On This Day - 12 August 1916

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

British advance on a mile front north-west of Pozieres.

French gain the German third line system of trenches from Somme to Hardecourt.

Hostile seaplane raid on Dover. Seven injured.

Eastern Front

Russians cross the Zlota-Lipa and occupy Mariampol.

German retreat from the Strypa (East Galicia).

Southern Front

Italians capture strong positions on northern edge of the Carso, and take 1,565 prisoners and make progress in Monfalcone sector.

End of Battle of Gorizia.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

Turks evacuate Bir el Abd (northern Sinai), losing altogether 4,000 prisoners.

Naval and Overseas Operations

British occupy Mpapwa (East Africa).