Lots of interesting tidbits. Germany's declaration of unrestricted sub warfare and US resuming diplomatic relations with Mexico in particular.

1 February 1917
 

Western Front
In February German Army now has 15 assault battalions and 2 coys of Stosstruppen (given title of Grenadier, and Guard insignia in March). Each German infantry coy to have 3 Bergmann sub-machine guns.
BEF forms 1st Tank Brigade (2nd on February 15; 3rd on April 24), Central Workshops and Stores already begun on January 7.
57th Division (on February 6) and 59th Division (on February 21) join BEF.
The Sopwith Triplane enters service with No.1 (Naval) Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).
Flanders: German infantry wearing winter white battle dress unsuccessfully raid British positions near Wytschaete. Severe frost on this and several succeeding nights. This week temperature falls below zero °F.
Somme: Unsuccessful German trench raid near Grandcourt. British trench raiders seize 56 PoWs near Gueudecourt.
Occupied France: During February German senior commanders and staffs, attend tactical School at Solesmes to learn new defence methods (school at Sedan opens in March).

Eastern Front
Baltic Provinces: Russian forces west of Riga are able to check German advances through the use of armored cars.
Galicia: 15 miles south of Halicz (Galicia) Germans in white overalls break through Russian lines but are ejected by counter-attack.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Near Kut, east of the Tigris-Hai junction, British capture all but last line of Turkish trenches, taking 166 prisoners, and repulsing a strong counter-attack.

Naval and Overseas Operations
German unrestricted submarine warfare begins (see January 31st): 105 U-boats in service (42 under repair, 51 lost to date – High Seas Fleet 49, Flanders 23, Baltic 2, Adriatic 24 including Austrian, Constantinople 3). 51 more U-boats ordered. Maximum of 44 at sea on anyone day. Royal Navy C-in-C Ireland has 10 Q-ships operational in home waters and Bermuda.
Dutch S.S. Gamma attacked and sunk by German submarine. Dutch Government request an explanation.
Britain: 4 new seaplane stations cover Southwestern Approaches. Over 600 neutral ships refuse to sail.
North Sea: HM Special Service Smack I’ll Try (ex- G & E) scores two hits on U-boats. In February dreadnought battleship Queen Elizabeth becomes Beatty’s Grand Fleet flagship.
Aegean: During February Royal Navy Air Service forms seaplane base for 4 planes at Suda Bay, Crete, to patrol against U-boats.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary also announces it will also intensify its naval actions in the Mediterranean.
Germany: German Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg: “We stake everything and we shall be victorious.”
United Kingdom: Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, inspecting the North Staffordshire Regiment near Beaussart: http://imgur.com/W44q7mX* © IWM (Q 4776)
United States: U.S. closes New York City harbor to all shipping upon receiving news of the German note. Other neutral nations’ ports do the same.
Stock prices at Wall Street tumble due to the German resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. 2 million shares change hands.
The press of U.S.A. takes bellicose view of the German decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare.
Norway: Norway reiterates the announcement forbidding foreign submarines to use her waters.

The Bergmann ironically was adopted by the British Navy as an emergency weapon in World War 2. It used captured Italian 9mm ammunition and was in service into the 50s.

It was called the Lanchester.

Oh, right, OF< I had completely forgotten that. Indeed, it was. Thanks.

2 February 1917
 

Western Front
Fighting on the Western Front is limited to small engagements as intense cold weather hampers troop movements.
Bruges harbour bombed by British naval airmen.

Eastern Front
Baltic Provinces: East of Kalutsem high road, (west of Riga) Germans launch several attacks, repulsed.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: Off Anatolian coast Russian warships sink 18 small Turkish vessels.

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: The Government approves a scheme giving the Air Board responsibility for experimental work and approval of aircraft design, the number to be ordered and their allocation between the Services. The Ministry of Munitions undertakes production, inspection and delivery.
Appeal to nation for food economy by Lord Davenport.
United States: Around 50,000 American volunteers are fighting for the Allies, with around 40,000 in the British Army.
Count Adam Tarnowski (on left), the new Austro-Hungarian ambassador to the U.S., arrives in New York: http://imgur.com/CRD9qqt
Bill is introduced in the U.S. Senate for the construction of 100 new submarines.
President Wilson goes to the Capitol and meets with Senate leaders to discuss severing diplomatic relations with Germany.
Norway: Norway institutes coal rations in order to combat shortages caused by the war.

3 February 1917
 

Western Front
British news-film “Topical Budget” showing footage of French artillery in action, among other news: http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/5415
First units of the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps arrive in France.
British troops among the snow-covered ruins of Combles: http://imgur.com/8rwWDxE* © IWM (Q 6387)
East of Beaucourt (north of the Ancre) British line advanced 500 yards on a front of 1,200 yards; over 100 prisoners taken, and counter-attacks repulsed.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: Affairs in the Siwa Oasis (West Egypt) begin (see 5th).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Atlantic: Germany submarine SM U-53 sinks a U.S. cargo ship Housatonic, further harming relations between the two countries. (ed note: this sinking was carried out entirely within the confines of international law: that is, Kapitänleutnant Hans Rose stopped the Housatonic, examined her papers, determined that she was carrying contraband to an enemy country, gave her crew time to get to the lifeboats, then towed those same lifeboats to within sight of another vessel able to take the refugees on board. There was no loss of life involved. Nevertheless, U-53’s action had come on the heels of the declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, and served to further inflame the yellow press in the United States.)

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany protests Norway and Sweden’s decisions to ban German submarines, unless damaged, to enter their territorial waters.
Count Bernstorff receives his passports and Mr. Gerard is recalled from Berlin.
United States: President Wilson, in front of Congress, announces his decision to break off diplomatic ties with Germany: http://imgur.com/UdTkwvB
According to the 1910 census, German and Austro-Hungarian born residents in the US number 4,171,915 people.
U.S.A. demands immediate release of over 60 Americans taken prisoner by German Atlantic raiders.

Thanks gg for continuing this thread.

4 February 1917
 

Western Front
At Ancre, British troops advance 500 yards on a three-quarters of a mile front. Trench raids are conducted in other areas.
North-east of Gueudecourt both sides make raids.

Eastern Front
Baltic Provinces: Near Riga, German forces conducted 6 large attacks against Russian lines from daybreak to nightfall, but fail to make major advances.
East of Kalutsem road, Germans again attack and take positions, but are ejected.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: 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.
Germany: Intense cold wave continues in Germany, with some areas seeing record lows. Suffering is exacerbated by the coal shortage.
Germany agrees to yesterday’s US demand to release 72 Americans whose ship was sunk in the Atlantic by a German raider.
Turkey: Sa'id Halim, Turkish Grand Vizier, resigns [Appointed in 1913.]: succeeded by Talaat Pasha (see October 13th, 1918).
United States: U.S. government appeals for other neutral nations to also break off diplomatic ties with Germany for resuming unrestricted submarine warfare.
William J. Bryan, former US Secretary of State, likens Germany to a “drunken chauffeur,” but urges the U.S. to avoid war.
Brazil: Brazil, responding to Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, proposes a defensive union for all American nations.

5 February 1917
 

Eastern Front
Germany attacks Russian positions ten miles south of Kieselin (Volhynia), but is repulsed.

Southern Front
Italy: Italian line heavily attacked by the Austro-Hungarians in various sectors. All attacks beaten off.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: Affairs in the Siwa Oasis end (see 3rd and 8th); Siwa evacuated by the Senussi and entered by British, who capture Munasib Pass, cutting off Senussi retreat.

Political, etc.
Germany: Referring to the break with U.S.A., Germany says: "The struggle is for our existence. For us there can be no retreat."
Russia: Russian Conference on future of Poland announced.
Switzerland: Switzerland in a message to U.S.A. decides not to break off diplomatic relations with Germany.

Great 'tag team' play going on in this thread........

gg posts and then DB has his say and OF added his thoughts.

All 3 of you add to the thread giving us more information keeping it interesting.

Thank you guys.

:cheerlead: :line: Yeah Pixies men, great as always! :line: :cheerlead:

We're only doing it for you, Teddy Bear. Just don't tell anyone else.

LOL....

You know how to flatter a girl don't ya?

Good point, TB, and yes, I very much enjoy the additional info.

6 February 1917
 

Western Front
British troops posing in a wrecked German light railway engine at Combles: http://imgur.com/Qf1O6N8* © IWM (Q 5785)
At the Somme, British troops win 1000 yards of trenches near Grandcourt “without opposition.”

Eastern Front
The Sereth river (south-east of Focsani) being frozen, Austro-Hungarian “attacks lightly”, but is driven back. Again, probably nothing more than planned probe-and-withdraw raids.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Near Kut, the Turks evacuate the south bank of the Tigris east of the Hai-Tigris junction; also forward positions west of the Hai.
Second phase of the Battle of Kut begins.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Atlantic: S.S. California, Anchor Line, sunk by submarine without warning.* 43 killed and missing. [ed note: NOT the same ship, the SS Californian, that played such a large non-role in the Titanic disaster. The SS Californian had already been sunk, by U-35 in the Mediterranean, on 9 November, 1915]

Political, etc.
Germany: German Foreign Secretary Zimmermann states Germany “regrets” the U.S. decision to cut off diplomatic ties.
Germany will not allow James W. Gerard, U.S. Ambassador to Germany, to leave until they are satisfied with the German ambassador’s treatment.
France: Report presented to the French Senate charges that munition manufacturers have made millions in excess profits on government contracts.
United Kingdom: (listed for yesterday) The decoded Zimmermann Telegram is passed on to the British Foreign Office. Discussion begins on how to tell the U.S.
New Air Board formed with Lord Cowdray as chairman.
Mr. Neville Chamberlain announces his scheme for National Service.
United States: Members of the New York militia guarding a bridge against German sabotage: http://imgur.com/EJLcn66
Henry Ford states his factories can make 1000 small submarines a day if the U.S. were to enter the war.
(listed for yesterday): U.S. Senate overrides Wilson’s veto and passes the Immigration Act of 1917, which restricts immigration, specifically from much of Asia.
Nearly 1000 Germans, Austro-Hungarians, Bulgarians, and Ottoman citizens living in New York City apply for naturalization.
Switzerland: Switzerland states it will continue to maintain relations with Germany in order to preserve its neutrality.
Mexico: (listed for yesterday) Mexico’s Constitutional Congress officially ratifies its new Constitution: https://es.wikisource.org/wiki/Cons...Mexicanos_(1917)

A DAY! :yikes: For some reason I have doubts about that ... 1-5 maybe, but I really doubt 1,000! :faint:

7 February 1917
 

Naval and Overseas Operations
Since the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare last week, Germany has sunk at least 59 ships, with 22 belonging to neutral nations.

Political, etc.
Germany: All US citizens held in protective custody (the Allied Powers insisted on referring to them “as government hostages”) (until February 17).
Russia: 125,000 people involved in Moscow and Petrograd political strikes (20 leaders arrested February 10-11).
United Kingdom: King opens Parliament. Petrol licence issues suspended, private motoring virtually eliminated (331,897 licences in 1916).
United States: Several neutral States refuse Mr. Wilson's invitation to act in conjunction with the U.S.
South America: Governments of Brazil and Argentina threaten to sever relations if Germany attacks their shipping.

It's a good thing he didn't actually try. The over-inflated claims of millions of aircraft turned out by US industry were already bad enough (partly because such absurd claims were widely accepted).

A classic example of people getting a little carried away. Perhaps the little submarines were better known as torpedos.

Now that's a possibility ... and maybe even do-able although that almost sounds a bit ambitious. :shrug:

8 February 1917
 

Western Front
Georges Guynemer shares shooting down of Freiburg-based Gotha bomber near Bouconville; this 32nd victim goes on display in Paris.
Sailly-Saillisel ridge (Hill 153, Somme) taken by the British with 78 prisoners.
From Grandcourt British make minor advances on both banks of the Ancre.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: (also reported for yesterday) British operations against the Senussi come to an and (see 5th, and November 23rd, 1915).

Naval and Overseas Operations
Adriatic: Grand Admiral Baron Anton von Haus, C-in-C Austro-Hungarian Fleet dies of lung disease aboard flagship Viribus Unitis aged 65 http://imgur.com/SA9UPGg ; Emperor Charles attends funeral. Senior Vice-Admiral Njegovan (1st Squadron) succeeds, also made Admiralty Chief (April 30).
North Sea: Destroyer HMS Thrasher sinks UC-39 with depth charges off Flamborough Head.
Channel: Dover Strait minefield completed by Royal Navy minelayers, but has to be swept and relaid (June-July). HM Destroyer Gurkha mined and sunk. UC-46 rammed and sunk by destroyer Liberty southeast of Goodwin Sands.
Britain: War Cabinet decide only to continue with building battlecruiser Hood; 3 sister ships suspended on march 9 as Germans known to have stopped work on capital ships.

Political, etc.
Germany: Neutral sources (falsely) report that Mr. Gerard is being held hostage in Berlin and not allowed to communicate with U.S.A.
France: French Chamber of Deputies authorizes the Finance Minister to lend $300 million to Allied and friendly countries.
To save fuel, Paris theaters will be closed four days a week and streetcars and subways will cease operations by 10 pm.
United Kingdom: Zimmermann telegram made public from the Royal Navy Room 40 decrypt: ‘… you are desired … to broach … an alliance to the President [Carranza of Mexico] … The President might, even now… sound Japan’.
United States: Wilson proposes to Britain that Allies declare against Austro-Hungary’s total break up but Lloyd George declines on February 11.
President Wilson makes assurances that foreign property and other assets will not be taken even if the U.S. goes to war.
Sweden: Sweden also rejects President Wilson’s call to break off relations with Germany, stating they will continue to maintain neutrality.

9 February 1917
 

Western Front
Somme: Operation Alberich: Germans begin demolitions with programmed removal of material and civilians between Siegfried [Hindenburg] Line and actual front line at the Somme.
East of Sailly-Saillisel Germans counter-attack new British positions, but are repulsed.
Meuse: French repulse German attacks.

Southern Front
Italy: Austrians claim 1,000 PoWs in attack east of Gorizia. but Italians regain trenches taking 100 PoWs on February 9. Italian Intelligence reports new Austrian artillery and troops on Asiago and in Upper Adige.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Egypt: Report on Senussi operations issued.
Mesopotamia: British 13th and 14th Divisions storm liquorice factory (until February 10). [ed note: I knew there were shortages, and rationing had to be implemented among all the belligerents, but I had no idea things were that bad.]

Political, etc.
Germany: German Government admit having prevented Mr. Gerard communicating with U.S.A., “stating falsely” that Count Bernstorff has not been allowed communication with Germany. Mr. Gerard receives his passports.

yummm!!! Liquorice. :D :D


My spell check says that ^ is spelled wrong but it doesn't say how it is spelled. *sighs* Its hard being such a bad speller that spell check doesn't even know what you're saying.

10 February 1917
 

Western Front
Somme: British capture 1,250-yard wide trench system south of Serre Hill (Ancre), taking 215 PoWs. German local counter-attack fails on February 11.
British, French, and German units on the Western Front all carry out successful trench raids today.
Successful Allied raids at Givenchy, Neuville, Grandcourt, La Bassee, Neuve Chappelle, Auberive (Champagne), and Luneville.
German airmen bomb Dunkirk, Amiens and Nancy.

Southern Front
Italy: At Valona two out of three Austrian hydroplanes captured by Italian airmen.
Salonika: c.600 British trench raid (158 casualties) on ‘Petit Couronne’ west of Lake Doiran, gains 27 PaWs. Smaller raid on German 59th Regiment east of Vardar on February 21.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: 60-pounder battery severs Turkish Shumran Bridge at 9,600 yards range and forces it West.
Near Kut Turks deliver four unsuccessful attacks on British right flank during the night.
And that fight over the licorice (to use the US spelling: the sources I most frequently cite commonly use British spelling for words) continues:
At Kut British carry the liquorice factory, and establish a new line on a 6,000 yard front, pressing back the Turks from 800-1,200 yards.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary proposes allowing Americans to travel the Mediterranean unhindered, in order to preserve relations between the two countries.
Germany: German government agrees to pay Norway for ships sunk by German U-boats, but will not admit illegality of the actions.
More than 400 steamships and 2,700 tugs are employed by Germany to haul captured Romanian equipment and stores up the Danube.
Germany declares that the "period of grace" for neutral shipping has expired.
Mr. Gerard leaves Berlin.
France: French government restricts the number of newspaper pages in order to save on print paper and other resources.
United Kingdom: John William Waterhouse, English painter known for his Pre-Raphaelite style, passed away: http://imgur.com/hQnFpUz
Chile: Chile sends a reply to Germany refusing to recognize the blockade, and retaining a free hand in case of damage to Chilean ships.
China: China sends energetic protest to Germany, and threatens to break off diplomatic relations.
Netherlands: Dutch government officially protests German resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare and will consider all sinkings to be illegal.
Spain: With the breakoff of diplomatic relations between Germany and U.S., Spain will represent U.S. interests in Berlin. The Spanish ambassador in Berlin formerly represented Spain in Washington D.C. during the start of the Spanish-American War.

11 February 1917
 

Western Front
First successful night aircraft vs aircraft combat: Germans Peter and Frohwein in DFW C-V destroy 2 French bombers on landing approach to Malzeville (night February 11-12).
Somme: North of the Ancre British take about 600 yards of German trenches near the Beaucourt-Puisieux road.
South of Serre Hill Germans attack British new positions, but “are decimated”.


Eastern Front
Romania: South of Halicz small Bulgarian forces force the Dniester on the ice, but are driven back by a counter-attack.

Southern Front
Italy: East of Gorizia the Italian recover the trenches taken by the Austrians, and make 100 prisoners.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: At Kut, British resume attack on river bank of Tigris, hemming the Turks in on the Dahra bend, taking all but the last line of trenches.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Mediterranean: The U.S. merchantman S.S. Lyman M. Law sunk by a submarine off Sardinia.
East Africa: Lettow-Vorbeck attacks British outposts at Johannesbruecke and Nyamasi on Songea-Lake Nyasa supply line to cover his retreat towards Portuguese frontier.
Ethiopia: Judith (Zawditu) crowned Empress in Addis Ababa (Central Powers represents not invited).

Political, etc.
Germany: Government attempts to re-open talks with USA via Swiss Minister. Wilson declines on February 13 unless February 1 (unrestricted U-boat warfare) measure lifted.
Kaiser Wilhelm organizes a conference with military and government leaders to discuss the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare.
German Government state that the restraint placed on Mr. Gerard was an error of minor officials.
Russia: Russian government announces the arrest of 11 labor leaders on charges of belonging to revolutionary parties & fomenting a labor movement.
France: Prince Sixtus meets Jules Cambon for Austrian peace offer and returns to Switzerland, meeting Emperor’s envoy Cont Erdody at Neuchatel (February 13 and 21).
French Senator Raoul Gomot warns that French wheat harvests for 1917 will fall to 50 million bushels, from a prewar level of 90 million.
United States: Report shows the U.S. conducted $2 billion worth of trade with Allied nations in 1916, and German submarine warfare threatens this trade.
U.S. Senate discusses a bill that will give military training for 6 months without pay to all men who turn 19.
U.S. government refuses to negotiate with Germany unless it immediately ends its “illegal” submarine warfare.
Switzerland: James W. Gerard, U.S. ambassador to Germany, safely crosses the German border into neutral Switzerland.
Swiss Minister sends a message from Germany to U.S.A. suggesting a discussion on ways and means of preventing war.

12 February 1917
 

Western Front
Somme: Successful British trench raid south of Souchez; raid takes 48 prisoners.
Other successful raids at Neuville, Loos and Ypres.
A French sniper in the trenches near Tracy-le-Val: http://imgur.com/PShNfI2* © IWM (Q 70060)
South of Serre several more successful German trench raids.

Eastern Front
Bukovina: Germans take Russian positions near Jakobeny with over 1,200 PoWs but Russians defeat attack on February 21.

Southern Front
Serbia: In Crna bend German surprise flamethrower attack recaptures Hill 1050 with 92 Italian PoWs and MGs. Italians retake some lost trenches on February 27 with c.70 PoWs but fail to regain summit; 400 casualties in all.
East of Monastir, Hill 1050 attacked by the Germans, who gain a footing at several points in the Italian front lines.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles meets Kaiser Wilhelm II at Vienna and refuses to break relations with USA.
United Kingdom: Commons votes £ 200 million war credit; war costing £5.7 million per day.
4lb loaf of bread now costs 11d.
United States: U.S. socialist politician Jacob Panken declares he will not go to war-“They can stand me up against a wall and shoot me, but I will not go.”
The comic strip “The Gumps,” by Sidney Smith, is launched: http://imgur.com/nfPG5Gg
Netherlands: The Netherlands Government representative assumes charge of British interests in Germany.

13 February 1917
 

Western Front
Artois: British trench raid northeast of Arras (40 PoWs).
South-east of Grandcourt British capture a strong point.

Eastern Front
Near Jakobeny Russian counter-attacks repulsed.

Naval and Overseas Operations
More neutral ships are sunk by German submarines, with at least 2 Swedish, 2 Norwegian, 1 Greek, and 1 U.S. ships being sunk today.
The White Star liner Afric, of 12,000 tons, reported sunk.
South Algeria, Sahara: 150 rebels repulsed from Ain El Hadjadj south of Fort Flatters.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany states it will hold 72 American sailors as hostages until assurances can be given on the safety of German sailors stuck in the US.
German Research Institute of Psychiatry (today Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry) is founded by King Ludwig III of Bavaria.
Russia: At Petrograd, Lord Milner, at close of Allied Conference, says much good done in bringing about closer co-operation between Entente countries.
France: Mata Hari arrested in Paris: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...2/Mata-Hari.jpg
United Kingdom: Lord Curzon, member of the British War Council, states he is “not dissatisfied” at the progress in limiting losses incurred by U-boats.
Belgium: The American Commission for Relief in Belgium notifies the German occupation that they will cease relief work due to the diplomatic break.
United States: Several representatives of American manufacturers meet with U.S. Navy officials to discuss creating war zeppelins.
Frances T. Evans, Sr., one of the first U.S. Marine Corps aviators, becomes the first person to loop a seaplane: http://imgur.com/MKhN2Tg
Scandanavia: Scandinavian Governments' joint protest against German submarine warfare published.

14 February 1917
 

Western Front
Twelve miles north-west of Compiegne the French carry out successful large-scale raid.
Bruges harbour again bombed by British naval airmen.


Eastern Front
Between Zloczow and Tarnopol (northern Galicia), Germans report successful great raid, taking six Russian officers and 275 men prisoners.

Southern Front
Serbia: East of Monastir, Italians counter-attack and re-establish their line.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: 2 Russian destroyers and a minelayer from Batumi sink 15 Turkish schooners between Amasra and Sinope.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles of Austria-Hungary hosts a dinner for Kaiser Wilhelm: “I drink to the health of your majesty, my true friend and ally.”
Germany: Germany remains defiant towards the U.S., stating its submarine warfare “will under no circumstance be restricted.”
Russia: Secret Russo-French Treaty signed at Petrograd on territorial aims.
United Kingdom: British Government inform Japanese Government that they will support Japanese claims to German possessions in the Pacific north of the Equator if it is understood that Japan will support similar British claims south of the Equator (see December 16th, 1914).
British Government give pledge in House of Commons that the “restitution” of Alsace-Lorraine is an object of the war (see November 15th).
United States: German ambassador Graf (Count) Johann von Bernstorff sails from Hoboken NJ in the S.S. Frederik VIII (home March 14, 1917). Congress votes funds for fortifications and $3.6 million for airships. Bernstorff, the ‘good German’ but ladies’ man – a diplomat discomfited by scandal. But the German ambassador was a generally competent diplomat to whom both the American and German governments should have listened: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w.../Bernstorff.jpg
U.S. considers intervening in Cuba, as a liberal insurgency grows in strength in the country, threatening U.S.-owned sugar plantations.
U.S. Cabinet becomes divided on the issue of whether or not to arm American merchant ships, as it could lead to armed conflict with Germany.
Switzerland: Switzerland institutes meatless days and rations rice and sugar, as food supplies become more restricted due to the war.

15 February 1917
 

Western Front
Flanders: Successful German trench raids near Laos, west of Messines and northeast of Ypres.
Champagne: Nivelle’s instructions issued for general offensive. German attack gains the plans, 858 PoWs and trenches from French salient west of Maisons de Champagne.
British War Office states its forces have advanced ¾ of a mile on a 10,000-yard front in the Somme front since the start of the year.

Eastern Front
In Romania, Austro-Hungarian forces announce the capture of 1,223 Russian prisoners, three artillery guns, and 12 machine guns.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Decisive day of Battle of Kut. Turks driven from right bank of Tigris. British clear Dahra Bend until February 16, take 1,995 PoWs for 503 casualties. Heavy rain on February 17 prevents further southern bank operations.
Arabia: Lawrence’s secret despatch on ‘Feisal’s Table Talk’ appears in Arab Bulletin.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Eastern Mediterranean: U-39 (Forstmann) sinks unescorted Italian Salonika-bound transport Minas (870 of 1000 on board die) west of Cape Matapan, French transport Athos also sunk on February 17 by U-65 (Fischel) 200 miles east of Malta.
Germany: Light cruiser SMS Nürnberg II completed at Kiel, last of 4-strong class finished since August 12, 1916 to serve with High Seas fleet Scouting Forces.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Cargoes of captured Romanian grain arrive in Austria-Hungary, but will not go to civilians; instead, they will go to its army & Germany.
Due to heavy snows and coal shortages, Vienna’s theaters, restaurants, and streetcars are ordered to close earlier in the day.
France: Octave Mirbeau, the French journalist, critic, and writer, passed away: http://imgur.com/HOxF48C
French government institutes maximum prices for milk, butter, and cheese to control rising food costs.
United Kingdom: Interview with Sir Douglas Haig published.
British Government take over all coal mines in the U.K. for the period of the war.
Belgium: Germany reverses its order, allowing U.S. relief corps to continue operating in occupied Belgian areas.
In Brussels, the U.S. Minister is ordered by the Germans to lower the U.S. flag over the Legation.
United States: (Listed for yesterday): U.S. National Woman’s Party sends over 1000 valentines to legislators and President Wilson, urging them to give women the vote.
Netherlands: The Netherlands accepts 250 refugee children from occupied France. Several hundred more are expected to arrive soon.

I always chuckle a bit at the use of double negative ... not dissatisfied ... instead of satisfied. :D

16 February 1917
 

Western Front
France: Nivelle visits Haig at Montreuil, with the latter unaware that Lloyd George was dealing with Nivelle directly. Nivelle reviews British 7th Division on February 17.
Airship LZ 107 bombs Calais and overflies Deal – causing false alarm in London night February 16-17). At Boulogne (the same ?) German airship drops bombs on town and harbor, doing only slight damage.
Bruges and Ghistelles bombed by British naval airmen.


Eastern Front
Germany: Hoffmann diary ‘There is very encouraging news from the interior of Russia. It would seem that she cannot hold out longer than the autumn’.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: West of Kut, British capture remaining Turkish positions in the Dahra bend, and take nearly 2,000 prisoners.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Germany: German torpedo boat V69 with extensive damage: http://imgur.com/HdpxoEn

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Close of War Loan.
South Africa: Opening of South African Parliament.
Turkey: The new Ottoman Grand Vizier Talaat Pasha declares they will fight to the last man and will retain Constantinople.

Weasel words among politicians never go out of style.

Amazing that the captain could get it back to port. :yikes:

17 February 1917
 

Western Front
Somme: 3 BEF Fifth Army divisons (3,800 casualties) gain 500-1000 yards with 773 PoWs in two attacks at Miraumont north and south of the Ancre (night February 17-18).
Alsace: French raid on German salient northeast of Altkirch causes heavy loss.
A French naval gun shelter near Saint-Crepin-aux-Bois: http://imgur.com/t8ww0B8* © IWM (Q 78184)

Eastern Front
On the Lavkassa river (south-west of Dvinsk) Germans clad in white raid Russian lines, taking about 50 prisoners.

Southern Front
Albania: French and Italian troops link up at Herseg making 240-mile Allied front from Adriatic to Aegean.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Near Kut, British progress on south bank of Tigris. On the north bank an attack on the Sanna-i-Yat positions fails: 7th Indian Division (over 500 casualties) panics in attack on Turkish position with 3,000 soldiers.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Atlantic: Torpedoed Q-ship Farnborough (Campbell wins Victoria Cross) sinks U-83 (Hoppe), 2 survivors, off southwest Ireland with 25 shots at 300 yards.
Mediterranean: French troopship SS Athos, carrying Senegalese soldiers, Chinese laborers, and civilian passengers, is sunk by SM U-65, resulting in 754 deaths.
England: Britain closes the harbour of Plymouth, England to all ships not belonging to Britain and the Entente.

Political, etc.
Germany: Due to cold and lack of coal in Hamburg, Germany, all schools, theaters, and concert halls are closed.
France: Carolus-Duran, French painter known for depicting members of French high society, passed away: http://imgur.com/dAbxcIE
United Kingdom: British war loan raises a record of £2 billion, financed largely by small, private investors (the loans are redeemed in 2015).
Australia: Australian War Government formed.
United States: U.S. Navy begins installing undersea steel nets around Hampton Roads in order to defend against German submarines.
U.S. government provides $10 million more to help insure ships to cover the increased risk caused by German submarines.
Greece: Entente Powers call the Government's attention to hostile attitude of Greek press.
Greek Government search private dwellings for hidden arms.

18 February 1917
 

Western Front
Somme: British troops repulse German “attack” on their new positions above Baillescourt Farm (north of river Ancre).


Eastern Front
In the Trotus valley (Moldavia), Russian surprise attack captures strong position on high ground.

Southern Front
Albania: (also reported for yesterday) Junction of French and Italian troops in southern Albania, isolating Greece from Central Powers.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Indian Ocean: Raider Wolf lays 58 mines off Ceylon, later swept by 6 trawlers after loss of 2 large ships.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany announces new war taxes to cover deficits that equals $312.5 million. Taxes will be applied to coal and transportation.
“Official” German Army deaths, excluding colonial troops, now numbers 988,329 men since the war’s start. Total casualties pass 4 million. [ed note: I have no idea whose “official” statistics these were: the source is not cited, no it is unclear if it was Official, as reported by German sources, or the Official estimates of the British War Office, which were consistently optimistic as to the effectiveness of the Allied war effort.]
Russia: General Khabaiov of Petrograd military district given special powers to maintain order.
Japan: Report shows that the Empire of Japan in 1916 increased its shipbuilding output of merchant ships by more than 150% compared to 1915.
United States: U.S. Treasury Department will no longer publicly disclose destinations &manifests of ships leaving the U.S. to protect them from submarines.
Former President Theodore Roosevelt expresses shock after seeing U.S. Army recruits practicing drills with broomsticks.
Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca, the first Hispanic Governor of New Mexico, passed away: http://imgur.com/NxNXrWm
U.S. Army completes its plans for military intervention in Cuba, which will involve around 5000 to 7000 troops.
New York Harbor will close after dark as long as the current diplomatic crisis with Germany continues.
Switzerland: Swiss Federal Council proposes that it increase aid to people living in German-occupied areas of France and Belgium.

19 February 1917
 

Western Front
Flanders: British take 114 PoWs in raid east of Ypres.
Somme: Germans with flamethrowers capture British post and 30 PoWs south of Le Transloy.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: The first recorded casualty evacuation flight is carried out by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), when a wounded trooper of the Imperial Camel Corps is flown from Bir-el-Hassana in the Sinai Desert to the airfield at Kilo 143 in an Royal Flying Corps aircraft. This would have been a three-day journey by the available surface transport, but the flight took 45 minutes.

Naval and Overseas Operations
English Channel: German submarine SM UC-18, and the British Q-Ship Lady Olive sink each other; Lady Olive’s crew rescued, all of UC-18’s crew died. UC-18 had sunk 35 ships during its career.
Indian Ocean: S.S. Worcestershire sunk after striking a mine. No, her cargo was not a load of the sauce.
East Africa: NRFF engages Kraut’s rearguard near Litembo and Captain Wintgens’ 500 men, 3 guns and 13 MGs near Tandala, saving that post (Wintgens heading north on own solo raid until October 2).

Political, etc.
Germany: German Imperial Bank urges German men and women to sell their gold and jewels to the bank for the war effort.
United Kingdom: Royal Navy Room 40 deciphers Zimmermann Telegram full text, shows it to US Embassy, Balfour gives Hall free hand on February 20.
The new British War Loan estimated to be going to reach over £700,000,000 in new money.
Government decide to revise exemption certificates for men under 31.
Norway: Britain resumes regular coal shipments to Norway after Norway agreed to stop exports of pyrites to Germany.

Amazing. Now, air evacuation seems ordinary.

20 February 1917
 

Western Front
Somme: German troops capture a British strongpoint south of Transloy, taking 30 prisoners.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: First major raid on Hejaz Railway: Captain Garland’s 50 Arabs from Wejh blow up engine and bridge at Toweira.
Sinai: British surprise and take Turkish posts at Nakhi and Bir-el-Hassana.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Western Mediterranean: French cruiser-minelayer Cassini sinks on UC-35 mine in Bonifacio Straits.
Report shows that out of 9,291 ships that arrived and left Britain in the first half of February, 101 ships were sunk by the Germans.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles hints at separate peace by sending secret note inviting Prince Sixtus of Bourbon-Parma (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princ...f_Bourbon-Parma) to Vienna for peace talks.
A Hungarian poster calls for donations for war orphans: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...riegswaisen.jpg
Russia: Inter-Allied Conference ["Commission de Ravitaillement"] at Petrograd dissolves (see January 17th).
United Kingdom: Arthur Ponsonby, Charles P. Trevelyan, Philip Snowden & other MPs in the House of Commons declare the Allies are pursuing war of conquest.
United States: (listed for yesterday): North Carolina Senator Overman claims that there are 100,000 spies in the U.S. and urges drastic laws to protect military assets.
Wilson asks for increased war powers from Congress, "to enforce the obligations imposed by the laws of nations and by American statutes".
Major General Frederick Funston, who received a medal of honor during the Philippine-American War, died suddenly: http://imgur.com/C6bStEX
Former President Taft enrolls as a reserve cavalryman, but states, “It would be hard on the horse.”

21 February 1917
 

Western Front
British troops conduct three night attacks south of Armentières, France, resulting in the capture of 1,150 yards of German trenches.
Germans begin to withdraw in front of Serre.

Southern Front
Trentino: Italian guns destroy Austrian railhead at Tarvis.
Macedonia: General Lyautey approves Sarrail‘s spring offensive plan submitted February 8 whose final objective is Sofia. Sarrail finally consults Milne on February 28 and they agree on Lake Doiran sector British attack.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: British yacht Managam visits Athlit, contacts NILI Jewish spy ring and delivers funds.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Britain: New blockade orders insist ships sailing to neutrals with access to Central Powers enter a British port for examination or be liable to “capture”.
British troopship SS Mendi collides with SS Darro & sinks, resulting in 646 deaths, mostly black South African soldiers: http://imgur.com/AhjaIVo Survivors were rescued by HMS*Brisk.
Mediterranean: Off Cartagena (south-east Spain) spare parts for submarines are discovered in a buoy.

Political, etc.
United States: Thousands protest in New York City against the rising prices of food: http://imgur.com/xA5Tcbh
The musical “Oh, Boy!” by Jerome Kern, Guy Bolton, and P.G. Wodehouse makes its Broadway debut: http://imgur.com/tx0EOsk
President Wilson and the Cabinet agree to hold the present diplomatic course and will not do further moves that could antagonize Germany.

22 February 1917
 

Western Front
East of Vermelles and south of Neuve Chapelle hostile raids repulsed with heavy loss to both sides.
North of Gueudecourt British take German trench and 30 prisoners. British push forward cautiously.

Southern Front
Isonzo: Captain Benito Mussolini on Carso (Sector 144) in grenade or mortar shell accident, 4 killed out of 20 soldiers, has 44 pieces removed from his body. Visited by King at Ronchi hospital, moved to Milan, on crutches in August.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: 7th Indian Divison (1,332 casualties) storms and holds first two Sannaiyat lines against 7 Turkish counter-attacks as diversion to pin reserves; 88 Punjabis (in 11 pontoons) raid across Tigris, 4 miles east of Kut.

Naval and Overseas Operations
British merchant ships are now carrying phosphorus “smoke screens” to hide them from German U-Boats.
Channel: U-21 (Otto Hersing) homeward bound from Mediterranean sinks 6 of 8 Dutch steamers (including Holt liner Perseus) in convoy off Falmouth, unaware these ‘easy kills’ have been granted ‘safe passage’ by Berlin.
Also, another report states: Seven Dutch ships sailing from Falmouth are attacked by submarine U3, in spite of German guarantee of security; four are sunk. (In reality, U-3 was never in active service: she served as a training vessel throughout the war. SM U-21 was serving as KuK U-36 during the time of her service in the Mediterranean [since Germany hadn’t technically reciprocated Italy’s declaration of war of 23 May 1915, German submarines in the Mediterranean were given freedom of action by being transferred in name to Austria-Hungary] The truncation of KuK U-36 to U-3 is mostly likely the source of the error).

Political, etc.
Germany: Strike at the Krupp works in Essen, Germany continues, with several thousand workers demanding higher wages and increased food rations.
German Foreign Affairs Secretary Zimmermann expresses confidence that Germany will achieve its aims with submarine warfare.
Allied Powers: Allied government ministers declare that captured German colonies in Africa and Asia will not be returned after the war.
France: 150 Renault FT-17 light tanks ordered.
United Kingdom: British War Office declares that military operations against the Ottomans have successfully prevented them from reinforcing Germany.
50 Sinn Feiners (Irish nationalists) are arrested by British authorities under the Defense of the Realm Act.
Formation of "Labour Corps": http://www.1914-1918.net/labour.htm
Turkey: Turkey declares her agreement with Germany on policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.
Japan: Japanese businesses consider suspending shipping to Europe due to the U-boat threat, which has caused shipping costs to jump by 30%.
United States: Nationwide protests against high food prices continue in the U.S. One protestor is killed in Philadelphia.
U.S. House of Representatives vote 321 to 72 approving total prohibition of alcohol in 19 states.
U.S. Mint in Philadelphia weighing gold. $600 million of gold will be sent from Europe to the U.S. this February: http://imgur.com/aSv6vkX
In U.S.A., war tension appears critical. German agents instigating many disturbances. (Refers to acts of sabotage; German agents were known to place time bombs on Europe-bound ships, and some were also arrested for attempts to place bombs in various harbors. What is wildly inaccurate is the charge that numerous labor actions were instigated by German agents.)
Switzerland: Swiss government seeks to use Genoa, Italy for exports & imports, as German ports are blockaded & French ports are threatened by U-boats.

23 February 1917
 

Western Front
British follow-up retreating Germans.

Eastern Front
In Galicia, German and Austro-Hungarian troops penetrate Russian lines, blowing up 4 mine shafts and capturing 253 prisoners.
North-west of Ocna (Moldavia) the Russians lose the heights of Magyaros, and 1,000 prisoners.

Southern Front
(Also reported for earlier in the month): Allied advances in Albania and Macedonia succeed in cutting off Greek territory from the Central Powers.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: 14th Indian Division (350 casualties) makes dawn crossing into Shumran Peninsula 7 miles west of Kut, builds a pontoon bridge and takes 544 Turk PoWs. Kiazim Karbekir evacuates Sannaiyat (night February 23-24).
Kut reoccupied by British forces (see 24th, and January 9th).

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea:*U-boat*sinks a Norwegian and 4 British steamers.
German submarine SM UC-32, credited with sinking 6 ships, is accidentally sunk by its own mine.
Black Sea:*30 landing ships ordered for Russian Fleet, 3 completed by April 1918.

Political, etc.
Russia: Duma President Rodzianko in last report urges Tsar to appoint new ministry, also sees Chief of Staff General Gourko on February 24-25; Duma re-opens on February 27.
United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s speech warns of more import restrictions (14th list issued), announces minimum wheat and oat prices till 1922 and 25s per week minimum wage in farming.
Ireland: (also reported for yesterday ?): 28 Sinn Fein agitators arrested and exiled for alleged plotting with Germans.