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The Kerensky offensive - The First World War - 1917

July 1917

The Kerensky Offensive was the last Russian offensive in World War I, it was named after Alexander Kerensky, minister of war in the Provisional Government. The army involved the Austro-German army and the Russian Army. This is what happened:

Under grave Allied pressure, Kerensky and the Provisional government agreed to open a major new offensive on the eastern front, General Brusilov intended to attack two key points, the main assault was against Austro-German South Army.

The Russian armies had good advancement on the first day, however, low Russian self-esteem, and the Germans good supply of reserves ensured that the offensive came to an halt. The Austrian Army, which was to the left of the Germans, were able to keep the enemy away. The situation became more favorable to the Russians but, again, the Russians self-esteem brought the offensive to a halt.

Reinforcements quickly came and a immense seven-hour artillery attack was followed by assault which broke through the Russian lines. The Russians fled, the final Russian offensive of the First World War had come to an end.

The Kerensky Offensive was written by Katrina Laban, a Year 9 student at Laisterdyke High School.

On 31st July, 1917 the Third Battle of Ypres began. Many of the men lost in and around Ypres are commemorated on the Menin gate memorial. Click here to read about this memorial to the thousands of soldiers for whom there is no known grave.