January
1 January 1917Arrest of David Lloyd GeorgeDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Arrested for a plot to murder Lloyd George on a golf course
1 January 1917Assassination of David Lloyd GeorgeDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Wheeldon family is arrested for the attempted murder of Lloyd George
1 January 1917Field MarshalDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
London · Warfare / Military
Public announcement of Haigs promotion to Field Marshal
1 January 1917Field MarshalDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Public announcement of Haigs promotion to Field Marshal
1 January 1917Mining of HeligolandDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Heligoland · Warfare / World War, 1st
Proposes mining the Heligoland Blight with 80,000 mines, publicly announced 23rd Jan
3 January 1917Winter Operations on the SommeDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Beaucourt · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops advance east of Beaucourt and take German prisoners.
5 January 1917Rome Allied Strategy ConferenceDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
Rome · Warfare / World War, 1st
Attends Allied discussions in Rome and argues for greater attention to the Italian front.
5 January 1917War AimsDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Outlines his war aims in a speech to TU delegates at Central Hall, Westminster
5 January 1917Winter Operations on the SommeDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Beaumont-Hamel · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops capture two German posts near Beaumont-Hamel.
6 January 1917Italian Front Offensive Alternative PromotedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
Rome · Warfare / World War, 1st
Presses an alternative Allied strategy intended to avoid another Somme-scale battle in France.
11 January 1917Operations on the AncreHubert Gough
Ancre · Warfare / World War, 1st
Commands British Fifth Army during renewed winter operations on the Ancre front.
13 January 1917Operations on the AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Beaumont-Hamel · Warfare / World War, 1st
Directs continued pressure on German positions north of the Ancre after the 1916 Somme battle.
17 January 1917Operations on the AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Beaucourt-sur-Ancre · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops capture German posts on a 600 yard front north of Beaucourt-sur-Ancre.
24 January 1917Capture of WejhThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Wejh · Warfare / World War, 1st
Helps support the Arab capture of Wejh on the Red Sea coast.
27 January 1917Operations on the AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Le Transloy · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops take a position near Le Transloy and capture a German garrison.
28 January 1917Capture of AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Ancre · Warfare / World War, 1st
The British capture Ancre
28 January 1917Operations on the AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Ancre · Warfare / World War, 1st
British operations continue on the Ancre front after the winter pause following the 1916 Somme battle.
31 January 1917Operations on the AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Ancre · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops repulse German counter-attacks on the Ancre front.
January 1917Agreement of CalaisDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Warfare / World War, 1st
Nivelle travels to London to sell his project to Lloyd George, the French would attack on the Oise, he wanted Haig to attack from Arras and then the French would smash the enemy on the Aisne at the Chemin des Dames
January 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
The idea of a Flanders offensive had been in the mind of British commander Sir Douglas Haig for some time before the Battle of Passchendaele began. Orders plans to be drawn up for an attack in the area, and this attack might well have happened had the Germans not launched the Battle of Verdun
January 1917Dominion Participation in War Direction ExpandedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Expands imperial consultation so Dominion governments can contribute to common strategy.
January 1917Food Supply Emergency ReviewedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Orders closer government supervision of food stocks, imports and domestic production.
January 1917Grand Fleet Plotting System ImprovedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Scapa Flow · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty introduces improved plotting arrangements to track British and enemy forces more clearly during operations.
January 1917HMS Queen Elizabeth Selected as Grand Fleet FlagshipDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Scapa Flow · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty uses the fast battleship Queen Elizabeth as his Grand Fleet flagship.
January 1917Home Food Production Drive ExpandedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Backs measures to increase British agricultural output and reduce dependence on imported food.
January 1917Imperial War Cabinet Invitations IssuedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Invites Dominion prime ministers to take part directly in high-level wartime deliberations.
January 1917Merchant Tonnage Crisis Given Cabinet PriorityDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Makes merchant shipping capacity a central War Cabinet concern as losses and imports tighten.
January 1917National Service Labour Registration AdvancedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports stronger organisation of civilian labour for munitions, transport and essential services.
February
1 February 1917Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Response PlannedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Reviews emergency measures after Germany announces unrestricted submarine warfare.
2 February 1917OffensiveDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig orders the Arras Offensive for Eighth April
8 February 1917Operations on the AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Sailly-Saillisel · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops capture positions around Sailly-Saillisel ridge and Hill 153.
17 February 1917Operations on the AncreHubert Gough
Miraumont · Warfare / World War, 1st
Fifth Army attacks toward Miraumont to improve British positions before the spring offensive.
22 February 1917Programme-AlberichDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Somme · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Alberich programme for German retreat to the Siegried Line is accelerated
23 February 1917Domestic Production Urged to Save ShippingDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Links increased home production with the need to reduce pressure on vulnerable merchant shipping.
23 February 1917Import Priorities ReorderedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Places food, munitions and essential raw materials ahead of less critical imports.
23 February 1917Nonessential Imports RestrictedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Announces restrictions on imports to conserve merchant shipping for food and war materials.
23 February 1917Tonnage Crisis Explained to CommonsDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Warns Parliament that solving the shipping shortage is essential to Allied success.
27 February 1917Agreement of CalaisDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Calais · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Haig-Nivelle plan is put in the command of the French C-in-C. Lloyd George & the French War Committee agree the Haig-Nivelle plan
27 February 1917Calais Subordination Terms ChallengedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Calais · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig objects to arrangements placing British operations under Nivelle's direct authority during the spring offensive.
27 February 1917Operations on the AncreDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Le Barque · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops capture Le Barque and Ligny as German forces fall back on the Somme front.
27 February 1917Plan-Haig-NivelleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Calais · Warfare / World War, 1st
Lloyd George & the French War Committee agree the Haig-Nivelle plan
February 1917Fleet Initiative Emphasised after JutlandDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Scapa Flow · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty promotes greater tactical initiative among senior officers while retaining coordinated fleet control.
February 1917Grand Fleet Battle Instructions RevisedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Scapa Flow · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty revises tactical instructions to encourage subordinate commanders to exploit fleeting opportunities more aggressively.
February 1917Shipping Conservation Programme OrderedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Directs departments to reduce unnecessary use of merchant tonnage and protect essential imports.
March
7 March 1917Irish Conference Proposal AdvancedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Suggests a conference of Irish representatives as a route toward wartime political settlement.
7 March 1917Irish Settlement Initiative PresentedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Presents proposals intended to reopen negotiations over Irish self-government during the war.
7 March 1917Ulster Exclusion Principle ReaffirmedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
States that Home Rule cannot be imposed on areas of Ulster that reject it.
11 March 1917Baghdad Victory WelcomedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Welcomes the capture of Baghdad as an important success in the Mesopotamian campaign.
13 March 1917Operations on the AncreHubert Gough
Ancre · Warfare / World War, 1st
British operations on the Ancre close as the German withdrawal changes the front line.
14 March 1917Hindenburg LineDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Somme · Warfare / World War, 1st
The main German retreat to the Hindenburg line begins
16 March 1917German Retreat to the Hindenburg LineDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
St Pierre Vaast Wood · Warfare / World War, 1st
British troops occupy St Pierre Vaast Wood during the German withdrawal toward the Hindenburg Line.
17 March 1917German Retreat to the Hindenburg LineHubert Gough
Bapaume · Warfare / World War, 1st
British Fifth Army follows the German retreat and occupies Bapaume after German forces abandon the town.
27 March 1917Birth of James CallaghanJames Callaghan
Portsmouth · Government / Labour Party Government
Birth of James Callaghan
March 1917Agricultural Expansion Given War PriorityDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Backs cultivation measures intended to increase grain production and reduce import dependence.
March 1917Kite Balloon Observation ExpandedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
North Sea · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Grand Fleet increases kite-balloon use for spotting and reconnaissance under Beatty's command.
March 1917Merchant Shipping Loss Reporting RestrictedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports limiting publication of detailed shipping losses to deny useful information to Germany.
March 1917Naval Aircraft Reconnaissance EncouragedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
North Sea · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty supports wider use of aircraft to extend the Grand Fleet's scouting and observation capabilities.
March 1917Russian Provisional Government WelcomedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports Allied relations with the new Russian authorities after the fall of the Tsar.
March 1917War Credit Requirements ReviewedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Reviews the growing financial requirements of the war with senior ministers.
April
4 April 1917Arras Preparatory Bombardment OpenedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig's armies begin intensive artillery preparation before the planned Arras offensive.
5 April 1917Pursuit to the Hindenburg LineDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Hindenburg Line · Warfare / World War, 1st
Allied troops face the outer defences of the Hindenburg Line after the German withdrawal.
6 April 1917United States Entry WelcomedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Welcomes American entry into the war as a major reinforcement of the Allied coalition.
9 April 1917Arras Initial BreakthroughEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Third Army achieves an important initial breakthrough during the Battle of Arras.
9 April 1917Arras Offensive CommandEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Commands Third Army in the Arras offensive.
9 April 1917Battle of ArrasEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Commands British Third Army in the main assault east of Arras.
9 April 1917Battle of ArrasEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
The British 1st & 3rd Armies attack the German 6th Army, British tactical victory. Leads the 3rd Army into battle, the battle results in a stalemate. 9-15 April, preliminary to the Nivelle offensive
9 April 1917Battle of ArrasDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Launches the Arras offensive to support wider Allied operations on the Western Front.
9 April 1917Battle of ArrasHorne Stirkoke, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Attacks the German 6th Army under von Falkenhausen, wins a tactical victory
9 April 1917Battle of ArrasHenry Sinclair Horne
Vimy Ridge · Warfare / World War, 1st
Commands British First Army as Canadian Corps attacks and captures Vimy Ridge.
9 April 1917Capture of Vimy RidgeJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Vimy Ridge · Warfare / World War, 1st
Leads the Canadian Corps in capturing Vimy Ridge, 1st day of the Arras Offensive
9 April 1917First Scarpe Offensive OpenedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Scarpe · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig directs the opening First Army attack along the Scarpe during the Arras offensive.
9 April 1917Hindenburg Defences BreachedEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Third Army breaches German defensive positions associated with the Hindenburg Line.
9 April 1917Hindenburg LineEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Hindenburg Line · Warfare / World War, 1st
Breaks through the Hindenburg Line. Breaches the Hindenburg Line
9 April 1917OffensiveJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Leads the Canadian Corps in capturing Vimy Ridge, 1st day of the Arras Offensive
9 April 1917OffensiveHorne Stirkoke, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
9-15 April, the British begin the Nivelle Offensive under Generals Horne & Allenby
9 April 1917Sixth ArmyEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
The British 1st & 3rd Armies attack the German 6th Army, British tactical victory
9 April 1917Sixth ArmyHorne Stirkoke, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Attacks the German 6th Army under von Falkenhausen, wins a tactical victory
9 April 1917Third ArmyEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Leads the 3rd Army into battle, the battle results in a stalemate
9 April 1917Vimy Ridge Assault SupportedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Vimy Ridge · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig supports the Canadian Corps assault that captures most of Vimy Ridge.
11 April 1917First Bullecourt Failure ReviewedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Bullecourt · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig reviews the failed British-Australian attack against the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt.
16 April 1917Battle of Marne, 1stRobert Nivele
Marne · Warfare / World War, 1st
Plans to use 27 French Divisions but his plans are intercepted & the Allies advance 4 miles
17 April 1917Foreign Propaganda Controls DefendedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Defends wartime controls intended to prevent hostile material circulating through foreign channels.
18 April 1917Battle of ArrasDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Villers-Guislain · Warfare / World War, 1st
British Fifth Army advances against villages near the Hindenburg Line during the wider Arras operations.
23 April 1917Second Scarpe Attack ContinuedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Scarpe · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig continues Arras operations despite stronger German resistance and mounting casualties.
28 April 1917Arleux Operations SupportedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Arleux · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig supports British and Canadian attacks around Arleux during the later Arras fighting.
30 April 1917British Expeditionary Force (BEF)Douglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
During April the BEF loses 120,070, the heaviest since July 1917
30 April 1917CasualtiesDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
During April the BEF loses 120,070, the heaviest since July 1917
April 1917Anglo-American War Cooperation ExpandedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Promotes closer cooperation with the United States on finance, shipping and military supply.
April 1917Arras Exploitation FailureEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Third Army fails to fully exploit its initial breakthrough at Arras.
April 1917Arras Offensive Policy ReviewedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Reviews the British offensive at Arras within the wider Allied spring strategy.
April 1917Capture of Vimy RidgeHorne Stirkoke, 1st
Vimy Ridge · Warfare / World War, 1st
Captures Vimy Ridge
April 1917Convoy Policy Pressed against U-BoatsDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports stronger convoy protection as submarine losses threaten Britain's supply system.
April 1917Grand Fleet Readiness Maintained during U-Boat CrisisDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Scapa Flow · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty keeps the battlefleet ready for German surface action while unrestricted submarine warfare intensifies.
April 1917Imperial War Cabinet MeetsDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Presides over meetings bringing British and Dominion leaders together for common wartime policy.
April 1917Imperial War Conference OpensDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports wider imperial discussions on war policy and the future constitutional relationship of the Empire.
April 1917Nivelle Offensive Prospects ReassessedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Reassesses Allied strategy as the French spring offensive fails to produce the expected breakthrough.
May
3 May 1917Second Bullecourt Assault ContinuedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Bullecourt · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig continues operations at Bullecourt against heavily fortified Hindenburg Line positions.
3 May 1917Third Scarpe Attack OrderedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Scarpe · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig orders another Scarpe attack as the Arras offensive approaches its final phase.
6 May 1917Aircraft RecoveryThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Wadi Hamdh · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Joins a party recovering a crashed British aircraft near Wadi Hamdh.
9 May 1917Aqaba ExpeditionThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Wejh · Warfare / World War, 1st
Leaves Wejh with Arab forces for the inland expedition against Aqaba.
16 May 1917Arras Offensive EndedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Arras · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig ends the Arras offensive after tactical gains but no strategic breakthrough.
May 1917Bullecourt Operations CoordinatedWilliam Birdwood
Bullecourt · Warfare / World War, 1st
Birdwood's I ANZAC Corps coordinates Australian attacks during the prolonged fighting at Bullecourt.
May 1917Eton CollegeGeorge Orwell Eric Arthur Blair
Eton · Arts / Literature
Wins a scholarship place at Eton College.
May 1917Henderson Mission to Russia SupportedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Sends Arthur Henderson to Russia to assess political conditions and Allied cooperation.
May 1917Irish Convention Plan AnnouncedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Proposes a representative convention to seek an agreed settlement of the Irish constitutional question.
May 1917Merchant Convoy System AdoptedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Backs the adoption of escorted convoys for merchant ships facing the U-boat campaign.
May 1917North Sea Blockade Cover MaintainedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
North Sea · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Grand Fleet continues providing strategic cover for Britain's blockade and northern patrol system.
May 1917Petain Appointment WelcomedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports continued Allied cooperation after Philippe Petain replaces Nivelle in French command.
May 1917Shipping Loss Emergency Measures ExpandedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Orders further measures to conserve tonnage while the convoy system begins reducing losses.
May 1917War Cabinet Reviews French Army CrisisDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Monitors the French Army crisis after failed offensives and widespread indiscipline.
June
2 June 1917MessinesDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Decides to distract the Germans from rebellion amongst French soldiers around Reims
2 June 1917OffensiveDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Messines · Warfare / World War, 1st
Orders an Allied offensive to distract the Germans from French mutinies
3 June 1917Railway SabotageThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Baalbek · Warfare / World War, 1st
Conducts reconnaissance and sabotage work on the Damascus-Aleppo railway near Baalbek.
6 June 1917Agricultural LabourDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Government appeals to farmers to use more women workers
7 June 1917Battle of MessinesHerbert Plumer
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Plumer captures Messines Ridge south of Ypres.
7 June 1917Messines Corps Assault DirectedAlexander John Godley
Messines · Warfare / World War, 1st
Godley directs II ANZAC Corps during the successful attack on Messines Ridge.
7 June 1917Messines Ridge Assault LaunchedHerbert Plumer
Flanders · Warfare / World War, 1st
Plumer's Second Army attacks after huge mines explode beneath German positions on Messines Ridge.
7 June 1917Messines Ridge Assault OpenedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Messines · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig opens the Messines operation after extensive mining and artillery preparation.
7 June 1917Messines Victory WelcomedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Welcomes the successful British attack at Messines as a major tactical achievement.
8 June 1917Messines Success ExploitedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Messines · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig orders consolidation and exploitation after British Empire forces capture Messines Ridge.
9 June 1917British Expeditionary Force (BEF)Edmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Warfare / Military
Appointed Commander of the BEF 3rd Army
9 June 1917British Expeditionary Force (BEF)Edmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Commander of the BEF 3rd Army
9 June 1917Commander of 3rd ArmyEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Warfare / Military
Appointed Commander of the BEF 3rd Army
9 June 1917Commander of 3rd ArmyEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Commander of the BEF 3rd Army
11 June 1917Major Redmond Tribute DeliveredDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Pays tribute in Parliament to Major William Redmond after his death during the Messines fighting.
17 June 1917Commander in ChiefEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
London · Warfare / Military
Appointed Commander in Chief, EEF
17 June 1917Commander in ChiefEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Commander in Chief, EEF
17 June 1917Egyptian Expeditionary ForceEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Egypt · Warfare / Military
Assumes command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.
June 1917Bread Consumption Reduction PromotedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Backs measures intended to reduce wheat consumption and conserve imported grain.
June 1917Desert MarchThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Nefud Desert · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Crosses difficult desert country with Arab forces during the approach to Aqaba.
June 1917EEF Command AppointmentEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Egypt · Warfare / World War, 1st
Takes command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in June 1917.
June 1917Food Conservation Campaign IntensifiedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports stronger public economy in food consumption as shipping shortages continue.
June 1917Messines Preparations CompletedHerbert Plumer
Flanders · Warfare / World War, 1st
Plumer completes detailed artillery, mining and infantry preparations for the assault on Messines Ridge.
June 1917Third Army ReplacementEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Warfare / World War, 1st
Is replaced in command of Third Army before transferring to the Middle East.
July
2 July 1917Battle of Aba el LissanThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Aba el Lissan · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Takes part in the action at Aba el Lissan before the advance on Aqaba.
6 July 1917Capture of AqabaThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Aqaba · Warfare / World War, 1st
Helps Arab forces capture Aqaba after an overland desert approach.
6 July 1917Irish Convention Terms DefendedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Defends the proposed Irish Convention as a means of seeking agreement without imposing a settlement.
10 July 1917Reballion of to support ArabEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Cairo · Warfare / World War, 1st
Grants Lawrence a 200,000 pound monthly subsidy to support Arab rebellion against the Turks
10 July 1917Report to AllenbyThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Cairo · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Travels to Cairo after Aqaba and reports the success to British command.
17 July 1917House of WindsorGeorge VI
House / House of Windsor
A royal proclamation by George V provides that all agnatic descendants of Queen Victoria would be members of the House of Windsor with the personal surname of Windsor
17 July 1917Minister Without PortfolioEdward Carson Duncairn
Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Minister without Portfolio
17 July 1917War CabinetEdward Carson Duncairn
Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Member of War Cabinet, without portfolio
18 July 1917Minister of MunitionsWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Minister of Munitions but is not appointed as a member of the War Cabinet
18 July 1917Minister of ReconstructionChristopher Addison
Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Minister of Reconstruction
19 July 1917Resignation of Edward CarsonEdward Carson Duncairn
Government / Coalition Government
Resigns as First Lord of the Admiralty
29 July 1917Reform of Munitions MinistryWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
London · Government / Coalition Government
Reforms the Ministry of Munitions
30 July 1917ElectionWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
Dundee · Government / Coalition Government
Returns to Parliament after winning the Dundee election
31 July 1917Battle of Pilckem RidgeHubert Gough
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Gough commands the opening attack at Ypres.
31 July 1917Battle of Ypres, 3rdDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig launches the Third Battle of Ypres.
31 July 1917Fifth Army Opens Pilckem Ridge AttackHubert Gough
Flanders · Warfare / World War, 1st
Gough's Fifth Army opens the Third Ypres offensive with the attack on Pilckem Ridge.
31 July 1917Pilckem Ridge Assault OpenedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Pilckem Ridge · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig launches the opening phase of the Third Battle of Ypres against Pilckem Ridge.
July 1917Aqaba BaseThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Aqaba · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Uses Aqaba as a supply and operating base for further Arab Revolt operations.
July 1917ElectionWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
Dundee · Government / Coalition Government
Wins the election with a vote of 7,302. Must be elected to Parliament because of his Cabinet appointment
July 1917Flanders Offensive Final Planning ApprovedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig approves final preparations for the major offensive east of Ypres.
July 1917National Expenditure Scrutiny ExpandedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports closer examination of wartime spending as government expenditure continues to rise.
July 1917Shipping Position Reviewed after ConvoysDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Reviews merchant losses as the expanding convoy system begins improving protection.
July 1917Third Ypres Offensive AuthorisedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Flanders · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig authorises the main Flanders offensive intended to break through east of Ypres.
July 1917Third Ypres Strategy ReviewedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Examines the strategic case for the Flanders offensive proposed by the military command.
August
11 August 1917Henderson Resignation AcceptedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Accepts Arthur Henderson's resignation after disagreement over participation in the Stockholm socialist conference.
15 August 1917Munitions of War BillWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
London · Government / Coalition Government
Presents the Munitions of War Bill to Parliament to reform munitions production
16 August 1917Battle of LangemarckIvor Maxse
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Maxse commands XVIII Corps near Ypres.
16 August 1917Langemarck Offensive ContinuedHubert Gough
Flanders · Warfare / World War, 1st
Gough continues the offensive around Langemarck despite difficult ground and stronger German resistance.
16 August 1917Langemarck Operations ContinuedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Langemarck · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig continues the Ypres offensive as British forces attack around Langemarck in difficult conditions.
18 August 1917Council of MunitionsWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
London · Government / Coalition Government
Announces plans to create a streamlined department composed of a council of 11 members
30 August 1917Birth of Denis HealeyDenis Winston Healey
Mottingham · Politics / Labour Party
Denis Winston Healey is born in Mottingham.
August 1917Flanders Offensive Continues under ReviewDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Keeps the progress and cost of the Ypres offensive under War Cabinet review.
August 1917National Service Direction StrengthenedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Strengthens central efforts to move labour into essential wartime industries and services.
August 1917Papal Peace Note ConsideredDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Considers Pope Benedict XV's peace proposals while maintaining Allied demands for a durable settlement.
August 1917Railway DemolitionThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Hejaz Railway · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Continues demolition raids against Ottoman railway lines after Aqaba.
August 1917Stockholm Conference Policy RejectedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Opposes government participation in the proposed international socialist peace conference at Stockholm.
October
4 October 1917Broodseinde ANZAC Operations DirectedAlexander John Godley
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Godley directs II ANZAC Corps during the successful Broodseinde phase of the Ypres offensive.
4 October 1917Broodseinde Ridge Assault SupportedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Broodseinde · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig supports the successful attack at Broodseinde during a drier period of the Ypres campaign.
4 October 1917Broodseinde Ridge Attack ConductedHerbert Plumer
Flanders · Warfare / World War, 1st
Plumer's forces gain important ground at Broodseinde during the strongest phase of the Flanders offensive.
7 October 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig decides to capture Passchendaele
9 October 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Orders the Canadian Corps to capure the Pascendale Ridge
9 October 1917Battle of PoelcappelleClaud Jacob
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Jacob commands II Corps in the Ypres fighting.
9 October 1917Poelcappelle Attack ContinuedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Poelcappelle · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig continues offensive operations around Poelcappelle despite worsening mud and weather.
12 October 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
1st day of the Passchendaele Offensive
12 October 1917First Passchendaele Attack ApprovedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig approves the first major assault toward Passchendaele after previous attacks fail to secure the ridge.
24 October 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Passchandale Offensive ceases after only advancing half a mile in 12 days
24 October 1917Caporetto Crisis Response OrderedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Moves to reinforce Italy after the Austro-German breakthrough at Caporetto.
26 October 1917Second Passchendaele Offensive OpenedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig continues the campaign with Canadian-led attacks toward the village and ridge.
27 October 1917Battle of BeershebaEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
An attack against Gaza diverts Turkey away from Allenbys planned attack on Beersheba
27 October 1917Invasion of GazaEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby
Gaza · Warfare / World War, 1st
An attack against Gaza diverts Turkey away from Allenbys planned attack on Beersheba
31 October 1917Australian Light Horse ChargeEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Australian Light Horse charge helps secure Beersheba during Allenby's offensive.
31 October 1917Battle of BeershebaEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
Attacks the Turks, Beersheba is captured & 2,000 Turkish troops taken prisoner
31 October 1917Beersheba BreakthroughEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
The capture of Beersheba breaks the Gaza deadlock and turns the Ottoman flank.
31 October 1917Beersheba Desert ManoeuvreEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
Uses a wide desert manoeuvre to outflank the heavily defended Gaza position.
31 October 1917Beersheba Main AttackEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
Launches the main offensive against Beersheba after misleading Ottoman defenders near Gaza.
31 October 1917Beersheba Mounted AssaultEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
Employs British Empire mounted forces effectively in the attack on Beersheba.
31 October 1917Capture of BeershebaEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby
Beersheba · Warfare / World War, 1st
Attacks the Turks, Beersheba is captured & 2,000 Turkish troops taken prisoner
October 1917Battle of PasschendaeleGeorge Pearkes
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Wins the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Passchendaele
October 1917British Divisions Sent to ItalyDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Approves transfer of British formations to help stabilise the Italian front.
October 1917Canadian Passchendaele Preparations SupportedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig supports Canadian Corps preparations for renewed attacks on the Passchendaele ridge.
October 1917French and British Aid to Italy CoordinatedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Coordinates emergency Allied military support for Italy following the Caporetto defeat.
October 1917Gaza Strategic FeintEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Gaza · Warfare / World War, 1st
Plans a feint toward Gaza while preparing the main attack against Beersheba.
October 1917Norway Convoy Surface Threat ReviewedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
North Sea · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty reviews the danger from German surface raiders after attacks on Scandinavian convoy traffic.
October 1917Passchendaele Losses ReviewedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Reviews the mounting casualties and limited gains produced by the Flanders campaign.
October 1917Passchendaele Ridge Objective RetainedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Flanders · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig keeps Passchendaele Ridge as an objective despite mud, casualties and worsening weather.
October 1917Passchendaele Staff ServiceBernard Law Montgomery Alamein, 1st
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Serves as a staff officer during the Passchendaele campaign and studies the problems of artillery and infantry coordination.
October 1917Royal Navy RetirementSackville Hamilton Carden
Great Britain · Warfare / Military
Carden retires from the Royal Navy in October 1917 after forty-seven years of service.
November
1 November 1917Third Gaza OffensiveEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Gaza · Warfare / World War, 1st
Begins the Third Battle of Gaza after the success at Beersheba.
2 November 1917Declaration of BalfourArthur James Balfour Balfour, 1st
London · Government / Coalition Government
"The establishment in Palestine of a National home for the Jewish people". Sends the "Balfour Declaration" to Lord Rothschild of the British Zionist Federation
2 November 1917Supreme War CouncilWilliam Robert Robertson
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Opposes political interference in military command during council creation.
6 November 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Although inflicting irreplaceable casualties on the Germans, the Allies had captured a mere 5 miles (8 km) of new territory at a cost of 140,000 combat deaths.
6 November 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Battle consisted of a series of Bite and Hold attacks to capture critical terrain and wear down the German army, lasting until the Canadian Corps took Passchendaele on 6 November 1917, ending the battle.
6 November 1917Battle of PasschendaeleDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
a ratio of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) gained per dead soldier.
6 November 1917Passchendaele Village Capture ConsolidatedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Passchendaele · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig orders consolidation after Canadian troops secure Passchendaele village and nearby high ground.
7 November 1917Capture of GazaEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Gaza · Warfare / World War, 1st
Occupies Gaza
7 November 1917Gaza EntryEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Gaza · Warfare / World War, 1st
Enters Gaza after Ottoman forces abandon the position.
7 November 1917Rapallo Allied Coordination AgreementDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
Rapallo · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports a new permanent mechanism for coordinating Allied strategy after the Italian crisis.
7 November 1917Supreme War CouncilDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
Rapallo · Warfare / World War, 1st
Helps establish the Allied Supreme War Council after the Caporetto crisis.
7 November 1917Supreme War CouncilDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
Rapallo · Warfare / World War, 1st
Promotes creation of the Supreme War Council to coordinate Allied strategy.
7 November 1917Supreme War CouncilDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
Rapallo · Warfare / World War, 1st
Supports a permanent Allied body to coordinate operations on common fronts.
7 November 1917Supreme War CouncilAlfred Milner
Rapallo · Warfare / World War, 1st
Becomes involved in the permanent machinery of Allied war coordination.
14 November 1917Allied Unity Policy Defended in CommonsDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Explains to Parliament the agreement for closer Allied strategic coordination.
17 November 1917German Minesweeping Cover ChallengedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Heligoland Bight · Warfare / World War, 1st
British cruisers and battlecruisers attack German forces protecting minesweepers in the Heligoland Bight.
17 November 1917Grand Fleet Heavy Support Held Ready at HeligolandDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
North Sea · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty keeps heavier units available while forward British forces engage German ships near Heligoland.
17 November 1917Second Heligoland Bight Operation SupportedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Heligoland Bight · Warfare / World War, 1st
Grand Fleet forces support the British operation against German minesweeping cover near Heligoland Bight.
18 November 1917Jerusalem Operations RenewedEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Renews operations toward Jerusalem after the Gaza-Beersheba victories.
18 November 1917Siege of JerusalemEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Resumes operations against Jerusalem
19 November 1917Maude and Primrose Tribute DeliveredDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Pays parliamentary tribute after the deaths of General Stanley Maude and Neil Primrose.
19 November 1917Unified Allied Strategy DefendedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Argues that stronger coordination among the Allies is essential to the conduct of the war.
20 November 1917Battle of CambraiJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
& 14 newly formed squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps.
20 November 1917Battle of CambraiJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
A forerunner of the blitzkrieg tactics employed to great effect by the German army during the Second World War, the attack is not preceded by a preliminary bombardment, helping to ensure complete surprise
20 November 1917Battle of CambraiJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Demonstrates the potential of the tank. Commands the 3rd Army during the Cambrai Offensive.
20 November 1917Battle of CambraiJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Lieutenant Colonel John Fuller recommended wide-scale use of tanks on the dry battlefield sited between the Canal du Nord and the St.
20 November 1917Battle of CambraiJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Quentin Canal, the proposal is taken up by Julian Byng, Commander on the ground. launched at dawn with all available tanks advancing across a 10 km front, 476 tanks are accompanied by six infantry and two cavalry divisions (to exploit any breakthrough), plus 1,000 guns
20 November 1917Battle of CambraiJohn Fuller Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Within hours the lightly defended Germans are forced back 6 km to Cambrai, the three trench systems of the Hindenburg Line pierced for the first time in the war. Lieutenant Colonel John Fuller recommended wide-scale use of tanks on the dry battlefield sited between the Canal du Nord and the St. Quentin Canal, the proposal is taken up by Julian Byng, Commander on the ground
20 November 1917Battle of CambraiDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
German reinforcements stop the Allied advance to Cambrai & regain lost land by Nov 30. 6 KM are gained
20 November 1917Cambrai Mass-Tank Assault OpenedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig supports the surprise Cambrai attack combining tanks, artillery, infantry and air power.
20 November 1917Deraa ReconnaissanceThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Deraa · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Conducts reconnaissance around Deraa during northern operations of the Arab Revolt.
20 November 1917Hindenburg LineJohn Fuller Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Within hours the lightly defended Germans are forced back 6 km to Cambrai, the three trench systems of the Hindenburg Line pierced for the first time in the war
20 November 1917Royal Flying CorpsJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
launched at dawn with all available tanks advancing across a 10 km front, 476 tanks are accompanied by six infantry and two cavalry divisions (to exploit any breakthrough), plus 1,000 guns & 14 newly formed squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps
20 November 1917Third ArmyJulian Hedworth George Byng Vimy, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Commands the 3rd Army during the Cambrai Offensive
30 November 1917German Cambrai Counterattack ReviewedDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Haig reviews the German counterattack that recovers much of the ground gained earlier at Cambrai.
30 November 1917Health of George VIGeorge VI
Science / Medicine
Operated on for a duodenal ulcer
November 1917Capture of GazaEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby
Gaza · Warfare / World War, 1st
Captures Gaza
November 1917Commander of Tigris CorpsWilliam Raine Marshall
Warfare / Military
Appointed Commander of the Tigris Corps
November 1917Commander of Tigris CorpsWilliam Raine Marshall
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Commander of the Tigris Corps
November 1917Death of Frederick Stanley MaudeFrederick Stanley Maude
Warfare / World War, 1st
Death of Frederick Stanley Maude, cholera
November 1917Gaza Ottoman RetreatEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Gaza · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beersheba's capture forces Ottoman troops to retreat from the Gaza position.
November 1917Passchendaele MudLauncelot Kiggell
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
Kiggell sees the devastated battlefield near Ypres.
November 1917Road to JerusalemEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Gaza victory opens the road for the British advance toward Jerusalem.
December
1 December 1917Supreme War CouncilDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Versailles · Warfare / World War, 1st
Faces new Allied scrutiny through the council's strategic reviews.
1 December 1917Supreme War CouncilLauncelot Kiggell
Versailles · Warfare / World War, 1st
Represents British headquarters concerns in Allied planning debates.
1 December 1917Supreme War CouncilHenry Hughes Wilson
Versailles · Warfare / World War, 1st
Serves as British military representative at Versailles.
4 December 1917Creil MunitionsWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
Creil · Government / Coalition Government
Agrees to set up a munitions factory so arms can be repaired in France
4 December 1917Creil MunitionsWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
Creil · Warfare / World War, 1st
Agrees to set up a munitions factory so arms can be repaired in France
9 December 1917Capture of JerusalemEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Captures Jerusalem
9 December 1917Jerusalem CapturedEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Commands the campaign that captures Jerusalem in December 1917.
11 December 1917Entry into JerusalemThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Enters Jerusalem during General Allenby's formal entry after the Ottoman withdrawal.
11 December 1917Jerusalem Capture WelcomedDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Welcomes the British capture of Jerusalem during the Palestine campaign.
11 December 1917Jerusalem Formal EntryEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Makes his formal entry into Jerusalem on foot.
11 December 1917Jerusalem NotablesEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Receives Jerusalem's notables following the city's capture.
11 December 1917Siege of JerusalemEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
Enters Jerusalem
29 December 1917MobilizationWinston Leonard Spencer Churchill
London · Government / Coalition Government
Presses for the cavalry to man tanks
December 1917Allied Battleship Cooperation ExpandedDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
North Sea · Warfare / World War, 1st
British and American battleships train together under Grand Fleet command as naval cooperation deepens.
December 1917American Battleship Division Joins Grand FleetDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Scapa Flow · Warfare / World War, 1st
United States battleships under Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman join Beatty's Grand Fleet for North Sea service.
December 1917Jerusalem CampaignThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Jerusalem · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Works with British and Arab forces during the wider Palestine campaign as Jerusalem falls.
December 1917US British Fleet Integration BeginsDavid Beatty Beatty, 1st
Scapa Flow · Warfare / World War, 1st
Beatty incorporates American dreadnoughts into Grand Fleet organisation, exercises and operational planning.
Other Events
1917AdmiralSturdee
Warfare / Military
Appointed Admiral
1917AdmiralSturdee
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Admiral
1917Alliance with HoweitatThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Wadi Sirhan · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Works with Auda Abu Tayi and Howeitat fighters during the Aqaba campaign.
1917Arab Revolt SupportEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Cairo · Warfare / World War, 1st
Increases British support for T E Lawrence and the Arab Revolt.
1917Battle of CambraiDouglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Authorizes the Allied attack by the BEF against the Hindenburg Line
1917Battle of Cambrai, 1stTrafford Leigh-Mallory
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
After the Battle of Cambrai, No. 8 Squadron was involved in Army cooperation, directing tanks and artillery
1917British Expeditionary Force (BEF)Douglas Haig Bemersyde, 1st
Cambrai · Warfare / World War, 1st
Authorizes the Allied attack by the BEF against the Hindenburg Line
1917Capture of BaghdadFrederick Stanley Maude
Baghdad · Warfare / World War, 1st
Captures Baghdad
1917Capture of Kut-al-ImaraFrederick Stanley Maude
Kut-al-Imara · Warfare / World War, 1st
Drives the Turks out of Kut-al-Imara
1917Capture of SamarrahFrederick Stanley Maude
Samarrah · Warfare / World War, 1st
Captures Samarrah
1917Chief of Naval StaffJohn Rushworth Rushworth Jellicoe, 1st
Warfare / Military
Appointed Chief of Staff, Naval
1917Chief of Naval StaffJohn Rushworth Rushworth Jellicoe, 1st
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Chief of Naval Staff
1917Chief WhipDavid Guest Dwyfor, 1st
Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Chief Whip
1917Commander of Eastern CommandHenry Hughes Wilson
Warfare / Military
Appointed Commander of the Eastern Command
1917Commander of Eastern CommandHenry Hughes Wilson
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Commander of the Eastern Command
1917Commander of Fourteenth CorpsLambart Cavan, 10th
Warfare / Military
Appointed Commander of the 14th Corps in the Guards Division in Italy
1917Commander of Fourteenth CorpsLambart Cavan, 10th
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed Commander of the 14th Corps in the Guards Division in Italy
1917Conference of Saint PetersburgAlfred Milner Milner, 1st
Saint Petersburg · Warfare / World War, 1st
Attends the Allied Conference in Saint Petersburg
1917D'Arcy Directorship EndsWilliam Knox D'Arcy
London · Government / Liberal Party Government
D'Arcy's death ends his directorship after the concession he pioneered has become a major oil enterprise.
1917Death of Elizabeth Garrett AndersonElizabeth Garrett Anderson
Politics / Social Reform
Death of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
1917Death of Raymond AsquithRaymond Asquith
Somme · Warfare / World War, 1st
Death of Raymond Asquith, son of the Herbert Asquith, during the Battle of the Somme
1917Diplomatic Mission to LondonArthur James Balfour Balfour, 1st
London · Government / Coalition Government
Heads a diplomatic mission to the USA
1917EEF DisciplineEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Egypt · Warfare / World War, 1st
Strengthens discipline within the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.
1917EEF EfficiencyEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Egypt · Warfare / World War, 1st
Works to improve the efficiency of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.
1917EEF ReorganisationEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Egypt · Warfare / World War, 1st
Reorganises the Egyptian Expeditionary Force after taking command.
1917Financial Secretary of TreasuryStanley Baldwin Bewdley, 1st
Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury
1917Front Line VisitsEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
Makes frequent front-line visits to improve morale after assuming EEF command.
1917Hejaz Railway RaidsThomas Edward Lawrence of Arabia
Hejaz Railway · Warfare / Arab Revolt
Supports raids that disrupt Ottoman communications along the Hejaz Railway.
1917Hymn of JesusGustav Theodore Holst
London · Arts / Classical Music
Composes, "Hymn of Jesus"
1917Irregular Warfare SupportEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
Encourages irregular operations against Ottoman communications.
1917Jerusalem National SuccessEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Jerusalem · Warfare / World War, 1st
The capture of Jerusalem makes Allenby a celebrated British wartime commander.
1917Loom of YouthAlexander Raban Waugh
Arts / Literature
Publication of "Loom of Youth"
1917MajorClement Richard Attlee Attlee, 1st
Warfare / Military
Appointed the rank of Major, and continued to be known as "Major Attlee" for much of the inter-war period
1917MajorClement Richard Attlee Attlee, 1st
Warfare / World War, 1st
Appointed the rank of Major, and continued to be known as "Major Attlee" for much of the inter-war period
1917MedalRobert Anthony Eden Avon, 1st
London · Politics / Conservative Party
Awarded the Military Cross
1917Military CrossRobert Anthony Eden Avon, 1st
Western Front · Warfare / World War, 1st
Receives the Military Cross for wartime service
1917Ministry of MunitionsJames Masterton-Smith
London · Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Head of the Council Secretariat of the Ministry of Munitions by Churchill
1917Mounted Force IntegrationEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
Combines infantry operations with mobile mounted formations during the Palestine advance.
1917Nobel PrizeCharles Glover Barkla
Science / Physics
Winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics
1917Nuts in MayArthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel
Arts / Cinema
Makes his first film appearance in Nuts in May
1917Ottoman Southern Front TurnedEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
The Beersheba manoeuvre turns the Ottoman southern defensive position.
1917Palestine Campaign RevitalisedEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
His organisational and operational changes revitalise the British campaign in Palestine.
1917Palestine Mobile WarfareEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
Restores mobile warfare to the Palestine campaign after the earlier failures at Gaza.
1917Palestine Morale CampaignEdmund Henry Hynman Allenby Allenby, 1st
Palestine · Warfare / World War, 1st
Uses personal visits and energetic command to raise morale in the Palestine force.
1917ParliamentJohn Robert Clynes
Government / Coalition Government
Appointed Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Food in the Lloyd George coalition Government
1917PeerageWilliam Maxwell Aitken Beaverbrook, 1st
Media / Media
Created Baron Aitken
1917Promotion to AdmiralSackville Hamilton Carden
Great Britain · Warfare / Military
Carden reaches the rank of admiral before leaving active Royal Navy service.
1917Reform of Electoral SystemDavid Lloyd George Dwyfor, 1st
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
An Act is passed giving women the vote for the 1st time, includes 6 million women
1917Resignation of Austen ChamberlainAusten Chamberlain
London · Warfare / World War, 1st
Resigns after assuming responsipility for the Mesopotamia affair
1917Sunbury Research Laboratory EstablishedCharles Greenway
Sunbury · Government / Liberal Party Government
Establishes a research laboratory at Sunbury, broadening Anglo-Persian's technical and refining capabilities.
1917Swansea Refinery Development ChosenCharles Greenway
Swansea · Government / Liberal Party Government
Decides to establish refining capacity at Swansea using improved technology for British and European markets.
1917Ypres SalientWilliam Pulteney
Ypres · Warfare / World War, 1st
British corps operate in the Ypres Salient.