World War One Diary for Monday, December 18, 1916:

Western Front

Verdun:- First offensive Battle of Verdun ends; 4th (French 126th Division) Zouaves recapture Les Chambrettes Farm. Mangin thanks his XI Corps ‘We have the method and we have the leader [Nivelle] It gives us the certainty of success’.

Eastern Front

Rumania: Allied retreat towards river Sereth line, mud slowing German pursuit; Falkenhayn checked 30 miles west of Braila.

Dobruja: RNAS armoured car unit leaves Tulcea by barge for transfer to Braila (8 cars arrive there on December 21).

Neutrals

USA: Wilson’s peace conference circular note asks national objectives.