TITANIC BADLY DAMAGED ON MAIDEN VOYAGE [1]
By New York Standard Reporter Edward Larkson
New York was preparing for the arrival of the newest Queen of the Seas, the RMS Titanic in a few days when word was received of a maritime disaster!
Here is what is known; the RMS Titanic encountered a large iceberg late last night. She encountered the berg while sailing towards New York and the ship was too close to the berg to avoid collision. Reports indicate that the ship’s First Officer ordered the watertight doors closed before the ship struck the berg. His actions saved the ship. Unfortunately, there was loss of life as those in the first two forward compartments were either killed or wounded. Among the wounded is apparently Captain Edward Smith. The nature of his wounds is not yet known. Within minutes of the incident, the ship’s radio operators began sending out a distress signal and the crew fired distress rockets. Less than 20 miles away was the steamer SS Californian, Captain Stanley Lord in command. The bridge officers, upon seeing the rockets exploding, woke both Captain Lord and the ship’s radio officer. When learning of the disaster, Captain Lord sent his ship racing to Titanic’s assistance. Unfortunately, the Californian encountered a smaller iceberg and was badly damaged. The last report we have from the Californian was that the crew was abandoning ship and trying to reach the Titanic.
Other ships are now converging on the Titanic. Among the vessels known to have answered the distress signals are the Carpathia, Mount Temple and Olympic. How badly damaged is Titanic is not yet known, nor is it known if she will sink. All we can do now is wait for more information, which will be in the afternoon edition of the New York Standard.
RESCUE SHIP CALIFORNIAN SUNK!!
CAPTAINS SMITH AND LORD DEAD!![2]
By New York Standard Reporter Edward Larkson
In the fifteen hours since Titanic’s SOS went out over the airwaves, much has transpired. Here is what the New York Standard has been able to discover.
The rescue ship Californian sank this morning just after 12:30 am. Captain Lord and thirteen crewmen died when the ship sank, 41 other crewmen, some badly injured in the collision, were able to make their way to the Titanic. She was not carrying any passengers.
Meanwhile, rescue ships have reached the Titanic and are rendering aid and comfort to the passengers and crew of the ocean liner. The following ships are on the scene: RMS Carpathia, Frankfurt, Olympic (Titanic’s sister ship), and Mount Temple. Captain Arthur Rostron of the Carpathia has assumed command of the rescue flotilla. Reports from Carpathia and the Titanic report that of the 2,223 passengers and crew, 110 are known to be dead, 155 are wounded, 325 are missing and believed to be dead or wounded, and 1432 have been transferred to other ships. First Officer Murdoch and 200 Titanic sailors are still aboard the liner attempting to save her. Among the dead are Captain Smith (who died of his wounds), William Thomas Stead and Thomas Andrews, the ship’s builder. Among the missing are J. Bruce Ismay; John Jacob Astor; Mrs. Astor is safely aboard the Carpathia; Henry and Irene Harris; and the actress Dorothy Gibson. According to radio reports between Captain Rostron and the US Revenue Cutter Service and US Navy, the Olympic will attempt to tow the Titanic to New York with the Mount Temple standing by to pull off her crew if the Titanic should founder. Meanwhile, the Frankfurt and Carpathia, with Titanic’s survivors aboard, will steam for New York at high speed and are expected to arrive in New York sometime on April 18th. The US Revenue Cutter Service has dispatched 2 cutters and the US Navy has ordered the cruiser USS Seattle to the area.
When the New York Standard receives further information, we will print special editions to keep our readers informed.
TITANIC TO SAIL AGAIN![3]
By Southampton Times Reporter Bernard Limmell
It has been over a month since the tragic accident at sea that seriously damaged the Titanic. Captains Smith and Lord were buried with full honors in the Atlantic where the ships collided. The current death toll is now listed at 410 confirmed dead; however, there are still some 25 missing passengers who are believed to have been killed during the collision.
Titanic is being outfitted with a temporary bow in New York harbor. Once that is in place, she will sail for the Harland and Wolf shipyard in Belfast. The repairs are expected to take at least a year. The Titanic’s life boats will be increased in numbers as last month’s accident showed there were not nearly enough lifeboats on hand. Had Titanic sunk before the rescue ships arrived, there would have been a tremendous loss of life.
In a statement from the White Star Line, the Board of Directors praised the actions of the officers and crew of RMS Titanic, pointing out that it was due to the professionalism of the crew and the soundness of the hull, which prevented an excessive loss of life. The Titanic will sail again.
Last week, tens of thousands attended the memorial services for Captain Edwards and Mr. Ismay held here in Southampton.
LUSITANIA SUNK BY GERMAN UBOAT!!
U-BOAT SUNK MINUTES LATER BY TITANIC!![4]
By London Gazette Reporter John Robertson
Yesterday afternoon, a cowardly German U-boat attacked and sank the unarmed liner LUSITANIA off the southern Irish coast. The German terror submarine fired two torpedoes into the hull of the liner. The crew immediately began to evacuate the passengers when the boat surfaced and began firing on the helpless ship killing an unknown number of passengers and crew.
However, unknown to the murderous German thugs, help was close at hand. Steaming nearby en route to the United States was the RMS TITANIC. The German crew did not spot her until she was about a mile away and steaming at full speed towards the U-Boat. The German U-Boat began to dive, abandoning the gun crew. The Germans were too late however as the Titanic sliced through the boat behind the conning tower slicing it in two. The TITANIC suffered minor damage but immediately began rescuing the stricken liner’s passengers and crew.
The Titanic was able to rescue 952 passengers and crew including Captain Turner. The Titanic was also able to rescue the 4 German terrorists and turned them over to the Royal Navy for trial and hopefully execution. Sadly, over 300 passengers and crew died in the attack.
Late yesterday afternoon, an Admiralty spokesman was overheard before the press conference that the 4 German sailors would be tried as pirates. There has been no word yet on German reactions to this news.
A HISTORY OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN THE MILITARY[5]
CHAPTER VII: THE FIRST WORLD WAR
In the one hundred and forty-two years since the beginning of the American Revolution, the African-American soldier had proved that with proper training, equipment and motivation, he could fight just as well as his white counterpart. But, if the War Department and General Black Jack Pershing had had their way, only a handful of African-American troops would have fought, while the other large numbers of African-Americans would have served as stevedores or laborers. But, as the world knows, fate intervened in the form of the Allies. In early January 1917, Major General Sir Peter Jackson, the British Military Attaché to the United States and General de Brigade Charles Gumont, the French Military Attaché to the United States paid a visit to the War Department. General Jackson, a well-known military historian of the time, had studied the exploits of the African-American soldier since the beginning of the American Revolution and was convinced that the Allies, not the Americans, could use these men properly. He wanted combat units that would serve with the Allies. After quietly approaching General Gumont and then their respective General Staffs, Generals Jackson and Gumont then paid a visit upon General Hugh Scott, Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
For two months, the generals met in intense, sometimes very heated negotiations. The Americans were willing to provide battalions and regiments, the Allies wanted brigades and divisions. General Scott was a product of his generation and the idea of whole divisions of armed Negroes scared him. In the end, neither side got what they wanted, but both walked away satisfied. Scott had wanted to send only a few brigades, Jackson and Gumont had wanted 10 Negro Divisions. Scott didn’t count on the Black Press and the Allies hadn’t counted on racism. So what did happen?
The Allies would get 1 Cavalry Division and 2 Infantry Divisions – most of the officers (especially at Regimental level and above) would be white; all the troops would be African-Americans. Scott would ensure that none of these divisions would be trained in the Deep South. In the end, while some African-American troops would see combat as part of the US Army; the vast majority would serve as laborers.
The 2nd Cavalry Division (Colored) was formed at Fort Hood in Texas on June 1, 1917 and trained there for a month before the 2nd Mexican-American War. The division was composed primarily of Regular Army and National Guard units. The division was heavily involved in the Battles for Texas. After the month long battle, the division absorbed their new replacements, and then they were shipped off to Egypt to fight with the British.
The 91st Division (Colored) was formed on June 22nd, 1917 at Fort Dix, NJ and trained for 3 months. The Division was composed of Regular Army and National Guard units. The famous 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments were sent south to help counter the German-Mexican invasion. They rejoined the division in early September. On November 12th, 1917, the 91st United States Infantry Division (Colored) was ordered to the Boston Port of Embarkation for service in the European Theatre of Operations with the French 1st Army.
The 92nd Division (Colored) was also formed at Fort Dix on August 1, 1917 and trained there for 4 months, The Division was composed entirely of draftees with a leavening of regular Army personnel. On December 18, 1917, the Division was ordered to the New York Port of Embarkation for service in the European Theatre of Operations with the 2nd French Army.
Operation Western Sunrise:
The July 14, 1917 German Terror Attacks[6]
The planning for Betrieb Westlicher Sonnenaufgang (Operation Western Sunrise) began in the early 1900s by an unknown staff officer in the German High Command. This still unknown officer had an idea that in the event of a war with the US, it would be a good idea to have a “corps of loyal Germans” in Mexico and the US ready to strike.
By 1916, there were approximately 2,500 German Army reservists in the US, plus thousands more scattered through Central and South America. They were the neighborhood grocer, the janitor at the high school, the friendly policeman. In short, they were part of the background. They had come to the US on the orders of their superior officers with orders to lay low until they were needed. They were to start families and businesses.
In the event of war, some of these men would stay behind and conduct sabotage missions to aid the war effort. The rest, 2,000 men would go to Mexico and join other German reservists, where they would be formed into companies and battalions and added to Mexican Army Regiments. Their mission would be to invade Texas and New Mexico. The last few months of 1916 and early 1917 saw increased shipments of weapons (including field artillery) and other supplies to Mexico. Over 90% of the material shipped actually made it past the British blockade.
With the declaration of war in April 1917, the plan was launched. The men who were slated to go south had their cover stories – they were joining the Army, Navy or Marines. Their absence would not be out of the ordinary. And those who stayed behind? There were small cells operating in Boston and New York docks, in the steel mills of Pittsburgh, the shipyards in San Diego and San Francisco.
The Mexicans rather liked the idea of regaining at least some of their lost territories. The first wave of the invasion would take El Paso, San Antonio and Corpus Christi in the first week. Dallas, Austin and Amarillo would fall a week or two later. There would be diversionary raids along the entire US-Mexican border. All non-Latinos would be forced out and into American held territory. The second wave would finish the conquest of Texas before the US could mobilize enough troops to stop the victorious Mexican Army.
On July 4, the German cells launched their attacks to draw attention away from the border. Factories in Pittsburgh and Boston caught fire; cranes in New York, Chicago and Boston harbors were sabotaged; railroads from New York to Chicago to Bremerton were sabotaged. By July 7, National Guard units were guarding important facilities up north. Some had come from southern California, Texas and Arizona.
The first unit to cross the border was 1st Cavalry Squadron of the 2nd Mexican Cavalry Regiment, which crossed the Californian border at dawn on July 7 near San Diego. Their objective was to disrupt the rail lines coming into the city and port. A combined force of US Marines, county sheriffs, and local guardsmen (who were scheduled to ship out that afternoon) stopped the Mexicans with heavy losses of lives on both sides. By nightfall, 42 separate attacks were reported to US authorities from California to Texas. Congress declared war the next day.
The left wing of the Texas invasion was composed of 15,000 Mexican infantry, 2,000 Mexican and German cavalrymen, and 32 pieces of field artillery. Their first objective was the capture and destruction of Fort Bliss. Both the 5th US and 11th US Cavalry Regiments were there at the time. Advance warning by Texas Rangers enabled the cavalrymen to prepare for the attack. The small detachment of Texas National Guardsmen was ordered to fall back on El Paso and defend the city. Within hours of the news of the invasion, many El Paso citizens started erecting barricades. They would not surrender without a fight. A surprising number of 2nd and 3rd generation Mexican Americans joined in the fight, determined to prove their loyalty.
The center attacks were aimed at San Antonio. This was the largest German-Mexican force consisting of 28,000 German and Mexican infantry, 3,000 Mexican and German cavalry, and 50 field artillery pieces. Del Rio Texas was the first American town to fall to a foreign invader since the War of 1812. After a short battle that left 1 German, 18 Mexicans and 22 Americans dead, the remaining defenders surrendered. The senior German officer prevented the Mexican soldiers from raping the white women, those he sent forward towards San Antonio under a white flag. He did nothing to stop the rape of the non-white women.
Laredo came under attack from the right wing of the German-Mexican force, which consisted of 10,000 Mexican infantry, 1,500 German and Mexican cavalry and 22 artillery pieces. There, 120 US infantry and artillerymen held up inside of Fort McIntosh, a pre-civil war fort. The Mexican general in charge had decided that the fort had to fall before his troops took Laredo. The fort held out for a full 24 hours before falling. By then, Laredo’s civilians had sent the old and sick, women and children north. Those men with weapons had established barricades and waited. After McIntosh’s surrender, General Salazar ordered the execution of the survivors for seriously delaying his advance. His senior German advisor pointed out that any executions were a violation of the rules of civilized warfare; for his troubles, he was shot on the spot by General Salazar himself. The remaining German cavalrymen opened fire on General Salazar and his soldiers. Once the shooting stopped and the German survivors “dealt with”, the attack on Laredo continued. The defenders had expanded to include the few McIntosh survivors, Texas Rangers and a squadron of German cavalrymen who had defected to the American side (There was an understanding between the senior surviving American officer and the German captain that the Germans would be treated honorably after the surrender.)
The Battle of El Paso went on for a week; regular US Army forces began arriving within 2 days of the invasion and by the end of the week the left wing had retreated back across the border.
The San Antonio attack force got within 20 miles of the city. The defenders consisting mainly of Regular Army troops and the Alamo Militia (as the civilians liked to call themselves) and 4 Jennys from the Signal Corps. Here the battle lasted for 2 weeks before the Mexicans fell back due to lack of water and their rising numbers of casualties.
General Zapata’s force made it to the outskirts of Corpus Christi where they were stopped cold by the battleships of the Atlantic Squadron, US Marines and the National Guard. According to Marine lore, Sergeant Daniel Daly led the attack on Zapata’s HQ, killing him and most of his staff. The Texas National Guard disputes this account saying it was their troops who killed the General. (If you wish to start a fight in Texas, state that it was Daly who killed Zapata; the locals will be happy to oblige you with a fight.)
Once the Mexican forces had retreated across the border, General Pershing ordered his forces to cross into Mexico proper. The end of the war came as a surprise to all. Many US leaders asked one simple question – where was Pancho Vila? He had caused so much trouble in the last year, but was now nowhere to be found. Vila was taking advantage of the situation and after gathering up his Division of the North began his march on Mexico City. After laying siege to the city for a week, he managed to break in and execute President Carranza. Once he consolidated his hold, President Vila put out peace feelers. By then, Pershing’s forces had taken Saltillo and Chihuahua. The Treaty of San Antonio was signed on August 7, 1917 bringing an end to the Second Mexican-American War.
The terms of the treaty were simple and as brutal as could be.
1) All Germans were to be handed over to the US as prisoners of war.
2) The US was to be paid $100 million dollars for war damages.
3) All Mexican Army units were to withdraw 50 miles from the border.
4) All Mexican territory running along a line from Ensenada - Carbora to Galena to Chihuahua to Muzquiz to Monclova to Apodca to Santa Teresa was to be ceded to the US in perpetuity.
The Second Mexican American War forever changed American attitudes to a large standing army.
THE UNPUBLISHED DIARIES OF SERGEANT GEORGE WASHINGTON BOLLING,9TH US CAVALRY[7]
January 1, 1918. Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!! Celebrated the New Year last night by leading a patrol along the Wailing Wall. What a year it has been.
This time last year, we were sitting on our butts in Arizona, and then along came the war and the formation of the Division. First came the training followed by the Mexican War then more training before getting on the boats to Egypt.
In Alexandria we were told that we would be joining the British Desert Mounted Corps. We joined the Corps just in time to catch the tail end of the 3rd Battle of Gaza. All we did was guard prisoners. Never did see any fighting.
After that battle, the Allenby’s forces moved on towards the Turkish positions around Beersheba. This was not going to be an easy one. We were attached to General Chetwode’s XX Corps. We would follow behind his two infantry divisions and exploit any breakthroughs. Well the Brits did a great job and took the Turkish positions. We were preparing to charge the next line of Turkish defenses when we saw the CHARGE. As long as I live, I will never forget the Australian Charge at Beersheba. Unlike the Light Brigade, this charge was a beautiful sight. The Turks folded after that magnificent charge.
Our casualties weren’t bad, we lost 25 men killed and another 109 wounded. After regrouping, we were told of our next target – Jerusalem! Praise God we were going to walk where Jesus Christ Himself walked so many centuries ago! We began the march on Jerusalem on November 10, 1917.
We were in position outside of Jerusalem by December 6. We were to take the Turkish positions on the heights to the west of the Holy City. The Turks repulsed our first charge with some heavy casualties on our side. I am sad to say we lost Regimental Sergeant Major Simon Peters. He had been with the Regiment 25 years! Our second charge was successful, in the space of an hour and a half; we cleaned out the first Turkish lines. The British 60th Infantry Division passed through our lines and took the rest of the Turkish positions.
We’ve been here since the city fell into our hands. General Allenby walked into the city to accept the surrender. We’ve been told to respect the holy sites of all three religions.
Happy New Year!! Where will we be next year?
RUSSIAN ROYAL FAMILY RESCUED[8]
BEBC Newsflash
July 12, 1918
Good afternoon, this is the BEBC from London. Late this afternoon, reports began filtering out of war torn Russia that units of the Czech Legion, currently fighting in the Russian Civil War, have rescued the Russian Royal Family. At this time, there are no further details.
Good evening, this is London. And now for the news of the day. Foreign Ministry Officials have confirmed that units of the Czech Legion attempted to rescue the Russian Royal Family being held prisoner in the Russian town of Ekaterinburg yesterday. During the fighting, the Bolshevik guards killed the Tsar and his son, Tsarevich Alexis. Empress Alexandria and her daughters were rescued unharmed and are being rushed to safety outside of the war zone. It is expected that they will be brought to London.
In the rest of the day’s news………………………….
MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION[10]
McNair, Lesley James
Rank and Organization: Captain, United States Army, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th US Infantry Division.
Place and Date: Near Murmansk, Russia December 8, 1918.
Entered service: Chicago, IL. Born 1886, Chicago, IL.
Citation: Captain McNair’s Company was guarding a position on the outskirts of Murmansk. In the early morning hours of December 8, 1918, Bolshevik forces attacked his sector. Within fifteen minutes, the 2nd Battalion commander was killed and Captain McNair took command of the battalion. Over a period of eight hours, Captain McNair successfully defended his position against a force twice his size. He was wounded four times during the night and he refused evacuation to the rear. During the final assault, Captain McNair led his last remaining reserves against a Bolshevik company that was threatening to break through his position. The attack was beaten back at the cost of Captain McNair’s life.
A HISTORY OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN THE MILITARY
CHAPTER VII: THE FIRST WORLD WAR[11]
2nd US Cavalry Division (Colored)
Higher formations
Egyptian Expeditionary Force 1917-1919
British Desert Mounted Corps 1917
British XX Corps 1918-1919
Transferred to 3rd US Army 1919
Battles fought in:
3rd Battle of Gaza
Beersheba
Battle of Megiddo
Decorations (British)
6 Distinguished Service Orders
15 Military Medals
58 Mentioned in Dispatches
Decorations (US)
2 Distinguished Service Crosses
1,455 Purple Hearts
91st US Infantry Division (Colored)
Higher Formations
French 1st Army 1917-1919
French XXXVI Corps 1917-1919
Returned to the US in 1919
Battles fought in:
Third Battle of Ypres
Fourth Battle of Champagne
Battle of the Seine River
Decorations (French)
33 Croix de Guerre
Decorations (US)
1 Medal of Honor
3 Distinguished Service Crosses
9,756 Purple Hearts
92nd US Infantry Division (Colored)
Higher formation
2nd French Army -1917-1918
French XV Corps 1917
French XXI Corps 1917-1918
Returned to the US in 1918
Battles fought in:
Battle of Chateau Thierry
Battle of Soissons
Battle of the Seine River
Decorations (French)
41 Croix de Guerre
Decorations (US)
2 Medals of Honor
5 Distinguished Service Crosses
18,655 Purple Hearts
THE DEATH OF THE RUSSIAN NAVY
NAVAL EVENTS MAGAZINE[12]
By Admiral William Sims, USN (Naval Events Contributor)
The outbreak of the Russian Civil War in 1918 fragmented the Imperial Russian Navy. Some units stayed loyal to the Kerensky Government, while the majority joined the Bolshevik cause.
After the rescue of Romanovs, plans were set in motion to destroy the Bolshevik Red Navy. The three main components of the Russian Fleet were the Baltic Fleet, Black Sea Fleet and the Pacific Flotilla. The Japanese, upon their arrival at Vladivostok had seized control of the handful of Russian destroyers and smaller vessels stationed there.
The Anglo-American attack, “Operation Jericho”, began at dawn on May 16, 1919 on the Baltic Fleet’s base at Krondstadt. The Allied Fleet consisted of 1 British battle cruiser 2 American and 5 British battleships, 18 assorted American and British cruisers, and 24 British destroyers. The Russians put up a fight, but they were overwhelmed, but not before bloodying the Allies’ nose. HMS Princess Royal and 2 destroyers were sunk in the melee. Petropavlovsk, the only active Russian battleship went down with all hands after engaging both HMS Princess Royal and HMS Queen Elizabeth. After successfully defeating the remaining surface ships and land-based fortifications, British Royal Marines landed and over the space of twelve hours, successfully destroyed the armories, shipyard and docks. The Russians battleships Gangut, Sevastopol and Poltava, all decommissioned and in reserve status, were destroyed by the Allied battleships.
The Anglo-American attack on Sevastopol, “Operation Mustang”, began at dawn on May 17, 1918, 12 hours behind schedule. Bolshevik agitators had managed to delay the refueling and supplying of the Anglo-American fleet at Alexandria. The half-dozen American and British battleships with their escorting cruisers and destroyers alongside then appeared off of Sevastopol at dawn ready for combat. However, ill-prepared they were, the Russians had heard of the Allied attack on Krondstadt. The only combat ready Bolshevik ships were a couple of cruisers and a handful of destroyers. No Allied ships were sunk, although 1 cruiser and 4 destroyers were damaged. Once again Marines, this time American, landed and destroyed the dockyard, slips, arsenals and other military facilities and equipment. During their time ashore, 42 Marines were killed and 77 more were wounded.
Since May 1919, the Soviet Union has slowly been rebuilding their Navy. The dockyards of both Krondstadt and Sevastopol are expected to be back in operation by 1926. As it stands now, the Red Navy is a minor regional navy; clearly they plan on becoming a major player on the world stage.
WHITE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE[13]
Today, President Wilson issued an invitation to the leaders of the British Empire, the French Republic, and Italy to send representatives to Washington DC on August 1, 1920 to discuss a naval disarmament treaty among the major naval powers of the world.
Earlier this morning, officials from the Japanese Embassy in Washington delivered a written protest from the Japanese Government to the State Department. In the document, the Japanese Government announced its protest at being left out of the upcoming naval talks in the strongest possible terms. According to one State Department source, a Japanese Counselor Officer stated, “Japan would not sit still for such dishonorable treatment towards the Japanese people”.
In other news……………
STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE[15]
The United States Government today apologizes to the Taisho Emperor and the Japanese Government for not including Japan among the invitees to the naval disarmament talks. It was an unintentional error on our part and not an insult to the honorable Japanese people who were our allies in the Great War.
PRESIDENT WILSON DIES IN HIS SLEEP!
VICE PRESIDENT THOMAS MARSHALL SWORN IN
By James White-Simmons, Washington Express correspondent
President Thomas Woodrow Wilson died last night at 11:55pm in the White House. President Wilson had been moved back to White House on February 9 after his doctors had deemed it safe to do so. Mrs. Wilson was at his beside when he died.
Chief Justice Edward White swore in Vice President Marshall as the 29th President of the United States shortly after midnight. He ordered all flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days and that the President should be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE NATION
Good evening my fellow Americans.
It has been two weeks since our President Thomas Woodrow Wilson left us. We have mourned him deeply and we continue to mourn him. As you know, several hundred thousand Americans and foreign officials paid their last respects as President Wilson lay in state and at his funeral in Arlington National Cemetery.
We will continue to hold him in our thoughts and prayers as we move on. Our Armed Forces continue to protect us, factories continue to produce goods, and our farmers continue to grow food. Life does indeed go on.
Tomorrow, I will be submitting the name of James Fox, Ohio’s Governor to Congress for their approval as my Vice President.
I am urging the Congress to carry out the desires of President Wilson to have this country join the League of Nations.
It is also my duty to inform Congress that I have postponed President Wilson’s Naval Disarmament Talks until next year. By then, it is my fondest hope that Japan will be persuaded to join the other major naval powers of the world here in Washington DC.
In the next few months, both major political parties will be holding their nominating conventions in preparation for this year’s Presidential Elections. At this time, I state that I will not accept my party’s nomination for the Office of President.
Thank you and God Bless America.
GENERAL MITCHELL CLAIMS AIR POWER CAN SINK WARSHIPS[18]
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Reporter
Great War Hero Brigadier General William “Billy” Mitchell was in Washington today speaking at the Army and Navy Club on the subject of air power in the Great War.
The audience composed primarily of Army and Navy officers also included several Senators in town on business before the next session of Congress. The audience generally agreed with General Mitchell while he was discussing the use of air power in Europe and the Middle East. Once the General began talking about the impact aviation would have on sea power, a number of naval officers began to seriously disagree with him. In fact, several officers left during the lecture. One Navy Captain, who asked not to be identified, was quoted as saying “The Airplane, while useful as eyes of the fleet, will never sink a battleship.”
PRESIDENT HARDING INVITES THE WORLD’S MAJOR NAVAL POWERS TO WASHINGTON DC
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO CONGRESS[19]
I stand before you here today less than three years after the end of the Great War. We are at world at peace. To remain at peace, I invite the major naval powers of the world – the British, the Japanese, the French, and Italians – to Washington DC. The talks will begin on Armistice Day. These civilized nations will seek to stop the current naval arms race, a race that could lead to war, and we have seen the worst of wars.
We are the leaders of the world and it behooves us to lead by example. I ask the leaders of the British Empire, Japanese Empire, France, and Italy to send their representatives with the power and the desire to make peace.
Thank you and God Bless.
GENERAL MITCHELL TESTIFIES BEFORE
Brigadier General William “Billy” Mitchell, Deputy Chief of the US Army Air Service, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was testifying on the role of air power in modern war. He created quite a stir when he claimed that the airplane had made the battleship obsolete.
“With a force of 24 bombers, I can sink or severely damage any concentration of ships,” General Mitchell was quoted as saying to the Committee, “close to our shores. We can prevent any invading fleet from reaching our shores.”
After lunch, Admiral Robert Coontz, the Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations, made a surprise appearance before the Committee to dispute General Mitchell’s claims. Admiral Coontz came prepared for battle and he made quite an impression upon the Senators that General Mitchell was wrong and that the Navy - which was of the opinion that air power could not sink ships - could defend our shores.
And the debate goes on
U. S. ARMY AIR SERVICE AND NAVY TO TEST
NELSON’S WARSHIPS OF THE WORLD
By Commander Jonathan Smith-Brown, RN Ret
Nelson’s Special Correspondent
Washington DC, March 22, 1921
Late last week, the American Senate Armed Services Committee of the US Congress, ordered a series of tests to be conducted on the topic of the airplane being able to sink warships.
The tests, as determined by the Chief of Naval Operation, Admiral Coontz, and General Peyton March, the Army Chief of Staff, are as follows:
Test 1: Army Air Service bombers will drop bombs on four moored obsolete ex US Navy cruisers and destroyers.
Test 2: Army Air Service bombers will drop bombs on at least 2 moored and obsolete pre-dreadnought battleships.
It is believed that these two tests will at least prove some, if not all, of the bomber enthusiasts’ theories.
AIR SERVICE SINKS WARSHIPS!!
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Correspondent
Yesterday morning, Monday March 22, 1921 history was made off the Virginia coast. Twelve US Army Air Service bombers attacked the four former US Navy warships – two cruisers (the former USS Pueblo and USS Montana) and two destroyers (the former USS Roe and USS Drayton) anchored a few miles off the Virginia coast.
The first flight of 3 bombers attacked the Pueblo at an altitude of 200 feet. The cruiser was hit repeatedly but did not sink. The second wave of bombers hit the Roe, which blew up and sank after being hit by a number of bombs. The third wave hit the Montana at an altitude of 250 feet. The cruiser, which was hit and damaged, did not sink, although by the time the bombers left, she was severely listing. The final wave of the morning came in at 150 feet and attacked the Drayton. The Drayton was hit numerous times and sank 8 minutes after the attack.
By 10 am the bombers were back. Flying low and slow over the targets, the Pueblo and Montana were plastered with bombs and quickly sank.
A jubilant General Mitchell quickly claimed superiority over the warships. However, a Navy spokesman pointed out that a) the ships were not moving, b) there were no damage control parties to repair the damage and keep the ships in the fight and c) that the bombers had to fly low and slow something not possible if the ships were maneuvering and firing back.
The next test is scheduled in five weeks.
MITCHELL’S BOMBERS FAIL TO SINK
Washington Express, April 29, 1921
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Correspondent
The test was supposed to be simple – General Mitchell’s 1st Provisional Air Brigade would attack their moored targets – 3 decommissioned battleships and 6 decommissioned cruisers and destroyers.
The rules were simple: the Navy would moor nine decommissioned warships; the Air Service would attack these ships from a pre-determined altitude and with specific bomb loads. Both sides cheated.
The Air Service used much larger bombs and flew at lower altitudes. Meanwhile the Navy had converted five of the ships into radio-controlled ships. The moored ships were the German battleship Ostfriedland, the German cruiser Emden, the former cruiser Charlotte, and the former battleship Alabama. Meanwhile, the ex-German destroyer V-70, the former US destroyers Ammen, McCall, and Monaghan, and the former US battleship Iowa were underway in formation.
The bombers were able to sink the Ostfriedland with 5 direct hits and 8 near misses. The Alabama went down after being hit 4 times, with 4 near misses. The Emden and Charlotte were hit 3 times each before they sank.
The radio-controlled ships were a different story. These ships were underway and maneuvering to avoid being hit when the bombers approached the area. Both the V-70 and Iowa were hit once and suffered light to moderate damage. The Ammen and McCall received a number of near misses, but did not suffer any appreciable damage. The Monaghan was not hit at all, as she kept maneuvering between the moored vessels, which were hit instead of her.
A spokesman for General Mitchell stated that the General was pleased that his bombers were able to sink their targets and that the Navy’s cheating prevented all the ships from being sunk.
Meanwhile, the Navy’s spokesman pointed out that not only were the bombers unable to sink any of the ships that were underway, only two were hit and the damage was not enough to prevent them from carrying out their mission. In addition, the Air Service used heavier bombs than was agreed to.
The lessons learned from these tests will be debated inside and out of the military for years to come.
BEBC RADIO WORLD NEWS[24]
Good evening, this is BEBC Evening News from London. Earlier today, the last White Russian forces under the control of Empress Alexandra withdrew from Vladivostok in Siberia. The withdraw of these forces means that for now, the only White Russian forces in combat are in the Black Sea region. A spokesman for the Empress stated that these forces would be transferred to the Black Sea as soon as possible. The Soviet Government issued a statement proclaiming the “superiority of the Russian soldiers and peasants over the failed nobility.”
Meanwhile, Empress Alexandra has accepted an invitation from His Majesty’s Government to visit His Majesty King George V at Windsor Castle.
Meanwhile, along the US-Mexican border, the US Army is continuing the forced relocation of Mexican citizens from the occupied zone. Citing increased terrorist attacks, the Military Governor, General Hunter Liggett, with the approval of the President, has ordered the forced relocation of all non-Americans back to Mexico. The Red Cross has lodged formal complaints with the US Government. A government spokesman has stated that the sick and elderly are being provided with transportation and food and water is being provided to the Mexicans. Martial Law has been in effect since the Americans took over the area at the end of the 2nd Mexican-American War. The US Government denied that the area was being cleared out to allow American citizens in to exploit the region's natural resources.
NAVAL ARMS RACE ON THE HORIZON
OUTSIDE OF THE NAVY DEPARTMENT)
At this time, an international naval arms race is about to start. Construction begun during the Great War is now nearing completion by most navies.
The French Navy is currently considering building 3 different classes of fast battleships and battle cruisers.
The Royal Navy is currently constructing 4 Admiral Class battle cruisers. Also in the design pipeline are a class of 16” battle cruisers and 18” fast battleships.
The Imperial Japanese Navy is constructing the Kaga, Kii and “Super” Kii class battleships, the Amagi class battle cruisers.
In addition, various navies are either converting warships to aircraft carriers or building them from the hull up.
By getting this treaty, it will be possible to a) limit what the other nations are building, b) enable us to scrap our obsolete vessels and c) stop this arms race.
DELEGATES ARRIVE IN WASHINGTON, DC[26]
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Correspondent
Early yesterday morning, delegates from around the world arrived here in Washington to discuss a naval arms limitation treaty. These talks, which are called the International Conference on Naval Limitation, are expected last into the spring.
The American delegation is lead by our Secretary of State, the Right Honorable Mr. Charles Evans Hughes.
The British delegation is lead by the Right Honorable James Balfour, Lord President of His Majesty’s Privy Council. The British delegation includes representatives from the various dominions of the British Empire.
The French delegation is lead by Mr. Albert Sarraut, Deputy Minister of the Colonies.
The Honorable Carlo Schanzer, Senator of the Kingdom is leading the Italian delegation.
Baron Tomosaburo Kato, Minister for the Navy is leading the Japanese delegation.
The delegations are here, now the world watches and waits for the results of their talks.
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Correspondent
History was made here in Washington, D.C. yesterday when the delegates to the International Conference agreed on what is being called The Four Power Treaty. This treaty will enable the four major powers in the Pacific – the US, the British Empire, the Japanese Empire and the French – agree to undergo mediation for disputes in the Pacific area. Additionally, the Four Powers agreed to respect the territories and mandates of the other signatories.
The treaty will now go to the Congress for their approval. This is a sign that the wishes and desires of the peoples of the world are becoming fulfilled here in Washington, D.C.
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Correspondent
Several major treaties were signed yesterday in Washington, D.C at the International Conference. A total of four treaties were signed and these are the Shantung Treaty, the Nine Power Treaty, the Six Power Treaty and the Yap Island Treaty.
The Shantung Treaty, sign by Japan and the US, returns the territory of Kiaochow to China. Japan seized the former German concession at the beginning of the Great War.
The Nine Power Treaty; signed by the US, the British Empire, the Japanese Empire, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, China, and Belgium; states that the signatories will agree to the Open Door Policy, that they will pledge to respect China’s territorial rights, and they will over a ten year period, return control of Chinese trade back to the Chinese.
The Six Power Treaty; signed by the US, the British Empire, the Japanese Empire, France, Italy, and China; states that these six nations will divide Germany’s cable routes in the Pacific among themselves.
The Yap Island Treaty, signed by the US and Japan, signs over control of this Pacific island to the US.
These treaties will of course have to be ratified by Congress and the President plans on submitting them to the Congress this week.
There are rumors that the Naval Arms Limitation Treaty is encountering some resistance by the Japanese. Apparently they feel that is tilted against the Japanese people.
JAPANESE DELEGATION WALKS OUT
OF NAVAL ARMS LIMITATION TREATY![29]
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Correspondent
The Japanese delegation, led by Baron Tomosaburo Kato, rose to their feet at 9:06 am yesterday and walked out of the talks. Baron Kato walked over to Secretary Hughes and stated that Japan “would not be treated like a young child being lectured by their parents”.
The Japanese delegation left the talks and proceeded to the Japanese Embassy. According to an embassy spokesman, the delegation will be returning to Japan as soon as transportation can be arranged.
A spokesman for Secretary of State Hughes stated that the other nations would not be held hostage by Japanese ambitions, but they would urge the Japanese not to leave the talks.
The main sticking point seems to be the allocation of warship tonnage. The delegates had agreed that for every 5 capital ships possessed by the US and Royal Navies, the Imperial Japanese Navy would be allowed 3 ships. The Japanese felt that this was unfair and they want parity with the US and British.
According to a joint statement issued by the delegations leaders that Japan was more than welcome to return but that the talks would continue.
Later in the afternoon, the Japanese Embassy announced that they would be sending an observer to the talks. Meanwhile, reports from inside the Conference Hall indicate that a treaty is nearing completion and there will be an announcement any day now.
NAVAL ARMS LIMITATION TREATY SIGNED!!!
By John White-Simmons, Washington Express Correspondent
Yesterday morning, a historic treaty was finalized and later signed here in Washington DC. The representatives of the nations present, the United States, the British Empire, France, China, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, signed the Washington Naval Arms Limitation Treaty at 4:20pm yesterday afternoon.
The treaty will limit the number of capital ships (battleships and battle cruisers), aircraft carriers, cruisers (light and heavy), destroyers and submarines each nation may have in service. Each signatory nation is allowed tonnage limits on the capital ship and aircraft carrier classes.
SHIP CLASS NATION TONNAGE LIMIT
Capital ships
British Empire & United States 682,500 tons each
France & Italy 227,500 tons each
Japan* 409,500 tons
Aircraft Carriers
British Empire & United States 175,500 tons each
France & Italy 75,000 tons each
Japan* 105,000 tons
*Japan is not a signatory
Nations are expected to scrap older warships, convert them into target ships or otherwise make them incapable of being used in combat.
The United States will be allowed to convert 4 of the Lexington class battle cruisers currently under construction into aircraft carriers and scrap the other 2 Lexingtons.
The British Empire will be allowed to build 2 Admiral Class battle cruisers and 1 G-3 class battle cruiser; the remaining Admirals and G-3s currently under construction will be scrapped. The British Empire, if they choose to do so, will be allowed to convert one (1) G-3, currently under construction, into an aircraft carrier.
The Japanese Empire did agree to convert two (2) of their Amagi class battle cruisers into aircraft carriers.
Prior to Japan walking out of the talks, there was a proposal that would limit the Japanese, Americans and British from building new fortifications or bases in the Pacific and existing bases could not be extensively upgraded in designated island territories. It is not sure if the British and Americans will honor this agreement.
[1] New York Standard (Early morning edition), April 15, 1912 by Edward H. Larkson
[2] New York Standard (Afternoon edition), April 15, 1912 by Edward H. Larkson
[3] Southampton Times, May 28, 1912 by Bernard Limmell
[4] London Gazette, May 8, 1915 by John Robertson
[5] A History of African-Americans in the Great War by Dr. Christopher Hall, Louisville Press 2001
[6] Operation Western Sunrise: The July 4 1917 German Terror Attacks by James Melton Devlin Publishing 2005
[7] From the unpublished diaries of George Washington Bolling
[8] British Empire Broadcasting Company News
[9] Ibid
[10] www.army.mil/cmh-pg/mohwwi.html
[11] Ibid
[12] The Death of the Russian Navy by Admiral William Sims, USN, Naval Events Magazine January 1925
[13] White House archives
[14] Universal Broadcasting Company Radio News; January 6, 1920
[15] State Department archives.
[16] Washington Express, February 15, 1920
[17] Eastern Broadcast Service News archives March 1, 1920
[18] Washington Express, December 7, 1920
[19] Congressional Record, February 9, 1921
[20] News of the World newsreel February 18, 1921
[21] Nelson’s Warships of the World, Commander Jonathan Smith Brown, March 22, 1921
[22] Washington Express, John White-Simmons, March 23, 1921
[23] Washington Express, John White-Simons, April 29, 1921
[24] BEBC News May 4, 1921
[25] US Navy Archives
[26] Washington Express, John White-Simmons, November 12, 1921
[27] Washington Express, John White-Simmons, December 14, 1921
[28] Washington Express, John White-Simmons, February 7, 1922
[29] Washington Express, John White-Simmons, February 14, 1922
[30] Washington Express, John White-Simmons, February 18, 1922