On the 3rd June 1915, Austro-German forces recaptured Przemysl which proved to be a crucial city in the south east area of Poland. Subsequently, the entire Russian Front begins to collapse.
On the 9th June 1915, William Jennings Bryan quits as US Secretary of State. US President Wilson personally sent the second Lusitania note to Germany, demanding reparations and prevention of "recurrence of anything so obviously subversive of the principles of warfare". President Wilson refuses to recognise the "warzone" that Germany has proclaimed around the British Isles.
On the 10th June 1915, British and French troops conquered the German colony of Cameroon.
On the 21st June 1915, an Anti-British revolt in South Africa ended with the arresr of General De Law.
On the 23rd June 1915, Italian troops launch the first of what was to become 11 battles to dislodge Austrian troops from the Isonzo River, which separates the Italians from Trieste.
Tuesday 30 June 2015
Friday 26 June 2015
The Great War - Flying Aces
On the 28th May 1893, Donald Maclaren was born in Canada. In 1914, Donald, his father and his brother had opened a fur trading post but by 1916 this was closed to help the war effort instead. Donald joined the Royal Flying Corps.
In November 1917, after extensive training, Donald was sent to France. His first combat mission didn't take place until February where he shot down a German fighter plane. By March 1918, Donald had helped destroy a railway gun, then go on to shoot down a balloon as well as two German LVG two seaters. For this he was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
When his Squadron Commander was killed in a crash, Donald was promoted to the role. In late October, whilst competing in a friendly wrestling match with his comrades, Donald broke his leg and was subsequently sent back to hospital in England. He was still there when the Armistice news filtered through.
By the end of the war Donald had seen just seven months of combat. However in this time he had a Military Cross & Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the DSO, the French Legion of Honour and the Croix De Guerre to his name.
After the war, Donald spent two years in command of the Canadian pilots stationed in England with the Royal Canadian Airforce before later forming Pacific Airways. He died on the 4th July 1988 in British Columbia aged 95.
In November 1917, after extensive training, Donald was sent to France. His first combat mission didn't take place until February where he shot down a German fighter plane. By March 1918, Donald had helped destroy a railway gun, then go on to shoot down a balloon as well as two German LVG two seaters. For this he was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
When his Squadron Commander was killed in a crash, Donald was promoted to the role. In late October, whilst competing in a friendly wrestling match with his comrades, Donald broke his leg and was subsequently sent back to hospital in England. He was still there when the Armistice news filtered through.
By the end of the war Donald had seen just seven months of combat. However in this time he had a Military Cross & Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the DSO, the French Legion of Honour and the Croix De Guerre to his name.
After the war, Donald spent two years in command of the Canadian pilots stationed in England with the Royal Canadian Airforce before later forming Pacific Airways. He died on the 4th July 1988 in British Columbia aged 95.
Life AT War - Day By Day - May 1915
On the 13th May 1915, the US Secretary of State Bryan sent a note to Germany, demanding that German admits and apologises for the attacking and sinking of the Lusitania and insists that Germany should make immediate reparations. Later Bryan was to say that the note was originally only sent to "pacify excited public opinion".
On the 23rd May 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.
On the 24th May 1915, a man called Thomas Edison invented new technology, still used today, that enabled us to record telephone conversations.
On the 25th May 1915, the second battle of Ypres ended with over 105,000 casualties.
On the 23rd May 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.
On the 24th May 1915, a man called Thomas Edison invented new technology, still used today, that enabled us to record telephone conversations.
On the 25th May 1915, the second battle of Ypres ended with over 105,000 casualties.
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