December 13

The Battle of Limanowa concludes with Austro-Hungarian forces stalling the Russian offensive.

Lieutenant Norman Holbrook VC

The British submarine B11, in the Dardenelles, torpedoes the Turkish battleship Mesudiye. This ship was anchored near Chanak as a stationary guard ship.

Lieutenant Norman Douglas Holbrook, commander of the B11, is subsequently (22 December) awarded the VC.

December 1

General Joffre

King George V visits base hospitals in France containing British, Indian and German wounded. He also visits the British Field Headquarters and the fighting line. The King invests General Joffre with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

On the Eastern Front, the Battle of Limanowa commences in the Carpathian mountains. The Russians begin an offensive and try to advance towards the Hungarian plains.

The death of Rear-Admiral Mahan USN, the writer on the influence of sea power in history, is announced.

The 26th Brigade Royal Field Artillery remains refitting and resting in the billeting are to the west of Strazeele. It remains here until 23 December.