19 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: No Significant developments, but the battle continues.
William Bishop (Commander 85 Squadron SE5As) scores his last 5 victories east of Ploegsteert, having already scored 3 on June 17.
British cavalry officers resting with a wine bottle while a runner delivers a message: © IWM (Q 6714): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...688353871646720
Members of the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps in trenches for shelter during an aerial attack at Rouen: © IWM (Q 3289): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...718568794607616
French Renault FT-17 tank being transported at Epernay: © IWM (Q 58239): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...734860490526720

Eastern Front
Russia: Petrograd workers mobilized by Reds.
Baltic States: Germans remove Polish administrator Michalkiewicz from Vilna.
Volga: Czechs capture strategic Syzran rail crossing. White demos in Kozlov and Tambov, far southeast of Moscow.

Southern Front
Second Battle of the Piave: Italian Eighth Army counterstroke at 1530 hours on Montello with 10 divisions against 3 Austrian divisions and extra artillery divisions regains Nervesa only to lose it again on June 20; overall, allowing the Allies to regain the initiative. Furious fighting from Montello to sea; Austrian lines on Montello thrown back; On Asiago Plateau French capture Mts. Bertigo and Pennar; Italians capture Mt. Costalunga. General Vaccari leads his XXII Corps in person. Boroevic sees Emperor Charles at Spilimbergo on the Tagliamento, Arz can offer no reinforcements, munitions or supplies.
Austrian-Hungarian troops fought strafing British planes in June 1918 on the Piave: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ieger.jpg?ssl=1
Italian troops in action near Candelu: © IWM (Q 65250): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...990299077709825
Aerial photograph showing destroyed bridges and trenches alongside the Piave River, as Austro-Hungarian forces clash with Italian soldiers: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...080953795465217

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Siberia: Reported overthrow of Bolshevist Government in western Siberia. Anti-Bolshevist Government set up at Nizhni-Udinsk (330 miles north-west of Lake Baikal).
Tomsk taken by Anti-Bolsheviks.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: Harwich Force north of Heligoland Bight foiled from launching seaplane attack (following 3 other abortive attempts in May). British squadron in north of Heligoland Bight attacked by German seaplanes. One German seaplane claimed destroyed.
The Russian battleship Svobodnaya Rossiya, scuttled yesterday: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...765062935400448

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Nearly 100,000 workers go on strike in the Austro-Hungarian capital of Vienna to demand more food and the end to war.
United Kingdom: Report of British Sub-Committee of Re-construction Committee re: increase of home-grown food.
Bulgaria: M. Aleksandar Malinov becomes Foreign Minister.
United States: Letter sent by Lieutenant Harry S. Truman, currently serving in France, to (his future wife) Bess Wallace: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...050733470191616
Finland: Decision re: Finnish Monarchy postponed till 1920.
Switzerland: Swiss Government adopts project of subvention of port at Basle.

20 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: No Significant developments, but the battle continues.

Southern Front
Second Battle of the Piave: Field Marshal Svetozar Boroevic cables Austrian High Command ‘As the Monarchy … has loyally fulfilled its duties as an ally … and cannot face the risk of remaining perhaps disarmed, I propose to withdraw … behind the Piave’; Emperor gives permission. Boroevic plans to retreat at night only. Italians decide shelling bridges better than mass attacks. Italian advance continued in Montello, Fagare and Zenson (Lower Piave) sectors.
Austro-Hungarian line at Cortelazzo (mouth of Piave) broken.
Nervesa re-captured.
Italians claim to shoot down 14 Austrian aircraft over the Piave, but top Italian ace Baracca killed strafing in Nieuport fighter. American pilots first fly Italian bombers in action. The Italian fighter ace Francesco Baracca is hit in the air by two rifle bullets, of which one kills him in the head: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...racca.jpg?ssl=1
Another view of Francesco Baracca, one of Italy’s top flying aces with 34 aerial victories, killed in action near Mount Montello: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...111150397677570
Italian trench running underneath an old building at Nervesa during the Battle of the Piave River: © IWM (Q 65362): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...384127546654720

Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater
Azerbaijan: Turkish 5th Caucasian Division (6,000 men) arrives at Ganja (Russian Elizavetpol) to be core of Enver’s ‘Army of Islam’ (18,000 under Enver’s 28-year-old half-brother Nuri Pasha). A regiment marches to support Azeri Tartars on June 26.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: Re-establishment of Civil Law Courts in occupied territory of Palestine.

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Food riots in Vienna continue.
United Kingdom: Appointment of General Northey as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of East African “Protectorate” and High Commissioner for Zanzibar “Protectorate”.
Publication of Lord Grey's "League of Nations"; Report of Shipping Committee; Speech of Lord Curzon re: Ireland; Speech of Mr. Balfour re: peace; Reception of Sir M. De Bunsen's Mission by President of Chile.
Turkey: Samsam es Sultaneh reappointed Persian Prime Minister (see May 31st and August 3rd).
Netherlands: Refusal of passport to M. Troelstra (Dutch Socialist leader) to visit England.

21 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: No Significant developments, but the battle continues.
A home destroyed by a German air raid on Abbeville, France: © IWM (Q 78839): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...414333045067776
British Royal Horse Artillery pulling artillery through a river as part of training exercises: © IWM (Q 6724): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...444535070613504
French troops in the ruins of Clermont-en-Argonne: © IWM (Q 78194): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...459632610344960
A member of the Women’s Forestry Corp of the British Women’s Land Army cutting down a tree. The women of the WLA took over agricultural work so the men could join the military: © IWM (Q 30710): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...474745295876096

Southern Front
Second Battle of the Piave: Italians enlarge bridgehead at Cavazuccherina (near mouth of Piave); Austro-Hungarian attempts to regain initiative in Montello and Grappa regions checked; Italians claim 12,000 PoWs to date.
Recon with kite balloon on the Italian front: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...front.jpg?ssl=1

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Dr. Ernst Ritter von Seidler, Austrian Premier, submits his resignation (see June 23rd, 1917); Emperor Charles refuses.
Food crisis in Vienna eased.
United Kingdom: Empire gathering in London.
Von Kuhlmann on the Balkans.
Mr. Balfour censures Pacifists.
Labour Ministers' Manifesto.
Government wins Clapham (South London) by-election.
Ireland: Lord Curzon announces abandonment of Home Rule and conscription in Ireland for the present.

22 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: No Significant developments, but the battle continues.
German “attack” on Bligny (Reims) “repulsed.”
Somme: British Third Army night raid on trenches at Bucquoy including first night action by British tanks (night June 22-23), 5 support c.150 infatrymen of 62nd Division.
British pilots of the No. 85 Squadron posing with their dogs and goats at St. Omer: © IWM (Q 12049): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...804403107418112

Eastern Front
22-23 June: A North Russian Expeditionary Force comprising British Army units and supported by a Royal Air Force flight equipped with de Havilland D.H. 4 day bombers lands at Murmansk to join a Royal Marine detachment and French and United States marine units already present in the port.
South Russia: Denikin’s White Volunteer Army (9,000 men; 21 guns; 3 armored cars) begins Second Kuban campaign, captures Torgovaya and Shabilevskaya rail stations, isolating Red Kuban Group and cutting Tsaritsyn railway (June 25). Russian Eastern Railway manager

Southern Front
Second Battle of the Piave: Piave still in flood; Austro-Hungarian retreat across Piave begins.
Screens cover an Italian footbridge at the Piave River to hide soldiers crossing from Austro-Hungarian fire: © IWM (Q 19079): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...789300769214466
Italian troops manning their trenches near Candelu: © IWM (Q 65347): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...106384308953089

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Turkish “attack” at El Haza (northern Hejaz) “repulsed.”
Siberia: Appeal of General Horvath (Russian Eastern Railway manager, from HQ Harbin, Manchuria) to Allies for help against German invasion.
Generral Horvat (center) later in Harbin with officers from Japan, Romania, Great Britain, Czechoslovakia, France and Russia: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...arbin.jpg?ssl=1

Political, etc
United Kingdom: Workers cheering as King George V and Queen Mary visit a boot repair factory: © IWM (Q 27964): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...819499225378816
An article reporting on the spread of the Spanish Flu in Britain, the U.S., Germany, and Spain, stating it is rarely fatal but can cause “considerable inconvenience”: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...834599525093376
Ireland: Britain postpones plans to implement conscription in Ireland due to popular opposition. The arrival of US soldiers also alleviates manpower shortages on the front.
Turkey: Turkish war aims published.
United States: Near Hammond, Indiana, a train collides into a circus train, killing 86 people, most of them circus performers: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...076194186899457

23 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: No Significant developments, but the battle continues.
British line on Lys front advanced south-west of Meteren.
580 LK II light tanks ordered from Daimler, none ever delivered before armistice.
The German light tank LK II with 5.7 cm (2.24in) gun. The characteristics of a captured British Whippet tank were built into a modified chassis, but until the armistice only prototypes were ready: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...LK-II.jpg?ssl=1
Red Cross nurse serving American soldiers donuts and coffee:
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...136589111119872
British motorbikes armed with machineguns on the sidecar: © IWM (Q 9003): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...166792659111936
British tanks being washed down in Érin, France: © IWM (Q 6825): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...196987814215680
Battalion of the Royal Scots out on a patrol at Meteren, France: © IWM (Q 6737): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...466260625260544

Eastern Front
North Russia: British ‘Syren’ and ‘Elope’ forces (600 men under Major-General Maynard) join North Russian Expedition Force at Murmansk; Maynard and 30 men head down Murmansk Railway (June 27), seize it to Soroka (June 29-30) sending back 3 Red troop trains.
Volga: Civilian Kliment Voroshilov put in command of 1,000-strong Red Tsaritsyn Group (probably by Stalin).

Southern Front
Second Battle of the Piave: Austro-Hungarians in disordered retreat from Montello to the sea; heavy losses. Italian Eighth Army reoccupies Nervesa at 1300 hours and then whole of Montello; Third Army captures 2,000 PoWs in Candelu-Zenson sector (Middle Piave).
End of Second Battle of the Piave.
First capture of intact Austrian Berg D-I fighter (best indigenous Austrian combat type), forced to land at Treviso by Italian fighters. Up to 50 RAF aircraft help harry Austrian retreat.
Austro-Hungarian Aviatik D-I biplane brought down on the Italian Front: © IWM (Q 68863): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...436063859544064
City of Nervesa after it was recaptured by Italian and other Allied troops: © IWM (Q 26120): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...496460666925057
Group of wounded American soldiers receiving cigarettes at a Red Cross hospital in Vittel, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...526662159683585

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Siberia: White Provisional Siberian Government formed at Omsk, general mobilization soon proclaimed.

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Resignation of Dr. Ernst Ritter von Seidler.
United Kingdom: Anglo-American Union proposed by Lord Reading.
Canadian children laying down flowers on the graves of Canadian soldiers buried at Shorncliffe, Kent: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...556861433516032

24 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: No Significant developments, but the battle continues.
8 squadrons of RAF day and night bombers attack German communications in La Bassee-Ypres area, 106t of bombs dropped until July 6.
American soldiers laying down barbed wire on the Western Front: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...798446561906688
French troops enjoying coffee at the “English ladies Canteen” (Cantine des Dames Anglaises) at Revigny-sur-Ornain: © IWM (Q 106438): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...828646012129280

Southern Front
Second Battle of the Piave: Right bank of Piave cleared of the last Austro-Hungarians; Italians attack Austro-Hungarians north-west of M. Grappa without much success. Italians claim a further 8,000 prisoners in the aftermath of the battle. Italian Third Army clears Austrian bridgehead at its Capo Sile mouth. 2,193,659 Allies with 7,081 guns in 57 divisions (36 in line) hold 188 miles of front (British and French divisions 4 miles each). Overall, the claim is that Italy and Allies suffered 87,000 casualties, while Austria-Hungary suffered 118,000.
The ruins of the city of Nervesa after its recapture by Italian troops: © IWM (Q 65360): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...858849107087361

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: Reported 261,990 Allies (ration strength) with 438 guns vs 131,000 Turco-Germans with 523 guns.
Mesopotamia: Reported 212,131 British with 310 guns vs estimated 29,500 Turks with 112 guns.
Siberia: Czech newspaper says Legion advance guard of Allied Armies on reformed Eastern Front.

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles again refuses resignation of Dr Ernst Ritter von Seidler.
Germany: Speech in the Reichtag by Richard von Kühlmann on the situation.
Russia: Left Socialist Revolutionaries (Russian peasant party) resolve on terrorism against Germans in Russia.
United Kingdom: Speech of Mr. Lloyd George in House of Commons on the situation.
War Cabinet Eastern committee debates Persian situation, gives India control of South and East Persia, Trans-Caspia and Turkestan operations.
Ireland: Appeal of Irish Recruiting Council: Irish overseas aghast at inaction in Ireland.
Canada: Canada conducts its first airmail flight, transporting mail from Montreal to Toronto: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...889052026032129
United States: US Navy and Marines Corps now 450,093 men strong, larger in manpower than Royal Navy.
Recruitment poster for the United States Marine Corps: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...t-you.jpg?ssl=1

25 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: Minor American success near Belleau Wood. US 2nd Division and US 4th Marine Brigade (5,200 casualties) capture objective 5 miles west of Chateau-Thierry.
An American priest at the funeral of twelve killed US soldiers: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...daten.jpg?ssl=1
British air attacks on Saarbrücken, Offenburg (13 miles south-east of Strasbourg) and Karlsrühe. 1 D.H.9 lost, forced landing. 1 aircraft hit by flak and lost; 2 fighters claimed shot down; 5 Handley Pages damage permanent way at Metz-Sablon.
Rene Fonck destroys 3 German aircraft out of 7 lost today.
American soldiers defending a position with a French 37 mm gun near Diefmatten: © IWM (Q 108328): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...231308880674817

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian prisoner (center) captured by Italian soldiers near Nervesa: © IWM (Q 65359): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...919249630593025

Political, etc
Germany: German Foreign Secretary Richard von Kühlmann makes a speech admitting the war cannot be won with force alone and Germany must resort to diplomacy. The speech angers the German military and other militarists.
Russia: Russian General Sergey Markov, a commander of the counterrevolutionary White forces, dies of his wounds suffered during a battle against the Bolsheviks: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...169640150642688
Ukraine: M. Markiewicz (Socialist) forms cabinet in Ukraine, vice M. Lyshub resigned.
Germany establishes the Crimean Regional Government to administer the occupied Crimean Peninsula.
United Kingdom: Speech of Chief Secretary for Ireland in House of Commons.
General Smith-Dorrien Gouverneur of Gibraltar.
United States: First of 45 Japan-built ships arrives. Now 5,810 US Army dentists; there were only 58 at outset.

26 June 1918
 

Western Front
Battle of Belleau Wood: 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, under command of Major Maurice E. Shearer, supported by two companies of the 4th Machine Gun Battalion and the 15th Company of the 6th Machine Gun Battalion, made an attack on Belleau Wood, which finally cleared that forest of Germans. On that day, Major Shearer submitted a report simply stating, "Woods now U.S. Marine Corps entirely", ending one of the bloodiest and most ferocious battles U.S. forces would fight in the war.
British take point west of Vieux Berquin (10.5 miles west of Armentieres).
German air-raid on Paris.
11 of 20 D.H.s (1 D.H.4, 2 D.H.9s lost) attack factories and railways at Karlsruhe; a D.H.9 of No 104 Squadron loses its way, violates Swiss border and is brought down by anti-aircraft fire (crew interned). 3 Handley Pages bomb Mannheim, Saarbrücken and Boulay airfields (night June 26-27).
Royal Scots soldiers wearing gas masks in a trench at Meteren: © IWM (Q 6775): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...261500152000514
Foreign soldiers serving in the US 310th cavalry getting citizenship at a naturalization ceremony at Forth Ethan Allen, Vermont: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...276612359348226
German troops next to a captured 12.5 cm French gun at Mareuil: © IWM (Q 23809): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...321915754115072

Naval and Overseas Operations
British Harwich shore-controlled minefield sinks UC-11.

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Chancellor or dictator
United Kingdom: Labour Conference in London ends political truce. Prime Minister appeals to women to help harvest.
Women harvesting the potato crop in place of their menfolk who had gone to the front: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...ernte.jpg?ssl=1
House of Lords approves principle of League of Nations.
Strike of aircraft workers.
United States: Sugar rationing, 3lb per head per month (reduced to 2lb on July 26).

27 June 1918
 

Western Front
Air-raid on Paris, 11 killed, 14 injured.
Western Front: Lieutenant Steinbrecher of Jasta 46 in Albatros DVa shot down by Sopwith Camel fighters over Somme is first fighter pilot to descend successfully by parachute. Ernst Udet, on June 29 in Fokker D-VII shot down by French Breguet 14, parachutes and flies again same day. Germans claim 39 Allied aircraft for loss of 9.
One of the parachutes from the final phase of the First World War: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...m-1wk.jpg?ssl=1
Germany: 27 D.H.s (1 lost) attacked by fighters over Thionville, claim 4 shot down.
Canadian soldiers eating lunch in the trenches: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...925877536456706

Southern Front
Italy: US 332nd Infantry Regiment lands at Genoa, enters line end of September. Badoglio promoted general for his able staff role in the Piave battle. Foch writes to Diaz urging offensive in mountains, repeats request on July 13.
Italian troops on the Piave River cross over at several points, capturing several hundred Austro-Hungarian prisoners.
Italian troops in a defensive position near Candelu on the Piave River: © IWM (Q 65345): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...623895319883780

Naval and Overseas Operations
British hospital ship Llandovery Castle sunk by submarine SM U-86 off Irish coast. The sinking was the deadliest Canadian naval disaster of the war, and one of the most notorious atrocities. In violation of international law and standing orders of the Imperial German Navy, the commander of U-86, Helmut Patzig, surfaced, ran down all the lifeboats except one, and shot at the people in the water. Only the 24 people in the remaining lifeboat survived; 234 others died. After the war, Patzig and two of his lieutenants were arraigned for trial on war crimes, but Patzig fled to the Free City of Danzig, and his trial was stopped on 20 March 1931 by virtue of the Laws of Amnesty. Lieutenants Ludwig Dithmar and Johan Boldt were convicted and sentenced to four years in prison, but were released after only 4 months.
Llandovery Castle: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...956088349036547
Four British destroyers fight eight German torpedo boats: no damage received.
(Listed for yesterday): SS Wimmera, an Australian passenger ship, hits a mine laid by the German merchant raider SMS Wolf off the coast of New Zealand and sinks, resulting in 26 deaths: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...533288119394305 British, Australian, & New Zealand authorities suppress the news that a German raider is losse in the Pacific, leading to wild speculations about saboteurs being responsible for the sinking, and persecution of Australian nationals of German descent.

Political, etc
International: Agreement among Sweden, Finland and Germany for abolition of forts on Aaland Islands.
Russia: 650 newly-elected members of Soviet enrolled.
Georgia: Kyrion II of Georgia, the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, is murdered at his residence. The perpetrator and motive are unknown: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...563489339564032
France: British women carpenters constructing a workshop near Calais: © IWM (Q 6766): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...593697782353923
United Kingdom: Mr. Hughes in London.
Chamber of Commerce declares for abandonment of policy of open door.
Speech of M. Kerenski at Labour Conference, London.
A London double-decker bus repurposed to act as a loft for carrier-pigeons: © IWM (Q 8999): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...654101334216705
Italy: Yugo-Slav deputation at Rome.
United States: The U.S. conducts its 2nd draft lottery, drafting 800,000 additional men. Secretary of War Baker picks the first number: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...986283969896448

28 June 1918
 

Western Front
Aisne: Franco-American local counter-attack gains three villages and 1,200 PoWs on edge of Villers-Cotterets forest. French capture Cutry Plateau.
Flanders: Action of La Becque: substantial raid by 5th and 31st divisions of British First Army northwest of Bethune advances nearly 1 mile on 3 1/2-mile front’ 440 PoWs.
France: US Army Chemical Warfare Service created.
Another air-raid on Paris.
Germans claim 31 Allied aircraft for loss of 2 including record (so far) 23 victories in single army (Seventh) sector.
Attack of German Fokker Dr-I triplanes and Fokker D-VII fighters over the Western Front: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-1918.jpg?ssl=1
American soldiers resting by a stream in France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...259449313071104

Eastern Front
North Russia: Sir E Geddes on visit reports to Prime Minster that 5,000 troops via Archangel can reach Vologda rail junction and join Czechs.
South Russia: Major-General Malleson’s Trans-Caspia Mission leaves Simla (India) for Meshed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Arabs capture Kalaat el Almar (200 miles north of Medina) from Turks.

Political, etc
Russia: SOVNARKOM decrees nationalization of major industry (c.2,000 firms).
United Kingdom: A woman worker at the Govan Shipbuilding Yard melting down electric cables for scrap: © IWM (Q 110080): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...289711203934208
United States: Second U.S. communique in favor of “deliverance” of all Slavs from German or Austro-Hungarian rule

29 June 1918
 

Western Front
French, south of River Ourcq, carry hill between Mosloy and Passy-en-Valois.
American troops marching through Saint-Martin-au-Laert: © IWM (Q 85388): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...350227318280192
Canadian artillerymen playing musical chairs at a sports meet: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...616678868385792
German Crown Prince Wilhelm visiting the troops near Courlandon, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...646879803465728

Southern Front
Serbia: Franchet d’Esperey visits Serbian front with Crown Prince and Field Marshal Misic and decides Serbs will have the main role in future offensive with 2 French divisions attached.
Two Serbian infantrymen in Salonika in 1918, wearing US M1902 khaki field tunic with Serbian field caps. They have French leather equipment and carry 8mm Lebel 86/93 rifles: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...-1918.jpg?ssl=1
Trentino: Italian Sixth Army recaptures (until June 30) Mt Val bella, Cols del Rosso and d’Echele with 2,087 PoWs, 8 guns and 82 MGs.

Eastern Front/West Asia Border Theater
Azerbaijan: Azeri Tartars with Turkish troops attack and defeat 8 Armenian battalions (800 casualties) on heights east of Gök-cay (until June 30).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Siberia: 15,000 Czechs overthrow Vladivostok Soviet (see Political, below).

Political, etc
Germany: Vienna ambassador urges press campaign to prepare for German intervention against Austria’s collapse.
Russia: Provisional Government proclaimed at Vladivostok (some members remaining at Tomsk).
France: Government recognizes Czech right to independence and National Council as Allied government (Italy also on June 30); President Poincare presents flag to first Czech unit (21st Regiment) on Western Front at Darney (Vosges, June 30).

30 June 1918
 

Western Front
Two air-raids on Paris.
French success between Marne and Ourcq.
German “attack” on British near Merris (River Lys) “repulsed”; British stage a successful raid north-west of Albert.
Germany: Total German casualties since March 21 are estimated by British intelligence at 894,853 soldiers.
USA to France: During June 6 US divisions land in France.
Arrival of an American troop-transport in a French port: https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...orter.jpg?ssl=1
In June peak French tactical bombing effort in 1918 – 642t (RAF 674t). Germans claim 505 Allied aircraft for loss of 153 during June.
Canadian Army nurse feeding her pet dog: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...677079085789186
New Zealand Prime Minister William Massey and Deputy PM Joseph Ward arrive in Boulogne to visit the front: © IWM (Q 8969): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...737479827435521
New Zealand (Maori) Pioneer Battalion performing the haka at Bois-de-Warnimont, France for the Prime Minister and deputy PM of New Zealand: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...099864379576320
Czech and Slovak soldiers of the Czechoslovak Legion at an oath of allegiance ceremony in front of French and Czechoslovak independence movement officials: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...009266997940224
German soldiers using tree branches to camouflage railcars: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...039470617210880
American artillerymen wearing gas masks at Bois de Belleau, France: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...069672814731264
Two British soldiers competing in a pillow fight at the Guards Division Sports meet at Bavincourt, France: © IWM (Q 9186): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...084766990725123

Southern Front
Italy: Italians capture Monte di Val Bello and Col del Rosso (Asiago). 2,000 prisoners (Another source says only 842).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Siberia: Murman Railway from Murmansk to Soroki seized by Allied forces (29th/30th) (see 23rd).
Murmansk Soviet, led by non-Red ex-stoker, approves working with Allies.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Allied and neutral shipping losses to U-boats in June:101 ships (49 British with 453 lives) worth 252,637t (162,990t British including 2 ships mined), U-boat figure 110 ships worth 268,505t including 23 ships worth 58,248t in Mediterranean; 3 U-boats sunk. Lowest monthly tonnage loss since August 1916.

Political, etc
Between Allied Powers: Treaty signed between the Czecho-Slovaks and Italy, by which Italy recognises Czecho-Slovak Council and their jurisdiction over nationals.
Russia: By now 517,000 Austro-German PoWs repatriated.
United Kingdom: In June RAF Nursing Service formed.
United States: NY Tribune Comic: “Our boys have stood the test of gas and drum fire and charges without flinching—but when they tried to introduce the English custom of tea for breakfast, wowie!” https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...707289684328448

1 July 1918
 

Western Front
Major A.S.C. MacLaren makes the first flight between England and Egypt, flying a Handley Page O/400 between Cranwell and Cairo.
Aisne: French capture St. Pierre Aigle (village north-west of Forest of Villers-Cotterets).
Americans capture Vaux (west of Chateau-Thierry).
Aerial view of Vaux: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...371650820263936
British air raids on Mannheim, Coblenz, Thionville and Treves.
Flanders: Reformed BEF Fifth Army (6 divisions) takes over Bethune-Merville sector.
Germany: German rifle strength 100,000 below Allied. 1919 class recruits almost used up by July 31.
Britain: 52 British effective divisions now in France. 1st Army Co-operation unit (No 8 Squadron RAF) attached to Tank Corps.
Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, inspecting British troops in France: © IWM (Q 8991): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...403110809759744
Artois: Almost 50,000 Canadian troops celebrate Dominion Day at Tincques, 14 miles west of Arras; Canadian Prime Minister inspects 2 divisions on July 2.
Women workers and nurses at the No.2 Canadian General Hospital at Le Tréport, France at a sports tournament held on Dominion Day: © IWM (Q 6813): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...433309278416896

Southern Front
Italy: Italians gain positions in north-west of Monte Grappa.
Five British airplanes bomb Austrian base at Cattaro.

Naval and Overseas Operations
British Home Waters: In July Air ASW (anti-submarine warfare) effort now going to convoy escort (310 aircraft and airships) rather than air patrols; 167 U-boats sighted (until November), 115 attacked and only 6 daylight attacks not frustrated.
A British ‘Coastal’ class airship on convoy patrol: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...rship.jpg?ssl=1
North Sea: Northern Mine Barrage begins to inhibit return voyages. U-boats forced into mined Norwegian waters.
U.S. transport Corrington (or maybe Covington) torpedoed and sunk by U-86, 6 lost.
Mediterranean: During July 27 German U-boats deployed, but 5 in dock and 2 on Tripolitania supply runs, so average of 8 at sea for duration.
Mozambique: Battle of Nyamakura. (also spelled Namakura then, now known as Nhamacurra). Near Quelimane (Portuguese East Africa). Germans, suffering only 25 casualties smash 630 Portuguese (528 casualties) and c.300 KAR (223 casualties), holding village sugar factory and rail station along river Likungo. Germans take 542 PoWs, 2 Portuguese guns, 10 MGs, c.350 rifles, clothing, ammo and 300t food. Allied 209 killed including many drowned or eaten by crocodiles. 155 Gold Coast Mounted Infantry sail from Port Amelia for Mussuril Bay of Mozambique Island. Von Lettow-Vorbeck’s force replaced their old rifles with new equipment and acquired machine guns and mortars. This was the most southerly point reached by Colonel von Lettow-Vorbeck's force. (1st/3rd).

Political, etc
Germany: During July Ruhr metal workers demand 56 not 60 hour week but no serious strikes.
United Kingdom: Appointment of five M.P.'s to investigate Alien question and to advise action to be taken.
Publication of Mr. Lloyd George's reply to deputation of Federalists.
Serious explosion at shell factory in Midlands, 100 killed, 150 injured.
The National Shell Filling Factory in Chilwell: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...341455539167232
RFP up 2% to record 110%. FLU PANDEMIC RAGES. Household fuel and lighting rationing.
National Baby Week (until July 7). In July Sassoon’s second poetry volume Counter-Attack published.
United States: Naval Appropriations Act grants $1.57 billion.

2 July 1918
 

Western Front
Germans re-capture ground north-west of Albert.
French advance north of River Aisne near Moulin sous Touvent (north-west of Soissons).
Pershing attends Canadian Corps’ Dominion Day celebration.
British captain at the Le Crotoy aerodrome in France with two dogs: © IWM (Q 12085): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...735308708450305

Southern Front
Piave (Mt Grappa sector): Successful Italian attack on Austrians in Piave delta begins; Italians claim 1,900 prisoners.
3 Italian brigades recapture Col del Migio and Mt Solaroli but lose latter to counter-attack. Italian 4th and 54th divisions clear Austro-Hungarians from between old and new river delta channels, taking 3000 PoWs, 20 guns and 80 MGs unti July 6.
Salonika: Franchet d’Esperey receives Paris directive for local attacks before autumn offensive. Georges Clemenceau soothes British at Supreme War Council over his unilateral action (exchange of C-in-C). British ration strength 162,332 lowest since November 1, 1916.

Naval and Overseas Operations
US troopships heead for Europe. The convoy systen was so successful tat not one loaded US troopship in convoy was lost: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...urope.jpg?ssl=1
Kaiser refuses to extend unrestricted U-boat war to US waters (see political, below), but 3 U-cruisers operate according to prize rules, sink c.100,000t of shipping (June 7 – October), 42 steamers and small craft.

Political, etc
Austria-Hungary: Publication of Austrian Socialists' Declaration re: peace.
Germany: Kaiser and Chancellor hold war aims conference at Spa; veto proposed U-boat blockade of US East Coast, but Soviet Black Sea Fleet remnants to be German-crewed. Erich Ludendorff wants colonies, citizenship and conscription for German-speaking Russians.
France: British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, Field Marshal Haig, General Henry Wilson, and U.S. General John Pershing in Versailles for the Supreme War Council: © IWM (Q 58100): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...765515372683266
United Kingdom: Opening of International Commercial Conference at Westminster; aim is postwar anti-German trade steps.
Establishment of (British) Central Council of Agriculture.
Statement of General Botha re: military and police measures.
United States: Woodrow Wilson declares that over 1 million Americans have sailed for France (only 8,165 casualties-291 lost at sea-out of 1,019,115 US troops sent).

3 July 1918
 

Western Front
French advance north of Aisne between Autreches on east and Moulin sous Touvent on west; 1,000 prisoners.
Britain: First Sopwith ‘Cuckoo’ torpedo plane delivered to Torpedo Aeroplane School, Scotland for operational training.
Western Front, general: Hermann Goering takes command of JG1 (at ex-French airfield of Beugneaux, southeast of Soissons, since July 1) with Ernst Udet as his aide after commander Wilhelm Reinhard dies in crash. Edward Mannock takes over No 85 Squadron despite flu attack during leave.
Belgian troops marching in front of King Albert I of Belgium at Houthem: © IWM (Q 9017): https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...827163446013953

Eastern Front
Germans prepare to advance on Murman railway.
Allied Supreme War Council approve Northern Russia intervention with 1,200 more British troops and French colonial battalion (Allied-Murmansk Soviet defense agreement on July 7).

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Siberia: New Provisional Government established at Vladivostok.

Naval and Overseas Operations
The seaplane carrier HMS Nairana, carrying Fairey Campania, Sopwith Baby floatplanes and a single Sopwith Camel fighter, provides additional air support to the North Russian Expeditionary Force.

Political, etc
United Kingdom: Death of Lord Rhondda (British Food Controller).
Ireland: Proclamation of Sinn Fein as dangerous organization.
Turkey: Sultan Mohammed V of Turkey dies aged 73 at Yildiz. His brother, Mohammed VI (Vahid-ed-Din) succeeds to the throne (see November 14th, 1914).
Funeral of Sultan Mohammed V in Istanbul: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...anbul.jpg?ssl=1
United States: An explosion at the Split Rock munitions factory in Syracuse, New York leads to the death of 50 workers: https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...053649323122688