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Timeline

Explore the events and milestones of the First World War with the National Army Museum's interactive timeline.

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  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

    28 June 1914

    The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, is assassinated by a Bosnian Serb in Sarajevo. The Austro-Hungarians blame the Serbs and seek revenge.

    1914
    People
    Politics

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  • Germany backs Austria-Hungary

    5 July 1914

    Germany assures Austria-Hungary of its support against Russia should the latter oppose Austria’s planned attack on Serbia.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Austro-Hungarian ultimatum rejected

    23 July 1914

    Austria-Hungary sends Serbia an impossible ultimatum, which is rejected.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia

    28 July 1914

    Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russia mobilises in support of its Serb ally.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Germany warns Russia

    31 July 1914

    Germany warns Russia to cease mobilisation despite the latter’s claim that this is only aimed against the Austro-Hungarians.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Germany declares war on Russia

    1 August 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Germans and Ottomans sign treaty

    1 August 1914

    Germany and the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey) sign a secret alliance treaty aimed against Russia.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Germany declares war on France and Belgium

    3 August 1914

    Germany declares war on France (an ally of Russia) and neutral Belgium. The Germans’ Schlieffen Plan is based on a quick strike against France while Russia is slowly mobilising.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Sir Edward Grey addresses Parliament

    3 August 1914

    Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, addresses Parliament on the war in Europe and outlines the pros and cons of a British intervention.

    1914
    People
    Politics

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  • Germany invades Belgium

    4 August 1914

    As part of its plan to attack France, Germany invades Belgium aiming to outflank and encircle much of the French Army.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Britain declares war on Germany

    4 August 1914

    Britain declares war on Germany following the latter’s violation of the Treaty of London (1839), which guaranteed Belgian neutrality.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Ottomans close the Dardanelles

    5 August 1914

    The Ottomans close the Dardanelles Strait, a shipping route linking the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

    1914
    Politics

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  • Germany captures Liège

    5-16 August 1914

    The Germans besiege and then capture the fortresses of Liège in Belgium.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia

    6 August 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Serbia declares war on Germany

    6 August 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Lord Kitchener’s appeal for new recruits

    7 August 1914

    The British Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, calls for 100,000 volunteers for his ‘New Armies’.

    1914
    People
    Politics

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  • British Expeditionary Force arrives in France

    7 August 1914

    Field Marshal Sir John French’s British Expeditionary Force (BEF) arrives in France.

    1914
    Campaigns
    People
    Western Front

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  • Battle of the Frontiers

    7 August - 13 September 1914

    The Germans’ Schlieffen Plan meets with initial success in a series of engagements fought against the Allies in southern Belgium and eastern France.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • France declares war on Austria-Hungary

    11 August 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Britain declares war on Austria-Hungary

    12 August 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Austria-Hungary invades Serbia

    12 August 1914

    1914
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • First large-scale overseas deployment of Royal Flying Corps

    13 August 1914

    Four squadrons from the Royal Flying Corps join the British Expeditionary Force in France.

    1914
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Cer

    15-24 August 1914

    The Serbs defeat the invading Austro-Hungarians in the first major Allied victory of the First World War. This battle also sees the first aerial dogfight when the pilots of Serbian and Austro-Hungarian reconnaissance aircraft engage each other with small arms.

    1914
    Balkans
    Campaigns
    Technology

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  • Battle of Stalluponen

    17 August 1914

    The Russians invade East Prussia, but are temporarily checked by the Germans at the Battle of Stalluponen.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Battle of Gumbinnen

    20 August 1914

    A German attack at the Battle of Gumbinnen fails to stop the Russian advance in East Prussia. It also leads to reinforcements being transferred east from the Western Front, thus weakening the Schlieffen Plan’s chances of success.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Germany occupies Brussels

    20 August 1914

    The Germans capture Brussels, the capital city of Belgium.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Mons

    23 August 1914

    Part of the Battle of the Frontiers: The first major engagement of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) leads to a retreat from Mons in Belgium.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Japan declares war on Germany

    23 August 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Japan declares war on Austria-Hungary

    25 August 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Allies conquer Togoland

    26 August 1914

    British and French forces conquer Togoland (now Togo), a German protectorate in West Africa.

    1914
    Campaigns
    West Africa

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  • Battle of Le Cateau

    26-27 August 1914

    Part of the Battle of the Frontiers: The British and French fight a successful holding action at Le Cateau during the Retreat from Mons.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Tannenberg

    26-30 August 1914

    The Russians suffer a heavy defeat at German hands at Tannenberg in East Prussia.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Battle of Tsingtao

    27 August - 7 November 1914

    British and Japanese forces capture the German port of Tsingtao in China.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Far East/Pacific

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  • Battle of Heligoland Bight

    28 August 1914

    The Royal Navy is victorious against the Germans at the Battle of Heligoland Bight in the North Sea.

    1914
    Campaigns
    North Sea

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  • Battle of Saint Quentin

    29-30 August 1914

    Part of the Battle of the Frontiers: French success at the Battle of Saint Quentin (or the Battle of Guise) slows the German advance.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • German Samoa captured

    30 August 1914

    New Zealand, a British ally, occupies German Samoa (now Samoa).

    1914
    Campaigns
    Far East/Pacific

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  • Battle of Nery

    1 September 1914

    Part of the Battle of the Frontiers: The British are victorious at the Battle of Nery during the Retreat from Mons.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First British use of armoured cars

    4 September 1914

    The Royal Naval Air Service deploys its vehicles on the Western Front, marking the first British combat use of armoured cars.

    1914
    Technology

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  • First Battle of the Marne

    5-12 September 1914

    The German advance on Paris is stopped at the First Battle of the Marne. This Allied victory marks the failure of the Schlieffen Plan and condemns Germany to a war on two fronts.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Development of wire defences

    September 1914

    In the aftermath of the First Battle of the Marne, thick belts of barbed wire appear on the Western Front as both sides dig in.

    1914
    Technology

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  • First Battle of the Masurian Lakes

    7-14 September 1914

    The Russians withdraw from East Prussia following defeat by Germany at the First Battle of the Masurian Lakes.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Second Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia

    8–17 September 1914

    The Austro-Hungarians fail in a second attempt at invading Serbia.

    1914
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • New Guinea captured

    11 September 1914

    Australia, a British ally, occupies German New Guinea (now part of Papua New Guinea).

    1914
    Campaigns
    Far East/Pacific

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  • Invasion of German South-West Africa

    13 September 1914

    Pro-British South African forces, under the command of General Louis Botha and General Jan Smuts, invade German South-West Africa (now Namibia).

    1914
    Campaigns
    People
    South-West Africa

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  • First Battle of the Aisne

    13-28 September 1914

    Allied attacks on the Germans during the First Battle of the Aisne end in stalemate. Both sides dig in. This leads to attempts at outflanking each other northwards in a so-called ‘Race to the Sea’.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Falkenhayn appointed German Chief of Staff

    14 September 1914

    General Erich von Falkenhayn replaces General Helmuth von Moltke the Younger as German Chief of Staff.

    1914
    People
    Politics

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  • Maritz Rebellion

    15 September 1914 - 4 February 1915

    A Boer rebellion, led by General Manie Maritz against South Africa’s support for Britain and its invasion of German South-West Africa, is eventually suppressed.

    1914
    1915
    Campaigns
    Politics
    South-West Africa

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  • Battle of Sandfontein

    26 September 1914

    The Germans are victorious against South African forces at the Battle of Sandfontein.

    1914
    Campaigns
    South-West Africa

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  • Germany besieges Antwerp

    28 September - 10 October 1914

    The Germans besiege and capture the city of Antwerp in Belgium.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of La Bassée

    10 October - 2 November 1914

    Part of the ‘Race to the Sea’: The Battle of La Bassée, fought between British and German forces, is inconclusive.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First Battle of Messines

    12 October - 2 November 1914

    Part of the ‘Race to the Sea’: The First Battle of Messines, fought between British and German forces, is inconclusive.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Armentières

    13 October - 2 November 1914

    Part of the ‘Race to the Sea’: The Battle of Armentières, fought between British and German forces, is inconclusive.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of the Yser

    16-31 October 1914

    French and Belgian forces secure the Belgian coast with British naval support.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First Battle of Ypres

    19 October - 22 November 1914

    The First Battle of Ypres ends the ‘Race to the Sea’. The Germans are prevented from reaching the Channel ports, but the original British Expeditionary Force (BEF) is almost destroyed.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire

    1 November 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • Battle of Coronel

    1 November 1914

    The Germans win a naval victory against the British at the Battle of Coronel off the coast of Chile.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Far East/Pacific

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  • Naval blockade of Germany

    2 November 1914

    The Royal Navy begins blockading the coast of Germany.

    1914
    Campaigns
    North Sea

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  • Hostilities begin on the Caucasus front

    2 November 1914

    The Russians launch an offensive against the Ottomans on the Caucasus front.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Caucasus

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  • Battle of Kilimanjaro

    3 November 1914

    The Germans secure victory over the British at the Battle of Kilimanjaro in German East Africa (now Tanzania).

    1914
    Campaigns
    East Africa

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  • Battle of Tanga

    3-5 November 1914

    Colonel Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck’s German colonial forces defeat British-Indian troops at the Battle of Tanga in German East Africa (now Tanzania).

    1914
    Campaigns
    East Africa
    People

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  • Britain and France declare war on the Ottoman Empire

    5 November 1914

    1914
    Politics

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  • British-Indian troops land at Fao

    6 November 1914

    British-Indian troops land at Fao in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), a territory of the Ottoman Empire.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Battle of Cocos

    9 November 1914

    The Australian navy secures victory over the Germans at the Battle of Cocos, in the eastern Indian Ocean.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Far East/Pacific

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  • Battle of Cheikh Saïd

    10 November 1914

    British-Indian troops drive back an Ottoman force threatening the British base at Aden.

    1914
    Arabian Peninsula
    Campaigns

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  • Sultan Mehmed V declares jihad on the Allies

    11 November 1914

    The ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mehmed V, declares holy war on the Allies.

    1914
    People
    Politics

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  • Battle of Basra

    11-21 November 1914

    The Battle of Basra in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) ends in a British-Indian victory against the Ottomans.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Operations in the Tochi Valley

    28 November 1914 - 28 March 1915

    British-Indian forces defeat a tribal uprising in Waziristan on the North-West Frontier of India (now part of Pakistan).

    1914
    Campaigns
    India

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  • Capture of Qurna

    3-9 December 1914

    British-Indian troops capture Qurna in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1914
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Battle of the Falklands

    8 December 1914

    The Royal Navy is victorious against the Germans at the Battle of the Falklands in the South Atlantic.

    1914
    Atlantic
    Campaigns

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  • Naval bombardment of Scarborough

    16 December 1914

    The German navy shells the English coastal towns of Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Home Front

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  • First use of underground mines on Western Front

    20 December 1914

    The Germans detonate ten mines under the British lines at Givenchy. This is the first large-scale use of underground mines on the Western Front.

    1914
    Technology

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  • Christmas truce

    24-25 December 1914

    An unofficial Christmas truce takes place along some sections of the Western Front.

    1914
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Invention of Stokes Mortar

    January 1915

    The 3-inch Stokes Mortar is invented and soon becomes the standard British Army mortar of the war.

    1915
    Technology

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  • First Zeppelin raid on Britain

    19 January 1915

    The first Zeppelin (airship) raid on Britain sees King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth bombed by the Germans.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Home Front
    Technology

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  • Battle of Dogger Bank

    24 January 1915

    The Royal Navy is victorious against the Germans at the Battle of Dogger Bank in the North Sea.

    1915
    Campaigns
    North Sea

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  • Ottoman attack on Suez Canal

    28 January - 3 February 1915

    The Ottomans fail to capture the Suez Canal, a British-controlled shipping route linking the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

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  • Formation of British tunnelling units

    February 1915

    The Royal Engineers form Tunnelling Companies to oversee underground warfare.

    1915
    Technology

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  • German U-boats start attacking merchant shipping

    4 February 1915

    Germany begins submarine warfare against merchant vessels.

    1915

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  • Second Battle of the Masurian Lakes

    7–22 February 1915

    The Second Battle of the Masurian Lakes, in East Prussia, ends in a Russian defeat to the Germans.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Allies fail to force Dardanelles

    19 February - 28 March 1915

    The British and French navies unsuccessfully attempt to force the Ottoman-controlled Dardanelles Strait.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Battle of Neuve Chapelle

    10–13 March 1915

    After initial success, a British-Indian offensive is halted by the Germans at Neuve Chapelle.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Introduction of Thomas splint

    April 1915

    The introduction of the Thomas splint, named after the Welsh surgeon Hugh Owen Thomas, drastically cuts the numbers of British soldiers dying from broken femurs.

    1915
    People
    Technology

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  • Battle of Shaiba

    12-14 April 1915

    British-Indian troops stop the Ottomans re-capturing Basra in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1915
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Second Battle of Ypres

    22 April - 25 May 1915

    The first large-scale use of poison gas by the Germans fails to end the stalemate on the Western Front.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • First British gas mask

    April 1915

    Scottish physiologist John Scott Haldane invents the veil respirator, the first British gas mask.

    1915
    People
    Technology

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  • Gallipoli landings

    25 April 1915

    Allied forces land at Cape Helles on the Gallipoli peninsula to support naval attempts at forcing the Dardanelles.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • London Pact between the Allies and Italy

    25 April 1915

    The Allies offer Italy territorial gains in any post-war settlement in return for their support.

    1915
    Politics

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  • First Battle of Krithia

    28 April 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The First Battle of Krithia sees the Allied advance repelled by the Ottomans.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Introduction of Mills Bomb

    1 May 1915

    The No 5 Grenade (Mills Bomb) is introduced. This is the standard grenade used by British Empire forces for the rest of the war.

    1915
    Technology

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  • Second Battle of Krithia

    6 May 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The Second Battle of Krithia results in an Allied failure at the hands of the Ottomans.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Lusitania sunk

    7 May 1915

    The British liner ‘Lusitania‘ is sunk off the south coast of Ireland by a German U-boat. The loss of over 120 American lives causes a storm of protest in the United States.

    1915
    Atlantic
    Politics

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  • Battle of Aubers Ridge

    9 May 1915

    A British offensive at Aubers Ridge on the Western Front ends in a German victory.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • South Africans capture Windhoek

    12 May 1915

    Windhoek, the capital of German South-West Africa (now Namibia), is occupied by South African troops.

    1915
    Campaigns
    South-West Africa

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  • Battle of Festubert

    15–25 May 1915

    The Battle of Festubert on the Western Front secures limited British gains at German expense.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary

    23 May 1915

    1915
    Politics

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  • Maudsley psychiatric hospital established

    June 1915

    The Maudsley Military Hospital is set up in London to treat cases of shell shock (neurasthenia).

    1915
    Technology

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  • Third Battle of Krithia

    4 June 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The Third Battle of Krithia fails to secure an Allied breakout.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Battles of the Isonzo

    23 June 1915 - 10 November 1917

    Fighting takes place between the Italians and Austro-Hungarians along the Isonzo (now the Soča) valley. A total of 12 battles are fought in this location, wearing down the armies of both nations over the following two years.

    1915
    1916
    1917
    Campaigns
    Italy

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  • Battle of Gully Ravine

    28 June - 5 July 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The Battle of Gully Ravine at Cape Helles secures limited British gains.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • First use of flamethrowers

    July 1915

    The first large-scale use of flamethrowers takes place at Hooge in Belgium, during a German attack on the British lines.

    1915
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • First aircraft destroyed by synchronised machine-gun

    1 July 1915

    A German Fokker, the first aircraft to be fitted with a device enabling the pilot to fire his machine gun through the arc of the propeller, shoots down a French aircraft.

    1915
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Formation of British gas warfare units

    July 1915

    The Royal Engineers form Special Companies to oversee Britain’s gas warfare effort.

    1915
    Technology

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  • Battle of Lahij

    4-5 July 1915

    Ottoman forces secure victory over the British at Lahij near Aden.

    1915
    Arabian Peninsula
    Campaigns

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  • German South-West Africa captured

    9 July 1915

    The German forces in South-West Africa (now Namibia) surrender at Khorab.

    1915
    Campaigns
    South-West Africa

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  • Battle of Shaikh Othman

    20 July 1915

    British-Indian forces defeat the Ottomans at Shaikh Othman near Aden.

    1915
    Arabian Peninsula
    Campaigns

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  • Pope appeals for peace

    30 July 1915

    Pope Benedict XV appeals to all governments to cease hostilities.

    1915
    People

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  • Germany occupies Warsaw

    5 August 1915

    1915
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Battle of Lone Pine

    6-10 August 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The Battle of Lone Pine ends in an Australian victory.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Battle of Sari Bair

    6–29 August 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The Battle of Sari Bair follows new landings at Suvla.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Battle of the Nek

    7 August 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The Battle of the Nek at Anzac Cove ends in an Australian defeat.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Battle of Chunuk Bair

    7-19 August 1915

    Part of the Gallipoli Campaign: The Battle of Chunuk Bair at Anzac Cove ends in an Ottoman victory.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Operations in the Swat Valley

    17 August - 28 October 1915

    The Indian Army defeats a series of tribal uprisings in the Swat Valley on the North-West Frontier of India (now in Pakistan).

    1915
    Campaigns
    India

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  • Battles of Scimitar Hill and Hill 60

    21-29 August 1915

    The last attempt by the British to seize the Gallipoli peninsula is unsuccessful.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Introduction of Brodie helmet

    September 1915

    The British Army adopts the Brodie helmet as its standard head protection for soldiers.

    1915
    Technology

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  • Germany suspends unrestricted submarine warfare

    1 September 1915

    1915

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  • Tsar Nicholas II assumes command of Russian Army

    8 September 1915

    The Russian Tsar Nicholas II replaces Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolayevich as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army.

    1915
    People
    Politics

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  • Battle of Loos

    25 September - 14 October 1915

    The Battle of Loos on the Western Front sees the British offensive fail at German hands. The 50-watt Trench Set (or BF Set), the British Army’s first reliable radio, was first used during this engagement.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Es Sinn

    28 September 1915

    The Battle of Es Sinn ends in a British-Indian victory over the Ottomans in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1915
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Capture of Kut-al-Amara

    28 September 1915

    Following victory at Es Sinn, British-Indian forces capture the town of Kut in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) from Ottoman forces.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Introduction of Lewis Gun

    October 1915

    The British Army officially adopts the Lewis Gun for both land and aircraft use.

    1915
    Technology

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  • Allies begin landing at Salonika

    5 October 1915

    French, British and Italian troops begin landing at Salonika (now Thessaloniki, in Greece) in the Balkans.

    1915
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Serbia invaded again by Central Powers

    6 October 1915

    Serbia is invaded by Germany, Austria-Hungary and their new ally, Bulgaria.

    1915
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Machine Gun Corps formed

    14 October 1915

    The British Army forms the Machine Gun Corps to make more effective use of heavy machine guns (primarily the Vickers) on the Western Front.

    1915
    Technology

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  • Bulgaria declares war on Serbia

    14 October 1915

    1915
    Politics

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  • Britain declares war on Bulgaria

    15 October 1915

    1915
    Politics

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  • France declares war on Bulgaria

    16 October 1915

    1915
    Politics

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  • Italy and Russia declare war on Bulgaria

    19 October 1915

    1915
    Politics

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  • Senussi Revolt begins

    19 November 1915

    Senussi tribesmen, backed by the Ottomans, rise up against the Allies in Italian Libya and Egypt. Although suppressed by the British, the revolt rumbles on until 1917.

    1915
    Campaigns
    North Africa

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  • Battle of Ctesiphon

    22-25 November 1915

    The Battle of Ctesiphon, fought between British and Ottomans forces in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), is inconclusive.

    1915
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Serbs defeated

    27 November 1915

    The Serbians are defeated by the invading Central Powers and remnants of their army are evacuated by Allied navies to regroup.

    1915
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Introduction of new Lee Enfield rifle

    December 1915

    The Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) Mk III*, a cheaper mass-produced version of the British Empire’s iconic Mk III Rifle (adopted in 1907), is introduced for general service.

    1915
    Technology

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  • Battle of Kosturino

    6-12 December 1915

    The Battle of Kosturino on the Salonika front ends in a Bulgarian victory over the Allies.

    1915
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Siege of Kut begins

    7 December 1915

    The Ottomans besiege British-Indian forces at Kut in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1915
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • First use of phosgene gas

    19 December 1915

    The Germans use phosgene gas for the first time against the British at Wieltje, near Ypres.

    1915
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Haig appointed commander of British Expeditionary Force

    19 December 1915

    Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaces Field Marshal Sir John French as commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF).

    1915
    People

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  • Battle of Shaik Saad

    6-8 January 1916

    British forces, marching to relieve the besieged town of Kut in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), defeat the Ottomans at the Battle of Shaik Saad.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Gallipoli evacuation complete

    9 January 1916

    The Allies complete the evacuation of Gallipoli. The campaign ends in an Ottoman victory.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Gallipoli

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  • Corfu occupied

    11 January 1916

    The Mediterranean island of Corfu is occupied by the Allies to receive the evacuated Serbian Army.

    1916
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Battle of Wadi

    13 January 1916

    The Battle of Wadi in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) ends in an Ottoman victory over British-Indian forces.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Battle of Hanna

    21 January 1916

    The Battle of Hanna in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) ends in an Ottoman victory over British-Indian forces.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • German Kamerun surrenders

    18 February 1916

    The Allies complete the conquest of German Kamerun (now Cameroon).

    1916
    Campaigns
    West Africa

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  • Battle of Verdun begins

    21 February 1916

    The Battle of Verdun begins, an attritional German offensive intended to ‘bleed France white’.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare

    1 March 1916

    1916
    Politics

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  • Conscription begins in Britain

    2 March 1916

    The Military Service Act comes into force in the United Kingdom. Men from 18 to 41 years old are liable to be called up for Army service.

    1916
    Home Front
    Politics

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  • Battle of Dujaila

    8 March 1916

    The British fail in another attempt to relieve the besieged town of Kut in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1916
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Germany declares war on Portugal

    9 March 1916

    Following the seizure of German ships in Lisbon, Germany declares war on Britain’s ally Portugal.

    1916
    Politics

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  • Darfur Expedition begins

    16 March 1916

    British-Egyptian forces successfully invade and annex the Sultanate of Darfur (now part of Sudan), whose ruler was suspected of having Ottoman sympathies.

    1916
    Campaigns
    North Africa

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  • First sinking of U-Boat with depth charges

    22 March 1916

    The Royal Navy destroys Germany’s U-68, the first submarine to be sunk with depth charges.

    1916
    Atlantic
    Technology

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  • Early blood transfusion on Western Front

    April 1916

    Major Lawrence Robertson of the Canadian Army performs one of the earliest blood transfusions on the Western Front.

    1916
    People
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Easter Rising

    24-29 April 1916

    Irish Republicans mount an unsuccessful rising in Dublin against British rule in Ireland.

    1916
    Home Front
    Politics

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  • British surrender at Kut

    29 April 1916

    The besieged British-Indian force at Kut in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) surrenders to the Ottomans.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Box respirator introduced

    May 1916

    The box respirator is introduced as the British Army’s standard gas mask.

    1916
    Technology

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  • British occupation of German East Africa begins

    May 1916

    Three British columns invade German East Africa (now Tanzania) from the north, south and west, but fail to defeat the Germans. A long guerrilla war ensues.

    1916
    Campaigns
    East Africa

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  • Germany suspends unrestricted submarine warfare

    10 May 1916

    1916
    Politics

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  • Battle of Jutland

    31 May - 1 June 1916

    The Battle of Jutland between Britain and Germany ends in stalemate, but the Royal Navy’s control of the North Sea continues.

    1916
    Campaigns
    North Sea

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  • Attack on Namema

    1-3 June 1916

    A British-Rhodesian force captures Namema in German East Africa (now Tanzania).

    1916
    Campaigns
    East Africa

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  • Battle of Mont Sorrel

    2-14 June 1916

    A German attack at Mont Sorrel in the Ypres Salient is repelled by British and Canadian forces.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Brusilov Offensive begins

    4 June 1916

    The Russians launch the Brusilov Offensive against German and Austro-Hungarian forces on the Eastern Front.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Arab Revolt begins

    5 June 1916

    The Arab Revolt against the Ottomans begins in Hejaz (now part of Saudi Arabia).

    1916
    Arabian Peninsula
    Campaigns

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  • Death of Lord Kitchener

    5 June 1916

    Field Marshal Lord Kitchener drowns when HMS ‘Hampshire’ is sunk by a German mine off the Orkney Islands while bound for Russia.

    1916
    People

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  • Battle of the Somme begins

    1 July 1916

    The Battle of the Somme, a Franco-British attack aimed at relieving the pressure at Verdun, is part of a combined Allied offensive against the Central Powers.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Albert

    1-13 July 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The initial phase of the Somme offensive sees French success in the south but heavy British casualties for little gain in the north.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battles for Longueval and Delville Wood

    14 July - 15 September 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Delville Wood sees limited South African and British gains.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Bazentin Ridge

    14-17 July 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Bazentin Ridge ends in tactical gains for the British.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Fromelles

    19-20 July 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Fromelles ends in a German victory.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Pozières

    23 July - 7 August 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Pozières sees limited Australian and British gains.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First creeping barrage

    August 1916

    The British use the creeping artillery barrage for the first time during the Battle of the Somme.

    1916
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Romani

    3–5 August 1916

    An Ottoman attack on the British at Romani in the Sinai peninsula fails.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

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  • First Battle of Doiran

    9-18 August 1916

    The First Battle of Doiran on the Salonika front ends in a Bulgarian victory over the Allies.

    1916
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Italy declares war on Germany

    27 August 1916

    1916
    Politics

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  • Romania joins the Allies

    27 August 1916

    Romania enters the war on the Allied side, but is defeated within a few weeks.

    1916
    Politics

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  • Hindenburg made German Chief of Staff

    29 August 1916

    General Paul von Hindenburg replaces General Erich von Falkenhayn as German Chief of Staff.

    1916
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Battle of Guillemont

    3-6 September 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Guillemont sees limited British success.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Ginchy

    9 September 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The British enjoy limited success at the Battle of Ginchy.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Monastir Offensive

    12 September - 11 November 1916

    An Allied offensive against the Bulgarians at Monastir (now Bitola in the Republic of Macedonia) ends in limited gains.

    1916
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Battle of Flers-Courcelette

    15-22 September 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Flers-Courcelette sees the British use tanks for the first time in history.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Morval

    25-28 September 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Morval sees British-French gains.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Thiepval Ridge

    26–28 September 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Thiepval Ridge sees British gains.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • British capture Karajakois

    30 September - 2 October 1916

    The British capture Karajakois (now Monokklisia in northern Greece) from the Bulgarians on the Salonika front.

    1916
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Craiglockhart War Hospital begins treating shell-shock

    October 1916

    The Craiglockhart War Hospital in Edinburgh begins treating officers with shell shock (neurasthenia).

    1916
    Technology

    View all filters
  • Battle of Le Transloy

    1 October - 11 November 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of Le Transloy ends in stalemate.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • French recapture Fort Douaumont

    24 October 1916

    The French recapture Fort Douaumont from the Germans at Verdun.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of the Ancre

    13–18 November 1916

    Part of the Battle of the Somme: The Battle of the Ancre, the last British attack on the Somme, ends in limited gains.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Mohmand Operations begin

    15 November 1916

    The Indian Army begins a punitive expedition against Mohmand tribal raiders on the North-West Frontier of India (now in Pakistan).

    1916
    Campaigns
    India

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  • Battle of the Somme ends

    18 November 1916

    The Battle of the Somme ends after months of attritional fighting.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Charles I becomes Austro-Hungarian Emperor

    21 November 1916

    The Austro-Hungarian Emperor Francis Joseph I is succeeded by Charles I.

    1916
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Lloyd George becomes British Prime Minister

    7 December 1916

    David Lloyd George replaces Herbert Asquith as British Prime Minister.

    1916
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Nivelle appointed French Commander-in-Chief

    13 December 1916

    General Robert Nivelle replaces General Joseph Joffre as Commander-in-Chief of the French Army.

    1916
    People
    Politics

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  • Battle of Verdun ends

    18 December 1916

    Fighting at Verdun, the longest battle of the First World War, comes to an end.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Magdhaba

    23 December 1916

    British, Australian and New Zealand forces are victorious at the Battle of Magdhaba in the Sinai peninsula.

    1916
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Battle of Rafa

    9 January 1917

    The British drive the Ottomans out of Sinai following the Battle of Rafa.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Battle of Nahr-al-Kalek

    26 January 1917

    The British enjoy success against the Ottomans at the Battle of Nahr-al-Kalek in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1917
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare

    1 February 1917

    1917
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Second Battle of Kut

    23 February 1917

    British-Indian forces recapture the city of Kut in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) from the Ottomans.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

    View all filters
  • Germans retreat to Hindenburg Line

    23 February - 5 April 1917

    German forces on the Western Front withdraw to strongly defended positions along the Hindenburg Line.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Straussenberg appointed Austro-Hungarian Chief of Staff

    1 March 1917

    General Arz von Straussenberg replaces General Conrad von Hötzendorf as Austro-Hungarian Chief of Staff.

    1917
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • British take Baghdad

    8–11 March 1917

    British-Indian forces capture Baghdad in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1917
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

    View all filters
  • Samarrah Offensive

    13 March - 23 April 1917

    The British mount a successful offensive against the Ottomans at Samarrah in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1917
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Tsar Nicholas II abdicates

    15 March 1917

    The Russian Tsar Nicholas II abdicates. A provisional government is appointed.

    1917
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • First Battle of Gaza

    26 March 1917

    British and Australian troops are defeated by the Ottomans at the First Battle of Gaza in Palestine.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps arrives on the Western Front

    31 March 1917

    The first detachment of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) arrives on the Western Front, under the command of Assistant Controller Helen Gwynne Vaughan.

    1917
    Campaigns
    People
    Western Front

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  • United States of America declares war on Germany

    6 April 1917

    1917
    Politics

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  • Battle of Arras

    9 April-16 May 1917

    The Arras offensive sees British, Australian, Canadian, Newfoundland and New Zealand troops attack heavily fortified German lines without obtaining any strategic breakthrough.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First Battle of the Scarpe

    9-14 April 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: Despite heavy casualties at the hands of the Germans, British forces secure limited gains.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Vimy Ridge

    9–12 April 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: The Canadians obtain a significant victory over the Germans in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This engagement sees the first successful use by British Empire forces of flash-spotting and sound-ranging techniques to detect and suppress enemy batteries.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • First Battle of Bullecourt

    10-11 April 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: A British and Australian attack is beaten off by the Germans at the First Battle of Bullecourt.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Lagnicourt

    15 April 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: The Germans mount a counter-offensive against Australian forces at the Battle of Lagnicourt.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Second Battle of the Aisne

    16 April - 9 May 1917

    The Second Battle of the Aisne (or the Nivelle Offensive) ends in disaster for the French Army and its commander General Robert Nivelle.

    1917
    Campaigns
    People
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Second Battle of Gaza

    19 April 1917

    The Ottomans resist another British attack at the Second Battle of Gaza in Palestine.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Second Battle of Doiran

    22 April - 8 May 1917

    The Second Battle of Doiran on the Salonika front ends in a Bulgarian victory over the Allies.

    1917
    Balkans
    Campaigns

    View all filters
  • Second Battle of the Scarpe

    23-24 April 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: British and Newfoundland troops launch an unsuccessful attack in the Second Battle of the Scarpe.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of Arleux

    28-29 April 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: The British and Canadians secure limited gains during the Battle of Arleux.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Mutinies in French Army

    29 April - 20 May 1917

    A series of mutinies weakens the French Army. From this point onwards the British Empire takes on a greater role in the fighting.

    1917

    View all filters
  • Second Battle of Bullecourt

    3-17 May 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: A British and Australian assault is repelled during the Second Battle of Bullecourt.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Third Battle of the Scarpe

    3-4 May 1917

    Part of the Battle of Arras: British attacks on German positions are repulsed at the Third Battle of the Scarpe.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Introduction of convoy system

    10 May 1917

    The Royal Navy introduces the convoy system to protect shipping from German U-Boats.

    1917
    Technology

    View all filters
  • Pétain appointed French Commander-in-Chief

    15 May 1917

    General Philippe Pétain replaces General Robert Nivelle as Commander-in-Chief of the French Army.

    1917
    People
    Politics

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  • British capture Messines Ridge

    7–14 June 1917

    British, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand forces capture the Messines Ridge from the Germans.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • First American troops land in France

    25 June 1917

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • First blood bank established on Western Front

    July 1917

    US Army doctor, Captain Oswald Robertson, sets up the first blood bank on the Western Front.

    1917
    People
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Pioneering facial injury hospital founded

    July 1917

    The Queen’s Hospital in Sidcup, Kent is opened to specialise in the treatment of soldiers’ facial injuries.

    1917
    Technology

    View all filters
  • Kerensky Offensive

    1–19 July 1917

    The last Russian attack of the war, the Kerensky Offensive, is defeated by the Central Powers.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Eastern Front

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  • Arab rebels take Aqaba

    6 July 1917

    Arab rebels led by Colonel TE Lawrence (also known as Lawrence of Arabia) seize the Ottoman port of Aqaba.

    1917
    Arabian Peninsula
    Campaigns
    People

    View all filters
  • Royal Family changes name

    7 July 1917

    King George V changes the Royal Family’s name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the less German-sounding Windsor.

    1917
    People
    Politics

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  • Tank Corps formed

    28 July 1917

    The Tank Corps is formed to co-ordinate the growing use of tanks in the British Army.

    1917
    Technology

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  • Third Battle of Ypres begins

    31 July 1917

    Allied forces launch an offensive in Belgium, but in appalling weather conditions the Third Battle of Ypres (also known as Passchendaele) soon becomes an attritional slogging match.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of Pilckem Ridge

    31 July - 2 August 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: A British attack is repulsed during the Battle of Pilckem Ridge.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • First advanced plastic surgery

    August 1917

    Petty Officer Walter Yeo, badly burned during the Battle of Jutland (1916) on HMS ‘Warspite’, becomes the first person to undergo advanced plastic surgery when he is treated by Sir Harold Gillies.

    1917
    People
    Technology

    View all filters
  • Battle of Hill 70

    15-25 August 1917

    The Battle of Hill 70 near Lens sees limited Canadian success against the Germans.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Langemarck

    16-18 August 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: The British and French are repulsed during the Battle of Langemarck.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First use of mustard gas on the Western Front

    September 1917

    The Germans use mustard gas against British troops for the first time during the Third Battle of Ypres.

    1917
    Technology
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of the Menin Road Ridge

    20-25 September 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: British forces enjoy success at the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Polygon Wood

    26 September 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: British and Australian troops secure limited gains during the Battle of Polygon Wood.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of Ramadi

    27–28 September 1917

    British-Indian troops are victorious at the Battle of Ramadi in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1917
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

    View all filters
  • Battle of Broodseinde

    4 October 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: British, Australian and New Zealand forces enjoy success at the Battle of Broodseinde.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of Poelcappelle

    9 October 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: British, French and Australian assaults are repulsed by the Germans during the Battle of Poelcappelle.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • First Battle of Passchendaele

    12 October 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: A British Empire and French attack at the First Battle of Passchendaele ends in a German defensive success.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of Mahiwa

    15-18 October 1917

    The Germans secure victory over British forces at the Battle of Mahiwa in German East Africa (now Tanzania).

    1917
    Campaigns
    East Africa

    View all filters
  • Battle of Malmaison

    23 October - 2 November 1917

    A French success at the Battle of Malmaison captures much of the strategically important Chemin des Dames ridge.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of Caporetto

    24 October - 10 November 1917

    The Austro-Hungarians and Germans defeat the Italians at the Battle of Caporetto (also known as the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo).

    1917
    Campaigns
    Italy

    View all filters
  • Second Battle of Passchendaele

    26 October - 10 November 1917

    Part of the Third Battle of Ypres: The Second Battle of Passchendaele, the final phase of the Ypres operations, ends in deadlock.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of El Buggar Ridge

    27 October 1917

    British and Australian troops are victorious over the Ottomans at the Battle of El Buggar Ridge in Palestine.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Orlando appointed Italian Prime Minister

    30 October 1917

    Vittorio Emanuele Orlando succeeds Paolo Boselli as Italian Prime Minister.

    1917
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Battle of Beersheba

    31 October 1917

    British and Australian troops enjoy further success over the Ottomans at the Battle of Beersheba in Palestine.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Third Battle of Gaza

    1 November 1917

    The Allies break through the Ottoman lines at the Third Battle of Gaza in Palestine.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Clemenceau appointed French Prime Minister

    3 November 1917

    Georges Clemenceau replaces Paul Painlevé as French Prime Minister.

    1917
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Allies establish Supreme War Council

    5 November 1917

    The Allies agree to establish a Supreme War Council at Versailles.

    1917
    Politics

    View all filters
  • October Revolution

    7 November 1917

    The Bolsheviks seize power in Russia during the October Revolution.

    1917
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Diaz made Italian Commander-in-Chief

    8 November 1917

    General Armando Diaz replaces General Luigi Cadorna as Commander-in-Chief of the Italian Army.

    1917
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • First Battle of the Piave

    9 November - 28 December 1917

    The Austro-Hungarians and Germans fail to force a river crossing during the First Battle of the Piave against the Italians.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Italy

    View all filters
  • Third Battle of Ypres ends

    10 November 1917

    The Third Battle of Ypres (also known as Passchendaele) ends in stalemate.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • Battle of Mughar Ridge

    13 November 1917

    British Empire troops are victorious over the Ottomans at the Battle of Mughar Ridge in Palestine.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Second Battle of Heligoland Bight

    17 November 1917

    The Second Battle of Heligoland Bight, a naval engagement between Britain and Germany in the North Sea, ends in stalemate.

    1917
    Campaigns
    North Sea

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  • Battle of Jerusalem

    17 November - 11 December 1917

    British Empire forces launch a successful offensive against the Ottomans in Palestine, culminating in General Edmund Allenby’s entry into the city of Jerusalem.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine
    People

    View all filters
  • Battle of Cambrai

    20 November - 7 December 1917

    After initial success, the British attack on German positions at Cambrai results in stalemate.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Western Front

    View all filters
  • United States declares war on Austria-Hungary

    7 December 1917

    1917
    Politics

    View all filters
  • Battle of Jaffa

    20-21 December 1917

    British Empire forces are victorious over the Ottomans at the Battle of Jaffa in Palestine.

    1917
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

    View all filters
  • Russian-German armistice

    23 December 1917

    The Germans agree an armistice with Bolshevik Russia.

    1917
    Politics

    View all filters
  • President Wilson’s Fourteen Points

    8 January 1918

    US President Woodrow Wilson publishes his ‘Fourteen Points’ outlining a post-war world based on free trade, open diplomacy, democracy and self-determination.

    1918
    People
    Politics

    View all filters
  • British women given vote

    6 February 1918

    The Representation of the People Act 1918 is given Royal Assent, giving the vote to women over 30.

    1918
    Politics

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  • Capture of Jericho

    19-21 February 1918

    British Empire troops capture the Ottoman-controlled city of Jericho in Palestine.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

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  • Brest-Litovsk Treaty

    3 March 1918

    Leon Trotsky signs a punitive peace treaty with Germany on behalf of Bolshevik Russia.

    1918
    Politics

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  • ‘Spanish flu’ outbreak

    11 March 1918

    The first case of ‘Spanish influenza’ is recorded in the United States. In the next two years well over 50 million people die as the movement of soldiers and civilians spreads the disease globally.

    1918

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  • Germans launch Spring Offensive

    21 March 1918

    During the first phase of the Spring Offensive (also known as Operation Michael) on the Western Front, the Germans make sweeping early gains towards Amiens.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Saint Quentin

    21-23 March 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: German forces enjoy success at the Battle of Saint Quentin.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Paris shelled

    23 March - 7 August 1918

    The Germans bombard Paris with long-range guns.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First Battle of Bapaume

    24-25 March 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: German forces enjoy further success at the First Battle of Bapaume.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Marshal Foch made Supreme Allied Commander

    26 March 1918

    French Marshal Ferdinand Foch is appointed Supreme Commander of all Allied forces in response to the German Spring Offensive.

    1918
    People
    Politics

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  • Battle of Rosières

    26-27 March 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: The Germans enjoy further gains following the Battle of Rosières.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First Battle of Arras

    28 March 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: The First Battle of Arras sees German attacks slowed down by the Allies.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Royal Air Force formed

    1 April 1918

    The Royal Air Force (RAF) is founded by combining the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.

    1918
    Technology

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  • Battle of the Avre

    4 April 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: Despite nearly reaching Amiens, the Germans are held at the Battle of the Avre.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of the Ancre

    5 April 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: A final German thrust towards Amiens is checked during the Battle of the Ancre.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • German offensive in Flanders

    7-29 April 1918

    The second phase of the Spring Offensive (also known as Operation Georgette or the Battle of the Lys) sees German advances in Belgium.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Estaires

    9-11 April 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: The Germans enjoy success against British and Portuguese forces at the Battle of Estaires.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Haig’s ‘Backs to the Wall’ special order

    11 April 1918

    Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig issues his ‘Special Order of the Day’, often known as his ‘Backs to the Wall’ communiqué, calling on Allied troops to stand firm against the German Spring Offensive.

    1918
    People
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Bailleul

    13-15 April 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: Despite stiffening resistance, the Germans make further gains following the Battle of Bailleul.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • First Battle of Kemmel

    17-19 April 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: German attacks are repulsed by the Allies at the First Battle of Kemmel.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Bethune

    18 April 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: German attacks are repulsed by the Allies at the Battle of Bethune.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • World’s first tank battle

    24 April 1918

    The world’s first tank battle occurs at Villers-Bretonneux on the Western Front when British Mark IVs engage German A7 tanks.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Technology
    Western Front

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  • Second Battle of Kemmel

    25-26 April 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: The British and French resist another German attack at the Second Battle of Kemmel.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Third Battle of the Aisne

    27 May - 6 June 1918

    During the third phase of the Spring Offensive (also known as Operation Blücher-Yorck or the Third Battle of the Aisne), the German advance is halted after early gains.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Cantigny

    28 May 1918

    The first major American attack of war takes place at the Battle of Cantigny.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Belleau Wood

    1-26 June 1918

    Part of the Spring Offensive: The Allies halt another German attack at the Battle of Belleau Wood.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Matz

    9–12 June 1918

    During the fourth phase of the Spring Offensive (also known as Operation Gneiseau), the German attack is defeated by the Allies.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Second Battle of the Piave

    15–23 June 1918

    An Austro-Hungarian offensive is repulsed at the Second Battle of the Piave in Italy.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Italy

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  • Second Battle of the Marne

    15 July - 6 August 1918

    The final phase of the Spring Offensive (also known as the Second Battle of the Marne) fails when the Germans are counter-attacked by the French.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Hundred Days Offensive begins

    8 August 1918

    The Allies launch a decisive counter-attack on the Western Front.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Amiens

    8–12 August 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: The Germans are defeated at the Battle of Amiens, the first stage of the Hundred Days Offensive.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Second Battle of the Somme

    21 August - 3 September 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: British Empire and American troops are victorious during the Second Battle of the Somme.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Dunsterforce in Baku

    24 August - 14 September 1918

    The Dunsterforce, formed of British Empire troops, arrives at Baku in Azerbaijan to secure the oil fields from the Bolsheviks and Ottomans, and protect British interests in the region. It is forced to evacuate in the face of overwhelming Ottoman opposition.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Caucasus

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  • Battle of the Scarpe

    26-30 August 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: Canadian forces enjoy success in the Battle of the Scarpe.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Mont Saint Quentin

    31 August - 3 September 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: Australian troops secure victory at the Battle of Mont Saint Quentin.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Havrincourt

    12 September 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: British and New Zealand troops secure victory at the Battle of Havrincourt.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Vardar Offensive

    15-29 September 1918

    The Allies launch the Vardar Offensive, the decisive attack against the Bulgarians on the Salonika front.

    1918
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Third Battle of Doiran

    18-19 September 1918

    The Third Battle of Doiran sees the Bulgarians temporarily halt the Allied advance.

    1918
    Balkans
    Campaigns

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  • Battle of Épehy

    18 September 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: The Allies secure victory at the Battle of Épehy.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of Megiddo

    19–25 September 1918

    British Empire troops conquer Palestine following the decisive victory at Megiddo (including the Battles of Sharon, Nablus, Nazareth and Haifa).

    1918
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

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  • Meuse-Argonne Offensive

    26 September - 11 November 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: The Allies launch the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the final phase of the Hundred Days Offensive.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of the Canal du Nord

    27 September - 1 October 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: British, Canadian and New Zealand troops enjoy success at the Battle of the Canal du Nord.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of St Quentin Canal

    29 September - 10 October 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: Australian and British troops secure victory at the Battle of the St Quentin Canal.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Bulgaria signs armistice with Allies

    30 September 1918

    1918
    Politics

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  • British enter Damascus

    1 October 1918

    British Empire troops enter the Ottoman-controlled city of Damascus in Syria.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Egypt/Palestine

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  • Battle of Courtai

    14-19 October 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: The Allies are victorious at the Battle of Courtrai.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Battle of the Selle

    17-26 October 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: The Allies are victorious at the Battle of the Selle.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Germany suspends submarine warfare

    20 October 1918

    1918
    Politics

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  • Battle of Sharqat

    23-30 October 1918

    British-Indian troops secure a decisive victory at the Battle of Sharqat in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).

    1918
    Campaigns
    Mesopotamia

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  • Battle of Vittorio Veneto

    24 October - 3 November 1918

    The Italians defeat the Austro-Hungarians at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Italy

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  • Groener appointed Hindenburg’s deputy

    29 October 1918

    General Wilhelm Groener replaces General Erich Ludendorff as Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg’s deputy.

    1918
    People
    Politics

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  • Ottoman Empire signs armistice with Allies

    30 October 1918

    The Ottoman Empire signs the Armistice of Mudros with the Allies.

    1918
    Politics

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  • Over a million women workers in Britain

    November 1918

    By November 1918 over a million women have been formally added to the British workforce since the outbreak of war.

    1918
    Home Front

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  • Austria-Hungary signs armistice with Italy

    3 November 1918

    1918
    Politics

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  • Battle of the Sambre

    4 November 1918

    Part of the Hundred Days Offensive: The Allied victory at the Battle of the Sambre is the final operation of the Hundred Days Offensive.

    1918
    Campaigns
    Western Front

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  • Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates

    9 November 1918

    The German Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates and the Weimar Republic is proclaimed, marking the end of the German Empire.

    1918
    People
    Politics

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  • Kaiser Charles I abdicates

    10 November 1918

    The Austro-Hungarian Kaiser Charles I abdicates, marking the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

    1918
    People
    Politics

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  • Germany signs armistice with Allies

    11 November 1918

    At 6.00am Germany signs an armistice with the Allies at Compiègne in northern France. Fighting on the Western Front ceases at 11.00am.

    1918
    Politics
    Western Front

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  • Austria proclaimed a republic

    12 November 1918

    1918
    Politics

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  • Czechoslovakia formed

    14 November 1918

    Czechoslovakia is formed by merging several territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

    1918
    Politics

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  • End of fighting in East Africa

    14 November 1918

    Three days after the armistice between Germany and the Allies, fighting ends in East Africa. General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck agrees a cease-fire on hearing of Germany’s surrender.

    1918
    Campaigns
    East Africa
    People

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  • Hungary proclaimed a republic

    16 November 1918

    1918
    Politics

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  • German fleet surrenders to British

    21 November 1918

    1918
    Politics

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  • Germany evacuates Belgium

    27 November 1918

    1918
    Politics

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  • Yugoslavia formed

    4 December 1918

    Yugoslavia is formed by merging Serbia with several territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

    1918
    Politics

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  • Paris Peace Conference begins

    18 January 1919

    A peace conference opens in Paris to negotiate treaties between the Allies and the defeated Central Powers. Many view the terms of the treaties as excessively punitive.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • League of Nations approved

    25 January 1919

    At the Paris Peace Conference a proposal to create the League of Nations, an open diplomatic forum, is accepted.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • German fleet sunk at Scapa Flow

    21 June 1919

    The German High Seas Fleet is scuttled in Scapa Flow in the Orkneys with nine deaths. These are the last casualties of the First World War.

    1919-23

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  • Treaty of Versailles

    28 June 1919

    The Treaty of Versailles is signed by the Allies and Germany.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

    10 September 1919

    The Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is signed by the Allies and newly-independent Austria.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine

    27 November 1919

    The Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine is signed by the Allies and Bulgaria.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • First meeting of League of Nations

    10 January 1920

    The first meeting of the League of Nations is held in London.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • Treaty of Trianon

    4 June 1920

    The Treaty of Trianon is signed by the Allies and newly-independent Hungary.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • Treaty of Sèvres

    10 August 1920

    The Treaty of Sèvres is signed by the Allies and the Ottoman Empire. The treaty is not recognised by the Turkish national movement, which considers the Constantinople (now Istanbul) government illegitimate.

    1919-23
    Politics

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  • Treaty of Lausanne

    24 July 1923

    The Treaty of Lausanne is signed by the Allies and Turkey, the successor state to the Ottoman Empire. It supersedes the failed Treaty of Sèvres and offically ends the First World War.

    1919-23
    Politics

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