On This Day - 16 August 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
Allies attack on mine-mile front north of Ypres-Menin road, crossing Steenbeek River, and capturing all objectives. British carry Langemarck, and establish positions 0.5 mile beyond; on high ground north of Menin Road Germans press back British from ground won earlier in the day.
French advance on Craonne ridge.
Eastern Front
Russo-Romanian army still retreating before Mackensen's offensive up Sereth valley. Baltareta bridgehead lost.
In Ocna region enemy take offensive, also in Susitsa valley.
Romanians hold their ground.
Naval and Overseas Operations
British and German destroyers in action in Bight of Heligoland.
Political, etc.
Mr. Lloyd George on shipping losses.
