On This Day - 15 December 1916
Theatre definitions:
Western Front comprises the Franco-German-Belgian front and any
military action in Great Britain, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Holland.
Eastern Front comprises the German-Russian, Austro-Russian and
Austro-Romanian fronts. Southern Front comprises the
Austro-Italian and Balkan (including Bulgaro-Romanian) fronts, and
Dardanelles. Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres comprises
Egypt, Tripoli, the Sudan, Asia Minor (including Transcaucasia), Arabia,
Mesopotamia, Syria, Persia, Afghanistan, Turkestan, China, India, etc.
Naval and Overseas Operations comprises operations on the seas
(except where carried out in combination with troops on land) and in
Colonial and Overseas theatres, America, etc. Political, etc.
comprises political and internal events in all countries, including Notes,
speeches, diplomatic, financial, economic and domestic matters.
Source: Chronology of the War (1914-18, London; copyright expired)
Western Front
General Nivelle launches great attack on Verdun front (north of Douaumont); enemy front pierced to depth of two miles; Vacherauville, Poivre Hill (342), Louvemont and Les Chambrettes captured.
Eastern Front
Enemy success on Tarnopol Railway, west of Lutsk.
Romanian and Russians still resisting north of Buzeu, but retiring from Jalomitsa.
Strong Russian defence on Moldavian frontier.
Southern Front
Enemy bombarding Monastir.
Fighting on the Struma; repulse of Bulgars.
Naval and Overseas Operations
Naval aeroplanes bomb Razlovci, 37 miles east of Istip (Serbia).
British warships shell enemy at head of Gulf of Orfano (south-west of Kavalla).
In East Africa, fighting still proceeding round Kibata.
Political, etc.
Greek Government accepts Allies' Ultimatum.
Vigorous speeches in the Duma.
German Minority Socialists' manifesto against "oracular utterances"; demand Government should state peace conditions.
