On This Day - 20 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
North of Ypres slight British advance.
French carry enemy defences north of Verdun (third offensive) on 11-mile front to a depth of 1.25 miles, and hold Avocourt Wood, Mort Homme and Hill 240; 5,000 prisoners.
Eastern Front
Romanians gain ground north of Focsani lost on 19 August.
In Ocna region enemy gain ground.
Indisciplined Russians forced to retire on Riga front.
Southern Front
Battle continues in favour of Italians; enemy defences between Korite and Sella (right wing) carried.
Political, etc.
Dr. Wekerle appointed Hungarian Prime Minister.
