World War One Diary for Wednesday, October 18, 1916:

Politics

Germany: Austrian Baron Burian suggests peace initiative to Bethmann at Pless, Kaiser approves it on October 25. Both ministers also agree to proclaim Polish independence as soon as possible.

France: Dr Benes achieves an agreement with French to separate Czech PoWs from other Austrian ones.

Western Front

Battle of the Somme – Battle of the Transloy Ridges ends: British advance from 0340 hours north of Guedecourt and French take Sailly. French XXXIII Corps (Sixth Army) attacks south of Somme to broaden French salient at La Maisonnette (southeast of Biaches), but Germans push it back on October 21. Joffre urges a continued powerful BEF offensive (Haig and Rawlinson met on October 17 and had intended to suspend operations on October 20).

Southern Fronts

Serbia: Serbs capture Veljeselo 1 1/2 miles north of Brod, repel German counter-attack (over 350 casualties, and on October 20 and 22).

Sea War

North Sea: HM submarine E38 torpedoes small German cruiser Muenchen during brief High Seas Fleet sortie, last till April 23, 1918, peters out before Dogger Bank in rough seas and Scheer’s knowing British aware of it.

Home Fronts

Egypt: New gold pound coinage removes Sultan of Turkey’s image.

Britain: Men of 41 called up.