WW1 Operational Theatres of War 1914-1920

Military operations of the First World War took place in seven theatres of war around the world.

Alphanumeric codes were assigned to each theatre and operational area within it. These codes were used by the British military for the compilation of records of service and medals.

The alphanumeric codes were slightly amended after 1^st January 1916.⁽¹⁾

Western Europe

To 31^st December 1915 and from 1^st January 1916

Code: 1

a France and Flanders (also known as The Western Front)

The Western Front

b Italy

Balkans

To 31^st December 1915 and from 1^st January 1916

Code: 2

a Greek Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria and European Turkey

b Gallipoli (Dardanelles)

Russia

From 1^st January 1916

Code: 3

4^th/5^th August 1914 - 1^st/2^nd July 1920

Egypt

To 31^st December 1915

Code: 3

From 1^st January 1916

Code: 4

a 4^th/5^th November 1914 - 18^th/19^th March 1916

b 18^th/19^th March 1916 - 31^st October/1^st November 1918

Africa

To 31^st December 1915

Code: 4

From 1^st January 1916

Code: 5

a East Africa, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia

b South West Africa

c Cameroon

d Nigeria

e Togoland

Asia

To 31^st December 1915

Code: 5

From 1^st January 1916

Code: 6

a Hedjaz

b Mesopotamia

c Persia

d Trans Caspia

e South West Arabia

f Aden

g Frontier Regions of India

h Tsing-Tau

Australasia

To 31^st December 1915

Code: 6

From 1^st January 1916

Code: 7

a New Britain

b New Ireland

c Kaiser Wilhelmland

d Admiralty Islands

e Nauru

f German Samoa

WW1 Operational Theatres of War 1914-1920

Western Europe

Balkans

Russia

Egypt

Africa

Asia

Australasia

Related Topics

Related Link

British Army Medal Index Cards Abbreviations

Acknowledgements