This is the 56th installment of my Lowell in World War One series which commemorates the centennial of the entry of the United States into World War One. Here are the headlines from one hundred years ago for the past two weeks:

May 20, 1918 – Monday – Renewal of big Hun drive near. Americans down three Hun aircraft. Famous American flyer killed in aerial battle. Major Raoul Lufbery of the American flying corps died when his plane burst into flames after taking fire from the machine gunner on a German bomber he was attacking. Lufbery has been attached to the American flying corps for just four months, but prior to that he made a brilliant record with the Lafayette escadrille. By the time of his death, Lufberry had shot down 18 enemy planes. Officers to protect children. In an effort to keep the danger of children being run over as they leave school down to a minimum, Mayor Perry Thompson has ordered that the officer on each beat shall go to the schoolhouse on that beat at 11:30 in the forenoon and 3:45 in the afternoon to direct traffic in these places and keep general supervision over the children as they are released from school.

May 21, 1918 – Tuesday – $100,000 diamond robbery in this city at noon today. One of the most daring daylight robberies ever perpetrated in this city took place about noon today when a stranger entered D. L. Page’s restaurant in Merrimack Square and stole a bag said to have contained $100,000 worth of diamonds from John Karlingkauer, a travelling salesman for a New York diamond importer. Mr. Karlingkauer said he had placed the bag on the floor under his table but when he looked down, it was gone. German and Irish agents in United States plotted big uprising in Ireland. American government agents have found evidence, which will be made public soon, that American residents who are sympathetic with the Irish cause have been negotiating with German agents to obtain arms and ammunition to be secretly delivered to those in Ireland opposed to British rule. Lowell soldier dies at Camp Gordon. Corporal Edward J Flannery, son of Ann Walsh-Flannery and the late John Flannery, died Monday at Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Georgia, aged 24 years.

May 22, 1918 – Wednesday – Americans launch big gas attack on Hun positions. Yankees twice defeat Germans in lively local fighting. American reinforcements pouring in to France. Pinkerton men on trail of diamond thief. Lowell Red Cross workers in impressive parade and demonstration. City’s womanhood turns out in full glory and brilliancy in greatest demonstration seen her in years.

May 23, 1918 – Thursday – Must work or fight. Every man of draft age must engage in useful occupation or join the Army. Drastic amendment may hit professional baseball players. General Crowder announces the new Selective Service regulations. Idlers and all registrants are to be given choice of job at some useful trade or place in the Army. Lowell soldiers severely wounded. Private George E Mellor of Co. L, 102d regiment, son of Mrs. Bessie Mellor of 725 Lawrence Street, has been severely wounded in France. His mother has since received several letters from him saying he was gassed and was recuperating in a hospital. Also wounded was Private Edward L. O’Hagan, of Co C, 104th Infantry. He is the son of Michael and Mary O’Hagan of 29 Albion street and is just 17 years old.

May 24, 1918 – Friday – Eve of big Hun attack. Lloyd George says next few weeks will be race between Hindenburg and Wilson. Germans are straining to reach goal before big American force is available. Lowell Red Cross fund passes $70,000 mark. Many Lowell men in Merchant Marine.