June 18, 1881
Diplomatic Relations Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia establish a League of the Three Emperors to defend conservative, monarchical rule. The alliance is generally anti-British and ostensibly pro-Turkish. Russian participation is somewhat half-hearted.
June 18, 1915
Western Front Toughened German resistance and counterattacks in Artois have thwarted the French offensive and General Foch realizes the fighting must stop as the German defenses are too strong to be breached. At a cost of 100,000 casualties, the French offensives have secured about five square miles, but only the Loretto Heights have any real value. German losses are about 75,000. Relations between the Allies are strained because the BEF has foundered at Aubers Ridge and Festubert, where it was supposed to divert German troops. Now the Germans, following their success in Galicia, are moving troops from the east to bolster their defenses on the Western Front.
June 18, 1916
Western Front, Verdun There is heavy fighting at Fermin Wood and Hill 321.
Eastern Front Brusilov has been pressing for the northern armies to support his offensive with attacks of their own to tie down German reserves. The Lake Naroch fighting, however, has left Evert and Kuropatkin overcautious. Finally, Evert launches a weak and poorly prepared attack, achieving little.
Italian Front The Italians take Monte Isodoro.
June 18, 1917
Western Front The British lose ground on Infantry Hill.
Italian Front Italian artillery opens twenty hours of firing in the Trentino.
June 18, 1918
Western Front French troops repulse a German attack near Rheims.
Italian Front The Piave suffers from floods, hampering Austrian attacks. As his troops have successfully thwarted the Austrian assault, except at Montello, General Diaz begins a counterattack against Borojevic’s troops. The Italians retake Capo Sile. The beleaguered Borojevic asks Emperor Karl for permission to withdraw. The emperor stalls.
Adriatic The Otranto Barrage is reinforced with American submarine chasers.
Black Sea The crew of the pre-dreadnaught Svobodnaya Rossiya scuttles the ship rather than hand it over to the Germans.
Persia A force of about 10,000 Cossacks under Colonel Bicherakov, to whom they are intensely loyal, has gained control of the area between Qazvin and Manjil and now reaches Resht.
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