Western Front
The Royal Flying Corps' first night-bombing squadron, No.100 Squadron, equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory FE2b aircraft, departs for France.
Somme: British troops occupy Roisel east of Peronne. Ruins at Peronne after British capture. German sign reads, “Don’t be angry, just be amazed.”
http://imgur.com/wTig7iE © IWM (Q 78871)
Raiding party from the Scottish Rifles begin their attack on German lines near Arras:
http://imgur.com/Cv2dXpy © IWM (Q 5101)
French occupy right bank of Oise from north of Vaudreuil to suburbs of La Fere and progress on east bank of Ailette Canal.
Naval and Overseas Operations
British destroyer HMS
Laforey strikes a mine and sinks off Boulogne, France, resulting in the deaths of 59 of her 77 crew.
Britain announces that it will expand its mine zones to cover the mouths of the Weser and Elbe rivers of Germany.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
British offensive into Palestine begins (see 26th).
Political, etc
Germany: Germany announces that bread rations will be cut by one-fourth starting on April 1st. Meat rations will be increased by 250 grams per week.
Russia: Russian Army proclaims loyalty to Provisional Government: Junior officer writes ‘
There was a gulf between the troops and the officers which could not be bridged’.
Swearing of Russian troops on the new Provisional Government, which wanted to continue the Tsar’s war. But the loyalty of the soldiers is fragile.
https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...daten.jpg?ssl=1
France: Government protests to neutrals against German devastation in newly evacuated French territory.
Bulgaria: Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria advises German Minister not to exploit Russia’s weakness by offensive (none planned on March 27).
United States: Council of National Defense creates Commercial Economy, and General Munitions Boards (March 31).
The 1917 Indianapolis 500 is canceled due to the war and disputes with local hotels.
Greece: Greek Government demands Italian troops’ withdrawal from Epirus. Allied Ministers return to Athens.