The Great War (1914-1918) in real time

Day 1212 of the Great War, December 2nd 1917

Western Front

Cambrai: Enemy in vain try to recover high ground about La Vacquerie.

Further fighting north of Passchendaele.

Eastern Front

Brest-Litovsk: Russian and German Peace Delegations welcomed by Prince Leopold of Bavaria (Commander-in-Chief).

Italian Front

Intense artillery action on Asiago Plateau (Trentino).

Russia: Kornilov Freed from Prison

Since being fired by the Bolsheviks by telegram, General Dukhonin at Stavka was in a very tenuous position. He had the support of the western Allies, and, at least in private, many of his fellow generals, but this did not matter much if his orders could not be followed. He ordered the front commanders to do their best to stop desertions or fall back to shorter lines if this became impossible. He tried to bring in reliable troops to defend Stavka, but the Bolsheviks controlled the railways and made sure they never arrived. He considered relocating Stavka to Kiev, but was dissuaded by the commander there, who recommended that he not abandon Mogilev.

On December 2, he freed Kornilov (imprisoned since his botched coup attempt), along with several of his subordinates, including Anton Denikin, hoping that they could rally anti-Bolshevik elements in the army. This proved the last straw for the local Bolsheviks, who arrested Dukhonin as soon as they found out. Dukhonin had apparently realized this, and had said “I have signed my death warrant” when he freed Kornilov. Krylenko, Dukhonin’s replacement, arrived the next day and quickly secured Stavka for the Bolsheviks. Dukhonin was handed over for an interrogation, which quickly got out of hand. Apparently despite Krylenko’s best efforts, the soldiers there killed Dukhonin by bayonet and then used him for target practice.

Russia: Using unconventional methods, the Bolsheviks assert their power over the State Bank

The Bolsheviks continue to consolidate their position. Striking civil servants are still a problem for the new regime. Many of Russia’s officials are opposed to the Bolsheviks’ seizure of power and have been on strike in protest. By now though the strikes are declining in effectiveness as enough civil servants return to work in order for some semblance of orderly public administration to progress.

One area where the Bolsheviks have had particular problems is the State Bank, whose staff have refused to obey the orders of Sovnarkom, the Soviet government. This puts the Bolsheviks in an awkward position, as it prevents them from paying their supporters. Finally though the situation is resolved by the removal at gun point of the State Bank’s cash reserves.

Aerial operations: Galata

Back in October 1917 ‘C’ Squadron RNAS moved from Kephalo to a new aerodrome at Glib, on the north-east side of Imbros island off Gallipoli. Shortly after this they reinforced by two DH4s.

On 27 November, during a mission bombing flour mills and warehouses at Gallipoli, crews observed that the aerodrome at Galata, which had been unoccupied for many months, now had three hangars. Yesterday, these were bombed by the DH4’s, with a Sopwith fighter escort.

Today a group of fighters attacked the aerodrome to bring the Germans to battle. Two enemy aeroplanes were subsequently shot down over the aerodrome. In the afternoon, when the enemy attempted a raid on Glib aerodrome, another was driven down.

Naval operations: ship losses

BERWICK LAW (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Ténès, Algeria by SM U-34 with the loss of a crew member.

BIRCHGROVE (United Kingdom): The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay off Groix, Morbihan, France (47°38'N 3°45'W) by SM U-84 with the loss of a crew member.

CARLINO (Italy World): The sailing vessel was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea east of Corsica, France (42°08'N 7°27'E) by SM U-65.

LA MARGHERITA (Italy): The sailing vessel was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea east of Corsica (42°11'N 7°20'E) by SM U-65.

LA RANCE (France): The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Île de Planier, Bouches-du-Rhône (42°48'N 5°15'E) by SM UC-67 with the loss of four of her crew.

HMT LORD GREY (Royal Navy): The naval trawler was wrecked on the La Barrier Shoal, in the English Channel off Cap Gris Nez, Pas-de-Calais, France.

MINAS (Greece): The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Ténès by SM U-34. Her crew survived.

SAN ANTONIO IL VITTORIOSO (Italy): The sailing vessel was sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea east of Corsica (42°16'N 7°20'E) by SM U-65.

TASMANIA (Russia): The full-rigged ship was sunk in the Bay of Biscay south west of Ouessant, Finistère, France by SM UC-17.

SM UB-81 (Kaiserliche Marine): The Type UB III submarine struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off Dunnose Head, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, then was rammed by a Royal Navy patrol boat with the loss of either 27 of her 34 crew or 29 of her 35 crew (sources differ). The survivors were rescued by a Royal Navy patrol boat.

Day 1214 of the Great War, December 4th 1917

Western Front

Bourlon Wood evacuated by British.

West Verdun: enemy efforts to reach Avocourt and Forges sectors fail.

Italian Front: Austrians Capture Italian Division Near Asiago

Although the Germans had largely ceased attacks on the Italian front, the Austrians, exhausted but with high morale, were still determined to break through in the mountains and outflank the Italian lines on the Piave. On December 4, they attacked an Italian salient in the mountains just east of Asiago. An initial gas attack incapacitated many of the defenders (thanks to the poor quality of the Italians’ gas masks, many of which were French cast-offs), and within four hours they had taken the salient along with 16,000 prisoners.

Conrad pushed further south in the following days. While he was still around ten miles away from the plains below, an Austrian breakthrough here would have dire consequences, as it would be behind not only the Piave, but the Brenta as well; Venice and Padua would have to be evacuated. In a panic, Diaz apparently considered a withdrawal as far back as Bologna, which would abandon the whole of northern Italy to the Austrians. While the prospect of an Austrian advance over the Alps into southern France was far-fetched to say the least, this would still require the French and British to guard that frontier, and they informed Diaz that they would not withdraw even if the Italians did.

Sinai and Palestine campaign

Minor actions north of Jaffa and on Jerusalem road.

United States

President Wilson gives his 1917 State of the Union Address, where he promises to “win the war” and right the wrongs committed in the war. He also urges Congress declare war against Austria-Hungary.

Finland

Declaration of Independence of Finland from Russia is read in the Finnish Senate. It will be voted on the 6th.

Aerial operations: Bombs

Again thick mist hindered observation work on the Western front and enemy activity was limited. However, the RFC spent the day and night bombing various targets.

2 Squadron RFC dropped 88 25-lb bombs on Estevelles, Provin, Pont-à-Vendin, Annay and other targets. 18 Squadron dropped four 112-lb bombs on Moncheaux Aerodrome. 7, 9, 10, 21 and 69 Squadrons dropped 54 25-lb bombs on Comines and other targets. 49 Squadron a dropped 10 112-lb bombs on Marquion. Scouts dropped dropped 32 25-lb and Corps rnachines six 25-lb bombs on various targets.

101 Squadron dropped 126 25lb bombs on Sains-lès-Marquion and 102 25-lb bombs on Honnecourt, four on Malincourt and four on a train north of Malincourt which was hit.

The Germans in return bombed the 41 Wing aerodrome at Ochey damaging some of 100 Squadron’s aircraft, but mostly damaging French aircraft sharing the aerodrome.

Naval operations: ship losses

ALBERTO VERERAME (Italy) The brigantine was shelled and sunk in the Gulf of Genoa (39°57′N 9°48′E) by SM UC-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

BRIGITTA (United Kingdom) The cargo ship struck a mine laid by UC 63 (Karsten von Heydebreck) and sank in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) south west of the Nab Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of two of her crew.

DOWLAIS (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape de Fer, Algeria by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of 26 of her crew.

EAGLE (United Kingdom) The coaster was scuttled in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south of Start Point, Devon by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

FORFAR (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 115 nautical miles (213 km) south west by west of The Lizard by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.

GERASIMOS (Greece) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cap de Fer by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

HELGE (Sweden) The coaster was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) north of Guernsey, Channel Islands[32] at (48°49′N 2°45′W) by SM UB-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

VAV (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) south of The Lizard, Cornwall, United Kingdom by SM UB-80 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of nineteen of her crew.

Day 1216 of the Great War, December 6th 1917

Western Front

London and south-east counties raided by 25 aeroplanes, two brought down; eight killed, 28 injured.

Photo: Tanks of the 2nd Brigade on railway trucks at the railhead returning from the battle. Fins, 6 December 1917



Eastern Front

Romania obliged to suspend hostilities in consequence of Russian action.

Italian Front

Austrians capture Mount Sisemol; attacks in Val Frenzela frustrated.

United States

Nationalisation of railways in U.S.A. announced.

Canada: The Halifax Explosion

The manufacture and transport of high explosives was dangerous work in normal times, and the greatly increased demand during the war only increased the risk. Explosions and fires had already cost hundreds of lives at manufacturing plants (in Virginia, New Jersey, and London, among others), at a depot near Istanbul (crippling Turkish efforts in Palestine), and most infamously in Jersey City (though this was caused by German agents). These incidents would all pale in comparison with today’s events, however.

The French ship MONT-BLANC, laden with TNT, guncotton, and picric acid, was being piloted through the approach to Halifax harbor on the morning on December 6. Bringing its cargo from New York, it was planning to wait in Halifax for a convoy to Europe. It encountered the Norwegian ship IMO, en route to New York to acquire supplies for the Belgian relief effort. The IMO was on the far left side of the channel (contrary to usual practice), and both ships indicated that they would not change their course despite an imminent collision. At the last moment, the MONT-BLANC turned towards the far shore (a turn in the opposite direction would have grounded her), while the IMO attempted a U-turn, also turning towards the far shore. They collided at low speed at around 8:46AM, but this spilled multiple barrels of highly-flammable benzol (a mixture of benzene and toluene) that were improperly stored on the deck of the MONT-BLANC. When the IMO reversed to separate herself from the MONT-BLANC, this created sparks that ignited the benzol, creating an intense fire. The crew of the MONT-BLANC, expecting an imminent explosion, evacuated ship and ran inland.

The empty ship, meanwhile, drifted across the channel to Richmond, on the north end of Halifax. Due to wartime precautions against submarines and sabotage, the MONT-BLANC was not marked as having explosives on board. A firefighting effort was conducted on the Richmond side, but this was mainly to prevent the fire on the MONT-BLANC from spreading into town. One of the few people who knew it contained explosives, notified the local railway office, whose staff quickly evacuated. However, one of the dispatchers, Vince Coleman, returned to his desk in an attempt to prevent additional train traffic from coming into the area–most especially an inbound train with 300 passengers that was scheduled to stop near the MONT-BLANC in a matter of minutes. At 8:49, he sent this telegram:

Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbour making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye, boys.

At 9:04:35 AM, the MONT-BLANC exploded. The explosion killed around 1600 people instantly and another 300-400 would die of their injuries. Over two square miles of Richmond were destroyed, and additional damage was caused by fires and (on both sides of the channel) by a resulting tsunami. The explosion was the largest caused by mankind until Hiroshima, and had about a tenth of its strength. A mushroom cloud rose into the air; a British admiral described it as “a most wonderful cauliflower-like plume of white smoke, twisting and twirling and changing color in the brilliant sunlight of a perfect Canadian early winter morning.”

Photo: This photograph was purportedly taken 15-20 seconds after the explosion. The National Library and Archives Canada description estimates the distance from the explosion as approximately 2 kilometres (one and a quarter miles) and that it was taken at Bedford Basin, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, looking south down Halifax Harbour. The height of the blast at its peak was measured at approximately 12,000 feet (3,657.6 metres) on a sextant by Captain W. M. A. Campbell of the Canadian merchant ship, SS ACADIEN, approximately 24.14 km (15 mi) from the harbour approaches



Map: A map showing the radius of the explosion



As with most similar incidents, German sabotage was immediately suspected. The Norwegian ship IMO that collided with the MONT-BLANC was the subject of most of the suspicion–much of the crew, including her captain, were killed in the explosion, and they were thus unable to defend themselves. Recriminations were soon put aside, however, for the sake of the recovery and relief effort, though this was crippled the next day by a blizzard that shut down the railway system. As a result, aid from the United States, especially Boston, was critical in the immediate aftermath.

Photo: SS IMO aground on the Dartmouth side of the harbour after the explosion



Aerial operations: “A complete failure”?

German Gothas carried out their first raid since 1 November on England. The raid was notable for the first large scale use of a new incendiary bomb (392 out of 420). The raid also took place later than usual, as the raiders arrived in the early hours of the morning between 0200 and 0430.

The raid caused over £100,000 worth of damage, killed 8 and injured 28.

Sheerness was attacked first at 0218. In all 24 bombs hit the town killing four people, injuring 12 and wrecking various buildings. Around 0335 three bombs hit Dover causing minor damage. Margate suffered three separate attacks killing one woman, injuring another, and damaging houses.

Other bombs fell at Manston airfield, Garlinge, Graveney, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Ramsgate, Darenth, West Thurrock, and Purfleet causing only minor damage.

Six Gothas reached London, and 267 bombs were dropped all over the capital. 108 of these fell south of the Thames killing one and injuring five. North of the Thames, three major fires were started near Liverpool Street Station, Whitechapel Road and at Henry Street, causing major damage.

RFC units flew 34 sorties but without intercepting any of the raiders. However, the AA guns were more successful. One Gotha, was hit over Canvey Island and made a forced landing on a golf course close to Rochford airfield. The crew survived but the aircraft was accidently set on fire and destroyed by an inspecting British officer. Another Gotha, crash landed at Sturry near Canterbury. The crew destroyed their aircraft before surrendering. Another Gotha failed to return and was presumed lost over the sea. Three more were damaged when they crashed on landing in Belgium.

Later German documents suggest that, despite the extensive damage, the raid was considered a failure. Major Freiherr von Biilow wrote:

“The bomb was a complete failure. During two night raids on England, on the 31st of October and the 6th of December, 1917, large numbers of these bombs were dropped, both times with no success. The sound idea of creating panic and disorder by numbers of fires came to nothing owing to the inadequacy of the material employed.”

Aerial operations: Qalqilye Bombed

Two days ago, British Forces in Palestine occupied Hebron to the south-west of Jerusalem and are now preparing to assault Jerusalem.

The RFC units in the area have been doing their best to keep the German pilots quiet. On 22 November the German aerodrome at Tul Karm to the north was located. 67 (Australian) Squadron RFC and ‘B’ Flight of 14 Squadron RFC then bombed the area on 28 and 29 November with 100 20lb. bombs.

Today, a reconnaissance flight brought back news that 1,200 Turks were detraining at Qalqilye about 15 miles south of Tul Karm. Four Martinsydes from 67 Squadron set off immediately from their base at Medjel with forty-four 20lb bombs. The pilots found a congestion of troops near the station and dropped their bombs with a number of direct hits seen.

Naval operations: ship losses

HMT APLEY (Royal Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 71 (Ernst Steindorff) and sank in the English Channel east of the Isle of Wight (50°37′N 0°56′W) with the loss of eleven of her crew.

ASABA (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) west south west of The Lizard, Cornwall by SM UC-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of sixteen of her crew.

BRASIDE (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all eleven crew.

CURACA (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was sunk at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada by the explosion of Mont-Blanc ( France) with the loss of 45 of her 46 crew. She was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.

ILVINGTON COURT (United Kingdom) The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) north west by west of Cape Cherchell, Algeria (36°43′N 2°06′E) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eight crew.

IMO (Norway) The cargo ship collided with Mont-Blanc ( France) at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Mont-Blanc caught fire and was obliterated in a massive explosion that killed approximately 2,000 people and drove Imo ashore. Imo subsequently was refloated, repaired, and returned to service.

USS JACOB JONES (United States Navy) The Tucker-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the Scilly Isles, United Kingdom (49°53′N 6°50′W) by U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Sixty four crew were killed, two were taken prisoner.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS JACOB JONES (Destroyer #61) underway, 1916



LEDA (Netherlands) The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea (54°12′N 0°08′W) by SM UB-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

SAMBRO (Canada) The tug was sunk by the explosion of Mont-Blanc ( France). She was refloated in 1927, repaired and returned to service.

STELLA MARIS (Canada) The tug was severely damaged by the explosion of Mont-Blanc ( France), which she was towing. Subsequently repaired and returned to service.

TUBEREUSE (French Navy) The naval trawler struck a mine laid by UC 38 (Hans Hermann Wendlandt) and sank in the Gulf of Patras with the loss of 24 of her crew.

SM UC-69 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UC II submarine collided with SM U-96 ( Kaiserliche Marine) at Barfleur, Manche, France (49°47′N 1°10′W) and sank with the loss of eleven of her crew.

WYNDHURST (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 30 nautical miles (56 km) south of St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight by SM UC-71 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of eleven of her crew.

Day 1218 of the Great War, December 8th 1917

Western Front

Small actions west of Graincourt (south-western Cambrai).

Great artillery activity north-east of Verdun.

Italian Front

French and British join Italian line, latter in Montello district (Piave).

Combined airwork (150 planes) in Frenzela valley.

Sinai and Palestine campaign

British, by cutting Jerusalem-Jericho and Shechem roads, isolate city. Local authorities arrange to surrender.

East African Campaign

Germans capture Portuguese force at Ngoma (River Rovuma).

German occupied Russia: All Quiet on the Eastern Front

The armistice talks at Brest-Litovsk ground to a halt as the Russians felt they did not have sufficient authority to negotiate a separate armistice just between Russia and the Central Powers without the other Allies involved. On the 5th, the Russians returned to their side of the lines to receive further instructions from Trotsky, but before doing so they agreed to a temporary ceasefire with the Central Powers. This went into effect almost immediately in the north, closest to Petrograd, but took longer further to the south. However, by December 8, all sectors of the the front were observing the ceasefire. For now, in the east, the war was over.

Not represented at Brest-Litovsk were the Romanians, although they quickly realized that attempting to continue the war without the Russians would be suicidal. They agreed to a local ceasefire on December 5, and they (along with the local Russian commanders, who did not recognize Bolshevik authority) worked out an armistice with the Central Powers at Focșani. Signed on December 9, the Central Powers agreed not to withdraw any forces that had not already been under orders to transfer as of the 5th (although in practice postdated orders would be forged and the Romanians would look the other way) and the Romanians, for now, maintained control of the mouth of the Danube and access to the Black Sea.

United States: America Declares War on Austria-Hungary

The United States, despite declaring war on Germany, was not by its own admission a member of the Allies. Instead Wilson insisted that America was merely an associated power. Its declaration of war in April 1917 was on Germany alone for its U-boat depredations.

President Wilson, however, mentioned the need to fight Austria in his state of the Union address in December 1917, accusing the Hapsburgs of being a mere “vassal power” of the Kaiser. Behind the rhetoric, American military planners were worried that American troops might need to be sent to Italy, which would mean fighting the Austrians. The United States never declared war on the Ottoman Empire or Bulgaria, the other two members of the Central Powers.

The motion proved unnecessary as American troops played little role in the fight against the Austrians during the war. It did change life for the thousands of Austro-Hungarian citizens living in the United States, however. Like Germans, they had to register with the government, and harassment sharply increased. But this had less to do with xenophobia than with class - working class Czechs and Poles, especially members of the socialist IWW, were targeted by those who sought to undermine the power of trade unions.

Aerial operations: At last

The RNAS squadrons operating neat the coast have been grounded for the last few days due to poor weather. This morning, whilst aircraft on the rest of the front were grounded, 6 DH4s from 5 (Naval) Squadron bombed Aertrycke aerodrome near Torhout. The weather conditions were cloudy, but the squadron still managed to drop twelve 50-lb and fifty-six 16-lb bombs on the objective.

Subsequent attempts to photograph the Aerodrome failed due to the clouds so it is unclear what effect the bombs had. In return AA fire was very accurate and all the machines but one were hit.

The bombing formation was then attacked by five enemy Albatrosses, three of which were driven down out of control and appeared to be damaged. The claims were made by Flight Commander Charles Roger Lupton and Air Mechanic George Smith, Flight Lieutenant John Gamon and Air Mechanic Winter and Flight Lieutenant Euan Dickson and Air Mechanic R Shaw.

The bombers returned without loss.

Naval operations: ship losses

CONSOLS (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) north west of Cape Bon, Algeria by SM UB-48 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew. She was shelled and sunk the next day.

CORINTO (Norway) The coaster was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 26 nautical miles (48 km) north of Ouessant, Finistère, France (48°53′N 5°17′W) by SM UB-55 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

GIUSEPPE NACCARI (Italy) The brigantine was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 19 nautical miles (35 km) north of Marettimo (38°36′N 12°00′E) by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

HMS GRIVE (Royal Navy) The armed boarding steamer was torpedoed and damaged in the North Sea off Lerwick, Shetland Islands. She was beached but subsequently foundered on 24 December 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east north east of the North Ronaldsay Lighthouse, Orkney Islands whilst under tow.

LAMPADA (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north of Whitby, Yorkshire by SM UB-75 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of five of her crew.

LA VITTORIA (Italy) The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sardinia by SM UC-67 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

MAINDY BRIDGE (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east north east of Sunderland, County Durham (55°01′N 1°18′W) by SM UC-49 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

NONNI (Russia) The cargo ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Brest, Finistère (48°53′N 4°28′W) by SM UB-18 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

Day 1220 of the Great War, December 10th 1917

Western Front

Enemy post carried east of Boursies (Cambrai).

Verdun: German attacks on Chaume Wood, etc., checked.

Photo: The British front line west of Trescault before the Battle of Cambrai, 10 December 1917



Eastern Front

Bolsheviks defeat General Kornilov at Tamarovka (north of Kharkov).

Panama

Panama declares war against Austria-Hungary.

Russia: Russian Civil War Begins as Bolsheviks Declare War on Don Cossacks

Lenin and the Bolsheviks were almost out of one war, but dead-set on starting a new one. Peace with the Central Powers meant that their real objective of creating dictatorship of the proletariat could begin. This meant elimination of the bourgeoisie and the collectivization of farmland. It also meant war with those who opposed the new regime. Around the fringes of European Russia were many groups who opposed Bolshevik rule. Among the staunchest opponents were the Cossacks in the south, an independent-minded people who refused to give up their land and the many privileges they had enjoyed under the Tsars. In December Lenin declared war on the Don Cossack host. By the end of the month, the Kuban Cossacks had also joined the anti-Bolshevik opposition, cooperating with counter-revolutionary officers led by Generals Kornilov and Alexeyev. The Russian Civil War had begun in earnest. It would be even bloodier than Russia’s participation in the World War. From day one it divided families; many young Cossack soldiers returning from the front sided with the Bolsheviks, while their elders resisted them.

France: Sarrail Sacked

By the end of 1917, Sarrail had accumulated some powerful enemies. The Italians and Serbs thought he overstepped his bounds in Albania; the Greeks felt his heavy-handed treatment had suppressed recruitment efforts for the Greek army; and the British were annoyed that he had refused to relieve or reinforce the British sectors of the front after the British diverted troops away for the campaign in Palestine. Furthermore, Clemenceau, the new French PM, was already at odds with the Socialists, and removing the socialist Sarrail would do little to further diminish his favorability with them. Nevertheless, he tried to distance himself from Sarrail’s removal, ordering Pétain to do recall him to France. Pétain, however, did not want to take the blame either, and correctly pointed out that his own remit stopped at the Adriatic. As a result, Clemenceau had to issue the order himself. On December 10, he sent a telegram to Sarrail, telling him: “I have the honor to inform you that, acting in the general interest, the Government has decided to order your return to France.”

The sacking was announced the next day in the French press, but Clemenceau made sure it was overshadowed by more stunning news, accusing former PM Caillaux (Madame Caillaux’s husband), a noted advocate of a separate peace with Germany, of treasonous activities and demanding a revocation of his parliamentary immunity. The resulting scandal rocked the country for months and most soon forgot about Sarrail, except via his connection to Caillaux. Several weeks later, a memorandum by Caillaux came to light in which he proposed that he and Sarrail would seize power, with Sarrail playing the role of Bonaparte after his return from Egypt. While it seems unlikely that Sarrail had any knowledge of what Caillaux had in mind for him, Sarrail wisely decided to stay out of public view.

Clemenceau wanted to replace Sarrail with Franchet d’Espérey. Although tempted, Franchet d’Espérey eventually declined, seeing the move as something of a demotion from commanding an Army Group in France. Chosen instead was Adolphe Guillaumat, who was commanding the 2nd Army around Verdun. An apolitical and generally respected general, his selection caused little uproar.

Aerial operations: 10 December 1917

Better weather finally returned to the Western Front, and resulted in increased activity on all sides. All three Brigades were active in reconnaissance, photography and bombing missions, and German patrols were also active particularly in the Cambrai area.

Despite this, Air combats were limited, though 15 Squadron RFC suffered the worst. Out on photographic reconnaissance, two aircraft failed to return. Captain Thomas Stuart Malcolmson and 2nd-Lieutenant Herbert Tom Allan Honeyman in RE8 C5030 and 2nd-Lieutenant Leon Hubert Thierry and 2nd Class Air Mechanic Richard Thomas Lee in RE8 C5032.

Lieutenant Sholto Douglas Morrison and 2nd Lieutenant Walter Kenneth Whittle crash landed their RE8 (A3572) after running out of petrol but both survived.

Naval operations: ship losses

ANTONIO MAGIULO (Italy) The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea west of Naples (40°35′N 13°18′E) by SM UC-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine).

CRATHORNE (Norway) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Alicante, Spain (38°28′N 0°01′W) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.

FORWARD (United Kingdom) The fishing smack was scuttled in the North Sea off Aldeburgh, Suffolk by SM UB-17 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

ØIEKAST (Norway) The coaster was sunk in the English Channel 25 nautical miles (46 km) north east of Barfleur, Manche, France by SM U-53 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

OWASCO (United States) The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Alicante (38°28′N 0°13′W) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

SM UB-75 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UB III submarine struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Scarborough, Yorkshire, United Kingdom with the loss of all 34 crew.

SMS WIEN (Austro-Hungarian Navy) The MONARCH-class coastal defense ship was torpedoed and sunk at Trieste, Italy by two Regia Marina torpedo boats with the loss of 46 of her 469 crew.

Photo: SMS WIEN circa 1898

Day 1222 of the Great War, December 12th 1917

Western Front

Enemy capture small salient between Bullecourt and Queant (west of Cambrai).

Eastern Front

Fighting between Cossacks and Bolsheviks at Rostov (River Don).

Romanians sign armistice.

Italian Front

Battle on Monte Grappa front between Brenta and Piave; heavy Austrian attacks.

Sinai and Palestine campaign

British have taken 562 officers and 11,474 men prisoners in Palestine to date.

Italy

Enquiry into the reverse at Cambrai ordered by Government.

France

French Government decides to bring M. Caillaux before Court Martial.

Cuba

Cuban House of Representatives votes to declare war against Austria-Hungary. Cuba is already at war against Germany, and the island is currently under U.S. occupation.

Aerial operations: 111 triple

Out in Palestine, the RFC Squadrons are continuing to patrol north of Jerusalem now that the city has been captured.

Today 111 Squadron’s Commanding Officer Captain Peter Roy Maxwell Drummond along with his observer 1st Class Air Mechanic Frederick John Knowles were escorting an Australian patrol from 67 Squadron of two RE8s. Near the German airfield at Tur Keram airfield, three German Albatross scouts suddenly appeared over them and prepared to attack.

Drummond at once flew over to meet the enemy. He shot down one Albatros, which crashed, and chased the other two. One of these, severely damaged by Drummond’s fire, broke up in the air while manceuvring to escape, and the other, chased down very low and seeking to land in a hurry, flew into the side of a hill and was smashed to pieces.

Drummond and Knowles thus destroyed all three single-handed. Drummond was later awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his “great skill and daring”. Knowles was awarded the Military Medal.

Naval operations: ship losses

AMADAVAT (United Kingdom) The trawler struck a mine laid by U 71 (Otto Dröscher) and sank in the North Sea east of the Shetland Islands with the loss of nine crew.

BELLVILLE (Sweden) The barque was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean south west of the Tuskar Rock[84] (51°42′N 6°19′W) by SM UB-65 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

CHARLSTON (United Kingdom) The collier was scuttled in St. George's Channel 30 nautical miles (56 km) west of The Smalls (51°37′N 5°59′W) by SM UB-65 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived, but two of them were taken as prisoners of war.

HMT COMMANDER FULLERTON (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was shelled and sunk in the Norwegian Sea by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine).

CORDOVA (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) west of Bergen, Rogaland, Norway by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine).

EMANUELE C. (Italy) The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bougaroun, Algeria (37°37′N 8°30′E) by SM U-34 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

EMLYNDENE (United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel east of Start Point, Devon by SM UC-50 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of all fourteen of her crew.

FLORIDA (Italy) The passenger ship collided with Caprera ( Regia Marina) off Armevilla and sank.

FRANCIS BLANCHFLOWER (United Kingdom) The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea by three Kaiserliche Marine destroyers with the loss of four of her eight crew.

JOHN M. SMART (United Kingdom) The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) east of the mouth of the River Tyne by a Kaiserliche Marine torpedo boat destroyer with the loss of four of her crew.

LEOATUS (United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) east by south of the Bressay Lighthouse, Shetland Islands by SM UC-40 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

HMT LIVINGSTON (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Norwegian Sea by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine).

HMT LORD ALVERSTONE (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was shelled and sunk in the Norwegian Sea by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine).

MARACAIBO (Denmark) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Norwegian Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) west of Bergen by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine).

NIKE (Sweden) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk with the loss of sixteen crew in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) east of Blyth, Northumberland by SMS B97 and SMS B111 (both Kaiserliche Marine).

HMS PARTRIDGE (Royal Navy) The Admiralty M-class destroyer was shelled and sunk in the Norwegian Sea by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine). Twenty four survivors were rescued by the Germans.

ST. CROIX (Norway) The cargo liner was torpedoed and damaged in the Bristol Channel 13 nautical miles (24 km) north west of Hartland Point, Devon, United Kingdom (50°49′N 4°49′W) by SM U-60 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two crew. She was taken under tow but sank the next day 10 nautical miles (19 km) south west by west of Hartland Point.

HMT TOKIO (Royal Navy) The naval trawler was shelled and sunk in the Norwegian Sea by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine).

TORLEIF (Sweden) The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Norwegian Sea (59°43′N 4°10′E) by SMS G101, SMS G103, SMS G104 and SMS V100 (all Kaiserliche Marine).

Day 1224 of the Great War, December 14th 1917

YouTube (Jerusalem Surrenders - Bolsheviks Consolidate Control)



Eastern Front

Rostov occupied by Bolshevist troops.

Italian Front

Italians surrender Col Caprile (Valstagna, Brenta river); otherwise enemy repulsed.

Macedonian Front: General Sarrail, Commander of Allied Forces in Greece, Sacked

Maurice Sarrail was an oddity in the French army. Unlike the hardcore Catholics and monarchists who (awkwardly) ran the Third Republic’s military, Sarrail was a dedicated socialist. He owed his appointment to command of the Entente’s Army of the Orient as Salonika partially to that fact. The left-wing Viviani government put him in charge there in 1915 to help shore up socialist support for the government.

Unfortunately for Sarrail, Viviani was long gone by 1917, replaced by the liberal Georges Clemenceau. One of his first major actions was to dismiss Sarrail. Behind him, the general left a sound situation for future advances against the Bulgarians in Greece.

United Kingdom

Lord George says peace now would be a farce and that there is, “no half-way house between victory and defeat.”

Naval operations: Naval Allied Council

Naval Allied Council to be created (Ministers of Marine and Chiefs of Staffs).

Aerial operations: No rain in the desert

On the Western Front the weather was so bad that virtually no air work of any kind was possible. A couple of aircraft got up but low clouds mist and rain prevented anything effective.

Out in Palestine, Captain Peter Roy Maxwell Drummond and Frederick John Knowles from 111 Squadron RFC continued their recent record of success. Today on a morning patrol in their Bristol F2b (A7202) they shot down another enemy Albatross North of Beit She’an. This was their last success together.

The arrival of better aircraft really has turned the tables on the German airmen.

Naval operations: ship losses

CHATEAURENAULT (French Navy) The protected cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (38°15′N 20°22′E) by SM UC-38 ( Kaiserliche Marine). The 1,162 survivors were rescued by Lansquenet, Mameluck and Rouen (all French Navy).

COILA(United Kingdom) The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of Canet Point, Spain (39°37′N 0°08′E) by SM U-64 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of three of her crew.

HARE(United Kingdom) The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Irish Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) off the Kish Lightship ( United Kingdom) by SM U-62 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of twelve crew.

NOR (Norway) The cargo ship was sunk in the Irish Sea (52°45′N 5°43′W) by SM UB-65 ( Kaiserliche Marine) with the loss of two of her crew.

SM UC-38 (Kaiserliche Marine) The Type UC II submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (38°15′N 20°22′E) by LANSQUENET (French Navy). There were twenty survivors.