100 Years ago this week in the Balkans

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.

 

Early in the morning of 25th June, 3 enemy seaplanes were sighted flying in formation Westwards over THASOS.  Three machines were immediately sent in pursuit of them but, being unable to overtake them, returned to the aerodrome, where, after having been filled up with petrol they formed a screen to the Northwards of the Island in order to intercept the enemy machines o their return journey.  Only one of the enemy machines was, however, sighted flying very low down well inland over the enemy defences and she could not be brought to action. 

On the two subsequent days only Submarine patrols were undertaken.

 

STAVROS AIR STATION.

 

On 25the June three enemy seaplanes appeared over STAVROS, apparently coming from THASOS direction.  (See above)  One machine attempted to bomb dumps on STAVROS beach while the others dropped bombs at a Trawler.  A Sopwith was sent in pursuit and climbed to a position between the enemy machines and their Base.  The enemy machines were however lost in the mist.

Later in the day a front line reconnaissance was made, the machine carrying petrol bombs which were dropped with good results in standing crops near RAZILIVOS, a large fire being started which burned merrily for a considerable time.

 

HMS ABERCROMBIE. 25th June 1917.

 

Sir,

I have the honour to report that while on passage from MUDROS to STAVROS, the ship under my command was attacked by 3 hostile seaplanes at 5.30 a.m. today.  Eight bombs were dropped and the ship was straddled both athwartships and fore and aft, the splashes being from 10 to 30 yards off the ship.  Owing to two out of our four anti-aircraft guns being still out of the ship, the seaplanes were not fired at until the attack was partly finished, but there is no doubt that the last of the three seaplanes did not finish her attack due to the gun fire.

 

The above action also refers to the same aircraft reported at both Thasos and Stavros.

 

 

 

 

[Gardenerbill]

In the week that Venizelos became Prime Minister of a united Greece, the Yeomanry and Cyclists were kept busy in the Struma valley. 28th June the Surrey Yeomanry were back out patrolling: ‘The “B” Patrol entailed a twice daily round of the front Zir-Bala-Hristian-Kamilla-Agomah-Komarjan, and as the Corps was particularly anxious to know whether these villages were held by the Bulgars or not, the only method of obtaining this information....was for our patrols to ride up to, round and finally through the villages until they drew fire, or, alternatively the place proved empty.’

 

According to the Official History most of the action in the summer months of 1917 took place in the air as can be seen in PeteC’s posts.

[pete-c]

3rd DETACHED SQUADRON (SALONIKA AREA)

 

The principal change in the military situation during the week is the withdrawal of the British forces from the STRUMA valley to the heights west of the river.  This step has been taken to escape from the malarious [sic] valley of the STRUMA, and, except for the forces holding the bridgeheads over the river, all the troops are on high ground.

From deserters reports it appears that the Turkish troops on the Lower Struma have now all been relieved by Bulgarians.

 

There is little to report as regards military activity.  Some cavalry patrols dispersed hostile detachments who had occupied various villages in the STRUMA Valley abandoned by us, and some bombing attacks were made by our aircraft.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION. 'A' Squadron & Greek Squadron.

 

During the night of the 28th June an expedition was made to YENEKEUI [YENIKEUI?] Railway Bridge.  A train being sighted to the S. of YENEKEUI Station which was selected as the first target, a direct hit was obtained on it.  The Bridge was also bombed but the effect on the Bridge is uncertain. 

 

STAVROS AIR STATION. 'D' Squadron.

 

On 28th June a Sopwith Fighter was attacked while on reconnaissance by an enemy machine.  The action was seen by observers on the ground who state that after a short fight the enemy's aeroplane fell out of control.  Our machine was then seen to turn to make for our lines, but shortly afterwards fell apparently out of control.  The actual spots where the two machines came to ground were not visible owing to a ridge between the observers and these positions.  The pilot of the Sopwith machine, Flight Sub. Lt. Bernard John Brady D.S.M. and Observer Lieut. Lesli Marsh, are missing.  This pilot has done a great deal of good work from STAVROS and elsewhere both in the air and in an executive capacity and his being missing is a real loss to the Air Service. 

 

The above action was also reported by HMS Endymion.

 

HMS ENDYMION.

 

On 28th [June] a hostile aeroplane visited the 80th Brigade position at NEOHORI and was engaged by Sopwith Fighter N.5108, pilot Flight-Sub-Lieut. Bernard William [sic] Brady, R.N.A.S. Observer - Sub-Lieut. Leslie Marsh, R.N.V.R.  Enemy A.A. guns fired at our machine, after which enemy machine attacked ours.  After a short fight the enemy machine fell out of control and our machine turned to make for our lines but fell in enemy territory, apparently out of control.  Looking from KATROMOUSI they appeared to fall eastward of DOKSAMBOS bearing 126 [degrees] left of KATO Church.

 

A later report carries the following details.

 

6th DETACHED SQUADRON (BULGARIAN COAST)

 

With reference to the machine lost on 28th June (Flight Sub-Lieutenant Brady, R.N.A.S. and Sub-Lieutenant Marsh R.N.V.R.), a Bulgarian deserter states that one of these officers is very severely injured, the other being unwounded.  He also stated that the enemy machine - a FOKKER- was not destroyed.

Edited 28 June , 2017 by pete-c

[Gardenerbill]

The Cyclists “A” Patrol in the Struma valley started at Kopaci then Osman Kamilla, Ano and Kato Gudeli, Dzamimah and Jenimah. The cyclists had the advantage of being lower to the ground and therefore less conspicuous but unlike the Yeomanry they could not easily go cross country tending to stick to the lanes.

[pete-c]

From the following, it would seem that during this period Allied vessels were being targeted much more frequently.

 

HMS ENDYMION.

 

The increased of enemy aircraft along and off the coast would appear to be directly proportional to the reduced activities of 'A' Squadron from THASOS, since in the past 2 months the comparative immunity from attack by air enjoyed by the 6th Detached Squadron, STAVROS and TASLI was undoubtedly due to the constant attacks made on GERAVIZ Seaplane base by our aircraft from THASOS.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On the night of 30th June, an attack was made on DRAMA by 2 Henri Farmans. [Henri Farman HF27]  The first machine, piloted by Sub. Lt. Melstopoulos with Sub. Lt. Seofopoulas as Observer, attacked Drama by dropping sixteen 16Ib. bombs from 1,000 feet.  Two fires were seen to break out in two new tents or small hangars which had been erected on the Aerodrome as an addition to the 4 crescent shaped hangars.

The second machine, piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Moraitinis with Sub. Lt. Lazaris as Observer, attacked DRAMA Railway Station from 1,000 feet.  The first two bombs dropped made direct hits on the Railway Station which was set on fire.  A second run over the Station was made and a third bomb was dropped which, however, hit the line 100 yards N.E. of the Station.  The machine came in for heavy rifle and machine gun fire from the houses to the North of the Station, from machine guns from the West of the Station and from Anti-Aircraft guns to the N.W. of the Town.  Before returning home the machine proceeded on reconnaissance of the Aerodrome and the surrounding district.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 1st July a seaplane flew from MUDROS to THASOS carrying out a Submarine patrol on the way.

 

Details have now been received of the attack on YENIKEUI Railway Bridge. [See Post 229]  One Henri Farman [HF27] piloted by Lt. Comdr. Moraitinis with A.E. Despates as Gunlayer, reached the objective and attacked with three 112Ib. bombs.  The first was dropped from 1,000 feet at a train which was at a standstill South of the smaller of the two Bridges, making a direct hit in the middle of the train.  The other two were dropped from the same height at the main bridge neither making direct hits.

 

 

[Gardenerbill]

Following departure of 60th Division and the 7th Mounted Brigade General Milne reorganised his forces; XVI Corps (27th and 10th Divs) held the line from the mouth of the river Struma to KRAN MAH near BUTKOVO, 28th Div and 228th Brigade under Maj Gen H.L. Croker held the line from KRAN MAH to DOIRAN Station and XII Corps (22nd and 26th Divs) held the line from DOIRAN Station to the river VARDAR.

[pete-c]

HMS ENDYMION.

 

Enemy aircraft from GERAVIZ have continued their activities throughout the week and have become somewhat bolder ...  (See post 231)  ... it seems only to be a question of time before enemy aircraft realise they can come close down to drop their bombs and score a direct hit, unless their activities are suppressed by counter aerial activity against GERAVIZ, such as we have enjoyed in the past but which has ceased for want of suitable aircraft.

 

HEADQUARTERS, R.N.A.S.,

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN STATION,

MUDROS.

 

During the current week the centre of aerial activity has shifted to MUDROS and the DARDANELLES.  There were concentrated at MUDROS 'F' Squadron of Bombers with their Fighting Escorts, the Greek Naval Flight from THASOS consisting of four Henri Farmans for night work and the Handley Page Aeroplane in addition to machines permanently at MUDROS.

 

SUMMARY OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE, 1st to 7th July 1917.

 

There is again very little to record on any of the Macedonian Fronts.  There appear to have been certain exchanges of Bulgarian regiments between MONASTIR and the STRUMA.  Cavalry patrols have dispersed hostile detachments which had occupied various villages in the now abandoned STRUMA valley, such as CUCULUK, JENIKOJ, ELISAN and HAZNATAR.  There has also been a certain amount of aerial activity; bombs have been dropped twice upon DRAMA, once by the R.N.A.S.; and raids have also been made on ANGISTA, SAVJAK and MARINOPOLJE.  Serbian aviators have also bombed positions in front of their lines.

Edited 6 July , 2017 by pete-c

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION  'D' Squadron.

 

On 6th July a photographic survey of the enemy front line trenches on the Lower STRUMA front was made and a reconnaissance was carried out of the ANGISTA and PRAVI VALLEYS.  Large Transport Parks were observed at PRAVI but, apart from that, nothing fresh of any importance was seen.

 

THASOS AIR STATION  'A' Squadron.

 

Enemy seaplanes have been active in this area, being reported on one side of THASOS or the other almost every day.  Flights have accordingly been made in order to attempt to intercept them in proceeding Westwards and to try and cut them off from their base on their return journey.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION  'A' Squadron.

 

On 6th, 7th & 8th July these patrols were unsuccessful in coming into touch with the enemy, on only one occasion enemy machines being seen and then at such a distance that the patrol was unable to catch them up.

 

STAVROS AIR STATION  'D' Squadron.

 

On 7th July a reconnaissance of 'N' Battery Positions was made and certain of those positions were photographed.

Edited 11 July , 2017 by pete-c

[pete-c]

HMS ENDYMION.

 

During church on Sunday 8th the aircraft alarm was received from both STAVROS Pt. [Point] Look-Out and 'D' Squadron Aerodrome for a hostile machine passing over to the Westward at a great height.  'M28' opened fire on two eagles flying in company over STAVROS village, which had the exact appearance of 2 aeroplanes in company and when one commenced flapping his wings the first impression was that the machine was hit and breaking up. 

[Gardenerbill]

In the summer of 1917 apart from the usual patrols and raids there was very little offensive Military activity. To keep the men active various entertainments were organised including; football and boxing competitions, concerts and Horse shows. The 27th and 28th Divisions were both running hound packs for hunting foxes and wolves and there were plentiful wild fowl to shoot for the pot.

[pete-c]

HMS ST GEORGE. SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER - SALONIKA. 

SUMMARY OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. 8th TO 14th July 1917.

 

 There have been no patrols carried out  by the Airship at KASSANDRA, owing to the fact that the Airship was wrecked on the 7th July ...  The Commanding Officer of the Air Station at KASSANDRA states that the necessary gear for repairs has been applied for, and is being sent to rig a new Ship, which will be put into commission as soon as possible.  It is estimated that the new airship will be ready in eight days from the receipt of the required gear.                                                                                   

 

There is again very little activity to record on any part of the MACEDONIAN front, except for a certain amount of artillery fire and various air raids.  In the STRUMA Valley, from which our troops are now withdrawn, cavalry patrols and ambushes still continue to harass the enemy in his occupation of the villages such as JENIMAH, OSMAN KAMILA AND CUKULUK.  Two Bulgarian regiments have come to the Monastir region to replace the Turks or other Bulgarians; the Turkish artillery has also now been relieved by Bulgarians.  Air-raids have been made on VERNAR and twice on VETRINA.  Bombs have been dropped on PETRIC and on ANGISTA Station.

 

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron.

 

On 10th July an enemy aeroplane dropped bombs on THASOS Aerodrome, but did no damage.  A Schneider Seaplane was sent in chase but was too slow to catch the enemy machine.

 

[Gardenerbill]

4 hours ago, pete-c said:

Two Bulgarian regiments have come to the Monastir region to replace the Turks or other Bulgarians; the Turkish artillery has also now been relieved by Bulgarians.

 

There seems to have been a general withdrawal of Turkish forces from the Salonika front in the first half of 1917, the Official History records that the Turkish 50th Division left in July 1917, probably in response to the build up of British forces in Palestine.

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron.

 

During the remainder of the week reconnaissance flights were carried out as required by 80th Brigade and one spotting flight was undertaken for them on the 11th July.

 

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron.

 

On 11th and 12th July only local patrols were undertaken.

[Gardenerbill]

On 11/07/2017 at 07:48, pete-c said:

During the remainder of the week reconnaissance flights were carried out as required by 80th Brigade and one spotting flight was undertaken for them on the 11th July.

 

I suspect this is reconnaissance for a raid. The Official History records one raid at the end of July but it was carried out by 81st Brigade. The 80th Brigade operation may have been of a smaller scale and so not recorded in the Official History.

[pete-c]

HMS ENDYMION.

 

MONDAY 16th JULY.

 

At 17.35 two hostile aeroplanes dropped 8 bombs on Stavros, 5 falling on shore and 3 in the sea.  Fire was opened up by all vessels and the A.A. gun at [the] Aerodrome, but shooting was only good.  One machine circled vertically over ENDYMION for some time and thereby kept herself immune from ENDYMION's gunfire, none of the A.A. guns being able to elevate to 90 degrees.

In this attack one machine approached the anchorage on the direct route from THASOS, evidently to draw attention and fire, whilst the other turned off to the S.W. before reaching STAVROS PT. [Point] and then came from over the hills to the Westward of STAVROS Village with his engine cut off, the result being that he was practically over his objective before being fired at.

One Greek patient in the British Military Hospital was killed.  This might have been avoided had not the STAVROS PT Look-out Station stupidly delayed reporting the approach of aircraft until they were certain they were hostile.

 

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron.  R.N.A.S

 

During the week there has been no outstanding event except that on the 16th July 2 enemy seaplanes were observed flying in company near KAVALLA.  These machines were attacked by a Sopwith Pup and Schneider Seaplanes from THASOS and a running fight took place which resuted in both enemy seaplanes being driven on to the water near BALASTRA POINT under cover of their guns.

A subsequent reconnaissance was made of that place when it was observed that both machines had gone and had apparently got back to their base on BORU LAKE.

Edited 16 July , 2017 by pete-c

[Gardenerbill]

To demonstrate the perils of patrolling the Struma valley here is an extract from the Derbyshire Yeomanry History July 1917:

 

‘Within a few days the following casualties took place. On the 16th Private Haywood and Private Pearson were wounded on patrol. Whilst on the following day, Private smith was wounded and Private Connor killed near Yenikoi. Connor when hit was brought out of action in a most gallant manner by Corporal Dungworth and Private Walker, but died on the 19th. I am glad to record the sequel to this, for on the 26th the Corps Commander conferred the Military Medal on both these men for conspicuous gallantry.

 

On the 23rd Private Labon, whilst patrolling near Topolova, was seen to fall from his horse while being fired on and was reported missing; exactly the same thing happened to Private Thornby two days later. So it wnet on day after day  - Corporal Hanson was killed near Haznatar, Privates G Eley and H Large were wounded at the same place, and S.S. Appleby was seriously wounded and Major Winterbottom slightly wounded near Cuculuk.’

 

On the 22nd July the 1st Royal Scots (81st Brigade) carried out a successful raid on the village of Homondos; they took the Bulgarian garrison by surprise and captured 35 prisoners at a cost of 25 casualties.

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron.

 

On the 17th and 18th July big guns were observed to be registering on the coast East of KALAMUTI and inland along the Western bank of the NESTOS RIVER.  The positions of the firing guns were not however located.

On the 18th July the Greek Naval Squadron returned to THASOS from MUDROS having finished all the night bombing attacks on the [Gallipoli] Peninsula possible during the Moon.

[pete-c]

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron.

 

The routine work for 80th Brigade and for S.O. 6th Detached Squadron in reconnoitring enemy front lines on the Lower STRUMA and the ANGISTA Valley and other lines of communication has been continued during the week.

No feature of any outstanding importance has been disclosed by the signalled reports which are the only ones which have yet been received.

[pete-c]

SUMMARY OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE.  15th - 21st July 1917.

 

On the Macedonian Front there is again little to record beyond occasional patrol encounters and artillery action.  Our aircraft have made almost daily raids upon enemy camps and dumps, and appear to have done considerable damage.  In the STRUMA region they have bombed ANGISTA, PORNA, PULJOVO, KEJIJLIK, HADZI BEJLIK and PETRIC, and DEDILI and DAUTLI in the neighbourhood of DORAN. 

Serbian aeroplanes have also been active in front of their lines, and have maid a raid on PREKLEP.  A hostile aeroplane, brought down by the Serbians, was exhibited near the White Tower [Salonika] last Sunday. 

DOVATEPE FORT has been shelled by the enemy.

The re-organisation of the United Greek Army appears to be progressing smoothly and rapidly.

[Gardenerbill]

The 27th Division held a 3 day horse show at Jum’A Mahale from the 23rd.

At the Paris conference on the 25th the British agreed not to withdraw any more troops(not including these already committeded to leave).

The French troops were on the verge of mutiny over lack of home leave.

Malaria casualties at the end of July were 12,500.

Edited 23 July , 2017 by Gardenerbill

[pete-c]

THASOS AIR STATION.  'A' Squadron. R.N.A.S.

 

Enemy aircraft, both aeroplanes and seaplanes, have been active around THASOS during the week and have visited the Air Station on 3 occasions.  None of these visits was a serious bomb attack, a few small bombs being casually dropped anywhere about the aerodrome on each occasion.  Bombing machines were escorted by fast scouts remaining high up and well away from the aerodrome and each attack appeared to be a palpable attempt to draw slow machines into the air and over enemy territory in order that they should be attacked by the fast enemy scouts.  On each occasion Bristol Scouts were sent up but failed to get in touch with the enemy.

 

On 23rd July shortly before an attack was delivered on the air station, two enemy 2-seater bombing seaplanes were observed near KAVALLA and were pursued and attacked by a Bristol Scout.  Adopting their usual tactics both seaplanes came hurriedly down under cover of the enemy guns at LEPTERA BAY.  This fact was immediately reported to a Patrol launch which proceeded there but was unable to find the seaplanes.

 

STAVROS AIR STATION.  'D' Squadron. R.N.A.S.

 

Except on Sunday 22nd July, reconnaissance of the various gun positions of the enemy front line and their lines of communication have been carried out daily.  On 3 occasions fighters were sent up to engage enemy aircraft proceeding in the direction of STAVROS but on no occasions were the enemy machines located.  On the second of these occasions the bombing machines proceeding towards STAVROS were, as related above, driven down in LEPTERA BAY and no attack materialised.