On This Day - 15 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

British attack on wide front north-west of Lens to Bois Hugo, north-east of Loos, carry German first lines and penetrate enemy positions to depth of one mile. Hill 70 taken by assault, also villages of Cite Ste. Elizabeth, Ste. Emile and St. Laurent, Bois Rase and Bois Hugo. Five German counter-attacks repulsed.

Eastern Front

Romanian thrust in Ocna region carried no further.

Romanian 2nd Army and Russian 4th Army retreating south toward the Sereth; enemy take Soveia, renew offensive in Focsani region.

Political, etc.

Text of Papal Note published.

American troops pass through London on their way to the front; Stars and Stripes and Union Jack flown side by side from House of Lords.