[Sailor Steve]

March 16, 1916:
　
Political:
General Joseph Gallieni resigns as French Minister of War; is rplaced by General Pierre Roques. Roques was the creator of the Armée de l'air (French air force).
　
South Wales coal dispute decided
　
Von Capell succeeds von Tirpitz as German Minister of Marine.
　
Sofia treason trial begins.



Western Front:
At Verdun five successive attacks on the city of Vaux are repulsed.



East Africa:
Sudan force advances from Nahud into Darfur.



Mexico:
American aircraft fly their first mission over foreign soil when Curtiss JN-3s of the 1st Aero Squadron carry out reconnaissance over Mexico.



English Channel:
Otto Wünsche, after a good start in U-25, is now Commanding U-70. He starts his first patrol in the new boat by torpedoing British frieghter SS Berwindale, 7,242 tons, bound from Galveston to Avonmouth with a load of wheat. The ship is only damaged, however, and manages to make port safely.

Later the same day Wünsche stops British brigantine SV Willie, carrying a load of cement in barrels from London to Cardiff, and then sinks her with his deck gun. Wünsche's score is now 22 ships and 14,330 tons.

Arthur Metz, new commander of UB-13, starts his career with the sinking of Dutch liner SS Turbantia, 13,911 tons, outbound from Amsterdam to Buenos Aires. Turbantia is lying at anchor off the North Hindon Light Vessel, fully lit up to avoid a mistaken attack by the British, waiting for dawn to come before proceeding. At around 0230 the liner's lookouts spot bubble trails, but there is nothing to be done with the ship anchored. as the ship begins to sink she sends out distress calls. Quick action by the vessels Breda, Krakstau and La Compine results in the rescue of all 80 passengers and 294 crew



Mediterranean Sea:
UC-12, under the command of Eberhard Fröhner, is laying a minefield off Taranto, Italy, when one of the mines detonates. UC-12 is sunk with the loss of all 15 crew. Later the Italians will raise the two halves of the boat and put her into service as X1.



Atlantic Ocean:
American freighter SS Kanawa, 2,182 tons, carrying a load of coal from Newport News to Rio De Janeiro, founders off Charleston, South Carolina, with the loss of seven lives.