Monthly Archives: May 2016

ENORMOUS CLASH ON THE HIGH SEAS

The Battle of Jutland Lasts Few Short Hours,  Thousands of Sailors Drown Special to The Great War Project (30 May-1 June) On the morning of 31 May a century ago, the great flotillas of Britain and German warships are on a collision course. “Over 250 British and German warships were steaming on convergent courses to…

RUSSIANS PLANNING HUGE OFFENSIVE

Bid to Break Stalemate on the Eastern Front Staking All on Doubtful Strategy; The Brusilov Offensive. Special to The Great War Project (26-29 May) For weeks a century ago, news is scarce from the Eastern Front. The Russians have withdrawn and are tending to their losses inflicted earlier in the war. But now on the…

TALES FROM THE BATTLEFIELD

Eyewitnesses to the Carnage. The Muck and Grime of Death. Special to The Great War Project (22-25 May) Vicious fighting resumes again at Verdun in northern France on the Western Front. On May 23rd a century ago, the French attack at Fort Douaumont, outside the town of Verdun. It looks at first like the French…

A FLOOD OF AMERICAN ARMS TO ALLIES

British Operations in U.S. Spend Millions Each Week The German Response: Sabotage Special to The Great War Project (18-21 May) By this time in the war a century ago, the United States is supplying the Allies – Britain, France, and Russia – with an estimated forty percent of the weaponry they need to fight the…

ITALIANS FACE HUGE AUSTRIAN OFFENSIVE

Austrians Deploy Hundreds of Guns on Trentino Front. Terrible Toll at Verdun as Battle Drags On. Special to The Great War Project (14-17 May) During these days in May a century ago, the Germans are building up their defenses on the Western Front. The major fighting for the Central Powers is the launch of a…

BRITISH AND ARABS PLAN THE ‘ARAB REVOLT’

Both Sides Eager for Fight; Both Weakened by War Ottomans Launch Wave of Executions Special to The Great War Project (9-13 May) The British are making efforts to ignite an “Arab Revolt” in the lands of Arabia, led by Sharif Hussein, descendant of Mohammed, leader of the Hashemite clan, and keeper of the Sacred Mosque…

BRITISH PREPARE FOR THE ‘BIG PUSH’

Millions of Artillery Shells Planned at the Somme; ‘Nothing Could Exist at the Conclusion of the Bombardment.’ Special to The Great War Project (5-8 May) On the Western Front during these days one hundred years ago, the British are preparing for something big. Many believe they are getting ready for a big push at the…

THE SECRET SYKES PICOT AGREEMENT

 Britain and France Carve Up The Middle East One Problem: Ottoman Turks Winning the War Special to The Great War Project. (1-4 May) The British may have been defeated at Kut in Mesopotamia on the last day of April a century ago, but they are not defeated in the Middle East. At least that’s the…