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Colin: Posted on 31 March 2015 07:01
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Michael Palmer: Posted on 30 March 2015 06:52
The first passenger liner sunk during the war, the sinking
of the RMS Falaba under the command of Capt. Davis would cause outrage on both
sides of the Atlantic, The German submarine U28 under the command of Baron von
Forstner was originally sighted flying the Royal Navy white ensign, as the
German vessel approached the Falaba the white ensign was replaced by that of
the German who signalled "Stop and abandon ship" this was ignored but
a second signal "Stop or I will fire into you”. Was complied with. As was
practiced at the time Forstner had allowed for the evacuation before sinking
the ship, but when Falaba started sending wireless messages and distress
rockets for help, Forstner cut short the time to evacuate the ship. The Germans claimed that they allowed 23
minutes for evacuation; the British claimed that they were only given 7. Of the
151 passengers and crew of RMS Falaba 104 including her Captain died.
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Colin: Posted on 29 March 2015 08:14
It was announced on the back page of today’s paper that George
William Webb an ex England footballer passed away. George played as an amateur
for West Ham United as a centre- forward and was the stepson of George Hone, who
was involved in the creation of Thames Ironworks and became a director of West
Ham United. In the summer of 1912, George moved to Manchester City of the
Football League First Division, but after two games, he fell out with the club
when he discovered that a transfer fee had been paid to West Ham United, which
went against his principles as an amateur. Part of the transfer deal also
included the playing of a friendly game between West Ham and Manchester City at
Upton Park in November 1912. Webb worked in the family toy manufacturing business
and was a freemason. He died of consumption.
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Colin: Posted on 27 March 2015 08:11
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Colin: Posted on 26 March 2015 06:52
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Colin: Posted on 25 March 2015 06:26
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Colin: Posted on 24 March 2015 07:41
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Colin: Posted on 23 March 2015 07:22
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Colin: Posted on 22 March 2015 08:09
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Colin: Posted on 20 March 2015 07:10
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Colin: Posted on 19 March 2015 06:13
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Colin: Posted on 18 March 2015 07:33
On this day the British Dardanelles Squadron would suffer
the loss of two Battleships, HMS. Irresistible, HMS. Ocean and a
Battlecruiser.
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HMS. Ocean
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HMS. Irresistible
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HMS Inflexible (1907)
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The fleet was continuing its attacks on the Narrows forts of
Çanakkale and Kilitbahirwas when the battleship HMS Irresistible was disabled
by a mine, Ocean was sent in to tow her to safety but ran aground during the
attempt, having freed herself and with the remaining crew members from HMS
Irresistible on board Ocean herself struck a driftingmine and was abandoned. HMS
Inflexible an Invincible-class battlecruiser under the command of Captain Richard
Fortescue Phillimore would be the third victim of a mine explosion. As part of
the first line of British ships attempting to suppress Turkish guns so
minefields could be swept, Inflexible was under heavy fire and hit a number of
times, sustaining a number of casualties among her crew. Having disengaged
herself from the fight she hit a mine in Eren Keui Bay and had to be beached at
the island of Bozcaada (Tenedos) to prevent her sinking.
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Colin: Posted on 17 March 2015 07:47
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Colin: Posted on 16 March 2015 05:30
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Colin: Posted on 15 March 2015 01:40
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Mike Palmer: Posted on 14 March 2015 09:01
 HMS Amethyst was today one hundred years ago hit by field
artillery while involved in the Dardanelles Campaign. 22 members of the ships
company were killed in the action, four more would succumb to their injuries
later. George James Todd Captain of the Amethyst was mentioned in Naval
Dispatch. “.....I desire also to bring to their Lordships’ notice the name of Commander
G.J.Todd, “Amethyst.”
“Amethyst” was hit several times by large projectiles, and
had her steering gear and engine-room telegraphs put out of action.
Arrangements were quickly made to man the hand-steering wheel, and improvise
engine-room communications. Both during and after the action Commander Todd was
very ably assisted by Lieutenant James C.J. Soutter, Senior Lieutenant of “Amethyst,”
who was indefatigable in his efforts."
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Mike Palmer: Posted on 13 March 2015 08:21
The BEF’s first independent offensive of the Great War on
the Western Front the Battle of Neuve Chapelle is over. The press will hail the
campaign a stunning success, decades later historians will regard it as a
failure, as it didn’t achieve it’s over optimistic objectives. The reality
though is this is modern twentieth century warfare, dirty, bloody and costly
and the sum of all its parts will equal the final outcome. For Britain the casualties
numbered nearly 11,000 killed, wounded, or missing, included in that number Corporal
Noble whose actions on the 12 of March would be acknowledge by
awarding him the Victoria Cross who would die on the 13th of the
wounds he sustained.
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Colin: Posted on 12 March 2015 07:52
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle Continues, as hopes are raised of a major
breakthrough. Private William Buckingham’s
action in aiding British and German casualties while under heavy fire and despite
is own injuries is awarded the Victoria Cross. Corporal William Anderson
repelled a major counter attack and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his
actions. Private Edward Barber played a significant role in capturing a German
trench and is awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions. Sargeant-Major Harry
Daniels and Corporal Cecil Noble each was awarded the Victoria Cross for their
actions in attempting to cut trench wire while under heavy fire. Captain
Charles Foss led a bombing party that led to the retaking of a German trench
and over 140 prisoners was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions. Lance-Corporal
Wilfred Fuller attacked a group of German soldiers and for his actions was
awarded the Victoria Cross. Lieutenant
Cyril Martin for his efforts in holding up German reinforcements was awarded
the Victoria Cross. Private Jacob Rivers in attacking German positions was
awarded theVictoria Cross |
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Colin: Posted on 11 March 2015 07:32
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle rages on with a further 700 plus British lives lost. HMS.Bayano is sunk by the German Submarine U27
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Colin: Posted on 10 March 2015 07:01
The first major set piece participation of the BEF begins at
Neuve Chapelle. At 7.30 (local time) The British unleash a thirty minute
bombardment by 340 mixed calibre artillery pieces. British and Indian troops overwhelm
elements of the single German sixth army division in residence. In less than
four hours the village of Neuve Chapelle was largely in British hands.Rifleman Gobar Sing Negi would be awarded the Victoria Cross
for his actions.
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Colin: Posted on 09 March 2015 09:10
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Colin: Posted on 08 March 2015 07:44
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Colin: Posted on 06 March 2015 07:11
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Colin: Posted on 05 March 2015 07:08
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Colin: Posted on 04 March 2015 06:21
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Colin: Posted on 03 March 2015 07:37
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Colin: Posted on 02 March 2015 07:43
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Colin: Posted on 01 March 2015 06:12
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