On This Day - 23 October 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
Great French Victory on the Aisne, north-east Soissons; French advance up to two miles on six mile front, capture 8,000 prisoners, 70 guns.
Germans gain footing north-east Hill 344 (Verdun) but driven out.
Germans regain a little ground southern end Houthulst Forest (Ypres).
German attack near Poelcapelle repulsed.
In evening Germans' seventh counter-attack on Ypres front since 22nd repulsed.
Eastern Front
Attempted German landing eight miles south of Verder repulsed.
North-east of Riga, Germans retire 20 miles in two days, destroying bridges.
Southern Front
Strong hostile concentration towards Upper Isonzo and Bainsizza Plateau; Mt. Rombon to Bainsizza heavily shelled.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres
Turkish troops approaching Smarra (north-west Baghdad) repulsed by British.
Political, etc.
M. Ribot resigns, succeeded as Foreign Minister by M. Barthou.
Mr. Redmond's motion on Irish Government.
