JANUARY 1917

Tb 88F in Pola.

01

Turul at Pola until 26 Mar for fitting of new guns.

Mon

Reduced rations introduced for seamen - bread ration reduced from 520g to 500g.

British troopship Ivernia (14,278t) torpedoed and sunk 58 nm south east of Cape Matepan by German UB47; 120 lost. British armed merchant vessel Baycraig (3761t) torpedoed by U-Boot 84 nm east south east from Malta.

03

Tb 80T at Pola for repairs untiol 07 Mar.

SS Gradenigo hired for service at Zelenika.

British troopship Huntsend (8826t) torpedoed by German UB47 but eventually towed into port.

04

Csepel and Tb 100M escorted SS Dalmatia to Durazzo.

Russian pre-dreadnought Peresviet (12,700t) sunk on mine from German U73 off Port Said. (Peresviet was en route from Vladivostock to Arctic Ocean)

05

Tatra from Pola to Cattaro.

British armed merchant vessel Lesbian (2555t) captured by U-Boot 125 nm east by south from Malta.

German and Bulgarian troops occupied Braila.

06

British armed transport Hudworth (3966t) torpedoed and sunk by German U35 between Malta and Cerigo.

07

British armed merchant vessel Mohacsfield (3678t) captured by U-Boot 40 nm south east by east from Malta; three lost.

08

British armed merchant vessel Andoni (3188t; three lost) and armed collier Lynfield (3023t; one lost) torpedoed by U-Boot 46 nm and 32 nm south east from Malta respectively.

09

British battleship Cornwallis (13,745t) sunk 60 nm south east of Malta by German U32; 13 lost.

British armed merchant vessel Baynesk (3286t) torpedoed by U-Boot 130 nm north by west from Alexandria; seven lost.

11

Air raid against Prosecco, San Andrea and Muggia.

12

Tb 58T damaged while docking at Sebenico.

Flying boat bomber K301 lost in raid on Beligna air field.

14

Warasdiner returned to service. SS Senj transferred to Castelnuovo Naval Harbour Command.

French submarine Archimède (598t) torpedoed SS Zagreb off Cape Planka.

15

Italy signed Anglo-French Naval Convention of 1914.

British armed collier Garfield (3838t) sunk by U-Boot 60nm off Alexandria.

18

Tb 58T under repair at Pola.

19

SS Árpád struck mine off entrance to the Bocche; badly damaged

Tug Tender Nr.3 transferred to Spalato.

20

Tb 53T at Pola for maintenance until 11 Feb.

SS Hrvat ran aground but refloated after two dyas. SS Zichy ran aground in Mezzo Channel; refloated 22 Jan.

Orders placed for four 500t submarines (U107 to U110) due to commision in 1919; none completed.

Italian announced loss of battleship Regina Margherita (13,400t) with 674 officers and men, sunk by two mines laid by German UC14 off Valona.

20 or 25

French transport Admiral Magon (5566t) sunk by German U39 while making for Salonika.

21

U29 first Weber Class (UBII type) submarine to join fleet.

23

Allied London Naval Conference: Britain to reduce commitment in Mediterranean.

Austro-Hungarian forces pushed back the Italians in the Görz sector.

24

Dampfer XIV unsuccessfully torpedoed off Cape Planka.

Mb Held requisitioned and attached to Adria.

25

Szigetvár at Pola. Tb 89F at Gjenovic.

26

Mb Quarero IV requisitioned for use at Teodo Arsenal.

27

Ausgleich of 1867 renewed but with improved terms for Hungary.

29

Prince Sixtus of Bourbon-Parma received letter from Kaiser Karl, his brother-in-law, hinting at separate peace.

Tb 81T under repair at Pola until 16 Feb.

31

Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresa disarmed and reassigned as accommodation ship for German U-Boot crews at Pola.

FEBRUARY 1917

Wildfang and Huszar on Lussin station until March. Tb 88F mineseeking off Istrian coast.

SS Valona requisitioned as escort vessel based at Pola.

01

Unrestricted U-Boot war declared by Germany.

Thurs

Tb 68F at Pola.

British (RNAS) seaplane base formed at Suda Bay, Crete, to patrol against U-Boots.

02

Panther assigned as accommodation ship for German U-Boot station at Gjenovic.

03

US severed relations with Germany.

Reka at Teodo for engine repairs until 12 Feb. Tb 77T from Pola to Cattaro.

06

Pandur at Pola for repair. Velebit at Pola. Warasdiner to Gjenovic.

SS Hrvatska hired for pilot duties at Zelenika.

Italian torpedo boat Perseo (210t) sank off Stromboli after collision with torpedo boat Astore and explosion of one of her own torpedoes.

07

Tb 77T from Cattaro to Pola with German Admiral Kraft.

08

Grand Admiral Haus died of pneumonia aboard Viribus Unitis at Pola; Vice Admiral Njegovan succeeded him.

One man lost overboard from Tb 77T during rough seas in Quarnero.

British drifter Aivern (72t) foundered in English Channel while on passage from Mediterranean.

09

Tb 82F under repair at Pola.

10

Seaplanes L130 and L133 captured off Valona by Italian airmen following action; L131 made it back to Durazzo.

Further successes in Görz sector.

11

Tb 53T completed maintenance at Pola.

12

Kaiser Karl and Kaiser Wilhelm met in Wien; former refused to break relations with USA.

Reka returned to service at Teodo.

Air raid against Brindisi. Tb 51T searching for flying boat A15.

SS Tihany ran aground near Mamula while approaching the Bocche; sank in deep water while being towed clear.

14

Italian submarine F8 (262t) sank 2 nm off La Spezia during trials - refloated and returned to service in September.

15

Mb Sophia requisitioned for use at Castelnuovo.

Italian transport Minas sunk by German U39 west of Cape Matapan.

16

Balaton at Cattaro; subsequently unsuccessfully torpedoed by enemy submarine near Bojana estuary.

Tb 81T completed repairs at Pola.

SS Brioni ran aground off Gallen on Veglia Island.

17

French and Italian troops linked up at Herseg making Allied front from Aegean to Adriatic.

Tb 98M under repair at Fiume.

U30 joined fleet.

French transport Athos sunk by German U65 200 nm east of Malta. British armed collier Okement (4349t) sunk by U-Boot 140nm south east by south from Malta; eleven lost. British trawler Hawk (243t) sunk by U-Boot 120nm south east of Malta.

18

Mb Fiametta requisitioned for use at Pola U-boot Station.

19

Komet at Sebenico.

British armed merchant vessel Corso (3242t) torpedoed by U-Boot 110 nm south by west from Malta.

Street lighting in Wien significantly reduced to save gas.

20

Prince Sixtus invited to Wien for peace talks.

French cruiser-minelayer Cassini (970t) sunk by mines laid by German UC35 in Bonifacio Straits.

British armed merchant vessel Rosalie (4237t) torpedoed by submarine 8 nm east of Jidjelli, Algeria; 21 lost.

21

Scharfschütze from Cattaro to Pola for repair and maintenance, then return to Cattaro. Tb 70F to Cattaro. Mb Galeb requisitioned for use at Pola Harbour.

22

Turkey backed unrestricted U-Boot war.

23

Tug Elöre returned to service.

24

Tb 92F to Cattaro. U27 joined fleet.

25

Dinara returned to service.

Italians ransacked ‘Austro-Hungarian General Consulate, Second Section’ in Zürich - actually operational headquarters of Naval Intelligence Service; same quality of secret work in Italy never re-established.

26

SS Füred requisitioned for pilot and patrol duties. SS Valona hired as local escort vessel at Pola.

British armed merchant vessel Clan Farquhar (5858t) torpedoed by U-Boot 80 nm north of Benghazi; 49 lost

27

Blitz transferred to Cattaro (until 12 Oct).

Dampfer XX ran aground in Povljana Nuova Channel; freed after two days.

British armed merchant vessel Belorado (4649t) attacked by U-Boot in Mediterranean; 3 killed.

28

Dinara undergoing sea trials.

MARCH 1917

Donau patrol boats Stör and Lachs transported to Triest as PM1 and PM2 for Lagunen flotilla.

01

Conrad suceeded by Arz as Chief of Staff.

Thurs

President Wilson released intercepted Zimmermann telegram to Press (German Foreign Secretary proposed German-Mexican-Japanese alliance againt USA).

Tb 88F in the Bocche. SS Brioni (see Feb 16) pulled free by Herkules and towed to Fiume.

British armed merchant vessel Euterpe (3540t) unsuccessfully attacked by U-Boot off Crete.

02

Tb 25 at Sebenico. Tb 57T torpedoed Montenegrin royal yacht Rumija (140t) in Antivari harbour. Tb 98M transferred to Pola.

03

British collier Craigendoran (2789t) sunk by U-Boot 6nm off Algerian coast; three lost. British armed collier River Forth (4421t) sunk by U-Boot 60nm south by east from Malta; two lost.

04

Tb 82F to Cattaro. Tb 95F took downed flying boat L131 under tow. Tb 99M from Cattaro to Pola for repairs.

05

Austro-Hungarian reply to USA defended U-Boot war.

07

Njegovan urged hastened submarine and torpedo boat construction.

Tb 80T returned to service at Pola. Mb Vesela requisitioned for use at Lussin Flying Base.

08

Dampfer XIV towed floating dock from Triest to Pola.

Mb Mario requisitioned for use by Torpedo Branch at Pola.

09

Tb 88F escorted German U39.

10

Martial law declared in Petrograd.

Tb 93 at Pola.

Mb Valerie requisitioned for use at Pola U-boot station.

British sloop Cyclamen (1250t) rammed and sank Italian submarine Guglielmotti (710t) in error north west of Capraia Island; 14 lost.

11

Tb 81T at Pola.

British Q-ship Wonganella (ex-Margit, ex-Werribee, properly Thornhill) saved British SS Springwell from German U38.

Italian bombing raid on Triest.

11/12

Tatra in action in Strait of Otranto. Orjen in unsuccessful action against French transport Gorgone.

12

FIRST RUSSIAN REVOLUTION (so-called February Revolution as Russia was still using Julian calendar).

12/13

Tb 96F searching for enemy submarine between Ulbo and Selve.

15

TSAR NICHOLAS II OF RUSSIA ABDICATED.

16

Motorboot 4 requisitioned for use by Lagunen flotilla.

18

Tb 99M returned to service.

Dock 2000t hired and towed from Pola to Triest on following day; towed to Sebenico on 22 Mar.

19

Major air raid against Grado.

German announcement that Allied hospital ships in Mediterranean no longer to be spared except in neutral corridor under strict conditions.

German U64 sank French battleship Danton (18,318t) south west of Sardinia; 396 lost. Danton assisted by French destroyer Massue (350t), picking up 806 survivors.

20

Tb 53T at Pola for engine overhaul until 04 Apr.

21

Pandur put to sea with Pola floating dock.

Russian royal family detained.

22

British monitor Sir Thomas Picton (6150t) joined sister ship Earl of Peterborough and six Italian monitors to support land operations.

23

Kaiser Karl held secret meeting with Prince Sixtus in Wien; letter drafted to President Poincaré of France.

British armed merchant vessel Eptalofos (4431t) torpedoed by U-Boot 47 nm north west from Malta.

25

Ulan to Pola station. Mb Pasman requisitioned for use at Gravosa.

British armed collier Vellore (4926t) sunk by U-Boot 21nm off Alexandria.

Austro-Hungarian barge (captured by Italy at Monfalcone in 1916) re-laid down by Italians; entered service 03 Aug 1917 as Italian floating battery Carso (360t).

26

Turul returned to service and underwent sea trials.

British armed merchant vessel Ledbury (3046t) torpedoed by U-Boot 90 nm north by east from Benghazi; three lost.

28

Warasdiner, Tb 92F, Tb 94F and Tb 95F assisting tanker Vesta, which was grounded at Isle of Ruda in Calamotta Channel, for three days.

29

British Q-ship Saros (properly Bradford City; 3683t) unsuccessfully attacked by U-Boot off west coast of Italy.

30

Orjen at Pola for repairs and modification.

31

Kaiser Karl letter received by President Poincaré; mention of France’s just claims to Alsace-Lorraine.

U30 left Cattaro; lost without trace - possibly mined off Cape Otranto next day.

French submarine Circé unsuccessfully torpedoed German U35.

APRIL 1917

Streiter transferred to Cattaro.

01

Pandur at Spalato.

Sun

British armed collier Zambesi (3759t) sunk by U-Boot 15nm off Alexandria; three lost.

Cut in rations in Germany: 170g of bread per day; 2.5 kg of potatoes per week.

01-03

Tb 14 towing damaged seaplane to Kumbor.

02

Dinara in dock until 06 Apr.

French submarine Archimède (598t) unsuccessfully torpedoed U27.

03

Count Czernin warned Kaiser Wilhelm and Kaiser Karl of internal dangers of continuing war.

British armed merchant vessel Ardgask (4542t) torpedoed by U-Boot 15 nm south west of Cape Rosello, Sicily; one lost.

04

Tb 53T completed engine overhaul at Pola. Tb 80T at Pola.

Major air raid against Grado.

British liner City of Paris (9239t) sunk by German UC35 south of Nice; 122 lost.

06

UNITED STATES DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST GERMANY

Dinara returned to service.

07

British armed merchant vessel Maplewood (3239t) captured by U-Boot 47 nm south west of Cape Sperone, Sardinia. British collier Trefusis (2642t) sunk by U-Boot 30nm south east from Cape Pula, Sardinia.

08

Austria-Hungary severed relations with USA.

British merchant sailing vessel Geilan Bahri (19t) captured by U-Boot 54 nm from Alexandria.

10

Kaiser Karl warned Kaiser Wilhelm in letter ‘five monarchs have been dethroned in this war..’.

Austrian Polish Legions transferred to German control.

British armed steamer Dalton (3486t) torpedoed by U29 25 nm south by west from Cape Matapan; 3 lost and Master taken as PoW.

11

Germany rejected Czernin’s joint peace approach to Russia.

British Prime Minister Lloyd George and French Prime Minister Ribot discussed Kaiser Karl peace letter; agreed Italy must be consulted.

Dinara on sea trials. SS Knin transferred to Pola for pilot duties.

British armed merchant vessel Imperial Transport (4648t) torpedoed by U-Boot 140 nm north west by north from Alexandria.

12

Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian envoys extended peace feelers to Allies via Switzerland.

SS Ritter von Bilinski badly damaged in collision with SS Pelagosa.

Mb Kalocsa taken over by kuk Kriegsmarine from Army and attached to Vulkan. Mb Nixe purchased by Army Authorities.

13

British motor launch ML534 (37t) destroyed by fire at Taranto.

14

Russia rejected Austro-Hungarian peace feeler.

French auxiliary cruiser Gange (1905t; used as a trooper) mined and sunk off Bizerta.

15

British armed liner Mashoba (8236t) torpedoed on her maiden voyage by U29 140 nm south west of Cape Matapan; 8 lost, Master made PoW and large quantity of gold lost. British troopship Arcadian (8929t) sunk north east of Milo by German UC74; 277 lost. British troopship Cameronia (10,963t) sunk east of Malta by German U33; 140 lost.

British RNAS ratings attived at Otranto to prepare a seaplane base.

16

Strikes in Berlin.

Mb Concetta rehired for use by Pola Flying Directorate.

Convoyed French transport Sontay (1907t) sunk by a) German U33 in eastern Mediterranean or b) German UC54 off Tunisia.

17

Dinara and Tb 75T on aircraft support duties; searched for flying boat K192 - recovered crew 35 nm west of Parenzo but flying boat sank.

Last French officer based at Venice disappeared at sea in seaplane.

17/18

Tb 51T and Tb 56T searching for flying boat K188.

18

Tb 55T at Cattaro.

SS Brioni returned to service at Triest.

Independent kuk Seefliegerkorps established.

French battleship Requin (7530t), two British monitors and three French destroyers bombarded Gaza.

18/20

Lloyd George / Prince Sixtus meeting re Austro-Hungarian peace offer.

19

Prime Ministers of Britain, France and Italy met; Italy hinted at defection if peace with Austria-Hungary pursued. Italy offered Smyrna and Aydin province of Turkey, subject to Russia’s approval.

Britain finally refused asylum to Tsar of Russia.

SS Cleopatra requisitioned as accommodation ship for German U-Boot personnel at Cattaro.

20

Turkey severed relations with USA.

SS Cirvenika unsuccessfully torpedoed three times near Mosenice.

21

Austria-Hungary informed Germany that Austro-Hungarian submarines and German U-Boots flying Austro-Hungarian flag must not attack hospital ships.

21/22

Streiter, Warasdiner, Uskoke, Tb 84F, Tb 92F, Tb 94F and Tb 100M in action in Otranto Straits; Italian freighter Japigia struck by torpedo from Tb 100M, which was returning to Durazzo, 9 nm off Cape Linguetta but Tb 92F was unsuccesful. Tb 89F and Tb 100M (on 22 Apr) minesweeping.

22

Allies rejected Prince Sixtus’s approach.

Reka in action in Strait of Otranto. Tb 9 at Pola.

24

U31 joined fleet.

Transport vessel SS Istriano transferred to Pola as minesweeper / armed escort vessel.

25

Tatra, Csepel and Balaton in action in Strait of Otranto.

SS Risano hired for pilot duties at Pola.

26

Tb 99M to Gjenovic.

British collier Chertsey (3264t) sunk by U-Boot 4nm off Algiers. British merchant sailing vessel Monitor (120t) captured by U-Boot 20 nm south by east from Cape Antibes.

28

Balaton in attack in Strait of Otranto.

29

British drifter Plough Boy claimed U-Boot, possibly U30 (see 31 Mar), on Otranto Barrage.

Major air raid on barracks at Villa Vincentina.

British armed merchant vessel Karonga (4665t) torpedoed by U-Boot in Strait of Messina; 18 lost.

30

End of worst month (of both World Wars) for Allied and Neutral shipping losses - 278,038t in Mediterranean, 23,037 to Austro-Hungarian submarines.

MAY 1917

Further major Russian desertions (two million already in March and April).

Tb 93F mineseeking duties.

Major air raids supporting army operations on Isonzo front.

SS Colibri rehired. SS Diamant requisitioned as military transport between Fiume and Albania. Mb Marietta returned to her owners. Tender/tug E rehired.

01

50,000 in Russian pro-war demonstration.

Tues

Kaiser Karl VI from Tajer to Pola escorted by Tb 96F.

British armed oiler British Sun (5565t) sunk by U-Boot 230nm east south east from Malta.

02

Tb 78T unsuccessfully torpedoed by enemy submarine west of Pola.

Major air raid on barracks at Villa Vincentina.

03

Ulan in Pola for cleaning and repair until 20 May.

04

Helgoland at Pola.

German U63 sank British transport Transylvania (14,315t) in Gulf of Genoa, 2½ nm south of Cape Vado; 413 (12 crew) lost but c300 saved by Japanese destroyer Matsu (665t).

British trawler Lord Salisbury (285t) sunk by mine off Eros Island, Salonika.

05

British armed merchant vessel Harmattan (4792t) mined 7 nm north of Cape Rosa, Algeria.

Italian armed merchant cruiser Misurata (1671t) torpedoed by U-Boot in central Mediterranean.

06

Panther from Cattaro to Pola for overhaul.

Tatra, Czepel and Balaton in action in Strait of Otranto.

09

Tb 64F at Pola for overhaul.

10

Wildfang attacked by enemy aircraft off Rovigno.

Reka assisted in putting out serious fire on SS Senj, transport vessel, at Antivari.

U28 joined fleet.

11

Tb 78T in action against British submarine H1 (364t) off Pola. Tb 96F in brief exchange with enemy torpedo boats.

French and Serbian troops pushed back Central Powers forces on Southern front.

12

Italy started Tenth Battle of the Isonzo (until 04 Jun).

Major air raid on Palazzatto Camp.

Six Australian (sic) destroyers to be sent to Mediterranean.

British armed merchant vessels Egyptian Princess (3117t) captured by U-Boot 240 nm south south east from Malta and Locksley Hall (3635t; six lost) torpedoed by U-Boot 30 nm south east by south from Malta respectively.

13

Japanese cruiser Akashi (2756t) and eight destroyers (Katsura, Kaede, Kusunoki, Ume, Matsu, Kashiwa, Sakaki and Sugi; 665t) arrived to be based at Malta.

14

Orjen on sea trials.

14/15

Major sortie from Cattaro under command of Horthy, in two groups with air support:

i)

Balaton and Csepel in attack in Strait of Otranto; attacked Italian convoy, sinking Italian escort destroyer Borea (330t) and freighter Carrocio (1650t), which was carrying munitions, and seriously damaging steamships Veritá and Bersagliere; engaged Italian reconnaissance cruiser Aquila (1391t) inflicting sufficient damage to disable her; unsuccessfully torpedoed by French submarine Bernouilli (397t).

ii)

Sankt Georg, Helgoland, Saida, and Novara supported by 13 aircraft, Tb 88F, Tb 99M, Tb 100M and three submarines in attack on Otranto Barrage sinking 14 British drifters:

Admirable (90t); Avondale (80t); Coral Haven (82t); Craignoon (77t); Felicitas (67t); Girl Gracie (95t); Girl Rose (86t); Helenora (88t); Quarry Knowe (98t); Selby (75t); Serene (86t); Taits (93t); Transit (83t); Young Linnett (93t)

and damaging four (skipper J Watt of Gowan Lee awarded V.C.; Jean; Floandi; one unidentified); engaged British cruisers Dartmouth (5250t) and Bristol (4800t). Saida took Novara in tow to Cattaro after she had been struck by shell from Dartmouth. Dartmouth torpedoed by German UC25 but managed to stay afloat. French destroyer Boutefeu (720t) struck mine from UC25 and sank. Budapest made ready to join the attack. (Last major fight of War between surface ships in Adriatic.)

U4 deployed off Valona; U27 deployed off Brindisi; German UC25 laying mines off Brindisi.

Otranto Barrage restricted to daylight usage.

15

Italian torpedo boat Scorpione (210t) sunk 35 nm east of Pantelleria by ramming from French gun boat Surveillante (315t).

16

Germany offered Russia immediate peace.

16/17

U5 mined and sunk off Pola; salved.

17

Orjen at Gjenovic.

18

Tb 85 searching for enemy submarines.

British armed merchant vessel Millicent Knight (3563t) torpedoed by U-Boot 130 nm east by south from Malta; one lost.

19

Russian repudiation of separate peace, but general one to be without annexations or sanctions.

Heavy and continuous fighting in Görz sector.

Komet unsuccessfully torpedoed by French submarine Le Vérrier (397t).

Reka to Pola with collier Pola. Tb 55T at Pola. Tb 68F at Cattaro.

19-24

Tb 96F guarding raising of U5.

20

Prince Sixtus delivered Kaiser Karl’s second letter to Poincaré and Ribot; unanswered.

Serbian government moved from Corfu to Salonika.

Ulan returned to service.

21

Order issued to drop suffix letter from designation of torpedo boats.

British armed collier Ampleforth (3873t) sunk by U-Boot 15nm west south west of Gozo; four lost.

22

Reka under repair until 13 Aug.

Tb 51 and Tb 55 at Sebenico. SS Knin transferred to Sebenico.

British Malta-Alexandria convoys begun.

22/23

SS Bucovina ran aground on Maon Island; floated off and completed voyage.

23

Prince Sixtus met King George V and Lloyd George.

Novara returned to service.

23/24

British monitors Earl of Peterborough (6150t) and Sir Thomas Picton (6150t) bombarded aerodrome at Prosecco from Gulf of Triest; attacked by Austro-Hungarian aircraft - Earl of Peterborough slightly damaged.

24

Ulan to Gjenovic for convoy assignments between Gravosa, Spilica and Durazzo.

Tb 59 transferred to Cattaro for convoy duties.

Tb 89 escorting German UC24 and German UC74 out of the Bocche; UC24 torpedoed and sunk by French submarine Circé (351t) off Cattaro.

24/25

Tb 87 on reconnaissance off Italian coast.

25

Dinara bombed by enemy aircraft. Tb 53 at Curzola until 22 Jun.

British armed merchant vessel Kohinur (2265t) torpedoed by U-Boot 150 nm north of Alexandria; 37 lost.

26

Velebit under maintenance and repair until 28 Sep. Tatra to Pola for repairs and boiler change until 13 Aug.

British hospital ship Dover Castle (8271t) sunk off Algeria by German UC67. British armed collier Holmesbank (3051t) sunk by U-Boot 90nm north by west of Alexandria. British armed merchant vessel Umaria (5317t) captured by U-Boot 20 nm south west by south from Policastro, Italy.

27

Tb 58 , Tb 66 and Tb 67 at Sebenico. Tb 64 to Cattaro station following overhaul at Pola; Tb 69 to Cattaro.

28

Italian guns within ten miles of Triest.

Large demonstration in Rome against way war being conducted.

29

Panther attached to U-Boot Commanders' school at Cattaro as sea-going training ship.

30

First meeting of Reichsrat since Mar 1914; Polish representatives’ pro-independence declaration; formation of Yugoslav Parliamentary Club by Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.

Zara reassigned as training ship.

French auxiliary cruiser Italia (1904t; used as a trooper) torpedoed by U4 30 nm off Taranto.

31

More liberal post-war constitution promised by Kaiser Karl.

Austria-Hungary offered Russia immediate peace.

British armed merchant vessel Rosebank (3837t) torpedoed by U-Boot 120 nm north of Benghazi.

JUNE 1917

Imperial review of the fleet at Pola (first since 1902).

Major air raids supporting army operations on Isonzo front.

01 Fri

Pandur to Paludi with floating dock.

02

Tb 91 at Pola under repair.

British armed transport Cameronian (5861t) sunk 50 mn off Alexandria; eleven lost.

Austro-Hungarian barge Nedda (captured by Italy at Monfalcone in 1915) re-laid down by Italians; entered service 11 Sep 1917 as Italian floating battery Monte Cucco (440t).

03

Italian protectorate proclaimed in Albania.

Wildfang, Csikós, Tb 93 and Tb 96 put to sea for aircraft-supporting operation along Italian coast.

British armed collier Islandmore (3046t) sunk by U-Boot 20nm north west from Cape Falcon, Algeria; two lost. British armed merchant vessel Greenbank (3881t) captured by U-Boot 12 nm north of Cape Falcon; one lost.

04

End of Tenth Battle of the Isonzo although Austro-Hungarian counter-offensive started.

Wildfang sunk by floating mine off Peneda; 31 lost. Csikós and Tb 96 picked up survivors from Wildfang.

Tb 58 at Cattaro.

SS Cirvenika unsuccessfully torpedoed and again on 05 Jun.

05

Italy declared occupied part of Albania as "under the friendly protection of Italy".

Turul recovered equipment from Wildfang.

British armed merchant vessel Kallundborg (1590t) captured by U-Boot 80 nm south south west of Toulon; one lost.

07

Orjen on air support duties.

First appearance of United States warships in European (French) coastal waters.

08

Lloyd George argued for separate peace with Austria.

End of Austro-Hungarian counter-offensive on Isonzo front.

Tb 73 at Cattaro.

09

Triglav (II) joined fleet.

10

Italian offensive in Trentino until 28 Jun.

11

German UC52 entered Cadiz for engine repairs until 27 June.

Japanese destroyer Sakaki (665t) torpedoed off Cerigo by U27; 68 lost, but ship beached at Suda Bay, Crete, and salved.

Italian monitor Monfalcone (525t; ex-Austro-Hungarian barge Monfalcone) into service.

12

King Constantine of Greece abdicated in favour of second son Alexander following Allied ultimatum (Constantine and first son George were against Greece’s entry into war on Allied side).

SS Kelet ran aground in Morlacca Channel while under way to Cattaro; refloated but found to be badly damaged; returned to Fiume.

13

Turul having boilers cleaned until 22 Jun.

British armed merchant vessel St. Andrews (3613t) torpedoed by U-Boot 4 nm west of Cape Spartivento, Italy; three lost.

Austro-Hungarian lighter Ena (captured by Italy at Monfalcone) re-laid down by Italians; entered service 22 Sep as Italian floating battery Vodice (440t)

14

British armed collier New Zealand Transport (4481t) sunk by U-Boot 8nm off Serpho Pulo in Aegean; three lost.

15

British armed merchant vessel Pasha (5930t) torpedoed by U-Boot at southern entrance to Straits of Messina; three lost.

16

Allied blockade of Greece lifted.

Tatra at Gjenovic.

18

Zara left Cattaro for Pola; suffered explosion off Lacroma island; made for Ragusa and beached. Towed to Pola by tender 200, arriving 26 Jun.

Mb Amor requisitioned for use in Pola Harbour.

20

Major Italian air raid on South Tyrol.

22

Turul returned to service. Tb 53 departed Curzola.

French armed cruiser Himalaya (1902t; used as a trooper) torpedoed by German U63 off Marrittimo, Scicily.

24

Uskoke recovered bodies from flying boat L96.

25

Tb 53 at Sebenico for engine and boiler work until 24 Jul.

British armed merchant vessel Anatolia (3847t) mined 1½ nm off Genoa.

26

Tb 80 searching for submarines off Italian coast. Tb 83 at Pola.

27

Mb Lizard requisitioned for use at Pola Flying Station.

Greek destroyer Doxa (350t, seized by France and operating under French flag) sunk by German UB47 off Sicily.

German UC52 left Cadiz following repairs.

28

U5 raised from Fasana Channel off Pola.

End of Italian offensive in Trentino.

29

Dinara on aircraft support duties. Tb 100 towed damaged flying boat to Cattaro.

U32 joined fleet.

30

Greece severed relations with Central Powers.

Dinara recovered flying boat (identity uncertain) and took her to Pola.

French auxiliary cruiser Caledonien (1832t) mined off Port Said by mine from German UC34.

JULY 1917

Warasdiner on convoy duties between Gravosa and Durazzo until Aug 1918.

Major air raids supporting army operations on Isonzo front.

SS Hercegovina returned to her owners. SS Szterényi damaged while re-colaing in Fiume.

Demonstrations at Pola of discontent with rationing on board ships.

01

SS Abbazia requisitioned for taking troops to Albania.

Sun

Drifters on Otranto Barrage resumed night duties.

Italian picket boat G46 (416t) sunk by torpedo from German U39 off Syracuse.

02

GREEK DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST CENTRAL POWERS.

Amnesty granted in Austria-Hungary by Kaiser Karl to all condemned by emergency military courts (2593 freed by 31 Jul) - instead of having a postive effect, this was interpreted as weakness on Karl’s part and exascerbated national differences within empire.

Mb Strümpfler requisitioned for use at Gjenovic Naval Flying Station.

03

Declaration of independence by Ukraine.

British armed merchant vessel Mongara (8205t) torpedoed by U-Boot 1½ nm from Messina breakwater.

04

Tb 92 and Tb 94 at Pola.

British sloop Aster (1200t) mined just east of Malta. British special service ship Mona blown up to avoid capture off Cape Passaro.

07

Women first accepted in Austria-Hungary as jurors.

British armed collier Southina (3506t) sunk by U-Boot 6nm off Algerian coast; one lost.

08

Tb 83 from Pola to Cattaro.

11

Streiter to Pola. Dinara on mineseeking duties. Tb 91 in the Bocche. Tb 93 from Pola to Cattaro.

13

Tb 56 to Rogoznica station.

14

Resignation of Bethmann as German Chancellor following Kaiser Wilhelm’s rejection of his peace policy without annexation; succeeded by Dr Michaelis.

Tb 97 to Cattaro.

15

Csepel at Pola for repair and overhaul until 16 Sep. Tb 99 at Pola. Tb 100 at Pola for engine and boiler repairs until 05 Sep.

British fleet messenger Redbreast (1313t) sunk by U-Boot off Khios, Aegean; 44 lost.

16

French mutinies in Salonika.

British minesweeper Newmarket (833t) disappeared in Eastern Mediterranean. British armed merchant vessel Khephren (2774t) torpedoed by U-Boot 178nm east of Malta. British merchant vessel Firfield (4029t) torpedoed by U-Boot 10 nm nort west of Cape Papos, Nikaria Island. British minesweeper Newmarket (833t) sent to assist but disappeared without trace; believed sunk by U-Boot which accounted for Redbreast on previous day.

17

Csikós onto Cattaro station. Tb 84 transferred to Pola. Tb 85 transferred to Gjenovic.

Tb 14 transporting aircraft between Sebenico and Curzola.

Accidental explosion of depth charge on Tb 89 during sweeping operation resulted in one sailor killed.

Mb Javor requisitioned for use at Pola Harbour. Mb Nina requisitioned as Pola standby boat.

King George VI changed family name from Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor.

18

Chief of Staff Arz memo: only Romanian food imports sustaining monarchy until new harvest.

Mb Venutti requisitioned as Pola standby boat.

Greek caique Adelphotis shelled and sunk by U-Boot off Crete.

19

British armed merchant vessel Eloby (6545t) torpedoed by U-Boot 75 nm south east by east from Malta; 56 lost.

20

Serb government in Corfu agrred with Dr Ante Trumbic, Croat leader, to seek establishment of Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.

22

German Ambassador in Wien reported ‘plebiscite in Austria-Hungary would find majority for joining Allies and fighting Germany’.

24

Emergency powers made available (used by Dolfub regime in Mar 1933;not revoked until Jul 1946).

Tb 53 completed engine and boiler work at Sebenico.

25

Tb 53 transferred to Rogoznica.

Austro-Hungarian troops made significant advances on Eastern front.

26

SS Semiramis requisitioned as accommodation ship for German navy personnel at Pola.

27

Tb 14 transporting aircraft between Sebenico and Curzola.

28

SS Novi requisitioned for use as escort vessel based at Pola (acquired from Army).

28/29

Tb 80 on reconnaissance off Italian coast.

29

Turul unsuccessfully torpedoed by enemy submarine off Caorle.

Austro-Hungarian army advanced onto Russian soil.

30

Tb 2 badly damaged while mineseeking in Zara Channel; towed to Hrvatin Bay by Tb7.

German UB43 transferred to Austria-Hungary as U43. German UB47 transferred to Austria-Hungary as U47. German UB23 interned at Corunna, Spain.

AUGUST 1917

During the month U14 (von Trapp) claimed 24,800t, including Italian steamer Milazzo (11,480t) on 29 Aug- largest merchant ship sunk by Kriegsmarine.

Major air raids supporting army operations on Isonzo front.

Tender/tug Emma purchased by Army authorities.

Japanese cruiser Nisshin (7628t) and four more destroyers (Momo, Kashi, Hinoki and Yanagi; 835t) arrived to be based at Malta.

Rationing of clothing and shoes introduced.

Three British H Class submarines transferred from Venice to Brindisi.

01

War Minister warned Kaiser Karl ‘Army only had replacements until May 1918’.

Weds

Pope Benedikt XV made fruitless appeal to all parties to end war.

02

German naval mutiny at Wilhelmshaven.

Austro-Hungarian troops liberated Czernowitz in the Buckowina, which had been occupied by Russian troops since 18 Jun 1916.

British fleet messenger Ermine (1777t) sunk by U-Boot in Aegean Sea.

02/03

Major Italian air raid on Pola.

Italian floating battery Carso (360t), constructured from Austro-Hungarian barge captured at Monfalcone in 1916, entered service.

03

Tb 86 from Cattaro to Pola.

04

U40 joined fleet.

05

Tb 89 from Cattaro to Pola.

German U39 rammed and damaged by French sloop Antares (1200t).

06

Lloyd George and Painlevé in London discussed separate peace with Austria.

Lika (II) joined fleet.

07

Pandur on reconnaissance off Pelagosa.

08

Tb 91 at Pola.

U23 damaged by French sloop Aldebaran (1200t).

Italian (ex British) submarine W4 (329t) lost between Brindisi and Cape Rodoni.

British armed merchant vessel Llanishen (3837t) 8 nm north by east from Cape de Creus, Gulf of Lyon; two lost.

08/09

Major Italian air raid on Pola; Tb 92 suffered damage to her gun.

09

Turul at Pola under repair until 30 Aug.

11

Orjen on air support duties; unsuccessful search for flying boat K222.

Tb 82 from Cattaro to Pola. Tb 90 at Pola.

12

Limited extension of franchise in Hungary, but still very far short of one person, one vote.

Tb 14 transporting aircraft between Sebenico and Curzola. Tb 78 from Pola to Cattaro.

German UB48 entered Mediterranean en route from Germany to Cattaro carrying two British oficers as PoW following earlier attacks.

13

Reka and Tatra returned to service.

British armed collier Maston (3881t) sunk by U-Boot 35nm east north east from Cape Spartivento, Italy; two lost.

14

CHINESE DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST AUSTRIA-HUNGARY AND GERMANY.

Reka and Tb 89 supporting major air raid against Venice; bombed by Italian aircraft. Dinara also on aircraft support duties; recovered flying boat K203 south of Piave estuary - taken in tow by Tb 90, but heeled over and sank.

Italian armed merchant ship Umberto I (1385t) torpedoed by German UC35 near Gallinaria Island.

15

U21 joined fleet.

16

British Q-ship Saros (properly Bradford City; 3683t) sunk by U-Boot 8 nm off San Remo in Straits of Messina.

Italian torpedo boat 29AS (120t) badly damaged while minesweeping; two lost.

17

Tb 77 to Cattaro.

18

Italians started Eleventh Battle of the Isonzo (until 12 Sep).

Major Italian air raid on Austro-Hungarian relief/supply columns, ammunition dumps and headquarters.

Tb 96 at Gjenovic.

19

British armed merchant vessel Gartness (2422t) torpedoed by U-Boot 180 nm south east by south from Malta; 13 lost.

20

All civil prisoners in Hungary serving less than two years released due to food shortages.

22

Count Armand presented French terms to Austrian Count Revertera in Switzerland: Germany to return Alsace Lorraine and Belgium, Austria-Hungary to evacuate Balkans and Trentino for link with Bavaria and Prussian Silesia. No reply.

Strikes and riots in Turin due to bread shortage.

French armed boarding steamer Golo II (1903t) torpedoed by German U-Boot near Corfu.

23

Budapest rammed Tb 14 in Sabbioncello Channel. Latter towed to Val Pedocchio by Tb 73.

24

British armed collier Kilwinning (3071t) sunk by U-Boot 94nm east south east from Malta.

Heavy fighting on Isonzo front.

25

Tb 61 to Cattaro.

26

British armed merchant vessel Titian (4170t) torpedoed by U-Boot 170 nm south east by east from Malta. British armed merchant vessel Hathor (3823t) torpedoed by U-Boot 3 nm north west from Cape Tedles, Algeria; one lost.

27

British armed collier Nairn (3627t) sunk by U-Boot 125nm off Benghazi.

28

Tb 74 to Cattaro.

29

Tb 66 at Pola.

U14 sank Italian steamer Milazzo (11,480t) - largest ship claimed by an Austro-Hungarian U-boot.

British armed merchant vessel Vronwen (5714t) torpedoed by U-Boot 20 nm north west by west from Gozo; one lost.

30

Uskoke searching for submarines off Cattaro. Turul returned to service.

31

Best month of War for Austro-Hungarian submarines - 38,823t of merchant shipping, more than total for 1914-1916.

SEPTEMBER 1917

Eight Improved Tatra class destroyers authorised (but see 22 Dec); also twelve 1900t destroyers.

Major air raids supporting army operations on Isonzo front.

SS Hercegovina rehired. SS Hrvatska in collision with tug/tender Lissa. SS Senj assigned to convoy duties

01

Dinara on aircraft support duties.

Sat

U23 joined fleet.

01/4/6

Reka on aircraft support duties.

02

Tb 95 at Pola.

148 Italian bombers and eleven flying boats attacked Pola and Triest.

German UB48 arrived at Cattaro.

04

Major air raid against Venice.

05

Tb 100 returned to service.

Wien damaged by bomb during allied air raid on Triest.

06

British trawler Helgian (220t) sunk by mine in Gulf of Ruphani, Aegean Sea.

07

Austro-Hungarians bombed Venice.

British trawler By George (225t) sunk by mine in Gulf of Ruphani, Aegean Sea.

08

Dinara undergoing engine repairs until 29 Sep.

08/09

German UB49, damaged in action with armed yacht, entered Cadiz and was interned - but see 06 Oct.

10

French entered Pogradec in Albania.

Tb 38 at Sebenico.

SS Graf Wurmbrand (Seespitalschiff IV) at Kumbor.

SS San Mauro, escort vessel on Fiume-Zara route, returned to her owners.

German U-Boots ordered not to attack Allied hospital ships (Spanish naval officers now placed aboard to ensure neutrality).

Austro-Hungarian barge Jella (62t; captured by Italy on Isonzo near Monfalcone) re-laid down by Italians; entered service 16 June 1918 as Italian floating battery Monte Santo (570t!)

11

Last major fighting in Romanian sector.

Tug/tender Lissa recovered following collision with SS Hrvatska.

Italian floating battery Monte Cucco (440t) entered service; built from Austro-Hungarian barge Nedda (captured by Italy at Monfalcone in 1915).

12

End of Eleventh Battle of the Isonzo following massive losses and PoWs to both sides.

Wien and Budapest withdrawn temporarily fron Triest to Pola because of air raids.

German U35, U38 and U39 resumed German flag.

14

Kerensky proclaimed republic in Russia.

15

Tug T102 joined fleet.

16

Csepel returned to service at Pola. Tb 53 completed tour at Rogoznica. Tb 78 at Pola.

17

Csepel at Cattaro.

18

Csikós with collier Pola to Cuzola.

20

Balaton and Orjen in attack in Strait of Otranto.

22

Csikós on aircraft support duties (major air raid against Otranto); recovered downed flying boat K206 off Rodoni.

Italian floating battery Vodice (440t) entered service built from Austro-Hungarian lighter Ena (captured by Italy at Monfalcone).

23

Torpedo from enemy submarine passed under Tb 93 of Bojana estuary.

24

Tb 95 exchanged fire with Italian torpedo boats.

Five old US destroyers arrived at Port Said from Philippines; proceeded to Gibraltar for escort work.

25

Austro-Hungarian barge Tina (66t; captured by Italy on Isonzo near Monfalcone) re-laid down by Italians; entered service 02 Sep 1918 as Italian floating battery Monte Sabotino (570t!)

26

Scharfschütze defending convoy from submarine attack off Albanian coast.

SS Cetina transferred to Sebenico.

27

Tb 14 completed repairs at Pola and returned to Sebenico

Austro-Hungarian seaplanes destroyed Italian dirigibles at their base at Iesi.

27/28

Warasdiner and Tb 97 supporting air raid on Brindisi.

28

Velebit returned to service.

SS Baron Call unsuccessfully bombed by Italian aircraft off Durazzo.

29

Turul engaged enemy destroyers 34 nm west of San Giovanni in Pelago. Tb 90, Tb 98 and Tb 99 supporting air raid; engaged with Italian destroyers off Po delta.

Dinara returned to service.

Austro-Hungarian seaplanes destroyed Italian dirigibles at their base at Ferrara.

29/30

Streiter engaged Italian destroyer off Po delta; took Velebit in tow on 30 Sep - she had damaged her rudder following action against enemy destroyers also off Po delta. Huszar on aircraft support duties - in action against Italian destroyers east of Po delta .

30

Italian army desertion rate running at 5500 per month, compared to 650 in 1915.

British Admiralty prize trawler Charlsin (241t) sunk by U-Boot 8nm north of Marsa Matruh.

OCTOBER 1917

kuk Marinetechniches Komitee issued specification for 2000t destroyer; DaFi and STT invited to submit proposals.

Major air action supporting Army operations on the Isonzo front.

SS Risano transferred to Lagunnen flotilla.

01

Reka in dock for maintenance until 18 Oct.

Mon

British merchant sailing vessel Ludovicos (apx. 50t) captured by U-Boot in Mediterranean.

02

Turul at Pola for boiler change until 15 Oct.

03

More infantry fighting on Isonzo front.

04

German UB68 sunk by gunfire from British sloop Snapdragon (1250t), trawler Cradson and steamer Queensland or Greenland south east of Malta.

04/05

Twelve Italian aircraft bombed the Bocche U-Boot base, torpedo store and seaplane hangars.

05

Tb 11 defected to Italy (handed over off Potenza Picena) from Sebenico following mutiny by Slav crew members led by a Slovene and a Czech rating (secret material destroyed before arriving in Italy). Tb 14 searched in vain for her until 08 Oct.

Tb 81 under repair until 22 Oct.

06

German UB49 broke out from Cadiz and made for Cattaro.

British armed merchant vessel Civilian (7871t) torpedoed by U-Boot 15 nm north of Alexandria; two lost.

07

Tb 22 at Sebenico.

08

Dukla joined fleet.

10

Balaton in attack in Strait of Otranto.

Austro-Hungarian lighter Ostrica (captured by Italy at Monfalcone) re-laid down by Italians; entered service 08 May 1918 as Italian floating battery Pasubio (225t!)

11

Tb 10 at Sebenico.

12

Six Australian destroyers arrived at Brindisi to protect Otranto drifters.

13

Blitz reassigned to Pola from Cattaro for harbour patrol and convoy assignments to end of War.

Tb 94 attacked by ten enemy aircraft off Salvore while mineseeking. Tb 100 attacked by seven enemy aircraft while minesweeping.

14

British armed merchant vessel Semantha (2847t) torpedoed by U-Boot 10 nm north west by north from Cape St. John, Crete; 32 lost.

15

Tug T103 joined fleet.

Turul returned to service.

Dampfer VIII ran aground on Drainka Island; refloated next day and taken to Sebenico.

16

Two Austro-Hungarian battleships and ten torpedo boats shelled Italian coast near Cortellazzo (Piave).

17

Mb Anna Maria stood down.

British hospital ship Goorkha (6335t) damaged by mine off Alexandria, but made port without loss.

Fighting broke out again in Albania.

17-19

Tb 99 to German Admiralty party from Pola to Cattaro and return.

18

Reka returned to service. Tb 70 at Pola.

18/19

Helgoland in action between Saseno and Brindisi. Tatra in action in Strait of Otranto. Csepel in action between Valona and Brindisi.

19

Tb 72 at Sebenico. Mb Pal requisitioned for Lagunen flotilla.

British collier Elsiston (2908t) sunk by U-Boot 150 nm east of Malta; one lost.

20

Reka on sea trials. Tb 19 at Sebenico. U20 joined fleet.

British collier Collegian sunk by U-Boot 100nm off Alexandria.

21

Tb 98 at Pola.

22

Tb 81 completed repairs.

23

Bolshevik Central Committee voted 10-2 for Lenin’s armed uprising.

Tb 63 attacked bt Italian aircraft while minelaying.

24

Austro-Germans started Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo / Battle of Caporetto (until 09 Nov).

Tb 50 from Sebenico to Pola. Tb 51 at Pola for repairs until 06 Nov.

SS Senj, transport vessel damaged by fire at Antivari in May, reassigned to escort duties.

25

Tb 81 to Gjenovic. U31 sunk accidentally at Fiume; salved.

26

Dampfer VIII returned to service in the Bocche.

27

Italian general retreat ordered.

Monfalcone retaken by Austro-Hungarians.

Huszar at Pola. Tb 4, Tb 6 and Tb 9 in action against Sbodda batteries. Tb 66 at Curzola.

28

Germans claimed 100,000 PoWs.

29

Tb 87 and Tb 99 mineseeking between Sistiana and mouth of Sdobba.

30

First French troops arrived in Italy.

Austro-Hungarians took Udine; Italians ordered evacuation of Treviso, Vicenza and Venice.

Pandur at Pola. Velebit returned to service following repair.

31

Archduke Eugen claimed 180,000 PoWs and 1500 guns.

Admiral Spaun with Tb 87, Tb 92 and Tb 94 in action during liberation of Grado. Tb 99 mineseeking off Grado.

Tb 5 towed in flying boat K226. Tb 54 and Tb 64 transferred to Sebenico.

NOVEMBER 1917

Nov/Dec: Budapest and Wien shelled Italian positions in Gulf of Triest.

Major air action supporting Army operations on the Isonzo front.

SS Helouan requisitioned for use as accommodation ship for German U-boot personnel at Pola.

SS Ritter von Bilinski transferred to Lagunen flotilla

Italian Q-ship Folgore (104t; ex-Italian merchant ship, ex-Austro-Hungarian merchant ship Zeta) sunk on Piave river by Austro-Hungarian gunfire.

01

Tb 80 stood down for boiler change until 12 Dec.

Thurs

Austro-Hungarian troops retook Grado.

01-08

Tb 99 mineseeking.

03

Germany refused to send any further divisions to Italian Front.

05

Csepel and Orjen on air support duties.

Tb 14 salvaged aircraft near Goli Point.

06

Tb 51 returned to service from repairs; patrol duties between Sebenico and Rogoznica. Tb 92 took Kaiser Karl from Triest to visit Grado, then return.

SS Valona transferred to Lagunen flotilla.

08

BOLSHEVIK ("OCTOBER") REVOLUTION IN PETROGRAD.

Italy requested 20 Allied destroyers to counter feared post-Caporetto Austro-Hungarian naval offensive; French and British unable to assist.

09

End of Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo / Battle of Caporetto.

Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria visited Triest.

11

First Battle of the Piave (until 30 Dec).

Tb 65 and Tb 66 at Triest.

12

Novara, Tb 85, Tb 88 and Tb 96 left port but turned back near Arza.

13

Tb 98 took Kaiser Karl from Grado to Triest.

Major advances on Piave front.

14

Tb 92 in exchange with Italian batteries at Piave vecchia. Tb 94, Tb 99 and Tb 100 exchanged fire with Italian batteries near Cortelazzo.

15

Szigetvár, Tb 62 and Tb 63 to Triest.

Tb 61, Tb 65 and Tb 94 shelled by Italian batteries and bombed by enemy aircraft while minesweeping off Cortelazzo. Tb 84 and Tb 99 in action against Italian batteries at Cortelazzo.

Tug T104 joined fleet.

15/16

Tb 98 and Tb 98 mineseeking off Grado in preparation for Wien and Budapest; shelled by Italian batteries; at Caorle took downed flying boat K373 under tow.

16

Budapest and Wien, supported by 14 torpedo boats plus aircraft, shelled Cortellazzo, near mouth of Piave, to support left flank of army.

Italian monitor Alfredo Cappellini (1452t) wrecked off Ancona.

U43 seriously damaged Italian steamer Oriona between Brindisi and Valona; French destroyers Casque (720t) and Mangini (756t) helped save her.

17

British armed merchant vessel Clan Maccorquodale (6517t) torpedoed by U-Boot 165 nm north west by north from Alexandria.

Italian floating battery Padus (95t; ex-Austro-Hungarian lighter captured by Italy at Monfalcone in Jun 1915 and converted, entering service in 1917) lost; grounded Caorle-Cortellazzo area, near Venice.

18

Tb 94 raising capsized launch off Sdobba estuary.

U-Boot sunk British sloop/Q-ship Candytuft (1290t); nine lost.

19

Bolshevik call for immediate peace on all fronts.

Streiter, Reka, Huszar and Tb 91 on reconnaissance along Italian coast.

Tb 78, Tb 82, Tb 86 and Tb 87 minelaying off Po delta.

Mb Margherita and Mb Ruzica requisitioned for use by Triest District Naval Command.

Mb Sergi requisitioned for Lagunewn flotilla.

20

Tb 86 and Tb 91 on reconnaissance off Italian coast.

SS Monfalcone damaged by mine off mouth of River Sdobba.

Mb Quarnero requisitioned for use at Triest U-boot Station.

21

Naval Conference at Rome: Italy requested 20 Allied destroyers to reinforce Adriatic as she feared an offensive against her coast following Austro-German victory at Caporetto; none available. Britain offered 1200 mines plus minelayers; France offered to send submarines to Upper Adriatic. Otranto Barrage to be reinforced.

22

Pandur hunting for enemy submarine off Porer.

23

Tb 62T searching for submarines off Porer; then to Pola.

U22 joined fleet.

24

Csikós submarine-searching near Ragusavecchia.

25

Constituent Assembly elections in Russia: Bolsheviks gain 225 delegates with 9.8m votes whereas Socialists gain 420 delegates with 20.75m votes.

100,000 protest march in Budapest supporting peace and Russian revolution.

Four Allied divisions arrived to assist Italian army.

SS Nibbio and Tender Nr.9 transferred to Lagunnen flotilla.

26

Germany announced closure of neutral corridor to Greece.

SS Helouan damaged while being made ready for requisitioning (see 07 Dec for requisitioning of SS Wien instead).

Italian submarine Zoea (248t) beached at Rimini by storm (salvaged and repaired at Venice).

27

Italian submarine Galileo Ferraris (345t) beached at Magnavacca (Porto Garibaldi) by storm - salved Jan 1918 but not returned to service.

28

Austro-Hungarians paused Piave offensive until 30 Nov.

Admiral Spaun in attack on Italian coast with Tb 95; fire returned from batteries at Rimini.

Dinara, Huszar and Tb 91 shelled goods train near Fanò. Dukla and Tb 89 collided while under way to attack Italian coast; latter forced to return to Pola. Tb 86 on reconnaissance off Italian coast.

Italians shelled Austro-Hungarian boats on lower reaches of River Piave.

29

Csikós and Tb 97 unsuccessfully torpedoed by enemy submarine off Bojana estuary. Tb 83 unsuccessfully torpedoed by enemy submarine while escorting convoy.

Csepel and Orjen on air support duties.

Allies decided to establish inter-Allied Naval Council.

30

Austria-Hungary accepted Bolshevik armistice offer as basis for peace proposals.

Tb 84 recovered flying boat K210 which was beached 2 nm south west of mouth of Livenza, and towed her to Triest. Tb 84, Tb 99 and Tb 100 assisted from near Caorle.

DECEMBER 1917

kuk Marinetechnisches Komitee presented projects for 37,200t dreadnought and 32,600t battlecruiser.

Kaiser Wilhelm visited Pola again.

Major air action supporting Army operations on the Isonzo front.

SS Pelagosa assigned to submarine search duties (see 28 Feb 1918). SS Zadar-Zara converted to work as anti-submarine vessel with SS Pelagosa.

Work began at Venice on converting Italian submarine Argo (248t) into an assault submarine which was to force entrance of Pola harbour with aid of frogmen. (Argo was discarded 26 Sep 1918.)

01

Orders placed for six 900t high seas submarines (U54 to U59); none ever laid down.

Sat

Warasdiner at Castelnuovo.

02

Dampfer XI (SS Austria) at Pola.

Italian armed boarding steamer Citta di Sassari (1026t) torpedoed by German U65 off Cape Mele.

End of main Austro-Hungarian thrust of First Battle of the Piave - last major victory of Habsburg monarchy.

03

Brest-Litovsk talks began between Russia and all Central Powers.

04

Tb 63 at Lussin.

05

Orjen on air support duties.

06

Romanian ceasefire with Central Powers.

Italian army consolidated on new more southerly line.

07

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST AUSTRIA.

Streiter, Reka and Huszar on reconnaissance along Italian coast. Dinara shelled Italian coast. Triglav in attack on Italian coast with Tb 95. Tb 87 took downed flying boat K219 under tow 20 nm off Ancona; latter capsized and sank.

Scharfschütze at Pola. SS Wien again requisitioned, for use as accommodation ship for German navy personnel at Pola.

08

ALL HOSTILITIES ON EASTERN FRONT SUSPENDED.

Dinara struck by torpedo from enemy submarine north of Ancona, but torpedo failed to explode.

Tb 70 at Sebenico.

10/11

Wien sunk at Triest by Italian MAS 9 (16t) captained by Capitano di Fregeta Luigo Rizzo (largest Austro-Hungarian loss so far; previous largest was Zenta in Aug 1914) accompanied by another MAS. Following loss of Wien, Arpád and Admiral Spaun sent to Triest.

Italian torpedo boat Orfeo (220t) damaged by collision with merchant ship Cagliari in Cyrenaican waters.

11

New Russian Constituent Assembly met at Petrograd until broken up by Bolsheviks on 13 Dec.

British armed collier Persier (3874t) sunk by U-Boot 50 nm east from Cape Spartivento, Italy; one lost.

12

Tb 80 returned to service. Dinara in dock under repair until 19 Dec.

13/14

Tatra in action in Strait of Otranto.

14

Csepel in attack in Strait of Otranto.

German UC38 sank French cruiser Chateaurenault (7898t; being used as troop transport) in Ionian sea; ten lost but 1162 saved. UC38 depth-charged and sunk by French convoy escort destroyers Mameluk (530t) and Lansquenet ((530t).

British armed merchant vessel Coila (4135t) torpedoed by U-Boot 3 nm south east by south from Canet Point, Valencia; three lost.

15

Secret peace talks in Geneva between Smuts and Count Mensdorff-Pouilly.

15/16

Italians bombed Austro-Hungarian San Felice airfield.

16

Warasdiner cruising between Brindisi and Valona.

16/17

Ulan advanced with 4th torpedo division as far as 15 nm east of Brindisi.

17

Streiter shelled Cortelazzo.

Italian navy ordered to economise stringently on coal and oil.

Italian Q-ship Saetta (104t; ex-Austro-Hungarian SS Lowcen) sunk by Austro-Hungarian gunfire in Venice lagoon; later salved.

18

Austro-Hungarians reached furthest point of advance across River Piave.

Italian motor boat MAS 16 (16t) sunk by Austro-Hungarian fire on River Sile.

19 

Arpád, Budapest, Admiral Spaun, Scharfschütze and Turul, together with minesweepers, sixteen torpedo boats, including Tb 61 and Tb 99, and seaplanes, bombarded Cortelazzo at mouth of Piave.

Dinara returned to service.

20

Austro-Hungarian Lower House adopted peace resolution.

Arpád back to Pola, following shelling at mouth of Piave.

Orjen on air support duties.

21

Tb 67 to Cattaro.

22

Budapest again shelled at mouth of Piave.

Uzsok joined fleet. Ulan under repair until 31 Dec.

Four (not eight) Improved Tatra class destroyers ordered from DaPR (see Sep).

24

Tb 67 at Pola.

Two men injured by explosion on board SS Split D while loading Calcium Cyanamide.

Mb Maria requisitioned for use at Pola Salvage Depot.

26

Austro-Hungarian air raid on Istrana airfield 18 miles north of Venice. Nine aircraft lost; RFC hangars suffered minor damage; two Italian aircraft destroyed.

27

French battleship Gaulois (11,260t) torpedoed in Aegean sea by German U-boot.

28-31

Bombing raids on Padua, Treviso, Bassano, Vicenza and Castelfranco.

29/30

Further raid on Istrana airfield.

30

Huszar to Cattaro station.

British destroyer Attack (785t) mined and sunk off Alexandria by German UC34 while rescuing survivors of torpedoed armed troopship Aragon (9588t); 610 lost including 19 crew from Aragon.

End of First Battle of the Piave.

30/31

Further raid on Istrana airfield.

31

Streiter on convoy assignments. Ulan returned to service.

British armed fleet auxiliary Osmanieh (4041t) mined and sunk at entrance to Alexandria; 198 lost including 24 crew.