17th August 1916
Western Front
Violent artillery fighting north and south of the Somme.
Determined German attack on broad front, north-west of Pozieres, beaten off.
Eastern Front
Strong enemy attacks beaten back by Russians on Zlota-Lipa (Galicia) front.
Russia announces that they have taken 358,602 Germans and Austro-Hungarians prisoners during the Brusilov offensive.
Southern Front
Lively and artillery action on upper and lower Isonzo. Sixth Battle of the Isonzo ends in an Italian victory. Italy suffered around 51,000 casualties, Austria-Hungary suffered 41,000 casualties.
Considerable activity along whole of Balkans front.
Political, etc.
Lloyd George: “Britain’s honor is not dead; her might is unbroken, her destiny unfulfilled, her ideals unshattered by her enemies.”
Romania concludes agreement with Allies for intervention; favourable demonstration at Bucharest. Romanian government signs a treaty with the Entente Powers to declare war on Germany and Austria-Hungary by August 28.
Ship Losses:
Stampalia (Italy) The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) south of Cape Matapan, Greece (36°40′N 22°10′E) by
SM UB-47 ( Kaiserliche Marine).
HMY Zaida (Royal Navy) The naval yacht was sunk in the Gulf of Alexandretta by a Kaiserliche Marine U-boat.
Swedish Prince (United Kingdom) The steamer was sunk 12 miles NWxW of Pantelleria Island 36° 54'N, 11° 42'E whilst enroute from Salonica - Bizerta in ballast by
U 35 (Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière). There was one casualty and the Master, chief engineer, and a gunner were taken prisoner.
U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Abram I. Elkus leaving New York on the ocean liner Oscar II with wife Gertrude Hess Elkus, daughters Ethel J. and Katharine, son James Hess Elkus. The previous ambassador Henry Morgenthau stands with them. August 17, 1916.