<– Part 106 – July 30, 1916  | Part 107 – August 6, 1916 |  Part 108 – August 13, 1916 –>

The first day of August saw a surprise German attack towards Fort Souville at Verdun advancing nearly 1km. French counter-attacks have been unable to recapture much of the land thus far.

At the Somme, on August 4, week-long preparations for a dusk attack (necessitating troop organizations in daytime, which required custom trench digging), following last week’s failed offensive by the Australian forces, have come to fruition as the Australian forces capture more than expected of the German trenches, including Hill 160 near Pozieres. The Germans have replied with an intense, nearly 360 degree artillery bombardment on the salient, but a German attack this morning was unable to breach the Allied lines.

The Australian 8th Light Horse at Romani, defending the Sinai peninsula and Suez canal

The Italian battleship Leonardo da Vinci capsized during the night of August 2/3, following an internal explosion. While it is possible that unstable compounds used in the engines are to cause, attention has turned to possible sabotage by Austria-Hungary.

The Ottoman Empire launched an invasion of the Sinai peninsula on August 3, which lead to fighting through the 5th at Romani. Australian & New Zealand mounted troops skirmished and checked the combined German-Ottoman-Austrian advance long enough for thirst & overextended supply lines to lead to a retreat by the invading forces. 1,200 of the 14,000 British soldiers fell, to the enemy 9,200 out of 16,000 (including 4,000 prisoners).

The Isonzo saw the sixth offensive launched on August 6, with an Italian offensive against Gorizia succeeding in capturing supply roads in the area. 22 Italian divisions have forced a retreat on the 9 Austro-Hungarian divisions in several sectors. On the western edge of the Karst Plateau, 50,000 Italians nearly encircled 20,000 Austrians before the Austrians retreated. 14,000 Italians and 9,500 Austro-Hungarians have been killed, wounded, captured, or are missing.

Ottoman forces are attempting to counter the Russian advance in the Caucasus, while at Darfur, the British commander has broken off discussions with the Sultan, as it has become apparent the Sultan is merely stalling for time as his own forces desert and the Anglo-Egyptian forces become stronger.