<– Part 89 – April 2, 1916  | Part 90 – April 9, 1916 |  Part 91 – April 16, 1916 –>

On April 4, rumors began of planning by American military attaches in Europe to mobilize US shipping to bring an American army to Europe, should the necessity arise.

“Whatever happens we have got / the Maxim gun, and they have not.” – Hilaire Belloc

On the Western front, fighting at Verdun continues, although the Germans have only reached their first day’s objectives after nearly a month of fighting. French reinforcements are arriving, while the German reinforcements have been spent with little gain. Unless the German offensive on the Eastern bank is successful, the offensive seems doomed to an expensive failure.

In the Sudan, the Anglo-Egyptian Expedition has captured Abiad and left a garrison in place. Entrenched resistance by the Fur people has been brushed aside with artillery and Maxim machine guns. The Fur have some rifles, but many are armed with spears and chainmail armor.