Western Front
Third Battle of Ypres: Battle of Broodseinde phase begins. The attack by II ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) successfully achieved its objective on the first day of the battle and reached the high ground just below the summit of the Broodseinde Ridge.
This was one of the few attacks throughout the war where the actual Allied success on the ground matched what their propoganda continuously claimed. However, it was designed as a limited-scale attack, did not, and was not designed to achieve the massive breakthrough of the German lines that the Allied Generals wanted. Indeed, a large part of the massive success came about because it was designed as a limited attack.
British preemptive (without prelim bombardment) attack (including 12 tanks which help capture Poelcapelle) ridge on 8-mile front in drizzle, but gain on average only 700 yards. Heavy German losses compel Ludendorff to modify his latest tactic of packing more infantry into front line. He recommends Fourth Army form an ‘advanced zone’ of mobile troops in ‘No Man’s Land’ to slow down advancing Allied infantry so as to provide easier targets for artillery. British Second Army reaches crest of Ypres Ridge. Intermittent rain until October 7. 3,000 prisoners.
In counter-attack Germans regain some ground south-east of Polygon Wood.
The harvest of the battle of Ypres:
https://i0.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...attle.jpg?ssl=1
Despite rain, low clouds and high winds Royal Flying Corps manages 17 sorties and 49 with fire calls (similar on October 9).
An Australian soldier with German loot he took during the Battle of Polygon Wood at Ypres:
https://twitter.com/CenturyAgoToday...268994885734400
Verdun: Small German attack repulsed on Hill 344.
Eastern Front
Baltic Provinces: Germans withdraw 5 divisions from Riga sector to Western Front (until October 18). German attack 28 miles east-northeast of Riga repulsed on October 7.
Southern Front
Adriatic: 12 Caproni bombers (moved from Milan to heel of Italy on September 25) cross Adriatic, bomb Cattaro U-boat base, torpedo store and seaplane hangars (night October 4-5) in 280-mile round trip.
Political, etc
Germany: German government orders cities in Western Germany to darken their lights at night to limit British air raids.
United Kingdom: Figures re: losses of British Overseas troops are published.
Premier Lloyd George promises he will repay German bombings of Britain “with compound interest.”
Bulgaria: Prime Minister Vasil Radoslavov on peace.
United States: (Listed for yesterday): War Revenue Act is signed by President Wilson to raise income taxes and lower exemptions to raise money for the war.
Peru: Peruvian Government issues ultimatum to Germany re: sinking ships.