On This Day - 16 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
French take Bezonvaux and Hardaumont. 11,000 prisoners and much war material captured.
Eastern Front
Russian positions between Kovel and Lutsk captured.
Romanian front enemy continues advance east and north-east.
In the Dobruja, Russians retire northwards.
Southern Front
Greece: Military evacuation of northern Greece begun under supervision of Allies.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres
Continued bombardment of enemy positions near Kut.
British Government recognises "King of the Arabs" as King of the Hejaz.
Naval and Overseas Operations
General Cunliffe's Nigerian brigade reaches Dar-es-Salaam.
Political, etc.
Government decides to take over Irish railways, to satisfaction of Irish public.
M. Bratinau forms Coalition Government (Romania).
