- Overnight a German deserter makes his way across No Man's Land near Langemarck on the northeastern face of the Ypres salient. He informs the French infantry who capture him that the Germans intend to use asphyxiating gases in an imminent attack, and shows the French a crude gas mask. Sufficiently alarmed, the commander of the French division participates personally in the interrogation of the German deserter, and passes the information to his corps commander and a liaison officer from Joffre's headquarters.
- While Joffre agrees with General Dubail's request to continue the offensive against the St.-Mihiel salient, the French Commander-in-Chief today orders the removal of two infantry corps from the Provisional Group of the East, which has the practical consequence of ending large-scale French attacks. This effectively brings to a close the main fighting of the Battle of the Woevre.
- For the past month, the German 11th Army has been planning for a major offensive operation on the Western Front. However, given yesterday's decision to shift the next major offensive from the west to the east, today Falkenhayn orders 11th Army and its eight divisions to the east, where it will spearhead the forthcoming operation at the beginning of May. As its commander Falkenhayn assigns General August von Mackensen, whose talents have been on display on the Eastern Front since the outbreak of the war.
- This evening, after a summons from Falkenhayn, Conrad arrives in Berlin to discuss the situation on the Eastern Front. Only now, two weeks after examination began, does Falkenhayn inform Conrad that the Germans will be undertaking a major offensive operation in the Gorlice-Tarnow region of western Galicia. Naturally Conrad is pleased, but there remains the thorny issue of the command structure. As the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army will be co-operating with the German 11th Army in the operation, Falkenhayn insists that the former take orders from Mackensen. In exchange, Mackensen himself will be under the direction of Conrad, though with the caveat that important decisions are to be taken in consultation with Falkenhayn.
- By dawn today the British defenders at Shaiba realize that the larger portion of the Ottoman force has begun to withdraw. Unwilling to allow the enemy to retreat unmolested, at 930am most of the British force at Shaiba sorties in pursuit. The Ottoman outposts are easily overrun, but by 1030 the British reach Barjisiyeh woods to find the Ottoman entrenched. There follows several hours of bitter fighting, as repeated assaults on the enemy positions fail. Only by late afternoon, as both water and ammunition run low, do the Dorsets carry the first line of the Ottoman trenches. Exhausted, the British abandon their pursuit, and by sundown have returned to their initial lines at Shaiba.
Showing posts with label 03/15 Reserves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 03/15 Reserves. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
April 13th, 1915
- Reports have reached Joffre of inadequate preparation prior to the ongoing attacks on the St.-Mihiel salient, and he complains sharply to General Dubail that thoroughness is essential. Dubail responds tactfully to Joffre's concerns, but argues that the assaults should continue.
- For the past several days Falkenhayn and his staff officers have debated the merits of a major shift of forces from the Western to the Eastern Front, which would involve abandoning for the time being any thought of a major offensive in the west in favour of a similar operation in the east. Several officers argue that the most important theatre of the war is the Western Front, and that precious German reserves should only be sent east in the direst of emergencies. Falkenhayn is sympathetic to this line of thinking; indeed, he has long felt that, given the realities of space, a war-winning victory over the Russians is not possible. On the other hand, the detailed planning to date for an offensive on the Western Front has raised concerns whether even with the new reserve divisions sufficient forces can be assembled to ensure a reasonable chance of success. On the other hand, the army of Austria-Hungary is clearly in dire straits, and the most recent check of the Russian advance in the Carpathians was almost entirely due to the intervention of the German Beskid Corps. Should the Russians break through the Carpathians, German's only neighbouring ally could be knocked out of the war entirely, with disastrous consequences. This is to say nothing, of course, of how Austria-Hungary is to defend itself if it has to deploy forces from the Carpathians to the Alps in case of an Italian attack.
With the greatest of reluctance, Falkenhayn concludes that the situation on the Eastern Front requires further German intervention, and that the strategic reserve being assembled on the Western Front will instead have to be sent east to undertake a major offensive operation to relieve Russian pressure on the Austro-Hungarians. Today Falkenhayn seeks and receives the Kaiser's approval for the redeployment eastwards.
- This morning the heaviest fighting at Shaiba is to the west of the British position, where a large body of Arab irregulars have established themselves on a small rise in the ground known as the North mound. First a small cavalry force is sent to capture the heights, which is instead all but wiped out. With this result in mind, the commander of 30th Brigade orders a more co-ordinated attack, with three battalions advancing with the support of British artillery fire. By 11am the North mound is in British possession and, given that the Arab survivors are streaming westward, the opportunity presents itself for a cavalry pursuit. However, the cavalrymen are presently watering their horses, and the Arabs escape. For the next several hours the British battalions clear out several Ottoman trenches to the west of Shaiba before returning to British lines by 3pm. Elsewhere, Ottoman forces launch a series of half-hearted attacks from the south, which are easily repulsed.
- The commander of German forces in Kamerun issues orders today to reduce the garrison at Garua to only one-and-a-half companies. He fears that a British advance could trap a substantial force in Garua; instead, he intends to hold the region via mobile columns that can shift rapidly to counter any axis of British advance.
- As the blockade runner Rubens made its way towards German East Africa, the commander of the German light cruiser Königsberg decided that if Rubens made for the Rufiji delta, it would be inevitably intercepted by the British warships keeping Königsberg contained. Instead he has ordered the blockade runner to make for Mansa Bay, knowing its cargo would also be invaluable to Lettow-Vorbeck's forces in holding the colony. As Rubens enters Mansa Bay today, it is hotly pursued by the British cruiser Hyacinth. Under enemy fire, Rubens runs aground, and after several shells strike its topside is ablaze. The captain of Hyacinth is convinced the blockade runner is a total wreck, and breaks off.
This proves to be a colossal error, as the fire aboard Rubens was deliberately set by the Germans to deceive the British. Most of the ammunition and weapons remained intact below the waterline, and as soon as the wreck had cooled salvage operations began. Over the next five weeks, 2000 tons of coal, 7000 rounds of naval shells, 1500 rifles, and 4.5 million rounds of ammunition, along with clothing and other equipment, are brought ashore. These supplies are vital to the long-term defense of German East Africa, and their arrival a blow to the British.
- For the past several days Falkenhayn and his staff officers have debated the merits of a major shift of forces from the Western to the Eastern Front, which would involve abandoning for the time being any thought of a major offensive in the west in favour of a similar operation in the east. Several officers argue that the most important theatre of the war is the Western Front, and that precious German reserves should only be sent east in the direst of emergencies. Falkenhayn is sympathetic to this line of thinking; indeed, he has long felt that, given the realities of space, a war-winning victory over the Russians is not possible. On the other hand, the detailed planning to date for an offensive on the Western Front has raised concerns whether even with the new reserve divisions sufficient forces can be assembled to ensure a reasonable chance of success. On the other hand, the army of Austria-Hungary is clearly in dire straits, and the most recent check of the Russian advance in the Carpathians was almost entirely due to the intervention of the German Beskid Corps. Should the Russians break through the Carpathians, German's only neighbouring ally could be knocked out of the war entirely, with disastrous consequences. This is to say nothing, of course, of how Austria-Hungary is to defend itself if it has to deploy forces from the Carpathians to the Alps in case of an Italian attack.
With the greatest of reluctance, Falkenhayn concludes that the situation on the Eastern Front requires further German intervention, and that the strategic reserve being assembled on the Western Front will instead have to be sent east to undertake a major offensive operation to relieve Russian pressure on the Austro-Hungarians. Today Falkenhayn seeks and receives the Kaiser's approval for the redeployment eastwards.
- This morning the heaviest fighting at Shaiba is to the west of the British position, where a large body of Arab irregulars have established themselves on a small rise in the ground known as the North mound. First a small cavalry force is sent to capture the heights, which is instead all but wiped out. With this result in mind, the commander of 30th Brigade orders a more co-ordinated attack, with three battalions advancing with the support of British artillery fire. By 11am the North mound is in British possession and, given that the Arab survivors are streaming westward, the opportunity presents itself for a cavalry pursuit. However, the cavalrymen are presently watering their horses, and the Arabs escape. For the next several hours the British battalions clear out several Ottoman trenches to the west of Shaiba before returning to British lines by 3pm. Elsewhere, Ottoman forces launch a series of half-hearted attacks from the south, which are easily repulsed.
- The commander of German forces in Kamerun issues orders today to reduce the garrison at Garua to only one-and-a-half companies. He fears that a British advance could trap a substantial force in Garua; instead, he intends to hold the region via mobile columns that can shift rapidly to counter any axis of British advance.
- As the blockade runner Rubens made its way towards German East Africa, the commander of the German light cruiser Königsberg decided that if Rubens made for the Rufiji delta, it would be inevitably intercepted by the British warships keeping Königsberg contained. Instead he has ordered the blockade runner to make for Mansa Bay, knowing its cargo would also be invaluable to Lettow-Vorbeck's forces in holding the colony. As Rubens enters Mansa Bay today, it is hotly pursued by the British cruiser Hyacinth. Under enemy fire, Rubens runs aground, and after several shells strike its topside is ablaze. The captain of Hyacinth is convinced the blockade runner is a total wreck, and breaks off.
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| The German blockade runner Rubens aground in Mansa Bay. |
This proves to be a colossal error, as the fire aboard Rubens was deliberately set by the Germans to deceive the British. Most of the ammunition and weapons remained intact below the waterline, and as soon as the wreck had cooled salvage operations began. Over the next five weeks, 2000 tons of coal, 7000 rounds of naval shells, 1500 rifles, and 4.5 million rounds of ammunition, along with clothing and other equipment, are brought ashore. These supplies are vital to the long-term defense of German East Africa, and their arrival a blow to the British.
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| The salvage operation to recover supplies and ammunition from the wreck of Rubens. |
Monday, April 06, 2015
April 6th, 1915
- French attacks against the western face of the St.-Mihiel salient continue today, but gains have been limited to five hundred metres of enemy trenches.
- In replying to Conrad's message of yesterday, Falkenhayn states that he does not believe the time has yet come for divisions to be redeployed to face Italy, and denies the request for additional reinforcements for the Carpathians. As we have seen, Falkenhayn is already considering sending additional German forces to the east; he simply does not want any interference from Conrad.
Today the German chief of staff receives a report from General Cramon at Austro-Hungarian army headquarters. The military attache emphasizes the weakness of the Austro-Hungarian army, arguing that they can only hold a determined Russian attack if under German command or supported by German infantry. Conversely, he informs Falkenhayn that the transportation system in the Gorlice-Tarnow region would permit the deployment of four corps with attached heavy artillery, which could be in position for a major offensive by late-April. In light of this information, Falkenhayn orders Colonel Seeckt, chief of staff of 11th Army, to study the military situation on the Eastern Front, in case 11th Army and the new divisions it is comprised of are sent eastwards.
- In replying to Conrad's message of yesterday, Falkenhayn states that he does not believe the time has yet come for divisions to be redeployed to face Italy, and denies the request for additional reinforcements for the Carpathians. As we have seen, Falkenhayn is already considering sending additional German forces to the east; he simply does not want any interference from Conrad.
Today the German chief of staff receives a report from General Cramon at Austro-Hungarian army headquarters. The military attache emphasizes the weakness of the Austro-Hungarian army, arguing that they can only hold a determined Russian attack if under German command or supported by German infantry. Conversely, he informs Falkenhayn that the transportation system in the Gorlice-Tarnow region would permit the deployment of four corps with attached heavy artillery, which could be in position for a major offensive by late-April. In light of this information, Falkenhayn orders Colonel Seeckt, chief of staff of 11th Army, to study the military situation on the Eastern Front, in case 11th Army and the new divisions it is comprised of are sent eastwards.
Saturday, April 04, 2015
April 4th, 1915
- West of Verdun the French 3rd Army launches a diversionary attack against Vauquois in support of the French offensive against the St.-Mihiel salient.
- Concerned with the possibility that an Italian attack on Austria-Hungary might induce the latter to seek a separate peace with Russia, Falkenhayn has invited Conrad to Berlin for discussions today. On the issue of a separate peace, Falkenhayn is reassured that Austria-Hungary would not approach the Russians without first communicating with the Germans and asking for their participation. The two chiefs of staff also discuss the situation in the Carpathians and, despite the repeated requests of Conrad, Falkenhayn is unwilling to commit to the deployment of additional German forces to reinforce that front. The most Falkenhayn is willing to say to Conrad is that the question remains open as to whether the newly-raised Germans divisions can be most profitably employed in the West, the East, or against Serbia.
Nevertheless, the deteriorating military position of Austria-Hungary, combined with the possibility of Italy and Romania joining the ranks of Germany's enemies, has Falkenhayn contemplating whether a more substantial German commitment to the Eastern Front is necessary to prop up their faltering ally. The German Chief of Staff still views a campaign in the Carpathians as foolhardy, and has no intention of sending German divisions to that front as Conrad desires. Falkenhayn is, however, more open to the possibility of a German offensive elsewhere on the Eastern Front. Today he asks General August von Cramon, the German military attache at Conrad's headquarters, to make inquiries regarding the condition of the railways between the Vistula River and the Carpathians, especially near the town of Gorlice. Falkenhayn emphasizes the importance of discretion, not to keep the Russians from learning about his inquiry, but rather the Austro-Hungarians: if German forces need to be shifted east for a major offensive, he intends this to be German-led operation, and does not want Conrad either interfering or demanding redeployments to the Carpathians. Such is the nature of coalition politics between Germany and Austria-Hungary.
- In the central Carpathians the retreat of the centre and right of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army is completed today. Despite heavy pressure from the Russians, the Austro-Hungarians are able to establish themselves in their new defensive positions without significant mishaps.
At the far eastern end of the mountain range, the Russian 9th Army has been attacking the Austro-Hungarian force under General Pflanzer-Baltin for several weeks, attempting to cross the Dniester River. The Russian objective is the city of Czernowitz, the capture of which may induce the Romanians to adopt a more positive line towards the Entente. Though the Austro-Hungarian defenders have been outnumbered, they have been able to prevent a Russian breakthrough. Today a Russian attack forces back the right wing of XI Corps, but the timely intervention of 93rd Division not only halts the enemy advance but succeeds in recovering the lost positions by nightfall.
- Concerned with the possibility that an Italian attack on Austria-Hungary might induce the latter to seek a separate peace with Russia, Falkenhayn has invited Conrad to Berlin for discussions today. On the issue of a separate peace, Falkenhayn is reassured that Austria-Hungary would not approach the Russians without first communicating with the Germans and asking for their participation. The two chiefs of staff also discuss the situation in the Carpathians and, despite the repeated requests of Conrad, Falkenhayn is unwilling to commit to the deployment of additional German forces to reinforce that front. The most Falkenhayn is willing to say to Conrad is that the question remains open as to whether the newly-raised Germans divisions can be most profitably employed in the West, the East, or against Serbia.
Nevertheless, the deteriorating military position of Austria-Hungary, combined with the possibility of Italy and Romania joining the ranks of Germany's enemies, has Falkenhayn contemplating whether a more substantial German commitment to the Eastern Front is necessary to prop up their faltering ally. The German Chief of Staff still views a campaign in the Carpathians as foolhardy, and has no intention of sending German divisions to that front as Conrad desires. Falkenhayn is, however, more open to the possibility of a German offensive elsewhere on the Eastern Front. Today he asks General August von Cramon, the German military attache at Conrad's headquarters, to make inquiries regarding the condition of the railways between the Vistula River and the Carpathians, especially near the town of Gorlice. Falkenhayn emphasizes the importance of discretion, not to keep the Russians from learning about his inquiry, but rather the Austro-Hungarians: if German forces need to be shifted east for a major offensive, he intends this to be German-led operation, and does not want Conrad either interfering or demanding redeployments to the Carpathians. Such is the nature of coalition politics between Germany and Austria-Hungary.
- In the central Carpathians the retreat of the centre and right of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army is completed today. Despite heavy pressure from the Russians, the Austro-Hungarians are able to establish themselves in their new defensive positions without significant mishaps.
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| The position of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army after its retreat of April 2nd to 4th, 1915. |
At the far eastern end of the mountain range, the Russian 9th Army has been attacking the Austro-Hungarian force under General Pflanzer-Baltin for several weeks, attempting to cross the Dniester River. The Russian objective is the city of Czernowitz, the capture of which may induce the Romanians to adopt a more positive line towards the Entente. Though the Austro-Hungarian defenders have been outnumbered, they have been able to prevent a Russian breakthrough. Today a Russian attack forces back the right wing of XI Corps, but the timely intervention of 93rd Division not only halts the enemy advance but succeeds in recovering the lost positions by nightfall.
Monday, March 30, 2015
March 30th, 1915
- Though the French offensive in Champagne was halted ten days ago, it is only today that the Germans conclude the battle is at an end, as aerial reconnaissance indicates the withdrawal of French corps from the front.
- The French offensive against the St.-Mihiel salient begins today when 73rd Division attacks along the Moselle River, near the eastern end of the southern face of the salient. It is hoped that this attack, and subsequent ones planned to begin in the next several days in what will become the Battle of Woëvre, will draw German forces south before the primary French attack hits the western face of the salient.
- Colonel Seeckt, newly-appointed Chief of Staff of the German 11th Army, submits his proposal to OHL for an offensive on the Western Front by 11th Army, as per Falkenhayn's directive earlier this month. After studying the line between La Bassée Canal and Roye, Seeckt concludes that the most advantageous sector for an offensive is a twenty-five kilometre stretch running from just south of Arras to just north of Albert, as it lays just sixty-five kilometres from the coast and is less-well defended than nearby sectors. Further, the area to the west of the line is less developed, offering fewer possible points of resistance should the Germans break through, and the southern flank of a German advance would be in part shielded by the Somme River.
To achieve the initial breakthrough, Seeckt calls for the use of thirty heavy artillery batteries and 125 howitzer batteries, each of the latter covering two hundred yards of the front. Five corps would be assigned responsibility for breaking the enemy line, and would be supported by a second wave of four corps designed to cover the flanks and maintain forward momentum. A further army of five corps would then be necessary to carry the offensive to Doullens, the point at which he believed the Entente armies would be irretrievably split. Overall Seeckt's plans calls for the employment of fourteen corps, of which eleven were to be newly-built. This stands in contrast to the fourteen new divisions now available as a result of the reorganization of the German army; in other words, insufficient for Seeckt's operation. Though Falkenhayn now has the outline of a plan for achieving the great victory he desires in the West, he is now confronted by the reality of insufficient forces to execute the operation.
- As the situation continues to deteriorate in the Carpathians, one officer describes the mood at Austro-Hungarian army headquarters as 'below zero', with Conrad constantly 'grumbling'.
- The French offensive against the St.-Mihiel salient begins today when 73rd Division attacks along the Moselle River, near the eastern end of the southern face of the salient. It is hoped that this attack, and subsequent ones planned to begin in the next several days in what will become the Battle of Woëvre, will draw German forces south before the primary French attack hits the western face of the salient.
- Colonel Seeckt, newly-appointed Chief of Staff of the German 11th Army, submits his proposal to OHL for an offensive on the Western Front by 11th Army, as per Falkenhayn's directive earlier this month. After studying the line between La Bassée Canal and Roye, Seeckt concludes that the most advantageous sector for an offensive is a twenty-five kilometre stretch running from just south of Arras to just north of Albert, as it lays just sixty-five kilometres from the coast and is less-well defended than nearby sectors. Further, the area to the west of the line is less developed, offering fewer possible points of resistance should the Germans break through, and the southern flank of a German advance would be in part shielded by the Somme River.
To achieve the initial breakthrough, Seeckt calls for the use of thirty heavy artillery batteries and 125 howitzer batteries, each of the latter covering two hundred yards of the front. Five corps would be assigned responsibility for breaking the enemy line, and would be supported by a second wave of four corps designed to cover the flanks and maintain forward momentum. A further army of five corps would then be necessary to carry the offensive to Doullens, the point at which he believed the Entente armies would be irretrievably split. Overall Seeckt's plans calls for the employment of fourteen corps, of which eleven were to be newly-built. This stands in contrast to the fourteen new divisions now available as a result of the reorganization of the German army; in other words, insufficient for Seeckt's operation. Though Falkenhayn now has the outline of a plan for achieving the great victory he desires in the West, he is now confronted by the reality of insufficient forces to execute the operation.
- As the situation continues to deteriorate in the Carpathians, one officer describes the mood at Austro-Hungarian army headquarters as 'below zero', with Conrad constantly 'grumbling'.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
March 19th, 1915
- In Champagne a German attack on the high ground north of Le Mesnil largely fails to make any progress, the German infantry getting no further than the barbed wire strung before the French trenches. Only south of Ripont are the Germans able to seize a stretch of the first French trench, primarily through liberal use of grenades.
- OHL issues orders today to the Chief of the Military Railways regarding the assembly of units for the anticipated major offensive on the Western Front. Beginning on March 23rd, the following are to be gradually assembled: Guard Corps in Schlettstadt-Colmar, XXXXI Reserve Corps near Aulnoye-Busogny-Hirson, Bavarian II Corps near Douai-Cambrai, and III Corps near Mons.
- At Przemysl the garrison attempts a sortie, hoping to break through the Russian lines and allow for escape. The attack is largely recognized to be a forlorn hope, given the weakened state of the half-starved garrison, and indeed it has been impossible to hide from the Russians the preparations for the attempt. When the Austro-Hungarians advance, they are decimated by Russian artillery, and the 23rd Honved Division suffers 68% casualties in being driven back into the defensive lines. Within Przemysl itself, preliminary steps towards surrender begin with the burning of all paper money, worth approximately $125 000 US dollars.
- Grand Duke Nicholas, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian army, decides today to call off Russian attacks against East Prussia, as while the Russians have recovered after defeat in the Winter Battle of Masurian Lakes, they have been unable to penetrate German defensive positions. Instead, he decides that the Russians should concentrate on the Carpathians, given that Russian units covering Przemysl will be freed for future operations given the imminent fall of the fortress.
- This morning the weather has taken a turn for the worse at the Dardanelles, with high winds and lowered visibility. The conditions make a resumption of the Entente attack of yesterday impossible. As to whether the attack should be resumed, the view in London at least is to continue: the War Council sends a message to Admiral Robeck authorizing him to 'continue the naval operations against the Dardanelles if he thought fit.' Though Churchill desires further attacks, and in fact is sending reinforcements for the lost warships, the decision is left in the hands of the senior commander on the spot. Robeck, for his part, is conflicted: Keyes, his chief of staff, argues that the Ottomans are on the brink of collapse, but he can't shake the fear of losing more warships for reasons unknown.
- OHL issues orders today to the Chief of the Military Railways regarding the assembly of units for the anticipated major offensive on the Western Front. Beginning on March 23rd, the following are to be gradually assembled: Guard Corps in Schlettstadt-Colmar, XXXXI Reserve Corps near Aulnoye-Busogny-Hirson, Bavarian II Corps near Douai-Cambrai, and III Corps near Mons.
- At Przemysl the garrison attempts a sortie, hoping to break through the Russian lines and allow for escape. The attack is largely recognized to be a forlorn hope, given the weakened state of the half-starved garrison, and indeed it has been impossible to hide from the Russians the preparations for the attempt. When the Austro-Hungarians advance, they are decimated by Russian artillery, and the 23rd Honved Division suffers 68% casualties in being driven back into the defensive lines. Within Przemysl itself, preliminary steps towards surrender begin with the burning of all paper money, worth approximately $125 000 US dollars.
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| A section of the Austro-Hungarian defensive lines around Przemysl. |
- Grand Duke Nicholas, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian army, decides today to call off Russian attacks against East Prussia, as while the Russians have recovered after defeat in the Winter Battle of Masurian Lakes, they have been unable to penetrate German defensive positions. Instead, he decides that the Russians should concentrate on the Carpathians, given that Russian units covering Przemysl will be freed for future operations given the imminent fall of the fortress.
- This morning the weather has taken a turn for the worse at the Dardanelles, with high winds and lowered visibility. The conditions make a resumption of the Entente attack of yesterday impossible. As to whether the attack should be resumed, the view in London at least is to continue: the War Council sends a message to Admiral Robeck authorizing him to 'continue the naval operations against the Dardanelles if he thought fit.' Though Churchill desires further attacks, and in fact is sending reinforcements for the lost warships, the decision is left in the hands of the senior commander on the spot. Robeck, for his part, is conflicted: Keyes, his chief of staff, argues that the Ottomans are on the brink of collapse, but he can't shake the fear of losing more warships for reasons unknown.
Monday, March 16, 2015
March 16th, 1915
- As the British government discusses ongoing operations in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, the focus is not only on securing victory in the current war but also ensuring that the British Empire is in the best position for the post-war world. As Kitchener writes in a memorandum submitted to the War Council today:
- Falkenhayn orders the formation of eight additional divisions today, of which four - 111th, 113th, 119th, and 121st - will be ready for service by April 1st, with 115th, 117th, 123rd, and 11th Bavarian ready one to two weeks later. With the six new divisions whose creation has previously been ordered, these constitute the fourteen divisions (down from the initial projection of twenty-four) available as an OHL reserve, and which Falkenhayn intends to use on the Western Front.
The German Chief of Staff also issues a written directive to the commander of the newly-formed 11th Army:
It must not be forgotten that, after the conclusion of peace, old enmities and jealousies which have been stilled by the existing crisis in Europe, may revive. We have, in fact, to assume that, at some future date, we may find ourselves an enmity with Russia, or with France, or with both in combination, and we must bear this possibility in mind in deciding how, when the time for settlement comes and the question of the partition of Turkey in Asia arises, our interests can best be safeguarded.- In Champagne a large number of French assaults are launched between 445am and 2pm, but with only minor exceptions are repulsed. With XVI Corps failing to make further progress, Joffre finally concludes that the operation in Champagne cannot win a decisive victory and ought to be wound down. He orders General de Langle to undertake the planned XVI Corps' attacks with the remaining fresh infantry, and then cease operations, form strong defensive positions, and pull all but three corps out of the line.
- Falkenhayn orders the formation of eight additional divisions today, of which four - 111th, 113th, 119th, and 121st - will be ready for service by April 1st, with 115th, 117th, 123rd, and 11th Bavarian ready one to two weeks later. With the six new divisions whose creation has previously been ordered, these constitute the fourteen divisions (down from the initial projection of twenty-four) available as an OHL reserve, and which Falkenhayn intends to use on the Western Front.
The German Chief of Staff also issues a written directive to the commander of the newly-formed 11th Army:
The OHL plans to break through the enemy front in the West after making an adequate number of troops available. To this end, strong reserves will be placed in readiness in rear of that front along the several rail lines. The concentration of these reserves and their subsequent forward movement by rail to the point where the breakthrough is to be effected, will be regulated by the OHL. The tim for placing the reserves in readiness and the place for the breakthrough operation proper have not yet been fixed. The Commander of the Eleventh Army will conduct the offensive in a zone of action that will be designed in due time. The Eleventh Army Commander's next task will consist of reconnoitring the terrain between La Bassée Canal and the Avre near Roye for a breakthrough operation, with a view to piercing the hostile front north of the Somme on a width of from 25 to 30 kilometres and advancing thence to the sea. In the zones of action to be selected, it is planned to allot first of all, in addition to the troops already in position, as many infantry divisions (each of three regiments) as will enable each division to occupy from two and a half to three kilometres of frontage. The necessary heavy artillery will be made available. With the aid of these forces the tactical breakthrough should be successful - including the piercing of the enemy's line. In rear of the rupture, the OHL intends to place as many additional forces in readiness as will be required to exploit the tactical breakthrough for strategic purposes. The reconnaissance must be initiated as early as possible . . . [and] the result will be submitted to the OHL in the form of a report no later than the end of March.- Today a doctor serving on the hospital ship Soudan examines Admiral Carden, declaring that he has a dangerous ulcer and that he requires several weeks of rest to avoid a complete breakdown. Though it means the end of his naval career, Carden feels he has no choice but to signal the Admiralty that he must resign as commander of the Dardanelles expedition.
Friday, March 13, 2015
March 13th, 1915
- Today the Swedish merchant ship Hanna, carrying coal from the Tyne to Las Palmas, is sunk by a German U-boat off of Scarborough, the first neutral vessel sunk by torpedo without warning since the Germans began unconditional submarine warfare last month.
- At Neuve Chapelle the British decide to call off their offensive in the face of stiffening resistance. For 13 000 casualties, including 4000 from the Indian Corps, the British have recaptured the village of Neuve Chapelle and advanced the line approximately a thousand yards along a three thousand yard stretch of the front. Though the initial attack on the 10th was an immediate success, it has not led to any strategic advantage whatsoever - Aubers Ridge remains beyond the reach of the British.
In explaining the failure to exploit the initial breakthrough, a lack of artillery shells is highlighted, this despite the British firing one-sixth of their entire munitions stockpile on the Western Front in just three days. This reflects the growing awareness that artillery is the master of the deadlocked battlefield in France and Belgium. In analyzing the battle afterwards, Haig concludes that the thirty-five minute artillery bombardment was insufficient, lengthier bombardments necessary to thoroughly pulverize the enemy, and that attacks must be launched on a longer stretch of the front to prevent the enemy from concentrating their reserves at a single threatened point. Unfortunately for the British, these are the absolute worst lessons Haig could of drawn from the battle. The initial success was due precisely to the fact that the short-but-intensive bombardment both severely damaged German positions while catching them by surprise, while the concentration of the attacking force against a single point allowed for sufficient numerical superiority to overwhelm the defenders. The lessons Haig draws from Neuve Chapelle will feature prominently in British operations to come, culminating in just over a year's time in the Battle of the Somme.
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle does at least demonstrate that the British have some ability in planning and executing offensive operations in the context of trench warfare. Joffre is pleased to see his British allies willing to go over on to the attack, though he is disdainful of the failed followup operations. For the British, the battle also reinforces the belief that this will be a long war. As Brigadier-General John Chateris, Haig's intelligence officer at 1st Army, comments afterwards, 'I am afraid that England will have to accustom herself to far greater losses than those of Neuve Chapelle before we finally crush the German Army.' More prophetic words were hardly ever spoken during the war.
- Today Falkenhayn receives a second proposal for an offensive operation on the Western Front, this one composed by the Chief of Staff of 1st Army. It argues that an attack in Artois will only push the British backwards, and otherwise will have no strategic consequences. Instead, the focus should be on finding that stretch of the front where the odds of a successful breakthrough are greatest, and 1st Army's conclusion is that the line on its left wing and the adjoining right wing of 7th Army along the Aisne River is ideal for this purpose. The plan calls for four corps to cross the Aisne on a twenty kilometre from east of Soisson, with four corps and a cavalry corps following on to widen the breach, after which the offensive would continue in the direction of Paris. In favour of 1st Army's proposal was that it would required fewer corps and less artillery to execute. On a tactical level, the plan is very promising, but the question is whether the tactical success of a breakthrough along the Aisne can be converted into a decisive strategic victory.
- In the central Carpathians, a Russian attack this afternoon breaks through the line held by the Austro-Hungarian XIX Corps on the left wing of 2nd Army. This corps, part of the stalled drive on Baligrod, now finds itself fighting a desperate defensive battle. To the east, meanwhile, four Russian cavalry divisions and a rifle brigade drives back several Austro-Hungarian divisions in the centre of General Pflanzer-Baltin's line.
With the Austro-Hungarian offensive faltering, the garrison commander at Przemysl, General Hermann Kusmanek, is informed by radio today that 2nd Army may not be able to drive through Lisko to relieve the fortress by the 18th as hoped. It is left to Kusmanek's discretion whether part of garrison should sortie and attempt to break through to Austro-Hungarian lines before the food supply is exhausted.
- Off the Dardanelles Admiral Carden replies to Churchill's message of the 11th, agreeing that the time has come for a more sustained effort and informing the First Lord that a major effort will be undertaken overnight. Carden himself, however, is increasing ill, as Keyes notes today - the strain of the operation, combined with the pressure for results from London, is taking its toll.
- At Neuve Chapelle the British decide to call off their offensive in the face of stiffening resistance. For 13 000 casualties, including 4000 from the Indian Corps, the British have recaptured the village of Neuve Chapelle and advanced the line approximately a thousand yards along a three thousand yard stretch of the front. Though the initial attack on the 10th was an immediate success, it has not led to any strategic advantage whatsoever - Aubers Ridge remains beyond the reach of the British.
In explaining the failure to exploit the initial breakthrough, a lack of artillery shells is highlighted, this despite the British firing one-sixth of their entire munitions stockpile on the Western Front in just three days. This reflects the growing awareness that artillery is the master of the deadlocked battlefield in France and Belgium. In analyzing the battle afterwards, Haig concludes that the thirty-five minute artillery bombardment was insufficient, lengthier bombardments necessary to thoroughly pulverize the enemy, and that attacks must be launched on a longer stretch of the front to prevent the enemy from concentrating their reserves at a single threatened point. Unfortunately for the British, these are the absolute worst lessons Haig could of drawn from the battle. The initial success was due precisely to the fact that the short-but-intensive bombardment both severely damaged German positions while catching them by surprise, while the concentration of the attacking force against a single point allowed for sufficient numerical superiority to overwhelm the defenders. The lessons Haig draws from Neuve Chapelle will feature prominently in British operations to come, culminating in just over a year's time in the Battle of the Somme.
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle does at least demonstrate that the British have some ability in planning and executing offensive operations in the context of trench warfare. Joffre is pleased to see his British allies willing to go over on to the attack, though he is disdainful of the failed followup operations. For the British, the battle also reinforces the belief that this will be a long war. As Brigadier-General John Chateris, Haig's intelligence officer at 1st Army, comments afterwards, 'I am afraid that England will have to accustom herself to far greater losses than those of Neuve Chapelle before we finally crush the German Army.' More prophetic words were hardly ever spoken during the war.
 |
| Soldiers of the Northumberland Hussars in the second line of trenches, north of Neuve Chapelle, March 13th, 1915. |
- Today Falkenhayn receives a second proposal for an offensive operation on the Western Front, this one composed by the Chief of Staff of 1st Army. It argues that an attack in Artois will only push the British backwards, and otherwise will have no strategic consequences. Instead, the focus should be on finding that stretch of the front where the odds of a successful breakthrough are greatest, and 1st Army's conclusion is that the line on its left wing and the adjoining right wing of 7th Army along the Aisne River is ideal for this purpose. The plan calls for four corps to cross the Aisne on a twenty kilometre from east of Soisson, with four corps and a cavalry corps following on to widen the breach, after which the offensive would continue in the direction of Paris. In favour of 1st Army's proposal was that it would required fewer corps and less artillery to execute. On a tactical level, the plan is very promising, but the question is whether the tactical success of a breakthrough along the Aisne can be converted into a decisive strategic victory.
- In the central Carpathians, a Russian attack this afternoon breaks through the line held by the Austro-Hungarian XIX Corps on the left wing of 2nd Army. This corps, part of the stalled drive on Baligrod, now finds itself fighting a desperate defensive battle. To the east, meanwhile, four Russian cavalry divisions and a rifle brigade drives back several Austro-Hungarian divisions in the centre of General Pflanzer-Baltin's line.
With the Austro-Hungarian offensive faltering, the garrison commander at Przemysl, General Hermann Kusmanek, is informed by radio today that 2nd Army may not be able to drive through Lisko to relieve the fortress by the 18th as hoped. It is left to Kusmanek's discretion whether part of garrison should sortie and attempt to break through to Austro-Hungarian lines before the food supply is exhausted.
- Off the Dardanelles Admiral Carden replies to Churchill's message of the 11th, agreeing that the time has come for a more sustained effort and informing the First Lord that a major effort will be undertaken overnight. Carden himself, however, is increasing ill, as Keyes notes today - the strain of the operation, combined with the pressure for results from London, is taking its toll.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
March 11th, 1915
- In direct response to the German declaration of a war zone around Britain and the commencement of unrestricted submarine warfare, the British declare a total blockade of Germany today. Henceforth, Entente navies would prevent all cargoes, not just contraband, from reaching German ports.
- The Zeppelins belonging to the German army are today authorized to conduct aerial bombardments of London.
- In Canada, recruiting for a second contingent began even while the first was still training on Salisbury Plain. Today, Lord Kitchener informs the Canadian government that the transportation of the first elements of the second contingent across the Atlantic will commence in late April.
- Overnight, German forces have constructed a new defensive line across the breach open yesterday at Neuve Chapelle, while also deploying additional artillery batteries. In the morning mist the new positions go unseen, such that when a British attack is launched at 7am, it runs into a hail of machine gun and artillery fire from elements of the German 14th Division. A second attack in the evening is similarly dispatched as further German reinforcements, this time from 6th Bavarian Division, arrive on the battlefield.
- In Champagne the major assault of the French XVI Corps is scheduled to begin tomorrow, and this evening its commander issues his final orders to his subordinates. He instructs that every soldier is to participate in the advance, with none left to occupy trenches, and that every piece of ground seized is to be immediately consolidated and used as a launching pad for further attacks.
- The results of the reorganization of the German army, to incorporate the newest cohort of recruits while creating a large reserve of experienced divisions, are not as promising as Falkenhayn had originally hoped. Instead of the anticipated twenty-four new divisions, it is now apparent that, due to losses and other requirements, only fourteen new divisions can be created. This is less than the force envisioned in 6th Army's proposed operation for an offensive north of the Somme. Despite this setback, Falkenhayn remains committed to undertaking an attack in the West - writing today to Colonel Seeckt, 11th Army's Chief of Staff, he emphasizes that he still plans to force a return to a war of movement on the Western Front through a major breakthrough that culminates in victory over the Entente.
- Since the beginning of March, the German 10th Army has been gradually falling back towards the line it held prior to the Winter Battle of the Masurian Lakes, as the position it had won in the battle had been rendered untenable due to Russian pressure on the flanks. It has been cautiously followed by the Russian 10th Army, but two days ago the Germans turned the tables on their pursuers, and after several furious days of fighting the Russians have been halted. The Germans are thus able to assume defensive positions and stalemate returns to the front. Despite the victory last month at Masurian Lakes, in terms of territory the Germans find themselves right back where they started.
- After four days of fighting the offensive of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army has stalled, unable to maintain the early momentum towards Gorlize and Staszkowka, at a cost of six thousand casualties.
Meanwhile, the garrison of the besieged fortress of Przemysl reports today that after the slaughter of all horses and a thorough search for all available food it will be able to hold out until March 24th, at which point surrender will be necessary to avoid starvation. The winter battles in the Carpathians are approaching their climax; the Austro-Hungarians must break through immediately if Przemysl is to be relieved before it falls.
The Russians, however, have other ideas. General Brusilov has been concerned that the advance of the left wing of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army, particularly near Lupkow, threatens the flank of the Russian forces facing 3rd Army to the west. To negate this possibility, Russian forces attack today near Lupkow, and the Austro-Hungarian 29th Division is forced to yield the ground it had conquered over the past few days.
- At the Dardanelles the minesweepers are sent into the straits unescorted tonight, hoping to catch the Ottomans by surprise. The result was about what one would expect, as Keyes related:
- The landing party of the German light cruiser Emden arrives today back at Hodeida, from which it had departed a month earlier. Intending to continue their journey by sea, they must secure new vessels, as Choising, the merchant ship upon which they had crossed the Indian Ocean, had been sent away upon their arrival at Hodeida. As there are no steamships to be had, First Officer Mücke acquires two zambuks, small sailboats fourteen meters long and four meters wide, used along the Arabian coast. The party intends to sail from Yabana, a small bay north of Hodeida, on the fourteenth, while to deflect unwanted attention Mücke spreads the rumour that they will instead sail from Isa Bay on the thirteenth.
- The Zeppelins belonging to the German army are today authorized to conduct aerial bombardments of London.
- In Canada, recruiting for a second contingent began even while the first was still training on Salisbury Plain. Today, Lord Kitchener informs the Canadian government that the transportation of the first elements of the second contingent across the Atlantic will commence in late April.
- Overnight, German forces have constructed a new defensive line across the breach open yesterday at Neuve Chapelle, while also deploying additional artillery batteries. In the morning mist the new positions go unseen, such that when a British attack is launched at 7am, it runs into a hail of machine gun and artillery fire from elements of the German 14th Division. A second attack in the evening is similarly dispatched as further German reinforcements, this time from 6th Bavarian Division, arrive on the battlefield.
- In Champagne the major assault of the French XVI Corps is scheduled to begin tomorrow, and this evening its commander issues his final orders to his subordinates. He instructs that every soldier is to participate in the advance, with none left to occupy trenches, and that every piece of ground seized is to be immediately consolidated and used as a launching pad for further attacks.
- The results of the reorganization of the German army, to incorporate the newest cohort of recruits while creating a large reserve of experienced divisions, are not as promising as Falkenhayn had originally hoped. Instead of the anticipated twenty-four new divisions, it is now apparent that, due to losses and other requirements, only fourteen new divisions can be created. This is less than the force envisioned in 6th Army's proposed operation for an offensive north of the Somme. Despite this setback, Falkenhayn remains committed to undertaking an attack in the West - writing today to Colonel Seeckt, 11th Army's Chief of Staff, he emphasizes that he still plans to force a return to a war of movement on the Western Front through a major breakthrough that culminates in victory over the Entente.
- Since the beginning of March, the German 10th Army has been gradually falling back towards the line it held prior to the Winter Battle of the Masurian Lakes, as the position it had won in the battle had been rendered untenable due to Russian pressure on the flanks. It has been cautiously followed by the Russian 10th Army, but two days ago the Germans turned the tables on their pursuers, and after several furious days of fighting the Russians have been halted. The Germans are thus able to assume defensive positions and stalemate returns to the front. Despite the victory last month at Masurian Lakes, in terms of territory the Germans find themselves right back where they started.
- After four days of fighting the offensive of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army has stalled, unable to maintain the early momentum towards Gorlize and Staszkowka, at a cost of six thousand casualties.
Meanwhile, the garrison of the besieged fortress of Przemysl reports today that after the slaughter of all horses and a thorough search for all available food it will be able to hold out until March 24th, at which point surrender will be necessary to avoid starvation. The winter battles in the Carpathians are approaching their climax; the Austro-Hungarians must break through immediately if Przemysl is to be relieved before it falls.
The Russians, however, have other ideas. General Brusilov has been concerned that the advance of the left wing of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army, particularly near Lupkow, threatens the flank of the Russian forces facing 3rd Army to the west. To negate this possibility, Russian forces attack today near Lupkow, and the Austro-Hungarian 29th Division is forced to yield the ground it had conquered over the past few days.
- At the Dardanelles the minesweepers are sent into the straits unescorted tonight, hoping to catch the Ottomans by surprise. The result was about what one would expect, as Keyes related:
The less said about that night the better. To put it briefly, the sweepers turned tail and fled as soon as they were fired upon. I was furious and told the officers . . . that it did not matter if we lost all seven sweepers, there were twenty-eight more, and the mines had got to be swept up. How could they talk about being stopped by heavy fire if they were not hit?- At the Admiralty, Churchill has received reports of Ottoman ammunition shortages at the Dardanelles, and sends orders to Carden to abandon his methodical attempts to bombardment the forts and sweep the minefields, and instead press forward with maximum force. In Churchill's views, any losses that may occur would be amply compensated by the strategic consequences of victory at the Dardanelles.
- The landing party of the German light cruiser Emden arrives today back at Hodeida, from which it had departed a month earlier. Intending to continue their journey by sea, they must secure new vessels, as Choising, the merchant ship upon which they had crossed the Indian Ocean, had been sent away upon their arrival at Hodeida. As there are no steamships to be had, First Officer Mücke acquires two zambuks, small sailboats fourteen meters long and four meters wide, used along the Arabian coast. The party intends to sail from Yabana, a small bay north of Hodeida, on the fourteenth, while to deflect unwanted attention Mücke spreads the rumour that they will instead sail from Isa Bay on the thirteenth.
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
March 4th, 1915
- Today the commander of the German 6th Army submits to Falkenhayn a plan for a major offensive operation in northern France, drawn up by the army's chief of staff. It called for a breakthrough on both sides of Arras, followed by an advance to the northwest towards the Channel coast between Calais and Boulogne. To the north, a secondary attack around Mount Kemmel would pin the Entente forces north of the breakthrough, while the southern flank would be protected by forces taking up defensive positions along the line Albert-Doullens-Authis.
Particular focus in the plan is placed on the initial breakthrough, working out in detail how such a success could be achieved given the stalemate on the Western Front. It argued that the initial attack should be undertaken by six corps along a twenty-six kilometre front, supported by 160 heavy and 374 field batteries. A further seven corps, plus two cavalry corps, would then follow to exploit the breakthrough. Special emphasis is placed on the plentiful provisin of artillery ammunition - 6th Army's operations around Ypres in October and November of last year had been hindered by shortages, which could not be repeated if the proposed operation were to be launched.
- This evening the Zeppelin L 8 is ordered to depart the airship base at Gontrode, near Ghent, and return to Düsseldorf. The commander of L 8 decides to interpret his orders liberally, and departs Gontrode with seventy incendiary bombs, intending to take a circuitous route to Düsseldorf and dropping his payload on the Essex coast. L 8 flies westward through thick clouds, occasionally descending below the cloud cover to ensure it is following the Channel coast. At 9pm, it descends to under a thousand feet at Nieuport, firing off recognition signals. Unfortunately for the Zeppelin, the Belgian trenches extend right to the Channel's edge, and they respond to the sudden appearance of the German airship by riddling it with rifle and machine-gun fire. L 8 dropped all of its bombs, ballast, and water to rise above the intense fire, and limps back eastward, hydrogen leaking from its air cells. Just after midnight, it will come down eighty-five miles short of Düsseldorf.
- In the Dover Straits, the British have erected nets with 'indicator' nets in an effort to prevent the movement of German submarines through the English Channel. Today these nets claim their first victim, U-9, when it becomes entangled and is sunk by gunfire from the destroyer Gurkha.
- Today the growing number of Ottoman soldiers on the Gallipoli peninsula leads to the withdrawal of the last of the Royal Marine landing parties set ashore on the 26th. Nevertheless, they have accomplished their objective of destroying the remainder of the Ottoman guns at the entrance to the Dardanelles.
Back in London, doubts over the Dardanelles operation continue to gnaw at Admiral Fisher, as he writes to Churchill today: 'The more I consider the Dardanelles the less I like it.'
Particular focus in the plan is placed on the initial breakthrough, working out in detail how such a success could be achieved given the stalemate on the Western Front. It argued that the initial attack should be undertaken by six corps along a twenty-six kilometre front, supported by 160 heavy and 374 field batteries. A further seven corps, plus two cavalry corps, would then follow to exploit the breakthrough. Special emphasis is placed on the plentiful provisin of artillery ammunition - 6th Army's operations around Ypres in October and November of last year had been hindered by shortages, which could not be repeated if the proposed operation were to be launched.
- This evening the Zeppelin L 8 is ordered to depart the airship base at Gontrode, near Ghent, and return to Düsseldorf. The commander of L 8 decides to interpret his orders liberally, and departs Gontrode with seventy incendiary bombs, intending to take a circuitous route to Düsseldorf and dropping his payload on the Essex coast. L 8 flies westward through thick clouds, occasionally descending below the cloud cover to ensure it is following the Channel coast. At 9pm, it descends to under a thousand feet at Nieuport, firing off recognition signals. Unfortunately for the Zeppelin, the Belgian trenches extend right to the Channel's edge, and they respond to the sudden appearance of the German airship by riddling it with rifle and machine-gun fire. L 8 dropped all of its bombs, ballast, and water to rise above the intense fire, and limps back eastward, hydrogen leaking from its air cells. Just after midnight, it will come down eighty-five miles short of Düsseldorf.
- In the Dover Straits, the British have erected nets with 'indicator' nets in an effort to prevent the movement of German submarines through the English Channel. Today these nets claim their first victim, U-9, when it becomes entangled and is sunk by gunfire from the destroyer Gurkha.
- Today the growing number of Ottoman soldiers on the Gallipoli peninsula leads to the withdrawal of the last of the Royal Marine landing parties set ashore on the 26th. Nevertheless, they have accomplished their objective of destroying the remainder of the Ottoman guns at the entrance to the Dardanelles.
Back in London, doubts over the Dardanelles operation continue to gnaw at Admiral Fisher, as he writes to Churchill today: 'The more I consider the Dardanelles the less I like it.'
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
March 3rd, 1915
- Despite agreeing to the deployment of the January reserves to the Eastern Front, Falkenhayn remains convinced that victory can only be achieved through a successful and decisive offensive on the Western Front. To date, the issue for Falkenhayn has been finding the forces to undertake such an operation - the portion of the German army currently in the West is sufficient only to defend the current line, while Hindenburg and Ludendorff jealously guard their units on the Eastern Front. However, on February 22nd Major-General Ernst von Wrisberg, director of the General War Department, had submitted a proposal to Falkenhayn that offered the prospect of creating a new reserve force that could be utilized in major offensives. While sufficent new recruits have now been trained to form several new reserve corps, as had been done in October 1914 and January 1915, Wrisberg's proposal was to instead to assign approximately 2400 recruits to each existing division while simultaneously detaching one regiment from each division. The detached regiments, meanwhile, would be combined into new reserve divisions. Thus unlike prior occasions, these new reserve divisions would be comprised of experienced soldiers capable of undertaking complex operations. Wrisberg expected that this reorganization would allow for the creation of twenty-four reserves, and Falkenhayn has eagerly embraced the proposal, seeing in it the means by which his desired offensive in the West could be undertaken.
Orders have already been issued for the formation of the first six of the new divisions, and today Falkenhayn orders the formation of a new 11th Army, which he intends to use as the core of his offensive on the Western Front. Its commander will be General Fabeck, who brings to the position his experience in the fighting around Ypres in October and November, while as Chief of Staff Falkenhayn appoints Colonel Hans von Seeckt, an experienced and successful staff officer on the Western Front.
- Meanwhile, this evening Falkenhayn arrives at the headquarters of 3rd Army in the Champagne to discuss the ongoing French offensive. He emphasizes the importance of not yielding an inch of ground, which corresponds with the opinion of General Einem, 3rd Army's commander.
- In northern Poland the German 8th Army has failed to make any progress in its siege of the Russian fortress at Osowiec. The land around the fortress is marshy and criss-crossed with streams, slowing the movement and deployment of German heavy artillery, while Russian maneouvers outside Osowiec have kept the Germans off-guard. Thus the Germans have been unable to bring their full firepower to bear on the Russian defences, in contrast to sieges at Liège and Antwerp earlier in the war. Frustrated, and challenged by the strength of the Russian 12th Army to the west, 8th Army abandons the siege and withdraws to the northwest.
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| A siege gun deployed by the Germans at Osowiec. |
- Over the past two days the Russian VII and XII Corps have undertaken fierce counterattacks against the left flank of 2nd Army and the right flank of 3rd Army opposite, but the Austro-Hungarian defenders have managed to hold their positions. From Conrad at AOK comes renewed exortations, urging all armies to advance in Galicia and relieve Przemysl. To the German command staff of Südarmee, given the heavy casualties and terrible weather, such pleas appear little more than delusional.
- Another attempt to sweep the Ottoman minefields in the Dardanelles fails tonight when the minesweepers yet again retreat under heavy fire. Significantly, Admiral de Robeck, commanding the forward assault forces of the Entente fleet, concludes today that the straits cannot be forced until the shore batteries are silenced by the occupation of one shore or the other.
- After four weeks in Sanaa, the sailors of Emden's landing party have sufficiently recovered from their various ailments to allow for the column to depart today. Their destination is once again Hodeida, from which they had left on January 27th; with a march overland ruled out by the climate, First Officer Mücke has resolved to attempt to continue their journey by sea.
- The detachment of Indian Expeditionary Force D sent to Ahwaz on February 11th is encamped across the Karun river from the town. The scratch force has arrived too late to prevent hostile Arabs from cutting the vital oil pipeline to Abadan in several places, ostensibly the detachment's original mission. Moreover, a large number of Ottoman soldiers and Arab irregulars have gathered to the north at Ghadir, and the commander of the detachment has decided to attack the enemy encampment at dawn. His plan is to bring his artillery pieces within range of the enemy, at which point their high rate of fire would induce the Ottomans and Arabs to retreat or disperse. When the shelling begins, however, the enemy came 'buzzing out like a disturbed wasps nest' and, instead of retreating, attacked the British column. The latter was then forced to undertake a fighting retreat, only escaping destruction due to the unwillingness of the Arab cavalry to close up to the British lines and the steadfastness of the Dorsets infantry.
- The captain of the German light cruiser Königsberg receives a wireless signal, via the transmission tower at Windhoek in German South-West Africa, that he should communicate with the disguised merchant ship Rubens on April 1st.
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