100 Years ago this week in the Balkans

[Gardenerbill]

The RFC bombed the airfield of the German Bomber Squadron at HUDOVA.

The 26th Div advance the line unopposed 1,000 yards along a 3,000 yard section at DOLJELI including WHALE BACK and BOWLS BARROW.

Field artillery and siege batteries were moved from the Struma to the Doiran sector in preparation for the attack on the XII Corps front.

[Gardenerbill]

In early March 1917 the French began minor operations near Monastir including 76th Division on the west shore of Lake PRESPA.

Also in early March 181st Brigade carried out a series of raids in the Hodza valley: 2/22 London R raided CHAKLI WOOD, 2/23 London R and 522 F Coy R.E. destroyed wire and trenches around the HODZA redoubt and 2/24 London R raided the village of Brest.

15th March in the Struma valley a detachment of the 1st K.O.Y.L.I. and 2nd E. Yorks carried out a successful raid on POROI station but the 2nd Cam H raid on enemy works west of Seres was unsuccessful.

17th March the Bulgarians carried out bombardments all along the front, particularly heavy in the Doiran sector, including the first use of gas shells and followed up the bombardments with raiding parties.

The abdication of the Russian Tsar 15th March puts the continued participation of the Russian Brigade in doubt.

[pete-c]

Naval Air Services Headquarters, Mudros 16 March 1917.

Operations in Southern Bulgaria and on the Struma Front.

 

Stavros Air Station: 'D' Squadron.

 

Details have now been received of the engagement with an enemy scout which took place on 8th March.

 

'While carrying out a reconnaissance at 9,500feet 5 miles S.W of DRAMA a hostile biplane thought to be a Halberstadt scout, [another report believed to be of the same engagement has the machine as an 'armoured Fokker'] was observed approaching our machine (Nieuport 2-seater) and climbing very rapidly.  The Nieuport kept on its course, heading for ALISTRAT but made slow progress owing to a strong Westerly gale.  When over FOTOLIVO the hostile machine closed to about 220-250 yds. and opened fire, to which the Nieuport replied, emptying in all 41/2 trays at the enemy, many tracers observed to go through his propeller.  When over ANGISTA Station the Nieuport observer was hit in the side and as his ammunition was nearly expended the pilot dived to 2000 feet and flew along the ground followed by the hostile machine which however had lost distance in diving and was now some way behind.  The Nieuport continued to gain distance and, at the edge of Lake TAHINOS, the enemy turned back.'

 

The crew of the Nieuport are believed to have been FLT Bradley, and LT Morris, and they possibly landed at MONHUI.

[royan155]

On ‎2‎/‎26‎/‎2017 at 16:44, Gardenerbill said:

Hi James,

If yout great Uncle was definitely killed at Gallipoli then he won't have served in the Salonika campaign as British forces arrived at Salonika at the end of 1915 from Gallipoli as the campaign there was being wound down or they came from France. It could be argued that the Gallipoli peninsular is in the Balkans which would explain the Medal Index card. 

Hi Mark, thanks for the information. It's much appreciated . . . . . Jim

On ‎2‎/‎26‎/‎2017 at 16:46, kenf48 said:

The code on the mic is (I imagine) 2 b i.e. 2 The Balkans b Gallipoli

 

Scroll down for code interpretation at TNA

 

Ken 

Hi Ken, thanks very much for your information. It's very much appreciated . . . . Jim

[royan155]

On ‎2‎/‎26‎/‎2017 at 16:46, kenf48 said:

The code on the mic is (I imagine) 2 b i.e. 2 The Balkans b Gallipoli

 

Scroll down for code interpretation at TNA

 

Ken 

hi again Ken, This is the digital copy of my Great Uncles Military Certificate, is this what you thought it was? . . . . Jim

[michaeldr]

On 2/26/2017 at 17:42, royan155 said:

This is the first hint I have that he may have fought in the Balkans prior to Gallipoli. Hope someone can help or point me in the right direction.                                                    

 

The 14th (or the 13th) June 1915 is the correct date for this battalion landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli

They had sailed from Liverpool on the Empress of Britain on 23rd May and called at Malta 31st May/01st June, arriving at Alexandria, Egypt on 8th June 1915. They left Alexandria on the 9th and arrived at Mudros on the island of Lemnos on 11th June. 

[details from Ray Westlake's 'British Regiments at Gallipoli']

 

regards

Michael

[kenf48]

2 hours ago, royan155 said:

hi again Ken, This is the digital copy of my Great Uncles Military Certificate, is this what you thought it was? . . . . Jim

 

Yes, 2B (as written) = Gallipoli, which for the purpose of the issue of medals was considered to be within the Balkan theatre of war.  As confirmed by Michael above.

 

Ken

[Gardenerbill]

To the west of the river Vardar the French 57th Division captured Hill 1428, but due to slow progress and heavy snow General Sarrail ordered operations to cease until the weather improved. In the British sector south of Seres the Turkish 46th Division left for Constantinople and were relieved by the Bulgarian 10th Division. The XII Corps preparations for the attack at Doiran continued.

 

According to the Official History there was a Serbian uprising in March 1917, 8,000 irregulars tried to seize the railway line W of NIS but were ruthlessly put down.

 

[royan155]

On ‎3‎/‎17‎/‎2017 at 14:11, kenf48 said:

 

Yes, 2B (as written) = Gallipoli, which for the purpose of the issue of medals was considered to be within the Balkan theatre of war.  As confirmed by Michael above.

 

Ken

Excellent Ken, Once again, I thank you . . . . . Jim

[royan155]

On ‎3‎/‎17‎/‎2017 at 13:00, michaeldr said:

 

The 14th (or the 13th) June 1915 is the correct date for this battalion landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli

They had sailed from Liverpool on the Empress of Britain on 23rd May and called at Malta 31st May/01st June, arriving at Alexandria, Egypt on 8th June 1915. They left Alexandria on the 9th and arrived at Mudros on the island of Lemnos on 11th June. 

[details from Ray Westlake's 'British Regiments at Gallipoli']

 

regards

Michael

Hi Michael, Thank you so much for your info. I knew he'd left Glasgow for Liverpool and sailed on the Empress of Britain, the dates and places of the rest of his journey were totally unknown to me. Thanks once again............ Jim

[Gardenerbill]

Back to subject of the topic.

 

At the end of March, the R.N.A.S. provided 4 Sopwiths for the R.F.C. at STAVROS.

End of March/early April Doiran front dispositions were altered to concentrate most experienced troops and preparations for the planned attack were on-going.

Here is an extract from the 9th East Lancs ward diary for the 29th March:

 ‘Time taken & routes to (1) D. Sector H.Q. (2) E. Sector H.Q. (3) WHALE BACK RAVINE Coy. tested by troops in "fighting order" by night.’

[Gardenerbill]

On the 5th April a German Bombing raid on the railhead at KARASOULI set fire to and gutted some buildings, destroying a quantity of ammunition. This would prove to be the last bombing raid by the German squadron.

 

According to ‘Under the Devisl Eye’ XII Corps Battalions practice attacks when not in the line consisted of:

 

‘Movement of companies and battalions across ravines, intensive trench digging, rapid wiring, open warfare and trench fighting, attacks against entrenchments and the consolidation of captured positions.’

[James A Pratt III]

The 5 April bombing raid was carried out by KG1 and there are more raids to come from this unit. War in the Air the RAF Official history does mention the results of these raids.

[Gardenerbill]

Not much to add to James' post above. The main attack in the Serb/French sector was postponed from the 8th to the 15th and then the 26th. XII Corps continued with practice attacks and XVI Corps were tasked with planning limited acion in the Struma Valley to prevent the Bulgarians from moving troops to the Doiran sector.

[pete-c]

Some more details of R.N.A.S. work.

 

Operations in Southern Bulgaria and on the Struma Front.

THASOS AIR STATION   'A' Squadron.

 

The salient feature of the weeks work has been a series of night bombing attacks which have been carried out on the Air Stations and other objectives in the DRAMA - KAVALLA and XANTHI areas.

 

8th/9th April.  One Henri Farman made an attack on the Seaplane Base at GERAVIZ.  In spite of intense A.A. fire which was put up as a barrage over the target, five direct hits were made on the large wooden hangar from 1,100 feet, one 100Ib and four 16Lb bombs falling on the hanger in a line from the South side to the North.  Owing to the darkness the damage could not be observed but it is probable that the shed was totally wrecked.  The pilot was Lt Cdr Moraritinis, with Sub Lt R Psychas (both of the Greek Navy) as observer in HF N3010.

 

On the night of 10/11 April a bomb attack was made on DRAMA Aerodrome.  A direct hit was made on one of the hangars causing a large fire to break out.  This fire spread to the petrol dumps at the back of the hangar.  The attack was carried out by moonlight by Sub Lt Constantinou with Mid (Midshipman) RJ Dashwood RNR as observer in HF N3010 (same machine as above)  Three runs were made over the target with two 100Ib and four 16Ib bombs being dropped.  These fires were still observed burning when the machine was landing at THASOS.

 

[Gardenerbill]

Final preparations were now being made for the XII Corps attack at Doiran and XVI Corps diversionary actions.

The first battle of Doiran deserves a daily post starting on Friday 21st when the wire cutting barage started.

[Gardenerbill]

I have decided that the 1st Battle of Doiran should be covered in a dedicated topic.

 

Link to new topic:

 

First Doiran

Edited 23 April , 2017 by Gardenerbill

[Gardenerbill]

The barrage on the Doiran Kraistali line continued until the evening of the 24th April when the first attack began. The attack was a partial success with 22nd Division achieving its objectives but 26th Division failing.

 

The main attack of the spring offensive in the Monastir sector was postponed by General Sarrail due to bad weather.

[pete-c]

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

 

On the 25th the XANTHI -PORT LAGOS area was reconnoitred.  A noticeable feature was the absence of anti-aircraft fire, which may indicate that high angle guns are being concentrated elsewhere to meet our offensive.

 

HADJI JANUS AIR STATION.  'E' Squadron. R.N.A.S.  [This aerodrome is consistently referred to in the following reports with this spelling; however, HADJI JUNAS seems to be the spelling more often used elsewhere, War in the Air, HA Jones, for example - but, as is always the case with this theatre of operations, there can be many variations used for any particular location!]

 

On the 25th four Naval machines of 'E' Squadron escorted R.F.C. bombing machines on two raids, during the first of which four combats took place in which we suffered no casualties, driving off the enemy on each occasion.  On returning from the second raid the enemy's bombing formation was encountered consisting of 16 machines.  These were immediately attacked by four R.N.A.S. escorting machines.  The enemy's formation was broken and scattered and we suffered no casualties or material damage.

 

In order to give 'E' Squadron more climb and speed, arrangements are being made to fit 'E' Squadron's machines with such 130 H.P Clerget engines as are available on the station and it is hoped by this means to still more effectively deal with the enemy who at present can avoid action at will.

Edited 20 May , 2017 by pete-c

[pete-c]

HADJI JANUS. 'E' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 28 April an enemy formation of 6 twin engine bombing machines escorted by 2 Halberstadt Scouts was reported coming South, and 'E' Squadron left the aerodrome to engage them.  Only two Naval machines, however, were able to get sufficient height and overtake the formation before it returned to its base. 

Flt Sub Lt E P Hicks with acting A.M.1 Albert Edward King, Official No. F4373 as gunner in Sopwith N5099 had a running fight with four different twin engine machines.  He got into position 150 yds. below each of the first two and A.M. King emptied a drum of Lewis Gun ammunition into each.  Then, still climbing slowly, he got into position 30 yds. below a third machine and flying in the same direction also gave it a complete drum.  A fourth machine was then attacked from a similar position and two drums of ammunition were fired into it, many tracers being seen to enter the fuselage.

Flt Sub Lt S H Gaskell with Captain Hicks R.F.C. as Observer, while endeavouring to get into position saw one of the twin engine machines dive at an R.F.C. aeroplane and accordingly dived after him, opening fire at 150 yds.  The enemy thereupon broke off the action and made for his base at such speed that the Sopwith could not overtake him.

[pete-c]

AMBERKOJ AIR STATION.  'F' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

The aerodrome was prepared by R.F.C. on 28th April and on 29th, 8 machines of 'F' Squadron flew from STAVROS and were safely landed at AMBERKOJ.

 

HADJI JANUS  'E' Squadron.

 

On 29th April 5 flights were made but no combats took place.

 

[pete-c]

AMBERKOJ. 'F' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On the 30th 'F' Squadron began their campaign by dropping 1,300Ibs of bombs on an important store dump to the East of BOGDANCI where heavy A.A. fire was experienced.  Eight bombs fell on stores and tents while eight others fell in the dump, enveloping it in smoke.  The five bombing machines were escorted by three fighters which form part of the Squadron.  On the return journey according to arrangements the Squadron was met by the Composite Squadron of which 'E' Squadron forms part and were escorted home.

 

HADJI JANUS 'E' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

In spite of provocation through 'F' Squadron carrying out a number of effective bombing raids and notwithstanding the greatly increased activity of all arms of the Allied Forces on the Macedonian Front, enemy aircraft have displayed singularly little activity during the week either in bombing or in defence and what they have done has been at a wholesome distance from the present sphere of 'E' Squadrons work, namely on the Serbian and French fronts around MONISTIR.  'E' Squadron have therefore only been able to bring the enemy to action once during the week and it seems as if the enemy has either suffered more severely in the actions of the preceding weeks than at first seemed likely or they are waiting for reinforcements to enable them to accept action with still greater superiority of numbers on their side.

Edited 30 April , 2017 by pete-c

[Gardenerbill]

General Milne orders General Wilson to plan for another attack on the Doiran Kristali line.

Main attack will start with French artillery 5/5/1917, XII Corps attack set for 8/5 at 9.50 p.m.

4th/5th May Paris conference British Government insist on reduction of the British Salonika Force, 1 Div and 2 Cavalry Brigades to be withdrawn 1/6/1917.

French 122 Div and Greek attached troops advance the line over half a mile west of the river Vardar

[pete-c]

AMBERKOJ. 'F' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On 1st May a raid was made in the early morning on CESTOVO dump.  On this occasion the Composite Fighting Squadron met over HADJI JANUS on the outward journey, and they reinforced the escort throughout the flight.

1,210Ibs of bombs were dropped, the majority falling among the sheds, stacks of stores and huts and doing considerable damage.  In the afternoon a second expedition was made to BOGDANCI dumps where 1,445Ibs of bombs were dropped from 8,000ft.  Owing to the extremely hazy condition of the atmosphere at the time, results could not be ascertained definitely but a cloud of black smoke was seen over the dumps, showing that the bombs had got home.

[pete-c]

AMBERKOJ. 'F' Squadron R.N.A.S.

 

On the morning of 3rd May, CESTOVO dump again received attention, a further 1,445Lbs of bombs, the majority of which burst in the S.E. corner of the dump.  One large shed was also seen to be damaged and smoke was observed to be issuing from it.  The Composite Fighting Squadron escorted 'F' Squadron to the lines, where they waited and formed a screen for the bombing flight on the return journey.

In the afternoon the visit to CESTOVO was repeated, 1,445Lbs of bombs again being dropped.  Again haze prevented the estimation of results, but bombs were seen to explode in the dump on its Eastern side.