1917

Tolkien-related events that took place in 1917.

January

• 2 - J.R.R. Tolkien writes a letter to the War Office.
• 12 - Tolkien's leave of absence (to recover from his trench fever) ends, but he is far from recovered.
• 23 - J.R.R. Tolkien faces a Medical Board in Birmingham, but he is not deemed fit to return to war.

February

• 27 - J.R.R. Tolkien faces his third Medical Board, and again his leave is extended.

March

• 23 - Hans Conried, who would voice Thorin in The Hobbit (1977 film), is born.

April

• 18 - J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Wiseman, the Great Twin Brethren, meet in Harrogate, and discuss the fate of the Barrovians and the future of the Society.
• 19 - J.R.R. Tolkien, in revalidation, is assigned to the Humber Garrison, but is not fit enough.
• Around that time, Tolkien conceives the story of Beren and Lúthien in a small wood near Roos in Holderness.

May

• 1 - Actress Pauline Letts is born.

June

• 1 - J.R.R. Tolkien is considered fit for service again, but he is not reassigned to the Lancashire Fusilliers.
• 18 - Richard Boone, who would voice Smaug in The Hobbit (1977 film), is born.
• 29 - J.R.R. Tolkien succumbs to gastritis while at Brocton Camp.

August

• 1 - "Tea Cake" Barnsley is killed in Ypres, Belgium.

October

• 13 - J.R.R. Tolkien is found unfit for duty for six months, but able to do a desk job.

November

• 16 - The Tolkien's first son, John, is born.
• 24 - Actor John Justin is born.

?

• ? - J.R.R. Tolkien begins work on The Book of Lost Tales Part One.

Years 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920