1916

May 5 (Wed.)

The Germans recapture 'Hill 60' (see Apr. 21).

South-West Africa:—Union forces occupy Karibib.

May 6 (Thur.)

Gallipoli:—The Second Battle for Krithia begins (see May 8).

May 7 (Fri.)

TheLusitaniais torpedoed by a German submarine off the Old Head of Kinsale; 1198 lives are lost (including 124 Americans).

The British destroyerMaoriis sunk by a mine in the North Sea.

May 8 (Sat.)

A fierce German attack at Ypres.

The Russians are defeated in Galicia and in the Baltic Provinces. Libau is captured by the Germans.

Gallipoli:—The Second Battle for Krithia (see May 6) ends in a slight Allied advance.

May 9 (Sun.)

The British line is pushed back at Ypres. The British attack and gain ground (which is subsequently relinquished) near Fromelles.

The Battle of Souchez begins (see July 13).

Gallipoli:—Turkish trenches at Sari Bair are stormed by the Australians.

May 10 (Mon.)

The Germans retreat in the Baltic Provinces but continue to advance in Galicia.

May 11 (Tues.)

The Germans evacuate Shavli (Baltic Provinces) (see May 1).

The Cameroons:—Eseka is captured by the Allies.

May 12 (Wed.)

South-West Africa:—Union forces capture Windhoek, the capital of the Colony.

May 13 (Thur.)

A fierce German attack at Ypres: the British line is restored after hard fighting.

H.M.S.Goliath(battleship) is torpedoed off Gallipoli, while inside the Straits protecting the French flank.

May 14 (Fri.)

The Battle of the San: Jaroslav is taken by the Austro-Germans.

May 15 (Sat.)

The Caucasus:—The Russians capture Van.

May 16 (Sun.)

The Battle of Festubert begins: the British advance (see May 25).

The Austrians are defeated in South Poland.

A Zeppelin raid on Calais.

May 17 (Mon.)

The San is crossed by the Austro-Germans.

A Zeppelin raid on Ramsgate.

May 18 (Tues.)

Gallipoli:—The Turks attack the Australians and are repulsed.

May 19 (Wed.)

The Austro-Germans capture Lutkow (Galicia).

May 20 (Thur.)

Admiral von Essen, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Baltic fleet, dies of pneumonia.

May 23 (Whit Sunday)

Italy declares war on Austria.

May 24 (Mon.)

The end of the Second Battle of Ypres (see April 22).

The Italians cross the frontier into Austria (midnight, 24th-25th).

May 25 (Tues.)

The formation of a new Coalition Ministry is announced in the House of Commons.

The end of the Battle of Festubert (see May 16); the British gains are consolidated.

H.M.S.Triumph(battleship) is sunk by a submarine off Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli.

May 26 (Wed.)

The constitution of the new British Government is announced: Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith; Foreign Secretary, Sir E. Grey; Secretary for India, Mr. Chamberlain; Secretary for War, Lord Kitchener; First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. Balfour; Minister of Munitions, Mr. Lloyd George (see Aug. 4, 1914, and Dec. 10, 1916).

The British submarine E11 torpedoes a Turkish transport in Constantinople harbour.

A Zeppelin raid on Southend.

May 27 (Thur.)

The Italians capture Ala and Grado.

H.M.S.Majestic(battleship) is torpedoed off Cape Helles, Gallipoli.

A French air-raid on Ludwigshaven.

May 28 (Fri.)

The appointment of Admiral Sir Henry Jackson as First Sea Lord in succession to Lord Fisher is announced (see Oct. 29, 1914, and Nov. 29, 1916).

May 29 (Sat.)

The French capture Ablain (near Souchez).

The Italians occupy Valona (Albania).

May 30 (Sun.)

The Austro-Germans attack Przemysl.

May 31 (Mon.)

The French capture the sugar factory at Souchez.

A Zeppelin raid on London.

June 1 (Tues.)

The Austro-Germans capture Stryj.

June 2 (Wed.)

A German attack at Hooge is repulsed by the British.

June 3 (Thur.)

The Austro-Germans recapture Przemysl (see March 22).

Mesopotamia:—The British capture Amara.

June 4 (Fri.)

Gallipoli:—A third Allied attack on Krithia and Achi Baba results in a slight gain of ground at certain points.

A Zeppelin raid on the east coast of England.

June 6 (Sun.)

A Zeppelin raid on the east coast of England.

June 7 (Mon.)

The Italians begin a general advance on the Isonzo Front.

Sub-Lieut. R. A. J. Warneford destroys a Zeppelin over Belgium. A Zeppelin in its shed near Brussels is destroyed by British airmen.

June 8 (Tues.)

Stanislau is recaptured by the Austrians (see March 4).

June 9 (Wed.)

The Isonzo front:—Monfalcone is captured by the Italians.

June 10 (Thur.)

The Austro-Germans are defeated near Zurawno, where they had crossed the Dniester.

The Cameroons:—Garua surrenders to the Allies.

June 12 (Sat.)

The British Government rescinds the order concerning the treatment of German submarine prisoners (see March 8 and April 12).

June 14 (Mon.)

The Russian retirement on Grodek begins.

June 15 (Tues.)

The Isonzo Front:—The Italians attack the Podgora position.

A Zeppelin raid on the north-east coast of England.

A French air-raid on Karlsruhe.

June 16 (Wed.)

The British attack and gain ground on the Bellewarde Ridge, east of Ypres.

June 17 (Thur.)

The Isonzo Front:-The Italians attack at Plava.

June 18 (Fri.)

The Austrians are defeated at Plava, and the town is captured by the Italians.

Gallipoli:—The Turks attack and are repulsed.

An Austrian squadron raids Fano on the Italian coast.

June 20 (Sun.)

The Germans attack in the Argonne.

The Russians are defeated at Rava Russka; the Grodek position is turned.

June 21 (Mon.)

Gallipoli:—The Allies attack and gain ground.

June 22 (Tues.)

The Austrians recapture Lemberg (see Sept. 3, 1914).

June 23 (Wed.)

East Africa:—Bukoba on Lake Victoria Nyanza is captured by the British.

June 25 (Fri.)

The Cameroons:—The Allies capture Lome.

June 27 (Sun.)

The Austro-Germans occupy Halicz.

Gallipoli:—The British attack and gain ground.

June 29 (Tues.)

Gallipoli:—The Turks attack in strength (see July 1).

Cameroons:—The Allies occupy Ngaundere.

June 30 (Wed.)

The Russians retreat before a powerful German offensive between the Bug and the Vistula.

The British destroyerLightningis sunk in the North Sea.

July 1 (Thur.)

Gallipoli:—The Turkish offensive fails completely after fierce fighting (see June 29).

July 2 (Fri.)

An offensive is launched by the Italians on the Isonzo: they advance on Gorizia (see July 29).

South-West Africa:—Union forces capture Otavifontein.

The German cruiserPommernis torpedoed by a British submarine in the Baltic.

July 4 (Sun.)

Gallipoli:—A strong Turkish attack is repulsed.

South-West Africa:—The Germans are defeated at Gaub.

July 5 (Mon.)

The German advance on Warsaw is checked.

In the Aden Protectorate Lahej is taken by the Turks.

July 6 (Tues.)

The British capture trenches near Pilkem.

A German success at St. Mihiel.

The Russians defeat the Austrians near Krasnik.

July 7 (Wed.)

An Italian attack at Gorizia is repulsed.

July 8 (Thur.)

The Italian cruiserAmalfiis sunk by an Austrian submarine in the Adriatic.

July 9 (Fri.)

The German forces in South-West Africa surrender unconditionally to General Botha.

July 11 (Sun.)

TheKönigsbergis finally destroyed in the Rufiji River (East Africa) by British river monitors (see Oct. 30 and Nov. 10, 1914).

July 13 (Tues.)

The end of the Battle of Souchez (see May 9).

July 14 (Wed.)

The Austro-Germans launch an offensive which covers the whole Eastern Front; they capture Przasnysz (see Feb. 27).

July 15 (Thur.)

The Germans advance towards Riga.

July 16 (Fri.)

Heavy fighting on the Eastern Front; the Battle of Krasnostav begins.

July 18 (Sun.)

The Russians are defeated at Krasnostav.

Windau (on the coast of Courland) is captured by the Germans.

The Italian cruiserGiuseppe Garibaldiis sunk by an Austrian submarine.

July 19 (Mon.)

The Third Battle for Warsaw begins (see Aug. 5). The Germans force a crossing of the Upper Bug.

The Isonzo Front:—The Italians capture Monte San Michele.

July 20 (Tues.)

The Germans advance on Kovno (see Aug. 17).

The Isonzo Front:—An Italian success at Podgora.

July 21 (Wed.)

A British success at Hooge.

The Germans gain a crossing of the Vistula at Nova Alexandria.

July 22 (Thur.)

The Germans invest Ivangorod.

The Isonzo Front:—The Italians continue to gain ground.

July 23 (Fri.)

The Germans force a crossing of the Narev.

An Austrian squadron bombards Ortona (on the eastern coast of Italy).

July 25 (Sun.)

The Italians occupy the island of Pelagosa (Adriatic).

Mesopotamia:—Nasiriyeh is captured by the British.

July 26 (Mon.)

There is heavy fighting before Warsaw.

A British submarine sinks a German destroyer near the German coast.

July 27 (Tues.)

The Germans close in on three sides of Warsaw.

July 28 (Wed.)

The Germans cross the Vistula in force.

July 29 (Thur.)

The Russian line is broken on the Lublin-Cholm railway.

The end of the Italian offensive on the Isonzo (see July 2); it results in a valuable advance and the capture of many prisoners by the Italians.

July 30 (Fri.)

A successful German attack with liquid fire (first use of this) at Hooge; a British counter-attack fails (see Aug. 9).

The Austro-Germans occupy Lublin. The Russians retire rapidly.

A British submarine sinks a German transport in the Baltic.

July 31 (Sat.)

The Austro-Germans occupy Cholm.

Aug. 1 (Sun.)

Mitau is occupied by the Germans (see Aug. 16).

Rhodesia:—The Germans are driven back from Abercorn.

Aug. 3 (Tues.)

The Germans force the line of the Narev.

Aug. 4 (Wed.)

The Russians evacuate the Blonie lines, 15 miles west of Warsaw.

Aug. 5 (Thur.)

Warsaw, Ivangorod, and Vladimir Volynski are captured by the Austro-Germans (see July 19 and 22). The Russians prepare to evacuate Riga.

Aug. 6 (Fri.)

Gallipoli:—The Battles of Sari Bair (see Aug. 11) and Suvla (see Aug. 15) begin: the British effect a surprise landing in Suvla Bay and launch an offensive against the Turks at other points.

Aug. 7 (Sat.)

The Germans are repulsed near Riga.

Gallipoli:—Slight successes are gained against the Turkish positions above Suvla Bay.

Aug. 8 (Sun.)

Gallipoli:—The New Zealanders capture Chunuk Bair. This is the critical day at Suvla (see Aug. 10).

Persian Gulf:—Bushire is occupied by the British.

H.M.S.India(armed merchant cruiser) is sunk by a submarine off the Norwegian coast.

Aug. 9 (Mon.)

A successful British counter-attack at Hooge: the trenches lost on July 30 are recaptured.

A British submarine sinks a Turkish battleship, theKheyr-ed-Din Barbarossa.

The British destroyerLynxis mined off the Moray Firth.

A Zeppelin raid on the east coast of England.

A Zeppelin is destroyed near Ostend.

Aug. 10 (Tues.)

The German advance beyond the Vistula begins.

Gallipoli:—The Turks regain Chunuk Bair.

A German squadron fails to force its way into the Gulf of Riga (see Aug. 17, 18, and 21).

The German mine-layer and raiderMeteoris blown up, to avoid capture by British cruisers near the German coast.

Aug. 11 (Wed.)

Gallipoli:—The end of the Battle of Sari Bair (see Aug. 6).

Aug. 12 (Thur.)

Syedlets (Poland) is taken by the Germans.

A Zeppelin raid on the east coast of England.

Aug. 14 (Sat.)

A German submarine sinks a British transport, theRoyal Edward, in the Ægean (the first British transport to be lost).

Aug. 15 (Sun.)

The Germans take Vlodava (Poland).

Gallipoli:—The end of the Battle of Suvla (see Aug. 6).

Aug. 16 (Mon.)

The Russians retake Mitau (see Aug. 1).

Aug. 17 (Tues.)

The Germans capture Kovno (see July 20).

A German squadron enters the Gulf of Riga (see Aug. 10, 18, and 21).

Aug. 18 (Wed.)

The Germans cut the Brest-Bialystok railway.

A Russian naval success in the Gulf of Riga: the German squadron which has entered the Gulf suffers severe losses.

A British submarine torpedoes the German battle-cruiserMoltkein the Baltic.

The British submarine E13 is shelled by German warships when aground in Danish waters. She is wrecked and interned.

Aug. 19 (Thur.)

A German submarine sinks the White Star linerArabicsouth of Ireland.

Aug. 20 (Fri.)

Italy declares war on Turkey.

Novo-Georgievsk is captured by the Germans; a further Russian retreat follows.

Aug. 21 (Sat.)

The British and French Governments declare cotton an absolute contraband of war.

Gallipoli:—A fresh British attack on the Turkish positions at Suvla fails.

The German naval forces retire from the Gulf of Riga (see Aug. 17 and 18).

Aug. 23 (Mon.)

The Germans take Ossowietz. The Austro-Germans occupy Kovel.

A Franco-British squadron bombards Zeebrugge.

Aug. 25 (Wed.)

Brest-Litovsk is taken by the Germans.

Aug. 26 (Thur.)

The Russians evacuate the fort of Olita on the Niemen.

A British aeroplane bombs and sinks a German submarine near Ostend.

Aug. 27 (Fri.)

Germany notifies the U.S.A. that her submarine commanders are henceforward forbidden to sink merchantmen without warning.

Aug. 28 (Sat.)

A great German attack on the Dvina line begins.

Aug. 30 (Mon.)

A Russian victory on the Strypa in Southern Galicia.

Sept. 1 (Wed.)

The Germans capture Lutsk (see Sept. 23 and 28) and storm part of the defences of Grodno. The Austro-Germans capture Brody (Galicia) (see Aug. 23, 1914).

Sept. 2 (Thur.) Sedan capitulated 1870.

The Germans capture Grodno. The Austro-Germans cross the Styr, the Sereth, and the Strypa.

The British transportSutherlandis torpedoed in the Ægean (loss of life small).

Sept. 3 (Fri.)

The Russians re-enter Grodno temporarily, but are forced across the Dvina at Friedrichstadt.

Sept. 4 (Sat.)

The Germans complete the occupation of Grodno.

A German submarine torpedoes the Allan linerHesperianoff Ireland.

Sept. 5 (Sun.)

The Tzar formally assumes command of the Russian armies; the Grand Duke Nicholas is appointed Viceroy in the Caucasus.

A British success at Hafiz Kor on the North-West Frontier of India.

Sept. 6 (Mon.)

A French air-raid on Saarbrücken.

Sept. 7 (Tues.)

The Battle of Tarnopol begins (see Aug. 23, 1914).

British and French warships bombard the Belgian coast.

A Zeppelin raid on the east coast of England (17 killed).

Sept. 8 (Wed.)

The Battle of Tarnopol on the Sereth ends in a Russian victory.

A Zeppelin raid on the east coast of England and on London (20 killed).

Sept. 9 (Thur.)

Further Russian successes on the Sereth.

Sept. 12 (Sun.)

The Germans storm Meiszagola and cut the Vilna-Dvinsk railway.

Sept. 16 (Thur.)

The Germans occupy Pinsk.

Sept. 18 (Sat.)

Vilna capitulates to the Germans.

British and French warships bombard the Belgian coast.

Sept. 19 (Sun.)

The British transportRamazanis torpedoed and sunk in the Ægean with heavy loss of life in Indian troops.

Sept. 20 (Mon.)

The Russians retake Vidzy.

Sept. 22 (Wed.)

A French air-raid on Stuttgart.

Sept. 23 (Thur.)

The Russians retake Lutsk and Dubno (see Sept. 1 and 28).

Bulgaria mobilises (see Oct. 11).

Sept. 24 (Fri.)

A German attack on Dvinsk fails.

Sept. 25 (Sat.)

The Battle of Loos begins: the British capture Loos and make a considerable advance in its neighbourhood (see Oct. 15).

The French attack at the Vimy Ridge and in Champagne (the Battle of Champagne).

Mesopotamia:—General Townshend reaches Kut-el-Amara.

Sept. 26 (Sun.)

Fierce fighting round Loos and Hulluch; the British lose ground.

The French capture Souchez.

Sept. 28 (Tues.)

The Russians abandon Lutsk (see Sept. 1 and 23).

Mesopotamia:—The First Battle of Kut-el-Amara begins.

The Italian battleshipBenedetto Brinis destroyed by an accidental explosion.

Sept. 29 (Wed.)

Heavy fighting for the Hohenzollern Redoubt (near Loos).

Heavy fighting on the French front in Champagne and on the Vimy Ridge.

Mesopotamia:—The British capture Kut-el-Amara and 2000 prisoners.

Oct. 3 (Sun.)

The Germans counter-attack near Loos and retake most of the Hohenzollern Redoubt.

A great battle for Dvinsk begins (see Oct. 10).

Oct. 4 (Mon.)

Russian ultimatum to Bulgaria.

The Caucasus:—The Turks are defeated by the Russians near Van.

Oct. 5 (Tues.)

Lord Derby is appointed Director of Recruiting in Great Britain.

M. Venizelos resigns and M. Zaimis becomes Greek Premier (see Nov. 4).

Allied troops land at Salonika.

Oct. 6 (Wed.)

Crossings of the Save and the Danube are forced by the Austro-Germans; Serbia is thus invaded for the fourth time.

Oct. 8 (Fri.)

German counter-attacks in Champagne and near Loos are repulsed with heavy loss.

The Austro-Germans capture Belgrade.

Oct. 9 (Sat.)

Austria invades Montenegro.

The Cameroons:—Wum Biagas is captured by the British.

Oct. 10 (Sun.)

The German attack on Dvinsk fails (see Oct. 3).

Semendria is taken by the Austrians.

Oct. 11 (Mon.)

Bulgaria invades Serbia (see Oct. 14). Serbia appeals to Greece for aid.

Oct. 12 (Tues.)

Edith Cavell is executed at Brussels.

Greece refuses Serbia's appeal.

The Russians attack near Dvinsk.

A Zeppelin raid on London (many casualties).

Oct. 13 (Wed.)

M. Delcassé, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, resigns.

The British attack near Loos with partial success.

A Zeppelin raid on London (59 killed).

Oct. 14 (Thur.)

Bulgaria declares war on Serbia (see Oct. 11).

A Russian success near Dvinsk.

Oct. 15 (Fri.)

Great Britain declares war on Bulgaria.

The end of the Battle of Loos (see Sept. 25).

The Bulgarians take Vranja.

Oct. 16 (Sat.)

France declares war on Bulgaria.

Alsace:—The French recover the Hartmannsweilerkopf (lost after much previous fighting).

Sir Ian Hamilton is recalled from Gallipoli, Sir Charles Monro being appointed to succeed him.

Oct. 17 (Sun.)

The Italians capture Pregasina.

A French air-raid on Trèves.

Oct. 18 (Mon.)

Sir Edward Carson resigns his seat in the British Cabinet.

The Germans advance on Riga.

Oct. 19 (Tues.)

Italy declares war on Bulgaria.

A French force drives the Bulgarians from Strumnitza.

Oct. 21 (Thur.) Trafalgar, 1805.

The Bulgarians capture Veles (see Oct. 25 and 29).

An Allied squadron bombards the harbour of Dedeagatch and other points of military importance on the Bulgarian coast.

Oct. 22 (Fri.)

The 'Group' system of enlistment comes into operation in Great Britain.

The Bulgarians capture Uskub and Rumanovo.

The Italians advance on the Isonzo front.

Oct. 23 (Sat.)

The Austro-Germans force the passage of the Danube at Orsova.

Mesopotamia:—The British reach Azizie in their advance on Baghdad.

A British submarine sinks the German cruiserPrinz Adalbertin the Baltic.

Oct. 24 (Sun.)

The Germans are within ten miles of Riga.

The Danube route to Constantinople is opened to the Germans by their victories in Serbia.

Oct. 25 (Mon.)

The Austro-German and Bulgarian forces effect a junction in the Kraina district. The Serbians recapture Veles (see Oct. 21 and 29).

The Cameroons:—Sende is occupied by the French.

The British destroyerVeloxis mined off the Nab lightship.

Oct. 26 (Tues.)

The British transportMarquetteis torpedoed in the Ægean.

Oct. 27 (Wed.)

French troops effect a junction with the Serbians at Veles. The French and British are in position across the Vardar.

The Russian Black Sea Fleet bombards Varna.

Oct. 28 (Thur.)

The French Ministry resigns: M. Briand becomes Premier (see March 17, 1917).

King George is thrown from his horse and injured in France.

Sir Charles Monro assumes command in Gallipoli.

H.M.S.Argyll(cruiser) is wrecked off the east coast of Scotland (no lives lost).

Oct. 29 (Fri.)

Veles is retaken by the Bulgarians (see Oct. 21 and 25).

The British mine-sweeperHytheis sunk off Gallipoli.

Oct. 30 (Sat.)

The Germans capture the Butte of Tahure.

The Serbian arsenal at Kragujevatz is captured by the Austrians.

The Cameroons:—Eseka is captured by the Allies.

Oct. 31 (Sun.)

A Russian counter-offensive near Dvinsk begins.

Nov. 2 (Tues.)

A Russian success on the Strypa: 5000 prisoners are taken.

An Italian success on the Isonzo front.

Nov. 3 (Wed.)

The Russians advance south-east of Dvinsk.

The British transportWoodfieldis sunk by a submarine off Morocco (loss of life small).

The Cameroons:—Tibati is occupied by the Allies.

Nov. 4 (Thur.)

The resignation of M. Zaimis, the Greek Premier, is announced (see Oct. 5).

Turkish attacks at Anzac are repulsed.

Nov. 5 (Fri.)

The Russians force back the Germans in the Riga district.

Serbia:—Nish is captured by the Bulgarians after three days' fierce fighting. The main German and Bulgarian forces effect a junction at Krivivir, north of Nish.

Nov. 6 (Sat.)

M. Skouloudis becomes Greek Premier (see June 22, 1916).

A British success at Bango Mountain in the Cameroons.

The British submarine E20 is lost in the Dardanelles.

Nov. 7 (Sun.)

A Note is received from the U.S.A. protesting against the maritime policy of Great Britain and France.

The Russians capture Olai (west of Riga).

A German submarine sinks the Italian linerAnconaoff Sardinia; many are drowned, including 25 Americans.

A British submarine sinks the German light cruiserUndinein the Baltic.

Nov. 9 (Tues.)

A Russian victory near Kolki, on the Styr: 3500 prisoners are taken.

Nov. 10 (Wed.)

Heavy fighting between the Russians and the Germans near Riga.

Nov. 11 (Thur.)

The War Committee of the British Cabinet is appointed. Mr. Churchill leaves the Government.

A Russian victory at Kemmern near Riga: the Germans are forced to retreat.

Nov. 12 (Fri.)

The Germans henceforward control the railway from Belgrade to Constantinople.

Mesopotamia:—The British under General Townshend advance on Ctesiphon.

Nov. 14 (Sun.)

Fierce fighting for the 'Labyrinth' in Artois.

An Austrian air-raid on Verona.

Nov. 15 (Mon.)

An Austrian success on the Styr.

Gallipoli:—A successful attack is made on Turkish trenches by the 52nd Division.

Nov. 16 (Tues.)

The Bulgarians capture Prilep. The French repulse Bulgarian attacks between Krivolak and Strumnitza.

Nov. 17 (Wed.)

The British hospital shipAngliais sunk by a mine in the Channel (85 lives lost).

Nov. 21 (Sun.)

Serbia:—Fall of Novi Bazar to the Germans.

Nov. 22 (Mon.)

A German success on the Dvina.

Mesopotamia:—The Battle of Ctesiphon begins: the chief Turkish positions are captured (see Nov. 24).

A revolt, instigated by Germany, breaks out in Persia.

Nov. 23 (Tues.)

The Serbians retreat towards Albania. The Serbian Government leaves Mitrovitza for Prisrend.

Rovereto is taken by the Italians.

Nov. 24 (Wed.)

Mesopotamia:—The Battle of Ctesiphon ends in the defeat of the Turks, but at the price of very heavy British losses (see Nov. 22).

Nov. 25 (Thur.)

Serbia:—The Austrians capture Mitrovitza and Prishtina. The Serbian seat of Government is moved to Scutari in Albania.

Mesopotamia:—The British retreat from Ctesiphon towards Azizie.

Nov. 28 (Sun.)

The Serbian army retreats into Albania.

A German submarine is sunk off the Belgian coast by a bomb from a British aeroplane.

Nov. 29 (Mon.)

The Bulgarians occupy Prisrend.

Nov. 30 (Tues.)

Mesopotamia:—The British retreat from Azizie on Kut-el-Amara.

Dec. 3 (Fri.)

Mesopotamia:—The British reach Kut-el-Amara.

Dec. 4 (Sat.)

British reinforcements are landed at Salonika.

Dec. 5 (Sun.)

Serbia:—Monastir is taken by the Bulgarians.

Dec. 6 (Mon.)

The Allied Council meets in Paris (its first meeting).

The Bulgarians attack the British near Lake Doiran.

Dec. 7 (Tues.)

Ipek (Montenegro) is taken by the Austrians; the British are forced back from Lake Doiran; the Allies begin to retire from Serbia into Greece.

Mesopotamia:—The siege of Kut-el-Amara begins (see April 29, 1916).

Dec. 8 (Wed.)

Gallipoli:—The evacuation of Suvla and Anzac begins (see Dec. 20, 1915, and Jan. 8, 1916).

Dec. 9 (Thur.)

The Bulgarians occupy Diakhova, Dibra, and Okrida.

Dec. 11 (Sat.)

Macedonia:—The French and British repel Bulgarian attacks with heavy loss.

Persia:—The Russians occupy Hamadan after defeating the Persian rebels.

Dec. 12 (Sun.)

Recruiting for the 'Derby' groups is closed in Great Britain.

The Franco-British forces are in position before Salonika.

The Bulgarians capture Doiran and Ghevgeli.

Mesopotamia:—A Turkish attack on Kut-el-Amara is repulsed.

Dec. 13 (Mon.)

Western Egypt:—In an action near Mersa Matruh an attack by Senussi Arabs is repulsed.

Dec. 14 (Tues.)

It is announced that Sir H. Smith-Dorrien is appointed to Supreme Command in East Africa (see Feb. 10, 1916).

Dec. 15 (Wed.)

Resignation of Sir John French; Sir Douglas Haig succeeds him as British Commander-in-Chief in France.

Dec. 17 (Fri.)

The German light cruiserBremenand a German torpedo boat are sunk in the Baltic by Allied submarines.

Albania:—Elbasan is taken by the Bulgarians.

Dec. 20 (Mon.)

The first 'Derby' groups are called up for service.

Gallipoli:—The evacuation of Anzac and Suvla is completed (see Dec. 8).

Albania:—Durazzo is occupied by the Italians.

Persia:—The Russians occupy Kum; this marks the end of the Persian revolt.

Dec. 21 (Tues.)

Sir William Robertson is appointed Chief of the British Imperial General Staff (see Feb. 16, 1918).

The Cameroons:—Mangeles is occupied by the French.

Dec. 24 (Fri.)

The French linerVille de Ciotatis torpedoed in the Mediterranean.

Dec. 25 (Sat.)

Western Egypt:—The main Senussi force is attacked and routed near Mersa Matruh.

Mesopotamia:—Turkish attacks on Kut-el-Amara are repulsed.

Dec. 27 (Mon.)

Heavy fighting between the Russians and the Austrians on the Bessarabia-Bukovina frontier.

Dec. 28 (Tues.)

The decision of the British Cabinet in favour of Compulsory Service is announced.

The Indian Corps leaves France.

Dec. 29 (Wed.)

In a sea fight off Cattaro a French submarine and two Austrian destroyers are sunk.

Dec. 30 (Thur.)

The P. & O. linerPersiais torpedoed in the Mediterranean.

Dec. 31 (Fri.)

H.M.S.Natal(cruiser) is blown up in Cromarty Firth by an internal explosion.

Jan. 1 (Sat.)

The Russians gain successes on the Styr and the Strypa.

The Cameroons:—The British capture Jaunde (the capital of the German colony).

Jan. 2 (Sun.)

The Russians approach Czernowitz.

The British passenger steamerGlengyleis sunk by a submarine in the Mediterranean.

Jan. 4 (Tues.)

Lord Derby's report on the recruiting campaign in Great Britain is issued.

Mesopotamia:—The Kut relieving force advances from Ali-el-Gharb.

Jan. 5 (Wed.)

The Military Service Bill that inaugurates conscription is introduced in the British House of Commons.

The Russians advance in the Bukovina.

Jan. 6 (Thur.)

Recruiting for the 'Derby' groups reopens in Great Britain.

Mesopotamia:—The British relieving force defeats the Turks before Kut, but its further progress is checked by floods.

H.M.S.King Edward VII.(battleship) is sunk by a mine off the north coast of Scotland.

Jan. 8 (Sat.)

The evacuation of Gallipoli is completed (see Dec. 8, 1915).

The Russians capture Chartorysk (50 miles east of Kovel).

Jan. 10 (Mon.)

Montenegro:—The Austrians capture Mount Lovtchen.

Jan. 11 (Tues.)

A French force lands at Corfu to prepare for the transfer thither of Serbian troops from Albania.

The Caucasus:—The Russians advance on Erzerum.

Jan. 13 (Thur.)

Cettinje, the capital of Montenegro, is occupied by the Austrians.

Mesopotamia:—The Turks are again defeated before Kut.

Jan. 14 (Fri.)

An Austrian cruiser is sunk off Cattaro by a French submarine.

Jan. 15 (Sat.)

The first Serbian troops land at Corfu.

The steamshipAriadneis sunk by theMöwe.

Jan. 16 (Sun.)

A Russian success near Pinsk.

General Sarrail assumes command of the Allied forces at Salonika.

A battle begins in the Caucasus (near Erzerum) between the Russians and the Turks.

The linerAppamis captured by theMöweoff the Canaries (see Feb. 1 and March 4).

Jan. 17 (Mon.)

A Russian victory in the Caucasus: the Turks retire on Erzerum.

TheClan MacTavishis sunk by theMöwe.

Jan. 18 (Tues.)

Allied warships bombard Dedeagatch and Porto Lagos on the Bulgarian coast.

Jan. 21 (Fri.)

Mesopotamia:—Action of Um-el-Hannah: the Kut relieving force is repulsed.

Jan. 22 (Sat.)

Montenegro:—Antivari is taken by the Austrians.

Jan. 23 (Sun.)

The Austrians complete their possession of Montenegro by the occupation of Scutari.

Western Egypt:—A British column disperses the Senussi Arabs and burns their camp.

A German air-raid on Kent.

A French air-raid on Metz.

Jan. 24 (Mon.)

German attacks near Neuville meet with some success.

A French air-raid on Monastir.

Jan. 27 (Thur.)

The U.S.A. Government publishes a Note of protest against the British search of mails.

A German attack on the British near Loos is repulsed.

Jan. 29 (Sat.)

A Zeppelin raid on Paris.

Jan. 31 (Mon.)

A Zeppelin raid on the Midlands (67 killed); a Zeppelin, the L19, is wrecked in the North Sea while returning from the raid.

Feb. 1 (Tues.)

The British linerAppamarrives at Norfolk, Virginia, manned by a German prize crew.

A German air-raid on Salonika.

Feb. 2 (Wed.)

The Dutch steamerArtemisis torpedoed by a German submarine.

Feb. 3 (Thur.)

Mesopotamia:—Heavy fighting before Kut.

Feb. 4 (Fri.)

Heavy fighting round Dvinsk.

Feb. 8 (Tues.)

The Russians cross the Dniester.

The French cruiserAmiral Charnieris sunk by a mine or submarine off the Syrian coast.

Feb. 9 (Wed.)

A German air-raid on Ramsgate and Broadstairs. A British air-raid on Terhand.

Feb. 10 (Thur.)

The Military Service Act (instituting compulsory service for single men aged 19 to 30) comes into operation in Great Britain.

It is announced that Sir H. Smith-Dorrien resigns command in East Africa owing to ill-health (see Dec. 14, 1915), and that Lieut.-General J. Smuts is appointed to succeed him (see Jan. 28, 1917).

The Caucasus:—The Russian attack on Erzerum begins (see Feb. 16).

The reorganised Serbian army (75,000 troops) is successfully concentrated at Corfu.

British mine-sweepers are attacked off the Dogger Bank; theArabisis sunk.

Feb. 11 (Fri.)

H.M.S.Arethusa(light cruiser) is sunk by a mine off the East Coast.

Feb. 12 (Sat.)

The Germans make several attempts to cross the Yser Canal.

German attacks near Vimy are repulsed.

Feb. 13 (Sun.)

The Caucasus:—A Russian success at Erzerum.

Feb. 14 (Mon.)

A German success at 'the Bluff,' near Ypres: the British lose trenches (see March 2).

An Austrian air-raid on Milan.

Feb. 16 (Wed.)

Verdun is cleared of its civilian population.

The Caucasus:—Erzerum is captured by the Russians (see Feb. 10).

Feb. 19 (Sat.)

German attacks are repulsed south of Arras and north of Ypres.

The Caucasus:—The Russians capture Akhlat and Mush, north-west of Lake Van (see Aug. 2).

The Cameroons:—The last German post in the Mora Mountains surrenders; this completes the occupation of the Cameroons by the Allies (see Aug. 25, 1914).

Feb. 20 (Sun.)

A German air-raid on Walmer and Lowestoft.

A British air-raid on Don, in Flanders.

Feb. 21 (Mon.)

The Battle of Verdun begins (see July 1).

A Zeppelin is destroyed near Revigny.

Feb. 22 (Tues.)

The Germans gain ground before Verdun, capturing Haumont Wood and the French salient north of Beaumont.

Feb. 23 (Wed.)

Portugal seizes interned German ships (see March 10).

Further German progress and French withdrawals before Verdun.

Feb. 24 (Thur.)

The French resist strongly before Verdun, but the German advance continues.

Feb. 25 (Fri.)

A critical day in the Battle of Verdun: Fort Douaumont is stormed by the Germans.

Feb. 26 (Sat.)

German attacks beyond Fort Douaumont are repulsed by the French; this ends the first stage of the Battle of Verdun.

Western Egypt:—The Senussi Arabs are defeated at Agagia.

The French transportProvence II.is sunk by a submarine in the Mediterranean with heavy loss of life.

Feb. 27 (Sun.)

Verdun:—A heavy bombardment by the Germans and some infantry fighting.

Durazzo is captured by the Austrians.

Persia:—Kermanshah is captured by the Russians (see July 2, 1916).

The P. & O. linerMalojais sunk by a mine off Dover.

Feb. 29 (Tues.)

An action is fought in the North Sea between H.M.S.Alcantara(armed merchant cruiser) and the German raiderGreif, in which both are sunk.

Mar. 1 (Wed.)

H.M.S.Primula(sloop) is sunk by a submarine in the Mediterranean.

Mar. 2 (Thur.)

A British success near Ypres: 'the Bluff' is recaptured (see Feb. 14).

Verdun:—The Germans capture the village of Douaumont.

The Caucasus:—Bitlis (south-west of Lake Van) is captured by the Russians (see Aug. 2).

Mar. 3 (Fri.)

Verdun:—The French reoccupy Douaumont village; the Germans attack the village of Vaux.

Mar. 4 (Sat.)

There is fierce fighting for the Hohenzollern Redoubt (near Loos).

Verdun:—The Germans again capture the village of Douaumont.

The German Admiralty announces the safe return of the raiderMöwe.

Mar. 5 (Sun.)

Persia:—Sinneh is taken by the Russians.

A Zeppelin raid on the north-east coast of England.

Mar. 6 (Mon.)

Verdun:—The Germans advance up the northern slopes of the Côte de l'Oie.

Mar. 7 (Tues.)

A further German success at Verdun: Hill 265 is carried.

East Africa:—The British advance in the Kilimanjaro district.

The Caucasus:—Rizeh is captured by the Russians.

H.M.S.Coquette(destroyer) and the British torpedo boat No. 11 are sunk by mines off the east coast of England.

Mar. 8 (Wed.)

Heavy fighting at Verdun: the French regain ground.

Mesopotamia:—The second attempt to relieve Kut fails, the British being repulsed at Es Sinn.

The Caucasus:—The Russians advance towards Trebizond.

A French air-raid on Metz.

Mar. 9 (Thurs.)

Mesopotamia:—The British relieving force falls back from Es Sinn.

H.M.S.Fauvette(armed boarding-steamer) is sunk by a mine off the east coast of England.

Mar. 10 (Fri.)

Germany declares war on Portugal (see Feb. 23).

Mar. 11 (Sat)

East Africa:—Further British successes west of Taveta and near Kilimanjaro: the Germans retreat.

Mar. 12 (Sun.)

Persia:—Kerind is occupied by the Russians.

East Africa:—Moshi is occupied by the British.

Mar. 14 (Tues.)

The Caucasus:—The Russians occupy Mamakhatun (see May 31).

Egypt:—The British occupy Sollum.

Mar. 16 (Thurs.)

The resignation of Grand Admiral von Tirpitz as Head of the German Navy is announced. He is succeeded by Admiral von Capelle.

Verdun:—Heavy German attacks are repulsed.

The Dutch linerTubantiais sunk by a German submarine.

Mar. 17 (Fri.)

A fresh German offensive is launched against Russia.

Egypt:—A motor force under the Duke of Westminster rescues British prisoners from the Senussi by a successful raid.

Mar. 18 (Sat.)

A German success at the Hohenzollern Redoubt.

The First Battle of Lake Narotch (east of Vilna) begins (see April 14).

The Dutch linerPalembangis sunk by a German submarine.

The French destroyerRenaudinis sunk by an enemy submarine in the Adriatic.

Allied air-raids on Metz and Zeebrugge.

Mar. 19 (Sun.)

Persia:—Ispahan is captured by the Russians.

An air-raid on Kent by German seaplanes (one destroyed).

Mar. 20 (Mon.)

Verdun:—Renewed German attacks fail.

Heavy fighting near Dvinsk and Riga.

An action is fought between British and German destroyers off the Belgian coast: the Germans run for Zeebrugge.

A big raid by Allied aeroplanes on Zeebrugge.

Mar. 22 (Wed.)

Verdun:—The Germans carry Avocourt Wood.

A Russian success near Dvinsk.

Mar. 24 (Fri.)

TheSussex(passenger steamer) is torpedoed in the Channel by a German submarine.

Mar. 25 (Sat.)

The Russians attack the Germans near Vilna.

A raid by British seaplanes, convoyed by light cruisers and destroyers, on German airship sheds in Schleswig-Holstein: the British destroyerMedusais lost by collision, and two German patrol boats are sunk in the naval action which develops.

Mar. 27 (Mon.)

A Conference of the Allies is held in Paris.

A British success at St. Eloi: German trenches are captured (see April 7).

The Russians again attack near Vilna.

A German air-raid on Salonika.

Mar. 28 (Tues.)

Verdun:—The German attacks are renewed.

Mar. 30 (Thur.)

Verdun:—There is heavy fighting for Fort Douaumont; the Germans capture Malancourt.

The Russian hospital shipPortugalis sunk by an enemy submarine in the Black Sea.

Mar. 31 (Fri.)

The British G.H.Q. are moved from St. Omer to Montreuil.

A Zeppelin raid on England (which is followed by four more within a week). The Zeppelin L15 is brought down at the mouth of the Thames.

April 1 (Sat.)

Verdun:—The Germans gain ground at Fort Vaux.

A Zeppelin raid on the north-east coast of England.

April 2 (Sun.)

An explosion occurs in a munitions factory at Faversham, Kent (106 killed).

A Zeppelin raid on England and Scotland.

April 3 (Mon.)

A British success at St. Eloi.

A French success at Verdun.

The Caucasus:—A Russian attack on Trebizond begins (see April 18).

April 4 (Tues.)

Verdun:—The Germans attack at Douaumont and are repulsed.

General Brussiloff succeeds General Ivanoff in command of the Russian armies of the South.

A Zeppelin raid on the Eastern Counties.

April 5 (Wed.)

A Zeppelin raid on the north-east of England.

April 6 (Thur.)

Mesopotamia:—A third attempt is made to relieve Kut: the Um-el-Hannah and Falahiyah positions are captured.

April 7 (Fri.)

The Germans regain the trenches captured by the British at St. Eloi on March 27.

The Russians again attack the German lines near Vilna.

Macedonia:—The Allied positions on the Vardar are bombarded.

April 8 (Sat.)

Fierce fighting at Verdun: the French evacuate Bethincourt.

April 9 (Sun.)

The British regain ground at St. Eloi.

Verdun:—A fierce German attack on the Mort Homme.

Mesopotamia:—The first British attack on the Sanna-i-Yat position is repulsed.

April 10 (Mon.)

A British success at St. Eloi.

A critical day at Verdun: German attacks on the Mort Homme are repulsed.

April 11 (Tues.)

The Germans attack near Albert and continue their attacks at Verdun.

Italy:—The Alpini gain a success on the Adamello glacier.

April 12 (Wed.)

Mesopotamia:—The British make a second attack on the Sanna-i-Yat position: some ground is gained.

April 13 (Thur.)

Egypt:—Australian troops destroy a Turkish camp at Jifjaffa on the Egyptian frontier.

April 14 (Fri.)

The end of the First Battle of Lake Narotch (see March 18); it leads to little change of position.

British naval aeroplanes bomb Constantinople and Adrianople.

April 15 (Sat.)

A Russian success in the Caucasus.

April 16 (Sun.)

Verdun:—The French attack at Douaumont and regain ground.

April 17 (Mon.)

Fresh German attacks at Verdun, which gain ground.

The Italians capture the Col di Lana (Trentino).

Mesopotamia:—A Turkish counter-attack on the Tigris is partially successful.

April 18 (Tues.)

The Caucasus:—Trebizond is captured by the Russians (see April 8).

April 19 (Wed.)

Verdun:—German attacks at Les Eparges are repulsed.

A Note from the U.S.A. is presented to Germany demanding modification of her submarine policy (see May 4).

The Caucasus:—The Russians carry a strong enemy position west of Erzerum.

April 20 (Thur.)

The rebellion breaks out in Ireland (see May 1).

Verdun:—The French gain ground near Fort Vaux.

Russian troops reach Marseilles.

April 21 (Good Friday)

Sir Roger Casement is captured on the coast of Kerry, near Tralee (see June 26, Aug. 3).

April 22 (Sat.)

Mesopotamia:—A third British attack on the Sanna-i-Yat position is repulsed.

A British success in German East Africa, by which the occupation of the northern half of the colony is made secure.

April 23 (Easter Sunday)

An engagement at Katia on the Egyptian frontier.

April 24 (Mon.)

Riots in Dublin: the Sinn Feiners occupy the Post Office and St. Stephen's Green.

Mesopotamia (night of the 24th-25th):—An unsuccessful attempt is made to run a supply ship into Kut.

April 25 (Tues.)

German battle-cruisers bombard Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth; they are pursued home but escape in safety.

A Zeppelin raid on the eastern counties of England.

April 26 (Wed.)

Fighting in Dublin.


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