1917 The First World War at Sea in Photographs

The year 1917 is dominated by the Russian Revolution and America entering the war. On 3 February, America cuts diplomatic ties with Germany following the announcement on 31 January that Germany will begin unrestricted submarine warfare. All 111 U-boats are ordered to sink any vessel at will. The hope is that Britain will be starved into submission. On 8 March, Germany is boosted as the Russians begin to demonstrate against shortages of food and fuel. Revolution is in the air! America declares war on 6 April. Losses to submarines are now so great and Britain in danger of running out of food that the convoy system is brought into force. The impact is huge and German U-boat losses climb rapidly. On 12 May, General Pershing is made commander of the American Expeditionary Force. At Scapa Flow, on the evening of 9 July 1917, HMS Vanguard explodes. On 2 August 1917, Squadron Commander Edwin Dunning successfully lands a Sopwith Pup on board HMS Furious, becoming the first person to land an aircraft on a moving ship. The aircraft carrier has come of age. December sees the Russians and Germans discuss peace terms. The Japanese invade Vladivostock on 30 December. Further revolution in Russia has seen the Cossacks revolt against the Bolsheviks and British ships shell the Bolsheviks. So ends 1917's war at sea!