<– Part 191 – March 17, 1918 | Part 192 – March 24, 1918 | Part 193 – March 31, 1918 –>

Map of the German Spring Offensive

The “Paris Gun,” which began shelling Paris from 75 miles away on March 21, 1918.

Germany launched an enormous offensive March 21, with an especial focus on the Picardy region of the western front. An enormous artillery bombardment dropped 3.5 million shells on the British over a period of 5 hours and across a 40-mile front. Most German armies were able to advance under cover of fog, helping them to take the front lines. 40,000 Germans were lost the first day, slightly more than the British. By the 22nd, the offensive had advanced nearly 10 miles in some places, and by the 24th, the Allied 5th Army had been shattered into pieces, and units were mixed & retreating piecemeal. Much of the Somme has been handed over to the Germans. The breakthrough has occurred just north of the British-French line, as the Germans attempt to push the British into the sea.

The British had some success March 21, with swimmers crossing the Jordan and erecting pontoon bridges as they continue their conquest of the Transjordan. The rest of the British force is advancing towards Amman, but German and Ottoman reinforcements are arriving from the North on the Hedjaz railway.

The Germans have a new weapon of terror – the “Paris Gun,” able to launch artillery on Paris from 75 miles away.