lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 10, 2020 4:10:58 GMT
Day 198 of the Great War, February 10th 1915
United States: a strong condemnation of the recent German proclamation
The United States issues a strong condemnation of the recent German proclamation that starting on the 18th a war zone would exist around the British Isles and that enemy merchant ships would be sunk without warning. The position of the American government is that any harm befalling an American ship or American citizens, even if the latter were aboard a British vessel, would be 'an indefensible violation of neutral rights,' and pledged to hold the German government strictly to account for any such act. In short, the United States will defend its rights to trade with Britain and expect Germany not to interfere. The tone of the American note is stronger that Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg expected, and brings into sharp relief the tension between cutting British maritime trade and the attitude of neutral powers.
Eastern Front: Russian 10th Army continues to be battered by the German offensive
The Russian 10th Army continues to be battered by the German offensive as it crosses the frontier between East Prussia and Russia itself. General Rudolph Sievers, 10th Army commander, is struggling against against immense difficulties, only one of which are the Germans themselves. The terrible blizzard bedevils his own infantry as much as the enemy, and makes redeployment and reinforcement almost impossible. Meanwhile, most of 10th Army's supplies and ammunition are snowbound at railway depots in the rear, and communication links are tenuous at best. Given the difficulties, Sievers has concentrated his attention on III Siberian Corps on the southern end of the line, which is putting up a stubborn defence that is at least slowing the advance of the German 8th Army opposite. This concentration on the south, however, leaves the northern end of the line neglected, where the German 10th Army is having more success - today the German XXI Corps cuts the rail line from the front to the Russian fortress at Kovno to the north-east, and XXIX Reserve Corps surrounds and captures ten thousand Russian soldiers near Wirballen.
Naval operations: North Sea
SS LAERTES, 4,541 tons, is ordered to stop by a u-boat. Her captain, W.H. Propert, instead accelerates to maximum speed. The submarine chases and opens fire with her deck gun. The freighter starts zig-zagging and during a chase lasting an hour does not receive a single direct hit. She does, however, take some damage from near misses. The u-boat fires a torpedo as well, but finally Laertes escapes. Captain Propert will be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by King George. Unfortunately none of the sources seem to have the number of the boat or the name of the captain who made the attack. One source says it was U-2, but that boat is listed as serving in a training flotilla the entire war.
Naval operations: Cape Horn
Kapitän zur See Fritz Lüdecke receives more disheartening news from Berlin: "Further coal supplies for Pacific or Indian Oceans impossible." SMS DRESDEN is almost out of coal and has no hope of reaching Germany unless some is found somewhere.
HMS GLASGOW moves from Punta Arenas to Port Edgar.
Naval operations: Atlantic Ocean
HMS CARNARVON examines Egg Harbor and briefly stops at Port Elena, Argentina.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 11, 2020 4:02:03 GMT
Day 199 of the Great War, February 11th 1915East Prussian Campaign: Second Battle of the Masurian LakesIn the Winter Battle of the Masurian Lakes the advance of the German 10th Army continues unabated. A Russian corps, holding the northern flank of the Russian 10th Army and consisting of three second-line divisions, has disintegrated under the relentless German assaults. The corps commander, who had been instructed that the defence of the fortress of Kovno is a priority, withdraws the remnants of his force in that direction, which also happens to remove them from the German line of advance to the southeast. The German 10th Army is now in a position to advance to the Augustow Forest and thereby sweep around the rear of the rest of the Russian 10th Army. The Russian leadership, meanwhile, still does not understand the nature of the German offensive; General Ruszkii of North-West Front believes the main German attack is being undertaken by the German 8th Army and is aimed towards Osowiec. As such, he orders the still-assembling 12th Army to prepare a counter-offensive designed to hit the flank of the perceived main axis of the German advance. For this attack to succeed, Ruszkii orders 10th Army to remain in its positions, to act as the anvil to 12th Army's hammer blow against the German 8th Army. Such orders, of course, are the worst possible, given that it is 10th Army itself that is the target of the German offensive, and is in growing danger of being enveloped. Mesopotamian campaign: reports have reached the commander of Indian Expeditionary Force D Over the past few weeks several reports have reached the commander of Indian Expeditionary Force D of the potential for Arab unrest along the eastern frontier of Persia, inspired by the Ottoman call to jihad and German intrigues. Today it is decided to dispatch a force to the city of Ahwaz on the Karun River and adjacent to the pipeline of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, whose preservation had ostensibly been a key motivation for the initial landing in lower Mesopotamia. The force sent, however, is too small - thirty cavalry, two Indian battalions, thirty soldiers from the Dorsetshire Regiment, and a handful of guns - to be of any value in intimidating the Arab tribes or demonstrating British strength in the region. Naval operations: Cape HornHMS GLASGOW arrives at Port Edgar, recoals. Naval operations: Atlantic OceanHMS CARNARVON puts into Puerto Madryn, Argentina; exchanges 21-gun salute with Argentine cruiser BUENOS AIRES. Photo: Argentine cruiser BUENOS AIRES circa 1900 HMS BRISTOL puts into Montevideo. Naval operations: Indian OceanSS KINFAUNS CASTLE departs Bombay for Niororo, Africa.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 12, 2020 4:15:02 GMT
Day 200 of the Great War, February 12th 1915
YouTube (Stopping Russia - Hindenburg's Final Offensive?)
Western Front: major offensive by the French 4th Army scheduled to be launched is postponed
In Champagne the major offensive by the French 4th Army was scheduled to be launched today, but the region is in the midst of a major snowstorm, and given that the weather conditions prevent accurate targeting of artillery, General de Langle postpones the attack until the 16th.
Aerial operations: Kaiser issues an Imperial Order regarding the bombardment of England by Zeppelins
The Kaiser issues an Imperial Order today clarifying his instructions regarding the bombardment of England by Zeppelins. Emphasizing his desire to see the air war prosecuted 'with the greatest energy,' he authorized the targeting of military bases, barracks, oil tanks, and the London docks. On the other hand, attacks on the residential areas of London and royal palaces remained forbidden. Both the army and the navy begin planning for their respective Zeppelins to raid on England.
Naval operations: Pacific Ocean
HMS NEWCASTLE arrives at Salina Cruz, Mexico, after her visit to Cocos Island.
Naval operations: Cape Horn
HMS GLASGOW HMS Glasgow departs Port Edgar to search the Strait of Magellan one more time.
Naval operations: Atlantic Ocean
SMS PRINZ EITEL FRIEDRICH captures British barque INVERCOE, 1,421 tons. The crew are taken aboard the auxiliary cruiser and the sailing ship sunk with scuttling charges.
HMS CARNARVON travels from Puerto Madryn to Rosas Bay, where she recoals from SS WITHERNSEA.
HMS BRISTOL travels from Montevideo to an anchorage in the Rio de la Plata.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 13, 2020 4:08:34 GMT
Day 201 of the Great War, February 13th 1915
Naval operations: Dardanelles campaign
In British military circles a number of voices are being raised questioning whether the Dardanelles operation can be accomplished without the use of ground forces. Admiral Henry Jackson, former Chief of the Admiralty War Staff and currently head of the Overseas Attack Committee guiding naval operations against German colonies, submits a memorandum today outlining his concerns. He argues that a strong military force will be required both to complete the destruction of Ottoman forces and to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula to secure Entente communications through the Dardanelles once the fleet moves onwards to the Sea of Marama, lest Ottoman forces reoccupy and rearm the destroyed forts. Colonel Hankey, Secretary of the War Council, also wonders, in conversation with the Prime Minister today, if land units will be needed at the Dardanelles.
Naval operations: Pacific Ocean
HMS NEWCASTLE departs Salina Cruz for Acapulco.
Naval operations: Strait of Magellan
HMS GLASGOW puts into Punta Arenas.
Naval operations: Atlantic Ocean
HMS BRISTOL leaves Montevideo to return to Port Stanley.
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Feb 13, 2020 16:02:39 GMT
Day 201 of the Great War, February 13th 1915Naval operations: Dardanelles campaignIn British military circles a number of voices are being raised questioning whether the Dardanelles operation can be accomplished without the use of ground forces. Admiral Henry Jackson, former Chief of the Admiralty War Staff and currently head of the Overseas Attack Committee guiding naval operations against German colonies, submits a memorandum today outlining his concerns. He argues that a strong military force will be required both to complete the destruction of Ottoman forces and to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula to secure Entente communications through the Dardanelles once the fleet moves onwards to the Sea of Marama, lest Ottoman forces reoccupy and rearm the destroyed forts. Colonel Hankey, Secretary of the War Council, also wonders, in conversation with the Prime Minister today, if land units will be needed at the Dardanelles. Naval operations: Pacific OceanHMS NEWCASTLE departs Salina Cruz for Acapulco. Naval operations: Strait of MagellanHMS GLASGOW puts into Punta Arenas. Naval operations: Atlantic OceanHMS BRISTOL leaves Montevideo to return to Port Stanley.
Its a pity no one important enough listened to the arguments about the need for ground forces at Gallipoli. If done with the initial operations they would have faced markedly less opposition than later and could have made it significantly more effective, both militarily and diplomatically/politically.
Steve
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 13, 2020 16:06:29 GMT
Day 201 of the Great War, February 13th 1915Naval operations: Dardanelles campaignIn British military circles a number of voices are being raised questioning whether the Dardanelles operation can be accomplished without the use of ground forces. Admiral Henry Jackson, former Chief of the Admiralty War Staff and currently head of the Overseas Attack Committee guiding naval operations against German colonies, submits a memorandum today outlining his concerns. He argues that a strong military force will be required both to complete the destruction of Ottoman forces and to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula to secure Entente communications through the Dardanelles once the fleet moves onwards to the Sea of Marama, lest Ottoman forces reoccupy and rearm the destroyed forts. Colonel Hankey, Secretary of the War Council, also wonders, in conversation with the Prime Minister today, if land units will be needed at the Dardanelles. Naval operations: Pacific OceanHMS NEWCASTLE departs Salina Cruz for Acapulco. Naval operations: Strait of MagellanHMS GLASGOW puts into Punta Arenas. Naval operations: Atlantic OceanHMS BRISTOL leaves Montevideo to return to Port Stanley. Its a pity no one important enough listened to the arguments about the need for ground forces at Gallipoli. If done with the initial operations they would have faced markedly less opposition than later and could have made it significantly more effective, both militarily and diplomatically/politically. Steve
Think the British higher ups, assumed it would be a walk in the park, ore am i wrong. |
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Feb 13, 2020 16:17:01 GMT
Its a pity no one important enough listened to the arguments about the need for ground forces at Gallipoli. If done with the initial operations they would have faced markedly less opposition than later and could have made it significantly more effective, both militarily and diplomatically/politically. Steve
Think the British higher ups, assumed it would be a walk in the park, ore am i wrong.
I think Churchill took it on as a project for 'his' RN and just ignored pretty much anyone who disagreed with him. At the time the government and military was far more decentralised so he had a large amount of free rein with regards to what he did with the navy.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 13, 2020 16:21:47 GMT
Think the British higher ups, assumed it would be a walk in the park, ore am i wrong. I think Churchill took it on as a project for 'his' RN and just ignored pretty much anyone who disagreed with him. At the time the government and military was far more decentralised so he had a large amount of free rein with regards to what he did with the navy.
And we know the results of what happend. |
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 14, 2020 9:16:13 GMT
Day 202 of the Great War, February 14th 1915
Western Front: Preparations for the imminent French attack in Champagne have not gone unnoticed by the Germans
- Preparations for the imminent French attack in Champagne have not gone unnoticed by the Germans, and today a report arrives at the headquarters of the German 3rd Army from OHL warning that a significant French offensive will begin within days.
- In the Vosges elements of the 51st Landwehr Brigade have advanced to secure a line running from the mountain of Le Hilsenfirst in the north to the village of Sengern to the south, paving the way for the offensive west of Munster scheduled to begin in several days time.
Eastern Front: elements of the German 8th Army enter the town of Lyck
This morning elements of the German 8th Army enter the town of Lyck, a vital rail junction in East Prussia near the German-Russian frontier, while the infantry columns of the German 10th Army have reached the northern edge of the Augustow Forest at Suwalki.
Only today do the Russian commanders realize that it is 10th Army that is the target of the German offensive, and that three corps - from north to south, III, XX, and XXVI Corps - are in danger of encirclement. With only two roads open to retreat, III Corps takes the northern one while XXVI takes the southern, leaving XX Corps to stand and fight to cover their withdrawal.
Naval operations: Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
"U-Boats not to attack ships flying a neutral flag unless recognized with certainty to be enemies."
- Addendum to the rules for submarine warfare
The original February 18th date for the start of Unrestricted Submarine Attacks is postponed until further word from on high. This has come about in answer to American protests against the original proclamation. Chief of the Imperial Naval Cabinet Admiral Georg Alexander von Müller has convinced his good friend Kaiser Wilhelm that this is the best course. Commander of the High Seas Fleet Hugo von Pohl, whose idea it was in the first place, is incensed at having his plans changed. When von Pohl objects von Müller demands that he explain "...how far you can guarantee that within six weeks of the campaign against commerce opening, Great Britain will be forced to lift the blockade."
This is the beginning of a power struggle between the two admirals.
Naval operations: Pacific Ocean
HMS NEWCASTLE arrives at Acapulco.
Naval operations: Cape Horn
After more than two months in Weinachts Bay, FKpt Fritz Lüdecke makes his decision. In the midst of a blinding snowstorm SMS DRESDEN and SS SIERRA CORDOBA depart their hiding place and head into the Pacific Ocean. They travel north, staying two hundred miles off the coast of Chile.
HMS GLASGOW stops in at Puerto Condell, in Union Sound.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 15, 2020 8:53:44 GMT
Day 203 of the Great War, February 15th 1915Western Front: 1st Canadian Division completes disembarkation at St. NazaireThe 1st Canadian Division completes disembarkation at St. Nazaire today, and the soldiers immediately entrain for the journey to Flanders. Their billeting area is just east of Hazebrouck, and they are to be attached to III Corps, 2nd Army of the BEF. Prior to taking over a section of the front line in several weeks time, the headquarters staff and regimental personnel will be attached to the British 4th and 6th Divisions to learn first-hand about the nature of trench warfare. Painting: the landing of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade at St. Nazaire, France, in February 1915. The band of the Black Watch marches in the left foreground while to the right stand Canadian Generals Richard Turner and Frederick Loomis, and the minister of militia, Sir Sam Hughes. The steamship NOVIAN dominates the background.
 Naval operations: Berlin- Admiral Pohl receives another telegram from the Kaiser today: 'H.M. the Emperor has commanded that the U-boat campaign to destroy commerce . . . is not to begin on February 18, but only when orders to do so are received from the All Highest.' Once again Wilhelm II wavers when faced with an important military decision, much to the dismay of his admirals. - In Britain, meanwhile, Churchill, speaking in the House of Commons, seeks to assure the public regarding the threatened German submarine campaign: . . . losses will no doubt be incurred - of that I give full warning. But we believe that no vital injury can be done if our traders put to sea regularly . . . If they take the precautions which are proper and legitimate, we expect the losses will be confided within manageable limits, even at the outset when the enemy must be expected to make his greatest effort to produce an impression.Naval operations: English ChannelU-16, commanded by Claus Hansen, sinks British steamer SS DULWICH, 3,289 tons, carrying a load of coal from Hull to Rouen. Later in the day U-16 sinks the French steamer SS VILLE DE LILLE*, 997 tons, carrying a cargo of stone from Cherbourg to Dunkerque. These are Hansen's first sinkings, giving him a score of 4,286 tons. * Hansen was planning to use a torpedo to sink the VILLE DE LILLE when he spotted women and children through his periscope. A fox-terrier from the ship was taken aboard U-16 and became the submarine's mascot. Naval operations: Pacific OceanHMS NEWCASTLE departs Acapulco for Manzanillo.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 16, 2020 9:33:08 GMT
Day 204 of the Great War, February 16th 1915Western Front: British 29th Division is going to the Aegean to support the Dardanelles operation- For several months the British 29th Division, composed of regular army battalions scattered throughout the Empire on the outbreak of war, has been assembling in the Home Islands. Though initially intended to go to France for deployment with the British Expeditionary Force, Lord Kitchener decides today to assign the division to the Aegean to support the Dardanelles operation, either in seizing the peninsula of Gallipoli after it has been evacuated by the Ottomans or to occupy Constantinople should the navy push through to the enemy capital. Kitchener also decides to allocate the volunteers from Australia and New Zealand, currently training in Egypt, to the Dardanelles operation. This decision calms the fears of those who have argued that the navy alone would not suffice to force the straits and compel the Ottomans to leave the war. On the other hand, authorizing the use of ground forces before the naval attack has even begun makes it easier for the navy to abandon the attack at the first sign of difficulty, given an alternative will already be at hand. Western Front: French 4th Army launches its major offensive in ChampagneAfter a delay of four days due to a snowstorm, the French 4th Army launches its major offensive in Champagne. Along the five-kilometre front, XVII and I Corps are able to seize several hundred metres of the German first trench line, but are unable to advance further than five hundred metres, only a third of the advance they were scheduled to achieve today. IV Corps, 4th Army's reserve, is thus withheld from the battle, with no breakthrough for it to exploit. - As the French go over to the attack again in the Champagne, Joffre writes Sir John French today to emphasize the need for continued attacks, given intelligence reports suggesting that the Germans are massing against the Russians: 'it is important to . . . take the offensive in our theater of operations, less to profit from our numerical superiority than to hold the maximum [number] of enemy forces before us.' The requirements of coalition warfare, then, are an impetus to striking the Germans on the Western Front. Joffre urges the BEF to attack north and south of the Lys River, with its left advancing south of Ypres and its right moving on La Bassée. Eastern Front: Advance elements of the German XXI Corps of 10th Army encounter Russian forces retreating eastwards- Advance elements of the German XXI Corps of 10th Army, already penetrating the Augustow Forest, encounter Russian forces retreating eastwards. In pitched, close-quarters fighting, the Russians, attacking with bayonets on empty rifles, prevail, taking some prisoners while continuing their escape. - On the far eastern wing of the Carpathian front, to the right of Südarmee, an Austro-Hungarian army group named for and under the command of General Karl von Pflanzer-Baltin has been holding the line and grappling with the Russians opposite. As preparations continue for a resumption of the main offensive by 3rd and the redeployed 2nd Armies to the west, Pflanzer-Baltin's forces have been able to secure local victories - today, the town of Kolomea is recaptured. Map: The line in the eastern Carpathians just prior to the recapture of Kolomea. Naval operations: Pacific OceanHMS NEWCASTLE departs Manzanillo for Guaymas. Naval operations: Cape HornHMS GLASGOW sends a steam launch to explore the Kirke Narrows. Naval operations: Falkland IslandsHMS BRISTOL arrives at Port Stanley.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 17, 2020 4:39:45 GMT
Day 205 of the Great War, February 17th 1915
Western Front: French 4th Army continues to struggle in Champagne
- As the French 4th Army continues to struggle in Champagne, failing to achieve a breakthrough, its commander General de Langle asks Joffre for reinforcements. He wants to avoid repeated small-scale assaults and instead mass forces for one powerful attack that can overwhelm the Germans.
- The woods of the Argonne west of Verdun have been the scene of regular skirmishing between the Germans and French over the past several months, but today the French launch a major attack. Since the German successes of January in carving out a salient towards Four-de-Paris, General Sarrail of 3rd Army has been eager to go onto the offensive in order to restore the morale of his solders. The targeted sector is the western 'shoulder' of the German salient, between the ravines of Fontaine-aux-Charmes and Fontaine-de-Madame northeast of La Harazee. Here the attack is highlighted by the explosion of three mines dug underneath the German line. The detonation of the mines at 8am stuns the Germans, and the French are able to seize the first trench line. Over the rest of the day there is fierce fighting as both sides struggle for the ruins of the German trench. Gradually the French run out of ammunition, the intensity of the fire preventing resupply over the ruins of No Man's Land - indeed, for a period some French soldiers fight using captured German arms. By 430pm the position has been regained by the Germans, the French suffering 40% casualties.
Eastern Front: German 8th Army occupies the town of Augustow
- In the pre-dawn hours the German 8th Army occupies the town of Augustow, on the western edge of the forest which bears its name.
- In the eastern Carpathians Austro-Hungarian cavalry recaptures the city of Czernowitz, while the main body of Pflanzer-Baltin's army group is directed northwest towards Dolina. It is hoped that the latter drive into the flank of the Russians facing Südarmee, allowing the latter to advance.
Naval operations: Pacific Ocean
The Armoured Cruiser HMS CARNARVON has been operating in and around Vallenar, Chile. Today she departs for Coronel.
Naval operations: Cape Horn
HMS GLASGOW continues patrolling the area around Union Sound.
Naval operations: Falkland Islands
HMS BRISTOL departs for the Strait of Magellan.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 18, 2020 4:10:34 GMT
Day 206 of the Great War, February 18th 1915
Western Front: Sir John French replies today to Joffre's letter of the 16th
Sir John French replies today to Joffre's letter of the 16th regarding British operations in the near future, and the BEF commander outlines his plan for an attack in early March just north of La Bassée, directed at the village of Neuve Chapelle and the Aubers Ridge just beyond. French, however, has learned of Kitchener's decision to assign 29th Division to the Dardanelles operation. Moreover, though Kitchener has pledged to sent another division to France instead, it is composed of Territorial reserves, whom French believes will need significant further training before they can be send into the line. As such, French informs Joffre that the BEF will be unable to conduct a major attack in early March while simultaneously relieving the French IX and XX Corps at Ypres previously agreed to on January 21st.
Eastern Front: southern advance of the German 10th Army today sees it pass between the Russian fortress at Grodno and the Augustow Forest
The southern advance of the German 10th Army today sees it pass between the Russian fortress at Grodno and the Augustow Forest. Here 10th Army takes up position facing both west and east, covering the escape routes from the Augustow Forest.
Of the Russian 10th Army, while III and XXVI Corps have made their way east and out of the forest, neither was aware that XX Corps remained behind them, and thus provided no aid to its withdrawal. Thus XX Corps finds itself today still in Augustow Forest, and that the German 10th Army has now cut the last avenues of escape.
Eastern Front: Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army has been attempting to recover the key town of Mezölaborcz
For the past few days, the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army has been attempting to recover the key town of Mezölaborcz, and today the 21st Landwehr Division gains some ground near the village of Szuko. Otherwise, however, the strategic point remains in Russian hands.
French government: division assigned to the Dardanelles operation instead of being send to the Balkans
The French government decides today that the division assigned on the 4th to the Balkans is instead to be assigned to the Dardanelles operation.
Naval operations: relief send for German forces in German East Africa
The merchant ship RUBENS, disguised as a neutral Danish vessel to avoid interception by the British, slips out of Wilhelmshaven, beginning an unusual voyage. Its destination is German East Africa, and its assignment is to bring supplies to the German forces defending the colony, and in particular a load of coal to enable the light cruiser KONIGSBERG to sail for home.
Naval operations: U-Boat campaign is formally announced
In light of the Kaiser's decision to postpone the commencement of unrestricted submarine warfare, revised instructions are issued to U-boats today, intended to allow the navy to maintain an effective naval blockade of Britain without inflaming neutral opinion. U-boat captains are to draw a clear distinction between enemy and neutral ships prior to firing, but in making such distinctions more than the flag of the merchant is to be taken into account, including course, structure, and general behaviour of the vessel. Further, hospital ships are to spared, as well as ships belonging to the American-funded Belgian Relief Commission. Provided such precautions are taken, captains would not be held responsible if mistakes were made. The instructions bear the imprint of headquarters staff who have never had to determine the identity of a vessel through binoculars or a periscope while avoiding the threat of enemy fire. Expecting U-boat captains to make what essentially is a political decision whether to fire is to invite mistakes, which is precisely what will happen.
Even as the revised instructions go out to the submarine force, the German government gives a reply to the American note of the 10th objecting to unrestricted submarine warfare. On the one hand, the German government insists that they have the right to attack enemy ships as they see fit. On the other hand, they assure the American government that American ships will not be attacked, as long as they are recognizable as such.
The rules issued to all U-Boat forces are:
1. The U-boat campaign against commerce is to be prosecuted with all possible vigor.
2. Hostile merchant ships are to be destroyed.
3. Neutral ships are to be spared. A neutral flag or funnel marks of neutral steamship lines are not to be regarded, however, as sufficient guarantee in themselves of neutral nationality. Nor does the possession of further distinguishing neutral marks furnish absolute certainty. The commander must take into account all accompanying circumstances that may enable him to recognize the nationality of the ship; e.g. structure, place of registration, course, and general behavior.
4. Merchant ships with a neutral flag travelling in convoy are thereby proved neutral.
5. Hospital ships are to be spared. They may only be attacked when they are obviously being used for the transport of troops from England to France.
6. Ships belonging to the Belgian Relief Commission are likewise to be spared.
7. If in spite of the exercise of great care mistakes should be made the commander will not be held responsible.
Naval operations: Bay of Biscay
U-16, commanded by Claus Hansen, torpedoes French freighter DINORA, 4,208 tons, travelling from Havre to Dunkerque. The damaged ship continues on its way, arriving safely at its destination.
Naval operations: Atlantic Ocean
SMS PRINZ EITEL FRIEDRICH stops the British steamer MARY ADA SHORT, 3,605 tons, carrying a cargo of wheat from Rosario, Argentina, to St. Vincent and thence the UK. The crew, all the food onboard, and two pigs, are taken off and scuttling charges placed. MARY ADA SHORT refuses to sink and the Germans are forced to fire several shells into her before she finally goes down.
Naval operations: Yemen
Hellmuth von Mücke is not clear on the dates involved at this point, but sometime around the 18th he is informed that travelling northward is far too dangerous. He then decides to return to Al Hudaydah. Even this journey will have to be delayed due to the sickness of his men.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 19, 2020 4:10:37 GMT
Day 207 of the Great War, February 19th 1915YouTube (Hindenburg's Cunning Plan - A 2nd Tannenberg) Western Front: In Champagne renewed efforts are made by the French 4th Army to break through German lines- In Champagne renewed efforts are made by the French 4th Army to break through German lines on both sides of Perthes in a series of attacks beginning at 930am. Here the French are largely repulsed, though in a few places they manage to enter the first German trench line and hand-to-hand fighting persists overnight. To the east, the French attack in a series of waves, and secure initial gains against the 16th Reserve Division opposite. Alarming reports of French breakthroughs reach 3rd Army headquarters, and a brigade in reserve is dispatched to reinforce the line. By 5pm, however, 16th Reserve Division has covered its equilibrium and broken up the French attacks with heavy artillery fire. Nevertheless, 3rd Army requests the transfer of additional reserves from neighbouring 5th Army to protect against the potential for future French breakthroughs. - Joffre replies to Sir John French's note of yesterday with predictable outrage. He insists that the relief of IX and XX Corps by the BEF is essential for the joint war effort, as these forces provide the margin needed to conduct a major French offensive in Artois. Further, Joffre harshly criticizes the BEF, arguing that the density by which it held its portion of the line was twice that found elsewhere. Joffre also takes another approach, asking the minister of war to appeal directly to Lord Kitchener to rescind the order dispatching 29th Division to the eastern Mediterranean. - In the Vosges the 8th Bavarian Reserve Division, 6th Bavarian Landwehr Division, and additional elements of Army Detachment Gaede launch an attack on French lines west of the town of Munster. In the mountainous, snow-covered terrain, however, progress is slow. Eastern Front: General Linsingen of Südarmee hopesIn the eastern Carpathians, General Linsingen of Südarmee hopes that the advance of the Austro-Hungarian force under General Pflanzer-Baltin on his right will dislodge the stubborn Russians from their positions before his army. The Russians, however, do not see things the same way. Today they launch a sharp attack against the German XXIV Reserve Corps at Wyszkow, enveloping both wings in a pincer movement and forcing both flanks to fall back. Gallipoli campaign: bombardment of Ottoman fortsIn the morning hours a squadron of British and French warships leisurely approach the Dardanelles in bright sunshine and calm weather, signalling the commencement of the Entente attempt to force the straits. Of the twelve British and four French predreadnoughts assigned to the operation, Admiral Carden has with him today, in addition to his flagship INFLEXIBLE, five of the former and all of the latter. At anchor or steaming slowly back-and-forth, Carden's warships form a semi-circle around the mouth of the Dardanelles, targeting the outer Ottoman forts. On the north bank is the Cape Helles fort, with two 9.4-inch guns, and the massive Sedd el Bahr, originally constructed to defend against Venetian incursions in the 17th-century. On the opposite bank sits Kum Kale and smaller gun emplacements. These are the older, more antiquated Ottoman defenses at the Dardanelles, as compared to their more modern counterparts inside the straits, but their destruction is necessary before the British and French warships can progress to the harder targets. Map: The first day of the bombardment of the outer forts at the Dardanelles, February 19th, 1915. Carden's squadron opens fire at approximately 12 000 yards, beginning a slow and deliberate bombardment while the Ottoman forts, their guns lacking the necessary range, remain silent. At 2pm the warships close to 6000 yards, where their secondary armament can fire as well. At 445pm, Carden sends VENGEANCE, CORNWALLIS, and SUFFREN to within 3000 to 4000 yards, at which point the Ottoman forts suddenly begin to return fire. After an exchange of shells Carden orders a halt to the day's bombardment, and the warships withdraw. The bombardment illustrated for the first time some of the difficulties inherent in the shelling of shore-based defenses. It is not sufficient to simply strike the fort itself; instead, it is necessary to actually strike the guns themselves if they are to be destroyed, requiring significantly greater accuracy than anticipated. Further, the explosion of each shell spawned an enormous dust cloud, obscuring the target and creating great difficulties in spotting the fall of shot. It is also difficult to hit the artillerymen either; under bombardment they simply retreated to shelter, though this at least had the benefit of stopping enemy artillery fire. The day's fighting had indicated that the best approach would be to keep the enemy soldiers away from the guns until the warships could close to near point-blank range where they could accurately target each specific artillery piece. Photo: HMS CORNWALLIS (1901) firing at Ottoman Turkish forts in the opening attack on the Dardanelles 18-19 February 1915. Naval operations: English ChannelU-16, under the command of Claus Hansen, torpedoes Norwegian tanker BELRIDGE, 7,020 tons, carrying a load of petroleum from New Orleans to Amsterdam. The tanker is only damaged, and puts safely into Thames Haven. Naval operations: Pacific OceanFritz Lüdecke orders SS SIERRA CORDOBA to Valparaiso in an attempt to purchase some coal. SMS DRESDEN continues to steam slowly toward the Juan Fernandez Islands. HMS Newcastle arrives at Guymas, Mexico. Naval operations: Cape HornHMS BRISTOL arrives at Isthmus Bay. While anchored at Puerto Condell, HMS GLASGOW dispatches a steam launch to investigate the theft of a whaleboat by local natives. Naval operations: Atlantic OceanSMS PRINZ EITEL FRIEDRICH captures French liner SS FLORIDE, 6,620 tons. The crew are taken off and the ship scuttled.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Feb 20, 2020 4:17:08 GMT
Day 208 of the Great War, February 20th 1915Western Front: Joffre is dismayedAfter authorizing the release of a division from IV Corps to reinforce 4th Army, Joffre is dismayed to learn that it may take several more days before the reinforcements enter the line and allow for renewed advances. The French Commander-in-Chief sends a reduke to General de Langle of 4th Army, insisting on the importance of attacking as soon as possible to prevent the Germans from constructing new defensive positions faster than the French can fight through them. On the German side, 1st Guard Division arrives in 3rd Army's sector, an increase in strength that appears to secure the army's left flank against further attacks. United Kingdom: Landships Committee is formedThe Hankey Memorandum of December 28th, 1914, which included a proposal regarding the used of tracked vehicles on the Western Front, had led to an investigation by a War Office committee, which after unpromising tests had concluded that the concept would not be practical. However, the memorandum has also caught the attention of Churchill, who has also been receiving suggestions from officiers of the Royal Naval Air Service for vehicles more capable than their armoured cars. Today he authorizes the formation of the Landships Committee, chaired by Director of Naval Construction E. H. T. d'Eyncourt, to investigate the different ideas put forward for the used of tracked and/or armoured vehicles. Eastern Front: Austro-Hungarian 10th Cavalry Division occupies the town of StanislauIn the eastern Carpathians the Austro-Hungarian 10th Cavalry Division, part of General Pflanzer-Baltin's army group, occupies the town of Stanislau this morning after its evacuation by Russian forces. However, reinforcements from the Russian 9th Army are arriving in the region, and by the afternoon the Russians counterattack near Stanislau. Only the timely arrival of a brigade from 36th Division allows the Austro-Hungarians to hold the town. Gallipoli campaign: poor visibility prevents accurate targetingAt the Dardanelles the weather has taken a sharp turn for the worse, with heavy rain and high seas. Admiral Carden is unwilling to waste ammunition when poor visibility prevents accurate targeting, and thus given the conditions the British and French warships are unable to continue the bombardment of the Ottoman forts begun yesterday. Naval operations: LondonThe Australian and New Zealand troops who made up the First ANZAC convoy back in November - the same convoy that was escorted by HMAS SYDNEY, which had been dispatched to sink SMS EMDEN - are designated to be a major part of the planned Dardanelles invasion. They have been training in Egypt since their arrival there on December 3rd. Naval operations: Irish SeaU-30, commanded by Erich von Rosenberg-Grusczyski, torpedoes SS CAMBANK, 3,112 tons, master T.R. Prescott, travelling from Huelvas to Garston with a load of copper ore. Later in the day U-30 captures and scuttles the tiny 337-ton steamer DOWNSHIRE, proceeding from Dundrum to Manchester with a load of empty cement bags. Naval operations: Pacific OceanHMS KENT arrives at Santa Maria, Coronel, and takes on coal from SS BRAUNTON. HMS NEWCASTLE departs Guymas for San Bartolome. Naval operations: Cape HornHMS BRISTOL and GLASGOW are once again working together, patrolling the area around Puerto Condell, deep in the fjords north of the Strait of Magellan. Atlantic Ocean: SMS PRINZ EITEL FRIEDRICH encounters British freighter SS WILLERBY, 3,630 tons, travelling in ballast from Marseilles to Buenos Aires. Korvettenkapitän Max Therichens orders the freighter to stop, but Captain J.R. Wedgewood decides to make a run for it. Forty-five minutes later he is overhauled and then tries to ram the big armed merchant cruiser. Therichens avoids this move and under the threat of the German guns Wedgewood finally surrenders. The crew are taken off and the ship scuttled. This is PRINZ EITEL FRIEDRICH'S last victim. HMS CARNARVON meets the old battleship HMS KING EDWARD VII. Photo: HMS KING EDWARD VII underway somewhere between between 1905 and 1916 Naval operations: German East AfricaSS KINFAUNS CASTLE arrives at Niororo, a tiny island north of Mafia Island, with her cargo of new seaplanes for the KONIGSBERG mission.
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