East Prussia

Tag

(15)

1914

August

20
- Battle of Gumbinnen in East PrussiaOn 20 August 1914 Rennenkampf's Russian First Army repulsed the German Eighth Army at Gumbinnen. It was the first major battle on the Eastern Front.
23
- Battle of Tannenberg beginsOn 23 August 1914 Samsonov's Russian Second Army clashed with the Germans in southern East Prussia. Fighting began that would end in its encirclement.
- Hindenburg takes command of the Eighth ArmyOn 23 August 1914 General Paul von Hindenburg, recalled from retirement, took command of the Eighth Army in East Prussia, with Ludendorff as chief of staff.
31
- Battle of Tannenberg endsOn 31 August 1914 Hindenburg reported to the Kaiser the destruction of the Russian 2nd Army. Over 90,000 Russians were captured and Samsonov was dead.

September

November

11
- Alleged Russian capture of MemelA British chronology records the Russian capture of Memel around 11 November 1914. Sources do not confirm it. The Russians entered the town in March 1915.

1915

February

March

1920

July

11
- Plebiscite in Warmia, Masuria and PowiśleOn 11 July 1920 the people of Warmia, Masuria and Powiśle voted on whether to belong to Poland or to East Prussia. An overwhelming majority chose Prussia.