Problem description & analysis:

In the Excel table below, column A and column B form the content structure. The dates in column A are not arranged in chronological order.

Task: Sort dates in column A in correct chronological order while keeping the empty cells in their original positions. Column B will remain what it is.

Solution:

Use SPL XLL to do this task:

=spl("=d=E@1(?), d(p=d.pselect@a(~))=d(p).sort(),d",A2:A9)

As shown in the picture below:

Explanation:

E@1 converts a data range to a single-layer sequence. pselect@a gets positions of all members meeting the specified condition; ~ is the current member. "sequence 1(a set of positions)= sequence 2" modifies members of sequence 1 at specified positions into sequence 2.