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The start of Byron Nash
Byron Nash was a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the navy. He served during World War I from years 1914 to 1918. He got his certificate of promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade in his last year of service. -
The Order
On the date of March 2, 1918 Byron had received an order from the Commandant, First Naval District. The order stated that Byron was to report to the U.S.S Roanoke. That is the first ship he has went out to sea on for a main purpose. Byron has just been assigned to a ship and has more to come. -
U.S.S Roanoke
Byron served aboard the U.S.S Roanoke mainly in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship was mine layer responsible for placing mines in the water to stop German U-boats. The ship stopped German U-boats from attacking the Atlantic shipping lanes. He often spent 12 hour shifts on deck in the pouring rain. -
Tough Times
While on the ship times were tough for Byron. He had to send letters to his parents to talk to them. He spent multiple hours on the deck no matter the weather conditions. "You cant buy anything good on the ship." Said Byron, in a letter to his parents. -
Free Travel
In the time of Byron's service he got to cruise the Atlantic Ocean which not many get to do. The only unlucky part was that he was out at sea for months at a time without returning to dock. His service locations were Invergorden, Scotland, and of course the Atlantic. He was stationed in Germany for a short time but then back out to sea afterwards. -
5 Days in London
On the date of August 28, 1918 Byron requested a 5 day' leave. A five day' leave, so they called it back then meant that Byron could leave the ship for 5 days to visit where ever. However Byron was near London at the time, so he visited London. Byron requested this 5 day "break" because he has never had a break and has been in the navy a full year. -
North Sea Mine Barrage
The north sea mine barrage, also known as the northern barrage, was a large minefield in which Byron and his crew mates helped create. It was laid east from the Orkney Islands to Norway by the United States Navy. The Royal Navy at the time described the barrage as the, "biggest mine planting stunt in the worlds history." -
Byron's Hometown
Byron is originally from Wisconsin he lived there until he finished school. Then in 1914 he enlisted into the army after he had graduated. He spent 3 years in training until he got ordered into service and placed on the U.S.S Roanoke to do his duty. His first day into service consisted of laying mines in long work shifts and in whatever weather was current at the time. -
Archduke Assassination
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo. Franz Ferdinand was born December 18, 1863. He got assassinated June 28, 1914. The assassin went by the name of Gavrilo Princip. This is what sparks world war 1 -
Russia Advances
Russia advances its army to intercept Austria-Hungary in favor its ally, Serbia. This move starts a chain reaction that leads to the advancing of the rest of the European Great Powers, and to the outbreak of hostilities. -
World War I Begins
The assassination of the archduke led to multiple chained events. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia a month after the assassination. Then Germany declared war on Russia and France, Germany also invaded Belgium. -
Germans and Chemicals
The Germans fired shells filled with chlorine gas at Allied lines. This was the first time that large amounts of gas were used in battle, and the result is near collapse of the French lines. However, the Germans are unable to take advantage of the breach. In case you didn't know chlorine gas poisoning which is attainable by inhaling fumes let off by the gas, it causes respiratory issues like almost every other chemical used in chemical warfare. -
First "Tank"
The British produce the Mark I the very first tank to be used in war. The reason they were called "tanks" was to hide their main purpose. The first tank had two 6-pounder guns one on each side of the tank. This tank was successful at making it through infantry and barbed wire and over trenches due to there rhombus like shape. -
Zimmerman Telegram
British intelligence gives Wilson the so-called Zimmerman Telegram, a message from German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman proposing that Mexico side with Germany in case of war between Germany and the United States. In return, Germany promises to return to Mexico the "lost provinces" of Texas and much of the rest of the American Southwest. Mexico declines the offer, but the outrage at this interference in the Western Hemisphere pushes American public opinion to support entering the war. -
United States Enters War
Congress authorizes a declaration of war against Germany. The United States enters World War I on the side of France and Britain. The first battle the U.S got into was the battle of Cantigny
