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Post by lordroel on Jul 3, 2020 7:11:24 GMT
Day 341 of the Great War, July 3rd 1915
Eastern Front: centre of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army launches a major attack in southern Poland
This afternoon the centre of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army launches a major attack in southern Poland, with IX and XIV Corps (the latter brought up from reserve) seizing a 14km stretch of the Russian trecnch line. To the west 24th Division of X Corps seizes and holds Kraśnik. Greater Russian resistance is encountered by the left and right wings of 4th Army, limiting gains to the centre. To the east reports reach Mackensen of Russian reserves assembling along the eastern flank of the German 11th Army. Given ongoing concern over the exposure of this flank, Mackensen issues orders to 11th Army as well as 4th Army to halt further attacks until the Austro-Hungarian 1st Army arrives northeast of Lemberg to hold the flank.
South West Africa Campaign: German colonial governor Theodor Seitz and the military commander Colonel Victor Franke meet today to discuss the defence of the colony
In German South-West Africa the colonial governor Theodor Seitz and the military commander Colonel Victor Franke meet today to discuss the defence of the colony. The remaining German forces have been pushed into the northeast of the colony and are increasingly under-supplied, the South African advance will shortly push the Germans off of the last remaining rail line under German control. Moreover, the rapid defeat at Otavi on the 1st shows that morale among the askaris has collapsed. Seitz insists that resistance should continue to maintain a German claim to the colony, and suggested the defenders scatter into the jungle. Franke, however, is more realistic. He understands that further resistance will result in additional casualties without materially effecting the outcome of the campaign, and that the fate of South-West Africa will ultimately hinge on the war in Europe: if Germany wins, the colony may be restored, whereas if Germany loses, holding out longer will make no difference. Franke is able to impose his views on his civilian counterpart, and a message is sent to Louis Botha today asks for terms.
Naval operations: Celtic Sea
Walter Forstmann, commanding U-39, sinks three more ships - Norwegian sailing barque SV FIERY CROSS, 1,448 tons, bound from Philadelphia to Le Havre with a load of oil; British freighter SS LARCHMORE, 4,355 tons, carrying a load of coal from Cardiff to Bombay; and SS RENFREW, 3,488 tons, travelling in ballast from Marseille to Barry. This brings his score to 22 ships and 38,510 tons.
Naval operations: German East Africa
at 0910 HMS MERSEY holds firing practice for the machine gun crews. The rest of the crew are busy organizing and placing sandbags around the ship.
The crew of HMS SEVERN spend the day stowing 2,000 new petrol tins and placing sandbags.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 4, 2020 8:08:57 GMT
Day 342 of the Great War, July 4th 1915
Eastern Front: Mackensen's orders to the Austro-Hungarin 4th Army to halt
- Mackensen's orders to the Austro-Hungarin 4th Army to halt do not reach its headquarters until early this morning, too late to stop the day's operations. In the course of the day the centre and right of the army are able to advance northwards up to fifteen kilometres, a notable success that encourages the commander of 4th Army to order a further advance tomorrow. However, the infantry have been in constant combat since June 29th, and General Alexeiev of North-West Front is concentrating reserves near Lublin for a counterattack.
- This morning the lead elements of the Austro-Hungarian 46th Landwehr Division of 1st Army arrive northeast of Lemberg, though delays on the railways are slowing down the transport of the rest of the army. As a result, Falkenhayn proposes to Conrad today that a new army be formed on the right of the German 11th Army to ensure its eastern flank remains covered. General Linsingen is appointed to lead the Army of the Bug, and is replaced as Südarmee commander by General Felix Bothmer. Under Linsingen will be the German XLI Reserve Corps, the Beskid Corps, and the German 1st, 107th, 11th Bavarian, and 5th Cavalry Divisions.
United States: New York City
A bomb explodes at the New York Police Headquarters building. Police suspect this is related to Holt/Muenter, and that he has accomplices.
Naval operations: Celtic Sea
Otto Wunsche, commanding U-25, starts his career stopping and sinking the British schooner SV SUNBEAM, 132 tons, travelling from Leith to Kirkwall with a load of coal.
Walter Forstmann ends his second war patrol with an unsuccessful attack on British freighter SS ANGLO-CALIFORNIAN, bound from Quebec to Avonmouth with a cargo of horses.
(see Jim's post above for details).
Naval operations: Aegean Sea
Otto Hersing begins his 5th war patrol in U-21 by sinking the French freighter SS CARTHAGE, 5,601 tons, off Cape Helles, Gallipoli. While watching the ship sink U-21's periscope is spotted by the crew of a trawler. The trawler attempts to ram, but Hersing takes his boat deep - right into a mine. The damage is extensive but minor, and temporary repairs are made. Hersing takes U-21 up the Dardanelles to Constantinople, where she will be out of the war for the next seven months.
Naval operations: German East Africa
The crews of the two monitors spend the day stowing more petrol tins. All their personal effects are collected and taken to HMFM TRENT.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 5, 2020 7:29:06 GMT
Day 343 of the Great War, July 5th 1915
Eastern Front: General Alexeiev of North-West Front meets with Grand Duke Nicholas, the Russian chief of staff
- General Alexeiev of North-West Front meets with Grand Duke Nicholas, the Russian chief of staff, today at Siedlec to discuss the situation on the Eastern Front. Both recognize the very real danger that a continued German thrust northwards between the Vistula and Bug Rivers poses to the Russian position in central Poland. Alexeiev requests, and is given, permission to withdraw the armies still west of the Vistula to the east at his discretion. He intends, however, to hold off retreating until it is necessary, in order to slow any potential German advance and make them fight for any territory they are able to capture.
- In southern Poland the Russian 3rd Grenadier and Ural Cossack Divisions launch a counterattack early this morning against the lines of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army near Urzedow. Though X Corps is initially forced back, reinforcements are sent to the threatened sector, and the Russian advance is contained. The apparent failure of the Russian attack today, combined with a further advance of the right wing of 4th Army, convinces its commander that the Russians opposite remain a beaten force, and orders are issued to continue the pursuit tomorrow.
Italian Front: Italian army introduces a new cipher for encoding radio transmissions
- Today the Italian army introduces a new cipher for encoding radio transmissions. Intended to enhance signal security, it has the opposite effect: even before it is introduced the code had already been acquired by Austro-Hungarian intelligence and broken, meaning the Austro-Hungarians can read Italian signals as soon as the cipher is implemented.
- Meanwhile, at the front today sees the crescendo of the Italian offensive along the Isonzo River, as VI Corps launches what is intended to be an overwhelming attack between Mt. Sabotino and Lucinico towards the city of Görz. Despite being outnumbered six to one, the Austro-Hungarian defenders hold, in no small part due to the disorganization of the Italian assaults, and the latter suffer several thousand casualties. To the south the Italian X Corps, reinforced be half of 22nd Division from XI Corps, advances against the Karst plateau, though after heavy fighting the attack is defeated. Though the Austro-Hungarians have held, they have suffered significant losses as well, most battalions on the Karst plateau have now lost over half their strength. General Borevic of the Austro-Hungarian 5th Army rushes reinforcements to the front to reinforce the hard-pressed defenders.
Gallipoli Campaign: Ottomans call of attack on Gully Spur
For the past week Ottoman forces at Cape Helles have been counterattacking the British positions seized on Gully Spur on June 28th. Despite thousands of casualties, the Ottomans have been unsuccessful, and today the assaults are called off. The operation is an undoubted British victory, but one barren of strategic consequence; advancing the front line several hundred yards is insufficient to give the Entente control of Gallipoli and allow the fleet to pass through the Dardanelles.
Naval operations: German East Africa
HMS LACONIA hoists the two Short seaplanes #121 and 122 overboard, where they are towed to shore at Mafia Island.
HMS MERSEY'S crew spend the day stowing ammunition and petrol tins, and rigging up voice pipes. In the afternoon all the mess tables and stools are handed off to HMFM TRENT.
The crew of HMS SEVERN are likewise engaged in rigging up more armour plate, plus hammocks and awnings for extra protection.
At 1840 HMS Severn casts off from Trent. Mersey follows at 1905. At 2227 the two monitors anchor 7 1/2 miles offshore from the mouth of the Kikunya River.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 6, 2020 3:12:18 GMT
Day 344 of the Great War, July 6th 1915Western Front: British and French political and military leaders meet at Calais to discuss strategyBefore the Entente conference at Chantilly scheduled for tomorrow, British and French political and military leaders meet at Calais today to discuss strategy. Joffre calls for another major offensive on the Western Front, and advances two lines of thinking beyond the necessity of liberating occupied French territory. First, the Entente needs to attack on the Western Front while the German defence has been relatively weakened due to troop transfers to the east. If they wait instead, it would give the Germans, victorious in the east, the opportunity to shift forces back to the west and themselves go on the offensive. Second, an attack is necessary to prevent even greater disasters on the Eastern Front should the Germans be able to send further reinforcements east. Joffre calls on the British to send as many divisions as possible to France and participate in the forthcoming offensive. Lord Kitchener, however, has his reservations. He doubts whether a truly decisive victory is possible on the Western Front, as evidenced in his support of the Dardanelles operation. Further, Kitchener is extremely hesitant to send the 'New Armies', composed of the hundreds of thousands of men who have volunteered since the outbreak of the war, into combat until they are fully trained and equipped. These are the divisions that Joffre speaks of, and Kitchener is very reluctant to let him have them; the meeting concludes without a firm British commitment. Eastern Front: the Austro-Hungarian VIII, X, and XVII Corps of 4th Army secure further small gainsIn southern Poland the Austro-Hungarian VIII, X, and XVII Corps of 4th Army secure further small gains today. Given that the fighting of the past week has exhausted the ammunition supply, however, 4th Army headquarters issues orders this evening to suspend offensive operations for two days. The Austro-Hungarians envision that once the supply issue has been addressed, they will be able to resume the offensive on the 9th. The Russians, however, have other plans, as the counterattack of yesterday was only the prelude to a much larger operation. The Russian 3rd Army has concentrated the fresh troops of XXV and VI Siberian Corps on either side of the Bystrzyca River on the front line northeast of Kraśnik opposite the centre of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army, and the attack is to begin in the predawn hours of tomorrow. Italian Front: three Alpini battalions of the Italian army attempt to advance near Mt. Krn, but are repulsedNorth of the upper Isonzo three Alpini battalions of the Italian army attempt to advance near Mt. Krn, but are repulsed. To the south, however, VI and X Corps make only half-hearted efforts to renew the attacks of yesterday. Mesopotamian campaign: Indian expedition up the Euphrates River reaches Suk-es-ShuyukhHaving successfully passed the barrage at Akaika on June 29th, the Indian expedition up the Euphrates River reaches Suk-es-Shuyukh today, which they seize as a base of operations for the advance towards Nasiryeh. United States: New YorkFrank Holt (Eric Muenter) commits suicide by climbing the railing of the second floor outside his jail cell and diving head-first to the concrete floor below. Naval operations: North SeaRudolf Schneider, commanding U-24, stops and sinks the Danish schooner ELLEN, 169 tons, Heading from Tønsberg to Liverpool with a load of timber. Schneider now has 16 ships and 48,890 tons. Naval operations: German East Africa0410 HMS MERSEY and SEVERN weigh anchor and head toward Rufiji Delta. 0500 General Quarters sounded aboard MERSEY and SEVERN. 05?? About this time Kapitanleutnant Paul M. Koohl, in charge of German shore forces at Kikmiguni, sees the British force approaching and calls Captain Looff on the shore telephone. Photo: A German artillery observation post, part of the land defenses set up around KONINGSBERG in the Delta 0516 HMS LACONIA weighs anchor. 0525 Aeroplane flown by F/C Harold E.M. Watkins takes off from Mafia Island with six bombs. 0530 German shore forces at Kikmiguni Point open fire on monitors with field guns. Photo: A German fighting position in the Delta, centered around a gun dismounted from KONINGSBERG 0532 HMS Hyacinth weighs anchor and proceeds to the mouth of the Rufiji Delta. 0535 Admiral King-Hall transfers his flag to HMS WEYMOUTH, which has a shallower draft than Hyacinth. 0540 SEVERN returns fire with light weapons. Second aeroplane, F/C John T. Cull and Sub-Lieutenant Harwood J. Arnold, takes off to act as spotter for monitors. 0545 MERSEY returns fire with smaller weapons, silencing rifle and machine gun fire. 0550 MERSEY and SEVERN enter Rufiji River. 0600 F/C Watkins drops his six bombs on KONINGSBERG. No serious damage. 0614 MERSEY sinks a German cutter seen in a nearby creek. 0617 S/L ARNOLD signals SEVERN that he is ready to begin spotting. 0620 SEVERN anchors in position for firing. 0624 LACONIA takes up station off Rufiji River mouth. 0625 MERSEY anchors in position for firing. HMS Pioneer sinks a boat at the mouth of the Simba Uranga channel. 0630 WEYMOUTH runs aground crossing the bar into the Rufiji Delta. 0635 WEYMOUTH is free and proceeds into mouth of Rufiji River to lend fire support to the monitors, in company with whalers Echo, FLY, CHILDERS, and PYRAMUS. 0648 SEVERN opens fire on KONINGSBERG, directed by spotting aeroplane. 0657 KONINGSBERG opens fire with five of her 10.5cm guns. 0705 S/L Arnold reports Severn's first hit on KONINGSBERG. This shell penetrates the officers' galley, killing one. 0710 HYACINTH records hearing the monitors open fire. 0735 KONINGSBERG salvoes falling dangerously close to MERSEY. 0737 Near miss by KONINGSBERG destroys one of MERSEY'S motor boats. 0740 MERSEY hit by 10.5cm shell on forward 6" gunshield. Four killed and five wounded. MERSEY weighs anchor and moves position. 0745 Lt. Blackburn and Assistant Paymaster Badger show up in second aeroplane to take over spotting duties. 0755 MERSEY drops anchor in new position. 0800 WEYMOUTH, PYRAMUS and smaller craft proceed to the mouth of the Kikunja channel. 0815 WEYMOUTH opens fire on shore positions. 0820 Severn records KONINGSBERG'S fire very accurate. 0840 Lt. Cull takes his spotting aeroplane back to Mafia Island to refuel. 0843 SEVERN ceases fire. 0850 MERSEY opens fire again. Severn weighs anchor and moves position. 0930 S/L Arnold rides with Major Robert Gordon in a third aeroplane to take over spotting again. 0946 SEVERN anchors in new position. At this time a German spotting party is seen up a tree on a small island half a mile away. Apparently they are signalling the telephone station on Pemba, which in turn calls KONINGSBERG with the information. SEVERN'S 3pdr guns open fire. 0957 SEVERN opens fire again. 1000 SEVERN records KONINGSBERG'S fire diminishing. This is likely because the lookouts at Pemba cannot see the monitors in their new location. 1017 Blackburn and Badger take their aeroplane home to refuel. 1100 KONINGSBERG ceases firing. This coincides with a hit from Severn which penetrates the German cruiser's hull below the waterline, starting a fire which lasts seven hours. 1117 Blackburn and Badger again take over spotting duties. 1130 MERSEY shifts positions again to reduce range, notes spotting plane wireless signals not being recieved. WEYMOUTH records seeing Caudron aeroplane passing overhead. All support ships move out to sea and anchor. 1134 SEVERN weighs anchor and shifts positions again. 1205 Gordon and Arnold return home to refuel. 1213 SEVERN opens fire again. 1235 Blackburn's aeroplane suffers engine troubles and heads for home. 1300 SEVERN ceases fire again. 1330 Lts. Cull and Arnold return in their Caudron to resume spotting duties. 1339 SEVERN shifts positions again. 1345 SEVERN delays re-mooring due to sighting floating object, at first thougt to be a possible mine. 1430 SEVERN opens fire again. 1445 Königsberg opens fire again. Admiral King-Hall transfers back to HYACINTH. 1525 MERSEY ceases fire. 1527 SEVERN ceases fire. 1530 MERSEY and SEVERN weigh anchor and head down-river. 1545 SEVERN loses one of her anchors overboard. 1550 Lts. Cull and Arnold head for home. 1605 MERSEY hit by field-gun fire from Kikmiguni Point. 1650 Monitors come out of Kikunja into open sea. 1706 LACONIA weighs anchor and proceeds to sea. 1750 SEVERN and MERSEY tie up alongside Trent. 1759 LACONIA anchors off Mafia Island. 1815 DUPLEX and whalers move to night stations. 1830 MERSEY proceeds to deep water for funeral services. Captain Loof has lost four men killed and thirty-five wounded.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 7, 2020 2:55:03 GMT
Day 345 of the Great War, July 7th 1915Entente powers: conference at ChantillyThe first major conference of the Entente powers is held today at Chantilly, the headquarters of General Joffre, as representatives of Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Serbia, and Belgium meet to discuss strategy. Given that the Entente powers are arranged almost in a circle around their main antagonists - Germany and Austria-Hungary - the focal point of discussion is the coordination of multiple simultaneous offensives, utilizing their numerical superiority to force their enemies to fight on all fronts. In such a scenario, the Germans and Austro-Hungarians would not be able to defend everywhere in sufficient depth, and eventually one of the fronts would collapse. Joffre particularly emphasizes operations on what he calls the 'larger' fronts - Western, Eastern, and Italian/Balkan - and that only attacks here can have a decisive effect. Missing from Joffre's formulation are operations against the Ottoman Empire, implying the British would be more useful if they abandoned the Gallipoli campaign and refocused all of their strength on the Western Front. Though details are avoided, the Entente countries (minus Russia, given the deteriorating situation on the Eastern Front) agree to launch major operations this fall. A corollary of the co-ordination of offensives is that it is not necessary for any particular offensive to actually work; even if an attack fails to gain any ground, it will have contributed to the overall victory of the Entente if, by simply pinning enemy reserves and inflicting casualties, it contributes to the success of an offensive elsewhere. This is a potent rationalization of failure, and is is particularly well-suited to the Italian Front, given the Italian army has shown no ability to win a battle on its own anyway; at least this will give the appearance of 'purpose' behind the throwing away of thousands of lives along the Isonzo River. Western Front: General Castlenau, commander of the Army Group of the Centre, replies to Joffre's inquiry General Castlenau, commander of the Army Group of the Centre, replies to Joffre's inquiry regarding future offensives by identifying two sectors he believes that such an operation can be undertaken. The first is a ten-kilometre stretch of the line about twenty kilometres west of Reims, near the Chemin des Dames and the Aisne River, while the second, centred on Perthes in Champagne, lay in 4th Army's sector. Both regions have already been the setting for major battles in the war: in the former the Battle of the Aisne River in September 1914, and in the latter the 1st Battle of Champagne over the winter. Italian Front: Italian offensive along the Isonso River is called off- Having failed to break through at any point, the Italian offensive along the Isonso River is called off today, bringing the 1st Battle of the Isonzo to an end. Overall, the Italians have suffered 15 000 casualties, which pale in comparison to future battles on the Isonzo, but already the pattern of attack, failure, and attack again is being set; Cadorna is already preparing for his next offensive in the sector. Austro-Hungarian losses, meanwhile, number almost 10 000, but confidence has grown that the meagre forces defending the Isonzo may actually be able to hold off the Italians. - Shortly after the Italian entry into the war, they had deployed a squadron of four Pisa-class armoured cruisers to Venice to support hit-and-run operations against the Adriatic coast, and also to ameliorate concern from the army over a lack of naval support for the advance across the Isonzo River (such that it was). The British and French liaison officers to the Italian fleet see the move as pointless, as the armoured cruisers would lack the speed to catch their most likely opponent, the Austro-Hungarian Novara-class light cruisers, and otherwise are too far to support the main Italian fleet at Taranto. Today Amalfi, one of the Pisa-class armoured cruisers, puts to sea to support a sweep by Italian destroyers while escorted by only two torpedo-boats itself, and is torpedoed and sunk by UB14. Of note, the identity of the submarine is a matter of some uncertainty. It was a German boat, commanded by a German and with a German crew, and after shipment overland it had been assembled at the main Austro-Hungarian naval base of Pola and was en route to the Aegean to combat. The potential issue, of course, is that Germany and Italy are not at war, so a German submarine theoretically has no business attacking an Italian armoured cruiser. This technicality is evaded by the presence of an Austro-Hungarian naval officer on UB14 as a pilot, thereby allowing the Austro-Hungarians to claim that the submarine was under their 'direction' while in the Adriatic. Armenian GenocideFor several months the Ottoman authorities have been pursuing a campaign of genocide against the Armenian population, the victims being either murdered outright or expelled from their homes and force-marched to the deserts of Syria. The Ottoman government has presented this as an operation based on military necessity, in that the Armenian population in eastern Anatolia is fundamentally disloyal and needs to be removed from regions near the front lines in the Caucasus. This invented justification is notably the excuse conveyed to their German allies, and German officials in the Ottoman Empire initially accepted that the deportations were necessary limited. Over the past several weeks, however, the true intentions of the Ottoman leadership have become clear to Hans Wangenheim, German ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, who writes to Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg today that deportations are occurring 'even in those parts of the country . . . not threatened by any enemy invasion' and that 'the government is indeed pursuing its purpose of eradicating the Armenian race from the Turkish[sic] Empire.' United States: New YorkA bomb explodes aboard ocean liner SS Minnehaha, being used as a munitions transport. The device was nowhere near the weapons and ammunition, and damage is minimal. Eric Muenter (aka Frank Holt) is suspected, as in his confession he claimed he planted a bomb on either SS Philadelphia or Saxonia. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: There is an explosion at the Harrison Brothers benzol plant. Sabotage is suspected. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: Another explosion takes place at the Du Pont Chemical plant. Again suspected to be the work of saboteurs. Naval operations: Adriatic SeaHeino von Heimburg, commanding UB-14, torpedoes and sinks Italian armored cruiser AMALFI, 10,118 tons. Photo: Italian armored cruiser AMALFI Naval operations: German East AfricaThe monitors spend the day repairing damage, beginning at 0400 when the crew of HMS MERSEY hoist aboard the boat which had been sunk by a shell from SMS KONINGSBERG. MERSEY had towed the sunken boat all the way back to Mafia Island. Meanwhile HMS SEVERN has divers overboard clearing her fouled starboard propeller. An aeroplane sent to reconnoiter KONINGSBERG brings back information that the German cruiser appears to be heavily damaged, but is still very much afloat.
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Post by lordroel on Jul 8, 2020 3:05:32 GMT
Day 346 of the Great War, July 8th 1915
Western Front: Champage is slechted as the preferred region in which to launch the next major offensive
While Joffre was asking for and receiving recommendations regarding future operations from his commanders in the field, his staff at French army headquarters has been preparing its own assessment, and submits its conclusions to the commander-in-chief today. They identify Champage as the preferred region in which to launch the next major offensive, and that it should take place along at least a thirty kilometre stretch of the front, to ensure any push into the German line is sufficiently broad to be sustainable. In selecting Champagne, they argue that its terrain is the most suitable for such an effort and that a successful advance to Mézières would sever German lateral rail connections and greatly impair their ability to counter future attacks. Further, the concentration of German infantry and artillery in north of Arras, a legacy of the 1st Battle of Artois, makes another advance on Vimy Ridge problematic. They do call, however, for preliminary attacks to be undertaken in Artois by the French and to the north by the British to draw German reserves away from Champagne before the major attack is launched.
Eastern Front: Russian VI Siberian Corps drives south, colliding with the Austro-Hungarian 106th and 8th Divisions of IX Corps
In southern Poland the Russian VI Siberian Corps drives south, colliding with the Austro-Hungarian 106th and 8th Divisions of IX Corps. Though the former holds, the Russians break through the latter, aided by a number of Czech soldiers in 21st Infantry Regiment deserting instead of fighting. By mid-day 8th Division, straddling the Bystrzyca River, has fallen back three miles, and in the afternoon a second Russian attack drives back their eastern neighbours as well. The Austro-Hungarian formations suffer heavy losses, and 4th Army has no reserves remaining to reinforce the line. An appeal to the German 11th Army is turned down, however; Mackensen does not wish to dilute his army's strength on the eve of its next major offensive, scheduled for the 13th, and the success of this offensive ought to remedy any setback on his left.
Naval operations: Celtic Sea
Walther Schwieger and U-20 begin their fourth war patrol with the sinking of Russian sailing ship SV MARION LIGHTBODY, 2,176 tons, bound from Valparaiso to Queenstown with a load of barley. His score is now 11 ships and 64,571 tons.
Naval operations: North Sea
Otto Wünsche, in U-25, sinks Russian cargo ship SS ANNA, 2,000 tons, heading from Arkhangelsk to Hull with a cargo of deals and battens. He then sinks British freighter SS GUIDO, 2,093 tons, carrying a general cargo from London and Hull to Achangelsk. This brings his score to 12 ships and 6,433 tons.
Naval operations: German East Africa
At 0545 the tug BLACKCOOK pulls alongside HMS MERSEY to take off the officers and a burial party for a fifth crewman who died from his wounds while undergoing treatment aboard HMFM TRENT . Meanwhile parties of carpenters and shipwrights come aboard to repair the damage.
Aboard HMS SEVERN the day is spent removing empty cartridges and bringing aboard fresh ammunition, while a diver is busy clearing the fouled starboard propeller.
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Post by lordroel on Jul 9, 2020 3:08:32 GMT
Day 347 of the Great War, July 9th 1915
YouTube (Adapt or Die - The Artillery Barrage)
Aerial operations: Bachmann gets to go ahead to bomb the United Kingdom
Even though the Kaiser had given permission on May 5th for Zeppelin raids on London east of the Tower, this has been insufficient for those within the German navy who desire a more thorough and intensive bombing campaign against Britain, one which specifically targets the City of London, the financial heart of the British Empire and home to the Stock Exchange, the Bank of England, and the headquarters of numerous mercantile firms. Desiring to have the restriction lifted, Vice-Admiral Gustav Bachmann uses the recent French bombing of Karlsruhe in approaching Bethmann-Holweg today to argue for free reign for the navy's Zeppelins. The Chancellor agrees to permit bombing raids on the City, provided that they be undertaken only on weekends (to prevent significant civilian casualties) and that historic buildings such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower be spared. While such limits may sound good in theory, they are hopelessly impractical for Zeppelin crews struggling to identify targets in darkness and while under fire. Bachmann is thus not satisfied with Bethmann-Hollweg's concession.
Eastern Front: Russian 3rd Army attacks all along the front in southern Poland
The Russian 3rd Army attacks all along the front in southern Poland today, and the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army is able to hold its positions only by the slenderest of margins after bitter hand-to-hand fighting and several counterattacks to recover lost ground. Reports from the Austro-Hungarian corps commanders, however, emphasize the exhaustion of the infantry, especially in light of the oppressive heat and lack of water. Fearing that the Russians may be able to break through by tomorrow afternoon, 4th Army commander requests additional reinforcements; in response Conrad reassigns 4th Division, formerly of 1st Army and en route to the Bug River, to 4th Army.
South West Africa campaign: end of the campaign
Prime Minister Botha of South Africa accepts the surrender of the German colony of South West Africa today, the latter becoming the second of Germany's four colonies (the first being Togoland) to submit to the Entente since the outbreak of the war. In the course of this campaign the South Africans suffered a mere 113 dead through enemy action and 153 through disease or accident; a further 263 had been wounded; indeed, the South Africans had suffered greater losses suppressing the Boer Rebellion than in the fight for German South West Africa. Central both to the low casualty total and indeed the campaign itself has been mobility; repeatedly as the main South African column advanced inland from the coast, it used mobility to outflank German positions and force the latter to fall back. More than half of the soldiers under Botha's command were mounted, a ratio not only in complete contrast to the fighting in Europe but largely unseen since the sixteenth century. Coupled with the timeless use of horses and mules, however, was a modern innovation: the internal combustion engine, as the rapid advances were only sustainable because trucks carried water over deserts.
German casualties were also light; only 103 were killed and 195 wounded, while 890 were made prisoner. The preponderance of POWs among the German total reflected the unwillingness of the defenders to fight to the bitter end. Further, the remaining German force in the field upon surrender numbered 4730 men, and included thirty-seven field guns, eight thousand rifles, and two million rounds of ammunition. The Germans had the manpower and material to continue resistance through a guerilla campaign, but lacked the willingness. Of crucial import was that the white officers and soldiers were also colonists. Not only would a guerilla campaign destroy the economy and infrastructure of the colony they had created, but the social dislocation that would have ensued would have undermined the racial hierarchy that was the very basis of the colonial project. For many Germans in the colony, the maintenance of white rule was a greater priority than the maintenance of German rule.
Further, this concern was shared by the South Africans: the terms of the armistice allowed Germans reservists to return to their homes, German schools to function, and the German civilian administration to remain in place. What Botha and the South Africans aspired to was to rule German South West Africa as a colony, and in this endeavour white rule would be as crucial as it was in South Africa itself. Thus, once military resistance had ceased, it was in the interests of South Africa to cooperate with the white German colonial population to maintain minority rule over the majority indigenous population. Though the campaign in German South West Africa had been triggered by the outbreak of war in Europe, how the campaign was fought and the settlement which followed were of a piece with the nature of European imperialism and colonial rule in Africa.
Naval operations: Austro-Hungarian trouble in building submarines
In March 1915 the Austro-Hungarian navy, realizing that the war would be lengthy, decided to order the construction of four submarines based on the design of the Havmanden-class, three of which had been built for Denmark before the war by the Whiteyard in Fiume. This being Austria-Hungary, of course, internal politics naturally had their role to play: the Hungarian government demanded a significant share of production be allocated to Hungarian firms. To achieve this, the contract signed today provides for the submarines to be partially built in Linz and Pola, after which the parts will be transferred to Pola or Fiume for completion. Such unnecessary duplication of effort has been endemic to the Dual Monarchy both before and during the war, and is one of the key impediments to an adequate mobilization of the economy to support the war effort.
Naval operations: Celtic Sea
Walther Schwieger, commanding U-20, sinks three ships: British freighters SS ELLESMERE, 1,170 tons, bound from Valencia to Manchester with a load of fruit, and SS MEADOWFIELD, 2,750 tons, carrying copper ore from Huelva to Clyde; and Russian freighter LEO, 2,224 tons, travelling from Philadelphia to Manchester with a general cargo. Schwieger's score is now 14 ships and 70,715 tons.
Naval operations: North Sea
Otto Wünsche, in U-25, sinks Norwegian freighter SS NORDASS, 1,111 tons, en route from Blyth to Petschora with a cargo of coal, bringing his score to 13 ships and 7,544 tons.
Naval operations: German East Africa
The monitors spend the day taking on coal. HMS Severn still has divers trying to clear the fouled propeller.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 10, 2020 2:40:57 GMT
Day 348 of the Great War, July 10th 1915
Eastern Front: intensity of Russian attacks against the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army in southern Poland declines markedly
The intensity of Russian attacks against the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army in southern Poland declines markedly today, as the infantry of the Russian XXV and VI Siberian Corps are worn out after several days of heavy assaults. They have, nevertheless, accomplished their objectives: the threat to the vital railway linking Ivangorod, Lublin, and Cholm has been been thwarted and substantial casualties have been inflicted on the enemy - several Austro-Hungarian corps have been reduced to the size of Russian regiments - breaking what little offensive power the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army possessed. It is a notable Russian victory, but one which does nothing to counter the vastly-greater threat of the Germans, whose own offensive is mere days away.
Naval operations: German East Africa
The crews of the two monitors, now repaired, spend the morning once again at firing practice, and the afternoon stacking sandbags and preparing for battle.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 11, 2020 6:32:33 GMT
Day 349 of the Great War, July 11th 1915Naval operations: Adriatic SeaIn the centre of the Adriatic, equidistant from the Italian and Austro-Hungarian shores, sits the tiny island of Pelagosa, barely more than one kilometre wide and 330 metres wide. For several months, stretching back even prior to the Italian entry into the war, the Italian navy had examined plans to occupy not only Pelagosa but also Lagosta, a larger island further east near the eastern Adriatic coast. The objective of the operation was to establish signal stations on both islands that could alert the Italian mainland of enemy warships at sea if weather conditions prevented radio communications. Within the Italian navy, however, there had also been significant reservations over the operations, as in particular a landing on Lagosta would expose Italian warships to enemy interdiction, especially from submarines. After much debate, the navy decides on a typically indecisive course of action by landing a small garrison on only Pelagosa today, and postponing a decision on Lagosta into the future. Ninety soldiers land on the undefended island, the most significant structure of which is a lighthouse. By only occupyin Pelagosa, the Italians have forgone the benefit of observer posts covering the width of the Adriatic (which would require occupying Lagosta as well), while still taking on the risk of Austro-Hungarian countermeasures against a small garrison that requires the active support of the Italian navy if it is to be held indefinitely. Naval operations: North SeaOtto Wünsche, commanding U-25, stops and sinks trawlers HAINTON, 156 tons, and Syrian, 176 tons, bringing his total to 15 ships and 7,876 tons. He also damages a third trawler, FLEETWOOD, but when he orders the crew to abandon ship so he can sink her he finds that the vessel's boats are damaged, so he lets her go. Naval operations: German East AfricaSecond attack on KONINGSBERG. 0500: Crew of HMS SEVERN busy double-checking steel plate and hammock protection. 0750: HMS SEVERN casts off from HMFM TRENT and ties line to tug BLACKCOOK, which tows the monitor to reduce travel time to Rufiji. 0800: HMS MERSEY casts off from Trent and ties line to tug REVENGER. 0840: Admiral King-Hall transfers his flag from Hyacinth to WEYMOUTH. 0935: HMS HYACINTH and TRENT set out for Simba Wango entrance. 1027: SEVERN slips line to Blackcock and proceeds toward the delta. 1030: MERSEY slips line to REVENGER. WEYMOUTH departs Tirene Bay for Kikunja entrance. 1115: HYACINTH notes aircraft overhead. 1135: SEVERN opens fire on shore positions and boat crossing the channel entrance. It is only later discovered that this was a British-built boat, salvaged from the wreck of SS NEWDBRIDGE, which had been sunk as a blockship months earlier. The Germans had recovered the boat and fitted it with a mast and sails and used it to ferry provisions. On July 11th it was engaged in this task when Severn spotted her and opened fire. The boat's crew rowed for their lives and managed to reach the opposite shore unscathed. 1136: German shore positions open fire on Monitors. MERSEY almost immediately receives hit aft, three men wounded. 1145: SEVERN enters Rufiji River via Kikunja channel. 1150: MERSEY enters the mouth of the Kikunja channel, and opens fire on German shore positions. 1203: HYACINTH opens fire on shore positions. 1205: WEYMOUTH moves to Kikunja entrance. 1212: SEVERN notes KONINGSBERG opening fire. Shots fall short. 1215: MERSEY opens fire on KONINGSBERG, guided by the spotting plane of Lts. Cull and Arnold. Ship's log notes KONINGSBERG'S fire passing over. 1223: SEVERN anchors "five miles above Ras Simba Uranga." 1225: HYACINTH ceases fire on shore positions. 1230: SEVERN opens fire, notes KONINGSBERG'S fire is very accurate. 1239: Aircraft reports monitors are hitting KONINGSBERG. 1245: WEYMOUTH opens fire on shore positions. 1249: Cull and Arnold's plane is hit by German fire. The engine is damaged, and finally quits. Cull glides down toward MERSEY. 1250: MERSEY receives message from Lt. Arnold: "We ar hit. Send boat." 1252: MERSEY sends boat to downed aircraft. Pilot and observer rescued. 1254: Monitors both note enormous explosion on KONINGSBERG. 1300: KONINGSBERG ceases fire. 1310: WEYMOUTH anchors. WEYMOUTH and PYRARMUS both fire on shore positions. 1315: WEYMOUTH ceases fire on shore positions. Begins firing single shots at Pemba telephone station, one shot every five minutes. Gunboat PYRARMUS moves upriver. 1330: MERSEY proceeds to position 7,200 yards from KONINGSBERG. Hyacinth notes large smoke cloud to southwest, presumed to be from KONINGSBERG. 1340: Watkins and Bishop arrive in second spotting aeroplane. Aboard KONINGSBERG Captain Looff gives order to abandon ship. His first officer, Kapitanleutnant Georg Koch, is ordered to place detonators under three of the ship's torpedoes. 1350: SEVERN, sends message to Admiral King-Hall: "KONINGSBERG has ceased firing. Am convinced she is total wreck. Five enormous explosions. She is burning hard now." 1400: SEVERN moves to position within sight of MERSEY. KONINGSBERG'S crew now safely ashore, the torpedoes are detonated and KONINGSBERG back is broken. 1408: MERSEY opens fire again. 1430: Captain Fullerton climbs to SEVERN'S topmast, reports KONINGSBERG heavily on fire. 1435: MERSEY weighs anchor and moves downriver to rejoin SEVERN. 1445: Weymouth notes monitors report KONINGSBERG destroyed. Orders monitors to retire. 1455: SEVERN weighs anchor and monitors proceed downriver together. 1500: HYACINTH weighs anchor and heads back to Tirene. 1530: Monitors pass the German shore positions unharmed, with PYRARMUS patrolling close to shore giving covering fire. 1540: Monitors are clear of Rufiji. WEYMOUTH moves to escort them back to Mafia Island. 1630: Monitors are again towed by tugs as they proceed to Tirene Bay. 1950: SEVERN ties up alongside Trent. 2030: MERSEY ties up alongside Trent. Sometime around sunset KONINGSBERG'S dead are buried and the surviving crew march off to join the forces of Colonel Lettow-Vorbeck. Most of the ship's guns were later salvaged and converted to field cannons, the heaviest German artillery in Africa. Max Looff was awarded the Iron Cross First Class, and 150 of his crew received the IC Second Class. MERSEY: Three wounded. KONINGSBERG: Twenty-two dead and forty-eight wounded. Among the wounded is the ship's captain, Max Looff. In his final report Captain Looff includes the message "SMS KONINGSBERG is destroyed but not conquered." Photo: The battered KONINGSBERG after she was scuttled  The isolation and destruction of SMS KONINGSBERG has taken 255 days, tied down 27 British ships, and caused the consumption of 8,000 tons of coal.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 12, 2020 6:04:04 GMT
Day 350 of the Great War, July 12th 1915Western Front: Joffre issues an order today sketching in broad terms the autumn offensive the French army will undertake Having received feedback from his subordinates and staff, and with the Chantilly conference at an end, Joffre issues an order today sketching in broad terms the autumn offensive the French army will undertake. In line with Castlenau's views, the primary attack will occur in Champagne by twenty-seven infantry divisions and two cavalry corps, which will attack along a front of forty-kilometres, far greater than prior operations. A secondary attack will be undertaken in Artois by twelve infantry and two cavalry divisions, directed towards Vimy Ridge. The objective is to 'rupture' the German line and squeeze off the Noyon salient by collapsing its flanks and forcing the Germans to retire eastward. Gallipoli Campaign: British and French have decided to launch an attack in the centreAfter the successful assaults on both flanks of the front line on Cape Helles in late June, the British and French have decided to launch an attack in the centre using the same tactics of a concentrated artillery barrage coupled with modest objectives for the infantry. The British 52nd Division, as well as the French on its right, attack this morning and gain the first two Ottoman trench lines, followed by intense counterattacks that see the British and French barely holding on to their gains. Persian Campaign: German consul Wilhelm Wassmuss with several hundred tribal allies approaches the port city approaches BushireOne of the few locations in southern Persia still under British influence is Bushire, and today German consul Wilhelm Wassmuss with several hundred tribal allies approaches the port city. A British detachment advances to meet them, and in the resulting skirmish two British officers are killed. Naval operations: North SeaErich Haeker, commanding UB-6, attacks a tiny fishing fleet. Scuttled are the fishing smacks MERLIN, 47 tons, PURPLE HEATHER, 42 tons, SPEEDWELL, 38 tons, and WOODBINE, 29 tons. Another smack, EMERALD , is damaged. Haeker's score is now 6 vessels sunk for 3,794 tons. Naval operations: German East AfricaAt 1130 Admiral King-Hall transfers his flag from HMS HYACINTH to the 1902 Second-Class Cruiser HMS CHALLENGER. Photo: HMS CHALLENGER The crew of HMS MERSEY are employed stripping down the guns and removing sandbags. The crew of SEVERN are busy removing sandbags, oil drums and kerosene tins to the collier KENDALL CASTLE, and bringing the ship's furniture back on board. Aboard SMS KONINGSBERG work begins on removing the six 10cm guns for use by Colonel Lettow-Vorbeck's army.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 13, 2020 3:18:56 GMT
Day 351 of the Great War, July 13th 1915
Eastern Front: German offensive on the Eastern Front begins with simultaneous advances in Courland and central Poland
The German offensive on the Eastern Front opens today with simultaneous advances in Courland and central Poland. While the Army of the Niemen pushes northeast in the direction of Riga against a disorganized Russian defence, the main effort is to the south, where an army group under the command of General Max von Gallwitz has been concentrated northwest of the Narew River in Poland. Here the Germans have assembled ten and a half divisions, supported by over one thousand artillery pieces supplied with 400 000 shells, and the plan is to reproduce, on a somewhat smaller scale, the tactics of the Gorlice-Tarnow offensive. After an overwhelming preliminary bombardment designed by Colonel Georg Brüchmuller, a rising star for his effective and innovative use of artillery, Gallwitz's force is to batter its way through the Russian line, and while a breakthrough is desirable, the primary aim is to inflict as much damage as possible on the Russian defenders opposite.
German tactics are not the only similarity with Gorlice-Tarnow, as once again Russian incompetence has a role to play. The German attack falls on the boundary of two Russian armies - 1st and 12th - and the two commanders show a distinct unwillingness to cooperate. Further, two corps - II Siberian and the Guards - had been removed from this front to reinforce the crumbling line in southern Poland, and reserves recently assigned to the sector were too far from the front to be of much use. Further, the trenches themselves had been poorly sited and constructed, and secondary lines barely existed. The seven divisions opposite the Germans had at their disposal only 377 artillery guns, which were limited to forty rounds per day due to ongoing shortages of ammunition.
Thus when the German attack is launched today, it meets with success. The preliminary bombardment is overwhelming and crushes the Russian defenders - one Siberian division that attempts to retreat in the open loses half its strength in thirty minutes. By the end of the day the Germans have punched a two mile gap between the Russian 1st and 12th Armies near Przasnysz, and in the confusion little effort is made by the defenders to coordinate counterattacks or deploy what reserves are available.
Naval operations: North Sea
On his way back to Germany Walther Schwieger, commanding U-20, sinks Russian freighter SS Lennok, 1,142 tons, bound from Archangelsk to London with an unspecified cargo. Schweiger ends his fourth war patrol with a total of 15 ships and 71,857 tons.
Naval operations: German East Africa
The crew of HMS MERSEY spend the day removing sandbags from the ship.
The crew of HMS SEVERN are also busy offloading sandbags and petrol tins to the collier SS KENDALL CASTLE.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 14, 2020 2:55:28 GMT
Day 352 of the Great War, July 14th 1915
Eastern Front: General Gallwitz forces grind forward towards the Narew River
- As German forces under General Gallwitz grind forward towards the Narew River, they seize the town of Przasnysz today.
- In southern Poland the German Army of the Bug, consisting of the Beskid Corps, XXIV Reserve Corps, and 1st Division, has completed its deployment on the eastern flank of the German 11th Army. Because its position in the line is slightly to the south of its western neighbour, the Army of the Bug will start its attack tomorrow so that it will be level with 11th Army when the latter opens Mackensen's main offensive in southern Poland on the 16th.
Mesopotamian campaign: Battle of Nasiriyah
The main Ottoman defensive position east of Nasiriyeh lies on a bend in the Euphrates River the British have christened 'Thornycroft Point,' and with its flanks covered by creeks on either side and fronted by mud and swamps, it is a formidable obstacle to the British advance. Today 12th Indian Division launches its first attack on Thornycroft Point, spearheaded by the 24th Punjabis advancing in the centre. Reaching within two hundred yards of the Ottoman line, the Punjabis then come under heavy and accurate rifle fire, and repeated charges are repulsed.
Naval operations: German East Africa
The crews of HMS MERSEY and SEVERN spend the day coaling their ships and removing petrol tins. Severn receives a visit from Admiral King-Hall.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 15, 2020 2:56:20 GMT
Day 353 of the Great War, July 15th 1915
Eastern Front: redeployment of the Austro-Hungarian 1st Army from west of the Vistula River to the right of the Army of the Bug
- The last component of Mackensen's offensive in southern Poland has been the redeployment of the Austro-Hungarian 1st Army from west of the Vistula River to the right of the Army of the Bug, straddling the pre-war frontier between Austria-Hungary and Russia. Tasked with covering the eastern flank of the German advance northward, most of 1st Army's formations have reached the front along the Bug River, though several divisions are still in transit. The delays are symptomatic of the inferior quality of Austro-Hungarian logistics in comparison with their German allies, and the German offensive cannot wait for the last stragglers to arrive - the Army of the Bug, accompanied by the German 81st Reserve Division of 1st Army, launch their preliminary attacks today, seizing ground near the villages of Werbkowice and Zaborce.
- Though the first offensive against the Austro-Hungarian positions along the Isonzo River was suspended barely a week ago, Cadorna issues orders today for a second major operation, scheduled to begin on the 18th. The primary effort will be undertaken by the Italian 3rd Army, whose first attacks will be launched against Mounts S. Michelle (by XI Corps) and dei sei Busi (by VII Corps), the capture of which would then allow for the seizure of the Görz bridgehead on the west bank of the Isonzo. Further north, 2nd Army is to launch diversionary assaults on the enemy lines, to prevent reinforcements, and in particular artillery, from being transferred south to oppose 3rd Army.
Naval operations: German East Africa
At 0700 hours a diving party is employed examining the bottom of HMS MERSEY.
Aboard HMS SEVERN the crew is cleaning the ship. In the afternoon, aboard both monitors the job of removing all the armour plate begins.
At 1507 HMS HYACINTH departs Zanzibar for a new assignment elsewhere.
At 1700 hours shore parties start loading aircraft stores from the airstip onto HMS LACONIA.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 16, 2020 3:16:22 GMT
Day 354 of the Great War, July 16th 1915YouTube (The Tumbling Giant - Russia's Army On The Verge Of Collapse)Eastern Front: main German offensive in southern Poland begins under the direction of General MackensenThe main German offensive in southern Poland opens today under the direction of General Mackensen, who in addition to directly commanding the German 11th Army has operational control over the Army of the Bug and the Austro-Hungarian 4th and 1st Armies. Once again it will be the Germans making the primary advance, spearheaded by 11th Army, driving north on both sides of the Wieprz River and breaking the Russian defensive line between the Vistula and the Bug Rivers. To teh east, the Army of the Bug will attack towards Cholm, while to the west 4th Army has as its objective the high ground west of Lublin. Simultaneously, General Woyrsch's command will attack on the west bank of the Vistula towards the fortress of Ivangorod while the Austro-Hungarian 1st Army covers the eastern flank along the Bug River. Overall, Mackensen's powerful force comprises 41 1/2 infantry and 5 cavalry divisions. Opposite the German and Austro-Hungarians, the Russian defensive positions are held by 4th Army to the west straddling the Vistula, 3rd Army in the centre, and 13th Army to the east, with the Guard and II Siberian Corps, recently pulled from northwestern Poland, in reserve. Overall the Russians number 33 1/2 infantry and 6 1/2 cavalry divisions, most of which are deployed between the Vistula and the Bug Rivers. Here it is vital that the Russian forces hold, as losing control of the Ivangorod-Lublin-Cholm rail line in particular would inhibit the evacuation of Russian forces still west of the Vistula. After a preliminary artillery bombardment made marginally less effective by morning haze preventing accurate targetting, the Guard and XXII Reserve Corps launch the primary assault west of the Wieprz River near Krasnostaw. Here the entirely of the first Russian line is captured along with six thousand prisoners, and by nightfall the Germans have penetrated to the reserve Russian trenches. East of the Wieprz, parts of the Austro-Hungarian VI Corps cross the swamps of the Wolica river and come up against the main Russian positions. To the west, the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army attacks at 11am, but are largely held up in bitter fighting. Map: The German offensive in southern Poland, July 16th to 31st, 1915 Naval operations: North SeaConstantin Kolbe, in his last patrol in U-19, attacks the Royal Navy trawler HMT CAMEO. Only one shell hits the trawler before the attack is called off. Claus Hansen begins his third war patrol in U-41 by sinking the Russian freighter SS BALVA, 1,165 tons, bound from Leith to Arkhangelsk with a cargo of coal. Hansen now has 17 ships and 24,504 tons. Naval operations: German East AfricaThe crews of HMS MERSEY and SEVERN spend the morning removing armour plating to HMFM TRENT and bringing back their ships' fittings. In the afternoon they move to Niororo Island to allow parties to go ashore for recreation.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 17, 2020 6:55:22 GMT
Day 355 of the Great War, July 17th 1915Western Front: d'Urbal requests three additional infantry divisionsTwo days ago General Foch had informed General d'Urbal of 10th Army that Joffre intended to launch offensives in Champagne and Artois in the fall, though the former would be the primary operation. D'Urbal, however, is very concerned about the ability of his army to undertake another attack towards Vimy Ridge; even though the crest of the heights were barely a kilometre beyond his advanced positions, he had less manpower to undertake the operation than had been the case in the spring. Replying to Foch today, d'Urbal requests three additional infantry divisions, and that even with reinforcements 'the task remains the same, an arduous effort against an enemy warned and on guard; this will necessitate considerable and prolonged efforts and will result in great losses among the attacking infantry.' Joffre, however, turns down d'Urbal's request, as given his primary focus on Champagne he does not want, as he writes on d'Urbal's memorandum, 'to sacrifice the infantry uselessly.' Eastern Front: German forces under General Gallwitz have advanced only five miles since their offensive was launched on the 13th- Northwest of Warsaw, the German forces under General Gallwitz have advanced only five miles since their offensive was launched on the 13th. However, the response of the Russian army commanders on the scene has been to emphasize a forward defence by their infantry, which has meant in practice that the Russian soldiers have suffered terribly under German artillery fire; seventy percent of the Russian forces opposite the German advance on the 13th are casualties by today. In this way the Germans are achieving their objective of grinding down the Russian army. Faced with such enormous losses, Alexeiev of North-West Front orders 1st and 12th Armies to pull back behind the Narew to the southeast, and make a new stand along the river line. Gallwitz, as well as Falkenhayn, conclude that the heavy Russian casualties will now allow for a breakthrough of the Russian line here and a rapid advance to and the capture of Warsaw. Notably, the southernmost corps under Gallwitz have now reached the outer defensive lines of the Russian fortress at Novogeorgievsk, near the confluence of the Narew and Vistula Rivers. A massive defensive complex that included 1680 artillery pieces and over a million shells, Novogeorgievsk was seen as a lynchpin of the Russian defensive position in Poland. Moreover, it was only the most prominent of a string of Russian forts that had been constructed near the border in Poland for precisely the emergency that the Russian army now faced: having to retreat and needing points which could impede the enemy advance and on which the Russian army could rally. These forts, however, as with the prewar fortifications in France and Belgium, had been designed and constructed to counter artillery of an earlier age, and it remains to be seen whether Novogeorgievsk will be another Przemysl or Antwerp. - To the south, the forces under General Woyrsch in southeastern Poland west of the Vistula River, launch their attack after a twenty-four hour artillery bombardment which has concentrated in the final hours on the Russian positions at Sienno. Here the German 3rd Landwehr Division, spearheading Woyrsch's attack, smashes through the enemy trenches and advancing six kilometres to reach the Krepianka River between Krepa and Rzeczniow. The assault has blown a hole ten kilometres wide in the Russian line, and Woyrsch issues orders to exploit the advantage with a rapid advance towards the Ilzanka River tomorrow. Map: The advance of the German force under General Woyrsch, July 17th to 31st, 1915. - Further east the offensive of the German 11th Army continues, and this evening the Guards Corps breaks through the Russian line at Krasnostaw and secures a bridgehead on the east bank of Wieprz River, turning the flank of the Russian III Caucasian Corps to the south. Naval operations: North SeaClaus Hansen, commanding U-41, sinks Russian freighter SS GENERAL RADETZKY, 2,118 tons, bound from Arkangelsk to London with a load of timber. His score is now 18 ships and 26,622 tons. Naval operations: German East AfricaAdmiral King-Hall removes his small fleet, including the two monitors, from Niororo and Mafia Islands to Zanzibar.
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