World War One Diary for Thursday, March 8, 1917:

Air War

Germany: Dead of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, aged 79, pioneer of giant metal-framed rigid airships (civil and military) since 1891 and of giant LR biplane aircraft.

Western Front

France: Canadian Prime Minister visits BEF, Haig and Nivelle (until March 12).

Champagne­: French regain most of salient lost on February 15 (Butte de Mesnil­-Maisons de Champagne); more gains in eastern sector on March 12.

Flanders: 5 raids on British trenches north of Wulverghem (Messines).

Sea War

Italy: Rear-Admiral Mortola First Inspector of Shipping Defence.

North Sea: Norwegian relief ships Storstad torpedoed, Lars Fostenes on March 13.