Vice-Admiral Sir Rosslyn Wemyss succeeds Admiral Sir John Jellicoe as First Sea Lord (see Nov. 29, 1916).

Dec. 27 (Thur.)

Palestine:—Turkish attacks north of Jerusalem are shattered and a British offensive is launched subsequently against the defeated enemy.

Dec. 28 (Fri.)

The Labour Memorandum on War Aims is adopted at a special British Labour Conference.

Palestine:—The British advance on a nine-mile front: they capture Ramah and Beitunia.

Dec. 29 (Sat.)

Palestine:—The British capture Bireh (on the Shechem road, nine miles north of Jerusalem).

Dec. 30 (Sun.)

The Germans attack Welsh Ridge on the Cambrai Front, and gain ground.