100 Years Ago Today

[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.



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.


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.


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).

[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.