9 September 1916
 

Western Front
German GHQ transferred from Charleville to Pless.
Colonel Lossberg, CoS German First Army, awarded Pour le Merite for outstanding Western Front service.
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Ginchy begins and ends; British 16th (Irish) Division (Irish nationalist and poet Lt Tom Kettle killed, aged 36) capture Ginchy, 7 miles east of Albert and trenches west and east of Leuze Wood.
Southern sector of Somme front: Germans begin counter-attacks against French Tenth Army round Berny and recover some ground (until September 12).
French troops claim the capture of 7700 Germans, including 100 officers, during the last 7 days at the Somme.
Battle of Verdun: Before Douaumont, east of Fleury, French carry whole system of German trenches.
French airmen drop bombs on Rottweil (Wurttemberg).
Naval air raid on Ghistelles, Handzaeme and Lichtervelde (Ostend).

Eastern Front
Kaiser visits Kovel, awards Carl Hoffmann Pour le Merite. Carl Hoffman was the Chief of Staff of the German 8th Army, and chief architect of the plan which resulted the annihilation of the Russian armies at the Battles of Tannerberg & the Masurian Lakes at the start of the First World War.
Transylvania Battle of Selimbar: Rumanians advance southwest of Hermannstadt.
Dobruja: Mackensen’s Bulgarian cavalry of 1st Infantry Divisions takes Silistria on Danube southern bank.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Main British advance of 1st Division reaches Tulo but Lettow’s 2,200 men with 24 MGs check it at river Dutumi (until September 12).

Political, etc.
Germany: Hindenburg and Ludendorff meet industrialists Gustav Krupp and Carl Duisberg (IG Farben) to discuss workforce shortage and Hindenburg programme.
United Kingdom: Cardiff: South Wales railwaymen resolve to strike, demanding increase of 10 shillings weekly on wages.
France: Paris, during last week, French and British Ministers for War and Munitions held conferences.
Austria-Hungary: Common Ministers Council discuss food crisis, War Minister mentions malnutrition signs in Army.
United States: U.S. Congress establishes the U.S. International Trade Commission, which provides trade expertise for the government.
Revenue Act of 1916 is passed in the US, raising the lowest income tax rate from 1% to 2% & the top rate to 15%. Estate tax is also created. (Apparently actually yesterday).
Greece: ‘Greek reservists’ (actually a false-flag operation initiated by the French) shoot at French Athens legation, Government apologies on September 11 (for what is really a secret French ploy).

10 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack fails at Ginchy, British advance east of Guillemont, Rawlinson discusses tanks’ role in forthcoming attack. British troops have advanced 6000 yards in the last week and are now 1000 yards east of Ginchy.
Picture of two Japanese Army Lieutenants sent to Europe to study military aviation: http://imgur.com/UW4peQh

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Carpathians: Karl von Pflanzer-Baltin sacked from Austrian Seventh Army, Günther von Kirchbach replaces. Austrians retreat west of the Gyergyo and Czik valley.
Transylvania Russian and Romanian forces in contact.
Dobruja: Bulgarian and German troops continue their advance into Romania after they seize the city of Silistra.

Southern Front
Salonika: 6 British detachments demonstrate (161 casualties) along river Struma, further cross-river raids on September 15 and 23.
Corfu, Serbian Parliament assembles here, all ministers present.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British 2nd Division occupies Kidodi and halts with 1,946 of 6,696 men unfit. Belgian Southern Brigade fights at Lulanguru (until September 12) in railway advance on Tabora.
French Voltaire-Class Battleship at Toulon: http://imgur.com/gdTr9Wc © IWM (Q 71055)

Political, etc.
Germany: Official casualty lists from Germany total 3,375,000 men killed, wounded, captured, and missing since the war’s start.
United Kingdom: Lloyd George, the British Minister of Munitions, visits Verdun with General Dubois and M. Albert Thomas, and makes a speech praising the French defenders.

"6 British detachments demonstrate (161 casualties) along river Struma"

I'm not sure of the meaning of demonstrate in this sentence. :(

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British guns detonate German munition dump near Grandcourt. Rawlinson issues orders for third great British assault.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Carpathians: Lechitski takes Mt Capel Kapul (5,000 ft) and links with Rumanian Fourth Army on September 12, claim ‘many’ prisoners.
Alexandru Averescu given Third Army.

: Turkish 50th Division (11,979 men with 16 guns and 12 MGs) begins taking over Drama seaward sector of Bulgarian line.
British troops in Greece cross the Struma River into Bulgaria, capturing four villages.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Brooking’s 1,900 British soldiers (196 casualties) with 14 guns beat c.5,000 Arabs (est 1,200 casualties) at As Sahilan northeast of Nasiriya (Euphrates).
Southern Persia: Sykes reaches Isfahan.
Russia announce the capture of the city of Baneh in Persia from the Ottomans.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: Two Bulgarian torpedo boats hit Russian mines of Varna (1 sunk).

Political, etc.
Germany: Kaiser Wilhelm and King Ferdinand of Bulgaria meet to discuss strategy in the Balkan theater of the war.
Russia: General Averyanov to STAVKA: ‘… we are close to complete exhaustion of the manpower reserve’.
Canada: Quebec Bridge collapses during construction, killing 13 workers. The bridge had also collapsed in 1907. http://imgur.com/h3Bu3Ni
Greece: PM Alexandros Zaimis resigns; Kalogeroulos succeeds on September 16.

Yeah, 'demonstrate' is one of those weasel words in a military context. It can be anything from a mere parade, to a full-scale attack.

For example, in an earlier post, the British naval forces "demonstrated" in an attempt to intimidate the government in Athens (it worked).

Here, the British "demonstrated" their military muscle: in the context of this sentence, it would have been in the context of a raid.

Thanks GG.

12 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: After 6-day delay (bad weather and muddy ground) French Sixth Army resumes offensive after Allied bombardment opens at 0600 hours: ‘Good progress’ reported with Bois d’Anderu and Bouchavesnes captured on Bapaume-St Quentin road.
Lloyd George, General Joffre, General Haig, and Albert Thomas (right to left) meeting at the Somme: http://imgur.com/JrR90al
Lloyd George, British Minister of Munitions, visiting captured German trenches at Fricourt: http://imgur.com/a8XQsch* © IWM (Q 1179)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Romanians advance on Kronstadt (Brasso), their right flank.
Dobruja: Field Marshall von Mackensen in supreme command of German-Bulgarian forces.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allied offensive begins on west flank at 0600 hours. Serb First Army captures foothills of Mt Kajmakcalan (‘butter-churn’; 8,284 ft) 25 miles east-south-east of Monastir. Bulgars occupy Kavalla port. French 156th Division attacks west to Florina, 6 miles east by September 17.
4th Greek Corps of 25,000 men at Kavalla deserts (under Colonel Hatzopoulos) to the Germans. Sent to Germany as "guests".

13 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French I Corps advance southeast of Combles; VII Corps repulses heavy counter-attacks at Bouchavesnes.
Battle of Verdun: At citadel President Poincare confers Legion of Honour on the fortress ‘against whose walls the highest ambitions of Imperial Germany have broken’; Petain, Joffre, Nivelle and Mangin all present.

Southern Front
22 Italian Caproni bombers with Italian-built Nieuport fighter escort bomb Trieste.
Salonika: British 65th Brigade (22nd Division) storms German 59th Regiment’s Machukovo village salient, taking c.70 PoWs and 9 MGs for 586 casualties but loses it again until September 14.
French and Serbian troops in Macedonia attack on a 30-mile front against Bulgarian troops between Lake Ostrovo and Sorovitz.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: British occupy Mikindani (southernmost post in German East Africa).

Political, etc.
Germany: HINDENBURG ACHIEVES DE FACTO COMMAND OF CENTRAL POWERS’ ARMIES. OHL (German Supreme Forces Command) for the purpose becomes OKL (Supreme War Command).
Kaiser, Hindenburg, Bethmann, Enver and Tsar Ferdinand confer at Pless.
Australia: Melbourne: Mr. Hughes' bill, referendum for conscription in Australia, read first time.
Spain: Antonio Maura, former Spanish Premier and leader of the Conservatives, declares Spain must take sides in the war.

Some of the little or never heard of details are really fascinating. :thumbs:

14 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British storm trenches southeast of Thiepval and 11th Div the ‘Wonderwork’. Haig and Rawlinson confer, Haig urges determined assault on Martinpuich. French I Corps captures Le Priez Farm; French XXIII and VII Corps both stalemated; 78 German counter-attacks since September 1. Fruitless counter-attacks of a German division from Verdun front.
British armoured car and wounded soldiers near Guillemont: http://imgur.com/D0aEy4W* © IWM (Q 1222)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Merisor-Petrosani (until September 22) north of Vulcan Pass: Rumanian First Army attacks towards Hatszeg. Austrian codebreakers get a warning of Rumanian counter-attack.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo (until September 17): Alter lengthy artillery preparation including gas shells Italian Third Army (14 divisions, 966 guns, 584 mortars) attacks at 0900 hours on 6-mile front, captures Nova Vas Hills 144, 265 and 208 (Carso) with 1,800 PoWs, later regained by Austrians (Fifth Army, 101 battalions with 409 guns).
Macedonia: Italians and French make diversionary attacks in Doiran-Vardar sector. Serbs break through at Gornichevo on Florina road and capture 32 Bulgarian guns. British gain ground towards Machukova (south of Gevgeli)
Kavalla (Greek Macedonia) occupied by Bulgarians.

Political, etc.
Turkey: Ottoman government gives permission to the U.S. State Department to send aid to Syrians.
United States: Josiah Royce, American philosopher of the objective idealism school, has passed away: http://imgur.com/5XrcQfU
(Possibly yesterday) San Francisco Chamber of Congress reports that Chinese immigrants to the U.S. have not been “accorded a square deal...”
Greece: Popular indignation in Greece at Kavalla news.

Of related interest
 

Not precisely 100 years ago today, but during the First World War, and ongoing for the several years of it. A bit of archaeology, the "White War": http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/gl...ampaign=posteng

Which in and of itself is fascinating, but also goes to show why there were 13 Battles of the Isonzo: that sector on the Austro-Hungarian/Italian front was practically the only path to cmoparatively military operations.

15 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Great (only “Great” compared to earlie disasterous British advances) British advance (third phase) on the Somme, a six-mile front to depth of 2 or 3,000 yards. Flers, Martinpuich, Courcelette and whole of High Wood taken.
New heavy armoured vehicles (Tanks) used for first time, north of Pozieres to east of Guillemont:
Battle of Flers-Courcelette begins (see 22nd). From 0620 hours, after 40-minutes shelling, 14 divisions (2 Canandian and 1 NZ) and 32 of 49 FIRST TANK MK I‘s IN ACTION (see July 28th, 1917). The British Mark 1 tank is a huge shock to the German defenders. The first official tank photograph: http://imgur.com/GJWd2Z6 © IWM (Q 2488)
Four Mark I tanks being refueled at Chimpanzee Valley: http://imgur.com/GQBIOkt* © IWM (Q 5576). Despite the shock, not everything goes well with the tanks: 5 ditched, 9 break down, 10 hit.
Aeroplane co-operation with tanks instituted by the British Flying Corps:
During the Battle of Fleurs-Courcelette, No.7 and No.34 Squadrons, Royal Flying Corps, support the British Army's first tank attack. Royal Flying Corps helps engage 85 German batteries (29 silenced) and drops 8t bombs on 15 targets; claims 15 German aircraft, loses 14 aircrew and 6 aircraft. Second Lieutenant Ball destroys or forces down 10 German aircraft until September 28.
French capture trenches south of Rancourt, and system of trenches north of Le Priez Farm, south of Somme, east of Deniecourt, etc. the french also repulse frequent counter-attacks. Micheler regrets lack of reserves prevents follow-up operations.
146 extra heavy guns sent to German First and Second Armies at the Somme and 144 worn*out guns replaced (until October 8).
Hindenburg issues his first formal operation order: ‘The main task of the Armies is now to hold fast all positions on the Western, Eastern, Italian and Macedonian fronts and to employ all other available forces against Rumania’.
Situation map at the Somme, with the shaded regions denoting Allied advances: http://imgur.com/18P5xv7
(note the lack of scale on the map, making the gain look a whole lot bigger than they actually were).

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: General Kaledin with Eighth Army HQ transferred south to command, troops between Lechitski and Sakharov, Gourko’s Special Army takes over Brusilov’s northern flank.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo: Lower Isonzo: Italians take San Grado, strong entrenchments towards Loquizza, and claim over 1,800 prisoners.
Monte Rosa Alpini Batallion captures Mt Cauriol (7,605 ft) at 4th assault, then Mt Gardinal (7,723 ft) to northeast (September 23), beats of Austrian attacks until September 28.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Southern Tunisia: 4 French Farmans bomb Senussi base, but 1 crashes.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: French submarine Foucault is scuttled while on patrol off Cattaro after being damaged by two Austro-Hungarian aeroplanes. Austrian Lohner flying-boats then land and save crew.
East Africa: General Smuts' columns reach south of Uluguru Hills, and join near, and occupy, Kissaki; Van Deventer approaching the Great Ruaha river towards Mahenge.
Sudi Bay occupied by British naval forces.

Political, etc.
Romania: Crown Council decides to transfer half Transylvanian Armies to face Bulgaria.

16 September 1916
 

Western Front
Navy airships L-6 and L-9 destroyed in accidental fire on ground.
Battle of the Somme: British repulse counter-attack near Courcelette, but 5 German relief divisions now oppose exploitation. Allies capture Dunibe (Danube?) Trench. NZ Division advances north and west of Flers, Mouquet farm (Thiepval) captured.
Hindenburg arrives at Cambrai, orders construction of semi-permanent defence line (5-30 miles) to the rear (called by the Western Allies the “Hindenburg Line”; the German name was “Siegfriedstellung” (Siegfried Line)).
Royal Flying Corps aircraft and balloon collide with fatal results. (I wish I could find more information on this: http://www.rcawsey.co.uk/Acc1916.htm doesn’t even list it).

Eastern Front
Ex-CoS Falkenhayn takes command of Ninth Army.
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Second Battle of the Narajowka and Zlota Lipa (until September 17): 4 Russian divisions with gas attack Turkish XV Corps which holds despite c.5,000 casualties. Along the Narajowka many Germans taken as well as Turks.
Transylvania: Rumanian Second Army occupies Baraoltu dominating Kronstadt-Foldvar railway 30 miles from frontier.
Dobruja: Mackensen attacks Rasova-Tuzla line (until September 20), but retires to re-stock with heavy shell. Turk 25th Division repulses Rumanian counter-attacks on September 22.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo: Italians capture San Grado di Merna, Hill 208S, and all of Hill 144, but fail to take Hill 123 and Veliki Kribach farther east.
Macedonia: Serbs fighting Bulgars in forest on Mt Kajmakcalan foothills (until September 18).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Lindi (port in southern German East Africa) occupied by British.

Political, etc.
Germany: 39 industrialists tell War Ministry workers cannot exceed 9 hours per day. Army to release skilled workers and ‘open the great Belgian labour basin’.
United Kingdom: Lloyd George, British Secretary of War, claims there is a German plot to drive a wedge between U.S.-British relations.
Churchill to Fisher: ‘My poor land battleships have been let off prematurely and on a petty scale. In that idea resided one real victory’.
Austria-Hungary: A German-led Central Powers Supreme War Council agreed but Emperor Charles revokes Austrian signature after November 21.
Canada: Frank McGee, Canadian hockey player (later inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame), is killed in action at the Somme: http://imgur.com/toj4JyH
Italy: Lieutenant Colonel Douhet, CoS Italian 5th Division and air power advocate, arrested for writing strong criticisms of Commndo Supremo to War Minister; court-martial imprisons him for a year from October 15.
Greece: Nikolas Kalogeropoulos forms new Greek Ministry, becomes the new Prime Minister: http://imgur.com/VxwzEgH Expected to observe “benevolent neutrality” towards Entente.

17 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: French attack, taking Vermandovillers and Berny, Deniecourt surrounded, German reserves much cut up, ‘many’ prisoners.

Jasta 2 (Full name: Jagdstaffel 2) has its combat debut. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdstaffel_2 and http://jasta2.org/history.php
After Max Immelmann's death, Kaiser Wilhelm II had ordered Oswald Boelcke grounded for a month to avoid losing him in combat soon after Zimmerman. He had become such an important hero to the German public, as well as such an authority on aerial warfare, that he could not be risked. Given a choice between a desk job and a tour of the Middle East, Boelcke downed a Nieuport over Douaumont on 27 June and reported to headquarters. Boelcke was detailed to share his expertise with the head of German military aviation. What had been known previously as the Deutsches Heer's Fliegertruppen des deutschen Kaiserreiches was being reorganized into the Luftstreitkräfte in mid-1916; this reorganization was inspired by Boelcke. At this time, Boelcke codified his Dicta. He also shared his views on creation of a fighter arm, and the organization of fighter squadrons.
Boelcke was sent on a tour of the Balkans. He transited Austria to visit Turkey. Upon his return swing, he visited Bulgaria and the Russian Front. Boelcke would be visiting Wilhelm in Kovel when he received a telegram from the head of German aviation, Feldflugchef (Aviation Chief of Staff) Oberstleutnant Hermann von der Lieth-Thomsen, appointing him to raise, organize and command Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 2. Boelcke, by then a Hauptman, was given permission to choose his own pilots to form a fighter squadron. Among his first selections upon his return were Manfred von Richthofen, Erwin Böhme and Hans Reimann. The first aircraft arrived on 1 September; two Fokker DIIIs and an Albatros D.I. On 16 September, Boelcke's new squadron received five new Albatros D.Is for the pilots, and an improved Albatros D.II for the Staffelfuhrer. Boelcke promptly put the new planes in the air on the first-ever fighter unit effort to gain local air superiority. At 1300 hours 16 September, Boelcke and five of his pilots took off; they intercepted a British bombing raid on Marcoing Railway Station. While Boelcke held aside, his five wingmen bounced a British formation of 14 planes, broke it up, and shot down two; one of them an F.E. 2, by von Richthofen. The master himself added another. (Another source says 5 total British aircraft fell). That night, a German army tradition was ditched and a new German air force custom established when the enlisted men were invited into the Jasta's social center.
Captain Tom Rees becomes the first official confirmed kill of Manfred von Richthofen (the future Red Baron): http://imgur.com/q2N07Bn

Edit to add: A friend on another forum managed to track down details on yesterdays: Royal Flying Corps aircraft and balloon collide with fatal results. The details:
Lieutenant Clarence Edwards Nooth Cooper RFC 6 Kite Balloon Section - Died of accidental injuries 16 September 1916 aged 25, following balloon cable being struck by FE2b 6971 of 18 Squadron, kite balloon was cut adrift and his parachute failed to open, he fell to the ground near Montauban. LIEUTENANT C. E. N COOPER, Lincolnshire Regiment, attached R. F. C., who fell on September 16, in his 26th year, was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Nooth Cooper, of South Norwood. He was educated at Whitgift Grammar School, Croydon, and after six years service in the Mercantile Marine, he obtained an appointment with Messrs. Geo. Cradock and Co., wire rope makers, of Wakefield, Yorks. He enlisted in the Queen Victoria Rifles in October, 1914, and obtained his commission in the Lincolnshire Regiment Special Reserve, in February, 1915. In April, 1915, he was sent to the front and served there with his regiment until about three months ago, when he was lent to the Royal Flying Corps as a balloon observation officer. His death was caused by his parachute failing to act when compelled by an accident to descend from his balloon.’

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Romanians between Petrozseny and Hatszeg.

Southern Front
Seventh Battle of Isonzo: Italian offensive suspended due to bad weather after 17,000 casualties and 4,500 captured Austrian PoWs. Breaches in wire not wide enough for rapid infantry assault. Another source realistically reports: 7th Battle of the Isonzo comes to an end with the Italian offensive achieving little gains for heavy casualties.
Italian success (as defined how ?) on the Carso. (What is this Carso of which they speak? There’s a “Monte Carso” in what is now Trieste Province, Italy; but Trieste at the time, belonged to Austria-Hungary, and the Italians got nowhere near the mountain. I don’t know what this means, but it was reported by: http://www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1916_09_17.htm
Macedonia: Russian Brigade and French 57th Division recapture Florina; Bulgars retreat slightly north to river Brod by September 20.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: German Fokker thwarts Royal Navy bombardment of El Arish by shooting down 2 Sopwith Baby seaplanes (another lost to MG ground fire) and bombing the 4 warships. But German squadron later withdrawn to Beersheba.
Anzac Mounted Division attacks Mazar 45 miles east of Romani; 2,200 Turks evacuate 18 miles to El Arish (September 19).

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Lindi, on East African wash, occupied by British naval forces.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: News describe tanks for the 1st time, comparing them “to armadillos & measuring worms & to many other weird creeping or crawling objects.”
Prince Albert, 2nd son of King George V, has been invalided home due to an abdominal abscess.
Japan: Japanese aviators graduating at the Tokorozawa Aerodrome near Tokyo: http://imgur.com/DqYhCGp

18 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: South of the Ancre, British advance, taking "Quadrilateral" between Bouleaux Wood and Ginchy, on a front of a mile, to a depth of 1,000 yards.
French I Corps executes two successful local (evening) surprise attacks and gain ground south and southeast of Combles. And take Deniecourt.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Russian forces under General Brusilov launch further attacks against Lemberg, Halicz, and Krasne.
Transylvania: Heavy fighting at Merisor, Romanians moving towards Hatszeg. However, German troops launch a counterattack against Romanian forces in Hațeg, bringing a temporary halt to the Romanian offensive in Transylvania.
Dobruja: Russo-Romanians fall back to Rasova-Tuzla line.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Franco-Russian troops enter Florina, Bulgarians start retreating on Monastir.
Serbs occupy parts of Mt. Kaymakchlan.
Greek IVth Army Corps at Kavala surrenders voluntarily to German forces.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: British aeroplanes bomb enemy aerodrome in the Shumran bend (above Kut-el-Amara).
Sinai: British raid Bir-el-Tawal (30 miles south of El Kubri, Suez).

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: General Haig: “Our armored cars [tanks] gallantly led the action, causing indescribable demoralization in the enemy’s ranks.”
United States: Colonel Robert M. Thompson, President of the U.S. Navy League, predicts German can hold out until 1921.
“Joy Riding” from the New York Tribune: http://imgur.com/HDUPZvz
Australia: New South Wales: Political Labour League carries resolution expelling Prime Minister, Mr. Hughes, from the Labour movement.

More terrific detail on the day-to-day conduct of WWI. Thanks, GG! Very informative.

19 September 1916
 

Western Front
Haig submits a request to War Office for 1,000 tanks.
Battle of the Somme: Bad weather hinders both British and French operations. French repulse counter-attacks east of Clery (night 19/20).

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Galicia: Shcherbachev’s Seventh Army claims to have taken 25,000 PoWs (including 8,000 Germans) and 22 guns since August 31.
Desperate fighting on Narajowka river, Halicz region. Germans claim success here and on Stokhod (Pripet); ‘many’ prisoners.
Transylvania: Falkenhayn’s Ninth Army attacks Rumanian First Army in Merisor defile, drives it south of Petrosani (September 20), but Rumanian 11th Division counter-attack re-enters town (September 25).
Dobruja: Romanians holding the Rasova-Tuzla position, defending the railway Bucharest-Constanza, heavily engaged.

Southern Front
Macedonia: The Serbo-Russian-French Army advances, making great turning movement in their march on Monastir. Serb Drina Division takes Mt Kajmakcalan‘s 7,769 ft eastern peak but evicted by Bulgars.

Naval and Overseas Operations
French cruiser Jurien de la Graviere coming into Toulon’s dock for inspection and repair: http://imgur.com/RlUVlDC* © IWM (Q 68331)
Mediterranean: Allies commence blockade of Greek Macedonian coast from mouth of the Struma to mouth of the Mesta (see December 15th, 1915).
East Africa: Belgians occupy Tabora (largest inland town) after 400-mile march, take 2,000 captives and release c.195 interned civilians. 2,700 Portugese invade across river Rovuma, occupy Menasi Bay on September 29. 1st division KAR ford river Mgeta (bridged on September 25) but floods and strong defence restrict bridgehead till December.

Political, etc.
France: Aristide Briand speaks against the dissident socialist faction of the Chamber.
United States: William J. Calhoun, former U.S. diplomat to China, passes away due to a stroke: http://imgur.com/vlm4vnX
Greece: New Greek PM offers to join Allies and enter war on fixed date as soon as Greek forces helped to prepare.
The Netherlands: Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, during the opening of Parliament, expresses thankfulness for the neutrality of her country in the war.

20 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Rawlinson delays next Fourth Army attack to September 23, he and Haig agree that British cavalry should be withdrawn. Fierce German counter-attack almost retakes Bouchavesnes but driven out after desperate fighting. Canadian Corps pull out of line after 6,000 casualties but fighting again on September 26. German counter-offensive against French fails. [Again, probably no more than a ‘raid’, not a determined counter-attack]. From Combles to the river, an attack with six divisions suffered heavy losses.
South of the Ancre, Germans during night attacked New Zealand troops without success.
Captured German pillbox nicknamed the “Gibraltar” at the Somme near Pozieres: http://imgur.com/RcuXidM* © IWM (Q 1089)

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive, Pripet: One source reports: Germans repulsed near Kovel–Rovno railway and along river Stokhod. Another source reports: German and Austro-Hungarian counteroffensive against the Russians at Stokhid leads to the capture of four trenches and 2,500 prisoners.
Dobruja: Mackensen halts in Dobruja: Germans, Bulgars and Turks in retreat, after severe repulse.

Southern Front
Italians advance east of Gorizia, near Santa Caterina, and on the Carso, east of the Vallone.
Macedonia: Serbian troops repel Bulgarian counterattacks in Florina and advance, capturing three more towns.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Batlic: Much abler Vice Admiral A J Nepenin replaces Vasilii Kanin as Russian Baltic Fleet C-in-C, but Supreme War Council forbids intensified submarine offensive.
East Africa: Portuguese troops cross the Rovuma river, separating German from Portuguese East Africa; the Germans, after feeble resistance, abandon their trenches.
British occupy Kisiwere Port.

Political, etc.
France: French Premier Briand: “If peace were made now it would be a peace of war and a menace to future generations.”
Romania: Government requests French Military Mission, as the nation is now facing 38 Central Powers divisions.
Greece: Albanian Government of Essad Pasha set up in Salonika.
Greek Government demands from Germany the return of the 4th Army Corps surrendered at Kavalla and sent to Germany.

21 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: NZ troops take ‘Cough Drop Alley’ and a section of Flers line. British 1st Division captures ‘Starfish Trench’.
French gunner loading a Cellerie mortar at the instruction camp at Bitry: http://imgur.com/KAxLSop* © IWM (Q 93191)
Spahi cavalrymen of the French Army watering their horses at Cayeux: http://imgur.com/QnMbc9x* © IWM (Q 78958)
Battle of Verdun: French take trenches south-east of Thiaumont Work and over 100 prisoners.

Eastern Front
Brusilov Offensive: Brusilov offensive comes to an end with around 500,000 Russian casualties and claimed 1,325,000 Central Powers casualties: http://imgur.com/cTuKYtI
Transylvania: Romanian left held up near Vulkan Pass (south of Petrozseny). Fighting in Kealeman and Gorgeny mountains, Romanians taking prisoners.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allies pressing along the roads north of Florina.
Serbians within sight of Monastir.

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea: German warships capture SS Colchester (Dutch convoy straggler) and take her into Zeebrugge.
Mediterranean: German submarine destroyed at Hagios-Kosmos (east of Phaleron, Greece). [Note: I can find no information about this claimed loss. http://uboat.net/wwi/fates/losses.html doesn’t list it.]

Political, etc.
France: General Pierre Georges Duport gazetted Chief of the Staff, staff attached to Ministry of War.
Australia: Australian Parliament passes a conscription bill on its third reading by a vote of 47 to 11.
Norway: Premier Knudsen of Norway reveals Norway signed a treaty with Sweden in 1914 to never war on each other.

22 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Flers-Courcelette ends. British advance east of Courcelette on fine sunny day. Robertson and Rawlinson take tea; CIGS intimates that Lloyd George concerned about casualties toll and Haig’s direction of battle.
Scottish troops in kilts carrying sandbags to the front during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette: http://imgur.com/1lt07CN* © IWM (Q 4358)
The ruined Town Hall at Maricourt at the Somme: http://imgur.com/Morouc1* © IWM (Q 78280)
Strong British aeroplane raid on important railway stations, much damage done.
Aeroplane raid on Kent, no damage.

Eastern Front
Galicia: Russians reported about 50 miles from Lemberg.

Southern Front
On the left bank of the Struma British troops attacked; on British left Bulgarian counter-attacks repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Ghalib Pasha’s 2,000-Turkish Taif garrison surrenders to Abdulla.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Germany uses its influence to eject three Austrian Archdukes from military posts and assign them to harmless civilian positions.
Canada: Due to the fighting at the Somme, Canadian casualties reach around 40,000 men.
United States: Mayor of New York City threatens to use militia troops on strikers if the rioting of the past few days continues.

23 September 1916
 

Western Front
Twelve Zeppelins of the German Navy were dispatched to attack London and the Midlands. Nine of the 12 Zeppelins reach East England (night September 23-24), drop 371 bombs causing 170 civilian casualties (151 in London). Of these, two 'super Zeppelins', the L32 and the L33, were shot down by the defences. L33 was seriously damaged by anti-aircraft fire over London and subsequently received further damage from a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c of No.39 Squadron. The airship eventually grounded near Little Wigborough in Essex. L32 was shot down by a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c, flown by Second Lieutenant Frederick Sowrey of No.39 Squadron, near Billericay in Essex. For many subsequent nights Londoners take refuge in underground railway from 1730 hours.
Kiffin Rockwell, an American aviator volunteer in France and the 1st American to shoot down an enemy craft, is killed in action. Rockwell was one of the founding members of the Lafayette Escadrille. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette_Escadrille
Battle of the Somme: After another victory Guynemer’s Spad VII hit by French 75mm anti-aircraft fire, but only suffers bruised knee on landing. Richthofen scores second victory, a Martinsyde of 27 Squadron (3 lost to Jasta 2 for 1 Albatros collision). Heavy aerial combat occurs over the Somme, with 54 kills in total claimed by both sides.
Germans begin work on the Siegfried (aka “HINDENBURG") Line. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_Line
Rawlinson postpones today’s operations to September 25. British 23rd Division advances east of Martinpuich.
French 305 mm railway gun near Bronfay Farm, Bray-sur-Somme: http://imgur.com/E8PdwHy* © IWM (Q 78978)

Southern Front
Italian XVIII Corps captures Mt Cardinal in Cadore area but Austro-Hungarian mine explosion regains Mt Cimone d’Arsiero (Astico valley, Trentino) lost on July 23.
A battalion of Greek soldiers in Thessalonica defy orders and head to the front, as the country becomes further divided over neutrality.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: RFC bomb Shumran bend German airfield near Kut, destroy 1 aircraft on ground (another hit on November 2).

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany blacklists 6 Dutch firms for trading with the Allied powers.

I'm just amazed that every day seems filled with "action" reports. You'd almost think there'd be a few "idle" days, wouldn't you?

Thanks, GG, for sharing this with us.

Well, there was action *somewhere* nearly every day. The "World" War moniker is quite real.

24 September 1916
 

To whit, today is a somewhat "quiet" day, but we still have:
Western Front
60 RFC fighters (3 lost) destroy at least 4 German aircraft, in group attacks on Cambrai area airfields.
Dunkirk has 17 casualties to German bombs (1 raider shot down).
2 French aircraft drop 12 bombs on Krupp works, Essen.
British authorities examine the wreckage of the Zeppelin L-33, destroyed in the overnight raid. German crew are all captured: http://imgur.com/tZBTj8l
Battle of the Somme: British repulse counter-attack west of Lesboeufs.

Eastern Front
A Zeppelin attacks Bucharest, and drops three bombs.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: Sherif of Mecca reports he has forced Taif (60 miles south-east of Mecca) to surrender; garrison Turkish, many prisoners, guns and stores.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Socialist Party members vote 251 to 5 in support of the war to maintain German territorial integrity, but oppose any conquests.
Canada: £20 million war loan; £16m over-subscribed.
United States: The cover of “Verboten!” a “pro-German number” from Puck, a U.S. humor magazine: http://imgur.com/QV9udGT

25 September 1916
 

Western Front
Six of 9 Zeppelins drop 127 bombs on Lines, Yorks, and Lanes (74 casualties night September 24-25). L-31 (Mathy) scouts Portsmouth.
Battle of the Somme: At the Somme, French and British troops resume their attacks, but are hampered by rain and mud. Battle of Morval phase begins (until September 28): Allied attack at 1235 hours. British with 2 tanks capture Lesboeufs and Morval and almost surround Combles. Slight French Sixth Army advance at Rancourt (captured), Les Priez Farm and Fregicourt (until September 26). RFC 4th Brigade helps silence 34 German batteries. 1st Brigade (17 aircraft) hits 2 troop trains, Libercourt station (Douai-Lille main line) and 2nd Brigade Lille station (night September 25-26).
French progress at Rancourt, Le Priez Farm and Fregicourt.

Eastern Front
Bulgarian right wing in Dobruja having retreated, they begin fortifying new positions.

Southern Front
East of Florina (north of Greece) considerable Bulgarian forces attack the French beyond Armenohov.
West of Florina, French and Russian troops engaged, north of Armensko, taking prisoners and machine guns.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sir A.J. Murray's despatch of 1 June 1916 (10 January to 31 May) published.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany announces it will lower German officer’s salaries, starting on October 1st, to $250 a month, a decrease of $12.
United Kingdom: British Army Council requisitions leather.
W B Yeats writes ‘Easter 1916’ poem about the uprising. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/re...ms/detail/43289
Japan: Mass meeting of the Doshi-kai (constitutional Unionist party) resolves to amalgamate the three parties supporting the Government.
Greece: Eleftherios Venizelos and Admiral Koundouriotis withdraw from Athens, sail for Crete (rebelled September 24), escorted by French torpedo boat; form provisional government (September 29).

26 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Battle of Thiepval Ridge begins (until 28th). British with 13 Tank Mk I capture Thiepval (18th Division German soldier writes ‘… it was absolutely crushing’), 56th Division with 2 tanks and 2 French regiments captures Combles, and Gird Trench; first air-tank co-operation with 21st Division at Guedecourt (400 PoWs) captures 500 yds of trench for 5 casualties. This is the first major attack by the British Reserve Army, later renamed the Fifth Army.
Foch redirects main French attack due north on Sailly – Sallisel (V Corps covers their flank) but launched at 1600 hours achieves little (vainly repeated on September 27). Commander Fayolle tries to resign due to this failure. British cavalry pursues Germans. “Quantity” of stores and “many” (see above: “many” is 400) prisoners taken.
Soldier of the British Royal Fusiliers wearing a captured German helmet near Thiepval: http://imgur.com/PpyOHlk* © IWM (Q 1331)
View of Morval village at the Somme after its capture by the Allied forces: http://imgur.com/WjNt07b*© IWM (Q 4299)

Eastern Front
Vulkan Pass regained by Romanians.
Battle of Hermannstadt (until September 29): Falkenhayn’s Ninth Army attacks in fine weather towards Rotenturm Pass (11,555 ft) which German Alpenkorps crosses, Hermannstadt retaken (September 29); 3,000 Rumanian PoWs in First Army defeat.

Southern Front
Athens: Greek ships have joined the Allied fleet under Admiral du Fournet, the French Commander-in-Chief.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: First snow falls. Turks evacuate Mus, their Second Army losses 30,000 (since August 2) reducing it to 60,000 soldiers. Russian losses 50,000 since June including in Persia. Early winter quarters for both sides.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: General Sir C. Crewe occupies Igalulu, east of Tabora.

27 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British attack Stuff Redoubt and advance north of Flers, to the east of Eaucourt l'Abbaye. Thiepval (ruins) captured by British after hand-to-hand fighting. [which is odd, because they claim to have captured it yessterday, with no intervening counter-attack].
A Mark 1 tank that broke down while crossing a British trench during the attack on Thiepval: http://imgur.com/tcofkNm* © IWM (Q 2486)
Battle of Verdun: French repulse attack at Thiaumont-Fleury, “with great loss [to the Germans].”

Eastern Front
Battle of Hermannstadt (until September 29): In the Jiu Valley (Vulkan Pass) Romanian troops attack and repulse enemy who is retreating towards the north and north-west.
Romanian Army occupies one-third of Transylvania as the result of one month's war.

Southern Front
Bulgarian troops counterattack Serbian forces on Kajmakcalan Ridge in Macedonia, resulting in heavy back-and forth fighting.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Belgians occupy Sikonge and Ipole before retiring to Tabora.
Ethiopia: Muslim ‘Emperor’ Lij Yasu, focus of Turco-German intrigue (supporters defeated by November 2) deposed for Empress Judith; Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie) regent and heir to throne.

Political, etc.
Germany: Due to excellent harvests, the German government announces an extra 500 grams of increased bread rations a week for those aged 12 to 17.
United States: Interview with Mr. Lloyd e on the war is published in American papers.
Greece: Greek generals reported in favour of war.

28 September 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British capture most of Schwaben Redoubt and Canadian Corps advance 1,000 yds north and northeast of Courcelette (until September 30). French advance between Fregicourt and Morval. 
Russian expeditionary soldiers dancing at their camp in Mailly, France: http://imgur.com/UEEHH91* © IWM (Q 78071)
German prisoners coming in from Thiepval, with one carrying a wounded British soldier: http://imgur.com/Whh7HSs* © IWM (Q 1369)
Nothing remains of the Chateau that stood in Thiepval, Somme: http://imgur.com/zep25Dn* © IWM (Q 1329)

Eastern Front
Bucharest, Romania has been hit by four air raids in the past four days. Allied forces plan reprisals against Sofia, Bulgaria.

Political, etc.
Germany: German Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollwegg declares a German statesman who does not employ all weapons to shorten the war “should be hanged.”
United Kingdom: Asquith pledges not to recruit skilled workers Board of Trade organizes overland delivery of Italian fruit and vegetables {ed note: seriously, the original read “vegetarians”. See: http://world-war-one.net/diary-september-28-1916/ .} Munitions holiday (until October 1) replaces postponed Whitsuntide and August holidays. Churchill appears before Dardanelles Commission. Tory Morning Post tells Lloyd George to stick to his desk in Whitehall, possibly in response to this excuse:
Lloyd George: “There is neither clock nor calendar in the British army today…Only the result counts, not the time consumed in achieving it.”
France: Pres. Poincare says {the blatantly hypocritical} Belgium must be avenged or else “nothing would be left for us but to veil in eternal mourning the statues of justice.”
Austria-Hungary: Foreign Minister Burian submits peace offer proposals to Francis Joseph‘s ‘most sympathetic attention’.
German Ambassador describes economic climate as ‘simply wretched’; von Bethmann-Hollwegg forwards to Kaiser on September 30.
Greece: Former Greek Premier Venizelos establish a provisional government in Greek, stating he will revolt unless Greece enters the war. {on the side of the Allies}

29 September 1916
 

Western Front
Britain announces that the RFC losses are 1,195 aircraft since June 12; 1725 gained. RFC personnel losses 415 (all causes) since June 12.
Battle of the Somme: British capture strongly fortified Destremont Farm. Colonel H Elles, aged 36, appointed to command British tank force. Haig orders offensive for October 12.
A German attack captures a fortified farm on the Bapaume-Albert road, but is driven back by a British counterattack.
General Joffre to General Haig: “I bow before those of your soldiers by whose bravery these successes have been achieved…”
Funeral of Max von Mulzer, the first Bavarian fighter ace: http://imgur.com/Q5Ql0j5* © IWM (Q 105728)

Eastern Front
Battle of Hermannstadt (until September 29): Battle of Sibiu (same as Hermannstadt) ends: city retaken by Austrian forces (see 1st and 26th).
Battle of Praid–Sovata (until October 3): Second Army launches last Rumanian offensive.

Naval and Overseas Operations
East Africa: Portuguese occupy Bay of Menasi.

Political, etc.
Germany: General von Wandel, Deputy Minister of War for Germany, resigns, citing reasons of health.
Herr von Kuhlmann, German Minister at the Hague, appointed Ambassador to Turkey.

30 September 1916
 

Western Front
German September losses 27 aircraft to 123 Anglo-French, RFC attacks 3 airfields. Trenchard writes to War Office via Haig for more numerous efficient fighters.
RFC has flown a record 22,500 hours (September) and suffered record 147 casualties. RFC takes 500 air photos of the Somme.
In September French Army retires its airships after c.60 sorties, they are transferred to anti-U-boat patrol work.
Battle of the Somme: British now hold all Thiepval Ridge except part of Schwaben Redoubt, advance south of Eaucourt l’Abbaye. The 6 German divisions from Le Transloy to the Ancre are replaced (until October 13) by 9 divisions (4 from Verdun, 2 from Flanders, 3 from Belgium). German guns fired 7,027,440 shells in September, 126 counter-attacks made.

Eastern Front
Yet another attempt is made to renew the Brusilov offensive in Galicia: Battle of Brzezany (until October 2): III Caucasus Corps attacks Turkish XV Corps, which loses 5,045 men but regains positions and takes 500 PoWs. Russians also advance in Brody region.
1st Romanian Army is defeated by General Falkenhayn in Transylvania and Roter-Turm Pass is recaptured by the Central Powers.

Southern Front
Macedonia: Serb Drina division finally captures both Mt Kajmakčalan peaks just inside Serbia. British 27th Division (364 casualties) launches major attack across river Struma via two bridges (laid on September 29), capturing villages southwest of Seres road and 250 PoWs with 3 Mgs. A second source says this fighting resulted in over 6000 deaths.
British cross Struma river at Orliak and capture villages left bank.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Allied September shipping losses 315,000t (British 42 ships worth 104,572t with 20 lives lost) including 45 ships worth 229,163t in Mediterranean to U-boats.
East Africa: Smuts writes to Gouverneur Schnee and Lettow suggesting honourable surrender and personal meeting; both refuse. 2/3 rds of the German colony now in British hands.


Political, etc.
Germany: German government states American volunteers serving in Europe does not constitute a breach in U.S. neutrality.
United Kingdom: British news-film “Topical Budget,” showing an Orthodox priest blessing ambulances and other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5395
British government report reveals Britain is spending around £10.6 million and 3,800 lives a day on the war.
United States: Former President Roosevelt criticizes Wilson’s foreign policies as “cowardly” and “following the lines of least resistance.”
Construction on the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City is completed after 4 years of construction: http://imgur.com/WuCZTvB
(reported for yesterday): John D. Rockefeller, American oil magnate, becomes the first billionaire in nominal U.S. dollars ($22 billion today).

1 October 1916
 

Western Front
Seven of 11 Zeppelins drop 201 bombs (57 on London), 2 civilian casualties. Second Lieutenant WJ Tempest in B.E. 2 of No 39 Squadron RFC shoots down Navy airship L-31 (Mathy) at Potters Bar, north of London, 19 dead, no survivors (night October 1-2).
In October German Army now has 205 divisions (198 in September), 128 in the West.
Battle of the Somme: The British begin two limited-objective attacks as sub-phases of the Battle of the Somme:
Battle of the Transloy Ridges (until October 18): British Fourth Army advance with 5 Tank Mk I between Eaucourt and Le Sars (on Albert-Bapaume road) on 3000-yards front. This is a joint attack with the French 6th and 10th armies.
Battle of the Ancre Heights (until November 11) begun by Reserve Army with 4 Tank Mk Is.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Petrosani (until October 3): Rumanians retreat to frontier. Falkenhayn put in command of Austrian First Army (Arz) as well.
Russian troops advance towards Lemberg (Lviv) and claim to have captured 4000 German and Austro-Hungarian prisoners.

Southern Front
Austro-Hungarian troops save 7 Italian soldiers who were trapped for a week underneath the rubble of a bunker on Monte Cimone.
Italians take trenches in Transvenanzis Valley (Trentino).
Serbs progress north-east of Kaymakchlan, and occupy important Bulgar positions.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: In October Turkish Third Army (reformed into 6 divisions of I and II Caucasian Corps) has 50,000 deserters till heavy snow forces many back for food. Kemal takes over Second Army which loses 2 divisions to Mesopotamia and 3 more dissolved. Turks muster only c. 94,000 yet Russians estimate 344,000 so Yudenich overmans winter lines.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Germany: In October 119 U-boats in service, 96 available for operations. Flanders new longer-ranged coastal submarines UB-II type sink 298 ships (104 neutral) worth 289,558t (until January 31, 1917) esp British colliers supplying French industry (39% reduction of delivery). UC-II minelayers lay 128 new minefields (953 mines) that sink 60 (13 neutral) ships worth 82,379t between Flamborough Head (British East Coast) and Gironde estuary (Southwest France).
North Sea: Mediterranean: Kaiser telegram congratulates the Mediterranean based U-boats on sinking over 1 mt.
U-35 fetches German agent Lt Canaris from sailing boat off Cartagena for return to Germany from Spain; she sinks new British-built French sloop Rigel off Algiers (October 2).
East Africa: British begin to evacuate 12,000-15,000 malaria cases (until October 31). Over 12,000 South African soldiers sent home.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany moves back their clocks one hour as the very first daylight savings time ends for the country.
United Kingdom: Great Britain move back their clocks, as its daylight savings time also ends for the first time.
The time in Ireland is also adjusted to match the rest of Britain. Before, it was 25 minutes 21 seconds behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Major General F.B. Maurice: “We are perfectly satisfied…The tide has turned strongly against the Germans.”
United States: Galusha Pennypacker, an American Civil War veteran who was the youngest brigadier general at age 20, died: http://imgur.com/

More good stuff! Interesting are some of the side notes ... like DST ending in Germany and the UK. Or that Ireland adjusted their clocks by 25 min. and 21 sec. :)

2 October 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: German counter-attack at Eaucourt, and successfully win back part of Eaucourt l’Abbaye village. British lose Le Sars, weather breaks: ‘rain fell in torrents, and the battle area became a sea of mud … men died from the effort of carrying verbal messages’ (official historian General Edmonds). Preparations for another great British attack c. October 12 are soon abandoned.
German First Army report recommends that Germany produce her own tanks.
Haig tells President Poincare that Germans must not be given ‘a moment’s peace’.

Eastern Front
Brusilov offensive, Carpathians: Two regiments of VII Siberian Corps twice refuse to attack (until October 3); 3 soldiers shot and 6 imprisoned; first of more than 12 mutinies until January 13, 1917.
Transylvania: Rumanian First Army breaks through Rotenturm Pass taking 3,000 Bavarian PoWs and 13 guns.
Rumania: Manoeuvre of Flamandra: Averescu crosses Danube against Mackensen’s rear, takes 13 guns, but poor bridges, Austrian monitors, and sudden flood force withdrawal until October 3.
Zlota Lipa furious fighting continues. Russians take 1,000 prisoners, but front remains unchanged.
On the Brody-Zloczow road, the Autro-Hungarians claim recapture all positions lost on 30th.

Southern Front
Italian Front: Alpini seize crests of Mts Colbricon, Costabella (October 5), over 6,000 ft.
Albania: Italians occupy Santa Quaranta on coast (until October 4) and Premeti at inland on October 9.
Salonika: Bulgarian poet Dimcho Debelyanov killed, aged 29, in action with British between Dolno and Gorno villages.
In Kaymakchlan region Bulgars retire north in direction Monastir, and evacuate Mt. Starkov Grob.
Bulgarian counter-attack on Struma front repulsed by British.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Arctic: U-43, U-46 and U-48 carry out 8-day operation against Allied shipping off North Cape and Murmansk coast; 14 ships sunk, 9 captured. (In summer 600 steamers – mainly British - have delivered 1 mt of coal and 1 1/2 mt supplies to Russia.) In response, 3 RN submarines operate from Archangel.

Political, etc.
Germany: Field Marshal von Hindenburg celebrates his 69th birthday at his headquarters on the Eastern Front.
United States: Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth founds the Zoological Society of San Diego (San Diego Zoo): http://imgur.com/PcvRGx3
Greece: Greek Cabinet announces its resignation as the country becomes split into pro-war and anti-war factions. Further migration of Greek officers to Venizelos Provisional Government in Crete.

And this one has one of the most interesting side notes that I've come accross in this effort: the San Diego Zoo.

3 October 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Successful British 47th Division counter-attack at Eaucourt l’Abbaye.
Fighting continues at the Somme, but rains and mud prevent large-scale infantry attacks and artillery bombardment.
Battle of Verdun: 800 French guns begin silencing German artillery (until October 20).

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Kronstadt and the Geisterwald (until October 9): Falkenhayn attacks Rumanian Second Army, forces it from Fogaras (October 6) and retakes Kronstadt (October 8), takes Torzburg and pass (October 8-9). Rumanian Fourth Army continues advance in north.
Another source claims that the Romanian Second Army takes offensive near Fogaras and in region Roter Turm Pass.
Austro-Hungarian gunboats destroy a Romanian pontoon bridge over the Danube River.
Romanian Northern Army (4th) left wing, 12 miles south-east of Maros Vasarhely, continues to advance.
Brusilov offensive, Pripet: Russian Eighth Army gains some ground west of Lutsk (until October 5), objective Vladimir Volymski.

Southern Front
General Bulgarian retreat on whole line Nidje Planina to Krushograd (Florina).
After considerable fighting British take Yenikeui (also spelled Yenikoi ) on left bank Struma, and hold against Bulgarian attacks (until October 4), casualties 1,248 since September 30; 1,375 Bulgars killed; 342 PoWs taken.

Political, etc.
Japan: Japanese Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu announces his resignation due to a corruption scandal: http://imgur.com/TOCZW20
Belgium: Gouverneur-General Bissing decrees forced labour in Germany for Belgian unemployed; 15,000 deported by 24; 50,000 by November 19.
Greece: Greek Cabinet (Kalogeropoulos) resign; more officers leave to join Venizelos in Crete (see October 2).
Philippines: The first ever Senate elections are held in the Philippines, a U.S. colony. Manuel L. Quezon’s Nacionalista Party wins 20 out of 22 seats.

Very cool find. Everybody needs a good zoo. The Roger Williams Park Zoo, in RI, is great. I like the elephants and monkeys best.

4 October 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Heavy rain and increasingly poor ground postpones Rawlinson’s planned offensive operations for 48 hours.
French carry German line between Morval and St. Pierre Vaast wood.

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Romanian Second Army retreating, Fogaras evacuated. Troops who crossed Danube at Rjahovo withdrawn.
Romanians progress in Dubruja.
Battle west of Lutsk still in progress, Austro-Hungarians obstinately hold positions on Zlota Lipa (Galicia).

Southern Front
Allied forces reach Kenali (10 miles from Monastir).
East of Monastir, Serbs cross Cherna.
British make progress (Struma) towards Seres.
Italian success in the Travignolo Valley (Avisio region, Trentino).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Eastern Mediterranean: U-35 (Arnauld) sinks French auxiliary cruiser Gallia (14,900t) off Cape Matapan, carrying 2,000 French and Serb troops. Panic ensues, 600 dead. Coastal submarine UB-47 (Steinbauer) sinks empty British (ex-Cunard) troopship Franconia (18,150t) 195 miles southeast of Malta, 12 lives lost.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Viscount Bryce, former ambassador to the US, warns, “To indulge in revenge [against the Germans] will be to sow the seeds of future wars.”
Russia: Russia won’t negotiate a trade pact with US, as it “can’t spare the time now for any negotiations which has no direct bearing on the war.”
Japan: Lieutenant General Count Terauchi Masatake is named the new Prime Minister of Japan by the Emperor: http://imgur.com/y95nTD9
Sweden: Swedish Prime Minister Hammarskjöld states he seeks more “intensive collaboration of neutrals” to help stop the spread of war.

5 October 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: British advance northwest of Eaucourt; French advance east of Morval.
Battle of Verdun: OHL letter to German Crown Prince decrees that ‘every unnecessary saphead and length of trench must be evacuated’ to spare troops for the Somme.

Eastern Front
Germany and Austria announce an independent Kingdom of Poland.
Romania ends the Flămânda Offensive into Bulgaria due to pressure by gunboats on the Danube and the deteriorating situation in Transylvania.
Battle of the Cerna and Monastir begins, aimed at Bulgaria (see November 19th and December 11th).

Southern Front
After two days of fighting, Italian troops successfully defend Mont Colbricon from Austro-Hungarian attacks.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Armenia: Russian forces renew their offensive against the Ottomans, with the attack aimed at Sivas.

Political, etc.
France: Second War Loan (until October 29) earns Fr 10 billion.
United States: William Andrews Clark, Jr. donates $2 million he made in war profits to aid French widows and orphans.
Greece: Due to a shortage of cash, the Greek government suspends payments to civil servants and other financial obligations.

6 October 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: View of the ruined village of Combles at the Somme: http://imgur.com/ZeLOAsc* © IWM (Q 58331)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Falkenhayn's offensive extending east against Kronstadt, Romanian retreat continues.
Brusilov offensive, Galicia: Third Battle of the Narajowka and Zlota Lipa: Russian Seventh Army attacks Turkish XV Corps (3,015 casualties).

Southern Front
Macedonia: Allied attack on Sarrail‘s orders, only Serbs gain shallow Crna bridgehead at Brod for heavy losses (until October 7) but Germans move 3 battalions to sector from Vardar (until October 10) after the Bulgarian battalion opposite Serbs mutinies.
Lively actions with seven miles of Monastir.
Trentino: Alpini Battalion repulse counter-attacks on Busa Alta (October 10).

Naval and Overseas Operations
German High Seas Fleet U-boats ordered to resume merchant shipping targeting, but no torpedoeing without warning (until January 31, 1917); also to send 4 more U-boats to Mediterranean.
East Africa: Deventer’s patrols reach Malongwe and Lake Force troops, whole Central Railway in Allied hands. First trolley vehicle reaches Dodoma.

7 October 1916
 

Western Front
Battle of the Somme: Franco-British attack at 1345 hours on Albert-Bapaume road. British advance 1,000 yards and 23rd Division recaptures Le Sars; 5 divisions in attacks on Butte de Warlencourt (until November 5).
French advance northeast of Morval and threaten Sailly (gains there on October 8, fighting in village October 16-17).
Northumberland Fusiliers after attack on Le Sars; some are wearing captured German helmets: http://imgur.com/0X8ohUY* © IWM (Q 1359)

Eastern Front
Transylvania: Battle of Brasov (7th/9th): city retaken by Austro-German forces (see August 29th).
Combined German-Austro-Hungarian forces retake Kronstadt and Szekely.
Romanian forces withdrawing to frontier on whole line Predeal to Orsova.

Southern Front
British advance towards Seres continues (Struma front).
Italians capture one of the peaks of the Busa Alta (Avisio, Trentino).

Naval and Overseas Operations
German U-boat U-53 visits Newport, Rhode Island: http://imgur.com/pF1KAlz* © IWM (Q 54420)

Political, etc.
Germany: German newspaper Die Zukunft is suppressed by the government for printing an article describing the horrors of war.
United Kingdom: British government prohibits the importation of cotton knit goods, aluminum powder, birds, bone, horn, ivory, and celluloid.
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary calls up all healthy men up to age 44 for military service.
Turkey: Provisional Law of Agricultural Service promulgated.
United States: Viscount James Bryce, former British ambassador, appeals to the U.S. to provide aid for the Armenians and Syrians.
The most lopsided college (American) football game occurs, with Georgia Tech beating Cumberland College with a score of 222-0.
Sweden: Sweden halts all exports to Britain due to a British requirement that no enemy interests” can be involved in goods shipped to Britain.