On This Day - 9 April 1918
Theatre definitions:
Western Front comprises the Franco-German-Belgian front and any
military action in Great Britain, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Holland.
Eastern Front comprises the German-Russian, Austro-Russian and
Austro-Romanian fronts. Southern Front comprises the
Austro-Italian and Balkan (including Bulgaro-Romanian) fronts, and
Dardanelles. Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres comprises
Egypt, Tripoli, the Sudan, Asia Minor (including Transcaucasia), Arabia,
Mesopotamia, Syria, Persia, Afghanistan, Turkestan, China, India, etc.
Naval and Overseas Operations comprises operations on the seas
(except where carried out in combination with troops on land) and in
Colonial and Overseas theatres, America, etc. Political, etc.
comprises political and internal events in all countries, including Notes,
speeches, diplomatic, financial, economic and domestic matters.
Source: Chronology of the War (1914-18, London; copyright expired)
Western Front
Battle of the Lys begins.
Heavy bombardment from La Bassee Canal to Armentieres, followed by strong attacks, force British and Portuguese back to Lys river at Estaires.
Neuve Chapelle lost.
Fine stand by Guards Division.
Hangard lost and retaken by French; between it and Noyon all enemy attempts repulsed.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres
Transcaucasia: Turks reported before Batum and marching on Kars.
Palestine: British advance 1.5 miles on 5-mile front east of Tul-Keram-Ramleh railway.
Arabs claim 800 miles of Red Sea coast, and to have put 40,000 Turks out of action since declaration of independence.
Naval and Overseas Operations
German torpedo-boats bombard Belgian coast.
Political, etc.
Mr. Lloyd George introduces Man-Power Bill, reviews battle situation, and refers to Irish affairs.
