100 Years Ago Today

[Jimbuna]

8th October 1917

Western Front

Aisne front: both German and French attacks round Craonne fail.

Germans claim to have broken up French attack south-west of Beaumont (Reims).

Naval and Overseas Operations

Russian encounter with enemy scouting-vessels between Oesel Island and north-west Courland.

Political, etc.

Railway strike begins in Russia.

Ukraine inaugurates autonomous Government.

M. Kerenski forms new Russian Cabinet.

Martial law ends in Spain, as “revolutionary disturbances” are suppressed in Catalonia and other provinces.

247 Puerto Ricans are selected to be trained as officers in the U.S. military, and 12,000 men will also be drafted.

Ship Losses:

Aylevarroo (United Kingdom) The coaster was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Ballycottin Island, County Cork (51°45′N 7°51′W) by SM U-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all twenty crew.
HMT Ben Heilem (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
Greldon (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) east north east of the North Arklow Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 28 crew.
Memphian (United Kingdom) The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in St. George's Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) east north east of the North Arklow Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 32 crew.
Richard de Larrinaga (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) south east of Ballycottin Island by SM U-57 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 35 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

October 8, 1917

Air War:

1420 English RFC ace Philip Fullard, flying Nieuport 27 B6789, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 30.

1400 Canadian RFC pilot Guy Moore, in Nieuport 17 B1508, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

French pilot Louis Coudouret, in a SPAD VII, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 3.

French ace Georges Lachmann, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 12.
(Neither of these victories are listed in The French Air Service War Chronology, yet both are listed in several websites. Later victories by both are included in the Chronology.)

[Jimbuna]

9th October 1917

Western Front

Third phase of Third Battle of Ypres: Franco-British attack east and north-east. Outskirts of Houthulst Forest taken.

One-mile advance on Passchendaele Ridge, 2,000 prisoners. Enemy counter-attack drives in advance troops south of Ypres-Staden railway on 2,000 yards front.

Keen artillery struggle, north of Chaume Wood (Verdun).

Eastern Front

Enemy air activity very marked round Oesel Island (Riga).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Death of Hussein Kamel, Sultan of Egypt; succeeded by Ahmed Fuad, his youngest brother, born 1868.

Naval and Overseas Operations

German Naval mutiny announced today. Independent Socialist Party involved.

Eleven enemy motor boats reconnoitring near Riga.

North of Lake Eyassi (south-east Victoria Nyanza) last enemy guerrilla detachment captured.

Belgians occupy Mahenge, old German H.Q. in Highlands; 260 prisoners.

Political, etc.

Dr. Charles A. Beard, head of Columbia University’s poli-sci department, resigns after the uni fired 2 other professors for anti-war views.

Japan provides the Russian government with a loan of 66.667 million yen as a sign of support for the Provisional Government.

U.S. apologizes to Italy after an American patrol boat fired on an Italian submarine by mistake and killed 2 sailors.

Ship Losses:

HMS Champagne (Royal Navy) The armed merchant cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) south west of the Calf of Man, Isle of Man (54°17′N 5°10′W) by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 58 of her 305 crew. Survivors were rescued by the Peel and Port St. Mary Lifeboats.
Main (United Kingdom) The coaster was shelled and sunk in Luce Bay 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) east of Drummore, Wigtownshire by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twelve of her crew. She was refloated on 7 August 1920, repaired, and returned to service in August 1922.
Nervier (Belgium) The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and damaged off the Orkney Islands by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She sank on 12 October with loss of all hands.
Niki (Greece) The coaster was sunk in the Ionian Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) north of Cape Matapan by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Peshawur (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) south east of Ballyquintin Point, County Down by SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven of her crew.
Poldown (United Kingdom) The collier struck a mine laid by UC 51 (Hans Galster) and sank in the Atlantic Ocean 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) west south west of Trevose Head, Cornwall (50°31′N 5°05′W) by SM UC-51 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eighteen of her crew.
San Blas (Panama) The cargo ship sank at Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro.

[Sailor Steve]

October 9, 1917

Air War:

1010 German ace Bruno Loerzer, flying Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoots down RE.8 A3663 for victory number 14. 2nd Lts I.U. MacMurchy and F.T. Brasington are both killed.

1040 Three RFC SPAD VII pilots share a victory over an Albatros two-seater:
John Candy, England, B3615, victory number 3.
Richard Hewat, United States, A6662, number 2.
Frederick Sowrey, England, B6777, number 12.

1115 German pilot Helmut Dilthey, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 4.

1330 Canadian RFC pilot Guy Moore, in Nieuport 17 B1508, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1430 German pilot Franz Müller, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Nieuport 17 B3577 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt M.A.Peacock is taken prisoner.

1515 Scottish RFC Robert Birkbeck, flying Nieuport 27 B6753, shoots down a pair of Albatros D.Vs for victories number 5 and 6.

1555 English RFC pilot Frank Hobson, in Sopwith Camel B2389, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

1620 German ace Xavier Dannhuber, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Nieuport 27 B6767 for victory number 7. English 8-victory RFC ace William Victor Trevor Rooper is killed.

1700 Austrian ace Frank Linke-Crawford, in Austrian Albatros D.III 153.11, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 6.

1700 Austrian pilot Kurt Gruber, in an unidentified "Scout", destroys an observation balloon for victory number 5.

1815 German pilot Karl Gallwitz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 3.

[Sailor Steve]

October 10, 1917

Western Front:
French extend their hold up Corverbeck Valley (Ypres).

Germans gain footing in first line trenches north of Chaume Wood (Verdun).



Naval and Overseas Operations:

Portuguese capture German post at Mauta, 26 miles north of Rovuma River (East Africa).

Germans bomb Russian transports at southern end of Oesel Island (Riga).



Political, etc:

Von Kuhlmann Peace proposal says Germany will never give back Alsace-Lorraine; French press virulent on the subject.



Ship Losses:

Carl (Kaiserliche Marine): The three-masted sailing ship was beached and abandoned in Constantine Bay, north Cornwall while being towed to London during a storm.

HMS Bostonian (Royal Navy): The escort ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel, 34 nautical miles (63 km) south by east of Start Point by SM U-53 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four crew.

Gowrie (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) north east of Cherbourg, Seine-Maritime, France by SM U-53 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Transporteur (France): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Malta (35°29′N 14°58′E) by SM U-32 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.

HMT Waltham (Royal Navy): The naval trawler was lost on this date.



Air War:

The first production Fokker Dr.Is begin departing the factory. One is destined for Jasta 10, and ten of them for Jasta 11.

0725 German ace Erwin Böhme, flying Albatros D.V 4578/17, shoots dowm Nieuport 27 B6701 for victory number 17. 2nd Lt Gerald Benson Wigle is wounded and crashes in No-Man's Land, between the lines. He escapes to his own side after being reported as Missing, Presumed Dead.
(per Under the Guns of the Kaiser's Aces. Jasta War chronology has this as SE.5a B23, 2nd Lt G.M. Wilkinson killed. This is likely because Böhme reported his victim as an SE.5a, despite the major differences between that plane and the Nieuport. SE.5a B23 was reported missing this day, but there is no record of who shot it down.)

0805 Canadian RFC pilot Frank Granger Quigley, in Sopwith Camel B2356, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

0825 Frank Quigley scores his second victory, another Albatros D.V.

1700 German ace Heinrich Bongartz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down DH.4 A2138 for victory number 13. Sgt F.V. Legge and AM1 J.S. Clarke are listed as Missing.

1705 German pilot Walter Ewers, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down DH.5 B360 for victory number 2. 2nd Lt A.W. Edwards is killed.

1800 German ace Xavier Dannhuber, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 8.

Russian pilot Alexander de Seversky, in a Nieuport 21, shoots down an unidentified "Scout" for victory number 5, then a two-seater for number 6. This is Seversky's last aerial victory. He will be shot down behind enemy lines on October 14th but get back home safely. In March 1918 he will be sent to the United States as assistant Naval attache to the Russian Embassy. He will remain in the U.S., avoiding the Russian Revolution, and become an American citizen in 1927. In 1931 he will found the Seversky Aircraft Corporation and develop a series of world-record-setting seaplanes. In 1939 Seversky will be voted out of the company he founded and spend the rest of his life as an aeronautical writer and consultant, dying in 1974 at eighty years of age. His company was renaimed Republic Aircraft and went on to produce one of the legendary planes of World War Two, the P-47 Thunderbolt.

[Sailor Steve]

October 11, 1917

Western Front

French stop a German counter-attack east of Dreibank, Ypres.

Germans gain temporary footing in advanced trenches north of Hill 344 (Verdun), but driven out by French.



Eastern Front

Germans gain some ground south-east of Segewold (Riga).

Germans attempt to fraternise in Riga sector.



Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turkish attack in Armenia, 16 miles south-west of Erzingan, repulsed.



Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: Column in Mbemkuru valley occupies Ruponda on flank of enemy retreating before Nahango column. Large quantities corn and ammunition captured.



Political, etc.

Four ships flying Swedish flag and lying in British ports taken over by British, being mainly British owned, and liable to be treated as such by Germans.

British government stops commercial cable communication with Holland.



Ship Losses

Aghios Georgios (Russia): The ship was sunk in the Black Sea by SM UB-42 (Kaiserliche Marine).

Baychattan (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 0.5 nautical miles (930 m) south south west of Prawle Point, Devon by SM UC-50 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Cayo Bonito (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Genoa 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east north east of Savona, Liguria, Italy (44°14′N 8°30′E) by SM UC-35 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of six of her crew.

Elve (United Kingdom): The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Finisterre, Spain (46°23′N 11°19′W) by SM U-22 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her 29 crew took to the lifeboats but did not survive.

Italia (Italy): The cargo ship was sunk in the Gulf of Genoa 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east north east of Savona (44°14′N 8°30′E) by SM UC-35 (Kaiserliche Marine).

Joshua (United Kingdom): The sailing vessel was scuttled in the English Channel west of the Isle of Wight by SM UB-57 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three crew.

HMY Kethailes (Royal Navy) The naval yacht collided with another vessel and sank in the Irish Sea off the Blackwater Lightship (United Kingdom).

Lewis Luckenbach (United States): The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) west of the Île Vierge, Finistère, France (48°47′N 4°43′W) by SM U-53 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of ten crew.

Lovli (Italy): The cargo ship was sunk in the Gulf of Genoa (44°14′N 8°29′E) by SM UC-35 (Kaiserliche Marine).

Mira (United Kingdom): The tanker struck a mine and sank in the English Channel 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) off Beachy Head, East Sussex (50°41′N 0°09′E). Her crew survived.

Panormitis (France): The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt by SM UC-74 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Rhodesia (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south east by south of the Coningbeg Lightship (United Kingdom) by SM U-61 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four crew.



Air War

Fokker DR.I 115/17, sent out several days ahead of the others, arrives at Jasta 15 for testing and evaluation.

0715 English RFC pilot Frank Johnson, flying Bristol F.2b B1130 with Lt N.M. Sanders as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 5.

0715 English RFC ace pilot Harry Luchford and observer William Benger, in Bristol F.2b B1122, shoot down a pair of Albatros D.Vs. Victories 19 and 20 for Luchford, 4 and 5 for Benger.

0830 German pilot Hans Hoyer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down SE.5a B542 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt R.J. Preston-Cobb is killed.

0945 German ace Julius Buckler, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down RE.8 A4330 for victory number 16. Lts F.C.E. Clarke and P. Mighell both die from wounds received in this fight.

1115 German pilot Hans Viebig, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7181 for victory number 1. Lt R.I.V. Hill and 2nd Lt R.S. Gilbert are taken prisoner.

1605 German ace Xavier Dannhuber, flying Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoot down an SE.5 for victory number 9.

1740 Julius Buckler scores his second kill of the day, shooting down Sopwith Camel B6314 for number 17. 2nd Lt W.H. Winter is listed as Missing.

1745 German pilot Walter Ewers, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Pup A2160 for victory number 3. 2nd Lt A.A. Allen is killed.

[Sailor Steve]

October 12, 1917

Western Front

British attack north-east of Ypres on six-mile front from French right to Ypres-Roulers railway. Some progress all alone line, but rain stops big advance.

German attacks repulsed all along French front, notably in Champagne.



Eastern Front

Germans land at Tagga Bay north of Oesel Island (Riga) and on Dago Island. Part of Oesel Island occupied and traversed to east end; attempt to capture pier on Moon Island repulsed.



Southern Front

Austrian attack repulsed in region of Mnt. Costabella.



Naval and Overseas Operations

Combined German naval and military landing at Oesel Island (Riga). Russian coast batteries destroyed (German 8 dreadnoughts, 12 light craft, 40 T.B.D., etc.). Russians ships hinder German fleet entering between Dago and Oesel Islands.



Political, etc.

Count Luxburg is interned in Argentina.

Sir Robert Borden forms Coalition Government in Canada.


Ship Losses

Cape Corso (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Irish Sea 9 nautical miles (17 km) off the St. Govan Lightship (United Kingdom) by SM U-57 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen crew. Although she subsequently broke her back, she was repaired and returned to service.

Georgios Markettos (Greece): The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) off the St. Govan Lightship (United Kingdom) by SM U-57 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Peebles (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM UB-18 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Themis (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 22 nautical miles (41 km) north of Cape Bon, Algeria (37°26′N 11°04′E) by SM UB-51 (Kaiserliche Marine).


W. M. Barkley (United Kingdom): The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) east of the Kish Lightship (United Kingdom) by SM UC-75 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of four of her crew.

Hirondelle (France) The steamer was lost after running aground off Sark during a voyage from Le Havre to St. Malo and St. Brieux carrying petrol.



Air War:

2nd Lt Harry Edward Jones, wounded by Werner Voss on September 11, dies from a sudden hemorrage.

0915 Canadian RFC pilot John Crompton, flying SE.5a B519, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

1020 German ace Carl Menckhoff, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Triplane N5378 for victory number 13.

1025 Carl Menckhoff scores his second kill of the day, shooting down an RE.8 for number 14.

1145 Scottish RFC ace Robert Birkbeck, in Nieuport 27 B6753, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 7.

1155 German pilot Harry von Bülow-Bothkamp, younger brother of Walter and Conrad von Bülow-Bothkamp, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

1215 German pilot Hans von Häbler, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Pup B1836 for victory number 2. Lt A.W. Nasmyth is killed.

1215 German pilot Hans Hoyer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Pup B1830 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt R.W.B. Matthewson is taken prisoner.

1215 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoots down a DH. 4 for victory number 15.

1215 German ace Theodor Quandt, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Pup A635 for victory number 6. 2nd Lt M. Newcomb is taken prisoner.

1215 German pilot Heinrich Stümpert, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2386 for victory number 1. 2nd Lt K.H. Willard is killed.

1220 German pilot Justus Kaiser, flying an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2375 for victory number 1. Cpt H.B. Coomber is killed.

1220 German ace Hans Klein, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 18.

1245 German pilot Franz Eberlein, in an Albatros, shoots down a SPAD for his only victory.

1340 German pilot Fritz Kieckhäfer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 3.
(The three DH.4s shot down this day were A7426, Sgt A.L. Clear and 2nd Lt F.W. Talbot both taken prisoner; A2135, 2nd Lts G.W. Armstrong and H. Pughe-Evans both taken prisoner; and A7515, Lt S.H. Allen and wnd Lt G.C.E. Smithett both killed).

1730 Canadian RFC pilot Edward Booth, in Sopwith Camel B6206, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 2.

[Sailor Steve]

October 13, 1917

Western Front

Control of British Air Service reorganised; Maj.-Gen. Salmond succeeds Lt.-Gen. Sir D. Henderson as Director-General.



Eastern Front

Germans continue landing on Oesel Island. Detachments landed on Dago Island promptly ejected, Arensburg occupied.



Southern Front

Considerable artillery activity on Upper Isonzo.



Naval and Overseas Operations

Belgians repel German attack south-east of Mahenge.
German mine-sweepers between Courland and Oesel Island.



Ship Losses:

Alavi (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) north east of Cape Palos, Murcia, Spain (37°40′N 0°34′W) by SM U-35 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of thirteen crew.

Bethel (Norway): The sailing vessel was sunk in the North Sea (56°08′N 0°58′E) by SM UB-58 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Caprera (Italy): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles (110 km) west of Casablanca, Morocco (33°53′N 8°45′W) by SM U-151 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her 45 crew were rescued by Ernesto (Spain).

Despina G. Michalinos (Greece): The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Carthagena, Spain (37°42′N 0°33′W) by SM U-35 (Kaiserliche Marine).

Doris (Italy): The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Palos (37°46′N 0°38′W) by SM U-35 (Kaiserliche Marine).

Diu (Portugal): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) off the Tuskar Rock, Ireland by SM U-57 (Kaiserliche Marine).

Eskmere (United Kingdom): The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) west north west of South Stack, Anglesey by SM UC-75 (Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 20 of her crew.

Esmerelda (Sweden): The barque was sunk in the North Sea by SM UB-58 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Lilla (Italy): The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Carthagena (37°45′N 0°38′W) by SM U-35 (Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

Woodburn (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of The Lizard, Cornwall by SM U-62 (Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached at Falmouth. Later refloated, repaired and returned to service.

The four ships Alavi, Despia G. Michelinos, Doris, and Lilla are all sunk by Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière in U-35. This his first patrol since April and his score is now 180 ships and 389,685 tons.



Air War:

0850 German ace Erwin Böhme, flying Albatros D.V 4578/17, shoots down Sopwith Pup B1800 for victory number 18.

0855 German ace Hans Klein, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Pup for victory number 19.

0900 Canadian RNAS pilot Roy Brown, in Sopwith Camel B3893, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 5.

0900 German pilot Hans Körner, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Pup for victory number 3.

0905 German ace Rudolf Francke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith pup for victory number 7.
(The four Pups shot down this day were: A7344, 2nd Lt P.C. Norton taken prisoner; B1800, 2nd F.W. Gibbes killed; B2161, 2nd Lt J.H.R. Salter killed; B5918, 2nd Lt W.W. Vick taken prisoner.)

1100 German pilot Hans Staats, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down DH.5 A9277 for victory number 1. Lt D.G. Morrison is wounded and crashes in No-Man's Land. He escapes to his own lines as his plane is destroyed by artillery fire.

1730 German ace Ernst Hess, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Dorand AR.2 D1123 for victory number 15. Brigadier Lefevre and Soldat Guiraud are both wounded and taken prisoner.

[Sailor Steve]

October 14, 1917

Eastern Front

Tserel and Arensburg in flames.

Russians guarding Irbek Strait cut off on Sworbe Peninsula.



Naval and Overseas Operations

German warships land detachments on Islands of Runo and Abro (Riga).

British mine-sweeper "Bregonia" and merchant cruiser "Champagne" sunk, 56 lost.

Russian T.B.D.'s repel German effort to force passage of Moon Sound (Oesel Island).



Political, etc.

More drastic measures taken in Great Britain to compete with growing shortages of foodstuffs, petrol and coal.

Ukraine declares itself an autonomous nation and claims participation in future Peace Conference.



Air War:

Russian pilot Alexander de Seversky is forced down in enemy territory, but escapes to his own lines.

0742 German ace Erwin Böhme, flying Albatros D.V 4578/17, shoots down Nieuport 27 B6778 for victory number 19. 2nd Lt Henry Douglas MacPherson is killed.

0742 German pilot Karl Gallwitz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an "RE.8" for victory number 4. Lt C. Smythe and 2nd Lt A. Ward are taken prisoner. Sources give two different serial numbers for this aircraft, but both are questionable. B3652 is a BE.2e and B5308 is a Sopwith Pup! The BE.2 seems more likely, being a two-seater, and misclaims happened quite often.

1225 German ace Rudolf Wendelmuth, in an Albatros D.V, shoot down an unidentified "Sopwith" for victory number 11.

1620 German ace Heinrich Bongartz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down RE.8 A4444 for victory number 14. 2nd Lts F.B. Braithwaite and J.C. Garrat are both wounded and taken prisoner.

1645 German pilot Ltn Hebler (first name unknown), probably in an Albatros D.III, shoots down an observation balloon for victory number 1.

1700 English RFC ace Philip Fullard, flying Nieuport 27 B6789, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 31.

1715 RFC pilot Lt W.R. Jones, in DH.5 A9269, shoots down Albatros D.V 636/17 (victory number unknown). OfStv Rudolf Weckbrodt (2 victories) is killed.

1735 German ace Xavier Dannhuber, in Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 10.

1740 German ace Franz Ray, in an OAW-built Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 7.

1830 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in an Albatros D.V, destroys a British observation balloon for victoru number 6.



Ship Losses:
Barbro (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 13 nautical miles (24 km) north north west of the Île de Batz, Finistère, France (48°55′N 4°14′W) by SM UC-48 with the loss of two of her crew.

Castro (Greece): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) north north east of Brignogan, Finistère by SM UC-48. Her crew survived.

HMT Clyde (Royal Navy). The naval trawler collided with another vessel and sank in the English Channel off Sidmouth, Devon.

Ecaterini C. D. (Greece): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (46°49′N 12°21′W) by SM U-105.

East Wales (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) south by west of Daunts Rock (51°40′N 8°13′W) by SM U-57 with the loss of three crew.

Grom (Imperial Russian Navy): The Azard-class destroyer was shelled and damaged in the Gulf of Riga by SMS V100 and was abandoned. She was taken in tow by V100 but consequently foundered.

Lido G. (United Kingdom): The coaster was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north east of Misrata, Libya by SM UC-73.

Semantha (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north west by north of Cape St. John, Crete, Greece by SM UC-74 with the loss of 32 of her crew.

SM UC-62 (Kaiserliche Marine): The Type UC II submarine struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Zeebrugge, West Flanders, Belgium with the loss of all 26 crew.

Valparaiso (Italy): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk off Marsa Susa, Libya (36°56′N 21°58′E) by SM UB-48. The wreck was raised in 1928 and sold for scrap in January 1930.

[Sailor Steve]

October 15, 1917



Western Front

Bruges dock raided by British airmen.



Eastern Front

Germans cut off retreat of Russians from Oesel Island to Moon Island via Mole and capture 3,500 prisoners.

Germans advance along Sworbe Peninsula.



Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: Lindi column drives enemy on Nyangoa by enveloping movement from north.



Air War:

1215 Canadian RNAS pilot John Hales, flying Sopwith Camel B3832, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1300 German ace Heinrich Arntzen, in an Albatros D.V, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 6. The observers parachute safely.

1400 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoots down Bristol F.2b A7244 for victory number 16. 2nd Lt HS. Wellby and AM2 W. Nicol are both taken prisoner.

1510 German pilot Hans Hoyer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 5.

1645 English RFC ace Frederick Sowrey, in SPAD VII A6709, shoots down an Albatros two-seater for victory number 13. This is Sowrey's last aerial victory. He will return to England and command 143 Squadron until the end of the war, then see a post-war career in the RAF. He will retire as a Group Captain in 1940 and live until 1968.

German pilot Franz Büchner, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

English RNAS ace Thomas Le Mesurier and observer Horace Jackson, in DH.4 N5967, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 6 for Le Mesurier and number 5 for Jackson.



Ship Losses

HMT Active III (Royal Navy): The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Irish Sea between Grassholm and Skokholm, Pembrokeshire with the loss of all ten crew.

USS Cassin (United States Navy): Action of 15 October 1917: The Cassin-class destroyer was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) south of Mine Head, County Cork, United Kingdom by SM U-61 with the loss of a crew member. She was taken in tow by HMS Snowdrop (Royal Navy). Subsequently repaired and returned to service.

Champagne (French Navy): The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea with the loss of 56 lives.

Garthclyde (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km) west of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°55′N 5°30′W) by SM UC-79. Her crew survived.

Hartburn (United Kingdom): The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south of Anvil Point, Dorset with the loss of three of her crew.

Hovde (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 11 nautical miles (20 km) north west of the Île de Batz, Finistère, France by SM UC-48 with the loss of a crew member.

Saint Paul (France): The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Bay of Biscay (46°29′N 10°26′W) by SM U-105 with the loss of a crew member.

St. Helens (United States): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 100 nautical miles (190 km) west north west of Cape Vilano, Spain (45°57′N 11°19′W) by SM U-105 with the loss of 24 crew.

White Head (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) north north east of Suda Bay, Crete, Greece (36°13′N 24°33′E) by SM UC-74 with the loss of 23 of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

October 16, 1917

Western Front

Enemy air raid on Nancy.

French attack west of Craonne is repulsed by Germans.



Eastern Front

Oesel Island fully in German possession. Germans claim 10,000 prisoners and 50 guns.

German attempt to throw bridge across Dvina frustrated.



Naval and Overseas Operations

Belgians rescue convoy of prisoners south-east of Mahenge (East Africa).

Russian fleet assists defence in Moon Sound.

Russian battleship Slava sunk by German battleship König in Gulf of Riga.



Political, etc.

Pan-German propaganda.

Mr. Bonar-Law announces future Air Ministry Bill.



Air War:

0925 German ace Erwin Böhme, flying Albatros D.V 4578/17, shoots down Nieuport 17 B3578 for victory number 20. 2nd Lt Frederick John Ortweiler is taken prisoner.

1015 French/American ace Raoul Lufbery, flying a Nieuport, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 13.

1130 German pilot Walter Kypke, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Salmson 2.A2 for victory number 4.

1200 German ace Ernst Hess, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 16. MdL Louis Houdusse and Soldat Rouille are both killed.

1245 German ace Robert von Greim, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Nieport for victory number 6.

1345 Robert von Greim scores his second victory of the day, a SPAD, for number 7.

1350 German pilot Max Taucher, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD for his first and only victory.

1635 Walter Kypke scores his second kill of the day, a Dorand AR.2, for number 5.

1635 German ace Georg Schlenker, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 8.
(Two AR.2s were lost in this sector at this time. Cpt Edouard Garcin and Soldat Robert Millet; and Adj Raoul Chesneau and Sgt Boitel were all killed.)

German pilot Anton Bauhofer, flying a Roland D.IIa, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 2.

French pilot MdL Delore, in a Nieuport, claims an "Enemy Aircraft". His claim is unconfirmed, but according to the French Air Service War Chronology it seems likely this is Max Taucher, who was shot down and captured shortly after scoring his only victory.

French ace Georges Lachmann, in a SPAD VII, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 9. This is his last victory. He will survive the war and live until August 1961.
(per The Aerodrome. French War Chronology does not mention Lachmann on this date.)



Ship Losses:

SMS Eber (Kaiserliche Marine): The gunboat was scuttled at Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Est (Imperial Russian Navy): The cargo ship was sunk in the Baltic Sea off Ekenäs, Finland (59°51′N 23°46′E) by SM UC-60.

Jennie E. Righter (United States): The three-masted schooner was scuttled after being shelled in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Spain (43°54′N 10°02′W) by SM U-22. Her crew survived.

SMS T56 (Kaiserliche Marine): The S7-class torpedo boat ran aground and sank in the Baltic Sea.

[Sailor Steve]

October 17, 1917

Western Front

Great artillery activity north-east of Soissons.

Germans enter French trenches at Hill 344 (Verdun).



Eastern Front

German attempt to land on Dago Island (Riga) supported by naval guns is repulsed.

Government prepares to move to Moscow from Petrograd.



Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: Column from Lukuledi Mission drives enemy eastward; two columns occupy Nyangoa.

Naval engagements Gulf of Riga.

German raiders sink nine merchantmen and two destroyers out of convoy off Bergen; 135 lost.



Political, etc.

Australian trans-continental railway joined up.

Holland replies to British Note re: transport of gravel and sand.



Air War:

0730 English RNAS pilot John Pinder, flying Sopwith Camel N6439, shoots down a German seaplane for victory number 4.

0925 Canadian RFC ace pilot William Durrand and English observer Albert Woodbridge, in Bristol F.2b A7141, shoot down a DFW C.V. Victory number 6 for Durrand, number 5 for Woodbridge.

0930 German pilot Vfw Bärwald (first name unknown), in an Albartros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

0930 German ace Heinrich Bongartz, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 15.

0930 German ace Theodor Quandt, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 7.

0945 English RFC ace Philip Fullard, flying Nieuport 17 B6789, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 32.

1000 English RFC ace pilot Harry Luchford and English observer Victor White, in Bristol F.2b B1138, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 21 for Luchford, number 3 for White.

1030 Philip Fullard scores his second victory of the day, a German two-seater, for number 33 overall.

1045 Canadian RNAS pilot Stanley Rosevear, in Sopwith Triplane N5489, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 5.

1100-1130 South African RNAS pilot Samuel Kinkead, in Sopwith Triplane N5465, shoots down a DFW C.V for victory number 5.

1105 New Zealand RFC pilot Herbert Frank Stacey Drewitt, flying SPAD VII B6761, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1105 French ace René Fonck, in a SPAD VII, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 16.

1120 German ace Julius Buckler, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2a A7271 for victory number 18. 2nd Lt A.G.V. Taylor and Sgt W.J. Benger are both wounded and taken prisoner, and both will die from their wounds.

1120 René Fonck scores his second kill of the day, another two-seater, for number 17.

1140 German pilot Konrad von Bülow-Bothkamp (brother of Walter and Harry von Bülow-Bothkamp), in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Nieuport fighter for victory number 1.

1425 Philip Fullard scores his third kill of the day, shooting down an Albatros D.V for number 34.

1500 German pilot Heinrich Kütt, possibly in an old Albatros D.II (records are sketchy for Jasta 23 aircraft), shoots down a SPAD for his only victory.

1500 French pilot Alexandre Marty, in a Nieuport, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 5. Uffz Erich Wagner and Ltn Josef Herkommer of FlAbt 276a are both killed.

1620 German ace Bruno Loerzer, in Albatros D.V 2299/17, shoots down a Sopwith Pup for victory number 17.

1630 German pilot Karl Wewer, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3.

German pilot Karl Bey, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for his only aerial victory. This is either A7231 (2nd Lts E. Scholtz and H.C. Wookey both taken prisoner) or A7209 (2nd Lts S.E. Stanley and E.L. Fossey also captured).

French Nieuport pilots Georges Blanc and Louis-Antoine Chartoire share the destruction of a German observation Balloon. Victory number 4 for Blanc, number 1 for Chartoire.

German pilot Robert Dycke, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD VII. Sgt Marcel Montagne is killed.

German ace Otto Könnecke, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down an Allied two-seater for victory number 8.

French pilot Fochaux du Plessis, in a Nieuport, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 1.

French pilot Paul Rodde, flying a Nieuport, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 5.



Ship Losses:

Adams (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) south east by east of The Lizard, Cornwall (49°54′N 5°04′W) by SM U-62. Her crew survived.

USAT Antilles (United Statess Army): The troopship was torpedoed and damaged in the Bay of Biscay (48°10′N 11°15′W) by SM U-105 with the loss of 67 lives. Survivors were rescued by USS Corsair and the ship was scuttled.

California (United Kingdom): The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 145 nautical miles (269 km) north north west of Cape Villano, Spain (45°00′N 11°26′W) by SM U-22 with the loss of four lives.

H. Wicander (Sweden): Action off Lerwick: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk with the loss of sixteen crew in the North Sea off Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer.

Goorkha (Royal Navy): Mines from SM UC-25 damage British Hospital ship off Malta (35°57′N 14°40′E). Towed into Malta, decommissioned and returned to owners, Union Castle, for repair.

Habil (Norway): Action off Lerwick: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer.

Kristine (Norway): Action off Lerwick: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer with the loss of ten of her eleven crew.

HMT Jean (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost in the Mediterranean Sea on this date.

Manchuria (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles (110 km) west of Ouessant, Finistère, France by SM U-53 with the loss of 26 crew.

HMS Mary Rose: Action off Lerwick: The 'M'-class destroyer was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer with the loss of 88 of her 98 crew.

Polvena (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 25 nautical miles (46 km) north by east of Ouessant (48°55′N 5°10′W) by SM U-53 with the loss of three crew.

HMT Ruby (Royal Navy): The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Ouessant (48°50′N 5°10′W) by SM UC-79 with the loss of all eighteen crew.

Silja (Norway): Action off Lerwick: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer.

Slava (Imperial Russian Navy): Battle of Moon Sound: The Borodino-class battleship was scuttled in Moon Sound. The wreck was scrapped in 1935.

Sørhaug (Norway): Action off Lerwick: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer.

Stella (Denmark): Action off Lerwick: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer.

HMS Strongbow (Royal Navy): Action off Lerwick: The R-class destroyer was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick by SMS Bremse and SMS Brummer with the loss of 47 of her crew.

Visbur (Sweden): Action off Lerwick: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the North Sea off Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom, by SMS Bremse and SMS Bremmer. All her crew survived the lifeboat trip back to Norway.

[Sailor Steve]

October 18, 1917

Eastern Front

Moon Island (Riga) evacuated by Russians.



Southern Front

Renewed local fighting on Trentino and Carnia fronts.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Report re: German activity near Jibuti (French Somali-land).



Naval and Overseas Operations

Fighting continues round Nyangoa (East Africa); considerable casualties on both sides.



Political, etc.

Dutch shipping in American ports to be utilised.



Air War:

0810-1020 Canadian RFC ace Reginald Hoidge, flying SE.5a B506, shoots down two German two-seaters for victory number 25 and 26.

0845 English RFC ace Harry Luchford and observer Victor White, in Bristol F.2b B1138, shoot down an Albatros D.V Victory number 22 for Luchford, number 4 for White.

0900 Canadian RFC pilot Alfred Michael Koch, in Sopwith Camel B2399, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

0900 Harry Luchford and Victor White score their second kill of the day, shooting down another Albatros D.V for victories number 23 and 5 respectively.

0910 German pilot Paul Lotz, in an Albatros D.III or possibly a Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

0940 German pilot Helmut Dilthey, flying an Albatros D.III, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 5.

0945 German pilot Hermann Kunz, in an Albatros D.III or Pfalz D.III, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 3. This is Kunz's first victory in almost a year, and will be his only one in 1917.

0945 German pilot Kurt Schönfelder, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 3.

0950 German ace Josef Jacobs, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 9.

0950 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 7.

[Sailor Steve]

October 19, 1917



Western Front

13 Zeppelins raid east and north-east England and London; 5 brought down. Larger type of Zeppelin used; 36 killed, 55 injured.



Eastern Front

Germans land on Dago Island.

Germans fail in effort to fraternise on Romanian front.



Naval and Overseas Operations

British armed mercantile cruiser Orana torpedoed and sunk; no lives lost.



Political, etc.

Liberal Swedish Cabinet formed by Professor Eden.

U.S.A. embargo on trade with Northern Neutrals.

Munition Works removed from Petrograd.



Air War:

US Army 1st Aero Squadron moves to Amanty, Lorraine.



Ship Losses:

Australdale (Australia): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 165 nautical miles (306 km) north north west of Cape Villano, Spain (45°24′N 11°32′W) by SM U-22 with the loss of 27 crew.

Britannia (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel off Portland Bill, Dorset by SM UC-75 with the loss of all 22 crew.

Camswan (United Kingdom): The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank. Her crew were rescued.

Cupica (United Kingdom): The auxiliary barque was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 75 nautical miles (139 km) west by south of the Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly by SM U-107 and SM UC-79. Her crew survived.

Eldra (United Kingdom): The barquentine was scuttled in the English Channel 25 nautical miles (46 km) north west of Le Tréport, Seine-Maritime, France by SM UC-77. Her crew survived.

Elsiston (United Kingdom): The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 150 nautical miles (280 km) east by south of Malta (35°40′N 17°28′E) by SM U-14 (Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of a crew member.

Gemma (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) north by west of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire by SM UB-21 with the loss of four of her crew.

Good Hope (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 125 nautical miles (232 km) east by south of Malta (35°53′N 17°05′E) by SM U-14 (Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.

Harpon (France): The cargo ship was damaged in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Río de Oro (24°22′N 15°50′W) by SM U-151. She was beached but was declared a constructive total loss. Her crew survived.

Hazelwood (United Kingdom): The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) south by east of Anvil Point, Dorset with the loss of 32 of her crew.

Ikoma Maru (Japan): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Cap Cantin, Morocco by SM U-35. Her crew survived.

J. L. Luckenbach (United States): The ocean liner was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by SM U-62. She was escorted to Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, France by the destroyer USS Nicholson. Subsequently repaired and returned to service.

Martha (Denmark): The barque was shelled and sunk in the North Sea (61°12′N 2°10′W) by SM UB-66. Her ten crew took to the lifeboats but were not rescued.

HMS Orama (Royal Navy): The armed merchant cruiser was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (48°00′N 9°20′W) by SM U-62 with the loss of five crew. Three hundred and five survivors were rescued by USS Jacob Jones.

Parkhaven (Netherlands): The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) off the Noord Hinder Lightship (Netherlands) (52°16′N 2°46′E) by SM U-53.

Pera (United Kingdom): The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 105 nautical miles (194 km) east by north of Marsa Susa, Libya (37°16′N 24°00′E) by SM UB-48 with the loss of a crew member.

Renard (French Navy): The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Ouessant, Finistère (48°28′N 4°58′W) with the loss of eleven of her crew. Survivors were rescued by 260 (French Navy).

Slavonic (Russia): The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

Staro (Norway): The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (45°00′N 12°07′W) by SM U-22. Her crew survived.

Teespool (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was damaged in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of Dartmouth, Devon by SM UB-38 with the loss of four of her crew. She was beached but was later refloated.

Waikawa (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east north east of Start Point, Devon by SM UB-31. Her crew survived.

War Clover (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) east north east of Pantellaria, Italy (37°00′N 12°35′E) by SM U-64 with the loss of fourteen crew.

Wellington (United Kingdom): the cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south south east of Portland Bill by SM UB-40. She was taken in tow by HMT Flo Johnson and beached at Portland. Later repaired and returned to service.

[Catfish]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

October 19, 1917
Western Front

13 Zeppelins raid east and north-east England and London; 5 brought down. Larger type of Zeppelin used; 36 killed, 55 injured.

11 Zeppelins of the intended 13 started, two remained in their sheds in Nordholz due to bad weather. The so-called "silent raid" cost the german Navy 5 Zeppelins, but 4 were brought down by bad weather (one due to engine problems), not enemy fire.

All 11 Zeppelins dropped bombs over London from an altitude of 6000 meters, with minimal damage. From the 73 british planes being launched not one was able to reach this altitude.
The mission was regarded as a fiasko by both sides. The Zeppelins were not able to bomb certain targets because they were being swept around by strong winds, and four were lost due to bad weather; on the other side not one "interceptor" plane was able to reach the attack altitude. Thus the english strategy changed to attack the airships' bases instead.