18 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: North of Ovillers British advance on 1,000 yards front. Strong German counter-attacks at Longueval and Delville Wood, retake part of the latter.
Germans again repulsed at Biaches (Somme).
Battle of Verdun: For third day, close fighting round Fleury (Verdun).

Eastern Front
German seaplanes drop bombs on Reval (G. of Bothnia).
Brusilov Offensive: Sakharov continues pressure against Austrians; drives them south of the Lipa.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russians occupy Gumusane, capture 800 Turks 15 miles southwest of Bayburt. Also capture Kighi, an important junction on Erzerum-Baiburt road.
Arabia: British government ratifies treaty with Ibn Saud, Emir of Nejd (see December 26th, 1915).

Naval and Overseas Operations:
General Smuts reports steady clearance of Usambara district; enemy forces driven down Pangani river.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm: “Give the men in the trenches my greeting, and…tell them how important it is that they keep firm reliance on God.”
United Kingdom: London Gazette blacklists c.80 US firms trading with enemy.
Employers and unions agree to postpone holidays during war (see entry for yesterday).
General Haig at the Somme: “At this moment we are engaged in the greatest battle the British Army has ever fought.”
Mr. Asquith makes short statement on Mesopotamia in House of Commons and refuses papers.

Uruguay wins the first ever Copa América. The tournament was a single round-robin tournament; Uruguay tied Argentina 0-0 for the last match.

19 July 1916
 

Western Front
Flanders: British First Army diversionary attack but inept daylight attack at Fromelles (until July 20) fails spectacularly, new 5th Australian Division has 5,500 casualties. Labeled “The worst 24 hours in Australian history”: (Yes, worse than any single day at Gallipoli) https://www.awm.gov.au/wartime/36/article/ Only 3 out of the pictured survive, all wounded: http://imgur.com/qc8iN2o
Battle of the Somme: Germans outflank left flank of South African Delville Wood garrison and compress pocket. German attacks on Longueval, Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood. German Second Army north of Somme becomes new First Army (General F v Below), from the Somme to river Cologne (northwest of St Quentin), Second Army (General v Gallwitz, latter also Army Group Commander). Royal Navy Division becomes 63rd (Naval) Division.
30-40 German aircraft seen over BEF Fourth Army front (12 combats).
Battle of Verdun: General von Francois replaces von Gallwitz (to Somme) in command west of the Meuse. Bombardment of Verdun front.
French Nieuport Scout armed with Le Prieur incendiary rockets at Toul: http://imgur.com/6MWhWCa* © IWM (Q 56665)

Eastern Front
German aeroplanes again bombard the Russian harbor of Reval (Tallinn), causing fires to break out at the port facilities.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Second Turk Offensive against the Suez Canal begins from Oghratina. Stotzingen ordered from Damascus to Beersheba (July 20). RFC discover 8,000 Turks preparing for offensive (Brigadier-General E Chaytor, GOC NZ Mounted Rifle Brigade, was observer on this reconnaissance flight).
East Persia: Action of Gusht Defile (until July 21): Dyer defeats Sarhad tribesmen.
In Persia, Russians are defeated and driven back north of Kermanshah by Turks.

Political, etc.
United States: Quarantine of New York City is considered in an effort to contain the polio epidemic, as 121 cases & 26 deaths are reported in the past day.
New York City manufacturers receive an $1 million order to make artificial limbs for wounded Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

20 July 1916
 

Western Front
Flanders: Out of 7,080 Allied casualties resulting from the Battle of Fromelles yesterday, 5,533 were incurred by the Australians.
Battle of the Somme: Struggle in Longueval and Delville Wood continued; 778 surviving South Africans relieved at Delville Wood. British advance 1,000 yards between Bazentin and Longueval. 4 British divisions begin attacks on High Wood (until July 30).
North of Somme French carry enemy trenches from Hardecourt Hill to the river. South, they take enemy first position from Estrees to Vermandovillers, and Barleaux to Soyecourt.
Battle of Verdun: Mangin’s French attack in Souville-Thiaumont sector gains ground (and on July 24 and 28). French gain a position south of Fleury.
French airman drops leaflets over Berlin; is captured in Poland.

Eastern Front
Heavy fighting on Riga front resumed.
Brusilov Offensive: Sakharov defeats Austrians on south-west of Lutsk salient; attacks and captures Berestechko on river Styr, Galician border, crosses river taking 14,000 PoWs (until July 21).
Heir apparent Austrian Archduke Charles in command ofSuedarmee, Seventh and Third Armies.

Southern Front
Demobilisation of the Greek army nearly completed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: V Caucasus Corps occupies Ardasa. Russians continue advance; they capture Gumishkhanek, on Trebizond-Erzingan road.
Turkish aeroplanes bomb Suez and Port Tewfik.
Mesopotamia: Shamal northwest wind begins 6 weeks late.
Persia: Niedermayer arrives in Tehran from Afghanistan via Russian Turkestan (invalided home from Baghdad in February 1917).

Naval and Overseas Operations:
East Africa: British main body meets troops from Tanga. Anglo-Belgian Entebbe Conference (until July 23).
Lake Tanganyika: Major-General Wahle evacuates Kigoma.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Debate on Mesopotamia campaign in both Houses of Parliament. Premier Asquith promises to investigate the defeats that the Dardanelles and Kut after heated debate in the House of Commons.
Russia: Russia mobilizes indigenous men in Turkestan, Astrakhan, and Sakhalin for non-frontline duties.
Greece: An Anglo-French Loan of £800,000 is made to Greek Government.

21 July 1916
 

Western Front
4 German bombers of Fl Abt 40 attack Andruicq munitions dump on Calais-St Omer railway: 23 sheds and 8,000t ammunition, 1 mile of track destroyed (night July 21-22). Lieutenant Otto Parschau, one of the first flying aces, is killed after being wounded over Grévillers: http://imgur.com/kCCU81M
Battle of the Somme: British advance into Foureaux wood (High Wood).. German counterattack, supported by gas shells, recaptures part of wood, but British hold most gains. Heavy bombing attacks by Germans south of Thiepval on Leipzig Redoubt. French repulse counter-attacks on their new front at Soyecourt; also south of Chaulnes.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Pripet: Bezobrazov‘s Guard Army (11 divisions, 134,000 men and 396 guns) formed.
Galicia: Austrians retreat and begin to evacuate Brody. Heavy rain (July 23-28) delays Brusilov’s Seventh and Ninth Armies’ resumed offensive. Russian forces advance south of the Lypa River, capturing 15 miles of Austro-Hungarain lines.

Naval and Overseas Operations
A U.S. Navy torpedo boat destroyer flotilla off Eastport, Maine: http://imgur.com/wYBYwQd

Political, etc.
Russia: Russia warns the Ottoman Empire that hospital ships will be sunk, in retaliation for the sinking of the Russian hospital ship Portugal.

22 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British attack along whole front from Pozieres to Guillemont; violent fighting.
French repel counter-attacks south of Amiens-Peronne high road.
Major-General Edward Charles Ingouville-Williams, commander of the British 34th Division, is killed in action: http://imgur.com/FyrszWU
French aeroplanes bomb Mulheim (Rhine) and other German towns.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Galicia: Austrians, retreating before Sakharov, begin to evacuate Brody.

Southern Front
Trentino: Alpini battalion and 154th Regiment night attack and gain footing north of Mt Cimone summit (July 23) dominating Arsiero to south (Austrian counter-attacks repelled on July 31), but attack on Bocchetta di Portule (6,395 ft) fails.
Dolomites: Italian I and XVIII Corps take Rolle Pass and two peaks, occupy Paneveggio village (July 31) in Val Travignolo.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: Light cruiser Breslau escapes new Russian dreadnought battleship Imperatritsa Maria with stern splinter damage.
Launch of the Isaac Peral class submarine, built in the U.S. for the Spanish Navy: http://imgur.com/hGKapJ2

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: General Maxwell's despatches on Irish rebellion published in Times.
Silver badge granted for those disabled.
France: 87 Socialist members in the French Chamber of Deputies oppose economic warfare against the Central Powers after the end of the war.
Russia: M. Sazonov, Russian Foreign Minister, resigns [Appointed in 1910.] and is succeeded by M. Stürmer (see February 1st and November 24th).
United States: Department of Commerce reports that the cost of living in Ireland has increased by 41.2 percent since the war’s start.
James Whitcomb Riley, American writer and poet known for “Little Orphan Annie” and other works, passed away.
Bomb kills 9 and wounds 40 in San Francisco (War) Preparedness Parade: 2 radical labour leaders given life sentence (released 1939).
US Senate votes naval building programme.
Spain: Martial law is lifted in Spain after the end of the railway strike, but press censorship continues.

23 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: The next phase of the battle, the Battle of Pozières Ridge begins (until September 3rd). Anzac Corps captures Pozieres village, XIII Corps recaptures most of Delville Wood. Heavy fighting continues in and around Pozières. The villages of Longueval and Guillemont change hands multiple times.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Russians advance 12 miles near Kemmern.
Kuropatkin's troops drive Germans back south-east of Riga.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians steadily close in on Erzingan (Armenia); the Turks retreat.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Running fight in North Sea near mouth of Scheldt between British ships and six German destroyers; no decisive results.
East Africa: Navy Force occupies Pangani on coast and Mkwaja (July 27). Botha visits Msiha Camp.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: William Ramsay, Scottish chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering noble gases, passed away.
British female munition workers parade in their uniforms while carrying tools and shell cases: http://imgur.com/QOUhEKE © IWM (Q 103689)
France: Paul Painlevé, French Minister of Public Instruction, urges schoolboys to use their summer vacations to help with gathering the harvest.
Russia: Russo-Rumanian military convention signed at Chantilly, but Rumanian counter-proposal on July 25.
The Netherlands: The Dutch government publishes the “Orange Book,” which details the difficulties the nation faced as a neutral state in the war.

More good info! Loving it. Thanks.

24 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attacks at High Woodand Guillemont. BEF has advanced 3 1/4 miles on 6-mile front, taken 11,119 PoWs and 56 guns while engaged 16 German divisions (8 drawn into reserve); 2,090 British guns have fired 4.5 million shells, since the beginning of the offensive. General Sir Douglas Haig praises the First Australian Division for “a very gallant, skillful and successful attack on Pozieres village…”
“Mining Activity on the British Front”, showing a dramatized account of mining operations at the Somme: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/45146
Near Estrees, French capture enemy battery.

Battle of Verdun: French take a redoubt west of Thiaumont (south-west of Douaumont).


Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Russian forces under General Kuropatkin drive back Germans south of Riga on a 30-mile front, with a depth of 12 miles at furthest point.

Southern Front
Italian advance on Asiago Plateau and Trentino border continues; after a night attack troops capture Monte Cismone.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: 16,000 Turks advance to within 10 miles of Romani and entrench.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: NRFF (1,200 soldiers) defeats Captain Braunschweig’s Southern Detachment at Malangali, drives it towards Iringa. Belgian battalion takes Kasulu.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm to wounded troops: “It is the most poignant grief of my life that I am unable to take a more active part in this war.”
United Kingdom: Record credit (£ 450 millions) voted in House of Commons. Total for 1916-1917 £ 1.05 billon.
David Lloyd George predicts victory in the next few months: “I feel confident that victory is assured to us.”
Easter Rising: Irish Home Rule is defeated in Parliament due to opposition by the Unionists. Irish members cry “traitor” to Premier Asquith. Irish Home Rule debates continue until July 31.
British Memorandum in reply to American complaints regarding censorship of neutral mails, published.

25 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: All German troops cleared from Pozieres village. Haig, Foch and Fayolle agree joint attack for July 30. With fresh reinforcements the Germans counter-attack near Longueval and Bazentin are repulsed. British push along Albert-Bapaume road towards Hill 160.
French progress south of Estrees and north of Vermandovillers.
Rawlinson diary on Battle of the Somme film ‘Some of it very good but I cut out many of the horrors in dead and wounded’.
In Alsace a sharp attack north of Altkirch is repulsed.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia:
Sakharov advances on Brody (within 5 miles on July 27), defeats Linsingen on river Slonuvka despite arrived Austrian 106th Landsturm Division from Italian Front.

Southern Front
Reconstituted Serbian army comes into action on Salonika front (see April 15th).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Erzinjan (Armenia) captured by Russian forces. [This was the furthest point west reached by Russian forces. It was evacuated subsequently without further fighting.] The Russians managed to split and rout the Turkish Third Army, 34,000 casualties (17,000 PoWs) by July 28.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm to his troops: “Your duty is to break the English offensive, and to prove once more that Germany is invincible…”
Russia: Death of Lenin‘s mother in Petrograd, his sister Anna arrested by September 19.
United States: US Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Gerard, protests against Ruhleben Camp inhumanity; published in the Times.

26 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: General Haig announces that British troops have captured the village of Pozieres at the Somme. Lord Derby on the Pozieres capture: “Nothing worse than this house-to-house fighting can be imagined, but we got what we went after.”
British advance continues northwards towards Hill 160.
French capture some fortified houses south of Estrees.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Western Desert: British-Italian armored car raid from Sollum.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Admiral Bacon's report on work of Dover Patrol published in the Times.
Gold Coast Regiment lands at Mombasa (2nd West Indian Regiment arrives on July 27).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Commissions of Enquiry into Mesopotamia and Dardanelles campaigns announced (names of members). Lord G. Hamilton and Lord Cromer respective chairmen.
Lloyd George vilifies conscientious objectors. Central Tribunal (July 27) finds 4,378 genuine cases (692 refuse to appear); 250 sent to Dyce near Aberdeen stone quarries late August for 8d pd, 1 dies early September.
United States: 150 new polio cases are reported in New York City. Children under the age of 16 are forbidden from leaving the state without permission. The SPCA has killed 72,000 cats and 8000 dogs in New York City since July 1st to curb the deadly polio epidemic.
U.S. makes an agreement with Denmark to buy the Danish West Indies for $25 million ($552 million today).
Canada: An extreme heat wave in Montreal causes several hundred deaths, including 250 children the past week.

27 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British advance in Delville Wood, fighting continues near Pozieres and at Longueval.
French make progress east of Estrees.
Aisne and Champagne: German diversionary attacks.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Sakharov reaches Klekotov position, near Brody in the Lviv (Lvov) region and claim the capture of 6378 Austro-Hungarian troops.

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes drop bombs on Bari and Otranto.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arab Revolt: Yenbo, port of Medina (including Stotzingen mission to Yemen), surrenders to Arab forces (see June 5th).
Persia: Sykes’ 500 men leave Kerman for Yezd. Turks and Germans begin to move from Katiya line.
Russians advance towards Sivas (west of Erzingan); a Turkish attack near Mosul is repulsed. Russian troops capture 5000 grenades, 1000 artillery shells, and 600 cases of ammo from the Ottomans.

Political, etc.
Germany: Captain Fryatt, of British S.S. "Brussels" is found by German court-martial to be a franc-tireur for attempting to ram a U-boat in 1915. He is then shot. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fryatt
Kaiser Wilhelm: “The iron hurricane rages against our brave German men at the Somme. Everything is at stake.”
United Kingdom: Laurence Ginnell, Irish Nationalist MP, is suspended from the House of Commons for calling Herbert Samuel “insolent.”
Premier Asquith revokes British titles from the two German Dukes and one German Prince.

28 July 1916
 

Today marks the second year since the start of the Great War.
Western Front
French 73 mm trench mortar outside of Lamotte-en-Santerre: http://imgur.com/HdlT33Q* © IWM (Q 93187)
6 German Navy airships drop 69 bombs over Norfolk and Lines (night July 28-29, no civilian casualties).
4 Martinsyde Scouts of 27 Squadron successfully bomb (2x112lb, 3x20lb) Mons station; 14 Anglo-German air combats.
Battle of the Somme: Georges Guynemer’s Nieuport survives 86 hits and he shoots down an LVG for his 11th victory.
British consolidate Delville Wood and Longueval village; make further progress near Pozieres.
Aisne and Champagne: Enemy raids near Neuve Chapelle repulsed.
Battle of Verdun: More slight French gains west of Thiaumont.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Pripet: 250,000 Russians (gas shell barrage on part of sector) against 115,000 Austro-German troops. Lesch and Kaledin partly cross Upper Stokhod; Guard Army takes 3 villages, 46 guns, 65 MGs and 11,000 PoWs.
Galicia: Sakharov enters Brody (40,000 PoWs, 49 guns and 100 MGs since July 15)(also reported for yesterday). Brusilov’s Seventh and Ninth Armies attack astride Dniester, former crosses river Koropyets to north (July 31), having taken c. 8,000 PoWs and 33 guns.


Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Patrol engagements with Turks east of Suez Canal.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: South African Motorcycle Corps (Deventer‘s 2nd Division) occupies Dodoma on Central Railway, 100 miles of it in British hands.
Lake Tanganyika: Belgian Southern Brigade occupy Kigoma rail terminus, scuttled gunboat and one gun of cruiser Königsberg found.

Political, etc.
United States: United States Government formally protest to British Government against "Black List" policy (see October 22nd, 1914, December 23rd, 1915 and January 26th, 1916).

29 July 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Two failed German attempts to retake Delville Wood. Hand-to-hand fighting north of Pozieres; Germans repulse Australian attack on the Windmill. CIGS letter to Haig, ‘The Powers that be are beginning to get a little uneasy … the casualties are mounting up’.
Flanders: Activity south of Ypres and in Loos salient.

Eastern Front
Falkenhayn, Conrad and Colonel Gancev (Bulgaria) sign convention for action against Rumania; Mackensen given Danube Army for it.
Brusilov Offensive: In the past two days, Russia has claimed an advance along a 100-mile front and the capture of 32,000 more prisoners in Volhynia & Galicia.

Southern Front
Serbian troops launch attacks against the Bulgarian lines in Macedonia for the 1st time since last fall, but results in no gains.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: General Lake reports to CIGS no advance until troops and transport refitted; CIGS agrees (July 31).
Arab Revolt: Britain re-affirms Holy Places’ Muslim independence.
Armenia, First Battle of Ognot (until August 1): Yudenich‘s IV Caucasus Corps attacks Turk Second Army.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Dodoma (East Africa) occupied by British.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Government send Note to United States Government rejecting British offer to permit passage of foodstuffs to Poland from United States of America.
Canada: Duke of Devonshire appointed Governor-General of Canada.

The fight goes on. It's amazing that the war really started for pretty petty reasons (petty compared to the millions who died). :(

30 July 1916
 

Western Front
First aerial operations carried out by combined French and British air services on French Western front.
Battle of the Somme: Combined Allied advance north of Somme, from Delville Wood to the river. British make progress east of Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood; French reach outskirts of Maurepas. The drive wins around 800 meters along an 8-mile front.
Battle of Verdun: German attack on left bank of Meuse repulsed.
Water (or rum) given to wounded British soldiers and German prisoners: http://imgur.com/jiw5GUH* © IWM (Q 4057)
Burial of a French officer in a German prison camp: http://imgur.com/D94Hklv

Eastern Front
Hindenburg and Ludendorff take over Front down to Lemberg with 3 Army groups (July 31)
Brusilov Offensive: Brusilov’s Intelligence Section casualties estimates since June 4: Russian Southwest Front 450,000; Austrian 600,000, 330 guns (only 5,000 German PoWs).
Galicia: Russians still pursue Austrians in the direction of Kovel and in the region south of the Dniester towards Stanislau,
Ottoman soldiers are sent through Bulgaria to reinforce Austro-Hungarian troops in Galicia against the Russian attack.

Southern Front
Austrian attack in Tofana and in the Adige Valley repulsed. Austrians reinforced, attack three times in Travignolo Valley without success.
Russian troops land at Salonika and join Allied force (see April 20th; http://www.greatwar.co.uk/timeline/...-1916.htm#july).

Naval and Overseas Operations
British occupy Kikombo (East Africa).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Royal Navy Q-ship crews to wear War Service Badges (plus certificates later) to prevent any captured being shot as pirates.
Russia: Martial law in Turkestan following Muslim rising against reserve work conscription; 3,309 Government casualties before order restored.
United States: At a munitions depot on Black Tom island in New York Harbor, German saboteurs light a series of small fires, causing a huge explosion. The munitions were destined for the Allies. The explosion causes 7 deaths and $20 million in damages. The explosion damages the Statue of Liberty and rakes Ellis Island with artillery shells. Jersey City after: http://imgur.com/u4fvauK

31 July 1916
 

Western Front
5 German divisions sent from Western Front to Eastern Front during July. Joffre summons Foch to get him to persuade (vainly) Haig to launch broad-front attacks.
8 airships attempting to bomb Great Britain are dispersed by unpredicted winds, 103 bombs (another source says ‘about 60’) scattered over 6 counties (no casualties), Kent-Notts (night July 31 – August 1).
11 Anglo-German air combats.
Battle of the Somme: German casualties since July 1; 160,000 (a highly suspect number, accounting according to mainly British Intelligence) including in at least 67 counter-attacks; BEF 196,081 (158,786 on Somme) worst month of war; French casualties 49,859.
Battle of Verdun: French casualties 31,000; German 25,969 casualties (again, highly suspect, but probably closer to actual number; accounting according to mainly French Intelligence) during July.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive:
Galicia: Russian troops continue their advance from the Stokhid River line towards Kovel.
Russians north of Dniester have crossed Koropyets River.

Southern Front
In the Astico Valley (Trentino) Austrian attack on positions of Monte Cimone repulsed.
South-west of Castelletto, Austrian attack repulsed by Italians.
In the Travignolo valley, Italians occupy Paneveggio.


Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
The pursuit of the Turks from Erzingan (Armenia) continues in the face of a stubborn defence.
Arab Revolt: The port town of Yanbu on the Red Sea and the Ottoman fort falls to rebels as the Arab revolt grows in power.


Naval and Overseas Operations
South African troops take Saranda and Kilmatinde on Central Railway. By July sick ratio to battle casualties 31.4:1; Smuts 200 doctors short.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: British War Office film, “Home on Leave”: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/45147
Premier Asquith promises reprisals for the death of Charles Fryatt.
Mr. H. E. Duke becomes Chief Secretary for Ireland.
United States: Near Fort Hancock, Texas, two Americans are killed and one wounded in clash with Mexican bandits who crossed the border.
Charles E. Hughes, former Supreme Court Justice & Gov. of New York, formally begins campaigning for President as the Republican nominee.
China: Supporters of the Kuomintang riot in Hankou, China, demanding a greater representation in the country’s future.

1 August 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German attack north of Bazentin-le-Petit fails. Repeated British assaults on Thiepval Salient (August 1-5); south side driven in c.1,000 yards by August 5. German counter-attack west of High Wood failed. (Note: perhaps only a ‘raid’ than a determined counter-attack).
French capture string work between Hem Wood and Monacu Farm.
Battle of Verdun: German troops launch attacks west and south of Thiaumont, but are repulsed.
In August the first flight of DH4 day bomber. Constantinesco MG/airscrew synchronizer gear flight-tested in BE2.
Future British Ace Edward Mannock transfers to Royal Flying Corps despite eye defect, pilot’s certificate November 28.
In August, Germany begins the development of Gatling-type engine-driven ‘motor guns’ for aircraft.

Southern Front
10 Italian Caproni bombers drop 4t bombs on Austrian Whitehead torpedo factory, Fiume; extensive fire and damage.
Macedonia: Allies spread over 170-mile front but not yet ready due to heat, poor roads and supply difficulties. Russian Brigade of 5,000 soldiers lands at Salonika. Offensive postponed to August 4, then till Rumania signs agreement with Allies (not until August 17).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russian 66th Divison captures Ognol. In August Turk Government of Sivas estimates 30,000 deserters in his area.

Naval and Overseas Operations
English Channel: During August UB boats from Flanders UB flotilla sink 18 ships (6747 t).
Adriatic: Italian submarine Pullino goes aground on Galiola reef, captured but sinks in tow.
North Sea: During August Royal Navy deploys simulated fishing fleet in attempt to trap marauding U-boats.
Baltic: Royal Navy submarines made a separate flotilla under Commodore Cromie DSO.
British and Belgian soldiers capture the port of Pangani in German East Africa. 4000 heads of cattle are also captured.

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm: “The German nation has been through two years of unprecedentedly heroic deeds and suffering.”
United Kingdom: First RFP (Retail Food Price) fall, by 1%. Petrol rationing for commercial and private users.
Announcement in House of Commons regarding deaths among troops on trains from Karachi.
United States: French $100 million loan opens. New British £ 50 million loan terms announced on August 16.
Parcel post between the U.S. and China begins, starting at 12 cents ($2.65 today) a pound.
New Zealand: Institutes conscription for duration of war.

Good read.

Its interesting to see what was important back then. For example: On todays they listed that '4000 heads of cattle are also captured'. I don't know, would a report today contain that news?

TB, it is interesting and in fact important to the situation: 4000 head of cattle can feed quite an army.
It also allows the generals at the front to claim some measure of success: it is all very well and good to say, "we are advancing", but without some tangible measure of advance, the phrase becomes meaningless. In the Vietnam war, for example, the US Army became nearly obsessed with body counts. Which, of course, were usually exaggerated, both to inflate their own egos, and convince the folks back home that "we" are winning.
It is for this reason that the details of the fighting on the Somme was reported in such detail: on the small-scale maps provided for public consumption, the gains often looked significant, whereas in reality, they were minor, at a huge cost in lives. Take for example, the note about the Thiepval Salient yesterday: 5 days to drive 1000 yards (about 2/3 of a mile). That's about 200 yards a day. During Operation Barbarossa in World War 2, the Germans thought they were doing well to advance 20 miles a day into the Soviet Union (and they were, by most measures): but even that wasn't enough to win the war for them.

2 August 1916
 

Western Front
6 Zeppelins raid East Anglia (night August 2-3, 1 civilian casualties) despite HMS Vindex launching a Bristol Scout attack (first carrier home defence operation).
6 B.E. 2s and 3 Moranes (1 lost) in 5-hours long-range attack on Brussels Zeppelin sheds (4 near misses); 16 RNAS aircraft strike St Denis Westrem airfield (southwest of Ghent) and RFC bomb Coutrai and Bapaume stations. In Belgium aircraft of No.4 and No.5 Wings, Royal Naval Air Service, experiment with new bombing technique. Guided by signal flares from a Sopwith 1½ Strutter, 11 bombers in line astern attack a target near Ghent.
Battle of the Somme: Very hot day (88°F). RFC helps range 19 batteries and finds 6 MG emplacements. German attack on Delville Wood (Somme) repulsed.
German counter-attack on French at Estrees (southern Somme) repulsed.
(Again, these two may or may not have been more “raids” than determined counter-attacks.)
British and French artillery officers near Saint-Leger-aux-Bois: http://imgur.com/GLCaXYl © IWM (Q 78214)
Battle of Verdun: German trenches carried south of Fleury, 800 prisoners taken. French then lose Fleury and regain it on August 4.

Eastern Front
Hindenburg appointed to command whole front (he and Ludendorff visit Kovel and Lemberg on August 3 but Austrians then withdraw consent).
German gas attack in region of Smorgon (east Vilna) repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Turkish counter-attack takes Mush and Bitlis (Armenia) (until August 15): Kemal’s XVI Corps attacks 9,000 Russians at Mus and Bitlis.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Loss of Italian dreadnought "Lionardo da Vinci", at Taranto, by fire and explosion (248 killed); The Italians originally blamed Austro-Hungarian saboteurs for her loss, but the explosion was probably accidental. Italy makes no public announcement but 1917 raid in Zürich on Austrian consulate “proves” sabotage.
Adriatic: 4 Franco-Italian destroyers pursue 2 Austrian destroyers to within 15 miles of Cattaro and on return, survive an ambush from U-4.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Bundesrat adopts a decree authorizing the Chancellor to liquidate British firms’ assets in Germany.
United Kingdom: Government attitude to Resolutions adopted by Allies at Economic Conference in Paris explained by Mr. Asquith.
Two important State Papers on alleged “barbarity” of Germans published.
United States: President Wilson signs a resolution establishing Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Charles E. Hughes, the Republican nominee for President, announces he supports a constitutional amendment for women’s voting rights.

3 August 1916
 

Western Front
Royal Flying Corps ranges 127 targets; 5 Martinsydes (1 lost) bomb Zeppelin sheds at Cognelee and Ronet sidings, Namur.
Royal Marine Artillery gunners with 15-inch shells with messages to the Germans: http://imgur.com/cilLtf2 © IWM (Q 943)
Battle of the Somme: British advance west of Pozieres.
Battle of Verdun: French retake Fleury (also reported for yesterday) and make progress towards Thiaumont, 1,750 prisoners taken (another source says only 800, which is probably more accurate).

Eastern Front
German heavy bomber unit Rfa 501 (Riesenflugzeug Abetilung, Giant Airplane Section 501) formed at Vilna-Porubanok.
Brusilov Offensive:
Brusilov meets Kaledin and Bezobrazov at Lutsk, decides to renew drive for Kovel. Desperate fighting near Lyubashevo and Guledichi (east Kovel).
Pripet: I Turkestan Corps captures village 4 miles west of river Stokhod but Austro-German Polish Legion counter-attack forces it east (until August 4).
Carpathians: Austrian counter-offensive makes few gains (until August 14). German 1st Infantry Division arrives at Kirlibaba Pass (August 10).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Russians capture Turk trenches at Ognut (Armenia).
Turks advance to attack on Major-General Hon. H. Lawrence's force at Romani (northern Sinai).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Britain puts the first of 17 accident-prone, fast steam-powered K-class large submarines into Royal Navy service.
North Sea: 4 Royal Navy C-class submarines sail from Lerwick Island (Shetland) under tow on epic 3,500-mile voyage to Baltic via Archangel (August 21), rivers and canals by barge, reach Petrograd on September 9, but hampered by unusable electric batteries so manage only two patrols before winter.
Ujiji, on Lake Tanganyika (German East Africa), occupied by Belgian forces.

Political, etc.
Germany: The German blockade-runner submarine Deutschland leaves Baltimore and heads back to Germany.
United Kingdom: Easter Rising: Casement hanged at Pentonville Prison.
Balfour second anniversary naval statement.
With yesterday’s publication of the Anglo-French paper, British War Propaganda Bureau claims: ‘We swept the German news out of the American papers’.
The interim report of the Committee of Inquiry chaired by Mr Justice Bailhache into the administration of the Air Services (the Bailhache Committee) is released. The Committee recommended that there should be one Department charged with the equipment of both flying services.
Prime Minister receives deputation from Miners, Railway Men, and Transport Workers. Union ‘Triple Alliance’ discuss demobilization with Prime Minister.
United States: President Wilson states he still supports the right of states to decide whether or not women get the right to vote. (Note: may have happened yesterday, in response to Hughes’ announcement of support for the right of women to vote.)
Austria-Hungary: Four Czech deputies in touch with Masaryk imprisoned.
Italy: Italy breaks off the German-Italian commercial treaty of 1891. While Italy is at war with Austria-Hungary, it is still neutral with Germany.

Thank you for explaining. It makes sense. :)

4 August 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British gain German second line system on a front of 2,000 yards north of Pozieres, several hundred prisoners.
Battle of Verdun: Germans retake Fleury but lose it again to French. Furious German counter-attacks at Thiaumont work repulsed.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Galicia: Sakharov renews offensive south of Brody, takes 8,581 PoWs and 7 villages (until August 6); only 4 miles northeast of Lemberg-Tarnopol railway away on August 10. Fierce fighting in progress on the Graberko and Sereth. Russians take 1,300 prisoners. Germans by an enveloping movement regain Rudka-Mirynska.
Romanian and Bulgarian troops exchange fire on the Danube River near the town of Giurgiu.

Southern Front
SIXTH BATTLE OF THE ISONZO (until August 17) begins after elaborate preparation including air photographs with feint in Monfalcone coastal sector by 14th and 16th Divisions (29 battalions and 199 guns) (until August 10). Duke of Aosta’s Third Army has 16 divisions and 1,251 guns (533 heavy or medium) plus 774 mortars (138 heavy 10-inch mortars) for cutting wire entanglements against Austrian Fifth Army (Borcovic) with 9 divisions and 540 guns (147 heavy).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Battle of Rumani (Sinai); Around 8000 Ottoman troops with 30 guns and 38 MGs launch a night attack against British and ANZAC forces (see July 19th). Two Australian Light Horse Brigades are driven back; Turks reach Wellington Ridge, but NZ and 5th Mounted Brigades retake it forcing Turk retreat (August 5). Turk casualties 5,000 men and 4 guns. British loss 1,140 and 9 MGs (until August 9) out of 25,000.
Up to 17 Royal Flying Corps aircraft (1 lost to anti-aircraft fire) active backing Battle of Romani (until August 9), shoot down 1 German aircraft and direct monitor fire.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Aegean: British escorts sink German coastal submarine UB-44.

Political, etc.
Germany: German newspapers comment on the execution of Roger Casement, stating he was an “idealist” and “martyr.”
Russia: Grand Duke Nicholas inspects Royal Navy Armored Car Unit at Sarikamish (Armenia); in action by August 27.

5 August 1916
 

Western Front
Fighter pilot Major L.W.B. Rees of the Royal Flying Corps, wins the Victoria Cross. While flying an Airco DH2 he spotted a formation of eight enemy aircraft and decided to attack. Despite the odds, and injuries, Major Rees managed to force two aircraft down out of control before his ammunition ran out.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Galicia: Hindenburg visits Zborov behind Suedarmee which fights Battle of Zalozce (August 7-10).

Southern Front
Macedonia: Bulgars cross Greek frontier to south of Monastir and occupy two villages (until August 7).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Kemal reoccupies Bitlis and Mus (August 6), taking 2 guns and 2 Mgs. Successful Russian offensive continued 30 miles north of Erzingan.
British counter-attack Turks with success near Romani (northern Sinai). British pursuit continues for 18 miles. Ottoman soldiers captured during the Battle of Romani: http://imgur.com/wLiUgqP

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Smuts resumes main advance through Nguru Mountains on Morogoro (Central Railway): 7,000 men and 36 guns against c.2,000 Germans (see 11th).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: King George addresses the Entente nations on the 2nd anniversary of Britain’s entry into the war, stating Britain will continue to fight on.
Belgium: Brussels refuses to pay a fine of 5 million marks to the German occupation, which was imposed on the city due to anti-German demonstrations.

Tell ya' how eyes can play funny tricks on you. When I was reading the post for the 5th of August on the Southern Front ... I first read "Macedonia: Burglers cross ...". :faint:

6 August 1916
 

Western Front
French ace Fonck forces undamaged Rumpler two-seater to land and alights nearby to take the crew as PoWs. (he will end the war with 75 confirmed victories). Royal Flying Corps Sopwiths break up German 10-bomber formation east of Bapaume.
Battle of the Somme: German troops launch three counterattacks against Australian forces at Pozieres, but are driven back. Slight British advance east of Pozieres. Reserve Army begins struggle for Mouquet Farm (until September 3).
Battle of Verdun: German counter-attack defeated, but regains Thiaumont work twice (August 8-9).
French gunners manning a 155mm artillery gun at Le Reichberg: http://imgur.com/LPPB6em* © IWM (Q 78830)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Galicia: Russian troops drive back Austro-Hungarian troops along the Siret river, and Graberko (south Brody) and repel German counter-attacks; Russians capture 3000 more Austro-Hungarian prisoners.

Southern Front
Main phase of the Battle of Gorizia (6th Battle of the Isonzo) begins (see 17th). Main Italian assault at 1600 hours after 9 hours intensest artillery barrage yet against Austrian 58th Division (General Zeidler on leave), 42 guns, 65 MGs involves Capello’s VI Corps’ 6 divisions, 603 guns and 390 mortars. They storm Mt Sabatino (1,998 ft) in 45 minutes and part of Podgora, taking 8,000 PoWs, 11 guns and 100 MGs. Former success much aided by Colonel Badoglio’s exhaustive reconnaissance and planning as CoS VI Corps and his leading of 6 battalions of 45th Division to assault.
Abruzzi Brigade storms Oslavia and Hill 165 to south, Cuneo Brigade takes Grafenberg on Podgora; Pavia Brigade storms Mt Calvario (603 ft). Italian XI Corps (87 battalions and 217 guns) captures all 4 humps of Mt Michele (Carso) and enters village taking 1,000 PoWs from Austrian VII Corps then gains whole of Northern Carso (until August 9).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: British reoccupy Katia, Turk rearguard actions against mounted troops until August 7.
Armenia: Determined Turk attacks repulsed by Russians north of the Upper Euphrates and in region of Mush-Bitlis.
Persia: Russians driven back by the Turks east of Kermanshah.

Political, etc.
Germany: Franz Eckert, German composer who composed the national anthem of Japan and the Korean Empire, passed away.
Romania: Romanian government warns Bulgaria on border clashes, stating it is “not in accordance with the good relations between the two countries.”

DB... So did I !!!! It was really confusing for me cause I'm not grasping everything I read anyway. Made for a good giggle once I figured it out.

Was thinking that was a new war tactic. Rob everyone.

You mean they don't already? :faint:


:D

7 August 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German attacks north and northeast of Pozieres. British attack outskirts of Guillemont. French advance north of Hardecourt.
Battle of Verdun: French progress at Fleury and the Thiaumont work.
British Premier Asquith with Major Edward Gerald Thompson at the RFC headquarters at Fienvillers: http://imgur.com/RUIPgCP © IWM (Q 11866)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Lechitski resumes offensive with gas shell preparation, advances 12 miles to Stanislau, takes it with 10,581 (3,500 German) PoWs (August 10), but rains and marshy ground slow progress. Russians identify German Karpatenkorps arriving from Verdun (August 8).

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Lambro and Etna Brigades storm Hill 188 and Peurna heights. Some Cuneo patrols reach Isonzo in night. Monte Sabatino, Monte San Michele and bridgehead of Gorizia captured. 8,000 prisoners, 11 guns and 100 machine guns taken. Austrians blow up rail bridge and counterattack at Grafenberg.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Stiff fighting at Romani; British threaten Turkish flanks.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Italy: Royal navy transfers 4 ‘W’-class submarines (some of them on August 23) small submarines to Italian Navy.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: London workers demonstrate in Trafalgar Square, demanding the hanging of Kaiser Wilhelm for the execution of Charles Fryatt.
Admiralty deny allegation in German press that British Hospital Ships are being used as transports.
France: National Council of French Socialists votes 1,824 to 1,075 to sever relations with the German Socialists.

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

"Keep your friends close but your enemies closer." Who said that and why?

Michael, so he can be as aware as possible of what his enemies may do and so protect himself and his family from them.

8 August 1916
 

Western Front
9 Zeppelins scatter 173 bombs over East England and Scotland (night August 8-9, 21 of 26 casualties in Hull). Admiralty now has 114 warships with anti-aircraft guns able to engage Zeppelins.
3 FE 2bs of No 25 Squadron defeat 6 Roland biplanes over Bethune, forcing them to jettison bombs over own lines.
Battle of the Somme: British gain 400 yards at Guillemont – Germans still hold south end of village, repulse Allied attacks on August 9. British 2nd Division attacks Waterlot Farm to northwest (until August 9). German troops launch further counterattacks against British positions near Pozieres and recapture at least 50 yards of trenches. Two German attacks beaten back east of Monacu Farm (northern Somme).
Battle of Verdun: Fierce fighting in Verdun region: Germans gain and lose Thiaumont work.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Pripet: Russian Guard and Third Armies attack towards Kovel, make no gains (until August 9). Guard losses 55,292 men; July 25 – August 9. Russian troops secure 9 villages in their drive towards Stanislau (Ivano-Frankivsk) including Tysmienica (Stanislau, Galicia), capture between 7,400 and 8,500 prisoners.

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Italians clear western bank of middle Isonzo, secure all Podgora; 4 battalions cross road bridge to enter Gorizia on east side, also claim the capture of 10,000 Austro-Hungarians. Lieutenant Baruzzi (28th Regiment, 12th Division) first in, raises Italian flag on station, winning gold medal.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Turks abandon Oghratina but repulse Anzac Mounted Division pursuit (322 casualties) at el-Abd (August 9), but evacuate it on August 11.
Armenia: Turks occupy Mush and Bitlis.
Turks abandon Oghratina and fall back to cover Bir el Abd (Sinai).

Political, etc.
Germany: Lily Braun, German journalist and feminist writer, passed away: http://imgur.com/OCKXk6i
United Kingdom: King George V and Prince Edward arrive in Calais to inspect British and ANZAC operations.
Portugal: Portugal decides to extend military help in war at Europe (see November 23rd, 1914, December 4th, 1914 and January 3rd, 1917).
Romania: Allies agree on terms for Rumania.

TY jseal, I knew somebody would know. :)

9 August 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German 18th Reserve Division has 8,288 casualties (ie over 50%) since July 24.
Germans driven back and French advance north of Hem Wood.
King George V watching a practice attack of British soldiers at Ligny-Saint-Flochel: http://imgur.com/nVXla58 © IWM (Q 961)
Battle of Verdun: Germans regain Thiaumont work.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Russians gain junction of Chryplin (Stanislau).

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Italian troops capture the city of Gorizia from Austria-Hungary after three days of battle. Italians occupy hills on line Rosenthal-Vertoibica. Heavy Austrian attack beaten back on left bank of Isonzo.
Salonika: Local Allied offensive: Allies shell Bulgar line south of Lake Doiran, French 17th Colonial Division (15,000) occupies abandoned station and Hill 227 (until August 10).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Turks press back British cavalry east of Romani (Suez), but are repulsed and lose heavily.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Royal Navy submarine B-10 destroyed by Austrian air raid on Venice dockyard,

Political, etc.
United States: Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company awards a $2.5 million contract to build a plant in St. Louis for a new non-alcoholic beverage (Bevo).
Italy: Guido Gozzano, Italian poet who lead the poetic school Crepuscolarismo (twilight school) passed away: http://imgur.com/kjjhACt

10 August 916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: King George visits the front (until August 15), tells Rawlinson of a ‘cabal’ (including Lord French, Churchill and F E Smith) which plans to oust Haig and curtail Somme offensive. Slight British advance north-west of Pozieres.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Stanislau again taken by Russian forces (see June 8th, 1915 and July 24th, 1917).
Russians cross the Sereth and repulse repeated enemy counter-attacks.
Russians cross the Zlota-Lipa and advance on Halicz.

Southern Front
6th Battle of the Isonzo: On Carso, the Austro-Hungarian Doberdo-Monfalcone line collapses into full retreat for the Vallone, but Italian 23rd Division forces them out. Austro-Hungarians establish new line northeast of Goriza with 3 divisions and 4 brigades of reinforcements (including 2 divisions from Eastern Front) that block Italian VI and VIII Corps. Italy has claimed the capture of 22,000 Austro-Hungarian soldiers in the past four days.
Serbia: General Winckler replaces General Gallwitz in command of German Eleventh Army, 2 German divisions (1 from Vosges, Western Front) reinforce Bulgars.
Allied offensive begins in Macedonia. French bombard Doiran (Serbo-Greek frontier), and occupy Hill 227, south of Doiran.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Persia: Hamadan, Daulabad, and Bijar taken by Turkish forces [Approximate date.] (see December 14th, 1915, and March 2nd, 1917).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Kraut checks British pursuit at Matamondo for day after evacuating Ruhungu position (August 8-9). Deventer’s 2nd Division begins 60-mile Central Railway advance to Kilosa (until August 22) against five rearguard stands.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Chancellor Mr. McKenna, spoke in the House of Commons on the British financial position, estimates £3.44 billion war debt by March 31, 1917. Distilling fixed at 70% of previous output.
British protest re: shooting of Captain Fryatt published.
Russia: Tsar Nicholas II awards General Brusilov a sword of the Order of St. George for his victories against Germany and Austro-Hungary.
Turkey: Decree removes Armenian churches from Etchmiadzin to Jerusalem Catholicate.
Japan: Admiral Katō Tomosaburō of the Imperial Japanese Navy (future Prime Minister of Japna); picture taken today: http://imgur.com/tWkO7dt
United States: New York City will not open schools on September 11 for the new school year due to polio epidemic. 187 new polio cases are reported today.

Ah, POGO! My longtime favorite cartoon series. -- sigh --

11 August 1916
 

Western Front
Long distance British air-raids into Belgium.
Battle of the Somme: Joffre dissatisfied with offensive developing into innumerable minor actions, demands return to Allied attacks on broad front and writes to Haig proposing capture of line Thiepvall –High Wood–Ginchy–Combles–river Somme by 3 operations beginning on August 22. Then (c. September 1 ) attack to be against Grandcourt–Courcelette–Martinpuich–Flers–Morval–Ra ncourt-Bouchavesnes. French capture German trenches south of Maurepas.

Southern Front
21 Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes drop three tons of bombs on Venice, causing fires to break out in the city.
6th Battle of the Isonzo: Italians cross the Vallone and make progress on the northern edge of the Carso.
Salonika: Italian 35th Division (11,000 men) and 32 guns lands (until August 25), relieves French 57th Division by August 27. General Cordonnier now in command of French Army of the Orient.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: Turks attack at Bayud and evacuate it.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: German resistance broken at Matamondo (east of Nguru Mountains); they retreat south.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: War Office releases the “Battle of the Somme,” recounting the battle so far: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/47231
United States: John J. Loud, American inventor who designed the first ballpoint pen, passed away.

I want to compliment you, again. This recounting of the First World War is fascinating. Thank you much!

What I find even more interesting is secondary events caused by, but not directly related to, the war.

You're welcome.