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Assassination of Archduke
The beginning to World War I was believed to be sparked by the Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand's assassination by the man, Gavrilo Princip. Along with his wife, Sophie, Ferdinand was shot to death while touring Sarajevo in an open car.With little security, the archduke and his car took a wrong turn at the junction of Appel quay and Franzjosefstrasse, where 19-year-old Gavrilo Princip, happened be loitering. The archduke and Sophie died, and Gavrilo was arrested. -
Germany has invaded Belgium
With Germany officially at war with Russia and France, Germany demanded of Belgium to let them through to use as passage for it's army. However, due to past treaty with European powers, Great Britain would have to interfere and go to war with Germany as well if they would continue their plan and violated Belgian neutrality. Without heeding the warning, Germany plundered through Belgium and it was now Britain at war with Germany. -
The Sinking of the Lusitania
A German U-boat torpedoed and sank the Lusitania, a British ocean liner en route from New York to Liverpool, England. More than 1,100 passengers perished, including more than 120 Americans. It was said that the Lusitania was carrying about 170 tons of war munitions for Britain, which the Germans cited as further justification for the attack. The United States eventually protested the action, and Germany apologized and pledged to end unrestricted submarine warfare. -
Battle of Somme
The Somme campaign was the first great offense of World War I for the British, and it produced a more critical British attitude toward the war. During and after the Somme, the British army started a real improvement in tactics. Fought near the Somme River in France, it was also one of the bloodiest military battles in history. On the first day alone, the British suffered more than 57,000 casualties, and by the end, Allies and Central Powers would lose more than 1.5 million men. -
The United States Declares War against Germany
In August, Germany pledged to see to the safety of passengers before sinking unarmed vessels, but in November sunk an Italian liner without warning, killing many people, including 27 Americans. But with these attacks, opinion in the United States began to turn against Germany. In March, Germany sunk four more U.S. merchant ships, and on April 2 President Wilson appeared before Congress and asked for a declaration of war against Germany. Four days later, his request was granted. -
Russia makes a separate peace
Russia signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers, leaving the Allied war effort and giving independence to its Polish and Baltic territories, the Ukraine, and Finland. In December 1917, Germany agreed to an armistice and peace talks with Russia, and Lenin sent Leon Trotsky to Brest-Litovsk in Belarus to negotiate a treaty. Lenin authorized the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3, 1918. -
Treaties of Brest-Litovsk
Russia signed a treaty with the Central Powers, ending its participation in World War I. With the November 11, 1918, armistice ending World War I and reminding the Allies’ victory over Germany, the treaty was annulled. By the terms of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, Germany was forced to give up its territorial gains from the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk -
The RAF established
On April 1, 1918, the RAF was formed along with the Women’s Royal Air Force. That day, Bristol fighters of the 22nd Squadron had received the first official missions of the RAF. By the war’s end, in November 1918, the RAF had gained air superiority along the western front. The strength of the RAF in November 1918 was nearly 300,000 officers and airmen and more than 22,000 aircraft. -
Headquarters Services of Supply
Covington and officers relieved from duty in the office of the Chief Ordnance office and will report to the Chief of Gas services to assist in the work of the Ordnance Section of Gas. -
American Expeditionary Forces Special orders
Covington was called to Valdahon and Omans as a Gas officer. -
American Expeditionary Forces Special Orders France
Covington was relieve from duty as Gas Officer at Valdahon and Omans, and will proceed to Headquarters, services of Supply, reporting on arrival to the Chief of Chemical Warfare for assignment. -
Kaiser's abdication
Wilhelm’s abdication was released on November 9, 1918, before he had actually agreed to it. He agreed to leave when he had lose the support of the leaders of the army as well. In 1918, he was forced to abdicate. He spent the rest of his life in exile in the Netherlands, where he would die at 82. -
World War I ends
Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiégne, France. In 1918, the American troops and resources in the western front finally tipped the scale in the Allies’ favor. Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies on November 11, 1918. Unfortunately, the peace treaty that officially ended the conflict, the Treaty of Versailles of 1919, forced damaging terms on Germany that destabilized Europe and laid the groundwork for World War II -
Services of Supply Embarkation Orders
A list of positions being called from Washington to Angers, France. -
Headquarters Post of Brest (Casual Office)
Covington ordered to U.S. to go to Camp Porte Foy
