On This Day - 17 November 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)
British salient widened on Passchendaele ridge.
Successful raid south of River Scarpe.
Surprise attacks by French south-east of St. Quentin and in Champagne.
Fierce mountain fighting: Germans take Quero and Monte Cornella.
Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres
British troops capture Jaffa; Turks again retire north.
Naval and Overseas Operations
Naval engagement between light cruisers in Heligoland Bight; one German mine-sweeper sunk.
In East Africa British troops pursue enemy and occupy Lutshemi.