Western Front
Artois: British trench raid northeast of Arras (40 PoWs).
South-east of Grandcourt British capture a strong point.

Eastern Front
Near Jakobeny Russian counter-attacks repulsed.

Naval and Overseas Operations
More neutral ships are sunk by German submarines, with at least 2 Swedish, 2 Norwegian, 1 Greek, and 1 U.S. ships being sunk today.
The White Star liner Afric, of 12,000 tons, reported sunk.
South Algeria, Sahara: 150 rebels repulsed from Ain El Hadjadj south of Fort Flatters.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany states it will hold 72 American sailors as hostages until assurances can be given on the safety of German sailors stuck in the US.
German Research Institute of Psychiatry (today Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry) is founded by King Ludwig III of Bavaria.
Russia: At Petrograd, Lord Milner, at close of Allied Conference, says much good done in bringing about closer co-operation between Entente countries.
France: Mata Hari arrested in Paris: https://i2.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...2/Mata-Hari.jpg
United Kingdom: Lord Curzon, member of the British War Council, states he is “not dissatisfied” at the progress in limiting losses incurred by U-boats.
Belgium: The American Commission for Relief in Belgium notifies the German occupation that they will cease relief work due to the diplomatic break.
United States: Several representatives of American manufacturers meet with U.S. Navy officials to discuss creating war zeppelins.
Frances T. Evans, Sr., one of the first U.S. Marine Corps aviators, becomes the first person to loop a seaplane: http://imgur.com/MKhN2Tg
Scandanavia: Scandinavian Governments' joint protest against German submarine warfare published.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Western Front
Twelve miles north-west of Compiegne the French carry out successful large-scale raid.
Bruges harbour again bombed by British naval airmen.


Eastern Front
Between Zloczow and Tarnopol (northern Galicia), Germans report successful great raid, taking six Russian officers and 275 men prisoners.

Southern Front
Serbia: East of Monastir, Italians counter-attack and re-establish their line.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Black Sea: 2 Russian destroyers and a minelayer from Batumi sink 15 Turkish schooners between Amasra and Sinope.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles of Austria-Hungary hosts a dinner for Kaiser Wilhelm: “I drink to the health of your majesty, my true friend and ally.”
Germany: Germany remains defiant towards the U.S., stating its submarine warfare “will under no circumstance be restricted.”
Russia: Secret Russo-French Treaty signed at Petrograd on territorial aims.
United Kingdom: British Government inform Japanese Government that they will support Japanese claims to German possessions in the Pacific north of the Equator if it is understood that Japan will support similar British claims south of the Equator (see December 16th, 1914).
British Government give pledge in House of Commons that the “restitution” of Alsace-Lorraine is an object of the war (see November 15th).
United States: German ambassador Graf (Count) Johann von Bernstorff sails from Hoboken NJ in the S.S. Frederik VIII (home March 14, 1917). Congress votes funds for fortifications and $3.6 million for airships. Bernstorff, the ‘good German’ but ladies’ man – a diplomat discomfited by scandal. But the German ambassador was a generally competent diplomat to whom both the American and German governments should have listened: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w.../Bernstorff.jpg
U.S. considers intervening in Cuba, as a liberal insurgency grows in strength in the country, threatening U.S.-owned sugar plantations.
U.S. Cabinet becomes divided on the issue of whether or not to arm American merchant ships, as it could lead to armed conflict with Germany.
Switzerland: Switzerland institutes meatless days and rations rice and sugar, as food supplies become more restricted due to the war.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Western Front
Flanders: Successful German trench raids near Laos, west of Messines and northeast of Ypres.
Champagne: Nivelle’s instructions issued for general offensive. German attack gains the plans, 858 PoWs and trenches from French salient west of Maisons de Champagne.
British War Office states its forces have advanced ¾ of a mile on a 10,000-yard front in the Somme front since the start of the year.

Eastern Front
In Romania, Austro-Hungarian forces announce the capture of 1,223 Russian prisoners, three artillery guns, and 12 machine guns.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Decisive day of Battle of Kut. Turks driven from right bank of Tigris. British clear Dahra Bend until February 16, take 1,995 PoWs for 503 casualties. Heavy rain on February 17 prevents further southern bank operations.
Arabia: Lawrence’s secret despatch on ‘Feisal’s Table Talk’ appears in Arab Bulletin.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Eastern Mediterranean: U-39 (Forstmann) sinks unescorted Italian Salonika-bound transport Minas (870 of 1000 on board die) west of Cape Matapan, French transport Athos also sunk on February 17 by U-65 (Fischel) 200 miles east of Malta.
Germany: Light cruiser SMS Nürnberg II completed at Kiel, last of 4-strong class finished since August 12, 1916 to serve with High Seas fleet Scouting Forces.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Cargoes of captured Romanian grain arrive in Austria-Hungary, but will not go to civilians; instead, they will go to its army & Germany.
Due to heavy snows and coal shortages, Vienna’s theaters, restaurants, and streetcars are ordered to close earlier in the day.
France: Octave Mirbeau, the French journalist, critic, and writer, passed away: http://imgur.com/HOxF48C
French government institutes maximum prices for milk, butter, and cheese to control rising food costs.
United Kingdom: Interview with Sir Douglas Haig published.
British Government take over all coal mines in the U.K. for the period of the war.
Belgium: Germany reverses its order, allowing U.S. relief corps to continue operating in occupied Belgian areas.
In Brussels, the U.S. Minister is ordered by the Germans to lower the U.S. flag over the Legation.
United States: (Listed for yesterday): U.S. National Woman’s Party sends over 1000 valentines to legislators and President Wilson, urging them to give women the vote.
Netherlands: The Netherlands accepts 250 refugee children from occupied France. Several hundred more are expected to arrive soon.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

I always chuckle a bit at the use of double negative ... not dissatisfied ... instead of satisfied.

Western Front
France: Nivelle visits Haig at Montreuil, with the latter unaware that Lloyd George was dealing with Nivelle directly. Nivelle reviews British 7th Division on February 17.
Airship LZ 107 bombs Calais and overflies Deal – causing false alarm in London night February 16-17). At Boulogne (the same ?) German airship drops bombs on town and harbor, doing only slight damage.
Bruges and Ghistelles bombed by British naval airmen.


Eastern Front
Germany: Hoffmann diary ‘There is very encouraging news from the interior of Russia. It would seem that she cannot hold out longer than the autumn’.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: West of Kut, British capture remaining Turkish positions in the Dahra bend, and take nearly 2,000 prisoners.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Germany: German torpedo boat V69 with extensive damage: http://imgur.com/HdpxoEn

Political, etc.
United Kingdom: Close of War Loan.
South Africa: Opening of South African Parliament.
Turkey: The new Ottoman Grand Vizier Talaat Pasha declares they will fight to the last man and will retain Constantinople.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Weasel words among politicians never go out of style.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Amazing that the captain could get it back to port.

Western Front
Somme: 3 BEF Fifth Army divisons (3,800 casualties) gain 500-1000 yards with 773 PoWs in two attacks at Miraumont north and south of the Ancre (night February 17-18).
Alsace: French raid on German salient northeast of Altkirch causes heavy loss.
A French naval gun shelter near Saint-Crepin-aux-Bois: http://imgur.com/t8ww0B8* © IWM (Q 78184)

Eastern Front
On the Lavkassa river (south-west of Dvinsk) Germans clad in white raid Russian lines, taking about 50 prisoners.

Southern Front
Albania: French and Italian troops link up at Herseg making 240-mile Allied front from Adriatic to Aegean.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: Near Kut, British progress on south bank of Tigris. On the north bank an attack on the Sanna-i-Yat positions fails: 7th Indian Division (over 500 casualties) panics in attack on Turkish position with 3,000 soldiers.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Atlantic: Torpedoed Q-ship Farnborough (Campbell wins Victoria Cross) sinks U-83 (Hoppe), 2 survivors, off southwest Ireland with 25 shots at 300 yards.
Mediterranean: French troopship SS Athos, carrying Senegalese soldiers, Chinese laborers, and civilian passengers, is sunk by SM U-65, resulting in 754 deaths.
England: Britain closes the harbour of Plymouth, England to all ships not belonging to Britain and the Entente.

Political, etc.
Germany: Due to cold and lack of coal in Hamburg, Germany, all schools, theaters, and concert halls are closed.
France: Carolus-Duran, French painter known for depicting members of French high society, passed away: http://imgur.com/dAbxcIE
United Kingdom: British war loan raises a record of £2 billion, financed largely by small, private investors (the loans are redeemed in 2015).
Australia: Australian War Government formed.
United States: U.S. Navy begins installing undersea steel nets around Hampton Roads in order to defend against German submarines.
U.S. government provides $10 million more to help insure ships to cover the increased risk caused by German submarines.
Greece: Entente Powers call the Government's attention to hostile attitude of Greek press.
Greek Government search private dwellings for hidden arms.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Western Front
Somme: British troops repulse German “attack” on their new positions above Baillescourt Farm (north of river Ancre).


Eastern Front
In the Trotus valley (Moldavia), Russian surprise attack captures strong position on high ground.

Southern Front
Albania: (also reported for yesterday) Junction of French and Italian troops in southern Albania, isolating Greece from Central Powers.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Indian Ocean: Raider Wolf lays 58 mines off Ceylon, later swept by 6 trawlers after loss of 2 large ships.

Political, etc.
Germany: Germany announces new war taxes to cover deficits that equals $312.5 million. Taxes will be applied to coal and transportation.
“Official” German Army deaths, excluding colonial troops, now numbers 988,329 men since the war’s start. Total casualties pass 4 million. [ed note: I have no idea whose “official” statistics these were: the source is not cited, no it is unclear if it was Official, as reported by German sources, or the Official estimates of the British War Office, which were consistently optimistic as to the effectiveness of the Allied war effort.]
Russia: General Khabaiov of Petrograd military district given special powers to maintain order.
Japan: Report shows that the Empire of Japan in 1916 increased its shipbuilding output of merchant ships by more than 150% compared to 1915.
United States: U.S. Treasury Department will no longer publicly disclose destinations &manifests of ships leaving the U.S. to protect them from submarines.
Former President Theodore Roosevelt expresses shock after seeing U.S. Army recruits practicing drills with broomsticks.
Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca, the first Hispanic Governor of New Mexico, passed away: http://imgur.com/NxNXrWm
U.S. Army completes its plans for military intervention in Cuba, which will involve around 5000 to 7000 troops.
New York Harbor will close after dark as long as the current diplomatic crisis with Germany continues.
Switzerland: Swiss Federal Council proposes that it increase aid to people living in German-occupied areas of France and Belgium.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Western Front
Flanders: British take 114 PoWs in raid east of Ypres.
Somme: Germans with flamethrowers capture British post and 30 PoWs south of Le Transloy.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Sinai: The first recorded casualty evacuation flight is carried out by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), when a wounded trooper of the Imperial Camel Corps is flown from Bir-el-Hassana in the Sinai Desert to the airfield at Kilo 143 in an Royal Flying Corps aircraft. This would have been a three-day journey by the available surface transport, but the flight took 45 minutes.

Naval and Overseas Operations
English Channel: German submarine SM UC-18, and the British Q-Ship Lady Olive sink each other; Lady Olive’s crew rescued, all of UC-18’s crew died. UC-18 had sunk 35 ships during its career.
Indian Ocean: S.S. Worcestershire sunk after striking a mine. No, her cargo was not a load of the sauce.
East Africa: NRFF engages Kraut’s rearguard near Litembo and Captain Wintgens’ 500 men, 3 guns and 13 MGs near Tandala, saving that post (Wintgens heading north on own solo raid until October 2).

Political, etc.
Germany: German Imperial Bank urges German men and women to sell their gold and jewels to the bank for the war effort.
United Kingdom: Royal Navy Room 40 deciphers Zimmermann Telegram full text, shows it to US Embassy, Balfour gives Hall free hand on February 20.
The new British War Loan estimated to be going to reach over £700,000,000 in new money.
Government decide to revise exemption certificates for men under 31.
Norway: Britain resumes regular coal shipments to Norway after Norway agreed to stop exports of pyrites to Germany.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Amazing. Now, air evacuation seems ordinary.

Western Front
Somme: German troops capture a British strongpoint south of Transloy, taking 30 prisoners.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Arabia: First major raid on Hejaz Railway: Captain Garland’s 50 Arabs from Wejh blow up engine and bridge at Toweira.
Sinai: British surprise and take Turkish posts at Nakhi and Bir-el-Hassana.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Western Mediterranean: French cruiser-minelayer Cassini sinks on UC-35 mine in Bonifacio Straits.
Report shows that out of 9,291 ships that arrived and left Britain in the first half of February, 101 ships were sunk by the Germans.

Political, etc.
Austria-Hungary: Emperor Charles hints at separate peace by sending secret note inviting Prince Sixtus of Bourbon-Parma (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princ...f_Bourbon-Parma) to Vienna for peace talks.
A Hungarian poster calls for donations for war orphans: https://i1.wp.com/ww2-weapons.com/w...riegswaisen.jpg
Russia: Inter-Allied Conference ["Commission de Ravitaillement"] at Petrograd dissolves (see January 17th).
United Kingdom: Arthur Ponsonby, Charles P. Trevelyan, Philip Snowden & other MPs in the House of Commons declare the Allies are pursuing war of conquest.
United States: (listed for yesterday): North Carolina Senator Overman claims that there are 100,000 spies in the U.S. and urges drastic laws to protect military assets.
Wilson asks for increased war powers from Congress, "to enforce the obligations imposed by the laws of nations and by American statutes".
Major General Frederick Funston, who received a medal of honor during the Philippine-American War, died suddenly: http://imgur.com/C6bStEX
Former President Taft enrolls as a reserve cavalryman, but states, “It would be hard on the horse.”

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Western Front
British troops conduct three night attacks south of Armentières, France, resulting in the capture of 1,150 yards of German trenches.
Germans begin to withdraw in front of Serre.

Southern Front
Trentino: Italian guns destroy Austrian railhead at Tarvis.
Macedonia: General Lyautey approves Sarrail‘s spring offensive plan submitted February 8 whose final objective is Sofia. Sarrail finally consults Milne on February 28 and they agree on Lake Doiran sector British attack.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Palestine: British yacht Managam visits Athlit, contacts NILI Jewish spy ring and delivers funds.

Naval and Overseas Operations
Britain: New blockade orders insist ships sailing to neutrals with access to Central Powers enter a British port for examination or be liable to “capture”.
British troopship SS Mendi collides with SS Darro & sinks, resulting in 646 deaths, mostly black South African soldiers: http://imgur.com/AhjaIVo Survivors were rescued by HMS*Brisk.
Mediterranean: Off Cartagena (south-east Spain) spare parts for submarines are discovered in a buoy.

Political, etc.
United States: Thousands protest in New York City against the rising prices of food: http://imgur.com/xA5Tcbh
The musical “Oh, Boy!” by Jerome Kern, Guy Bolton, and P.G. Wodehouse makes its Broadway debut: http://imgur.com/tx0EOsk
President Wilson and the Cabinet agree to hold the present diplomatic course and will not do further moves that could antagonize Germany.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Western Front
East of Vermelles and south of Neuve Chapelle hostile raids repulsed with heavy loss to both sides.
North of Gueudecourt British take German trench and 30 prisoners. British push forward cautiously.

Southern Front
Isonzo: Captain Benito Mussolini on Carso (Sector 144) in grenade or mortar shell accident, 4 killed out of 20 soldiers, has 44 pieces removed from his body. Visited by King at Ronchi hospital, moved to Milan, on crutches in August.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: 7th Indian Divison (1,332 casualties) storms and holds first two Sannaiyat lines against 7 Turkish counter-attacks as diversion to pin reserves; 88 Punjabis (in 11 pontoons) raid across Tigris, 4 miles east of Kut.

Naval and Overseas Operations
British merchant ships are now carrying phosphorus “smoke screens” to hide them from German U-Boats.
Channel: U-21 (Otto Hersing) homeward bound from Mediterranean sinks 6 of 8 Dutch steamers (including Holt liner Perseus) in convoy off Falmouth, unaware these ‘easy kills’ have been granted ‘safe passage’ by Berlin.
Also, another report states: Seven Dutch ships sailing from Falmouth are attacked by submarine U3, in spite of German guarantee of security; four are sunk. (In reality, U-3 was never in active service: she served as a training vessel throughout the war. SM U-21 was serving as KuK U-36 during the time of her service in the Mediterranean [since Germany hadn’t technically reciprocated Italy’s declaration of war of 23 May 1915, German submarines in the Mediterranean were given freedom of action by being transferred in name to Austria-Hungary] The truncation of KuK U-36 to U-3 is mostly likely the source of the error).

Political, etc.
Germany: Strike at the Krupp works in Essen, Germany continues, with several thousand workers demanding higher wages and increased food rations.
German Foreign Affairs Secretary Zimmermann expresses confidence that Germany will achieve its aims with submarine warfare.
Allied Powers: Allied government ministers declare that captured German colonies in Africa and Asia will not be returned after the war.
France: 150 Renault FT-17 light tanks ordered.
United Kingdom: British War Office declares that military operations against the Ottomans have successfully prevented them from reinforcing Germany.
50 Sinn Feiners (Irish nationalists) are arrested by British authorities under the Defense of the Realm Act.
Formation of "Labour Corps": http://www.1914-1918.net/labour.htm
Turkey: Turkey declares her agreement with Germany on policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.
Japan: Japanese businesses consider suspending shipping to Europe due to the U-boat threat, which has caused shipping costs to jump by 30%.
United States: Nationwide protests against high food prices continue in the U.S. One protestor is killed in Philadelphia.
U.S. House of Representatives vote 321 to 72 approving total prohibition of alcohol in 19 states.
U.S. Mint in Philadelphia weighing gold. $600 million of gold will be sent from Europe to the U.S. this February: http://imgur.com/aSv6vkX
In U.S.A., war tension appears critical. German agents instigating many disturbances. (Refers to acts of sabotage; German agents were known to place time bombs on Europe-bound ships, and some were also arrested for attempts to place bombs in various harbors. What is wildly inaccurate is the charge that numerous labor actions were instigated by German agents.)
Switzerland: Swiss government seeks to use Genoa, Italy for exports & imports, as German ports are blockaded & French ports are threatened by U-boats.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

Western Front
British follow-up retreating Germans.

Eastern Front
In Galicia, German and Austro-Hungarian troops penetrate Russian lines, blowing up 4 mine shafts and capturing 253 prisoners.
North-west of Ocna (Moldavia) the Russians lose the heights of Magyaros, and 1,000 prisoners.

Southern Front
(Also reported for earlier in the month): Allied advances in Albania and Macedonia succeed in cutting off Greek territory from the Central Powers.

Asiatic and Egyptian Theaters
Mesopotamia: 14th Indian Division (350 casualties) makes dawn crossing into Shumran Peninsula 7 miles west of Kut, builds a pontoon bridge and takes 544 Turk PoWs. Kiazim Karbekir evacuates Sannaiyat (night February 23-24).
Kut reoccupied by British forces (see 24th, and January 9th).

Naval and Overseas Operations
North Sea:*U-boat*sinks a Norwegian and 4 British steamers.
German submarine SM UC-32, credited with sinking 6 ships, is accidentally sunk by its own mine.
Black Sea:*30 landing ships ordered for Russian Fleet, 3 completed by April 1918.

Political, etc.
Russia: Duma President Rodzianko in last report urges Tsar to appoint new ministry, also sees Chief of Staff General Gourko on February 24-25; Duma re-opens on February 27.
United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s speech warns of more import restrictions (14th list issued), announces minimum wheat and oat prices till 1922 and 25s per week minimum wage in farming.
Ireland: (also reported for yesterday ?): 28 Sinn Fein agitators arrested and exiled for alleged plotting with Germans.

__________________
On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.