Franz Schleiff scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a DH.4 for victory number 12.

1500 German ace Heinrich Kroll, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 22.

1505 Canadian RFC pilot William Samuel Stephenson, flying Sopwith Camel B7302, shoots down an Albatros for victory number 1.

1510 Australian RFC pilot Henry Garnet Forrest, in SE.5a C9639, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1510 English RFC ace Augustus Orlebar, in Sopwith Camel B7282, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

1510 English RFC pilot Thomas Sharpe, in Sopwith Camel C1696, is credited with two LVG two-seaters for victories 3 and 4.

1515 Australian AFC pilot Roy Phillipps, in SE.5a C9541, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1525 English RFC pilot Frank Billinge, flying SE.5a B4880, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5. This is Billinge's last aerial victory. He will survive the war, dying on September 28, 1921, from an unlisted cause at age 33.

1530 Canadian RNAS ace Roy Brown, in Sopwith Camel B7270, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 7.

1530 English RFC pilot George Raby Riley, in Sopwith Camel C1609, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1555 German ace Otto Esswein, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 9.

1555 German ace Fritz Loerzer, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number I.

1600 German pilot Martin Hänichen, flying with Jasta 53, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.

1600 German pilot Karl Waldherr, with Jasta 53, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1. This is his only aerial victory. He will survive the war, but further details are unknow.

1600 German pilot Johannes Walter, with Jasta 53, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 2. This is Walter's last aerial victory. He will survive the war, but further details are unknown.

1615 German ace Erich Thomas, with Jasta 22, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 10.

1620 English RFC ace Thomas Colvill-Jones, in Bristol F.2b C4864 with 2nd Lt J.A. Galbraith as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 8.

Italian pilot Antonio Amentea, flying a SPAD VII, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 4.

German ace Hans Böhning, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down SE.5a D212 for victory number 6.

German pilot Vfw Dettmering (no first name given), with Jasta 68, shoots down Sopwith Camel B7216 for victory number 1. Sub-Lt L.A. Sands is killed.

German pilot Erwin Tresenreuter, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down Sopwith Camel B7219 for Victory number 1. Sub-Lt W.A. Moyle is killed.

German pilot Vfw Dettmering, in an Albatros D.Va with an unknown Jasta, is shot down and taken prisoner. The two Dettmerings are apparently separate individuals, since the first Dettmering listed will gain two more victories and fly until the end of the war, while the second Dettmering will spend the rest of the war in a prison camp.

German pilot Willi Gabriel, in a two-seater sith an unknown observer, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

23rd March 1918

Western Front

Germans take Monchy-le-Preux, cross Tortille river (between Bapaume and Peronne), capture Peronne and Ham, and reach line of Somme.

French troops enter battle on British southern wing.

Bombardment of Paris by long-range guns (74 miles) begins.

British air-raid on Konz (near Treves) by night.

Political, etc.

Russian and Romanian treaties adopted by Reichstag.

Ship Losses:

HMS Arno (Royal Navy) The destroyer collided with HMS Hope ( Royal Navy) in the Dardanelles (40°14′30″N 26°30′30″E) and sank.
Aulton (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 9 nautical miles (17 km) south east by east of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland by SM UB-83 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Chattahoochee (United States) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 28 nautical miles (52 km) south of Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (49°39′N 5°23′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Etonian (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 34 nautical miles (63 km) south by east of the Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork by SM U-61 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven crew.
Jane Grey (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) north west by west of the Smalls Lighthouse by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Madame Midas (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 38 nautical miles (70 km) west south west of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°27′N 5°28′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Mar Baltico (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel (49°17′N 5°05′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMT New Dawn (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 17 (Erich Stephan) and sank in the English Channel off The Needles, Isle of Wight with the loss of three of her crew.
Venborg (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 25 nautical miles (46 km) north of Ouessant, Finistère, France (48°55′N 5°02′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

March 23, 1918

Air War:

0900 Canadian RFC ace Donald MacLaren, flying Sopwith Camel B9153, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 8.

0930 Three RFC pilots, flying Sopwith Camels, share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
2nd Lt H.P. Blakely, B5435, nationality and victory number unknown.
Donald MacLaren, Canada, B9153, victory number 9.
John Henry Smith, Canada, C1685, victory number 1.

0930 Indian RFC ace Arthur Peck, in SE.5a B52, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 6.

0932 Arthur Peck scores his second kill of the day, shooting down another Albatros D.III for number 7.

0935 German ace Rudolf Klimke, in either an Albatros D.III or possibly Fokker Dr.I 577/17 (Jasta 27 was operating triplanes by this time, but whether Klimke had his yet is uncertain), shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 7.

0935 Arthur Peck shoots down a German two-seater for his third kill of the day, number 8 overall. This is Peck's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and remain in the RAF, serving as an instructor, as a member of an aerobatic team, and then as the commander of No 6 Armoured Car Company in Iraq. He will be promoted to Wing Commander in 1929, Station Commander at RAF Northolt in 1932 and Group Captain in 1935. He wil remain in the RAF through most of the Second World War, retiring in 1944, and live until 1975.

0945 Australian AFC pilot Roy Phillipps, flying SE.5a C9541, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

0950 English RFC pilot Horace Debenham, in Sopwith Camel C1695, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1100 English pilot George Bulmer and observer Percy Williams, in Bristol F.2b A7521. sjppt down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 4 for both.

1125 German ace Otto Könnecke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 13.

1145 German pilot Johannes Fritzsche, with Jasta 69, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.

1157 German pilot Vfw Scheuren (no first name given), flying with Jasta 69, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.

1210 English RFC ace pilot Robert Kirkman and ace observer John Hedley, in Bristol F.2b B1156, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 7 for Kirkman; number 10 for Headley.

1212 Robert Kirkman and John Hedley socre their second kill of the day, bringing down another Albatros D.V. Victory number 8 for Kirkman; number 11 for Hedley.

1300 German ace Heinrich Bongartz, in Fokker Dr.I 441/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 31.

1300 English RFC pilot Maurice Michael Freehill, in Sopwith Camel B9149, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1300 Donald MacLaren scores his third kill of the day, shooting down a German two-seater for victory number 10.

1315 German pilot Ludwig Schmid, flying with Jasta 34, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

1320 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down Sopwith Dolphin C3905 for victory number 11. 2nd Lt A.F. Craig is taken prisoner.

1325 German pilot Johann Pütz, with Jasta 34, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 3.

1327 German pilot Rudolf Stark, with Jasta 34, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

1330 German ace Paul Bäumer, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 20.

1410 Canadian RFC pilot Roy Kirkwood McConnell, flying Sopwith Camel C1572, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1440 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in Albatros D.V. 2299/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 24.

1515 Australian AFC pilot Henry Forrest, in SE.5a C9539, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4.

1530 English RFC pilot Phillip Scott Burge, in SE.5a B125, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1540 South African RFC ace Douglas Bell, in Sopwith Camel C1615, destroys a German observation Balloon for victory number 10.

1545 Paul Bäumer scores his second victory of the day, shooting down RE.8 C4574 for victory number 21. 2nd Lt P.W. Woodhouse and Lt. C.H. Brown are both unharmed.

1545 Douglas Bell is credited with his second and third kill of the day, shooting down two Albatros C.Vs for victories 11 and 12.

1615 Paul Bäumer gains his third win of the day, bringing down another RE.8 for number 22.

1630 Australian AFC pilot Garnet Malley, in Sopwith Camel B2488, shoots down two Albatros D.Vs for victories number 2 and 3.

1655 Canadian RNAS ace Arthur Whealy, in Sopwith Camel B7220, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 13.

1800 John Smith scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1815 Three RFC pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Andrew Cowper, Australia, B8407, victory number 18.
Comway MacAlister Gray Farrell, B63, victory number 1.
Lt P.J. Nolan, B8411, nationality and victory number unknown.

German pilot Hans-Helmut von Boddien, with Jasta 59, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V. This is possibly Ltn Hans Unger, taken prisoner about this time:
Jean Chaput, victory number 13.
Auguste Joseph Marie Lahoulle, victory number 1.

Three French SPAD pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V. This is possibly 10-victory German ace Erich Thomas, taken prisoner about this time.
Jean Chaput, victory number 14.
Claude Haegelen, victory number 4.
Auguste Lahoulle, victory number 2.

Three French SPAD pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater. Vfw Bänsch and Ltn Ehmann are both killed.
Fernand Chavannes, victory number 5.
Capt Lemaitre, victory number unknown.
Lionel de Marmier, victory number 5.

German ace Robert Heibert, in an Albatros d.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 6.

German ace Fritz Loerzer, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 9.

German ace Ulrich Neckel, with Jasta 12, shoots down Sopwith Camel C8244 for victory number 7. 2nd Lt C.H. Clarke is taken prisoner.

German pilot Walter Schäfer, with Jasta 66, shoots down a SPAD XI for victory number 1. MdL Maillet and S/Lt Tomberlain are listed as Missing.

French ace Armand de Turenne, flying a SPAD XIII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 8.

German pilot Johannes Werner, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 3.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, with Jasta 66, shoots down a French Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 11.

[Jimbuna]

24th March 1918

Western Front

Germans held in desperate fighting round Bapaume, cross Somme between Peronne and Ham, and take Nesle and Peronne, and further south capture Guiscard and Chauny. They now claim 30,000 prisoners and 600 guns.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance nine miles towards Es Salt (Jordan).

Aviation

British aeroplanes raid Mannheim by day and Cologne by night.

Political, etc.

Germany recognizes the independence of Lithuania, declared on February 16, but very little changes as the country remains occupied by Germany.

Ship Losses:

Anteros (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) west by north of South Stack (53°17′N 5°09′W) by SM UB-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Avala (Italy) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 320 nautical miles (590 km) west of Madeira, Portugal (38°32′N 17°58′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Fileur (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 40 nautical miles (74 km) north west of the Île de Batz, Finistère by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
John G. Walter (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) south west of the Smalls Lighthouse by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Jorgina (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 360 nautical miles (670 km) north by west of Madeira (38°40′N 18°14′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
La Nuova Felice (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Sicily by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Nuova Enio (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Sicily by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Regina Immacolata (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Sicily by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Tre Sorrelle Salvo (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Sicily by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
War Knight (United Kingdom) The cargo ship collided with O. B. Jennings (flag unknown) in the English Channel off the Needles Lighthouse, Isle of Wight. She then strcuk a mine and was damaged. War Knight was beached at Freshwater, Isle of Wight.

[Sailor Steve]

March 24, 1918

Air War:

0945 English RFC pilot Thomas Sharpe, flying Sopwith Camel C1619, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1010 German ace Franz Schleiff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 12*

1030 English RNAS pilot James Henry Dewhirst, in Sopwith Camel B6282 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Aviatik Berg D.I for victory number 1.

1030 Canadian RNAS pilot John Greene, in Sopwith Camel B3999, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

1030 Thomas Sharpe scores his second victory of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for number 6.

1040 Canadian RFC pilot Gordon Budd Irving, flying Sopwith Dolphin C3838, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1040 Canadian RFC pilot William Stephenson, in Sopwith Camel B6421, shoots down an LVG two-seater for victory number 2.

1045 German pilot August Schwind, with Jasta 54, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

1100 English RFC ace John Trollope, in Sopwith Camel C8270, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 9.

1100 Two RFC Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Rober Owen, Wales, C8259, victory number 3.
John Trollope, England, C8270, victory number 10.

1100 Two RFC Camel pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Cecil King, England, C8262, victory number 7.
Robert Owen, Wales, C8259, victory number 4.

1100 Canadian RNAS ace George MacKay, in Sopwith Camel B7186, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 6.

1105 John Trollope scores his third kill of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for victory number 11.

1130 German pilot Christian Kairies, with the SeeFrontStaffel, shoots down Naval Camel B3774 for victory number 1. Flight Sub-Lt L.C. Messiter is rescued from the sea by his own side. Karries is also wounded in this fight.

1135 Uffz Freter (no first name given), with Jasta 42, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

1140 English RNAS ace Albert Enstone, flying Sopwith Camel B3841, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 11.

1230 Australian AFC pilot Alexander Clark, in SE.5a B4895, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1255 Australian AFC pilot Roy Phillipps, in SE.5a C9541, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1310 German pilot Rudolf Stark, with Jasta 34, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

1315 German pilot Ludwig Schmid, with Jasta 34, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

1317 German ace Robert von Greim, flying with Jasta 34, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 10.

1340 Englsh ace pilot Thomas Colvill-Jones, in Bristol F.2b with 2nd Lt D. Wishart-Orr as observer, shoots down an LVG two,seater for victory number 9

1425 German pilot Rudolf Kommoss, with Jasta 50, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 2.

1430 German pilot Sgt Pfänder (no first name given), with Jasta 69, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.

1445 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 477/17, shoots down SE.5a C1054 for victory number 67. Lt John Percy McCone is listed as Missing.
"During a protracted single-seater fight between ten SE5s and 25 machines of my own Group, I attacked an Englishman at an altitude of 2,500 metres. Under my machine gun fire, both wings broke away from the aeroplane in the air. The pieces were scattered in the vicinity of Combles."
-Manfred von Richthofen

1520 Robert Owen gains his third victory of the day, shooting down a German two-seater for victory number 5.

1520 John Trollope is credited with shooting down four more enemy planes - three Albatrosen and a two-seater - for a total of 7 for the day. His score now stands at 15.

1530 Eight RNAS Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a single Albatros D.V:
Frederick Armstrong, Canada B7218, victory number 13.
Louis Bawlf, Canada, B7192, victory number 4.
Ronald Berlyn, England, B7224, victory number 4.
Frederick Britnell, England, B7228, victory number 2.
Edwin Hayne, South Africa B7231, victory number 6.
Edmund Pierce, England, B7227, victory number 9.
Sub-Lt S. Smith, B7214, nationality and victory number unknown.
Arthur Whealy, Canada, B7220, victory number 14.

1545 German ace Friedrich Altemeier, with Jasta 24, shoots down Sopwith Camel C1554 for victory number 14. Lt J.D. Currie is taken prisoner.

1700 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 68, claims a DH.4 for victory number 13. This is actually a Sopwith Camel.

1945 English RFC pilot Robert North Chandler, flying Sopwith Camel B9261, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

Three French pilots share in the destruction of a German observation balloon:
Yves Felix Barbaza, victory number 1.
Lt Battle, victory number unknown.
Cpt Mouronval, victory number unknown.

French pilot Armond Jean Berthelow, in a SPAD, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 1.

French pilot Alexandre Bretillon, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 2.

German pilot Ludwig Cordes, with Jasta 16, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for his only aerial victory. Cordes is also killed in this fight.

Three French SPAD pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
MdL Discours, victory number unknown.
Lucien Gasser, victory number 6.
Lt Reverchon, victory number unknown.

French ace Gabriel Guérin, in a SPAD, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 17.

German pilot August Handl, with Jasta 16, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

German pilot Karl Heidelburg, with Jasta 48, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

German ace Otto Könnecke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 15

Canadian RFC ace Donald MacLaren, in a Sopwith Camel, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 11.

German pilot Paul Müller, with Jasta 48, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 1.

German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 12.

German pilot Jon Santjer, with Jasta 26, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 2.

German pilot Fritz Schwarz, with Jasta 33, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

German pilot Wilhelm Seitz, flying with Jasta 8, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 5.

German pilot Erich Sonneck, with Jasta 66, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

German pilot Vfw Weimare (no first name given), with Jasta 56, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, with Jasta 66, is credited with three SPADs shot down for victories number 12, 13 and 14.

German pilot Wilhelm Zorn, with Jasta 60, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

25th March 1918

Western Front

Germans carry Bapaume in night attack; subsequently their advance, though less rapid than on previous two days, continues on whole front from Ervillers (north of Bapaume) to the Oise. Germans claim 45,000 prisoners since beginning of attack.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British take Es Salt.

Naval

Italian cruiser Partenope is torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC-67 north of Tunisia.
https://i.imgur.com/LOcMEza.jpg

Aviation

British pilot Captain John Lightfoot Trollope shoots down 7 German aircraft in a single day, the first British pilot to do so.

Political, etc.

Mexican rebels cross the Texas border and raid a ranch, killing two. This is the last major attack by Mexican rebels on U.S. soil.

Ship Losses:

HMT Border Lads (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-78 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Carlo Splendor (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Messina by SM UB-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Destro (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south west of the Mull of Galloway, Wigtownshire (54°34′N 4°45′W) by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.
Francesco Antonio Aiello (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Sicily by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Hercules (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) north north west of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
L'Iniziatore (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Sicily (37°30′N 11°45′W) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Partenope (Regia Marina) The minelayer was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Bizerta, Algeria (37°53′N 10°10′E) by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Rio Ave (Portugal) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 100 nautical miles (190 km) off Madeira (38°33′N 18°08′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

March 25, 1918

Air War:

1040 English RFC pilot Stanley Asa Puffer, flying SE.5a B8271, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1050 Canadian RFC pilot William John Gillespie, in SE.5a B8254, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1445 German pilot Johannes Fritzsche, with Jasta 69, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 2.

1555 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 477/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel C1562 for victory number 68. 2nd Lt Donald Cameron is listed as Missing.
"With five planes of Jasta 11, I attacked several low-flying English one-seaters north-east of Albert. I approced to within 50 metres behind one of the Englishmen and shot him down in flames with a few shots.

The burnng machine crashed between Contalmaison and Albert, and continued to burn on the ground. The bombs it apparently carried exploded a few minutes later."
-Manfred von Richthofen.

1715 English RFC ace pilot David Stewart and Scottish observer Lewis Isaac Collins, in DH.4 A8038, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 10 for Stewart; number 1 for Collins.

French pilot François de Boigne, flying a Nieuport, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 4.

Galicia-born Austro-Hungarian ace Godwin Brumowski, in Austrian Albatros 153.45, claims an SIA 7b for victory number 30. This is more likely another two-seater, a Pomilio PE from Squadriglia 131°.

[Jimbuna]

26th March 1918

Western Front

British make stand north of Somme on line Roeux-Ayette-Beaumont Hamel-Albert-Bray, but lose Albert and Bray.

Very heavy fighting south of Somme; Germans capture Lihons, Chaulnes, Roye and Noyon.

Momentous Franco-British Conference at Doullens on unity of command.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British cavalry advancing towards Amman (east of Jordan).

British carry Turkish positions at Khan Baghdadiya (on Euphrates) and take 3,000 prisoners.

Political, etc.

Prime Minister of Japan says gravity of situation in Siberia may shortly compel action.

Ship Losses:

Elisabetha (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Sicily by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
RFA Lady Cory-Wright (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) The mine carrier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) off The Lizard, Cornwall by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 39 of her 40 crew.
SM U-61 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 57 submarine was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by USS PC-51 ( United States Navy) with the loss of all 36 crew.
Volturno (Italy) The bulk carrier was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Bône, Algeria (37°27′N 8°07′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

March 26, 1918

Air War:

0725 Canadian RNAS ace Fred Banbury, flying Sopwith Camel B7247, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 11.
(Banbury's record states that Oliver Redgate and Merrill Taylor were also in on this kill. Neither of their records show anything for this date.)

1125 Scottish RFC ace John Gilmour, in Sopwith Camel B5612, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 12.

1415 English RFC pilot John Albart Edward Robertson Daley, in SE.5a B79, shoots down an unnamed German fighter for victory number 1.

1645 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 477/17, shoots down SE.5a B511 for victory number 68. 2nd Lt Allan McNab Denovan is listed as Missing.
"Flying with five gentlemen of Jasta 11, at low level, I enountered a Sopwith (sic) single-seater at the Front, with Leutnant Udet. At first the adversary tried to escape me by skilful flying. From a distance not more than the length of a plane, I shot him down in flames. During the fall it disintegrated. The fuselage crashed into the small wood of Contalmaison."
-Manfred von Richthofen1700 German pilot Siegfried Gussmann, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 4.

1700 Canadian RNAS pilot Charles Hickey, flying Sopwith Camel B3892, claims two Pfalz D.IIIs for victories number 3 and 4.

1700 Canadian RNAS ace Ronald Kierstead, in Sopwith Camel N6389, claims three Pfalz D.IIIs for victories 9, 10 and 11.

1700 Manfred von Richthofen scores his second kill of the day, shooting down RE.8 B742 for victory number 70. 2nd Lts Vernon Jack Readin and Matthew Leggat are both listed as Missing.
"A quarter of an hour after my first victory on this day, I detected in exactly the same spot, at an altitude of 700 metres, an RE two-seater. I went into a dive behind it, and from close range I fired abut 100 rounds, and set him on fire. At first the Englishman defended himself with his observer's machine gun. The plane burned in the air until impact. Half an hour later, the machine continued to burn on the ground."
-Manfred von Richthofen1700 German pilot Claus Riemer, with Jasta 26, shoots down a Sopwith Dolphin for victory number 1.
(Jasta 26 began recieving Fokker Dr.Is late this month, it is uncertain whether any individual pilot was flying them yet.)

1710 Australian RFC pilot Harry Rigby, in SE.5a B4851, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1714 German pilot Richard Plange, in Fokker Dr.I 204/17, shoots down a Sopwith Dolphin for victory number 4.

1720 German ace Otto Fruhner, flying with Jasta 26, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 9.

1730 English RFC pilot Herbert Ruska Gould, in DH.4 A7989 with Lt J.M. Brisbane as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1730 German pilot Helmut Lange, with Jasta 26, shoots down s Sopwith Dolphin for victory number 1.

1745 German ace Otto Esswein, with Jasta 26, shoots down a Sopwith Dolphin for victory number 10.

German pilot Eduard Blass, with MFJ II, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

German pilot Erich Bruder, flying with Jasta 26, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1.

French ace Hector Garaud, in a SPAD, shoots down Rumpler C.VII 6484/17 for victory number 12. The crew are unnamed but the note says they were taken prisonder.

German pilot Hans Groth (1 victory) is shot down and taken prisoner while attacking a balloon.

Canadian RFC pilot Ernest Thomas Morrow and English observer Horace Merritt, in Bristol F.2b B1302, shoot down an "Enemy Aircraft". Victory number 1 for Morrow; number 3 for Merritt.

English RFC pilot Douglas Alfred Savage and observer Louis Mark Thompson, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an "Enemy Aircraft". Victory number 1 for both.

[Jimbuna]

27th March 1918

Western Front

Germans advance on both side of Somme in night attack, reaching Sailly le Sec (12 miles from Amiens), but lose ground in British counter-attacks. Germans afterwards fail in attacks from Bucquoy to Rosieres and are checked near Lassigny and Noyon, but take Montdidier after rapid advance.

Naval

Royal Navy destroyer HMS Kale accidentally hits a British mine, causing it to sink with 41 lives.
https://i.imgur.com/LCUy2Qr.jpg

Aviation
https://i.imgur.com/grRD78e.jpg

Ship Losses:

Allendale (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 52 nautical miles (96 km) south by west of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°50′N 5°50′W) by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine with the loss of a crew member.
Beira (Portugal) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (34°10′N 14°35′W) by SM U-154 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Carlo P. (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) north of the Galite Islands, Tunisia by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Castrenzo Coppola (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Naples by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS Kale (Royal Navy) The E-class destroyer struck a naval mine and sank in the North Sea.
Watauga (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 450 nautical miles (830 km) west by north of Lisbon, Portugal (38°54′N 18°24′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 27, 1918

United States:
228 days after groundbreaking and 151 days after receipt of the drawings, The first license-built Curtiss H-16 makes its maiden flight at the US Naval Aircraft Factory.

Air War:

0700 Three RFC Camel pilots share a victory over an LVG two-seater:
Douglas Bell, South Africa, C1615. victory number 13
Lt W.C. Dennett, nationality, serial number and victory number unknown.
George Riley, England, serial number unknown, victory number 2.

0715 German pilot Karl Pech, with Jasta 29, shoots down Sopwith Camel B9167 for victory number 2.

0900 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 127/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel C6733 for victoryn number 71. Cpt Thomas Sydney Sharpe is taken prisoner.

1150 German ace Ernst Udet, in Albatros D.V 4476/17, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 21.

American pilot James Norman Hall, in a Nieuport, shoots down two German "Scouts" for victories number 2 and 3.

[Jimbuna]

28th March 1918

Western Front

Great German attack on wide front north and south of Scarpe river defeated with very heavy loss.

Between Somme and Avre rivers Germans advance, reaching Hamel.

Strong French counter-attacks gain ground near Montdidier and between Hainvillers and Pont l'Eveque (Oise).

Naval and Overseas Operations

H.M. boarding steamer "Tithonus" torpedoed.

British destroyers sink three German armed trawlers and capture crews.

Political, etc.

General Pershing asks for employment of U.S.A. troops.

Australian Cabinet reconstituted.

Ship Losses:

Botha (United Kingdom) The trawler was scuttled in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east of Whitby, Yorkshire by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Brotherly Love (United Kingdom) The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) east north east of Whitby by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
City of Winchester (United Kingdom) The ketch was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) north west by west of the Les Hanois Lighthouse, Guernsey, Channel Islands (49°28′N 2°55′W) by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Grampus (United Kingdom) The dredger foundered on this date.
Honora (United Kingdom) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) east north east of Whitby by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Inkosi (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) south west of Burrow Head, Wigtownshire by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.
Noel (United Kingdom) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) east north east of Whitby by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS Tithonus (Royal Navy) The armed boarding steamer was sunk in the North Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) east of Aberdeen (57°04′N 0°33′W) by SM UB-72 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 28, 1918

Air War:

0830 South African RFC pilot Ernest Lindup and Irish observer Henry Crowe, flying Bristol F.2b B1191, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 4 for both.

0840 Two RFC SE.5a pilots share a victor over an LVG two-seater"
Framcos Magoun, United States, C5306, victory number 3.
Guy Moore, Canada, C1083, victory number 0.

0855 Francis Magoun scores his second vicrtory of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

0910 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down Sopwith Camel C8267 for victory number 13. 2nd Lt H.T. Adams is killed.

1910 German ace Ernst Udet, in Albatros D.Va 4476/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel C8224 for victory number 22. 2nd Lt C.R. Maasdorp is wounded and taken prisoner; later dies from his wounds.

0915 German pilot Uffz Kaleta (no first name given), flying with Jasta 56, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

0925 German pilot Rudolf Heins, with Jasta 56, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6404 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt W.J. Prier is taken prisoner.

0930 Welsh ace Robert Owen, in Sopwith Camel C8259 for victory number 7.

0930 German pilot Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel C8259 for victory number 1. Welsh 7-victory ace Robert Johnstone Owen is taken prisoner.

0930 English RFC ace John Trollope, in Sopwith Camel C8270, is credited with a German observaction balloon and two Albatros D.Vs for victories 16, 17 and 18.

0935 English RFC ace Cecil King, flying Sopwith Camel D1777, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 8.

0945 German ace Paul Billik, with Jasta 52, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2395 for victory number 11. Lt C.M. Feez is taken prisoner.

0955 German pilot Johannes Werner, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1777 for victory number 4. English 8-victory ace Cecil Frederick King is wounded but lands safely on his own side of the lines.

1000 Paul Billik scores his second victory of the day, shooting down Sopwith Camel C8270 for victory number 12. English 18-victory ace John Lightfoot Trollope is wounded in the hand and taken prisoner. Trollope's wound is so bad that his hand has to be amputated. Because of his wound Trollope will be repatriated in June 1918. Later his left arm will have to be amputated at the shoulder. Despite all this he will remain in the RAF until 1920. Trollope will later marry anf have two children, and will live until 1958.

1010 German pilot Emil Koch, with Jasta 32, claims a "Sopwith" for victory number 1. This is actually SE.5 A8913, and its pilot, 2nd Lt Thomas Hosking, is killed. Records show that A8913 was one of the original 150 hp SE.5s from the previous year, later refitted with a 200 hp Hispano-Suiza engine.

1030 French ace René Fonck, flying a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 31.

1115 German ace Hans Weiss, with Jasta 10, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1273 for victory number 11. 2nd Lt E.R. Stock and Lt W.D. Davidson crash safely on their own side of the lines.

1210 German pilot Hans Grabe, with Jasta 14, shoots down SE.5a B102 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt O.T. Flight is taken prisoner.

1230 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 477/17, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 74. 2nd Lts Joseph Bertram Taylor and Eric Betley are both listed as Missing. This seems to have been Taylor's first mission, and their brand new FK.8 had only 1 hour and 45 minutes in its log.
"Flying at a very low height, I saw shell-explosions near the scene of a victory. Coming nearer I recognised an Englishman at 500 metres altitude, flying home. I cut him off and approached him. After 100 shots the enemy plane was burning. Then it crashed down, hit the ground near the small wood of Mericourt and continued to burn."
-Manfred von Richthofen1235 German pilot Hugo Schäfer, with Jasta 15, shoots down RE.8 B6571 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt A.D. Pope and Lt H.S. Redpath are taken prisoner.

1425 German pilot Karl Bohny, flying with Jasta 17, claims an "AR.2" for victory number 3. This is actually Armstron-Whitworth FK.8 C8456, 2nd Lts T. Watson and T. Taylor both killed.

1730 German pilot Arthur Rahn, with Jasta 15, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 4.

German ace Robert von Greim, with Jasta 34, shoost down DH.4 A7976 for victory number 11. Sub-OLt J.G. Carroll and Gunner G.E. Daffey are both killed.

German pilot Robert Hildebrandt, with Jasta 13, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

German pilot Josef Hohly, with Jasta 65, shoots down a Paul Schmitt bomber for victory number 2.

German pilot August Jühe, flying with Jasta 8, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 1.

German pilot Wilhelm Papenmeyer, in Fokker Dr.I 409/17, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 4.

German pilot Walter Schäfer (2 victories) is killed by a SPAD.

German pilot Hermann Schmidt, with Jasta 13, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.

German pilot Vfw Weber (no first name given), with Jasta 8, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

29th March 1918

Western Front

No serious fighting north of Somme. Between Somme and Avre Germans continue to advance, taking Hamel, Mezieres and Demuin.

French hold line west of Mezieres-La Neuville-Sire Bernard-outskirts of Montdidier.

Continued French counter-attacks on southern flank.

Germans claim 70,000 prisoners and 1,100 guns since opening of offensive.

General Foch appointed to co-ordinate action of Allied Armies.

Long-range gun causes 160 casualties in Parish church.

Eastern Front

Germans ratify Brest-Litovsk treaty of 3 March.

Turks ratify peace with Russia and Ukraine.

Ship Losses:

Porto Santo (Portugal) The cargo ship foundered in the Aegean Sea off Antimilos, Greece, possibly after striking a mine laid by UC 37 (Otto Kümpel) . Her crew survived.
HMT Swallow (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
T. R. Thompson (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south of Newhaven, East Sussex by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 33 of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 29, 1918

Air War:

0645 Australian RFC pilot Harry Rigby, flying SE.5a C1113, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1500 Australian RFC ace Andrew Cowper, in SE.5a B8411, shoots down an Albatros two seater for victory number 19. This is Cowpers' last aerial victory. He will return to serve on the Home Front on April 11. He will survive the war and be posted to No 79 Squadron in postwar Germany. After an assignment to India he will retire from the RAF in 1920. Cowper will return to Australia and sheep ranching. In 1924 he will get married. He will later move his wife and two sons to Sydney, where he will manage a seed merchant company. In World War 2 Cowper will join the RAAF and serve in Administration and Special Duties. Discharged in 1945, Cowper will spend his remaining years working in horticulture, and will live until 1980, dying at age 81.

1645 German ace Dieter Collin, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 6. S/Lt Lucien Servais is listed as Missing.

1750 German pilot Walter Balzar, with Jasta 44, shoots down a two-seater for victory number 1.

1830 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 32.

1835 René Fonck scores his second victory of the day, shooting down another "Scout" for number 33.

German pilot Karl Schattauer, with Jasta 16, shoots down Sopwith Camel B9267 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt A.C.R. Hawley is wounded.

German pilot Kurt Schulz, with Jasta 37, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 C3661 for victory number 2. Capt E.W. Monk and Lt C.B. Wilkinson are both killed.

[Jimbuna]

30th March 1918

Western Front

a 37.5 mile front, between Moreuil and Lassigny, French offensive continued; desperate resistance to enemy attacks.

North of Somme in Boivy and Boyelles region (Cojeul river) heavy German attacks break down.

South of Somme in Luce valley, Demuin is lost and retaken by British.

Attack on Belgian trenches east of Nieuport repulsed.

Southern Front

Albania: Enemy attempt against bridgehead in Avlona sector fails.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British raid Hejaz railway near Amman (east of Jordan).

Political, etc.

H.M. the King returns from a visit to the front.

Mr. Lloyd George issues statement on course of present battle and announces appointment of General Foch.

Ship Losses:

SMS G87 (Kaiserliche Marine) The V25-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of 43 of her crew.
SMS G93 (Kaiserliche Marine) The V25-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of ten of her crew.
Geraldine (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) east of Lambay Island, County Dublin by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all five of her crew.
Lough Fisher (United Kingdom) The coaster was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km) south south east of Helvick Head, County Waterford by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen crew.
Salaminia (Greece) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 13 nautical miles (24 km) south south east of Rockabill (53°27′N 5°32′W) by SM UB-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine). There were a number of casualties.
Stabil (Norway) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°19′N 5°36′W) by SM U-46 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nine crew.
St. Michan (United Kingdom) The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) east of Lambay Island by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Vafos (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 35 nautical miles (65 km) south west by west of the Marstenen Lighthouse by SM UB-72 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

March 30, 1918

Air War:

0720 German pilot Claus Reimer, flying with Jasta 26, shoots down SE.5a B72 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt A.E. Sweeting is wounded.

0800 Australian AFC pilot Henry Forrest, in SE.5a C9539, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 5.

0845 Three French SPAD pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
S/Lt Bernard, victory number unknown.
Antoine Cordonnier, victory number 2.
Gabriel Guérin, victory number 18.

0850 German pilot Johannes Klein, with Jasta 15, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 3.
(Five French two-seaters, three Bréguets, a Salmson and a Sopwith, are all reported missing this day. Which pilot shot down which plane is undetermined.)

0945 OfStv Behneke (no first nmme given), with Jasta 54, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1. This may be misidentified and may actually be one of the five lost French aircraft.

0950 German ace Fritz Pütter, flying with Jasta 68, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 14.

1030 German pilot Alfred Freytag, with Jasta 44, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1. This is probably another of the missing French planes.

1035 German pilot Vfw Becker (no first name given), with Jasta 44, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1. Again probably a misreported French aircraft.

1115 Three French SPAD pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
Adj Delarell, victory number 1.
William Hérisson, victory number 7.
Gabriel Guérin, victory number 19.

1150 Two English SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Phillip Burge, B76, victory number 2.
James Slater, D289, victory number 19.

1150 Austrian ace Benno von Fernbrugg, flying Austrian Albatros D.III 153.155, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 14. English 7-victory RFC ace Alan Jerrard is taken prisoner.

1230 German pilot Rudolf Stark, flying with Jasta 34, shoots down Sopwith Dolphin C3791 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt H.W. Browne is taken prisoner.

1315 English pilot Christopher McEvoy, in Sopwith Camel B7389, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

German ace Heinrich-Georg Geigle, with Jasta 16, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 8.

German pilot Friedrich Neubauer, with Jasta 26, shoots down SPAD VII 3216 for victory number 2. MdL E. Guillory is taken prisoner.

Friedrich Neubauer scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a French two-seater for victory number 3. The lost French planes are:
Cpl Sigaud and S/Lt du Peuty of Sal 50, killed.
Adj Caraval and Sgt Baudier of Br 66, missing.
MdL Audinot and Asp Hellouin de Genival of Br 127, missing.
Sgt Landragui and Lt Le Courtaulx of Br 127, missing.
Brig Voirin and Asp Breuil of Sop 279, killed.

German pilot Andreas Triebswetter, flying with Jasta 16, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

31st March 1918

Western Front

Indecisive fighting in Luce and Avre valleys. Hangard taken and retaken. French make some progress between Montdidier and Lassigny.

West of Albert German attack is stopped.

Eastern Front

Russo-Romanian agreement on subject of Bessarabia completed.

Southern Front

Announced that British troops in Italy are now holding sector on Asiago Plateau instead of Montello.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

War Office reports progress in Mesopotamia, Palestine, and the Hejaz.

Aviation

1,059 aeroplanes reported brought down on all fronts in March, of which Allies claim 838, and Germans 221.

Comparative statement of bombing activity by British and German aircraft issued.

Political, etc.

Mr. Lloyd George in message to Dominions says "the last man may count".

U.S.A.: Agreement between Capital and Labour to refer all questions to arbitration announced.

Austria: "Arbeiter-Zeitung" on Sea-power.

Ship Losses:

Celtic (United Kingdom) The ocean liner was torpedoed and damaged in the Irish Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) south of the Isle of Man by SM UB-77 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six lives. She was beached but was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.
Conargo (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Irish Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km)) west by north of the Calf of Man, Isle of Man (54°02′N 5°11′W) by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was torpedoed again the next day and sunk with the loss of nine of her crew (53°33′N 4°50′W).
Excellence Pleske (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) south south east of Dungeness, Kent by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen of her crew.
Immacolata (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Bari Sardo, Sardinia by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Indien (Denmark) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (40°40′N 28°15′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 29 crew.
La Loire (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north east of Alexandria, Egypt by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
San Nicola (United Kingdom) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 18 nautical miles (33 km) east north east of Valletta, Malta by SM UC-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Slieve Bloom (United Kingdom) The ferry collided with the destroyer USS Stockton ( United States Navy) and sank with the loss of one life.
Vianna (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east of Seaham Harbour, County Durham (54°50′N 1°12′W) by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.

MERCHANT SHIPPING

British, Allied and Neutral ships lost to enemy submarines, mines and cruisers etc in the month - 186 ships of 366,000 tons gross. (Lloyd's War Losses)

[Sailor Steve]

March 31, 1918

Air War:

1115 Englsih RFC pilot William Green, flying DH.4 A7904 with 2nd Lt H.S. Gros as observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III. Victory number 5 for Green; number 4 for Gros.

1130 German pilot Hugo Schäfer, with Jasta 15, shoots down a French SPAD for victory number 2.

1130 German pilot Johannes Klein, with Jasta 15, shoots down a French SPAD for victory number 4.

1410 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 68, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 15.

German ace Hermann Becker, with Jasta 12, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 8. This is probably Adj Paul Thuries of Spa 57, who was taken prisoner.

German ace Hans Böhning, flying a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 7.

Three French Nieuport pilots share a victory over an Albatros:
MdL Coupilaud (no first name given), victory number 1.
Roger Poupon, victory number 2.
Bernard de Romaney, victory number 2.

Two French pilots share a victory over an "Enemy Aircraft":
Jacques Gerard, SPAD VII 4236, victory number 2.
Charles Nungesser, SPAD XIII, victory number 32.

German ace Heinrich-Georg Geigle, with Jasta 16, shoots down DH.4 2161 for victory number 9. 2nd Lt E.C.S. Pearce is killed. 2nd Lt C.B. Coleman is wounded and taken prisoner.

German pilot Vfw Gerdes (no first name given), with Jasta 19, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 1.

German ace Walter Göttsch, flying with Jasta 19, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 18.

German pilot Martin Johns, with Jasta 63, shoots down either a Camel or a SPAD for victory number 1.

German pilot Walter Jumpelt, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 2.

German pilot Hans Körner, in Fokker Dr.I 503/17, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 4.

German pilot Hermann Leptien, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Camel for victory number 4.

German ace Ulrich Neckel, flying with Jasta 12, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 8.

German pilot Karl Schattauer, with Jasta 16, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 4.

German pilot Uffz Tönges, with Jasta 62, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

1st April 1918

Western Front

Local attacks near Albert repulsed.

Grivesnes (southern Moreuil) heavily attacked but remains in French hands.

At Hebuterne (Bucquoy) local fighting in favour of British.

Eastern Front

Berlin reports the despatch of ultimatum to Russia on subject of Finland.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Mesopotamia: British troops 73 miles beyond Ana (Middle Euphrates).

Palestine: Strong Turkish resistance near Amman; British retire to Es Salt.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British destroyer HMS Falcon sunk in collision.

Aviation

Royal Air Force is founded with the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. The RAF is the first air force independent of army or navy control.

https://i.imgur.com/OWKTrtX.jpg
Two mascot dogs of the British No. 22 Squadron on top of a Bristol Fighter.

Political, etc.

Canada: Anti-conscription riots in Quebec. Troops fire on rioters.

Ship Losses:

Ardglass (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) north east of Larne, County Antrim by SM UC-31 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seven of her crew.
HMS Falcon (Royal Navy) The C-class destroyer collided with the trawler John Fitzgerald ( United Kingdom) and sank in the North Sea off Bridlington, Yorkshire )54°07′45″N 0°22′10″E).
Lusitano P(ortugal) The barquentine was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean off the Azores (38°50′N 18°24′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew took to the lifeboats but were not rescued.

https://i.imgur.com/f4cMvMm.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

April 1, 1918

The Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service combine to become the Royal Air Force, the first Air Force independent of Army and Navy Control. Pilot listings in this series will henceforth reflect this new status.



Air War:

German ace Otto Rosenfeld, who was shot down and captured on December 29, 1917, escapes sometime during this month and rejoins Jasta 41.

0800 German ace Fritz Hemer, flying a Fokker Dr.I, claims a Bristol F.2b for victory number 6. This is actually DH.4 7401. 2nd Lt E. Whitfield and Lt W.C.F. Nicol-Hart are both killed.

0800 German pilot Eugen Siempelkamp, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1811 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt P.R. Cann is wounded and dies the next day.

0815 German ace Heinrich Kroll, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 23.

0840 German pilot Wilhelm Becker, with Jasta 17, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2,

0900 German pilot Hans Joachim Wolff, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down DH.4 A7872 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt D.P. Trollip and Lt J.D. Moses are both killed.

1015 Canadian RAF ace William Duncan, flying SE.5a C9536, forces down Albatros D.Va 5734/17 for victory number 7. Vfw Weimar is taken prisoner. One source says that Weimar is the first pilot to parachute from a burning aircraft, but another says he landed and Duncan landed nearby.

1045 German pilot Hugo Schäfer, with Jasta 15, shoots down SE.5a D265 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt H.F. Proctor is wounded.

1145 German pilot Emil Bergmann, with Jasta 22, shoots down a French 1½ Strutter for victory number 1.

1145 English RAF pilot Francis Turner, in DH.4 A7901 with 2nd Lt A. Leach as observr, claims two Albatros D.Vs and a Fokker Dr.I for victories 3, 4 and 5.

1230 German pilot Alfred Josef Lux, with Jasta 27, shoots down SE.5a C6413 for victory number 1. Capt D. M. Faure lands unharmed on his own side of the lines.

1245 German ace Otto Könnecke, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down SE.5a C5433 for victory number 15. Lt F. Beaummont is taken prisoner.

1305 German ace Wilhelm Reinhard, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down SE.5a C6351 for victory number 11. 2nd Lt B. McPherson is taken presoner.

1415 French ace Joseph de Sevin, in a SPAD, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 8. This is possibly Ltn Richard Grüter of Jasta 17, who was killed about this time.

1430 Irish RAF pilot Maurice Cooper, in Sopwith Camel B6416, shoots down a two-seat German seaplane for victory number 4.

1430 Canadian RAF pilot John Greene, in Sopwith Camel B3999, shoots down a German seaplane for victory number 4.

1430 Canadian ace George MacKay, flying Sopwith Camel N6340, shoots down a German seaplane for victory number 7.

1515 German pilot Gilbert Wagner, with Jasta 29, destroys a British ovservation balloon for victory number 4.

1625 English RAF pilot Thomas Williams, in Sopwith Camel D1817, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1640 German pilot Sgt Pfänder (no first name given), with Jasta 60, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2.

1700 German pilot Hans Joachim Wolff, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 3.

1730-1738 German ace Friedrich von Röth, flying an Albatros D.V, claims four British observation ballons in rapid succession. Victories number 7, 8, 9 and 10.

1810German ace Johannes Klein, with Jasta 15, shoots down a French SPAD VII for victory number 7. American cpl Houston Woodward is killed.

1820 German ace Hans Pippart, with Jasta 13, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 9.

Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Lt Bechon (no first name given), victory number unknown.
Andre de Cordou, victory number 3.

German Wilhelm Buchstett, with Jasta 79, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

Canadian RAF pilot Fred Everest Danbury, age 24, suffers a heart attack and dies whil test-flying Sopwith Camel B7247.

German ace Rudolf Franke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 9.

German ace Heinrich-Georg Geigle, with Jasta 16, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 B3380 for victory number 10. 2nd Lt B.L. Norton and Lt R.W. Briggs land unharmed.

German ace Walter Göttsch, with Jasta 19, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 19.

Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over a German observation balloon:
Auguste Lahoulle, victory number 3.
Xavier Jean-Marie Louis Moissinac, victory number 1.

Prussia-born German ace Karl Menckhoff, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 21.

Xavier Moissinac scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 2.

German pilot Arthur Rahn, with Jasta 19, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 5.

German pilot August Schwind, with Jasta 54, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for vicrory number 3.

German ace Wilhelm Seitz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 6.

German pilot Andreas Triebswetter, flying with Jasta 16, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 3.

[Jimbuna]

2nd April 1918

Western Front

Scarpe river British repulse attack near Fampoux and further south capture Ayette.

Local fighting between Moreuil and Lassigny.

German Spring Offensive on the Western Front slows due to rain and strengthening Allied resistance. British troops recapture Ayette between Arras and Albert.

Generally fighting has died down.

U.S. agrees to let its troops directly reinforce British and French units to help stem the German offensive.

Eastern Front

New Polish Cabinet formed by M. Steczkowski.

Siberia reported dominated by Bolsheviks, German and Austrian prisoners being armed.

Political, etc.

Canada: Prime Minister intends to enforce Military Act on Quebec rioters.

Ship Losses:

Meaford (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all hands.
Solway Queen (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) off Black Head, Wigtownshire by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven crew.

[Sailor Steve]

April 2, 1918

Air War:

0700 Australian AFC pilot Roby Lewis Manuel, flying SE.5a B184, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

0720 German pilot Johann Wieland, with Jasta 68, shoots down a French-flown Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 1.

0940 German ace Franz Piechilek, in an Albatros D.Va, claims a Bristol F.2b for victory number 6. This is actually Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 C8524. Capt F.I. Paterson is killed; Lt T.I. Findly is wounded.

1115 Two RAF Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.III:
Stearne Edwards, Canada, B7199, victory number 11.
Joseph Henry Siddall, England, serial number unknown, victory number 1.

1230 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 477/17, shoots down RE.8 A3868 for victory number 75. Lt Ernest David Jones and 2nd Lt Robert Francis Newton are both listed as Missing.
"Around 1230 I attacked, above the wood of Moreuil, an English RE at an altitude of 800 metres, diretly under the clouds. As the adversary only saw me very late, I managed to approach him to within 50 metres. From ten Metres range I shot him until he began to burn.

When the flames shot out, I was only five metres away from him. I could see how the observer and pilot were leaning ot of their plane to escape the fire. The machine did not explode in the air but gradually burnt down. It fell uncontrolled to the ground where it exploded and burnt to ashes"
-Manfred von Richthofen

1245 Five RAF Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Horace Debenham, England, C1659, victory number 5.
Donald MacLaren, Canada, B9153, victory number 14.
Roy McConnell, Canada, serial number unknown, victory number 2.
Sydney Smith, England, serial number unknown, victory number 5.
Alexander Vlasto, England, serial number unknown, victory number 3.

1315 Two Candadian RAF Camel pilots share the destruction of a German observation balloon:
Donald MacLaren, B9153, victory number 15.
John Smith, C1617, victory number 3.

1400 English RAF pilot Wilfred Barratt Green, in SE.5a B8345, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1615 English RAF pilot John Everard Gurdon and observer Athony Joseph Hill Thornton, in Bristol F.2b B1162, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 1 for both.

1645 Joh gurdon and Anthony Thornton score claim their second victory of the day, shooting down another Fokker Dr.I. Number 2 for both.

1650 German pilot Hans Joachim Wolff, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7286 for victory number 4. 2nd Lts F. Williams and R. Critchley are both killed.

1700 German ace Hans Weiss, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 14.

1730 Two Australian AFC pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Gregory Hamilton Blaxland, B571, victory number 1.
Alexander Clark, D3429, victory number 2.

1805 German pilot Paul Wenzel, with Jasta 6, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4862 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt A.R. Knowles and Lt E.A. Matthews are both killed.

1815 German pilot Johann Pütz, with Jsta 34, shoots down SE.5a B8236 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt E.V. Christie is killed.

1820 German pilot Hans Kirschtein, flying with Jasta 6, shoots down SE.5a C5388 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt K.P. Campbell lands safely on his own side of the lines.

1850 German pilot Wilhelm Schwartz, in an Albatros D.III, shoots dwon an Allied two-seater for victory number 2.

German pilot Uffz Dannemann (no first name given) shoots down an Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 1,

German pilot Uffz Georg Sandleitner (1 victory) is killed in a flying accident.

[Jimbuna]

3rd April 1918

Western Front

Local fighting in Scarpe river region and at Hebuterne.

Heavy air fighting and bombing.

One long-range gun reported blown up.

Eastern Front

Indications of coalition between local authorities and Entente to safeguard Murman railway.

German troops (30,000?) land at Hango in Finland; White Guards capture Tammefors with 1,000 prisoners.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Baluchistan: Successful progress of operations against the Marris.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Seven British submarines blown up in Baltic (between 3rd and 8th April) to save them from German hands.

Political, etc.

British Shipping output for first quarter 320,280 tons.

Austria: Count Czernin speaks on international situation and declares he has received peace offer from France (M. Clemenceau denies this).

Cape Town: General Botha appeals to "Fellow South Africans" for recruits.

Allied Blockade Committee meets.

Ship Losses:

AG-11 (Imperial Russian Navy) The AG-class submarine was scuttled in the harbor at Hanko.
AG-12 (Imperial Russian Navy) The AG-class submarine was scuttled in the harbor at Hanko.
AG-16 (Imperial Russian Navy) The AG-class submarine was scuttled in the harbor at Hanko.
HMS E1 (Royal Navy) The E-class submarine was scuttled in the Gulf of Finland off the Harmaja Lighthouse.
HMS E9 (Royal Navy) The E-class submarine was scuttled in the Gulf of Finland off the Harmaja Lighthouse.
Elsie Burdett (United Kingdom) The schooner was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary Islands, Spain (44°38′N 24°28′W) by SM U-152 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her six crew took to the lifeboat but were not rescued.
Sylvie (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 120 nautical miles (220 km) north east of Malta by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

April 3, 1918

Air War:

1005 German pilot Viktor von Rautter, flying a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 C3682 for victory number 2. Lt R.M.C. MacFarlane and 2nd Lt A.E. Lancashire are both wounded.

1139 English RAF pilot Walter Hinchliffe, in Sopwith Camel B7190, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 3.

1145 German pilot Sgt Pfänder (no first name given), with Jasta 69, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 3. Sgt Charles Debas, 69° Cié d’Aérostiers, is killed.

1218 German pilot Konrad Schwartz, with Jasta 22, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

1230 Konrad Schwartz scores his second kill of the day, shooting down another Camel.

1236 German pilot Alfred Lenz, flying with Jasta 22, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

1245 Two English RAF Camel pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Maurice Freehill, B5636, victory number 2.
Cecil Marchant, B9211, victory number 5.

1310 German ace Karl Bolle, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a DH.9 for victory number 6.

1550 English RAF ace Thomas Colvill-Jones, in Bristol F.2b B1126 with 2nd Lt J.M.J. Moore as observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 11.

1950 South African RAF pilot Hugh Saunders, in SE.5a C1794, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

German ace Walter Böning, with Jasta 76, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1797 for victory number 14. 2nd Lt R.T. Cuffie lands safely on his own side of the lines.

German pilot Theodor Cammann, flying with Jasta 74, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 3.

German ace Heinrich-Georg Geigl, with Jasta 16, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 12.

Two French SPAD XIII pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Louis Gros, victory number 2.
S/Lt Matrat, victory number unknown.

German pilot Martin Johns, with Jasta 63, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

French pilot Paul Armand Petit, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down an Albatros for victory number 1.

German ace Fritz Pütter, flying with Jasta 68, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 16. Sgt Pierre Devaulx is listed as Missing.

German pilot Karl Schattauer, with Jasta 16, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 5.

[Jimbuna]

4th April 1918

Western Front

Germans again attack in force between Somme and Avre rivers.

British pressed back near Hamel and Villers-Bretonneux, and French between Avre and Luce rivers.

North of Somme, attack near Albert is repulsed.

French counter-attack between Grivesnes and Noyon.

Germans claim 90,000 prisoners since 21 March.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Sarikamish (Transcaucasia) occupied by Turks.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Morocco: Reported German intrigues in.

Royal Navy destroyer HMS Bittern collides with a steamer in thick fog in the English Channel, causing it to sink with all hands.
https://i.imgur.com/6BuCcat.jpg

Petrograd reports sinking of three Russian warships in Finnish waters and destruction of others to avoid capture.

Political, etc.

Mr. Lloyd George returns from visit to the front.

Ship Losses:

Agatina (Italy) The barquentine was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Sicily by SM UC-25 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS Bittern (Royal Navy) The Avon-class destroyer collided with Kenilworth ( United Kingdom) in the English Channel off the Isle of Portland, Dorset and sank with the loss of all 63 crew.
HMS C26 (Royal Navy) The C-class submarine was scuttled in the Gulf of Finland off the Harmaja Lighthouse to prevent her capture by German forces.
HMS E8 (Royal Navy) The E-class submarine was scuttled in the Gulf of Finland off the Harmaja Lighthouse prevent her capture by German forces.
HMT J&A (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
Liberia (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Gulf of Genoa 62 nautical miles (115 km) south east of the Île d'Hyères (42°04′N 7°02′E) by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Sincerita (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (36°17′N 14°48′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

April 4, 1918

Air War:

0915 Austrian ace Kurt Gruber, flying Phönix D.I 228.24, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 11. Another Camel shot Gruber's plane, his wings collapsed and he also died in this fight.

1330 English RAF ace Thomas Colvill-Jones, in Bristol F.2b C4831 with 2nd Lt W. Hart as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 10.

1550 German ace Robert von Greim, with Jasta 34, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 12.

1730 Two Australian AFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Gregory Hamilton Blaxland, B571, victory number 1.
Alexander Clark, D3428, victory number 3.

1730 Two RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Conway Farrell, Canada, C1099, victory number 2.
Ronald Mark, England, B8411, victory number 12.

German ace Heinrich-Georg Geigl, flying with Jasta 16, collides with Sopwith Camel D6552. Geigle and 2nd Lt J.G. Kennedy are both killed.

German pilot Georg Kröhl, with Jasta 34, shoots down an Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt E.D. Stevens is wounded but makes it home.

Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over Albatros D.Va 7161/17. Uffz Erich Gürgenz (1 victory) is killed:
S/Lt Matrat (first name not given, victory number unknown.
Adj Gros (first name not given), victory number unknown.
(There is some confusion. The above information is from The French Air Service War Chronology. The Jasta War Chronology states that the only claim against Gürgenz was made by Adj P.A. Petit.)

German pilot Rudolf Stark, with Jasta 34, shoots down a DH.4 and an RE.8 for victories 3 and 4.

[Jimbuna]

5th April 1918

Western Front

Germans again attack from Somme to beyond Bucquoy.

British take 200 prisoners in counter-attack near Hebuterne.

French attack north of Montdidier and near Noyon.

End of Second Battle of the Somme.

Eastern Front

German landing in Finland confirmed.

Siberia: Japanese marines land at Vladivostok, followed by a British detachment.

Southern Front

60 Austrian sailors captured on land by Italians near Ancona.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Van (Armenia) retaken by the Turks.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Sir J. Van Deventer's despatch on East Africa published.

Political, etc.

51st Meeting of Irish Convention adopts draft report. Convention adjourns sine die.

German coal miner Robert Prager, living in Illinois, is lynched by an American mob due to anti-German sentiment.
https://i.imgur.com/4uiCBC3.jpg

Ship Losses:

HMS C27 (Royal Navy) The C-class submarine was scuttled in the Gulf of Finland off the Harmaja Lighthouse prevent her capture by German forces.
HMS C35 (Royal Navy) The C-class submarine was scuttled in the Gulf of Finland off the Harmaja Lighthouse prevent her capture by German forces.
Camelia (Italy) The barque was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cap Caccia (40°38′N 8°06′E) by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Cyrene (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Caernarfon Bay 15 nautical miles (28 km) north of Bardsey Island, Caernarfonshire by SM UC-31 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 24 of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

April 5, 1918

Air War:

0815 German pilot Gerhard Fieseler, flying an Albatros D.III on the Macedonian Front, shoots down Nieuport 24 4047 for victroy number 3.

German pilot Wilhelm Zorn, with Jasta 60, shoots down a Caudron R.4 for victory number 3. Zorn will score number 4 sometime between today and April 20, but the exact date is unknown.

[Jimbuna]

6th April 1918

Western Front

Severe fighting in Aveluy Wood (Albert), near Hebuterne, in Luce Valley, north and south of Montdidier, and in Oise region.

Strong German attacks near Beaumont (Meuse).

Reims heavily bombarded.

German General Ludendorff ends the first phase of the Spring Offensive due to strengthening Allied resistance. Germany captured 3,100 km2, but fail to achieve their strategic objectives.

Eastern Front

Ukraine: Ekaterinoslav (north-east of Odessa) occupied by Germans.

Siberia: Disorders in Vladivostok are confirmed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turks occupy Ardahan (Transcaucasia).

Political, etc.

The King sends greetings to U.S.A. on anniversary of entrance into the war.

President Wilson speaks at Baltimore on war aims and resolves.

Ship Losses:

Madeleine III (French Navy) The Q-ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Algeria (37°27′N 9°53′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of seventeen of her twenty crew. The survivors were taken as prisoners of war.
Madona Belle Grazie (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Ionian Sea by SM UC-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Ministre de Smet de Naeyer (Belgium) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 45 nautical miles (83 km) north of the Dogger Bank Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of twelve of her 29 crew.
HMML 421 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was lost on this date.
Sterne (Netherlands) The sailing vessel was stopped in the North Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) off Jæren, Rogaland, Norway by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). U-19 intended to sink her but lost sight of her. Sterne came ashore at Utsire, Rogaland and was a total loss.

[Sailor Steve]

April 6, 1918

Air War:

1000 German ace Hans Böhning, flying a Pfalz D.III, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 9.

1110 South African RAF ace, in Sopwith Camel D3335, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 19.

1120 Four RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Jens Larson, United States, C1077, victory number 9.
Hector Omdurman MacDonald, South Africa, C6465, victory number 1.
Hugh Saunders, South Africa, C1794, victory number 4.
Charles Stubbs, C9519, victory number 4. Stubbs' listing is for April 12, but all listings show the same shared kill.

1130 Three RAF Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a Fokker Dr.I:
Gerald Cooper, England, B7189, victory number 2.
Thomas Gerard, Malaysia, B7196, victory number 10.
Wilfred Sneath, England, B7187, victory number 6.

1200 English RAF Pilot Geoffrey Pidcock, in Sopwith Camel D1812, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1415 German ace Ernst Udet, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel C8247 for victory number 23. Lt H.S. Lewis is killed.

1420 German pilot Ltn Stickforth (no first name given), with Jasta 24, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

1500 Four Australian AFC SE.5a pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Gregory Blaxland, s/n unknown, victory number 2.
Alexander Clark, D3429, victory number 4.
2nd Lt A.L. Paxton, s/n and victory number unknown.
Lt L.J. Primrose, s/n and victory number unknown.

1500 German pilot Hasn Joachim Wolff, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4864 for victory number 5. 2nd Lts B.G.A. Bell and G.G. Bartlett are both killed.

1525 German pilot Hans Kirschtein, with Jasta 6, shoots down Sopwith Camel C1577 for victory number 5. 2nd Lt D.G. Gold is taken prisoner.

1540 Canadian RAF pilot John Drummond, flying Bristol F.2b B1299 with 2nd Lt H.F. Lamb as observer, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1545 English RAF pilot Sydney Tyndall Liversedge, in Sopwith Camel C8220, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 1.

1545 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 127/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6491 for victory number 76. Capt Sydney Philip Smith is listed as Missing.

1555 Hans Joachim Wolff scores his second kill of the day, shooting down Sopwith Camel C8252 for number 6. 2nd Lt D.V. Gillespie is killed.

1600 German ace Hans Weiss, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2431 for victory number 13. 2nd Lt F.D. Hudson is wounded and taken prisoner, later dying from his wounds.

1605 German ace Edgar Scholz, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel C8281 for victory number 6. 2nd Lt E. Mather is listed as Missing.

1610 German pilot Erich Just, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6452 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt M.F. Peiler is taken prisoner.

1715 German ace Franz Hemer, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Dolphin C3939 for victory number 7. American RAF pilot 2nd Lt H.G. Dugan is taken prisoner.

1750 Hans Weiss scores his second kill of the day, shooting down Sopwith Camel C8248 for victory number 14.2nd Lt T.R.V. Hill is wounded and taken prisoner.

1800 Bavarian-born German pilot August Delling, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5319 for victory number 1. Sub-Lt M.H. Findlay lands safely.

1855 American pilot Paul Baer, flying a SPAD, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 3. This is possible Uffz Georg Erdmann, who is killed at about this time.

German pilot Karl Hertz, with Jasta 59, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

German ace Karl Menckhoff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Letord L.2 for victory number 22. Lt Louis Goux lands on his own side of the lines. Lt de la Croix de Laval is wounded. Sgt Léon Schmidt is killed.

German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 68, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 17. Adj P.A. Petit lands safely on his own side of the lines.

German pilot Otto Sporbert, with Jasta 62, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 1. American cpl Herman Whitmore is taken prisoner.

[Jimbuna]

7th April 1918

Western Front

Heavy artillery work on the Oise and between the Somme and Armentieres; two attacks on Bucquoy repulsed.

Eastern Front

Russian protests to Germany about landing in Finland and to foreign Consuls in Moscow about Vladivostok.

Bolsheviks evacuating Helsingfors.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Kerak (south of Dead Sea) occupied by Hejaz troops.

Transcaucasia; Turkish troops reported to be marching on Batum.

Political, etc.

Paris: M. Clemenceau receives Mr. Baker, U.S. Secretary of War.

U.S. announces it has shipped 1.1 million tons of food to the Allied countries in March. Shipments include 200 million pounds of pork, 80 million pounds of beef, and 15.5 million bushels of wheat.

Ship Losses:

Boscastle (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) north north west of Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire by SM U-111 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eighteen crew.
Catriena (Netherlands) The sailing vessel was sunk in the North Sea 58 nautical miles (107 km) south west of Egersund, Rogaland, Norway (58°04′N 4°14′E) by SM UB-73 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Highland Brigade (United Kingdom) The cargo liner was sunk in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) south by east of St. Catherine's Point (50°35′N 1°14′W) by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Port Campbell (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 115 nautical miles (213 km) west south west of the Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Rye (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 19 nautical miles (35 km) north west by west of Cap d'Antifer, Seine-Maritime, France (49°57′N 0°07′W) by SM UB-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Sterope (Regia Marina) The tanker was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the Azores, Portugal (38°44′N 18°09′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Vera Cruz (United States) The sailing ship was wrecked at Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

[Sailor Steve]

April 7, 1918

Air War:

1110 German ace Paul Billik, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6417 for victory number 13. Sub-Lt D.C. Hopewell is taken prisoner.

1115 Irish RAF ace Walter Tyrrell, in SE.5a B8374, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 6.

1120 Walter Tyrell scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1130 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, in Fokker Dr.I 477/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6550 for victory number 77. 2nd Lt Albert Vernon Gallie lands on his own side of the lines. In an apparent case of misrecognition von Richthofen claims this as an SE.5a.
"With four machines of Jasta 11, I attacked several SE5s near Hangard. I shot at an enemy plane some 200 metres away. After I had fired 100 shots, the enemy plane brokke apart. The remnants came down near Hangard."
-Manfred von Richthofen1130 Walter Tyrell scores his third victory of the day, another Albatros D.V, for number 8.

1145 German ace Hans Kirschstein, flying with Jasta 6, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6554 for victory number 6. Lt R.G.H. Adams is taken prisoner.

1200 English RAF pilot Owen Morgan Baldwin, in Sopwith Camel D1932, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1205 English RAF pilot Hugh Allport Hay, in Bristol F.2b C4861 with Sgt P.A. Sherlock as observer, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 1.

1205 Manfred von Richthofen scores his second kill of the day, a Sopwith Camel, for victory number 78, It is unclear which Camel this is, and it seems probably that this was the same aircraft claimed by Kirschstein. Von Richthofen claims it as a SPAD.
"I was observing, and noted that a Kette of German planes pursuing an English plane was being attacked from the rear. I dashed to their aid and attacked an English plane. After putting myself behind him several times, the adversary fell. The plane crashed into the ground and I saw that it smashed to pieces. Thes happened 500 metres east of Hill 504."
-Manfred von Richthofen1250 German pilot Franz Brandt, with Jasta 27, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 4.

1250 German ace Hermann Göring, flying Fokker Dr.I 206/17, shoots down RE.8 B876 for victory number 18. 2nd Lt Harry Waldo Collier and Lt Eric Campbell Musson return home safely.

1500 American RAF pilot William Carpenter Lambert, in SE.5a B79, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1540 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 68, shoots down a Caudron G.6 for victory number 18. S/Lt Louis Mouy and S/Lt Laroche are listed as Missing.

1545 Fritz Pütter scores his second kill of the day, shooting down SE.5a B63 for victory number 19. 2nd Lt P.J. Nolan is killed.

German ace Karl Menckhoff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 23.

German pilot Wilhelm Müller, with Jasta 60, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

8th April 1918

Western Front

Oise river French are forced back in Forest of Coucy, and Coucy le Chateau and Landricourt are lost.

German attempts in districts of Reims, Verdun and Vosges.

Heavy German bombardment on whole British front, up to Armentieres.

Eastern Front

Germany answering Russian protests demands disarmament of Russian Fleet.

Bessarabian Council of Land vote for autonomous union with Romania.

Aviation

German zeppelin L 59, while on a bombing mission against Malta, catches fire by accident and is destroyed, killing all 21 crew.
https://i.imgur.com/Ylu8fp1.jpg

Political, etc.

Rome: Conference of Nationalities oppressed by Austria opens.

Paris: M. Clemenceau discloses contents of Emperor of Austria's letter.

Canada: Sir Sam Hughes speaks on conditions in Quebec.

Ship Losses:

Bengali (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) off Alexandria, Egypt (31°21′N 29°47′E) by SM UC-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS E19 (Royal Navy) The E-class submarine was scuttled in the Gulf of Finland off the Harmaja Lighthouse.
Flanders (Belgium) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands. Her crew were rescued.
Nyassaland (Norway) The coaster was sunk in the English Channel 18 nautical miles (33 km) east of Start Point, Devon, United Kingdom by SM UB-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Superb (Norway) The sailing vessel was sunk in the North Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) south of Lindesnes, Vest-Agder by SM U-90 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Tainui (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles (110 km) south west of the Isles of Scilly by SM U-82 ( Kaiserliche Marine) and was abandoned by her crew. She was beached at Falmouth, Cornwall but was later salvaged, repaired and returned to service.

https://i.imgur.com/3G3zeEI.jpg
[April 7th, 1918] "Hurrying Over" (News Of The World cartoon)

[Sailor Steve]

April 8, 1918

Air War:

0645 English RAF ace Cyril Ridley, flying Sopwith Caml B7248, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 7.

1550 English RAF ace Ian McDonald, in SE.5a C9613, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

[Rhodes]

9th of April, 1918
Western Front

Battle of La Lys - The Sixth German Army attacked with eight divisions. The German assault struck the Portuguese second division of our CEP (Portuguese Expansionary Corp) which was completely overrun, withdrew towards Estaires after hours of heavy fighting; 7000 casualties and 6.600 prisoners.
And on this battle, the Portuguese soldier Aníbal Milhais ("Aníbal Thousands") earn the nicknamed "Soldier Millions" after repulsing two German assaults single-handedly with a Lewis gun, while covering the retreat of Portuguese and Scottish troops.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An%C3%ADbal_Milhais

[Catfish]

[...]

Aviation
German zeppelin L 59, while on a bombing mission against Malta, catches fire by accident and is destroyed, killing all 21 crew.
https://i.imgur.com/Ylu8fp1.jpg


It is not quite clear what happened, but a technical failure seems to have led to the explosion. L59 was the special ship that made it to Karthoum and back, a member of my wife's family was aboard that trip with the rank of an 'Obermaschinenmaat', and died in the aforementioned accident, over the gulf of Taranto.

This ship was longer than the later »Hindenburg«, and especially constructed to fly to Mahenge plateau in German-East Africa to help Lettow-Vorbeck's defense. The outer Hull was made of partially undoped tent fabric, gangways made of leather for later use as shoe soles, the aluminium was to be used for barracks and tents, there was a lot of medical stuff, blankets, and certainly weapons and ammunition.
At its first trip it was shot at by turkish allies, who thought it to be of allied origin. It returned to base in Bulgaria, was repaired, and tried again later.

On its way to the german colony it turned around at the altitude of Khartoum, the reason is not quite clear. Allies said they spread the (wrong) message that Lettow-Vorbeck had been defeated already, however the german opinion is that the meeting point at Mahenge had been compromised. So the airship, having no means of active communications due to a demolished gearbox of the front main engine and a failing generator, could only receive messages and followed orders to turn around (not after some heated discussion aboard). The distance covered would have well brought her across the Atlantic, and probably back.
England later built a copy of another Zeppelin that had crashed at Maubeuge, and indeed crossed the Atlantic with "R(igid) 34" after the war.

After the trip to Africa the L 59 was rebuilt as a bomber, with bombing flaps, bracing fitted to carry bombs etc., the hull doped, its underside painted black. The upper side was painted in a yellowish colour, to reflect sunlight and reduce expansion of the gas cells. No silvery dope at that time.
It made several bombing raids, some to Italy, one to the harbour of Alexandria bombing the english fleet.

sry always get carried away when it comes to L59 :03:



https://i.imgur.com/3G3zeEI.jpg
[April 7th, 1918] "Hurrying Over" (News Of The World cartoon)This cartoon says it all lol, the waving US politician who declared war in the background and staying behind, and the young man being sent "over there". Propaganda fail :03:

[Jimbuna]

9th April 1918

Western Front

Battle of the Lys begins.

Heavy bombardment from La Bassee Canal to Armentieres, followed by strong attacks, force British and Portuguese back to Lys river at Estaires.

Neuve Chapelle lost.

Fine stand by Guards Division.

Hangard lost and retaken by French; between it and Noyon all enemy attempts repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Transcaucasia: Turks reported before Batum and marching on Kars.

Palestine: British advance 1.5 miles on 5-mile front east of Tul-Keram-Ramleh railway.

Arabs claim 800 miles of Red Sea coast, and to have put 40,000 Turks out of action since declaration of independence.

Naval and Overseas Operations

German torpedo-boats bombard Belgian coast.

Political, etc.

Mr. Lloyd George introduces Man-Power Bill, demands conscription be extended to Ireland in return for Home Rule in order to cover manpower shortages.

Moldavian Democratic Republic votes to unify with the Kingdom of Romania.

Ship Losses:

HMT Annie Smith (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
Aveiro (Portugal) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (36°24′N 18°06′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Lord Hardinge (Royal Navy) The naval trawler collided with another vessel and sank in the Irish Sea off the Daunt Lightship ( United Kingdom).
President Leroy-Iallier (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) north west of Ouessant, Finistère (48°50′N 5°13′W) by SM UB-109 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 26 of her crew.
President Howard (Liberia) The auxiliary sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Monrovia by SM U-154 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Vasconia (Norway) The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea north of Alexandria, Egypt with the loss of seven of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

April 9, 1918

Air War:

No aerial combat this day.

[Jimbuna]

10th April 1918

Western Front

Battle extends northwards.

Germans reach left bank of Lys river.

From Estaires south to Givenchy position is maintained.

North of Armentieres, line forced back to Wytschaete, Messines Ridge and Ploegsteert; Armentieres evacuated with practically no loss.

Eastern Front

Siberia: Bolsheviks at Vladivostok reported to have fired on Japanese troops.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Palestine: Turco-German troops attack British position in coastal sector and after preliminary success are driven back, and British line is slightly advanced.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Monrovia (Liberia) bombarded by German submarine and wireless destroyed.

Ship Losses:

Asia (United Kingdom) The coaster foundered. Her crew were rescued by a Norwegian merchant vessel.
Benedetto Cairoli (Regia Marina) The La Masa-class destroyer collided with Giacinto Carini and sank in the Ionian Sea.
Henley (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 25 nautical miles (46 km) south west of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°35′N 5°31′W) by SM UB-109 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.
Westfield (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 45 nautical miles (83 km) south west by south of the Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly (49°10′N 6°46′W) by SM U-82 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

April 10, 1918

Air War:

0800 German pilot Siegfried Büttner, flying an Albatros D.III, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 4.

0930 Scottish RAF ace John Gilmour, in sopwith Camel C8278, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 13.

0930 German ace Josef Veltjens, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 C8528 for victory number 11. 2nd Lts J.E. Phillips and H.W. White land safely on their own side of the lines.

German ace Walter Göttsch, in Fokker Dr.I 419/17, shoots down RE.8 B6441 for victory number 20. 2nd Lts H.L. Taylor and W.I.E. Lane are both wounded but manage to crash on their own side of the lines. Göttsch is killed by return fire from Lane.

[Mr Quatro]

I can't wait for November 11th this year ...


World War I
Start date: Jul 28, 1914
End date: Nov 11, 1918

is that where armistice day came from?

[Sailor Steve]

Yes, it is.

[Jimbuna]

11th April 1918

Western Front

Fighting in general on whole battle-front.

British forced back beyond Ploegsteert and Steenwercke to south of Neuve Eglise and Bailleul.

At Hollebeke and Messines attacks repulsed.

Enemy captures Merville.

Strong local attacks repulsed south of Arras.

Germans claim 20,000 prisoners in Northern fighting.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Palestine: Turks attack near El Ghoraniya (East Jordan): defeated and pursued by cavalry six miles towards Es Salt. Further attack astride Jericho-Shechem road repulsed.

Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: British columns from coast and Lake Nyassa in touch with enemy forces at Medu and Msalu river.

British naval forces bombard Ostend and aircraft bomb Zeebrugge.

American S.S. "Lakemoor" sunk by submarine SM UB-64.

Political, etc.

Major-General Hon. C. Sackville-West succeeds Sir Henry Rawlinson (to the front) at Versailles.

Report issued of Government Committee on treatment of prisoners of war behind lines.

Food riots in Holland.

Ship Losses:

Carmela G (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Sicily by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Highland Prince (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 36 nautical miles (67 km) north east of Cape Bon, Algeria (37°27′N 11°32′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
HMS King Alfred (Royal Navy) The Drake-class cruiser was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) north of Malin Head, County Donegal by SM UB-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Kingstonian (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off San Pietro Island, Italy (39°20′N 7°10′E) by SM UB-68 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member. She was beached in Carloforte Bay but was again torpedoed and damaged on 29 April by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) and was a total loss.
USS Lakemoor (United States Navy) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) off the Corsewall Lighthouse, Wigtownshire, United Kingdom by SM UB-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 46 of her crew.
USS Mary B. Garner (United States Navy) The patrol vessel ran aground at Prime Hook, Delaware and was wrecked. She was later salvaged, repaired and returned to service.
Myrtle Branch (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 9 nautical miles (17 km) north east by north of Inishtrahull Island, County Donegal by SM UB-73 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fifteen of her crew.
SMS Rheinland (Kaiserliche Marine) The Nassau-class battleship ran aground on Laagskar Island, Åland Islands, Sweden with the loss of two of her crew. She was refloated on 20 April and subsequently served as a barracks ship.
SM UB-33 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB II submarine struck a mine and sank in the Strait of Dover (50°55′N 1°17′E) with the loss of all 28 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

April 11, 1918

Air War:

1100 French pilot Jean Dubois de Gennes, flying a SPAD, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

1330 American pilot Frank Baylies, in a SPAD with the French Air Service, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4. This is possibly Flg Gottfried Aberle and Ltn Wilhelm Schulen of FlAbt 271, both killed about this time.

1145 German pilot Fritz Höhn, with Jasta 21, destroys a British balloon for victory number 2.

1450 German pilot Lt Spill (mp first name given), with Jasta 58, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1455 German ace Albert Dietlen, with Jasta 58, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5750 for victory number 8. Sub-Lt M.T. McKelvey is wounded and taken prisoner.

1515 Englsish pilot Leslie Capel and observer Ernest Arthur Deighton, flying Bristol F.2b C4616, shoot down a German two-seater. Victory number 3 for Capel and number 1 for Deighton.

1535 German ace Karl menckhoff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 24.

1600 Four RAF Camel pilot share a victory over an Albatros two-seater:
Douglas Bell, South Africa C6730, victory number 16.
Adrian Franklyn, england D6431, victory number 2.
Lloyd Andrews Hamilton, United States, s/n unknown, victory number 1.
Lt L.C. Mayer, nation, s/n and victory number unknown.

1700 Two RAF Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Roy Brown, Canada, B7270, victory number 8.
Cedrick George Edwards, England D3331, victory number 1.

1700 English RAF pilot Joseph Siddall, in Sopwith Camel D3327, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1715 German ace Otto Könnecke, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down SE.5a C5445 for victory number 17. Capt K. Crawford is killed.

1750 German pilot Fritz Beckhardt, with Jasta 26, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1.

1805 Berman ace Josef Jacobs, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down RE.8 B6522 for victory number 13. Capt T.B. Jones and Lt V. King are both killed.

1825 German ace Walter Böning, with Jasta 76, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 15.

1835 German ace Rudolf Francke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a French SPAD VII from Spa 80 for victory number 10. Lt J. Milliat is taken prisoner.

1900 German pilot Hans Viebig, flying with Jasta 57, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 3.

1910 Canadian RAF pilot William Hubbard, in Sopwith Camel C8269, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1925 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 68, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1827 for victory number 20. 2nd Lt R.G. Lawson is taken prisoner.

French pilot Bernard Artigau, in a Nieuport, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 5.

German pilot Ernst Bielefeld, with Jasta 60, shoots down a "Sopwith" for victory number 1.

German pilot Gustav Dörr, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

French pilot Jean Dubois de Gennes, in a SPAD, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 3.

French ace William Hérisson, in a SPAD, shoots down Pfalz D.III for victory number 8. Ltn Wilhelm Buchstett is taken prisoner.

Ltn Henneberg (no first name given, with Jasta 59, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1.

French ace Marcel Hugues, in a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 11.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, flying with Jasta 66, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 15.

[Jimbuna]

12th April 1918

Western Front

Strong enemy pressure, especially at Bailleul and Wulverghem; Neuve Eglise and Messines penetrated.

In Apremont Forest Franco-Americans repulse continued attacks.

110 German Divisions engaged till now.

Aviation

Captain H. W. Woollett of the Royal Air Force's No. 43 Squadron scores six victories in two sorties, including five Albatros D.Vs.

Zeppelins raid Eastern and Midland Counties (seven killed, 20 injured).

Air raid on Paris, one raider shot down at Compiegne.

Southern Front

Sir H. Plumer's despatch from Italy published.

Political, etc.

Manpower Bill: Military service for Ireland agreed to by majority of 165.

Holland: Food riots quelled by troops.

Germany: Food Dictator says that no satisfactory solution of economic situation can be expected.

Ship Losses:

Autolycus (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 38 nautical miles (70 km) off Cape Palos, Spain (38°01′N 0°23′E) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HM CMB-18A (Royal Navy) The Coastal Motor Boat was lost on this date.
HM CMB-33A (Royal Navy) The Coastal Motor Boat was lost on this date.
Lonhelen (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by
UC 4 (Ernst Berlin) and sank in the North Sea south west of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom). Her crew survived.
Luis (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) south south east of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Luisa (Spain) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 6 nautical miles (11 km) west by south of the Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°07′N 5°49′W) by SM UB-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Moyune (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean sea off Cape Palos (37°26′N 0°06′E) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Njaal (Russia) The barque was sunk in the North Sea off Flekkefjord by SM U-104 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

April 12, 1918

Air War:

0650 American pilot Frank Baylies, flying for the French Air Service, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 5.

0650 Two RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Ivan Frank Hind, South Africa B675, victory number 1.
Ian Napier, Scotland, B157, victory number 5.

0650 Ian Napier scores his second kill of the day, shooting down another Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

0825 Enlgish RAF pilot Henry Eric Dolan, in SE.5a B173, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

0830 Two RAF Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Roy Brown, Canada, B7270, victory number 9.
Francis Mellersh, England, D3326, victory number 3.

0830 Polish-born German pilot Hans-Gerog von der Marwitz, flying a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5424 for victory number 5. American pilot 1st Lt J.R. Sanford, on load to the RAF, is killoed.

0900 English RAF ace Mick Mannock, in SE.5a D278, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 17.

0915 German Fritz Höhn, with Jasta 21, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 3. Lt Jean Herbert and S/Lt Eugène Reb, 23° Cie d’Aérostiers, both parachute safely.

1025 Four DH.4 crews account for two Pfalz D.IIIs:
A7998: Alfred Atkey, Canada, victories 7 and 8; Sgt H. Hammond, nationality and victory numbers unknown.
s/n unknown: Herbert Ruska Gould, England, victories number 2 and 3; Capt M.S.E. Archibald, victoyr numbers unknown.
s/n unknown: Lt F.J. Morgan, nationality and victory numbers unknown; Sgt M.B. Kilroy, nationality unknown, victories 4 and 5.
s/n unknown: Albert Waller, Ireland, victories 4 and 5; 2nd Lt J. Waugh, nationality and victory numberes unknown.

1030 German pilot Friedrich Ehmann, with Jasta 47, shoots down Sopwith Camel C1559 for victory number 4. Lt I McNair is killed.

1030 German pilot Ltn Havernik (first name unknown), flying with Jasta 47, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1035 German ace Albert Dietlen, with Jasta 58, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 9. Dietlen is also killed, believed to have collided with his victime.

1040 English RAF pilot Frank Ransley and observer Clive William Davies, in Bristol F.2b C4886, shoot down a Pfalz D.III. Victory number 3 for Ransley; number 1 for Davies.

1100 Canadian RAF pilot George Buckhanan Foster, in SE.5a C1081, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1125 Hans-Georg von der Marwitz scores his second kill of the day, shooting down Sopwith Camel D1850 for a total of 6. 2nd Lt M.F. Korslund is killed.

1130 American pilot Charles Biddle, flying a SPAD VII, shoots down a Halberstadt CL.II for victory number 2. This is probably Uffz Helmut Suhrmann and Ltn Theodor Krubeck of SlAbt, who are both killed.

1200 American RAF pilot Lloyd Hamilton, in Sopwith Camel D6519, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1217 American pilot Paul Baer, in a SPAD VII, shoots down an Albatros fighter for victory number 4.

1225 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 16.

1330 German ace Wilhelm Reinhard, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a French SPAD VII for victory number 12. American Cpl Schuyler Lee, on loan from the USAS, is listed as Missing.

1400 German pilot Fedor Hübner, flying with Jasta 4, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 1. MdL Georges Paumier of Spa 155 is listed as Missing.

1400 German pilot Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rauter, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 3. Brig Joubert (first name unknown) is listed as Missing.

1420 English RAF pilot Charles Henry Arnison and Welsh observer Samuel Parry, in Bristol F.2b C4859, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for Arnison; number 4 for Parry.

1420 Australian RAF ace pilot Geoffrey Hughes and English ace observer Hugh Claye, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 7 for both.

1420 English RAF pilot Doughlas Savage and Canadian observer Louis Thompson, in Bristol F.2b B1234, shoot down a Pfalz D.III. Victory number 2 for both.

1425 Canadian RAF pilot Lynn Campbell and English observer William Hodgkinson, flying Bristol F.2b B1339, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for both.

1440 Five English RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Harris George Clements, s/n unknown, victory number 1.
Henry Eric Dolan, B173, victory number 1.
Percy Frank Charles How, s/n unknown, victory number 1.
Mick Mannock, D278, victory number 18.
Benamin Roxburgh-Smith, s/n unknown, victory number 1.

1500 Australian RAF ace pilot Geoffrey Hughes and English ace observer Hugh Claye, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down an LVG two-seater. Victory number 8 for both.

1515 English pilot Douglas Savage and Canadian observer Louis Thompson, in Bristol F.2b B1234, shoot down an Albatros D.V Victory number 3 for both.

1525 German ace Johannes Klein, with Jasta 15, shoots down a two-seat SPAD XI for victory number 6.

1530 German ace Ulrich Neckel, flying with Jasta 12, shoots down SPAD VII 3191 for victory number 9. MdL Roger Busch of Sp 94 is listed as Missing.

German pilot Otto Creutzmann, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1257 for victory number 2. Lt A.L. Pemberton and Cpl F. Archer are taken prisoner.

1700 German pilot Paul Lotz, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 4. Capt A.M. MacLean and 2nd Lt F.B. Wright are both killed.

1715 Canadian RAF ace Stearne Edwards, in Sopwith Camel B7199, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 12.

1810 German ace Fritz Pütter, with Jasta 68, shoots down SE.5a C1094 for victory number 21. Lt C.M. McCann is taken prisoner.

1815 French ace René Fonck, flying a SPAD XIII, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 34.

1815 German pilot Wilhelm Stör, with Jasta 68, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

1815 German pilot Fritz Höhn, with Jasta 21, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 4.

1840 René Fonck scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a German two-seater for victory number 35.

1845 German pilot Rudolf Hepp, with Jasta 24, shoots down a French 1½ Strutter for his only victory. Hepp will survive the war, but further details of his life are unknown.

1850 German ace Otto Könnecke, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 18.

1900 South African RAF ace Douglas Bell, in Sopwith Camel C6730, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 17.

1900 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a Sopwith Dolphin for victory number 14.

1915 Douglas Bell scores his second kill of the day, shooting down another Albatros D.V for victory number 18.

1915 Englaish RAF pilot Adrian Franklyn, in Sopwith Camel D6431, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1930 German ace Walter Kypke, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 7.

French ace Bernard Artigau, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 6.

German ace Hermann Becker, with Jasta 12, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 9.

German pilot Arno Benzler, with Jasta 45, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 4. Adj Renard, 45 Cie de l’Aérostièrs, parachutes safely.

French pilot Armond Berthelot, in a SPAD, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 2.

Two French SPAD pilots from Spa 57 share a victory over a German two-seater:
Jean Chaput, victory number 15.
Jean Dubois de Gennes, victory number 4.

Two French SPAD pilots from Spa 84 share a victory over a French two-seater:
Omer Demeuldre, victory number 12.
Koenig de Vaubicourt, victory number 2.

French pilot Jean Fraissinet, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down an Aviatik two-seater for victory number 2.

Three French SPAD pilots from Spa 97 share in the destruction of a German observation balloon:
Cpl Cheyne (no first name given), victory number 1.
Julien Guertiau, victory number 5.
Georges Legagneux, victory number 1.

Three French SPAD pilots from Spa 57 share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Marius Hasdenteufel, victory number 3.
Charles Nuville, victory number 3.
MdL Roquefeuil (no first name given), victory number 1.

Two French SPAD pilots from Spa 88 share a victory over a German two-seater:
MdL Quintard (no first name given), victory number unknown.
Gabriel Joseph Thomas, victory number 1.

German pilot Vfw Stein, with Jasta 45, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 1. Mdl Reynard, 45 Cie de l’AéroStièrs, parachutes safely.

[Jimbuna]

13th April 1918

Western Front

British re-occupy Neuve Eglise and repel further attack.

Continuous fighting round Wulverghem, Bailleul and Meteren, and at Festubert.

Lys river front remains firm.

Sir Douglas Haig issues special Order of the Day.

Meuse river, Americans north-west of Toul are twice attacked.

Long-range gun shells Paris by night.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turks occupy Batum.

Sir A. A. Barrett's Gazette on Mahsud operations of 1917 published.

Transcaucasian Council break off peace negotiations with Turks.

Aviation

Zeppelin Works near Friedrichshafen burnt out.

German bombers raid Paris, causing around 100 casualties.

Last German Zeppelin raid against England takes place, involving 4 airships, and kills 7 in the Eastern and Midland Counties.

Political, etc.

South Africa: Mr. Hertzog's seditious speech, demanding separation.

National Assembly of Yugo-Slavs, Croats and Slovenes at Agram take oath of solidarity.

Ship Losses:

Harewood (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 380 nautical miles (700 km) west by south of Lisbon, Portugal by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Provence (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off the Cape Palamos Lighthouse, Spain (41°43′N 3°09′E) by SM UB-68 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached but was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.
Ruth (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the North Sea by a Kaiserliche Marine submarine.
Wilson (United Kingdom) The schooner was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) north west of the Smalls Lighthouse by SM UB-109 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

April 13, 1918

Air War:

0730 Two Canadian RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.III over the Macedonian Front:
Gerald Bell, B692, victory number 4.
Charles Duncan Bremner Green, B30, victory number 1.

0730 English RAF ace Gerald Gibs, in SE.5a B694 over the Macedonian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 7.

[Jimbuna]

14th April 1918

Western Front

Neuve Eglise taken by Germans.

Seven attacks in Merville sector repulsed.

Near Bailleul, British line penetrated, but position restored.

East of Robecq, British take prisoners and machine guns.

General Foch appointed Commander-in-Chief of Allied Armies in France.

Aviation

American forces conduct their first dogfight over the Western Front, with (future ace) Douglas Campbell and Alan Winslow shooting down 2 German planes.

Political, etc.

U.S. removes the statue of Frederick the Great, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm, from the front of the Army War College in D.C. after two bombing attempts were made by angry Americans.

M. Clemenceau issues statement that France does not recognise present Russian Government nor its acts.

Major-General Sykes appointed Chief of Air Staff.

https://i.imgur.com/2YjONaG.jpg

Ship Losses:

Admiral Codrington (United Kingdom) and Southgare ( Sweden): The two cargo ships collided in the North Sea off the coast of the East Riding of Yorkshire. Southgare sank about 6 nautical miles (11 km) off Crab Rocks, Bempton Cliffs, with the loss of 11 men; 10 were rescued. The newly built Admiral Codrington sank just south of Flamborough Head.
Chelford (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea north west of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire (52°48′N 5°04′W) by SM UB-73 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Maroc (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off the Longships Lighthouse, Cornwall, United Kingdom by SM UB-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Marstonmoor (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 55 nautical miles (102 km) north north east of Cape Wrath, Sutherland (59°34′N 4°45′W) by SM U-107 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SS Santa Isabel (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) off the Cape Verde Islands, Portugal by SM U-153 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.

[Sailor Steve]

April 14, 1918

Air War:

American pilots Alan Francis Winslow and Douglas Campbell of the 94th Aero Squadron are scrambeled to a report of two German fighters in their area. They take off and almost immediately encounter the two enemy planes.

0851 Alan Winslow shoots down an Albatros D.V for the first victory by the United States Signal Corps, Aviaton Section, as it was then known. Uffz Heinrich Simon is taken prisoner.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/Simons%20Plane%20Winslow_zpshx8x7cz2.jpg (http://s14.photobucket.com/user/SailorSteve/media/Simons%20Plane%20Winslow_zpshx8x7cz2.jpg.html)
Simon's Albatros

0852 Douglas Campbell shoots down the other plane, an Albatros D.V. It crashes in flames and the pilot, Vfw Anton Wroniecki, is badly burned. Early reports said that Wroniecki was killed in the fight, but it seems this was a cover story to hide the fact that the Polish pilot wished to defect to the United States.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/Wronieckis%20Plane_zpsnraeyimf.jpg (http://s14.photobucket.com/user/SailorSteve/media/Wronieckis%20Plane_zpsnraeyimf.jpg.html)
Wroniecki's Pfalz


Bosnia-Herzegovina-born Austro-Hungarian pilot Friedrich Navratil, flying Oeffag Albatros D.III 153.157, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

Western Front

Fighting continues on Bailleul-Wulverghem line, and Germans capture both places.

Very violent artillery action in Luce Valley (Somme).

Eastern Front

Finland: Germans report occupation of Helsingfors.

Southern Front

Macedonia: Greek troops cross Struma river and occupy villages in Seres district.

British troops take two villages south-west of Demirhissar.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British Naval forces sink ten German armed trawlers in Kattegat.

Political, etc.

British government reports 1.413 million women have replaced jobs formerly held by men in industrial, professional and civil service positions.

Austria: Count Czernin's resignation announced.

Ship Losses:

Ailsa Craig (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) west by north of Portland Bill, Dorset (50°30′N 2°48′W) by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Pomeranian (United Kingdom) The ship was sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) off Portland Bill by SM UC-77 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 55 lives.
Rostov (Imperial Russian Navy) The transport ship was sunk in the Black Sea south of Sevastopol (44°34′N 34°20′E) by SM UC-23 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

https://i.imgur.com/qprEX5r.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

April 15, 1918

Air War:

1150 Australian AFC pilot George Clifton Peters and observer James Hamilton Traill, flying Bristol F.2b C4623 over the Palestinian Front, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for both.

[Jimbuna]

16th April 1918

Western Front

Heavy attacks develop at Wytschaete and south-west of Vieux Berquin.

Wytschaete and Metern lost and retaken.

Attacks near Bailleul repulsed.

German progress on Lys river forces British withdrawal from Passchendaele.

Sir Douglas Haig issues special despatch "The 55th Division at Givenchy".

Heavy fighting in Boyelles district, south of Arras.

Eastern Front

Ukraine: Renewed fighting between Soviet troops and those of General Kornilov.

Ukraine Government protests against union of Bessarabia and Romania.

Political, etc.

France calls on its class of 1919 (men 19 years old) to report for military training.

Military Service Bill passes House of Commons; majority 198.

U.S.A.: Mr. Schwab appointed Director-General of U.S. Shipbuilding.

Hungary: Dr. Wekerle (Premier) resigns.

Dutch Government decides to send convoy to East Indies.

Ship Losses:

Florence H. (United States) The cargo ship suffered an onboard explosion and sank at a French port with the loss of 41 of her 75 crew.
H5 (Italian Royal Navy) The H-class submarine was sunk in error in the southern Adriatic Sea by a torpedo fired by the submarine HMS H1 ( Royal Navy).
Hungerford (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) south south east of the Owers Lightship (50°33′N 0°35′W) by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight of her crew.
Ladoga (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) south east of the South Arklow Lightship ( United Kingdom) (52°33′N 5°35′W) by SM UB-73 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 29 of her crew.
Lake Michigan (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 93 nautical miles (172 km) north by west of Eagle Island, County Mayo (55°30′N 11°52′W) by SM U-100 ( Kaiserliche Marine with the loss of a crew member.
Lodaner (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea south east of the South Arklow Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-73 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all 32 crew.
Nirpura (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 110 nautical miles (200 km) west north west of Cabo da Roca, Portugal (38°57′N 11°55′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Romania (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Cape Linguetta, Albania (40°24′N 19°14′E) by SM UC-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Select (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
SMS Streiter (Austro-Hungarian Navy) The Huszar-class destroyer collided with Petka ( Austria-Hungary) and sank in the Adriatic Sea off Lovran (45°00′N 14°15′E). She was escorting a convoy at the time.
Widwud (Russia) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Ireland by SM U-104 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

April 16, 1918

Air War:

1635 German ace Julius Buckler, flying an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a Salmson 2A2 for victory number 31. Cpl André Ricard and S/Lt Paul Pruvot are listed as Missing. Claimed as a Bréguet.

[Jimbuna]

17th April 1918

Western Front

Intense bombardment, followed by infantry attack, on whole line from Nieppe Forest to Wytschaete.

Wytschaete and Meteren again lost.

North-west of Dixmude, Belgians take 700 prisoners and 42 machine guns.

French repulse attacks on Meuse and in Champagne.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Transcaucasia: Turks approach Kars, and claim 250 guns at Batum.

Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: War Office reports progress.

British monitors bombard Ostend.

Political, etc.

British Major General F. B. Maurice: “The British army is playing the role which it often has played before. It is fighting a Waterloo...”

Canada: Government makes proposals for increase of manpower.

France: General Belin succeeds General Weygand on Supreme War Council.

Bolo is executed as a French traitor.

Austria: Baron Burian succeeds Count Czernin as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Hungarian Cabinet (Wekerle) resigns.

Ship Losses:

SM UB-82 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Irish Sea (55°13′N 5°55′W) by two Royal Navy trawlers with the loss of all 32 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

April 17, 1918

Air War:

0720 German pilot Kurt Legel, flying with Jasta 52, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1125 German pilot Emil Koch, with Jasta 32, shoots down RE.8 C2274 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt A.G.E. Edwards is wounded; Lt N. Sworder is also wounded, and later dies from his wounds.

1200 German pilot Ltn Hävernik (no first name given), with Jasta 67, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 2,

1310 German pilot Georg Schlenker, with Jasta 41, shoots down RE.8 B4048 for victory number 4.

1330 Canadian RAF pilot Joseph Eskill Hallonquist, in Sopwith Camel B2362, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1340 German pilot Aloys Freiherr von Brandenstein, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1400 English RAF ace pilot Thomas Middleton and observer Frank Godfrey, in Bristol F.2b C4699, are credited with two Albatros C.Vs. Victories 8 and 9 for Middleton; 1 and 2 for Godfrey.

1500 German pilot Johannes Jensen, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1.

1500 German ace Paul Strähle shoots down RE.8 B830 and Sopwith Camel D1837 for victories 8 and 9. 2nd Lts M.L. James and O.A. Broomhall are both wounded. Lt C.C. Lloyd is killed.

1505 German pilot Uffz Meyer (no first name given), in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for his first and only victory. No other record of his life survives at all.

German pilot Otto Wieprich, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 2.

Four Italian pilots with Squadriglia 70a share a victory over a two-seater:
Flaminio Avet, victory number 1
Aldo Bocchese, victory number 1.
Leopoldo Eleuteri, victory number 1.
Alessandro Resch, victory number 2.
The group also claim two German "Scouts", but these are both Unconfirmed.

Galicia-born Austro-Hungarian ace Godwin Brumowski, in Oeffag Albatros 153.45, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 31.

German 10-victory ace Rudolf Matthaei is killed in a flying accident.

[Jimbuna]

18th April 1918

Western Front

Heavy attacks from Givenchy to Lys river. Fighting particularly severe at Givenchy, where enemy make slight advance.

In the north, attacks south of Kemmel repulsed.

French progress on Avre river and take 650 prisoners at Castel.

Belgians repulse attack north-west of Passchendaele.

Southern Front

Macedonia: Enemy detachments attack Italians in Cherna Bend and are repulsed.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Enemy destroyers bombard Adinkerke (Belgian coast).

Political, etc.

Military Service Bill (Manpower) receives Royal Assent.

Lt.-Gen. Sir D. Henderson resigns from Air Board.

Dublin Mansion House Conference, after consultation with Bishops, denies right of Government to enforce conscription.

Cape Town: In House of Assembly, Sir P. Fitzpatrick denounces Mr. Hertzog for sedition.

Early of Deby appointed Ambassador to France, vice Lord Bertie.

Mr. A. Chamberlain joins War Cabinet.

Viscount Milner to be Secretary of State for War.

Ship Losses:

Bamse (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) west by north of Portland Bill, Dorset by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
Dalegarth Force (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) south west of Hartland Point, Devon (50°51′N 4°42′W) by SM UB-73 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five crew.
Faulx (French Navy) The Bouclier-class destroyer was rammed and sunk in the Strait of Otranto by Mangani ( French Navy).
Gregynog (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 16 nautical miles (30 km) south west of Hartland Point (50°47′N 4°44′W) by SM UB-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
Pentyrch (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west north west of the Brighton Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Runswick (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north of Trevose Head, Cornwall (50°33′N 5°03′W) by SM UB-109 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached but was declared a total loss. Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

April 18, 1918

Air War:

No aerial combat this day.

[Jimbuna]

19th April 1918

Western Front

Scarpe river British capture prisoners and machine guns.

Position restored at Givenchy.

Sharp fighting at Robecq.

North of Merville heavy shelling, but no infantry attacks.

Italy announces it will send reinforcements to the Allied lines defending against the German offensive in Picardy.

Eastern Front

Ukraine: Germans report occupation of two stations of main Sevastopol line.

Southern Front

Asiago Plateau: Successful minor action by British announced.

Macedonia: British withdraw from positions in Struma valley occupied on 15th.

Naval

German submarine SM UB-78, which sunk 2 ships during its career, hits a mine off Dover with loss of all 35 crew.

A dazzle-camouflaged American transport ship arriving with American troops at Brest.
https://i.imgur.com/hsGh0Vx.jpg

Political, etc.

British Government announces right of search re: Dutch convoy of 16 April.

U.S.A. State Department says American landing in Vladivostok is merely police precaution.

Ship Losses:

Alice Taylor (United Kingdom) The coaster foundered on this date. Her crew were rescued.
Elka (Greece) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) off Cape Gati, Spain by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Lord Charlemont (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 22 nautical miles (41 km) north of the Isla de Alborán, Morocco (36°15′N 3°04′W) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight crew.
Salambo (French Navy) The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Ionian Sea (38°30′N 18°06′E) by SM U-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM UB-78 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine struck a mine and sank in the Strait of Dover (51°01′N 1°17′E) with the loss of all 35 crew.
War Helmet (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east by north of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

April 19, 1918

Air War:

1215 New Zealand AFC pilot Herbert Gilles Watson, flying Sopwith Camel B7406, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

20th April 1918

Western Front

Minor operations near Hebuterne, Robecq and south of Scarpe go in favour of British.

North-east of Ypres German attempt fails.

At Seicheprey (Woevre) Germans gain partial success against French and Americans.

Eastern Front

Finland: Details of intentions of Finnish "White Party" are published in Stockholm.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British and German destroyers in contact in Heligoland Bight. One German destroyer damaged.

Aviation

Manfred von Richthofen, aka The Red Baron, shoots down his 79th and 80th victims marking his final victories before his death the following day.

Political, etc.

Great Britain: First National Emergency Proclamation, withdrawing exemptions up to 23.75 years, issued.

Nationalist M.P.s unanimously decide to oppose conscription; Irish Bishops support them.

South Africa: Governor-General (Lord Buxton) issues warning to Nationalists.

Ship Losses:

Florrieston (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) east of South Stack, Anglesey by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nineteen of her crew.
Lowther Range (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) west by north of South Stack (53°18′N 5°10′W) by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Numitor (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 4 (Ernst Berlin) and sank in the North Sea off Orfordness, Suffolk (52°07′N 1°45′E) with the loss of five of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

April 20, 1918

Air War:

0940 Two French SPAD pilots from Spa 67 share a victory over a German two-seater:
Edmond Pillon, victory number 6.
Lt Rougevin-Baville (first name not given), victory number 1.

1005 French pilot Jean Bozon-Verduraz, in a SPAD XIII, whoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4.

1100 English RAF pilot Cedric Edwards, in Sopwith Camel D3331, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1100 German pilot Otto Sporbert, with Jasta 62, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

1405 German pilot Fritz Höhn, with Jasta 21, destroys a French observation balloon. Adj Renard, of the 75° Cie d’Aérostières. parachutes safely.

1500 German ace Hans Pippart, flying with Jasta 19, shoots down a French SPAD XIII for victory number 10. Lt Charles Boudoux dHautefeuille is listad as Missing. Pippart's claims this as a Bréguet 14.

1812 Two American pilots with the 103rd Aero Squadron share in the destruction of a German observation balloon:
William Thaw, victory number 4.
George Turnure, victory number 2.

1817 William Thaw scorse his second kill of the day, shooting down a German "Scout" for victory number 5. This is Thaw's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and return home to become an insurance agent. He will die from pneumonia in 1934, at age 40.

1820 German pilot Gefr Gebhardt (no first name given), with Jasta 47, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2. This ihs Gebhardt's last aerial victory. No other information available.

1840 German ace Hans Weiss, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6475 for victory number 17. 2nd Lt G.R. Riley is wounded but lands on his own side of the lines.

1840 German ace Manfred von Richthofen, flying Fokker Dr.1 425/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6439 for victory number 79. Major Richard Raymond-Barker is killed.
With six planes of jasta 11, I attacked a large enemy squadron. During the fightI observed that a Triplane was attacked and shot at from below by a Camel. I put myself behind the adversary and brought him down, burning, with only a few shots. The enemy plane crashed down near the forest of Hamel where it burned further on the ground."
-Manfred von Richthofen 1843 Manfred von Richthofen scores his second victory of the day, shooting down Sopwith Camel B7393 for victory number 80. 2nd Lt David Greswolde Lewis is taken prisoner.
Three minutes after I had brought down the first machine, I attacked a second Camel of the same enemy squadron. The adversary dived, caught his machine and repeated this manoeuvre several times. I approached him as near as possible when fighting and fired 50 bullets until the machine began to burn. The body of the machine was burned in the air, the remnants dashed to the ground, north-east of Villers-Bretonneaux.
-Manfred von Richthofen 1900 Fritz Höhn scores his second kill of the day, another French balloon. Adj Breyer and Cpl Guyot, of the 45° Cie d’Aérostières, both parachute safely. Höhn in severely wounded in the fight and will miss the next four months of the war.

American pilot James Alexander Connelly, flying a SPAD VII for the French Air Service, shoots down a German observation balloon for victory number 1.

French ace Gabriel Guérin, with Spa 15, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 20.

German pilot Wilhelm Zorn, flying with Jasta 60, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 5.

[ABBAFAN]

21 April 1918

Manfred Von Richthofen, the Red Baron is shot down over Morlancourt Ridge in the Somme valley. Initially credited to Captain Roy Brown of 209 squadron, most historians now consider the Baron to have fallen to ground fire.

[Jimbuna]

21st April 1918

Western Front

Position at Seicheprey restored.

Local fighting round Albert, Villers Brettonneux and Robecq.

Aviation

Great aerial activity and much bombing on whole front.

Result of 29 days' bombardment of Paris: 118 killed, 236 injured.

Manfred von Richthofen, known as the “Red Baron” with 80 aerial victories, is killed in action over Morlancourt Ridge near the Somme River.
https://i.imgur.com/AIDvnMP.jpg

Political, etc.

Australian Roman Catholic Bishops protest against Government action in Ireland.

New constitution of Versailles Council announced.

Ship Losses:

Bellview (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) east north east of Cape Bon, Tunisia (37°13′N 11°21′E) by SM U-32 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Delta A (Belgium) The trawler was stopped and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 18 nautical miles (33 km) south of St. Kilda, Inverness-shire, United Kingdom by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Landonia (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 27 nautical miles (50 km) north west by west of Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 21 of her crew. One of the survivors was taken as a prisoner of war.
Normandiet (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 34 nautical miles (63 km) south west by west of the Calf of Man, Isle of Man by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nineteen of her crew.
SM UB-71 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar (35°38′N 5°18′W) by HMML 413 ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 32 crew.
Westergate (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 22 nautical miles (41 km) east of Start Point, Devon by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 24 of her crew.

https://i.imgur.com/Kzw6TNk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bFr20Da.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

April 21, 1918

Air War:

0700 English RAF observer Charles Philip Harrison, riding in DH.9 C6108 with Lt A.M. Phillips as pilot, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

0715 English RAF ace Reginald Maxwell, in Sopwith Camel D6587, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 6.

0815 Four French SPAD pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Jean Bozon-Verduraz, victory number 5.
S/Lt Duret, victory number 2.
Adj Mion, victory number 3.
MdL Ouvard de Linière, victory number 1.

0840 German pilot Otto Wandelt, with Jasta 43, shoots down RE.8 C5037 for victory number 2. Lt E.H.N. Stroud and Capt C.G. White are both killed.

1025 Three RAF Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros two-seater:
Robert Foster, England, B3858, victory number 2.
Oliver LeBoutillier, United States, D3338, victory number 5.
Merrill Taylor, Canada, B7200, victory number 2.

1100 Canadian RAF ace Roy Brown, flying Sopwith Cameo B7270, is credited with shooting down Fokker Dr.I 425/17 for victory number 10. German 80-victory ace Manfred von Richthofen is killed. This is Brown's last victory claim. Nine days after this fight he was admitted to the hospital with influenza. In July he will suffer a crash that will put him back in the hospital for five months. Brown will leave the RAF in 1919 and return home to Canada, where he will found a small airline called General Airways Limited in 1928. Arthur Roy Brown will live until 1944 when he suffers a fatal heart attack at age fifty.
(as with almost every single famous ace of the First World War, von Richthofen's death is surrounded by controversy (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2550416&postcount=193).)

1100 English ace pilot Douglas Cooke and Irish observer henry Crowe, in Bristol F.2b C4749, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 7 for Cooke, number 5 for Crowe.

1100 German pilot Carl Degelow, with Jasta 7, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

1100 Canadian RAF ace Donald MacLaren, in Sopwith Camel B9153, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 16.

1100 English RAF pilot Francis Mellersh, in Sopwith Camel B6257, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 4.

1115 Two RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Acheson Goulding, Canada, B690, victory number 4.
Leslie Hamilton, England, B694, victory number 1.

1115 German ace Josef Jacops, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 14.

1140 German pilot Fritz Thiede, with Jasta 24, shoost down a SPAD for victory number 1.

1150 German ace Ulrich Neckel, with Jasta 12, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 10. Mdl David de Conflans and Asp Millardet are listed as Missing.

1200 Two Canadian RAF Camel pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Charles Hickey, B6350, victory number 5.
Ronald Keirstead, N6389, victory number 12.

1230 German pilot Rudolf Abt, flying with Jasta 69, shoots down a SPAD for his only victory.

1230 German ace Julius Buckler, in an Alobatros D.Va, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 32. There was only one Bréguet lost this day, also attributed earlier to Neckel.

1350 German ace Karl Gallwitz, in Fokker Dr.I 212/17, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6959 for victory number 10. Lt C.J. Mason is killed.

1400 Canadian RAF pilot John De Pencier, in Sopwith Dolphin C4019, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1530 German pilot Uffz Glatz (no first name given), with Jasta 18, shoots down a SPAD for his only victory.

1625 German pilot Friedrich Ehmann, flying with Jasta 47, shoots down SE.5a D269 for victory number 5. Lt C.E.L. Skeddon lands on his own side of the lines.

1720 German ace Walter Blume, with Jasta 9, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 7.

1725 German pilot Herbert Rolle, with Jasta 9, shoots down a SPAD VII for victory number 2.

1725 German pilot Ltn Bitsch (no first name given), shoots down a SPAD VII for his only victory. French Sgt Paul Marie, in S.VII 5404, and American Cpl Donald E. Stone, in S.VII 5358, are both killed when they collide trying to avoid the fire from several German planes. Several other French SPAD pilots are reported killed or missing this day.

1915 Canadian RAF ace Albert Carter, in Sopwith Dolphin C4017, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 21.

1915 English RAF pilot John Arthur Aldridge, in Sopwith Dolphin C3833, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1915 Canadian RAF pilot Gordon Irving, flying Sopwith Dolphin C3799, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 2.

1925 German pilot Kurt Legel, with Jasta 52, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

2000 Irish RAF pilot William Cairnes, in an SE.5a, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

French pilot S/Lt Brussaux and observer Lt Mognot, in a Sopwith 1½ Strutter, shoot down and Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for both. This is possibly Ltn Rudolf Abt of Jasta 69, taken prisoner after scoring his first and only victory earlier in the day.

Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
Jean Chaput, victory number 16.
Pierre Wertheim, victory number 4.

Four French SPAD pilots share a victory over an "Enemy Aircraft". This is possibly Ltns Otto Sille and Willibald Richter of FlAbt 223, both killed in this area:
Marius Hasdenteufel, victory number 4.
Lt Jochaux du Plessis, victory number 2.
André Petit-Delchet, victory number 1.
Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarie, victory number 3.

Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over a German two-seater. This is possibly Gefrs August Penske and Johannes Straub of Schlasta 33, both killed in this area:
Jacques Gerared, SPAD VII 4236. victory number 3.
MdL Lienhard, victory number 3.

German pilot Uffz Hess (no first name given), with Jasta 60, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

German pilot Erich Sonneck, with Jasta 66, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

German pilot Paul Turck, with Jasta 66, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, flying with Jasta 66, shoots down two SPADs for victories number 16 and 17.

German ace Wilhelm Zorn, with Jasta 60, shoots down a French Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 6. Cpl Lafarge is killed; S/Lt Ponsard is wounded and taken prisoner.

Wilhelm Zorn scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an SE.5a for victory number 7.

[Jimbuna]

22nd April 1918

Western Front

Local fighting to British advantage in Albert, Robecq and Wytschaete sectors.

Near Villers Brettoneux and on Ancre river, enemy concentrations are dispersed.

Austrian troops reported to be arriving in Belgium.

Eastern Front

United Diets of Baltic Provinces request German Government to form them into a monarchy under King of Prussia.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Baluchistan: India Office announces unconditional surrender of Khotran Tribe.

Transcaucasian Council decides to declare independence and reopens negotiations with the Turks.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Brilliant Naval Raid on Zeebrugge and Ostend, night of 22-23 April; Zeebrugge entrance blocked by sinking ships.

Block-ships also sunk in Ostend Harbour.

Destroyer action in Adriatic.

Political, etc.

Severe tension reported between Holland and Germany.

Germany: "Das neue Europa" publishes estimate of German losses up to 31 July 1917 as exceeding 5,000,000.

Mr. Bonar Law introduces the Budget.

Denmark conducts its Parliamentary election, which is the first election Danish women are eligible to vote. The Venstre (Left) Party wins the most seats.

Ship Losses:

Baron Herries (Royal Navy) The naval tug was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 43 nautical miles (80 km) north by west of the Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly (50°27′N 7°06′W) by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew. One of the survivors was taken as a prisoner of war.
Dronning Maud (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 65 nautical miles (120 km) north north east of Cape Sigli, Algeria (38°00′N 4°56′E) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Eric Calvert (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south south west of St Anthony Head, Cornwall 50°04′30″N 5°01′45″W) by SM UB-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
USS Fenimore (United States Navy) The cargo ship was destroyed by fire in New York Harbor.
Fern (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east of the Kish Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-104 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen crew.
Kheda Moulekar (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (32°08′N 32°50′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Marshalla (United Kingdom) The sailing vessel was shelled sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) north of Port Said, Egypt (32°11′N 32°39′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMT Pursuit (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
Sadika (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (32°13′N 32°40′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
SM UB-55 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine struck a mine and sank in the Strait of Dover (51°01′N 1°20′E) with the loss of 23 of her 29 crew.
Welbeck Hall (United Kingdom) The ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 75 nautical miles (139 km) north east by north of Port Said by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

April 22, 1918

Air War:

0610 Five RAF Camel pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Cecil Brock, Canada, s/n unknown, victory number 5.
Robert Foster, England, B3858, victory number 3.
Lt M.A. Harker, nationality, s/n and score unknown.
Oliver LeBoutillier, United States, D3338, victory number 6.
Merrill Taylor, Canada, s/n unknown, victory number 3.

0840 English RAF pilot Famuel Frederick Henry Thompson and observer George Charles Gass, in Bristol F.2b B1136, shoot down an Aobatros D.V. Victory number 1 for both.

0945 English RAF ace Gerald Gibbs, in SE.5a B694 over the Macedonian Front, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 8.

1158 German ace Hans Weiss, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6248 for victory number 16. Capt G.A. Magor is killed.

1200 German ace Hans Joachim Wolff, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel N6377 for victory number 8. 2nd Lt W.H. Easty is killed.

1250 German pilot Karl Pech, flying with Jasta 29, shoots down a Sopwith Camel from No 201 Squadron for victory number 3. Claimed as a SPAD.

1330 German pilot Max Hermann Kiep, with Jasta 43, shoots down an Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 for victory number 1.

1615 English RAF ace pilot Euan Dickson and observer Charles Robinson, in DH.4 A7739, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 9 for Dickson; number 2 for Robinson.

1620 Canadian RAF pilot William Boyd Elliott, in DH.4 A7561 with AM1 G. Smith as observer, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1805 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 36.

1840 German pilot Paul Knopf, flying with Jasta 72, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 1.

1840 German ace Karl Menckhoff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 25.

2020 German pilot Ludwig Luer, with Jasta 62, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 5.

2020 German pilot Otto Sporbert, with Jasta 62, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 3.

Three Italian pilots in Macchi M.5 flying boat fighters share a victory over an Austro-Hungarian Lohner TL flying-boat fighter:
Umberto Calvello, victory number 1.
Pagliacci, first name and victory number unknown.
Rivieri, first name and victory number unknown.

French ace Gabriel Guérin, flying a SPAD, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 21.

[Jimbuna]

23rd April 1918

Western Front

Violent artillery fire from Avre river to Albert, followed by heavy infantry attacks at Albert and in region between Somme and Avre.

Special despatch from Sir Douglas Haig mentions 14 divisions: 102 German divisions employed against British alone during great offensive.

Eastern Front

Finland: Finnish Western White Army reported to have reached Russian frontier.

Bolshevik Government against protests against union of Bessarabia and Romania.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Palestine: War Office reports progress in Hejaz.

Bayazid (Armenia) occupied by Turks.

Aviation

Paris raided by one aeroplane, which is brought down.

Paul Frank Baer becomes the first American serving in the U.S. military to become a flying ace.
https://i.imgur.com/eqZcBzy.jpg

Naval and Overseas Operations

British Royal Navy conducts a large raid against the German-held ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend but fail to cause significant damage. British suffer 583 casualties, while Germans suffer 24.

Durazzo (Albania) bombed by Naval aircraft:- only one warship seen in harbour.

Political, etc.

Ireland launches a general strike to protest the British government’s decision to extend military conscription to the Irish.

Newfoundland: Conscription Bill introduced.

Japan: Viscount Motono succeeded by Baron Goto as Foreign Minister.

Major-General Bridges, Military Adviser to Lord Reading in U.S.A.

Guatemala declares war on Germany.

Ship Losses:

HMS Brilliant (Royal Navy) The Apollo-class cruiser was scuttled as a blockship at Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium.
HMS C3 (Royal Navy) Packed with explosives, the C-class submarine was rammed into the a viaduct connecting the mole to the shore at Zeebrugge, West Flanders, Belgium, and detonated in order to destroy the viaduct.
Frances (United Kingdom) The ketch was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean (46°33′N 12°05′W) by SM U-155 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
HMS Intrepid (Royal Navy) The destroyer was scuttled at Zeebrugge in an attempt to block the entrance to the Bruges Canal.
HMS Iphigenia (Royal Navy) The destroyer was scuttled at Zeebrugge in an attempt to block the entrance to the Bruges Canal.
Laurium (United Kingdom) The coaster struck a mine laid by UC 64 (Ferdinand Schwartz) and sank in the North Sea off the Inner Dowsing Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of a crew member.
HMML 110 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was lost on this date.
HMML 424 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was lost on this date.
HMS North Star (Royal Navy) The Admiralty M-class destroyer was shelled and sunk at Zeebrugge by German shore-based artillery.
Peregrine (United Kingdom) The trawler was shelled and sunk in Yell Sound by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Plethos (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by U 80 (Karl Koopmann) and sank in the North Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) east north east of Montrose, Forfarshire with the loss of four of her crew.
Restaurado (Portugal) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal by SM UB-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS Sirius (Royal Navy) The Apollo-class cruiser was scuttled as a blockship at Ostend.
HMS Thetis (Royal Navy) The Apollo-class cruiser was scuttled at Zeebrugge in an attempt to block the entrance to the Bruges Canal.
Tyne Wave (United Kingdom) The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) north east of Ronas Voe, Shetland Islands by SM U-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

https://i.imgur.com/WfgAWD1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KblcNXO.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

April 23, 1918

Air War:

0830 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 17.

0900 Canadian RAF pilot Earl Hand, in Sopwith Camel B2430 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 3.

0900 Australian RAF pilot Cedric Howell, in Sopwith Camel B5238 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 3.

0955 Two American SPAD pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Paul Baer, victory number 5.
Charles Herbert Wilcox, victory number 1.

1115 French ace Alexandre Marty, in a SPAD, shoots down a Hannover CL two-seat fighter for victory number 6. This is probably Ltns Heinrich Ohler and Otto Hickmann of FlAbt 242, both killed.

1355 English RAF pilot Francis Mellersh, flying Sopwith Camel D3329, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 5. This is Mellersh's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and remain in the RAF, serving through World War 2. In May 1955 Mellersh will be killed in a bizarre accident involving a yacht and a helicopter.
http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/mellersh.php

1415 English RAF pilot Cyril Lowe, in SE.5a D275, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

1415 English RAF ace Ronald Mark, in SE.5a C6417, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 13.

1430 German naval pilot FlgMstr M. Brenner, with Marine Feld Jasta I, shoots down a "Sopwith" for victory number 4. This is Brenner's last aerial victory. He is last mentioned serving with the land-plane division as of June 14, 1918.

1550 English RAF observer Philip Holligan, riding in DH.9 C6114 with Lt A.H. Curtiss as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1750 English RAF pilot Thomas Rose, in SE.5a C5393, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1820 Canadian RAF ace Albert Carter, flying Sopwith Dolphin C4017, is credited with shooting down two Pfalz D.IIIs for victories number 22 and 23.
The second is shared with Canadian pilot Gordon Irving in Sopwith Dolphin C3799, victory number 2.

1855 German pilot Egon Koepsch, with Jasta 4, shoots down SE.5a C1086 for victory number 2. English 8-victory ace Capt Kenneth William Junor is killed.

1920 English RAF ace Oliver Redgate, in Sopwith Camel B7250, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 13.

1930 English RAF observer William Middleton, riding in DH.4 A8071 with Lt G.E. Siedle as pilot, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1940 English ace pilot Euan Dickson and observer Charles Robinson, in DH.4 A7739, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 10 for Dickson; number 3 for Robinson.

German ace Heinrich Arntzen, in OAW Albatros D.III 2480/17, claims a Bréguet 14 for victory number 11. This is possibly a Salmson 2A.2 flown by Capt Georges Flouch and Lt Henri di Barres, both killed.

Two French pilot share a victory over a German two-seater:
Jacques Gérard, SPAD VII S4236, victory number 4.
Mdl Gentil, SPAD, victory number 1.

Jacques Gerard scores a second victory, shooting down another teo-seater for number 5.

German pilot Uffz Hess (no first name given), with Jasta 60, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 3.

German ace Theo Osterkamp, in an Albatros D.V with MFJ II, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 9.

French pilot Gabriel Thomas, flying a SPAD, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2. This is probably Uffz Otto Schenke and Obltn Georg Schmidt of FlAbt 254, both killed.

German ace Wilhelm Zorn, with Jasta 60, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 8. This is probably Cpl Guillaume Tilloy and Asp Léon Barbaut, who are both wounded but land safely on their own side of the lines. They also claimed an Albatros, victory number 1 for both, and Zorn crashed on their side and was taken prisoner.

[Jimbuna]

24th April 1918

Western Front

Violent attacks on junction of British and French in Amiens sector south of Somme; Villers-Bretonneux lost.

Battle very severe at Hangard; Germans finally capture village.

Attacks beaten off east of Robecq and north-east of Bailleul.

Heavy artillery fire in Woevre.

Eastern Front

Manchuria: Cossacks under Colonel Semenov defeat 500 armed Hungarian prisoners of war and drive them back towards Chita.

Southern Front

Macedonia: Lively fighting west of Doiran and in Cherna Bend.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

During past week, a 53-mile section of Hejaz railway south of Maan effectively occupied by Arab troops.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Naval aircraft over Zeebrugge and Ostend.

Political, etc.

Rectification of Anglo-Turkish agreement for exchange of prisoners announced.

French papers publish Lichnowsky memorandum in full.

Hungary: Count Serenyi tries to form Ministry; and fails next day.

Ship Losses:

Agnete (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south by west of Start Point, Devon by a Kaiserliche Marine submarine with the loss of twelve of her crew.
Leonor (Portugal) The trawler was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal by SM UB-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Mabrouska (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (32°44′N 32°40′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

April 24, 1918


Air War:

1850 English RAF pilot Cedric Edwards, flying Sopwith Camel D3351, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

[Jimbuna]

25th April 1918

Western Front

Very strong attack on British and French from Bailleul to Hollbeke.

Germans reach Mt. Kemmel; Allied line forced back.

South of Somme Allies recapture Villers-Bretonneux with 600 prisoners.

German tanks in action for first time.

In the Woevre, after heavy bombardment, German attack is stopped.

Eastern Front

Finland: Germans report junction with Finnish army 30 miles north of Helsingfors.

Ukraine: Germans announced to be near Sevastopol.

Southern Front

In Asiago basin British patrols force enemy detachments to retire.

Political, etc.

Mr. Churchill reviews work of Ministry of Munitions.

Lord Rothermere (Air Ministry) resigns.

Australia: Mr. Hughes and Mr. Cook appointed to represent Australia at War Conference.

Mr. Loudon, Dutch Foreign Minister, says relations with Germany difficult.

German demands for use of Limburg railway agreed to.

Ship Losses:

HMS Cowslip (Royal Navy) The Anchusa-class sloop was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel, Morocco by SM UB-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her 93 crew.
Joseph (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the English Channel off Cherbourg, Seine-Maritime by SM UB-31 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Sevilla (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north west of Berry Head, Devon, United Kingdom (50°24′N 3°23′W) by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Sote (Sweden) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Flamborough Head, East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom[120] by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
HMS St. Seiriol (Royal Navy) The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine laid by UC 4 (Ernst Berlin) and sank in the North Sea off the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of twelve of her crew.
SM U-104 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 57 submarine was depth charged and sunk in St. George's Channel (51°59′N 6°26′W) by USS Cushing ( United States Navy) and HMS Jessamine ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 41 of her 42 crew.
HMS Willow Branch (Royal Navy) The Q-ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cabo Blanco, Mauritania (21°00′N 17°56′W) by SM U-153 and SM U-154 (both Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 58 of her crew.
HM Torpedo Boat 90 (Royal Navy) The torpedo boat capsized and sank off Gibraltar.

[Sailor Steve]

April 25, 1918


Air War:


0840 German pilot Otto Wandelt, flying with Jasta 43, shoots down RE.8 B7827 for victory number 3. 2nd Lts G.W.T. Glasson and W.W. Potter land safely on their own side of the lines.


1000 Two Canadian RAF pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Acheson Goulding, SE.5a B690, victory number 5.
Arthur Eyguem De Montaigne Jarvis, Bristol M.1C "Bullet" C4913, victory number 1.


1050 German ace Karl Schattauer, with Jasta 16, shoots down RE.8 B6615 for victory number 6. Capt H.M. Gibbs and Lt A. Lomax are both wounded.


1115 German pilot Hans Schorn, with Jasta 16, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 1.


1220 Belgian pilot Willy Coppens Omer François Jean Coppens de Houthulst, in an Hariot HD.1, shoots down a German "Scout" for victory number 1.


1425 German ace Karl Bolle, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1665 for victory number 7. Lt A.N. Baker is killed.


1500 German pilot Alfred King, with Jasta 40, shoots down a DH.9 for victory number 4. King is also seriously wounded in this fight. After a lengthy hospital stay he is assigned to Kampstaffel VII, and sees no further combat.


1700 Canadian RAF pilot Roy Manzer, in SE.5a D259, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.


1745 German August Jühe, with Jasta 8, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.


1825 German ace Josef Mai, in an Albatros D.V Sopwith Camel D1801 for victory number 10. 2nd Lt N.A. Newnham lands safely on his own side of the lines.


1930 German pilot Lt H-R. von Decker, flying with Jasta 20, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.


1935 American RAF ace pilot Wilfred Beaver and Scottish observer Malcolm Mather, in Bristol F.2b B C817, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 12 for Beaver; number 8 for Mather.


German pilot Kurt Kressn3er, with Jasta 5, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1126 for victory number 1. Englsh 11-victory ace Thomas Colvill-Jones is wounded and taken prisocer. AM1 F. Finney is also captured. Colvill-Jones will later die from his wounds.


German 5-victory ace Otto bon Breiten Landedburg is seriously wounded, ending his wartime career. Further information is unknown.


Three RAF Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over an LVG two-seater:
Cecil Marchant, England, victory number 7.
2nd Lt E. Smith, unformation unknown.
Philip Murray Tudhope, South Africa, victory number 1.


German pilot Karl Meierdirks, flying with Jasta 55 over the Palesinian Front, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 2.


German naval ace Theo Osterkamp, in an Albatros D.V with Marine FeldJasta II, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 10.


German naval ace Gotthard Sachsenberg, in an Albatro D.V with MFJ I, shoots down a French Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 10.


German pilot Heinrich Schott with Jasta 25 over the Macedonian Front, destroys an observation balloon for his only victory. Schott is also killed, either in this same attack or by the crew of another balloon.


German pilot Ltn Karl Adolf Siefert (1 victory, is killed in the crash of Albatros D.Va 7253/17 at Erccheu aerodrome.


German pilot FlgMt Strucke (no first name given, flying an Albatros D.V with MFJ II, shoots down a Camel for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

26th April 1918

Western Front

In Kemmel region, Germans occupy Kemmel Hill and village and Dranoutre after very severe fighting.

Locre is lost and retaken by French.

Ypres-Comines Canal, Allied line falls back; at Voormezeele (Ypres) heavy fighting results in repulse of Germans.

In Luce Valley and at Givenchy, fighting is to the advantage of the Allies.

Hangard Wood recaptured.

Political, etc.

Ministry of Reconstruction issues report of Balfour Committee on commercial and industrial policy after the war.

Ship Losses:

Angelina di Paola (Italy) The brig was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north of Cape San Vito, Sicily by SM UB-68 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Ethel (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 19 nautical miles (35 km) north by east of the Smalls Lighthouse by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Leopold d'Or (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off San Pietro Island, Italy (39°55′N 7°02′E) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Llyngwair (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south south east of Seaham Harbour, County Durham by SM UC-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight of her crew.

https://i.imgur.com/YQbu5Mz.jpg
British soldiers examining the downed fuselage of a German Pfalz Scout D.III at the Vert Galand Aerodrome.

[Sailor Steve]

April 26, 1918


Air War:


0945 English RAF ace Gerald Gibbs, flying SE.5a B694 over the Macedonian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 9.


1045 Canadian RAF pilot Arthur Jarvis, in Bristol M.1c over the Macedonian Front, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

27th April 1918

Western Front

In Ypres sector Voormezeele is twice attacked by Germans without success.

Local fighting astride Ypres-Comines Canal.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Armenia: Turks report capture of Kars with 860 guns.

Rapid British advance north of Baghdad; Kifri captured.

Political, etc.

Announcement of Sir W. Weir's appointment as Secretary of State for Royal Air Force.

France announces that there will be three meatless days a week starting on May 15 due to limited supply and the need to feed arriving American soldiers.

Independence of Georgia (Trans-Caucasia) declared by its Diet.

Important War Conference at Delhi.

Ship Losses:

Azizeh (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (32°07′N 32°32′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Gresham (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 18 nautical miles (33 km) north west by north of Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire (52°14′N 5°05′W) by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Nemaat Kheda (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (32°07′N 32°32′E) by SM UB-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Romany (United Kingdom) The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 47 nautical miles (87 km) west south west of Cape Spartivento, Italy by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Walpas (Russia) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Irish Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) west by nort of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

April 27, 1918


Air War:


1445 Two English RAF Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Robert Forster, B6276, victory number 4.
Oliver Redgate, B7270, victory number 14.


1445 Canadian RAF pilot Merrill Taylor, in Sopwith Camel B3858, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.


1515 Scottish RAF pilot Colin Brown, in Sopwith Camel B7274, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.


French ace Gabriel Guérin, in a SPAD, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 22.


German pilot Hans Rolshoven, in a Pfalz D.III with SeeFrontStaffel II, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

[Jimbuna]

28th April 1918

Western Front

Germans again attack at Locre and are repulsed.

Great artillery activity in Luce Valley and south of Lassigny.

Further attacks on Hangard Wood are repulsed.

At Langemarck, Belgians repulse a big enemy raid.

Announced that an American force has entered the line under French command on Northern battle front.

Eastern Front

Polish Government addresses Note to Central Powers.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British forces reach the Ak Su river (Tigris).

Political, etc.

Gavrilo Princip, the assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, dies in prison due to tuberculosis caused by poor treatment.

Senhor Sidonio Paes, Provisional President, is elected President of the Portuguese Republic.

Ship Losses:

HM CMB-39B (Royal Navy) The Coastal Motor Boat was lost on this date.
Damao (Portugal) The cargo ship was sunk in St. George's Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) west of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Elba (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 6 nautical miles (11 km) north west of the Pendeen Lighthouse (50°13′N 5°48′W) by SM UB-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten of her crew.
HMT Emley (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was sunk in the Firth of Forth south of the Isle of May, Fife by SM UC-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight of her crew.
Kingstonian (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Carloforte Bay by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Moose (United Kingdom) The tug was torpedoed and sunk in Carloforte Bay by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Oronsa (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) west of Bardsey Island by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
Poitiers (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south west of Hartland Point, Devon, United Kingdom by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Rimfakse (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) south west of Hartland Point (50°54′N 4°35′W) by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Upcerne (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south east by east of Coquet Island, Northumberland by SM UC-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of sixteen of her crew.
Verdun (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Gulf of Gabès 37 nautical miles (69 km) east of Kerkennah, Tunisia (34°49′N 11°52′E) by SM UC-20 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

https://i.imgur.com/qIjPRvk.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

April 28, 1918


Air War:


1745 Australian AFC pilot Edward Patrick Kenny, flying Bristol F.2b C4626 over the Palestinian Front with Lt F.C. Hawley as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1. Ltn Fritz Bötzow is killed.

German pilot Hermann Kunz, with Jasta 1F on the Palestinian Front, destroys an obswervation Balloon for victory number 4.

[Jimbuna]

29th April 1918

Western Front

Heavy bombardment between Meteren and Voormezeele followed by violent infantry attacks by 13 Divisions; 3 British divisions repulse every attack; latter continuous; enemy losses very heavy.

French at Scherpenberg (north-west of Kemmel) and Belgians north of Ypres are unsuccessfully attacked.

French regain Locre.

End of the Battle of the Lys.

Eastern Front

Viborg taken by White Guards.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British capture Tuz Khurmati (Tigris).

Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: British columns from coast and Lake Nyssa have forced Germans to River Lurio; other British and Portuguese columns approaching this river from the South.

Political, etc.

France: Bonnet Rouge treason trial opens.

Germany: Formation of State Grain Bureau in Ukraine announced.

Ship Losses:

Australier (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) south west by south of Dungeness, Kent (50°52′N 0°58′E) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.
Broderick (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south south east of Hastings, East Sussex by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Christiana Davis (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) south east by south of the Tuskar Rock, Ireland by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
City of Pensacola (United States) The auxiliary four-masted schooner was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Garrucha, Almería, Spain (38°58′N 4°21′E) by SM UB-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS Dalkeith (Royal Navy) The naval tug was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off San Pietro Island, Italy by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nine of her crew.
Ellis Sayer (United Kingdom) The collier was lost on this date.
Frogner (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Portland Bill, Dorset, United Kingdom by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Johnny Toole (United Kingdom) The ketch was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south of the Tuskar Rock by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Kut Sang (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) east south east of Cape Palos, Spain by SM UB-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 59 of her crew.
La Somme (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west south west of Dungeness (50°52′N 0°51′E) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Maria (Greece) The vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (35°38′N 13°20′E) by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Prarial (French Navy) The Pluviose-class submarine collided with the steamer Tropic ( United Kingdom) in the English Channel off Le Havre, Seine Maritime, France, and sank with the loss of nineteen of her 26 crew.
Saint Chamond (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 14 nautical miles (26 km) north of St. Ives Head, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°15′N 5°30′W) by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

April 29, 1918


Air War:


1140 English RAF pilot Clive Beverley Glynn, flying SE.5a C1078, shoots down Fokker Dr.I 575/17 for victory numbe 1. German 33-victory ace Heinrich Bongartz is hit in the face. He manages to crash-land safely but the soldiers who help him find his left eye dangling on his cheek and the bullet lodged in his nose. Bongartz will lose the eye but make a full recovery and end the war commanding the Aircraft Test Center at Aldershof. He will will will end up as Director of the German Air Trade. He will survive the Second World War as well and die in 1946.


1735 English RAF pilot Thomas Rose, in SE.5a C5392, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.


1810 Two American Nieuport 28 pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
James Norman Hall, victory number 4. This is Hall's last victory. He will survive the war and become famous as an author, writing books about his adventures in the air and the team up with old flying buddy Charles Nordhoff to write the 'Mutiny On The Bounty' trilogy.
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, victory number 1.


1840 German pilot Ernst Pabst, with Jasta 51, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 2.


1900 Canadian RAF pilot Carl Frederick Falkenberg, in SE.5a B8272, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 1.


1935 German ace Karl Schattauer, flying with Jasta 16, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 7.


2015 German ace Richard Plange, in Fokker Dr.I 546/17, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 7.


German pilot Wilhelm Lehmann, with Jasta 5, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

30th April 1918

Western Front

Fierce fighting in Noyon sector.

Eastern Front

Russia: Rumoured that a counter-revolution is about to take place.

Southern Front

Operations during the month confined to artillery, air and patrol actions.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British reach Tank river on Mosul road and capture 12 guns and 1,800 prisoners.

British advance east of Jordan to attack south of Es Salt.

Line advanced at Mezra (Jerusalem).

Political, etc.

Mr. Ian Macpherson, Under-Secretary of State for War, appointed Vice-President of Army Council.

Major-General Harrington to be Deputy Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

Ship Losses:

Conway (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 38 nautical miles (70 km) south of Cape Palos, Murcia, Spain (37°10′N 0°28′W) by SM UB-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ella Sayer (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) east by north of the Royal Sovereign Lightship (50°49′N 0°48′E) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Isleworth (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south west of Ventnor, Isle of Wight by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 29 of her crew.
Kafue (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) south west of the Mull of Galloway, Wigtownshire by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Kalliope (United Kingdom) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 45 nautical miles (83 km) off Alexandria, Egypt by SM UC-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Kempock (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea 6.5 nautical miles (12.0 km) south east by south of the Copeland Islands by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM UB-85 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine foundered in the Irish Sea off Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom. All 34 crew were rescued by HMS Coreopsis ( Royal Navy).
Umba (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) south of the Royal Sovereign Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twenty of her crew.

MERCHANT SHIPPING

British, Allied and Neutral ships lost to enemy submarines, mines and cruisers etc in the month - 129 ships of 280,000 tons gross. (Lloyd's War Losses)

[Sailor Steve]

April 30, 1918


Idflieg bi-monthly report on German fighters operating at the front at the end of April 1918:

Albatros:
D.III--174
D.V---131
D.Va--928

Fokker:
Dr.I--171

Halberstadt:
CL.II--342
D.III-----3

Hannover:
CL.II---269
CL.III---51
CL.IIIa-104

LFG Roland:
D.III---14

Pfalz:
D.III---13
D.IIIa-433


Air War:

No aerial combat this day.

[Jimbuna]

1st May 1918

Western Front

Comparative quiet on Western Front.

French improve their positions before Locre.

U.S. troops join Amiens front.

Eastern Front

Germans occupy Sevastopol, establish military dictatorship in Ukraine under Field Marshal von Eichhorn.

General Skoropadski proclaimed Hetman.

Germans occupy Odessa.

Southern Front

British airmen in Balkans bomb Bulgarian aerodromes in Vardar valley.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British advance east of Jordan, capture Es Salt.

British mounted brigade, guarding ford at Jisr ed Damiya, attacked and compelled to fall back, leaving 9 guns.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British in East Africa capture important convoy from Germans retreating towards Nanungu.

Zeebrugge lock gates heavily bombed.

Political, etc.

Mr Lloyd George, M. Clemenceau and Signor Orlando attend Fifth War Council in France.

Further increase of U.S. Army sanctioned.

France and Germany arrange for exchange of prisoners of war.

Ship Losses:

HMS Blackmorevale (Royal Navy) The Hunt-class minesweeper struck a mine laid by U 71 (Richard Scheurlen) and sank in the North Sea off Tod Head, Aberdeenshire with the loss of 26 of her 74 crew.
Era (Australia) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Ténès, Algeria (36°45′N 1°56′E) by SM U-32 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twelve crew.
Matiana (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia, Tunisia (37°15′N 10°05′E) by SM UC-27 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Nikolaos (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt (31°31′N 29°14′E) by SM UC-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Samsö (Denmark) The coaster struck a mine laid by UC 49 (Hans Kükenthal) and sank in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east by south of the Roker Lighthouse, County Durham, United Kingdom. Her crew survived.
San Nicola (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (35°58′N 23°50′E) by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Zavetni (Imperial Russian Navy) The Boiki-class destroyer was scuttled at Sevastopol.

[Sailor Steve]

May 1, 1918


Sometime during this month production of the Fokker Dr.I ceases with 320 having been built.


Air War:


0850 Canadian RAF pilot William Carrall Hilborn, flying Sopwith Camel B4220 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.


1115 English RAF pilot Harold Midgley Maude, in Sopwith Camel B7283 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 1.


Italian pilot Orazio Pierozzi, in a Macchi M.5 flying boat fighter, shoots down Hansa-Brandenburg W.18 A67 for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

2nd May 1918

Western Front

Minor infantry actions.

Enemy guns active on Villers-Bretonneux sector.

French gains in Avre valley, seize Hill 82, between Hailles and Castel.

British airmen bomb Thionville.

Zeebrugge again bombed.

Eastern Front

Ex-Tsar is removed to the Urals.

Germans occupy Taganrog in Donetz region.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Heavy fighting in Palestine; Turks cross Jordan at Jisr ed Damiya; attack troops holding Es Salt.

Naval

German submarine SM UB-31, which sunk 26 Allied ships during its career, is sunk with all hands by the Royal Navy in the English Chanel.

Ship Losses:

HMT Antares II (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date in the Mediterranean Sea.
Flawyl (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) east south east of Pantelleria, Italy (36°41′N 12°42′E) by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Franklyn (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 65 nautical miles (120 km) east by north of Port Mahon, Spain (40°24′N 5°41′E) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Girdleness (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Bude Bay (50°54′N 4°41′W) by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two crew.
Medora (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) south west of the Mull of Galloway, Wigtownshire by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived, but three of them were taken as prisoners of war.
Thorsa (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north north west of the Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall (50°12′N 5°44′W) by SM UB-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Tyler (United States) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 65 nautical miles (120 km) east by north of Port Mahon (40°24′N 5°41′E) by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven of her crew.
SM UB-31 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB II submarine struck a mine and sank in the Strait of Dover (51°01′N 1°16′E) with the loss of all 22 crew.
SS Unity (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 9 nautical miles (17 km) south east of Folkestone, Kent by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twelve of her crew.
Valdivia (France) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 45 nautical miles (83 km) south west of Cape Spartel, Morocco (35°07′N 6°30′W) by SM UB-70 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

May 2, 1918

Air War:

0645 English RAF piloat Reginald Carey Brenton Brading, flying Sopwith Camel B6421, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

0740 Australian AFC pilot Paul Joseph McGinness, in Bristol F.2b C4849 with Lt F.C. Hawley as observer, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1035 Canadian RAF pilot Earl Hand, in Sopwith Camel B2430 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 4.

1040 Canadian RAF ace Clifford McEwen, in Sopwith Camel B7383, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 7.

1105 English RAF pilot Charles Maude, in Sopwith Camel B7283 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 2.

1203 American pilot James Armond Meissner, flying Nieuport 28 N6144, shoots down a Hannover two-seat fighter for victory number 1.

1230 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down SE.5a C1796 for victory number 18. Maj R. Balcombe-Brown is killed.

1315 German ace Hans Pippart, with Jasta 19, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 11.

1320 American ace Frank Baylies, in a SPAD with the French Air Service, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 6.

1325 English RAF pilot Lewis Whitehead, in Sopwith Camel D1876, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1350 Australian RAF pilot Harry Rigby, flying SE.5a C1113, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 4.

1415 German ace Joseph Mai, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 11.

1450 English RAF pilot Walter Alfred Southey, in SE.5a D5399, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1615 English RAF pilot Will Hubbard, in Sopwith Camel D9297, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 1.

1700 Two RAF Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
Cecil Marchant, England, B9211, victory number 7.
John Smith, Canada, C1575, victory number 4.

1745 Two RAF Sopwith Dolphin pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Arthur Winston Blake, South Africa, C3843, victory number 1.
Arthur Fairclough, Canada, C3796, victory number 14.

1745 Canadian RAF ace Albert Carter, in Sopwith Dolphin C4017, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 24.

1750 German pilot Karl Schmückle, with Jasta 21, shoots down an Allied two-seater for victory number 1.

1750 Canadian RAF pilot Merrill Taylor, in Sopwith Camel D3326, shoots down Fokker Dr.I 545/17 for victory number 5. German 16-victory ace Hans Weiss is killed.

1750 An unknown RAF pilot shoots dwon Fokker Dr.I 591/17 while it is taking off. German 5-victory ace Edgar Scholtz is killed.

1830 English RAF pilot Joseph Siddall, flying Sopwith Camel D3327, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1845 English RAF pilot Edward Drake, in Sopwith Camel D3345, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1845 German pilot Hermann Juhnke, with Jasta 52, shoots down Sopwith Camel C1685 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt L.C. Hickey is killed.

Italian ace Flavio Baracchini, in an Hanriot HD.1, shoots down a "Scout" for victory number 13.

Four French SPAD pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III. This is possibly Vfw Philipp Jopp of Jasta 79, who was killed in the same area:
André Barcat, victory number 2.
August Lahoulle, victory number 4.
S/Lt Louvat, victory number unknown.
Sgt Morel, victory number unknown.
(There are some interesting problems with this listing, which comes from the French Air Service War Chronology. August Lahoulle is the Commanding Officer of Spa 154, while the other three are from Spa 153. The listing of Lahoulle's career has him shooting down a Fokker D.VII alone, not shared. Some sources say there were 19 D.VIIs in service at the end of April, but another source says the first actual mention of one in combat was May 9th. There is absolutely no way I could find to tell which report is correct, so I followed the day-by-day book.)

French pilot Jean Fraissinet, flying a SPAD, shoots down an Aviatik two-seater for victory number 3.

French ae Henri Hay de Slade, in a SPAD, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 7. This is possibly Ltn Stoy (first name unknown), who was lightly wounded and landed safely, remaining with his Jasta and not even going to the hospital.

German pilot Karl Hertz, with Jasta 59, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

German pilot Friedrich Megerle, with Jasta 70, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

French pilot Marcel Nogues, in a SPAD, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

German ace Fritz Rumey, flying an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 15.

German pilot Hans Schlieter, with Jasta 70, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

3rd May 1918

Western Front

Quiet on front, artillery active locally.

British bring down 36 enemy planes.

Eastern Front

Germans and Finns surround and defeat Red Guard forces in south-west Finland.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Attacked by superior forces, British withdraw from Es Salt and retire to west of Jordan.

Political, etc.

Mr. Lloyd George returns with cheering message from Paris.

Germany and Soviet Russia establish a special commission to exchange 3 million Russian prisoners in German hands for 1 million Germans held in Russia.

Ship Losses:

SMS G9 (Kaiserliche Marine) The V1-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of 31 of her crew.
Il Francesco (Italy) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) east of Monte Santo, Sardinia (40°10′N 9°50′E) by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Panaghia (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (35°49′N 26°29′E) by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Vasilefs Georgios (Greece) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north east of Pendeen, Cornwall, United Kingdom (50°13′N 5°40′W) by SM UB-103 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

May 3, 1918


Air War:

0700 Twp Australian AFC Bristol F.2b aorcrews share a victory over a German two-seater:
Allan Runcieman Brown and Garfield Finlay, B2249, victory number 1 for Brown and number 3 for Finlay.
Lt G.V. Oxenham and Lt L.A. Letch, B1225, victory numbers unknown.

0730 Two English RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
Kenneth Mills, C5374, victory number 4.
Ernest Edward Owen, B504, victory number 1.

0915 Canadian RAF ace Richard Dawes, in Sopwith Camel B7359, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 6.

0915 Englsish RAF pilot Percy Wilson, in Sopwith Camel B5187, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

0940 Englsh RAF ace Trevor Durrant, in SE.5a B183, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 7.

[Jimbuna]

4th May 1918

Western Front

Germans open intense bombardment of French and British positions from Locre and south of Ypres; no attack develops.

French make progress in Locre sector.

Eastern Front

Germans take Sevastopol.

Southern Front

Activity increased on Italian front.

Serbians capture and hold Bulgarian advanced positions on Dobropolye sector.

Political, etc.

Soviet Russia signs an armistice at Korenevo with Ukraine and Germany, establishing the border between Ukraine and Russia.

Ship Losses:

SMS A71 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A56-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of six of her crew.
Polbrae (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) off Bude, Cornwall by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two crew.

[Sailor Steve]

May 4, 1918


Air War:

Canadian RAF pilot William Hilborn, flying Sopwith Camel B5220 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 2.

1030 English RAF pilot James Dewhirst, in Sopwith Camel B6282, shoots down an Aviatik two-seater for victory number 2.

1040 Two English RAF pilots, in SE.5as over the Macedonian Front, share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Gerald Gibbs, B694, victory number 10.
Leslie Hamilton, B691, victory number 2.

1555 American RAF ace Oliver LeBoutillier, in Sopwith Camel D3338, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 7.

1750 German pilot Moritz-Waldemar Bretschneider-Bodemer, with Jasta 6, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

5th May 1918

Western Front

Artillery fire on both sides and local encounters on whole front.

British line advanced at Morlancourt between Ancre and Somme.

A German long-range gun put out of action by French guns.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Von Lettow-Vorbeck defeated at Nanungu (East Africa) by General Northey's forces; enemy driven to north-east with much loss.

Naval

Australian ocean liner Kyarra is sunk by the German submarine UB-57 in the English Channel, causing 6 deaths.
https://i.imgur.com/wiQEnG2.jpg

Political, etc.

Lord French appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland; Mr. Ed. Shortt, Chief Secretary.

Ship Losses:

Aghios Johannis (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north of Crete by SM U-33 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Alberto Treves (Italy) The cargo ship was damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Cartagena, Murcia, Spain by SM U-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine) and was beached. She was subsequently refloated, repaired and returned to service.
Carrione (Italy) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Gulf of Genoa 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west south west of the Capo Mele Lighthouse, Liguria (43°52′N 8°30′E) by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMS David Gillies (Royal Navy) The naval tug was lost in the Mediterranean Sea on this date.
Kyarra (United Kingdom) The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off Swanage, Dorset by SM UB-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six crew.
Petersham (United Kingdom) The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank.
HMS Rhododendron (Royal Navy) The Anchusa-class sloop was sunk in the North Sea (59°33′N 2°50′W) by SM U-70 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fifteen of her 93 crew.
Sayeda (Egypt) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt by SM UC-74 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Tommi (United Kingdom) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Irish Sea between the Calf of Man and Chicken Rock, Isle of Man by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.
SM UB-70 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine was last reported in the Mediterranean Sea east of Gibraltar. Subsequently lost with all 33 crew.
SM UB-119 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine was rammed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Rathlin Island, County Donegal, United Kingdom (55°16′N 6°24′W) by Green Island (flag unknown) with the loss of all 34 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

May 5, 1918


Air War:

No aerial combat this day.

[Jimbuna]

6th May 1918

Western Front

French repulse raids south of Locre.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Russian ships bombard Germans in Mariupol Harbour (Azov).

Russian Black Sea Fleet arrives at Odessa, surrenders to local authorities.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turko-German delegates arrive at Batum to negotiate peace with Georgia.

Ship Losses:

Aghios Dimitrios (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (35°42′N 25°25′E) by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Evangelistria (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (35°38′N 25°13′E) by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
Leeds City (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east by south of the Skulmartin Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Sandhurst (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) north west by west of Corsewall Point, Wigtownshire (54°58′N 5°25′W) by SM UB-72 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twenty of her crew.
Taxiarchis (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (35°38′N 25°13′E) by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

May 6, 1918


Air War:

0815 German pilot Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, flying a Pflaz D.III, shoots down RE.8 A4404 for victory number 5. Capt H.D.E. Ralfe and Lt W.J.A. Buckland are both kiled.

0950 Canadian RAF pilot Charles Green, in SE.5a C1587, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 2.

1025 Canadian RAF pilot George Bulmer, in Bristol F.2b C4888 with Lt H.E. Elsworth as his observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 5.

1515 German pilot Karl Schmülke, with Jasta 21, shoots down a French observatton balloon for victory number 2. S/Lt Gilbert aron and MdL Bloze of the 93° Cie d’Aérostiers both parachute safely.

1650 German pilot Erich Meyer, with Jasta 45, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 4.

1700 German pilot Hans-Joachim Rolfes, flying with Jasta 45, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 5.

1710 German pilot Robert Hildebrandt, with Jasta 13, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 4.

1710 German pilot Wilhelm Schwartz, with Jasta 13, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 3

1740 English RAF pilot Henry Arthur Richard Biziou, in Sopwith Dolphin C4165, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 1.

1810 German pilot Gutav Kowallik, flying with Jasta 42, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

1810 German pilot Heinz Stock, with Jasta 42, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

1815, German pilot Walter Beyer, with Jasta 42, shoots down a French-flown Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 1.

1845 Canadian RAF pilot Edwin Claude Bromley and English observer John Howard Umney, in Bristol F.2b C4747, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for both.

1940 German pilot Ltn Grosse (no first name given), with Jasta 72, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

1945 German pilot Paul Knopf, flying with Jasta 72, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

2000 German ace Robert von Greim, with JG 10, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 13.

2030 German ace Hans Pippart, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 13. Lt Maurice Barthe of Spa 86 is listed as Missing.

German ace Hermann Becker, with Jasta 12, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 10. French 16-victory ace Jean Chaput is wounded, and later dies from his wounds.

German pilot Vfw Weiner (no first name given), flying with Jasta 55, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

7th May 1918

Western Front

Rain prevents all but artillery fighting at front.

Eastern Front

Peace of Bucharest signed by Romania and Central Powers.

Southern Front

British successfully raid enemy trenches near Lake Doiran, on Balkan front.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British troops enter Kirkuk, on Baghdad-Mosul road.

Turks retire towards Lesser Zab river.

Political, etc.

Nicaragua declares war on Germany.

Letter of Major-General Sir F. Maurice in "Times" charging Ministers with mis-statements on the military position.

Ship Losses:

HM CMB-10 (Royal Navy) The Coastal Motor Boat was lost on this date.
Nantes (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 83 nautical miles (154 km) east south east of Fair Isle by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Saxon (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 83 nautical miles (154 km) east south east of Fair Isle by SM U-105 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 22 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

May 7, 1918


Air War:

0805 American pilot Edward V. Rickenbacker, flying a Nieuport 28, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 2. Ltn Wilhelm Scheerer of Jasta 64 is wounded, and dies that night.

0805 German pilot Friedrich Hengst, with Jasta 64, shoots down Nieuport 28 6153 for victory number 2. American pilot James Hall (3 victories) is taken prisoner. Hengst actually damaged Hall's plane and forced it to a low altitude where it was further damaged by fire from M.FLAK 54. Hengst was given credit as Hall would not have been in that postiion had Hengst not forced him there in the first plance.
James Norman Hall was vacationing in England when the war began. He claimed to be Canadian and joined the British army, starting as an infantryman and eventually becoming a machine gunner. He was found out and sent home. He wrote a book about his adventures, Kitchener's Mob. He then was hired by Atlantic Monthly magazine, who sent him back to Europe as a war correspondent. Rather than writing stories about the Lafayette Escadrille he instead joined the group and became a pilot. When the United States entered the war Hall stayed with the Lafayette, now part of the U.S. Army Air Service. After he was repatriated he moved to Tahiti, where he began writing books with his wartime friend Charles Nordhoff. The most famous of these was the Bounty Trilogy, the first volume of which was made into a movie in 1935. Hall lived in Tahiti until his death in 1951, aged 64.

1055 English RAF pilot Solomon Clifford Joseph, in Sopwith Camel B6228, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1515 Two Australian AFC Bristol F.2b aircrews share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater.
B1229: Ross Smith, victory number 2, and Ernest Andrew Mustard, victory number 1.
B1276: Albert Victor Tonkin, victory number 1, and Lt R.A. Camm, unknown.

1535 Albert Tonkin and R.A. Camm score two more victories, both of them Albatros D.Vs. Number 2 and 3 for Tonkin, unknown for Camm.
There is some confusion here. Listings for Tonkin show all three kills being shared, while listings for Smith and Mustard only show the Rumpler on this day.

1715 American pilot Edwin Parsons, flying a SPAD XIII with the French Air Service, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1845 English RAF ace pilot Alfred Atkey and observer Charles Gass, in Bristol F.2b B1164, shoot down a German fighter. Victory number 10 for Atkey; number 1 for Gass.

1845 English RAF pilot John Gurdon and observer Anthony Thornton, in Bristol F.2b B1253, are credited with two German fighters. Victories number 3 and 4 for both.

1850 John Gurdon and Anthony Thornton score their third victory for the day, another fighter. Number 5 for both. This is Anthony Thornton's last aerial victory. He will survive the war and leave the RAF in February 1919. Further information unknown.

German pilot Theodor Cammann, with Jasta 74, shoots down a SPAD XI two-seater for victory number 4.

German pilot Ernst Meyer, flying with Jasta 25, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 2.

English pilot Croye Rothes Pithey and observer Hervey Rhodes, in an RE.8, destroy a German observation balloon. Victory number 1 for both.

[Jimbuna]

8th May 1918

Western Front

Strong local attack by enemy between La Clytte and Voormezeele; they enter front line at certain points south of Morlancourt.

Australians push forward.

Activity in Avre valley.

Eastern Front

German forces occupy Rostov, on the Don.

Southern Front

In Balkans, Allied airmen bomb aerodrome at Drama and cantonments at Beranci.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Operations continued on Baghdad-Mosul road.

Enemy troops attacked by British airmen on Tigris, north of Tekrit.

Naval

German submarine SM U-32, which sunk 37 ships during its career, is sunk by the HMS Wallflower off the coast of Malta with the loss of 41 hands.

Political, etc.

Nicaraguan President Vargas signs a decree declaring war against Germany.

Ship Losses:

Constantia (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.
Dux (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°32′W) by SM U-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Ingleside (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 80 nautical miles (150 km) off Algiers, Algeria by SM U-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven crew.
Princess Dagmar (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel by SM U-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all 24 crew.
Thoralf (Denmark) The barque was scuttled in the Irish Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) south east of the Coningbeg Lightship ( United Kingdom) (51°56′N 5°55′W) by SM UB-65 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM U-32 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 31 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north west of Malta (36°07′N 13°28′E) by HMS Wildflower ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 41 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

May 8, 1918


Air War:

0710 Belgian pilot Willy Coppens, flying an Hanriot HD.I, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 2.

0820 German ace Karl Bolle, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down SE.5a C6408 for victory number 9. Lt J.C. Wood is wounded and taken prisoner.

0835 German pilot Harry von Bülow-Bothkamp, with Jasta 36, shoots down SE.5a B8410 for victory number 4. Capt C.C. Clark is wounded and taken prisoner.

0935 English RAF pilot Arthur Claydon, in SE.5a C1089, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 2.

0937 German pilot Erich Buder, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

0940 German pilot Fritz Classen, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down an SE.ta for victory number 3.

0940 German ace Fritz Loerzer, in a Fokker Dr.I shoots down an SE.5a for victory 10.

0945 German pilot Helmut Lange, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

1015 Canadian RAF ace pilot George Bulmer and English observer Percy Williams, in Bristol F.2b C4888, shoot down a Pfalz D.III. Victory number 6 for Bulmer; number 5 for Williams.

1015 English RAF pilot Arthur Claydon, in SE.5a C1089, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

1015 English RAF pilot Samuel Thompson, flying Bristol F.2b B1162 with Sgt L. Kendrick as observer, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 2.

1020 Two Canadian RAF Sopwith Dolphin pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Albert Carter, C4017, victory number 25.
Gordon Irving, C3799, victory number 4.

1028 American ace Paul Baer, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 6. This is possibly Uffz Paul Fritz and Ltn Ulrich Haupt of FlAbt 240, both killed.

1115 English RAF pilot William Edward George Mann, in Sopwith Camel D1845, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1115 Canadian RAF pilot James White, in Sopwith Camel B6321, shoots dwon an Albatros D.V for victory numbere 3.

1150 German ace Otto Rosenfeld, flying with Jasta 41, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 9.

1230 German ace Eduard von Schleich, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 26.

1230 German pilot Julius Trotzky, with Jasta 43, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1852 for victory number 1. Capt C.R. McDonald is killed.

1232 Eduard von Schleich scores his second kill of the day, ahooting down another SE.5a for victory number 27.

1235 Eduard von Schleich brings down his third SE.5a for number 28 overall.

1400 English RAF pilot Stanley Wallage and Canadian observer Geroge Thomson, flying Bristol F.2b C795, shood down a Pfalz D.III. Victory number 4 for Wallage; number 1 for Thomson.

1420 German ace Karl Bolle, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 10.

1420 German pilot Friedrich Kempf, in Fokker Dr.I 213/17, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 4.

1645 English RAF pilot Victor Emmanuel Groom and observer Ernest Hardcastle, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 1 for both.

1738 Paul Baer scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a German "scout" for victory number 7.

1745 American RAF pilot Reed Gresham Landis, flying SE.5a B189, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1825 Welsh RAF pilot James Ira Thomas Jones, in SE.5a C6406, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1920 Canadian RAF ace William Barker, in Sopwith Camel B6313, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 24.

1920 Eglish RAF observer, riding in DH.9 C6108 with Lt N.C. MacDonald as pilot, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

2015 German ace Emil Thuy, in a Pfalz D.IIIa, shoots down a DH.9 for victory number 20.

2030 German pilot Gerhard Flecken, flying with Jasta 43, shoots down a DH.9 for victory number 4.

Ltn G. Brockhoff, with Marine Feld Jasta 2, shoots down a "Sopwith" for victory number 1.

German pilot Albin Buhl, with MFJ 4, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 3.

German pilot Hermann Kunz, with Jasta 55, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 4. Lt W.H. Hargreaves, of the 50th KBS, is killed.

German pilot Gustav Schniedewind, with Jasta 55, destroys a British observation balloon for victory number 5.

German Ltn R. Weinert, flying with MFJ 2, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

9th May 1918


Western Front

Enemy attacks in La Clytte-Voormezeele sector repulsed; French and British positions re-established.

Germans gain small success at Albert.

French success at Grivesnes, north-west of Montdidier.

Eastern Front

M. Ustemovich proclaimed President of the Ukraine.

Southern Front

Italians storm Monte Corno, in the Vallarsa (Upper Piave) during night; take 100 prisoners.

Aviation

French ace René Fonck bets with 2 Americans a bottle of champagne on who can shoot down the most planes in a day. Fonck wins, shooting down 6 German aircraft in a span of 3 hours.
https://i.imgur.com/IONjSLe.jpg

Political, etc.

Debate in House of Commons on General Maurice's letter; motion by Mr. Asquith defeated by large Government majority.

Entente Trade Committee formed in Holland.

Ship Losses:

Baron Ailsa (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 18 nautical miles (33 km) west north west of the Smalls Lighthouse by SM UB-72 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten of her crew.
Deipara (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Camarat, Var, France by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight of her crew.
Enrichetta (Italy) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35°29′N 12°22′W) by SM U-153 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM UC-78 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UC II submarine was rammed and sunk in the English Channel off Cherbourg, Manche, France by Queen Alexandra ( United Kingdom).

[Sailor Steve]

May 9, 1918


Air War:

1005 German pilot Gunther Schuster, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down SE.5a D5966 for victory number 5. Lt L.E. Bickel lands safely.

1030 English RAF pilot James Donald Innes Hardman, in Sopwith Dolphin C3919, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 1.

1150 German pilot Michael Paulin, with Jasta 23, shoots down SE.5a D3566 for victory number 1. Lt T. Ratcliffe is taken prisoner.

1220 Welsh ace RAF pilot John Chick and Canadian observer Eric Gilroy, in Bristol F.2b C4845, shoot down two Pfalz D.IIIs. Victories 11 and 12 for Chick; 2 and 3 for Gilroy.

1220 American RAF pilot Eugene Seeley Coler and Englsh observer Cyril William Gladman, in Bristol F.2b C7925, claim three Pfalz D.IIIs. Victories 1, 2 and 3 for both.

1230 German ace Franz Hemer, flying a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 8. Capt J.R. Duigan and Lt A.S. Paterson are both wounded.

1255 German ace Paul Billik, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Armstrong-Whitworth FK.8 B5792 for victory number 16. Lts R.L. Johnson and A.J. Melanson are both killed.

1315 Irish RAF pilot Robert McLaughlin, in Sopwith Camel B3884, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1315 German ace Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down DH.9 C6094 for victory number 6. Lts G.A. Leckie and G.R. Cuttle are both killed.

1330 Canadian RAF pilot William McKenzie Thomson and English observer George Hubert Kemp, in Bristol F.2b C4851, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for both.

1420 German pilot Karl-August von Schönebeck, flying with Jasta 59, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for veictory number 4.

1515 Australian AFC pilot George Peters and observer Garfield Finlay, in Bristol F.2b C4623, shoot down a Berman two-seater. Victory number 2 for Peters; number 4 for Finlay.

1545 English RAF observer Arnold Edward Ansell, in Bristol F.2b A7128 with 2nd Lt T.G. Jackman as pilot, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1600 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD XIII, shoots down two German two-seaters for victories 37 and 38.

1605 René Fonck shoots down a third two-seater for number 39.

1615 German pilot Karl Pech, with Jasta 29, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1790 for victory number 5. Lt S. Birch is taken prisoner.

1650 Irish RAF observer Alfred Stanley Mills, in a Bristol F.2b flown by Lt L.M. Price, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 1.

1650 Scottish RAF pilot David Esplin Smith and English observer Francis James Ralph, in a Bristol F.2b, shoot down a Fokker Dr.I. Victory number 1 for both.

1735 Irish RAF pilot Alfred William Saunders, in SE.5q C5450, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1750 Two RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
J.A. Adam, D4895, nationality and victory number unknown.
Francis Ryan Smith, Australia, C9496, victory number 1.

1805 René Fonck scores his fourth kill of the day, shooting down another two-seater for victory number 40.

1840 German ace Dieter Collin, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4851 for victory number 7.

1845 English RAF pilot Leslie Walter King, in Bristol F.2b C840 with Lt H.E. Elsworth as observer, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 1.

1850 Dieter Collin scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 9.

1855 René Fonck shoots down his fifth two-seater of the day for victory number 41.

1856 René Fonck scores number 6 for the day, yet another two-seater, for a total of 42.

1900 German pilot Ludwig Beckmann, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

1905 German pilot Theodor Lodemann, with SeeFrontStaffel 2, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

1915 English RAF pilot John Daley, in SE.ba B8261, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1930 American ace Frank Baylies, flying a SPAD with the French Air Service, shoots down a Halberstadt two-seater for victory number 8.

1930 Canadian RAF pilot Joseph Leonard Maries White, in Sopwith Camel D6562, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1950 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in an Fokker D.VII, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 19. This is arguably the first victory for the new fighter.

2000 German ace Wilhelm Reinhardt, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1821 for victory number 13. Lt A. Whitford-Hawkey is killed.

German ace Hermann Becker, with Jasta 12, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 11.

German ace Robert Heibert, flying with Jasta 46, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4750 for victory number 7. Capt C.G.D. Napier and Sgt W. Beales land safely on their own side of the lines.

German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 16. MdL Léon Génot and S/Lt Jardin of Esc Br 107 are both killed.

German ace Gustav Schniedewind, with Jasta 55, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 6.

[Jimbuna]

10th May 1918

Western Front

British eject Germans from front trench north-west of Albert.

Great activity of British bombing-machines on whole front.

French improve positions north of Kemmel village.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Attack on Ostend; H.M.S. Vindictive filled with concrete and sunk inside harbour mouth in early hours of morning.

Ship Losses:

Amplegarth (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 71 (Walter Warzecha) and sank in the English Channel 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) west south west of Dover, Kent. Her crew survived.
Anboto Mendi (Spain) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea off Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire, United Kingdom by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Erich Lea (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) south east of Whitby, Yorkshire by SM UB-107 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Itinda (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) north of Matra Susa, Libya (32°24′N 21°48′E) by SM U-47 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of a crew member.
HMML 254 (Royal Navy) The motor launch was lost on this date.
Szechuen (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) north by east of Port Said, Egypt (32°00′N 32°46′E) by SM UB-51 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nine of her crew.
SM UB-16 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB I submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Harwich, Essex, United Kingdom (52°06′N 2°01′E) by HMS E34 ( Royal Navy) with the loss of thirteen of her fourteen crew.
HMS Vindictive (Royal Navy) The Arrogant-class cruiser was sunk as a blockship at Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium.
Wileysike (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) off St. Ann's Head, Pembrokeshire by SM U-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four crew.