May 26, 1896
Russia The coronation of Nicholas II is marred by tragedy. At the traditional fest outside Moscow rumors of insufficient food lead to a stampede in which over 1000 are killed. Many view it as an omen of an unhappy reign.
May 26, 1915
Germany Berlin receives reports that the severe drought in northern Germany has caused extensive damage to crops.
Eastern Front The Russians are driven back in heavy fighting around Przemysl.
War in the Air In retaliation for German poison gas attacks, 18 Voisin light bombers bomb the chlorine gas and acid factories at Ludwigshafen near Mannheim. The resulting explosions send clouds of gas wafting over lower Mannheim. One plane develops ignition problems and is forced to land.
May 26, 1916
Western Front, Verdun The French regain some ground near Cumieres. German attacks at Avocourt stall.
Italian Front Austrian III Corps takes Monte Kempel, which commands the Assa Gorge and the Assa Valley, and pushes on towards Asiago. The Austrians also take Monte Civaron. Archduke Eugen orders a concentration of the offensive on the Asiago salient in hopes of effecting a breakthrough into the Brenta Valley and then on to Bassano.
Macedonia Bulgarian troops, with the acquiescence of the Greek government, cross the border and occupy Fort Rupel.
May 26, 1917
Western Front The Germans continue to recover lost ground in Champagne.
Italian Front Italian troops capture Kostanjevica, but are driven out again. Attacks east of Vodice fail.
Russian Command Kolchak resigns as commander of the Black Sea Fleet rather than support the disturbing decisions of the government. The fleet undergoes a rapid decline in discipline and morale.
Brazil The government annuls its neutrality decree.
May 26, 1918
Western Front The German buildup for Blücher is complete – 3719 guns are in place to support the infantry. Ludendorff’s goal is a salient of exactly 12 miles and no more, which he believes will be a sufficient penetration toward Paris to force the French to redeploy troops from Flanders, while the Germans hastily shift reserves to the attack there. General Duchene has ignored warnings about the buildup along the Aisne front; his forward trenches are inadequate and positioned so as to be the most vulnerable to German artillery, with troops massed in the forward trenches.
Italian Front Italian attacks around Adamello and Monticello make some gains.
Russia The Transcaucasian Federal government is dissolved as the constituent states all go their own ways. The Czech Legion, now in outright conflict with the Red Army, captures Chelyabinsk.
Mediterranean The transport Leasowe Castle is torpedoed; 101 are lost.
Portuguese East Africa German troops are driven south toward the Upper Lurio River.
May 26, 1921
Russia There is a right-wing coup in the Chita Republic, backed by the Japanese.
May 26, 1923
Germany, Home Front Freikorps member Albert Schlageter is executed by French troops for sabotage. He becomes a martyr to the nationalists.
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