On This Day - 20 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
Minor operations near Hebuterne, Robecq and south of Scarpe go in favour of British.
North-east of Ypres German attempt fails.
At Seicheprey (Woevre) Germans gain partial success against French and Americans.
Eastern Front
Finland: Details of intentions of Finnish "White Party" are published in Stockholm.
Naval and Overseas Operations
British and German destroyers in contact in Heligoland Bight. One German destroyer damaged.
Political, etc.
Great Britain: First National Emergency Proclamation, withdrawing exemptions up to 23.75 years, issued.
Nationalist M.P.s unanimously decide to oppose conscription; Irish Bishops support them.
South Africa: Governor-General (Lord Buxton) issues warning to Nationalists.
