Diary August 4, 1918

Western Front

Marne and Aisne – SECOND BATTLE OF THE MARNE ENDS: Allies have taken 35,000 PoWs and 700 guns. German rearguards withdraw to north bank of Vesle.
Somme­: Germans withdraw on 10-mile front (Montdidier-Moreuil) on east bank of the Avre. Corporal Hitler awarded Iron Cross 1st Class for ‘personal bravery and general merit’. Ludendorff order of the day tries to raise morale, says Second Army ready for an 18 July-style tank offensive.

Middle East

Azerbaijan: First British troops (Colonel Stokes with 44 men) reach Baku.
North Persia: Dunsterville arrests Bolsheviks at Enzeli.

Home Fronts

Japan: Toyama fishing families riot vs high rice prices, unrest spreads to Kyoto, Kobe and other cities. Government requisitions all stocks for sale at fair prices (August 17).
Britain: Prime Minister’s 4th anniversary war message in 4,000-5,000 theatres and cinemas etc. Bishop of London consecrates war shrine in Hyde Park.