100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

January 6, 1918

Air War:

1000 Two French Nieuport 17 pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Marius Ambrogi, victory number 2,
Marie de Kerland, victory number 2.

1150 Two RNAS Camel aces share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Robert Compston, England, B6340, victory number 20
William Jordan, South Africa, B6448, victory number 12.

1200 English RFC pilot William Edward Green, in DH.4 A7904 with 2nd Lt E.H. Wilson as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1205 English RFC pilot David Stewart and Scottish observer Harry William MacKintosh MacKay, in DH.4 A7653, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 3 for Stewart and number 1 for MacKay.

1210 English RFC pilot Wilfred Beaver and observer Harry Easton, in Bristol F.2b B883, shoot down an Albatros two-seater. Victory number 5 for Beaver, number 2 for Easton.

1300 Welsh RNAS ace Harold Day, flying Sopwith Camel B6371, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 6.

1340 Canadian RFC pilot Frederick Robert Gordon McCall, in RE.8 B6525 with 2nd Lt F.C. Farrington as observer, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

1400 Two RFC aces from different units share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
William Fry, England, SPAD VII B3640, victory number 9.
Frank Quigley, Canada, Sopwith Camel B2447, victory number 11.
German 28-victory ace Walter von Bülow-Bothkamp is killed.

1415 Two RFC Sopwith Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V
Frank Gorringe, England, B6426, victory number 10.
Frank Quigley, Canada B2447, his second kill of the day, number 12.

German ace Georg Schlenker, in an Albatros D.III, shoots down a French Sopwith 1½ Strutter for victory number 11.

1615 German ace Ernst Udet, flying Albatros D.V 4476/17, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 17.

German pilot Friedrich Ehman, of Jasta 33, claims a Paul Schmitt bomber. Jasta War Chronology has this as victory number 1. The Jasta Pilots, by the same author, says it was Unconfirmed.

German pilot Vfw Gnädig (no first name given), with Jasta 38, shoots down a "DD" (fighter) for victory number 2.

German pilot Jakob Landin, with Jasta 32, shoots down a Nieuport for victory number 2.

[Jimbuna]

7th January 1918

Western Front

Germans raid British post near Flesquieres (Cambrai). Another raid near Ypres repulsed.

French repulse enemy attempts at Bethincourt (Meuse).

Eastern Front

Trotsky and Russian peace delegates return to Brest-Litovsk and negotiations continue.

Naval and Overseas Operations

East Africa: British column from Fort Johnston engages enemy force and drives it northwards.

Political, etc.

Lord Reading appointed High Commissioner to U.S.A.

Naval mutiny in Lisbon arrested.

King Ludwig of Bavaria at his birthday reception declares, “Not an inch of German territory will be give up.”

Italy calls on all men aged 18 to 44 previously exempted from the draft to present themselves for examination again in order to conscript more manpower.

Ship Losses:

Arab (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean 18 nautical miles (33 km) north by east of Cape Serrat, Tunisia (37°28′N 9°23′E) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 21 of her crew.
Egda (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) off the Tuskar Rock, Ireland (52°14′N 5°40′W) by SM U-110 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Gascony (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south south east of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Leon (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 13 nautical miles (24 km) north north east of the Triagoz Lighthouse, Finistère by SM UC-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Oued Sebou (France) The troopship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) off Cape Bojador, Río de Oro (26°30′N 14°17′W) by SM U-157 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Premier (United Kingdom) The drifter was shelled and sunk 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Loch Eynort (57°13′N 6°28′W) by SM U-91 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

January 7, 1918

Due to pressure by the press the British Army changes its policy, allowing the names of living pilots to be mentioned. Lord Norcliffe publishes the first such article in his paper, the Daily Mail, talking about Philip Fuller and James McCudden.

Air War:

English RFC ace Frank Hobson, flying a Sopwith Camel, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 9.

[Jimbuna]

8th January 1918

Western Front

Strong enemy local attack near Bullecourt repulsed.

French make successful raid on large scale near Seicheprey (Woevre).

Political, etc.

Field Marshal Douglas Haig, commander of the British Expeditionary Force, publishes his despatch, dated December 25th, detailing military actions in 1917.

President Wilson makes his 14 Points Speech to Congress, outlining a peace based on free trade, open agreements, democracy, and self-determination.

Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes resigns due to his failure to pass conscription in the country. However, he is immediately reinstated as there were no alternative candidates.

Ship Losses:

San Guglielmo (Italy) The passenger ship was sunk in the Gulf of Genoa off Loano, Liguria (44°07′N 8°18′E) by SM U-63 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

January 8, 1918

Air War:

No aerial activity this day.

[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.


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.

[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.