On This Day - 4 February 1917
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
Near Beaucourt four severe counter-attacks against new British positions defeated.
North-east of Gueudecourt both sides make raids: British take 500 yards of hostile trenches and over 100 prisoners.
Eastern Front
Between Tirul Swamp and River Aa (Riga), Germans make several abortive attacks.
East of Kalutsem road, Germans again attack and take positions, but are ejected.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres
At Siwa (Western Egypt) British expedition locates and defeats the forces of the Senussi leader, Said Ahmed.
Naval and Overseas Operations
In Manila Bay German crews wreck the engine-rooms of nine German steamers.
Political, etc.
The U.S.A. demand for release of imprisoned Americans acceded to.
Sultan of Turkey accepts resignation of the Grand Vizier, Said Halim; Talaat Pasha forms new Cabinet.
U.S.A. Note to Neutrals suggesting similar action to its own.
