The Second Battle of the Aisne begins (see May 20): the French attack on the front Soissons to Rheims; the German first positions are carried from Soissons to Craonne, the German first and second positions from Craonne to Juvincourt; 17,000 prisoners and 130 guns are taken.
April 17 (Tues.)
The French capture Auberive and carry the heights south of Moronvilliers.
Palestine:—The British attack and carry Turkish first-line positions on a six-mile front (the Second Battle of Gaza).
Mesopotamia:—General Maude forces the passage of the Shatt-el-Adhaim below Samarra.
The British hospital ships Donegal and Lanfranc are sunk in the English Channel without warning; 75 persons (mostly wounded), including 15 wounded Germans, are drowned.
April 18 (Wed.)
The British capture Villers-Guislan, 12 miles south of Cambrai.
The French continue to advance on the Aisne: Chavonne, Chivy, and Ostell are captured.
Mesopotamia:—The Turkish 18th Army Corps is annihilated by General Maude at Istabulat, 12 miles south-east of Samarra.