British, Australian, Canadian and French forces launch a powerful strike against the German army on the Somme. General Ludendorf calls it ‘the black day of the German army’. Fighting now continues until 11 November.

The Board of Agriculture, wanting to set up a standard for women farm workers, had organised efficiency tests at Gately for those working in Norfolk. “All the girls did well and showed real grasp of their duties, especially if it be considered some of the entrants had had only a short training.”

Former Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family are executed. There are no survivors.

Representatives from all sectors of the women’s war effort were present including Land Army, Waacs, Wrens, munitions workers, RAF, railway workers, Naval and Army canteen workers and a woman’s fire brigade. The parade, its purpose to encourage recruitment, was watched by huge crowds of county and city folk.

 The fifth major German attack since March is launched. On a smaller scale, German troops assault the French line facing the River Marne. For the first time the German attack is unsuccessful.

A vicar, who appeared for summons under the Food Hoarding Order, claimed he had obtained the cheese for distribution amongst his friends and that the sugar had been bought before the order was made. He was told that he should have surrendered the sugar or not used his sugar ration as he had done neither.

The Austro-Hungarians launch a renewed attack on the Italian line in the north-east along the River Piave. The attack is beaten off. Fighting continues to 24 June.

 An inquest was opened to investigate the deaths of three RAF pilots. The Tragedy occurred after two biplanes collided during flight, one of the pilots was from the American Army and learning to fly with the RAF.

The King sent his praises to the people of Holt after they raised £100, 000 during War Savings Week.

The largest, and final, German aeroplane raid on London takes place involving 33 aircraft. 49 people are killed and 177 wounded.

Two German prisoners who escaped from a King’s Lynn internment camp were recaptured on Saturday 4th May.

 Third German offensive (Operation Blucher) against the French line,  it centres on the Chemin des Dames area above the River Aisne. Fighting continues to 6 June.

A demonstration took place in Norwich to encourage recruitment for the Women’s Land Army on Saturday 25th May. The demonstration included women carrying small livestock, rakes and hoes, a procession of milk floats and hay carts, as well as a traction engine.

 Meat rationing is introduced in the UK and conscription extended to those aged up to 51 and men living in Ireland

 A Tank named the “Nelson” visited Norwich raising money for the war effort. £400 000 was raised on the first day.

 The army’s Royal Flying Corps is combined with the naval Royal Naval Air Service to create a separate service.

A glut of butter and margarine built up in Norfolk shops as Norfolk residents obtained their butter from farms, despite having registered with a shopkeeper.