100 Years Ago Today

[Sailor Steve]

May 10, 1918


Air War:

1000 Two Canadian RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over a Pfalz D.III:
Acheson Goulding, B28, victory number 6.
Charles Green, B688, victory number 3.

1500 German ace Josef Veltjens, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 12. Adj Henri Chan is listed as Missing.

1640 German ace Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Bristol F.2b B1299 for victory number 7. Lt N.G. Stransom and Pvt C.V. Taylor are both killed.

1725 Two French Air Service pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Frank Baylies, United States, victory number 9.
MdL Clement, first name, nationality and victory number unknow.

1930 English RAF pilot Maurice Ashdown Newnham, in a Sopwith Camel, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1950 German ace Franz Hemer, flying with Jasta 6, shoots down Sopwith Camel B2463 for victory number 9. Lt A.W. Rowden is killed.

1950 German ace Hans kirschtein, with Jasta 6, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6419 for victory number 8. 2nd Lt G.A. Wately is killed.

1950 German pilot Paul Wenzel, with Jasta 6, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

2000 Paul Wenzel scores his second victory of the day, shooting down DH.9 B2087 for victory number 3. Lt A.H. Hill and AM1 G.S. Richmond are both Killed.

2030 German ace Erich Löwenhardt, in a Fokker D.VII, shoots down DH.9 B2081 for victory number 20. Lts L.E. Dunnett and H.D. Prosser are both killed.

2030 Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter scores his second victory of the day, shooting down DH.4 A7514 for victory number 8. Capt G.B.S. McBain and 2nd Lt W. Spencer are both killed.

2030 German pilot Joachim von Winterfeld, with Jasta 4, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

German pilot Hans von Gössel, with Jasta 71, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 17.

German pilot Werner Steinhäuser, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 5.

German pilot Erich Rüdiger von Wedel, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 1.

German ace Hans-Joachim Wolff, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 9.

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

[Jimbuna]

11th May 1918

Western Front

Minor local actions on front; hostile artillery active in Ancre sector.

Eastern Front

Fighting between Bolsheviks and Anarchists in Moscow.

Conflicts at Kiev between German troops and supporters of Rada.

Congress of Ukraine peasants demand land, etc.

Southern Front

Italians retain Monte Corno against Austrian counter-attacks.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

In Mesopotamia, General Marshall drives Turks over Lesser Zab river at Alton Keupri, 70 miles from Mosul.

Turks advance in west Persia, occupy Uskner and Suj Bulak:- Enzeli on Caspian Sea being their objective.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Royal Navy submarine HMS E35 sinks the large German submarine SM U-154, killing all 77 crew. Most U-boats carry around 20-30 crew, but this submarine was designed to carry cargo across the Atlantic.

Political, etc.

The King reviews American troops in London.

Peace signed in Berlin between Finland and Turkey.

Ship Losses:

Agnes (Sweden) The steam trawler struck a mine while fishing in the North Sea, west of Vinga Lighthouse. Two survivors, eight casualties.
Clan Mackay (United Kingdom) The 6,580 grt Clan Line vessel was in collision with an unnamed vessel in the Bay of Biscay and sank.
Gigilla (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Messina by SM UC-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Gothia (Sweden) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) north east of Hartlepool, County Durham, United Kingdom by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Holly III (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was lost on this date.
Massouda (United Kingdom) The sailing vessel was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) north of Marsa Matruh, Egypt by an enemy submarine.
Michail (Russia) The fishing vessel was sunk in the Arctic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) east north east of Svyatoy Nos by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
San Andres (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) west of Lundy Island, Devon, United Kingdom (51°23′N 7°53′W) by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.
Sant Anna (French Navy) The troopship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Pantelleria, Italy (37°04′N 11°36′E) by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 605 lives.
Suzette Fraissinet (France) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 37 nautical miles (69 km) south of Cape Spartivento, Italy by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
SM U-154 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 151 submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (36°51′N 11°50′W) by HMS E35 ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 77 crew.
Verona (Italy) The troopship was sunk in the Strait of Messina (37°04′N 16°19′E) by SM UC-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 880 lives.

[Sailor Steve]

May 11, 1918


Air War:

1145 German pilot Hermann Stutz, flying with Jasta 21, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 3.

1702 German ace Theo Osterkamp, in an Albatros D.V with MFJ 2, shoots down Sopwith Camel B7192 for victory number 11. Lt J. Reid is killed.

1805 New Zealander AFC pilot Herbert Watson, in Sopwith Camel B7406, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 2.

1821 German pilot Richard Schleichhardt, wiht Jasta 18, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

1825 German pilot Karl Mendel, with Jasta 18, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 5.

1825 German pilot Kurt Monnington, flying with Jasta 18, shoots down SE.5a D3442 for victory number 1. Lt R.H. Stacey is wounded.

1835 German ace Friedrich Ehmann, with Jasta 47, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 6.

1910 German pilot Raven Freiherr von Barnekow, with Jasta 20, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

1925 English RAF pilot Hugh Maund, in Sopwith Camel D3354, shoots down a Hannover two-seater for victory number 3.

2035 German ace Karl Pech, with Jasta 29, shoots down Sopwith Camel B7480 for victory number 6. Lt O.C. Barry is killed.

English RAF ace William Fry, flying Sopwith Dolphin C4131, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 11. This is Fry's last aerial victory. He will leqve the RAF in 1920, only to return a year later. He will retire from service again in 1934, and rejoin again in 1939. He will serve through the Second World War, finally retiring as Wing Commander in 1945. William Mayes Fry will live until 1992.

[Jimbuna]

12th May 1918

Western Front

Quiet on all sectors; artillery duel on right bank of Meuse.

Between 6-12 May B.A.F. contingents from Dunkirk attack Zeebrugge and Ostend continuously.

Eastern Front

In eastern Siberia, Colonel Semenov's forces, acting against Bolsheviks, move west from Manchurian border towards Lake Baikal.

Southern Front

British airmen make raids in Balkans and bomb aerodrome at Drama.

Naval base of Cattaro successfully bombed by Italians.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Successful Arab raids on Hejaz railway line and the Turkish defences round Maan.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Italian destroyers attack enemy convoy off Durazzo; sink a transport.

German submarine SM U-103 attempts to sink the troopship HMT Olympic (sister ship of the Titanic). Instead, the Olympic rams and sinks the U-103.
Olympic in dazzle camouflage.


Political, etc.

The Kaiser and Emperor Charles confer at German headquarters.

Ship Losses:

Haslingden (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) off Seaham, County Durham by SM UB-21 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven of her crew.
Inniscarra (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Ballycottin Island, County Cork by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 28 of her crew.
Kong Raud (Norway) The trawler was sunk in the Barents Sea 32 nautical miles (59 km) north east of Svyatoy Nos, Russia by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Omrah (United Kingdom) The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) south by west of Cape Spartivento, Sicily, Italy by SM UB-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Pax (France) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) off Cape Camarat, Var 43°08′N 6°42′E by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of fifteen of her crew.
Tennes (Norway) The trawler was sunk in the Barents Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) north east of Svyatoy Nos by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Togo (Italy) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (43°10′N 6°36′E) by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
SM U-103 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type U 57 submarine was rammed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (49°16′N 4°51′W) by Olympic ( United Kingdom) with the loss of nine of her 40 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Davis ( United States Navy).
SM UB-72 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine was depth charged and sunk in the English Channel (50°08′N 2°41′W) by HMS D4 ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 34 of her crew.
Vea (Norway) The trawler was sunk in the Barents Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) east north east of Svyatoy Nos by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Vimiera (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) west south west of Lampedusa, Italy (35°23′N 12°19′E) by SM UC-54 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

[Sailor Steve]

May 12, 1918


Air War:

Two French SPAD aces share a victory over an Albatros fighter:
Marcel Dhôme, Spa 81, victory number 7.
Armand de Turenne, Spa 12, victory number 9.

American pilot Richard A. Blodgett, in a Nieuport 28 with the 95th Aero Squadron, is killed in action.

Interesting for both these listings is that the Germans reported no victory claims or losses on this day.

[Jimbuna]

13th May 1918

Western Front

German artillery active on Lys and Somme battlefields; heavy rain throughout day.

Local fighting north of Kemmel.

Southern Front

Increased raids and bombing activity on Balkan front.

11 enemy planes destroyed on Italian front.

Political, etc.

Government announce policy denouncing all commercial treaties which contain "most favoured nation" clauses.

Ship Losses:

HMT Balfour (Royal Navy) The naval trawler collided with Nidd (United Kingdom) and sank in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west south west of the Royal Sovereign Lightship ( United Kingdom). Her crew were rescued by Nidd.
Esperanza de Larrinaga (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Irish Sea (55°49′N 7°25′W) by SM UB-65 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member. She was beached in Lough Swilly.
Julia (Greece) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (36°35′N 22°10′E) by SM U-32 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.
HMT Loch Naver (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 74 (Wilhelm Marschall) and sank in the Aegean Sea (37°50′N 24°26′E) with the loss of thirteen of her crew.
SM UB-114 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine sank at Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein with the loss of seven of her crew. She was later raised.
USS Zaanland (United States Navy) The cargo ship was rammed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by USS Hisko ( United States Navy). Her crew were rescued by Munalbro ( United States).

[Sailor Steve]

May 13, 1918

The United States issues its first air mail stamps to the public. They bear a picture depicting a Curtiss JN-4H "Jenny" in an unprecedented two-color format. One sheet comprises the famous "Inverted Jenny" error.
https://postalmuseum.si.edu/stampsta...ingacolor.html

Air War:

0615 Australian RAF pilot Cedric Howell, flying Sopwith Camel B5238 over the Italian Front, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 4.

0620 English RAF pilot Ernest Harold Masters, in Sopwith Camel B2379 over the Italian Front, shoots down a Albatros D.III for victory number 1.

0630 Two English RAF Camel pilots on the Italian Front share a victory over an LVG two-seater:
Ernest Masters, B2379, victory number 2.
Francis Stephen Bowles, B2426, victory number 1.

0800 Two Canadian RAF SE.5a pilots over the Macedonian Front share a victory over an Albatros D.III:
Gerald Bell, B695, victory number 5.
Acheson Goulding, B28, victory number 7.

0845 Canadian ace Harold Hudson, flying Sopwith Camel B5356 over the Italian Front, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 11.

[Jimbuna]

14th May 1918

Western Front

Germans attack on a mile front south-west of Morlancourt; fine counter-attacks by Australians.

Southern Front

Great massing of enemy troops and artillery along Alpine lines and Friuli Plains for new offensive.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Daring Italian sea-raid into military port of Pola; enemy warship torpedoed.

Royal Navy destroyer HMS Phoenix is sunk by Austro-Hungarian submarine SM U-27. It is the only British warship sunk by the Austro-Hungarian Navy.


Political, etc.

First million tons of ships ordered by U.S.A. on the seas.

Ship Losses:

SMS A72 (Kaiserliche Marine) The A56-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of 25 of her crew.
Embla (Denmark) The schooner was scuttled in the North Sea south west of Skudesnes, Rogaland, Norway (57°45′N 3°30′E) by SM U-101 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMS Phoenix (Royal Navy) The Acheron-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Vlorë, Albania by SM U-27 ( Austro-Hungarian Navy) with the loss of two of her 72 crew.
Ruth (Sweden) The steam trawler struck a mine while fishing in the North Sea, southwest of Marstrand. All four crew perished
Stairs (Norway) The trawler was sunk in the Barents Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north of Vaidaguada, Russia by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Woolston (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off Syracuse, Sicily, Italy (37°30′N 12°20′E) by SM UC-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nineteen of her crew.

[Sailor Steve]

May 14, 1918


Air War:

1530 German pilot Roman Schneider, flying with Jasta 79, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

1640 German ace Josef Jacobs, in an Albatros D.V, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 15.

1645 Josef Jacobs destroys a second French balloon for victory number 16.

1645 German pilot Max Mertens, with Jasta 7, brings down a British observation balloon for victory number 1.

1845 Canadian RAF pilot William Thomson and English observer George Kemp, flying Bristol F.2h C859, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 2 for both.

1915 German ace Emil Thuy, flying a Pfalz D.IIIa, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 21.

1920 German pilot Karl Christ, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Sopwith Camel D1818 for victory number 1. American pilot Lt L.R. Sinclair, with the Australian Flying Corps, is wounded and taken prisoner.

1945 English RAF pilot Albert Leslie Jones, in Sopwith Camel B7227, shoot down a Halberstadt two-seater for victory number 1.

2000 Albert Jones scores his second kill of the day, bringing down another Halberstadt two-seater for victory number 2.

2120 German ace Dieter Collin, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 9.

German pilot Theodor Cammann, flying with Jasta 74, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 5.

German pilot Oskar Hennrich, with Jasta 74, destroys an observation balloon for victory number 1.

Italian pilot Orazio Pierozzi, in a Macchi M.5 flying-boat fighter, is credited with two Hansa-Brandenburg W.18 flying boats - A70 and A 85 - for victories 3 and 4.

[Jimbuna]

15th May 1918

Western Front

Heavy artillery fire on whole front; infantry actions locally.

North of Kemmel, French advance their line; capture a wood south of Hailles in Avre Valley.

Southern Front

Reconnoitring raids on both sides along Italian front.

In Balkans lively artillery actions near Lake Doiran; British airmen bomb depots near Seres.

Naval and Overseas Operations

Official account of Ostend raid issued.

Political, etc.

"Bonnet Rouge" trial ends in Paris; Duval sentenced to death, other accused men imprisoned.

Chino-Japanese Agreement signed at Peking to ensure co-operation in Far East against German menace.

Ship Losses:

Villa de Soller (Spain) The coaster was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Hyères, Var, France by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
War Grange (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 7 nautical miles (13 km) off Town Head, Cornwall (50°28′N 5°07′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five crew. She was beached at Newquay but was later salvaged.

[Sailor Steve]

May 15, 1918

United States:

The first regular American air mail service begins, with Army Lieutenant Geoffrey Boyle flying a Curtess JN-4H "Jenny" between New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Second Assistant Postmaster General Otto Praeger becomes the first Chief of the Airmail Service.


Air War:

0630 Two RAF SE.5a pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Gerald Bell, Canada, B28, victory number 6.
Frederick Travers, England, B688, victory number 2.

0635 English RAF pilot Robert James Cullen and observer Edward Henry Ward, in Bristol F.2b C780, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 1 for both.

0645 Nine RAF Camel pilots share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Charles Booker, England, D1852, victory number 24.
Reginald Brading, England, serial number unknow, victory number 2.
Maxwell Findlay, Scotland, B3884, victory number 11.
James Forman, Canada, D3393, victory number 7.
Lt R. Hammans, information unknown.
Samuel Kinkead, South Africa, s/n unknown, victory number 22.
Robert McLaughlin, Ireland, s/n unknown, victory number 2.
Lt R.S.S. Orr, information unknown.
Hazel Wallace, Canada, B5479, victory number 6.

0815 German pilot Friedrich Friedrichs, in a Fokker D.VII, shoots down Sopwith Camel D6438 for victory number 4. 2nd Lt J.W. Williamson is killed.

0930 German pilot Robert Mossbacher, with Jasta 77, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 2.

0930 German pilot Kurt Muller, flying with Jasta 24, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

1015 Canadian RAF pilot Wilfred Reid May, in Sopwith Camel B6398, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1030 German pilot Paul Wenzel, with Jasta 6, shoots down DH.9 C6177 for victory number 4. Capt W.G. Chanmers, RAF, and Lt R.J. Burky, USAS, are both killed.

1115 German pilot Heins Graf von Gluczewski-Kwilcki, with Jasta 4, shoots down a Bregut 14 for victory mumber 1.

1120 German ace Hans Bohning, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots downa SPAD for victory number 10.

1135 Two French pilots with Spa 3 share a victory over a German two-seater:
Jean Bozon-Verduraz, victory number 5.
Marechal-des-Logis Molines, victory number 1.

1140 Two RAF Camel pilots share a victory over a DFW C.V:
Lt C.F. Brown, C61, nationality and victory number unknown.
Leonard Rochford, England, B3353, victory number 15.

1145 Four RAF Camel pilots share a victory over an LVG two-seater:
John Denis Breakey, England, D3384, victory number 1.
Lt W.W. Goodenow, B7198, nationality and victory number unknown.
Lt H.W. Skinner, B7123, nationality and victory number unknown.
Lt A.N. Webster, B3788, nationality and victory number unknown.

1205 German ace Hans Kirschtein, with Jasta 6, shoots down Sopwith Camel B6257 for victory number 0. Lt G. Wilson is killed.

1205 American pilot David Peterson, in a Nieuport 28, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 3.

1210 David Peterson scores his second kill of the day, shooting down another Rumpler for victory number 4.

1210 German pilot Otto Schmutzler, with Jasta 4, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for his first and only victory.

1215 German ace Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down Sopwith Camel B5666 for victory number 9. 2nd Lt O.G. Brittorous is killed.

1220 Prussian pilot Gustav Klaudat, in a Fokker D.VII, shoots down a Caudron R.11 for victory number 1.

1225 Three French pilots with Spa 26 share a victory over a German two-seater:
Adj Antoine (no first name given).
Joseph de Sevin, victory number 9.
S/Lt de Tascher (no first name given).

1250 German ace Johann Janzen, flying with Jasta 6, shoots down DH.4 A7645 for victory number 6. Lts F.L. Mond and E.M. Martyn are both killed.

1325 German ace Eirch Lowenhardt, in a Fokker D.VII, shoots down DH.9 A7725 for victory number 21. Lt E.H. Piper and 2nd Lt H.L.B. Crabbe are both killed.

1510 German ace Hans-Joachim Wolff, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 10.

1515 German ace Hans Kirschtein, with Jasta 6, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 10.

1515 German pilot Erich von Wedel, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 2.

1700 Australian AFC pilot Garnet Malley, flying Sopwith Camel C8261, ahoots down a German two-seater for victory number 4.

1720 two RAF Bristol F.2b crews share a victory over a Fokker Dr.I:
C4882: John Aspinal, England, victory number 6; and Lt P.V.D. de la Cour, nationality and victory number unknown.
C4673: Herbert Sellars, England, victory number 8; Charles Robson, Scotland, victory number 8.

1745 English RAF pilot Reginald Brading, in Sopwith Camel B5749, shoots down an Albatros Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1805 Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter scores his second kill of the day, shooting down a Breguet 14 for victory number 10.

1815 German ace Josef Mai, in an Albatros D.V, shoots down Bristol F.2b C845 for victory number 12. Lt H.W. Sellars is killed; Lt C.C. Robson is taken prisoner.

1820 German ace Hans Kirschtein, flying with Jasta 6, shoots down Bristol F.2b C4882 for victory number 11. Capt J.V. Aspinall and Lt P.V. de la Cour are both killed.

1955 Englsh RAF pilot Hugh White, in SE.5a D3937, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 4.

2010 German pilot Lt Feuereissen (no first name given), with Jasta 51, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 1.

2045 German pilot Richard Ruckle, with Jasta 33, shoots down a DH.0 for victory number 1.

Two French pilots share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
Bernard Artigau, Spa 15, victory number 7.
Andre Barcat, Spa 153, victory number 3.

Two French SPAD pilots share a victory over a German observation balloon:
Pierre Marie Joseph Cardon, victory number 1.
Adrien Leps, victory number 7.

Pierre Cardon brings down another balloon for victory number 2. This is shared with a MdL Chaigneau.

Two French pilots from Spa 65 share a victory over a German two-seater:
Eughene Camplan, vicory number 5,
Charles Nungesser, victory number 35.

Three French pilots from Spa 77 share a victory over an unidentified Albatros:
Sgt Decoin, first name and victory number unknown.
Sgt Gelin, first name and victory number unknown.
Jean Sardier, victory number 5.

German pilot Maximilian Elder von Daniels, with Jasta 61, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

Jean Sardier brings down another Albatros for victory number 6, again accompanied by Sgt Gelin.

Jean Sardier and Sgt Gelin bring down a third Albatros. Victory number 7 for Sardier.

German pilot Hermann Kunz, with Jasta 55 over the Palestinian Front, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 5.

French ace Pierre Marinovitch, with Spa 94, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 6.

German pilot Wilhelm Schwartz, with Jasta 13, shoots down a Breguet 14 for victory number 4.

German pilot Erwin Tresenreuter (1 victory) is wounded when he is mistakenly attacked by a Fokker Dr.I.

German ace Rudolf Windisch, flying with Jasta 66, shoots down a two-seat SPAD 16 for victory number 20. Lt Jean Chotard is killed; Asp Jean Fropo is wounded, later dying from his wounds.

German pilot Carl Kuring, with Marine Feld Jasta 2, shoots down a Sopwith Pup for victory number 1.

[Jimbuna]

16th May 1918

Western Front

Big-gun duel still in progress; few infantry actions; successful British raid near Beaumont Hamel (Ancre River).

Sharp air fights.

Saarbrucken raided.

Germans bomb hospitals at Hoogsbade and Calais.

Naval

The Imperial German Navy recommissions the light cruiser "Stuttgart" after her conversion into a seaplane carrier. She is the only German seagoing aviation ship capable of working with the fleet commissioned during either World War I or World War II.

Political, etc.

U.S.A. delegates received by King and Queen.

Ship Losses:

Fyedor Chizhov (Russia) The coaster was sunk in the Barents Sea off Vaidaguada by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Heron Bridge (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 320 nautical miles (590 km) east by north of São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal (38°49′N 18°26′W) by SM U-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of a crew member.
Llancarvan (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 370 nautical miles (690 km) east of São Miguel Island (38°24′N 17°18′W) by SM U-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Mansoura (France) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north of Port Said, Egypt (32°15′N 31°35′E) by SM UB-51 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Marie Frédérique (French Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 54 (Heinrich XXXVII Prinz Reuß zu Köstritz) and sank in the Mediterranean Sea north of Cap de Garde, Algeria (37°02′N 7°52′E) with the loss of eighteen of her crew.
Polarstrømmen (Norway) The trawler was sunk in the Barents Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) north of Vaidaguada, by SM U-22 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
HMT Silvery Harvest (Royal Navy) The naval trawler collided with another vessel and sank in the English Channel off Berry Head, Devon with some loss of life.
Tagona (Canada) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west south west of Trevose Head, Cornwall, United Kingdom 50°29′N 5°07′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight crew.
Tartary (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) east north east of the Skulmartin Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-86 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
Yturri Bide (Spain) The coaster was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of the Tuskar Rock, Ireland (52°27′N 5°35′W) by SM UB-118 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

[Sailor Steve]

May 16, 1918


Air War:

0840 German ace Hans-Georg von der Marwitz, flying with Jasta 30, shoots down Sopwith Camel D9540 for victory number 7. Lt W.D. Coan is taken prisoner.

0930 South Africa RAF pilot Cristoffel Johannes Venter, in SE.5a D3359, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 1.

0940 Three French pilots from Spa 3 share a victory over a German two-seater:
Jean Bozon-Verduraz, victory number 7.
Marechal-des-Logis Molines, victory number 2.
Sgt Risacher (first name unknown), victory number 1.

1005 English RAF observer Ronald Malcolm Fletcher, in Bristol F.2b B1213 with an unnamed pilot, is credited with shooting down two Pfalz D.IIIs for victories 1 and 2.

1015 Ronald Fletcher and his unnamed pilot shoot down a third Pfalz D.III for victory number 3.

1045 Two French pilots flying with Spa 26 share a victory over an Albatros D.V:
Lt Puget (no first name given), victory number 1.
Joseph de Sevins, victory number 10.

1050 German pilot Max Gossner, with Jasta 23, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

1050 German ace Ludwig Luer, with Jasta 62, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 6. This is possibley S/Lt Charles Albinal of Spa 3, listed as Missing.

1055 German ace Otto Kissenberth of Jasta 23, flying a captured Sopwith Camel, shoots down SE.5a C1859 for victory number 20. Lt S.B. Reece lands safely on his own side of the lines. This is Kissenberth's last aerial victory. On May 29th he will be seriously injured when he crashes his captured Camel. He will recover and serve out the war as head of the flying school at Schliessheim. Otto Kissenberth will die on August 2, 1919, in a mountain-climbing accident.

1100 Two French Nieuport 17 pilots share a victory over a German two-seater:
Marius Ambrogi, victory number 3.
Lt Dencausse (no first name given), victory number 1.

1100 German pilot Max Nather, flying an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a SPAD XIII for victory number 1.

1125 German pilot Lt Hospelt (no first name given), with Jasta 9, shoots down a Breguet 14 for victory number 1.

1220 German pilot Carl Degelow, with Jasta 7, shoots down an RE.8 for victory number 4.

1440 German ace Hans Kirschstein, with Jasta 6, shoots down Brisotl F.2b C4859 for victory number 12. Lt C.H. Arninson is wounded; Lt C.D. Wells is killed.

1545 German ace Erich Lowenhardt, in a Fokker D.VII, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 22.

1615 German pilot Hasso von Wedel, flying with Jasta 75, destroys a French observation balloon for victory number 2.

1645 German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down SE.5a D3912 for victory number 18. Lt H.N.J. Proctor is killed.

1800 German ace Walter Blume, with Jasta 9, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 8.

1805 Canadian RAF pilot Roy Manzer, in SE.ta D259, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1830 English pilot David Weston and observer Ernest Deighton, in Bristol F.2b C4763, shoot down an Albatros D.V. Victory number 4 for Weston; number 3 for Deighton.

1840 German pilot FlgMt Stuke (no first name given), flying with Marine Feld Jasta 2, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

1845 English RAF pilot Wilfred Green, in SE.5a C1093, shoots down a Pfalz D.III for victory number 2.

1915 South African RAF pilot Horace Barton, in SE.5a C6417, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 4. Not certain, but probably 10-victory German ace Hans Joachim Wolff, who is killed about this time.

1920 English RAF pilot George Gates, in Sopwith Camel D3350, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1930 German pilot Richard Wenzl, with Jasta 6, shoots down SE.5a C1847 for victory number 2. Cpt H.P. Smith is wounded.

1945 German pilot Thilo Boelcke, flying an Albatros D.Va, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

2027 German pilot Kurt Schonfelder, with Jasta 7, shoots down a Sopwith Camel for victory number 5.

2110 Hans Kirschstein scores his second kill of the day, shooting down SE.5a B183 for victory number 13. Capt T. Durrant is killed.

German pilot Alfred Auersbach, with Jasta 67, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

Two French SPAD XIII pilots share in the destruction of a German observation balloon:
Francis Guerrier, victory number 1.
Jean Sardier, victory number 8.

English RAF pilot Maurice Le Blanc-Smith, flying a Sopwith Camel, shoots down a German fighter for victory number 2.

German pilot Richard Rube, with Jasta 67, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 1.

Germa ace Rudolf Windisch, with Jasta 66, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 21.

[Jimbuna]

17th May 1918

Western Front

Much artillery and aerial activity along front.

Metz station bombed by British airmen.

Southern Front

In southern Albania, Franco-Italian troops drive back Austrians west of Koritsa and advance 12 miles.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

British mounted troops occupy Fatha on Tigris, 45 miles north of Tekrit; Turks retire north.

Arab troops raid Turkish post at Wadi Jerdun (Palestine) on Hejaz railway.

Aviation

Australian troops and RFC mechanics towing the fuselage of a wrecked German AEG G.IV bomber by a lorry through Amiens.


Political, etc.

Sudden arrest of about 150 Sinn Fein leaders in Ireland for plotting with Germany.

President Wilson signs the Sedition Act of 1918, forbidding the “disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language” towards the US government, military, or the flag.

"Denaturalisation of Dangerous Aliens" Bill issued.

London: Government abolishes compulsory meatless days.

Ship Losses:

Mavisbrook (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) south east by south of Cabo de Gata, Andalusia, Spain (36°05′N 1°35′W) by SM UB-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eighteen crew.
Motricine (France) The tanker was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 72 nautical miles (133 km) north east of Ouessant, Finistère (49°19′N 7°29′W) by SM U-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her captain was taken as a prisoner of war.
Pietro Brizzolari (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Strait of Messina by SM UC-52 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
Sculptor (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) north west of Oran, Algeria by SM U-39 ( Kaiserliche Marine). She was beached at Mers-el-Kebir, Libya The bow section of the ship was destroyed by an explosion during salvage operations and she was abandoned as a total loss.
SM UC-35 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UC II submarine was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south west of Sardinia, Italy (39°48′N 7°42′E) by Ailly ( French Navy) with the loss of twenty of her 25 crew.

[Sailor Steve]

May 17, 1918


Air War:

0715 German pilot Hans Schlömer, flying with Jasta 5, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

0745 Australian RAF pilot Allan Hepburn, in Bristol F.2b C821 with 2nd Lt G.W. Lambert as observer, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

0915 German pilot Otto Creutzmann, with Jasta 43, shoots down SE.5a D3535 for victory number 3. Lt L. Seymour is taken prisoner.

0915 Italian pilot Mario Fucini, in an Hanriot HD.1, shoots down an "Enemy Aircraft" for victory number 4.

1015 Italian pilot Antonio Chiri, in an Hanriot HD.1, shoots down an Albatros D.III for victory number 4.

1045 Scottish RAF pilot Finlay McQuistan, flying Sopwith Dolphin C3901, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 1.

1045 German pilot Marat Schumm, with Jasta 52, shoots down SE.5a C6404 for victory number 1. Lt L.M. Nixon is killed.

1105 English RAF pilot Herbert Andrew Patey, in Sopwith Camel D3391, shoots down a Rumpler two-seater for victory number 1.

1110 German ace Hans Kirschstein, with Jasta 6, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 14.

1115 German ace Johann Janzen, with Jasta 6, shoots down a Bréguet 14 for victory number 7. It is uncertain which pilot shot down which two-seater, but Escadrille Br 120 lost two aircraft. The first serial number is unknown, Ad Michelaut is killed and Lt du Sapin is thaken prisoner. The second is number 2009, with S/Lt Tanner killed and MdL Attall wounded and taken prisoner.

1147 German pilot Wilhelm Saint-Mont, flying with Jasta 52, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 1.

1210 German pilot Erwin Wenig, with Jasta 80, shoots down a Dorand AR.2 for victory number 3.

1220 German ace Karl Pech, with Jasta 29, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 7.

1225 German ace Harald Auffarth, with Jasta 29, shoos down Sopwith Camel B6408 for victory number 14. 2nd Lt E.R. Prideaux is killed.

1230 German pilot Heinrich Drekmann, in a Fokker Dr.I, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 2.

1230 German pilot Johannes Werner, flying with Jasta 14, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 2.

1515 Two Australian Flying Corps Bristol F.2b crews share a victory over a Rumpler two-seater:
B1229: Ross Smith, victory number 2, and Ernest Mustard, victory number 1.
B1276: Albert Victor Tonkin, victory number 1, and Lt R.A. Camm, victory number 1.

1705 German ace Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, in a Pfalz D.III, shoots down SE.5a C1105 for victory number 11. Lt E. Harrison is killed.

1800 French pilot Jean André Pezon, in a SPAD XIII, destroys a German observation balloon for victory number 1.

1824 American pilot Edward Rickenbacker, in a Nieuport 28, shoots down an Albatros D.V for victory number 3.

1825 German pilot Andreas Triebswetter, flying with Jasta 16, shoots down DH.4 for victory number 4.

1925 Englsih RAF pilot William Farrow, in SE.5a C6458, shoots down a Fokker Dr.I for victory number 2.

1940 German ace Karl Schattauer, with Jasta 16, destroys a Belgian observation balloon for victory number 8.

1945 Germa pilot Rudolf Lander, with Jasta 52, shoots down a Bristol F.2b for victory number 2.

2100 Two American 95th Aero Squadron Nieuport 28 pilots share a victory over LVG C.VI 14512. The crew survived. Not confirmed until September when a captured crew member reports landing with his engine on fire.
David Peterson, victory number 5.
John A. Hambleton, victory number 1.

German pilot Fritz Imme, flying with Jasta 42, shoots down a SPAD for victory number 1.

German pilot Karl Koller, with Jasta 76, shoots down a DH.4 for victory number 1.

Two French pilots with Spa 62 share a victory over a German "Scout":
Charles Quette, victory number 7.
Adj Veau (No first name given), victory number 2.

Italian pilot Cosimo Rennella, in a Nieuport 17, shoots down a German two-seater for victory number 5.

German ace Fritz Rumey, in an Albatros D.Va, shoots down an SE.5a for victory number 19.