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Crowther
World Events
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1915
January
WORLD WAR ONE TIMELINE
Jun 28th 1914
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Jul 28th 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia and Russia mobilises troops.
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia and Russia mobilises troops.
Jul 31st 1914
Germany warns Russia to stop mobilising troops.
Germany warns Russia to stop mobilising troops.
Aug 1st 1914
Germany declares war on Russia
Germany declares war on Russia
Aug 3rd 1914
Germany declared war on France and invades Belgium the next day.
Germany declared war on France and invades Belgium the next day.
Aug 4th 1914
Britain declares war on Germany and the US declares neutrality.
Britain declares war on Germany and the US declares neutrality.
Aug 10th 1914
Australian Imperial Force launch recruitment drive promising to send 20,000 troops.
Australian Imperial Force launch recruitment drive promising to send 20,000 troops.
Aug 13th 1914
Training camp set up at Pontville where 12th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery and 3rd Light Horse train.
Training camp set up at Pontville where 12th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery and 3rd Light Horse train.
Aug 23rd 1914
Battle of Mons - War on the Western Front begins, followed by Battle of Le Cateau four days later.
Battle of Mons - War on the Western Front begins, followed by Battle of Le Cateau four days later.
Sep 11th 1914
Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force lands at Blanche Bay.
Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force lands at Blanche Bay.
Oct 20th 1914
First Contingent departs Tasmania for Western Australian rendezvous aboard the 'Geelong' & 'Katuna'.
First Contingent departs Tasmania for Western Australian rendezvous aboard the 'Geelong' & 'Katuna'.
Nov 9th 1914
First naval engagement of the war. SMS Emden destroyed at Cocos Islands by HMAS Sydney with heavy German losses.
First naval engagement of the war. SMS Emden destroyed at Cocos Islands by HMAS Sydney with heavy German losses.
Feb 27th 1915
Dr William Crowther reports for service with the A.I.F. & instructed to raise a section of the 5th Field Ambulance.
Dr William Crowther reports for service with the A.I.F. & instructed to raise a section of the 5th Field Ambulance.
Mar 4th 1915
The 12th Battalion arrives in Mudros from Egypt to commence their training in preparation for the landing at Gallipoli.
The 12th Battalion arrives in Mudros from Egypt to commence their training in preparation for the landing at Gallipoli.
Mar 17th 1915
Crowther marries his sweetheart Joyce Mitchell at St. David’s Cathedral, Hobart on 17 March 1915.
Crowther marries his sweetheart Joyce Mitchell at St. David’s Cathedral, Hobart on 17 March 1915.
Mar 18th 1915
Dardanelles forts attacked by British & French warships. The attack fails, with the loss of three battleships & 700 sailors.
Dardanelles forts attacked by British & French warships. The attack fails, with the loss of three battleships & 700 sailors.
Mar 26th 1915
Crowther appointed Captain
Crowther appointed Captain
Apr 20th 1915
Over 200 ships assemble at Mudros, Lemnos in preparation for the Allied invasion of Turkey.
Over 200 ships assemble at Mudros, Lemnos in preparation for the Allied invasion of Turkey.
Apr 22nd 1915
Chlorine gas used for the first time by Germans at Ypres. While Allies use mines in the Battle of Hill 60.
Chlorine gas used for the first time by Germans at Ypres. While Allies use mines in the Battle of Hill 60.
Apr 25th 1915
At around 4am the Australian troops began to land on Gallipoli, facing steep cliffs as they scrambled inland in the early hours of the morning.
At around 4am the Australian troops began to land on Gallipoli, facing steep cliffs as they scrambled inland in the early hours of the morning.
May 19th 1915
Australians repelled major Turkish attack on their positions at Gallipoli. The acronym ANZAC used for the first time.
Australians repelled major Turkish attack on their positions at Gallipoli. The acronym ANZAC used for the first time.
May 20th 1915
Lance Corporal Albert Jacka, 14th Battalion, AIF, is the first Australian to win the Victoria Cross in World War One for his action at Gallipoli.
Lance Corporal Albert Jacka, 14th Battalion, AIF, is the first Australian to win the Victoria Cross in World War One for his action at Gallipoli.
May 24th 1915
Armistice held on Gallipoli so that both sides could bury their dead.
Armistice held on Gallipoli so that both sides could bury their dead.
Jul 19th 1915
Crowther departs Australia aboard 'Ascanius'.
Crowther departs Australia aboard 'Ascanius'.
Aug 6th 1915
The August offensive at Anzac, aimed at capturing the heights of Chunuk Bair in the Sari Bair Range begins.
The August offensive at Anzac, aimed at capturing the heights of Chunuk Bair in the Sari Bair Range begins.
Aug 6th 1915
The Battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli. Seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australians.
The Battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli. Seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australians.
Aug 7th 1915
Charge of Australian Light Horse Brigade at the Nek, Gallipoli.
Charge of Australian Light Horse Brigade at the Nek, Gallipoli.
Aug 15th 1915
Illness now causing more problems at Gallipoli with many men being evacuated daily due to illness caused by the unsanitary conditions.
Illness now causing more problems at Gallipoli with many men being evacuated daily due to illness caused by the unsanitary conditions.
Aug 21st 1915
The Battle of Hill 60 was the last major assault of the Gallipoli Campaign.
The Battle of Hill 60 was the last major assault of the Gallipoli Campaign.
Sep 13th 1915
Crowther arrives at Anzac Cove.
Crowther arrives at Anzac Cove.
Oct 10th 1915
Crowther notes damage sustained by gales. Crowther ill with diarrhoea & evacuated.
Crowther notes damage sustained by gales. Crowther ill with diarrhoea & evacuated.
Oct 12th 1915
Germans execute Edith Cavell an English nurse who was accused of being a spy. Her death is used to inspire others to enlist.
Germans execute Edith Cavell an English nurse who was accused of being a spy. Her death is used to inspire others to enlist.
Nov 7th 1915
A meeting of the Anzac Medical Society attended by 50 medical officers discussed the problem of lice among the troops.
A meeting of the Anzac Medical Society attended by 50 medical officers discussed the problem of lice among the troops.
Dec 1st 1915
Gallipoli evacuated over two nights - 18/20 December due to worsening conditions, leaving behind 8,709 dead.
Gallipoli evacuated over two nights - 18/20 December due to worsening conditions, leaving behind 8,709 dead.
Jan 27th 1916
Crowther promoted to rank of major with 8th Field Ambulance on 19 February.
Crowther promoted to rank of major with 8th Field Ambulance on 19 February.
Feb 21st 1916
Battle of Verdun begins and goes on for the next nine months with enormous losses with an average of 70,000 casualties each month.
Battle of Verdun begins and goes on for the next nine months with enormous losses with an average of 70,000 casualties each month.
Mar 1st 1916
Australian troops begin to land in France & move north to near Armentieres.
Australian troops begin to land in France & move north to near Armentieres.
Apr 8th 1916
Crowther taken on strength with 14th Field Ambulance.
Crowther taken on strength with 14th Field Ambulance.
Apr 25th 1916
First Anzac Day commemorated
First Anzac Day commemorated
Jul 1st 1916
Battle of Somme begins, but Australian troops not involved until later. Crowther stationed at 1st AGH, Rouen.
Battle of Somme begins, but Australian troops not involved until later. Crowther stationed at 1st AGH, Rouen.
Jul 19th 1916
Big Push begins. Australia's worst one day losses at Battle of Fromelles with around 2,000 killed and 5,533 casualties.
Big Push begins. Australia's worst one day losses at Battle of Fromelles with around 2,000 killed and 5,533 casualties.
Jul 23rd 1916
12th Battalion in action at Battle of Pozieres, sustain heavy casualties including Capt Ivor Margetts, Crowther's friend.
12th Battalion in action at Battle of Pozieres, sustain heavy casualties including Capt Ivor Margetts, Crowther's friend.
Aug 8th 1916
A series of attacks made on the farm by the Allies to secure the German stronghold.
A series of attacks made on the farm by the Allies to secure the German stronghold.
Sep 15th 1916
Tanks used for the first time on the Somme, but with mixed results as many broke down
Tanks used for the first time on the Somme, but with mixed results as many broke down
Sep 17th 1916
Major Crowther is transferred from 8th Field Ambulance to 1st Australian General Hospital, Rouen.
Major Crowther is transferred from 8th Field Ambulance to 1st Australian General Hospital, Rouen.
Oct 19th 1916
Anzacs to vote on conscription referendum. Crowther believes many are against it and will vote no.
Anzacs to vote on conscription referendum. Crowther believes many are against it and will vote no.
Oct 30th 1916
Crowther is transferred from 1st Australian General Hospital to 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station in the field.
Crowther is transferred from 1st Australian General Hospital to 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station in the field.
Nov 10th 1916
Major Crowther receives news of the death of his friend Morton Allport. He takes the news quite hard.
Major Crowther receives news of the death of his friend Morton Allport. He takes the news quite hard.
Mar 1st 1917
Crowther is transferred from 1st Australian Clearing Station to No. 14 Field Ambulance.
Crowther is transferred from 1st Australian Clearing Station to No. 14 Field Ambulance.
Mar 17th 1917
Revolution in Russia
Revolution in Russia
Apr 6th 1917
The United States of America declares war on Germany following heavy shipping losses.
The United States of America declares war on Germany following heavy shipping losses.
Apr 11th 1917
First Battle of Bullecourt. Attack fails to breach the Hindenburg Line. Harry Murray awarded VC. Percy Black killed in action.
First Battle of Bullecourt. Attack fails to breach the Hindenburg Line. Harry Murray awarded VC. Percy Black killed in action.
May 3rd 1917
Another attempt to break the Hindenburg Line succeeds but with heavy casualties. Total for both actions -10,700 casualties.
Another attempt to break the Hindenburg Line succeeds but with heavy casualties. Total for both actions -10,700 casualties.
Jun 7th 1917
Battle of Messines begins with the exploding of 19 mines dug by Australian and British tunnellers under the German lines.
Battle of Messines begins with the exploding of 19 mines dug by Australian and British tunnellers under the German lines.
Sep 20th 1917
Battle of Menin Road part of the Third Battle of Ypres. Crowther wounded but remains on duty.
Battle of Menin Road part of the Third Battle of Ypres. Crowther wounded but remains on duty.
Sep 26th 1917
Allies captured both Polygon Wood and nearby Zonnebeke pushing the German front line further back. Despite success Australians suffered 5,770 casualties.
Allies captured both Polygon Wood and nearby Zonnebeke pushing the German front line further back. Despite success Australians suffered 5,770 casualties.
Oct 4th 1917
Battle of Broodseinde. Allies victorious with help of accurate artillery barrages, capturing the strategic higher ground and pushing the Germans back.
Battle of Broodseinde. Allies victorious with help of accurate artillery barrages, capturing the strategic higher ground and pushing the Germans back.
Dec 20th 1917
Second conscription referendum result is No. Soldiers don't want conscripts fighting alongside them, only volunteers.
Second conscription referendum result is No. Soldiers don't want conscripts fighting alongside them, only volunteers.
Jan 1st 1918
Australia’s five divisions are now formed into one army corps – Australia’s first real army under Major General John Monash.
Australia’s five divisions are now formed into one army corps – Australia’s first real army under Major General John Monash.
Mar 21st 1918
German forces launch its Spring Offensive capturing large amounts of territory that the Allies had previously taken.
German forces launch its Spring Offensive capturing large amounts of territory that the Allies had previously taken.
Mar 21st 1918
Germans commence operation Michael the greatest artillery barrage known with Paris seriously under threat, being shelled from the Western Front.
Germans commence operation Michael the greatest artillery barrage known with Paris seriously under threat, being shelled from the Western Front.
Mar 28th 1918
Australians helped stop the German advance at Dernancourt, just south of Albert. Sergeant Stanley McDougall 47th Battalion awarded VC.
Australians helped stop the German advance at Dernancourt, just south of Albert. Sergeant Stanley McDougall 47th Battalion awarded VC.
Mar 28th 1918
First Battle for Morlancourt using Monash’s 3rd Division. 11th Brigade capture Morlancourt with 150 casualties.
First Battle for Morlancourt using Monash’s 3rd Division. 11th Brigade capture Morlancourt with 150 casualties.
Apr 25th 1918
First battle of Villers-Bretonneux in attempt by Germans to capture Amiens.
First battle of Villers-Bretonneux in attempt by Germans to capture Amiens.
May 1st 1918
John Monash appointed Commander in Chief. American troops now in France.
John Monash appointed Commander in Chief. American troops now in France.
May 19th 1918
Turning Point!
Turning Point!
Jun 3rd 1918
Crowther promoted to Brevet Major.
Crowther promoted to Brevet Major.
Jul 4th 1918
First major break through with Le Hamel & Somme captured by Allies. Battle all over in 93 minutes – 3 minutes longer than Monash intended.
First major break through with Le Hamel & Somme captured by Allies. Battle all over in 93 minutes – 3 minutes longer than Monash intended.
Aug 8th 1918
Battle of Amiens, 'Hundred Days offensive'. Australian troops spearhead Allied victory, turning point in war. Gaby & Stratton awarded VC.
Battle of Amiens, 'Hundred Days offensive'. Australian troops spearhead Allied victory, turning point in war. Gaby & Stratton awarded VC.
Sep 18th 1918
Attack on Hindenburg or Siegfried Line. Australians break through Hindenburg Outpost Line. Later take St. Quentin Canal with British and American help.
Attack on Hindenburg or Siegfried Line. Australians break through Hindenburg Outpost Line. Later take St. Quentin Canal with British and American help.
Oct 5th 1918
Battle of Montbrehain. Last action for Australian troops before being pulled out. Line handed over to American troops and withdraw to the coast.
Battle of Montbrehain. Last action for Australian troops before being pulled out. Line handed over to American troops and withdraw to the coast.
Oct 12th 1918
Battle of Passchendaele. Action carried out in appalling winter conditions with heavy casualties. Vimy Ridge captured by Canadians in November.
Battle of Passchendaele. Action carried out in appalling winter conditions with heavy casualties. Vimy Ridge captured by Canadians in November.
Oct 30th 1918
Turkey surrenders on 30 October and signed an Armistice with the Allies.
Turkey surrenders on 30 October and signed an Armistice with the Allies.
Nov 9th 1918
Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates on 9 November.
Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates on 9 November.
Nov 11th 1918
Armistice signed to end hostilities at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Armistice signed to end hostilities at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Dec 14th 1918
Crowther leaves France for London.
Crowther leaves France for London.
Jan 2nd 1919
Crowther returns to Australia on board 'Karmala'.
Crowther returns to Australia on board 'Karmala'.