Łukasz Skowroń
Author
(1516)1879
1882
1890
1894
1905
1906
1908
1911
1912
1913
1914
June
July
- 24
- German government backs Austrian ultimatum to SerbiaOn 24 July 1914 Berlin told the Entente powers that it approved Austria-Hungary's ultimatum and regarded the dispute with Serbia as a local matter.
- Belgium declares it will defend its neutralityOn 24 July 1914 the Belgian government announced that in the event of war it would uphold its neutrality whatever the consequences.
- 25
- Serbian government orders mobilisationOn 25 July 1914, before replying to the ultimatum, Serbia announced general mobilisation, and the authorities began to leave Belgrade.
- Serbian government moves from Belgrade to NišOn 25 July 1914 Regent Alexander decided to move Serbia's government, parliament and administration to Niš, which became the country's wartime capital.
- 26
- Montenegrin government orders mobilisationOn 26 July 1914 Montenegro ordered the mobilisation of its army, standing alongside Serbia in its conflict with Austria-Hungary.
- Kaiser Wilhelm II cuts short his cruise and returns to GermanyOn 26 July 1914 Wilhelm II, against his chancellor's advice, broke off his Norwegian fjord cruise and sailed for Kiel, to return thence to Potsdam.
- 28
- Key eventAustria-Hungary declares war on SerbiaOn 28 July 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia by telegram. That same night Belgrade was shelled and the First World War began.
- British fleets ordered to their war basesOn 28 July 1914 Winston Churchill ordered the First Fleet to move from Portland to its war base at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands.
- 29
- Russia orders partial mobilisation against Austria-HungaryOn 29 July 1914 Russia mobilised four military districts against Austria-Hungary. That evening the Tsar halted a general mobilisation that was ready to go.
- Germany proposes an agreement on British neutralityOn the evening of 29 July 1914 Chancellor Bethmann Hollweg tried to secure British neutrality in the event of war with France and Russia.
- War Office announces the "precautionary period"On 29 July 1914 the British War Office sent out telegrams bringing in the "precautionary period": guards on bridges, forts manned, leave cancelled.
- 30
- Tsar orders general mobilisation of the Russian armyOn the afternoon of 30 July 1914 Nicholas II, persuaded by Sazonov, agreed to general mobilisation. Its first day was 31 July.
- Australia places its fleet on a war footing alongside the Royal NavyOn 30 July 1914 a British warning of possible war reached Melbourne. The Australian navy took up war stations and on 3 August was offered to the Admiralty.
- 31
- Russia begins general mobilisation31 July 1914 was the first day of general mobilisation in Russia. The news of it provoked an immediate reaction from Berlin.
- Austria-Hungary orders general mobilisationOn 31 July 1914 Austria-Hungary, responding to Russia's mobilisation, ordered general mobilisation. Its first day was set for 4 August.
- Germany proclaims a state of imminent danger of warOn 31 July 1914 Germany proclaimed a "state of imminent danger of war" (Kriegsgefahr), the last step before mobilisation. The chancellor admitted it meant war.
- London Stock Exchange closesOn 31 July 1914 the London Stock Exchange closed its doors for the first time since 1801. It did not reopen until January 1915.
August
- 01
- Britain mobilises the fleetOn the evening of 1 August 1914, on news that Germany had declared war on Russia, Winston Churchill ordered the mobilisation of the Royal Navy.
- First fighting on the border of the Kingdom of PolandOn 1 August 1914 the German-Russian border, running through Polish lands, became a front line. In the following days the Germans took Kalisz and Częstochowa.
- 02
- Germany delivers an ultimatum to BelgiumOn the evening of 2 August 1914 Germany demanded that Belgium allow its troops to pass through, giving it 12 hours to reply.
- German troops enter LuxembourgOn the morning of 2 August 1914 German troops occupied neutral Luxembourg despite the protests of Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde and the government.
- German cruisers shell LibauOn 2 August 1914 the German cruisers Augsburg and Magdeburg attacked the Russian port of Libau (Liepāja). These were the first shots of the war in the Baltic.
- Britain declares a moratoriumOn 2 August 1914 Britain declared a moratorium on the payment of bills of exchange to save the City of London from a wave of bankruptcies.
- Moltke becomes Chief of the General Staff of the Field ArmyOn 2 August 1914 General Helmuth von Moltke, Chief of the Great General Staff since 1906, took charge of the staff of Germany's field army.
- 03
- Britain pledges to defend Belgian neutralityOn 3 August 1914 Sir Edward Grey set out Britain's obligations to Belgium and France in the Commons. London promised support for the Belgians.
- Great Britain orders the mobilisation of the armyOn 3 August 1914 the British government decided to mobilise the army. Proclamations calling up the reservists and the Territorial Force were issued on 4 August.
- Britain authorises the requisitioning of shipsOn 3 August 1914 a royal proclamation authorised the government to requisition British merchant ships for the needs of the war.
- Grand Duke Nicholas becomes commander-in-chief of the Russian armyAt the beginning of August 1914 Tsar Nicholas II entrusted the supreme command of the Russian army to Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich.
- 04
- Great Britain issues an ultimatum to GermanyOn 4 August 1914 London demanded that Germany respect Belgian neutrality by midnight. The chancellor called the treaty a "scrap of paper".
- Key eventBritain declares war on GermanyAt 11 p.m. London time on 4 August 1914 the ultimatum expired. Britain and its whole empire found themselves at war with Germany.
- Belgium breaks off diplomatic relations with GermanyOn 4 August 1914, after German troops crossed the border, Belgium broke off relations with Germany and handed the German minister his passports.
- Key eventGermany declares war on BelgiumOn 4 August 1914 Germany announced to Belgium that it would use force and entered its territory. The chancellor admitted he was breaking international law.
- German troops enter Belgium and attack LiègeAt 8.02 a.m. on 4 August 1914 German troops crossed the Belgian border at Gemmenich and advanced on the fortress of Liège. The battle for Liège had begun.
- German airships over BrusselsContemporary chronicles state that on the night of 4 August 1914 two German airships flew over Brussels. For the first time the war took to the air.
- Goeben and Breslau bombard ports in AlgeriaOn the morning of 4 August 1914 the German warships Goeben and Breslau shelled the French ports of Philippeville and Bône in Algeria, flying Russian colours.
- Secret alliance between Germany and the Ottoman EmpireContemporary chronicles record the secret alliance of Germany and Turkey under 4 August 1914. The treaty had in fact been signed in Constantinople on 2 August.
- Admiral Jellicoe takes command of the Grand FleetOn 4 August 1914 the main force of the Royal Navy was renamed the Grand Fleet, and Admiral Sir John Jellicoe became its commander.
- British Expeditionary Force headquarters appointedOn 4 August 1914 the command of the British Expeditionary Force was appointed. Field Marshal Sir John French became its Commander-in-Chief.
- Britain publishes a list of contraband of warOn 4 August 1914 a British proclamation defined the goods to be treated as contraband of war. It was the first step towards the blockade of Germany.
- Auxiliary cruiser Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse sails for the AtlanticOn 4 August 1914 the converted liner Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse sailed from Bremerhaven as a German auxiliary cruiser to attack merchant shipping.
- 05
- Key eventMontenegro declares war on Austria-HungaryOn 5 August 1914 Montenegro declared war on Austria-Hungary, siding with Serbia. Guns on Mount Lovćen threatened the fleet base at Kotor.
- Germans lay mines in the open sea. The sinking of the Königin LuiseOn 5 August 1914 British destroyers sank the German minelayer Königin Luise off Suffolk. A day later her mines sank HMS Amphion.
- First British war councilOn 5 August 1914 Prime Minister Asquith called a war council of politicians and generals. It decided to send the Expeditionary Force to France.
- 06
- Key eventAustria-Hungary declares war on RussiaOn 6 August 1914 the Austro-Hungarian ambassador in St Petersburg handed over the declaration of war. The monarchy's main front shifted to Galicia.
- Key eventSerbia declares war on GermanyOn 6 August 1914 Serbia declared war on Germany, ally of Austria-Hungary. The two states had no common border, but the declaration was a political statement.
- Key eventBattle of the Frontiers beginsIn early August 1914 the Battle of the Frontiers began, a series of clashes between French and German armies that lasted until the Battle of the Marne.
- Lord Kitchener becomes Secretary of State for WarOn 6 August 1914 Field Marshal Lord Kitchener took over the British War Office, replacing Prime Minister Asquith, who had headed it since March 1914.
- HMS Amphion sunk by a mineOn the morning of 6 August 1914 the cruiser HMS Amphion struck German mines off the English coast and sank. She was the first Royal Navy ship lost in the war.
- Franco-British naval conventionOn 6 August 1914 France and Britain concluded a naval convention in London. A French admiral took command of the Allied forces in the Mediterranean.
- HMS Bristol clashes with the cruiser Karlsruhe in the West IndiesOn 6 August 1914 the British cruiser Bristol fired on the German cruiser Karlsruhe in the West Indies. The faster German ship managed to escape.
- Auxiliary cruiser Prinz Eitel Friedrich sails from TsingtaoIn early August 1914 the armed liner Prinz Eitel Friedrich left the German base of Tsingtao in China to join Admiral von Spee's squadron.
- Admiral von Spee's squadron leaves PohnpeiOn 6 August 1914 Admiral von Spee's German East Asia Squadron sailed from Pohnpei in the Carolines. Its odyssey across the Pacific had begun.
- 07
- German troops occupy LiègeOn 7 August 1914 a brigade led by Erich Ludendorff entered Liège and took the citadel. The forts surrounding the city, however, continued to resist.
- French cross the border into AlsaceOn 7 August 1914 the French VII Corps crossed the border into German Alsace. The troops took Altkirch and Thann and the next day entered Mulhouse.
- 08
- Montenegro breaks off relations with Germany and is at war with itOn 8 August 1914 Montenegro broke off diplomatic relations with Germany, and a state of war began between the two countries.
- Key eventFrench troops take MulhouseOn 8 August 1914 French troops entered Mulhouse in Alsace. France celebrated, but within two days a German counter-attack forced the French to retreat.
- Hostilities begin in East AfricaOn 8 August 1914 the British cruiser Astraea shelled Dar es Salaam in German East Africa. A war began there that lasted until November 1918.
- Defence of the Realm ActOn 8 August 1914 the Defence of the Realm Act received royal assent. The British government could now restrict citizens' freedoms by regulation.
- 09
- Belgium proposes the neutralisation of the Congo BasinOn 9 August 1914 Belgium proposed that colonies in the free-trade zone of Central Africa should remain neutral. The proposal was not accepted.
- HMS Birmingham sinks the submarine U-15On 9 August 1914 the British cruiser Birmingham rammed and sank U-15 off Fair Isle. It was the first U-boat sunk by a warship.
- 11
- Goeben and Breslau enter the DardanellesThe German warships Goeben and Breslau, pursued by the British, took refuge in the Dardanelles. Their arrival drew Turkey closer to war on Germany's side.
- Germans retake MulhouseAfter a German counter-attack the French withdrew from Mulhouse, which they had taken only two days earlier. The town was back in German hands.
- 14
- Grand Duke Nicholas issues a proclamation to the PolesOn 14 August 1914 the Russian commander-in-chief urged the Poles to fight Germany, promising to unite the Polish lands under the Tsar with autonomy.
- Key eventBattles of Morhange and Sarrebourg beginOn 14 August 1914 the French armies launched a great offensive in Lorraine. It began a series of battles that ended in defeat at Morhange and Sarrebourg.
- 16
- British Expeditionary Force completes its landing in FranceOn 16 August 1914 the landing of the original British Expeditionary Force in France was completed. The crossing was made without loss.
- Last forts of Liège fallOn 16 August 1914 the last forts of Liège, wrecked by heavy artillery, capitulated. The road into the heart of Belgium lay open to the Germans.
- Austro-Hungarian cruiser Zenta sunkOn 16 August 1914 an Allied fleet surprised the Austro-Hungarian cruiser Zenta off the coast of Montenegro and sank her. 173 sailors were killed.
- 20
- The Germans occupy BrusselsOn 20 August 1914 German troops entered Brussels, which had been declared an open city. An occupation began that lasted until November 1918.
- End of the battles of Morhange and SarrebourgOn 20 August 1914 a German counter-attack in Lorraine shattered the French offensive. The French armies fell back towards Nancy with heavy losses.
- Battle of Gumbinnen in East PrussiaOn 20 August 1914 Rennenkampf's Russian First Army repulsed the German Eighth Army at Gumbinnen. It was the first major battle on the Eastern Front.
- Death of Pope Pius XOn 20 August 1914, in the first weeks of the war, Pope Pius X died. Witnesses said the outbreak of war had deeply shaken him. He was succeeded by Benedict XV.
- Britain modifies the Declaration of LondonOn 20 August 1914 Britain announced it would apply the Declaration of London on naval warfare, but with changes that tightened control of trade.
- 21
- Key eventBattle of Charleroi beginsOn 21 August 1914 the French 5th Army and the German 2nd Army clashed on the Sambre. The Germans seized the river crossings before the French could occupy them.
- End of the Battle of Cer. Austrians withdraw from SerbiaAt the end of August 1914 the beaten Austro-Hungarian armies withdrew from Serbia across the Drina and the Sava. The first invasion of Serbia had failed.
- Kitchener's first New Army is formedOn 21 August 1914 the British War Office ordered the formation of the first New Army, six divisions strong, from volunteers.
- 22
- Key eventAustria-Hungary declares war on BelgiumContemporary chronicles date Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Belgium to 22 August 1914, but the Belgians received the note only on 28 August.
- Key eventBattle of the Ardennes beginsOn 22 August 1914 French armies advancing through the Ardennes ran into strong German forces. It was the bloodiest day in the history of the French army.
- Polish volunteers join the Foreign LegionOn 22 August 1914 the first Polish volunteers were accepted into the Foreign Legion at the Invalides in Paris. Trained at Bayonne, they became the Bayonne men.
- 23
- Key eventBattle of MonsOn 23 August 1914 the British Expeditionary Force fought its first battle at Mons. It inflicted heavy losses on the Germans but had to begin a retreat.
- Battle of Tannenberg beginsOn 23 August 1914 Samsonov's Russian Second Army clashed with the Germans in southern East Prussia. Fighting began that would end in its encirclement.
- Key eventJapan declares war on GermanyOn 23 August 1914 Japan declared war on Germany. The war spread to the Far East and the Pacific, and Japan reached for Germany's possessions in Asia.
- General Dobell to command the Kamerun expeditionOn 23 August 1914 General Charles Dobell was appointed commander of the Allied land forces against German Kamerun.
- Hindenburg takes command of the Eighth ArmyOn 23 August 1914 General Paul von Hindenburg, recalled from retirement, took command of the Eighth Army in East Prussia, with Ludendorff as chief of staff.
- 24
- The British retreat from MonsOn 24 August 1914 the British Expeditionary Force began its retreat from Mons. Rearguards fought heavy actions at Elouges and Audregnies.
- Battle of the Ardennes endsOn 24 August 1914 the French Third and Fourth Armies, beaten in the Ardennes, fell back behind the Meuse on Joffre's orders. A bloody frontier battle was over.
- Indian Expeditionary Force sets out for FranceOn 24 August 1914 the first units of Indian Expeditionary Force A sailed from India. They were sent first to Egypt and then on to France.
- 25
- Germans capture NamurOn 25 August 1914 the last forts of Namur capitulated. The Belgian fortress at the confluence of the Sambre and the Meuse fell after a five-day siege.
- Key eventBattle of the Meuse beginsOn 25 August 1914 the French Fourth Army, pulled back from the Ardennes, took post behind the Meuse from Mézières to Stenay. The fight for the crossings began.
- Siege of Maubeuge beginsOn 25 August 1914 German troops began to encircle the French fortress of Maubeuge on the Sambre, left behind by the retreating Allies.
- Germans retake Mulhouse for the second timeOn 25 August 1914, after the French withdrawal, German troops occupied Mulhouse for the second time. The city remained in their hands until the end of the war.
- End of the Battle of KraśnikOn 25 August 1914 the Austro-Hungarian First Army took Kraśnik and the Russian Fourth Army fell back towards Lublin. It was Austria-Hungary's first victory.
- Japan breaks off diplomatic relations with Austria-HungaryOn 25 August 1914 Japan broke off diplomatic relations with Austria-Hungary. The ambassador, Baron Ladislaus Müller von Szentgyörgy, left Tokyo.
- British cross the Kamerun border from NigeriaOn 25 August 1914 British columns from Nigeria crossed the border of German Kamerun. The land campaign against the German colony had begun.
- France issues a new contraband decreeOn 25 August 1914 the French government issued a decree on applying the Declaration of London, tightening, like the British, the rules for seizing goods.
- 26
- Germans destroy LeuvenOn the night of 25–26 August 1914 the Germans set fire to the Belgian city of Leuven and its famous university library. About 250 civilians were killed.
- Key eventBattle of Le CateauOn 26 August 1914 Smith-Dorrien's II Corps stood and fought at Le Cateau against the wishes of GHQ. It paid a high price but halted the German pursuit.
- Germans take CambraiOn 26 August 1914, after street fighting with French Territorial units, the Germans took Cambrai. The occupation of the town lasted more than four years.
- Battle of the Złota Lipa beginsOn 26 August 1914 the Austro-Hungarian Third Army attacked east of Lviv and collided with the much stronger armies of Ruzsky and Brusilov.
- Loss of the cruiser SMS MagdeburgOn 26 August 1914 the German cruiser Magdeburg ran aground at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland. The Russians captured her codebooks.
- HMS Highflyer sinks Kaiser Wilhelm der GrosseOn 26 August 1914 the British cruiser Highflyer attacked the German auxiliary cruiser Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse off the coast of Río de Oro.
- Dismissal of war minister Adolphe MessimyOn 26 August 1914 the French war minister Adolphe Messimy lost his post in Viviani's reshuffled government and soon went to the front.
- 27
- Battle of Mechelen endsOn 27 August 1914 the Belgian army's first sortie from Antwerp ended. After three days of fighting near Mechelen the Belgians returned behind the line of forts.
- German cavalry at the gates of LilleIn late August 1914 German cavalry patrols reached undefended Lille. The real occupation of the city began only in October.
- Alexandre Millerand becomes French minister of warOn 27 August 1914 Alexandre Millerand was named minister of war. He replaced Messimy in Viviani's reshuffled government, a government of national unity.
- 28
- Belgium receives Austria-Hungary's declaration of warOn 28 August 1914 Austria-Hungary's note on a state of war reached the Belgian government in Antwerp. Belgium firmly rejected the charges it contained.
- Battle of Heligoland BightOn 28 August 1914 British ships surprised the Germans off Heligoland. They sank three light cruisers and a torpedo boat without losing a single ship.
- 29
- Key eventBattle of Guise beginsOn 29 August 1914 Lanrezac's French Fifth Army broke off its retreat and counter-attacked Bülow's German Second Army on the river Oise.
- Zeppelin Z V shot down near MławaAt the end of August 1914 the German airship Z V, hit by the Russians during a raid on the station at Mława, made a forced landing. Its crew was captured.
- 30
- Battle of Guise endsOn 30 August 1914 the French Fifth Army broke off the fight with Bülow's army and withdrew behind the Serre. The Battle of Guise was over.
- Battle of the Złota Lipa endsOn 30 August 1914 the Russians broke the Austro-Hungarian defence on the Gniła Lipa. Brudermann's army fell back beyond Lviv, opening the city to them.
- New Zealanders occupy SamoaOn 29–30 August 1914 New Zealand troops occupied German Samoa without a fight. Germany lost its second colony of the war after Togoland.
September
- 01
- Lord Kitchener arrives in FranceOn 1 September 1914 Lord Kitchener met Field Marshal Sir John French in Paris and stopped the plan to withdraw the British from the front behind the Seine.
- Germans occupy SoissonsOn 1 September 1914 German troops entered Soissons on the Aisne. The occupation lasted under two weeks, until the German retreat after the Battle of the Marne.
- General Stewart takes command in East AfricaOn 1 September 1914 Brigadier-General James Marshall Stewart, commander of Indian Expeditionary Force "C", took command of the British forces in East Africa.
- 02
- Battle of Komarów endsOn 2 September 1914 Plehve's Russian Fifth Army slipped out of encirclement towards the Bug. The Battle of Komarów ended in an Austro-Hungarian victory.
- French government moves to BordeauxOn the night of 2–3 September 1914 President Poincaré and Viviani's government left Paris, threatened by the Germans, and moved to Bordeaux.
- 03
- Russians take LvivOn 3 September 1914 Russian troops entered Lviv, the capital of Galicia, without a fight. An occupation and Russification lasting until June 1915 began.
- Benedict XV elected popeOn 3 September 1914 the conclave elected Cardinal Giacomo della Chiesa pope. As Benedict XV he called for peace and helped victims throughout the war.
- France accepts the Declaration of London with modificationsOn 3 September 1914 France told the United States that it would observe the Declaration of London, but with changes that tightened control of trade.
- 05
- End of the retreat from MonsOn 5 September 1914 the British Expeditionary Force ended its retreat from Mons. After almost two weeks of marching it halted south of the Marne, near Paris.
- Germans reach ClayeIn early September 1914 units of Kluck's army reached Claye, east of Paris. The British chronicle called it the closest point to the capital in the war.
- Germans leave LilleOn 5 September 1914 the German detachment that had entered Lille three days earlier left the city. The Germans returned for good only in October.
- Battle of the Masurian Lakes beginsAt the beginning of September 1914 Hindenburg's German Eighth Army moved against Rennenkampf's Russian First Army. The Battle of the Masurian Lakes began.
- Pact of LondonOn 5 September 1914 in London Britain, France and Russia pledged not to make a separate peace. The Entente became a formal wartime alliance.
- 06
- Key eventBattle of the Marne beginsOn 6 September 1914 the French armies and the British went over to the counter-offensive from Paris to Verdun. The battle that decided 1914 had begun.
- Skirmish on the TsavoOn 6 September 1914 in the Tsavo valley in British East Africa, Indian and African soldiers clashed with Germans heading for the Uganda Railway.
- 08
- Battle of the Drina beginsOn 8 September 1914 Austro-Hungarian troops crossed the Drina. In the mountains of western Serbia a battle began that turned into trench warfare.
- Battle of Gródek and Rawa Ruska beginsOn 8 September 1914 Conrad launched the Austro-Hungarian armies at Lviv via Gródek Jagielloński. The Russian Fifth Army threatened them from the north.
- 09
- Key eventGermans retreat from the MarneOn 9 September 1914 the German 1st and 2nd Armies began to retreat from the Marne, sealed by Moltke's envoy Hentsch. The plan for a quick victory failed.
- Ottoman Empire abolishes the capitulationsOn 9 September 1914 the Ottoman government announced an end to the capitulations, foreign privileges, from 1 October. All the powers, Germany too, objected.
- Defence of Abercorn endsOn 9 September 1914 relief reached Abercorn in Northern Rhodesia. The reinforced garrison beat off another German attack and the raiders fell back.
- 10
- End of the Battle of the MarneOn 10 September 1914 the British and French pursued the retreating Germans. British historiography regards this day as the end of the Battle of the Marne.
- Emden's first prize in the Indian OceanOn 10 September 1914 the German cruiser Emden stopped the Greek collier Pontoporos in the Bay of Bengal. Captain von Müller's famous raid had begun.
- 11
- The great Austro-Hungarian retreat in GaliciaOn 11 September 1914 Conrad ordered the Austro-Hungarian armies back behind the San, then the Dunajec. Russia took most of Galicia and besieged Przemyśl.
- Kitchener's second New Army is formedOn 11 September 1914 the British government ordered the formation of a second New Army of volunteers. It comprised six infantry divisions, the 15th to 20th.
- Australians land in the Bismarck ArchipelagoOn 11 September 1914 the Australian expeditionary force landed on New Britain in German New Guinea. Its objective was the German wireless station at Bita Paka.
- 14
- Germans leave ReimsIn mid-September 1914 the Germans withdrew from Reims but dug in on the nearby hills. On 14 September the shelling of the city began. It lasted four years.
- Falkenhayn replaces MoltkeOn 14 September 1914 Helmuth von Moltke, broken by defeat on the Marne, was removed from command. Erich von Falkenhayn took over direction of the German army.
- 15
- End of the Battle of the Masurian LakesOn 15 September 1914 the Battle of the Masurian Lakes ended. Rennenkampf's Russian 1st Army, beaten but not encircled, withdrew from East Prussia.
- Boer rebellion beginsOn 15 September 1914 General Beyers left the army of the Union of South Africa in protest against the war, and General De la Rey was killed by a police bullet.
- 17
- Serbs evacuate SemlinFor 17 September 1914 the British chronology records the Serbs leaving Syrmia and Semlin. The Austro-Hungarians returned, and with them reprisals.
- British naval mission leaves TurkeyIn September 1914 the British naval mission of Admiral Arthur Limpus left Turkey. German officers took over the Ottoman fleet.
- Admiral Souchon takes command of the Turkish fleetIn September 1914 the German admiral Wilhelm Souchon took command of the Ottoman fleet. A few weeks later he drew Turkey into the war.
- 19
- Fire at Reims CathedralOn 19 September 1914 German shells set fire to Reims Cathedral, where the kings of France were crowned. The burning church became a symbol of wartime barbarity.
- South African troops occupy LüderitzbuchtOn 19 September 1914 troops of the Union of South Africa landed unopposed at Lüderitzbucht. The invasion of German South West Africa had begun.
- Secret agreement between Russia and RomaniaIn autumn 1914 Russia, in a secret agreement, recognised Romania's claim to Transylvania and part of Bukovina in return for Bucharest's benevolent neutrality.
- 21
- French briefly enter NoyonOn 21 September 1914 General Castelnau's troops entered Noyon but could not hold it. The town remained in German hands until March 1917.
- German troops in New Guinea surrenderOn 21 September 1914 the last German units on New Britain laid down their arms at Herbertshöhe. One German officer hid in the jungle until 1919.
- 22
- Key eventFirst Battle of Picardy beginsOn 22 September 1914 General de Castelnau's new French Second Army attacked north of the Oise. The Race to the Sea had begun.
- Aboukir, Hogue and Cressy are sunkOn 22 September 1914 the German U-9 sank three British armoured cruisers in about an hour. Almost 1,500 sailors were killed.
- Von Spee shells PapeeteOn 22 September 1914 the cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau shelled Papeete on Tahiti. The French burned the coal stocks before the Germans could seize them.
- Emden bombards MadrasOn the night of 22 September 1914 the German cruiser Emden shelled Madras and set its oil tanks ablaze. The attack caused panic on India's east coast.
- First wireless link between an aircraft and artilleryIn September 1914 Royal Flying Corps airmen over the Aisne first directed artillery fire by wireless. It was the beginning of aerial artillery observation.
- 24
- First siege of Przemyśl beginsOn 24 September 1914 the Russian Third Army cut Przemyśl off from the Austro-Hungarian army. The first siege of one of the largest fortresses in Europe began.
- Germans take Saint-MihielOn 24 September 1914 the Bavarians took Saint-Mihiel on the Meuse and next day Fort Camp des Romains, creating a salient held by Germany until September 1918.
- 25
- Germans retake NoyonAccording to the British chronology the Germans retook Noyon on the Oise on 25 September 1914. The front settled just beyond it and held until March 1917.
- Fighting on the Niemen beginsOn 25 September 1914 the German 8th Army attacked Russian positions on the Niemen between Grodno and Kovno, with fighting around Druskieniki and Grodno.
- 26
- End of the First Battle of PicardyOn 26 September 1914 the First Battle of Picardy ended. The French failed to turn the German flank, and the front between the Oise and Somme set in trenches.
- First Indian troops land at MarseilleOn 26 September 1914 the first units of Indian Expeditionary Force "A" landed at Marseille. A month later they were already fighting in Flanders.
- 27
- Key eventSiege of Antwerp beginsOn 27 September 1914 the Germans began the siege of Antwerp, Belgium's last fortress. The next day heavy mortars began to smash the outer forts.
- Allies capture DualaOn 27 September 1914 British and French troops took Duala, the main port of German Kamerun. The Germans withdrew inland and fought on there until 1916.
October
- 03
- German cavalry in YpresThe British chronology records the capture of Ypres by German cavalry on 3 October 1914. Its main body entered the town several days later.
- British marines arrive in AntwerpOn 3 October 1914 Winston Churchill arrived in Antwerp. That night the Royal Marine Brigade arrived and took up positions on the Nete near Lier.
- End of the Austro-Hungarian retreat in GaliciaIn early October 1914 the Austro-Hungarian armies halted on the Dunajec and the Biała. After three weeks of retreat they were preparing a counter-offensive.
- Russians take MáramarosszigetIn early October 1914 Russian cavalry that had crossed the Carpathian passes took Máramarossziget, capital of the Hungarian county of Máramaros.
- 04
- Battle of Arras endsOn 4 October 1914 Maud'huy considered retreating from Arras, but Joffre forbade it and sent Foch north. Arras was saved, and the Germans took Lens.
- Austria-Hungary launches a counter-offensive in GaliciaIn early October 1914 the Austro-Hungarian armies advanced east from the Dunajec. They drove the Russians behind the San and relieved Przemyśl, then stalled.
- 07
- Belgian government moves to OstendOn 7 October 1914 the Belgian government left Antwerp and moved to Ostend. The army was withdrawing across the Scheldt and residents fled the bombardment.
- Japanese occupy YapOn 7 October 1914 a Japanese squadron occupied the island of Yap in the Carolines, an important hub of German telegraph cables and radio links in the Pacific.
- 09
- Germans occupy Armentières, Hazebrouck, Merville and EstairesA British chronicle records the German capture of four towns in French Flanders on 9 October 1914. In reality these were cavalry raids.
- Fall of the last forts of AntwerpOn 9 October 1914 the Germans found the inner ring forts abandoned and entered Antwerp. The burgomaster signed the fortress's surrender at Kontich.
- Relief of PrzemyślOn 9 October 1914 cavalry of General Boroević's Third Army reached Przemyśl. After a failed assault the Russians drew back from the fortress behind the San.
- 10
- Capitulation of AntwerpOn 10 October 1914 Antwerp formally capitulated. Governor Deguise surrendered at Fort Sainte-Marie, and thousands of soldiers were interned in the Netherlands.
- Key eventBattle of La Bassée beginsOn 10 October 1914 the British II Corps, moved from the Aisne, marched towards Béthune and La Bassée. So began the British fighting in Flanders.
- 11
- The British retake MervilleThe British chronology records the recapture of Merville on 11 October 1914. The British 1st Cavalry Division took the Lys town, linking up with the French.
- Australians capture the yacht KometOn 11 October 1914 the Australian patrol vessel Nusa surprised the German government yacht Komet in a bay on New Britain and took her without a shot.
- 12
- Key eventBattle of Messines beginsOn 12 October 1914 Allenby's British cavalry took the Mont des Cats in Flanders. The battle for the Messines ridge south of Ypres had begun.
- Belgians abandon Ostend and ZeebruggeOn 12 October 1914 the Belgians abandoned Ostend and Zeebrugge. The King and government left, the army fell back to the Yser and the ports were left undefended.
- Germans occupy GhentOn 12 October 1914 the Germans entered Ghent, abandoned by the Allies after the fighting at Melle. The city remained under occupation until November 1918.
- 13
- Allies return to YpresIn mid-October 1914 Rawlinson's British IV Corps, falling back from Ghent, reached Ypres. French Territorial divisions took up positions beside it.
- Battle of Chyrów beginsOn 13 October 1914 the Austro-Hungarian armies launched a general attack on the Russian Eighth Army at Chyrów and Stary Sambor. A hard battle began.
- Belgian government in Le HavreOn 13 October 1914 the Belgian government sailed from Ostend to Le Havre. It settled in Sainte-Adresse, and France granted its buildings extraterritoriality.
- 14
- Germans occupy BrugesOn 14 October 1914 the Germans entered Bruges without a fight. The city soon became the headquarters of the German navy in Flanders and a U-boat base.
- British capture YabassiOn 14 October 1914 British troops took the German post of Yabassi on the Wouri river in Kamerun. A first attack a week earlier had failed.
- 15
- Germans reach the Belgian coastOn 15 October 1914 the Germans reached the North Sea in Belgium. The race to the sea was ending; the Belgians dug in on the Yser between Nieuport and Dixmude.
- Canadians land in EnglandOn 15 October 1914 the first Canadian contingent began disembarking at Plymouth. It took over a week, and from there the soldiers went on to Salisbury Plain.
- 16
- Key eventBattle of the Yser beginsOn 16 October 1914 the Germans attacked Diksmuide. By Belgian reckoning this began the Battle of the Yser, in defence of the last strip of their country.
- Indian Expeditionary Force "B" sails for AfricaOn 16 October 1914 General Aitken's Indian Expeditionary Force "B" sailed from Bombay. Some 8,000 soldiers were to conquer German East Africa.
- 17
- The British retake ArmentièresOn 17 October 1914 the British III Corps entered Armentières, hastily abandoned by the Germans. The town remained in Allied hands until 1918.
- Battle off TexelOn 17 October 1914 the British cruiser Undaunted and four destroyers sank four German torpedo boats off Texel that were on their way to lay mines.
- Alarm at Scapa FlowOn 16–17 October 1914 an alarm over a supposed U-boat was raised at the Grand Fleet base, Scapa Flow. The fleet put to sea, though no submarine was ever found.
- Australians sail for the warIn mid-October 1914 the first Australian units boarded ships and sailed for Albany. From there the convoy set out for Egypt on 1 November.
- 18
- Germans take RoeselareOn 18–19 October 1914 the Germans took Roeselare after fighting the French. Taking the inhabitants for francs-tireurs, they murdered dozens of civilians.
- Grand Fleet leaves Scapa FlowOn 18 October 1914, fearing U-boats, the Grand Fleet began moving from Scapa Flow to Lough Swilly in Ireland and Loch na Keal on the island of Mull.
- 19
- Key eventFirst Battle of Ypres beginsOn 19 October 1914 a British attack on Menin ran into new German corps. This was how the First Battle of Ypres began.
- First Indian soldiers at the frontA British chronicle records the arrival of the first Indian soldiers at the front on 19 October 1914. They entered the trenches at Messines on 22–23 October.
- 22
- United States abandons the Declaration of LondonOn 22 October 1914 the USA withdrew its proposal to apply the Declaration of London and said it would defend neutral rights on the basis of the old rules.
- Polish Military Organisation foundedOn 22 October 1914 Piłsudski's envoy Tadeusz Żuliński took command of the riflemen's underground in Warsaw and named it the Polish Military Organisation.
- 26
- Germans attack AngolaIn late October 1914 the Germans in South West Africa resolved to avenge the Naulila incident and struck at Portuguese posts in Angola.
- Wolfe Murray becomes Chief of the Imperial General StaffOn 26 October 1914 General Sir James Wolfe Murray became Chief of the Imperial General Staff. In Kitchener's shadow he played no significant role.
- 29
- Key eventBattle of Gheluvelt beginsOn 29 October 1914 the Germans attacked the crossroads at Gheluvelt on the Menin–Ypres road in fog. The next day Fabeck's group began its great offensive.
- Key eventOttoman fleet attacks Russian portsOn 29 October 1914 Admiral Souchon's Ottoman warships shelled Russian Black Sea ports without a declaration of war. Turkey entered the war.
- 30
- Russians take StanisławówThe British chronicle records the Russian capture of Stanisławów on 30 October 1914. The town had, however, been in their hands since early September.
- Allied ultimatum to TurkeyOn 30 October 1914 London gave Turkey 12 hours to expel the German missions and the crews of Goeben and Breslau, or face a break in relations.
- The Entente breaks off relations with TurkeyOn 30 October 1914 the ambassadors of Russia, Britain and France demanded their passports in Constantinople. War with Turkey was only days away.
- Fisher returns to the AdmiraltyOn 30 October 1914 the 73-year-old Admiral John Fisher became First Sea Lord again. He replaced Prince Louis of Battenberg.
- 31
- Key eventCritical day at YpresOn 31 October 1914 the Germans broke the British line at Gheluvelt. A counter-attack by the 2nd Worcestershire closed the gap, ending the Battle of Gheluvelt.
- Admiralty orders hostilities against TurkeyOn 31 October 1914 the British Admiralty ordered its ships to begin hostilities against Turkey at once, although war had not yet been declared.
- Aitken replaces StewartAt the end of October 1914 Gen. Arthur Aitken took supreme command in East Africa. Gen. Stewart and his Force "C" came under his orders.
- Kitchener writes to the Sharif of MeccaOn 31 October 1914 Lord Kitchener promised the Sharif of Mecca protection and help if the Arabs supported Britain in the war with Turkey.
November
- 01
- Germans take MessinesIn the night and early morning of 1 November 1914 the Germans took Wytschaete and the Messines ridge. British cavalry left the town and fell back to Wulverghem.
- Battle of CoronelOn 1 November 1914 off Chile Admiral von Spee's squadron sank two British armoured cruisers. Admiral Cradock and about 1,600 sailors were killed.
- Martial law in EgyptAt the start of November 1914 General John Maxwell declared martial law in Egypt. The British promised that they would not call on Egyptians to fight.
- 02
- End of the battles of Messines and ArmentièresOn 2 November 1914 the Germans took Wytschaete from the French, who relieved the British cavalry. The battles of Messines and Armentières end.
- Sinking of the cruiser Kaiserin ElisabethOn 2 November 1914 the crew of the Austro-Hungarian cruiser Kaiserin Elisabeth scuttled her in the harbour of Tsingtao. The sailors fought on ashore.
- India guarantees the inviolability of the holy places of IslamOn 2 November 1914 the Viceroy of India said Britain would not attack the holy places of Arabia and Mesopotamia or Jeddah if the Turks let pilgrims through.
- Key eventRussia declares war on TurkeyOn 2 November 1914 Nicholas II issued a manifesto of war with Turkey. The Tsar said it would open Russia's way to its Black Sea aims, that is, the Straits.
- North Sea declared a war zoneOn 2 November 1914 the Admiralty declared the whole North Sea a military area. From 5 November neutral ships were to sail through the English Channel.
- Battle of Tanga beginsOn 2 November 1914 a British cruiser warned the Germans at Tanga that the truce was over. In the evening Force "B" began landing on beaches east of the town.
- 03
- Grand Fleet returns to Scapa FlowOn 3 November 1914 the Admiralty ordered the Grand Fleet back to Scapa Flow from Ireland. The battleships arrived on 7–9 November, though the base had no booms.
- First bombardment of the DardanellesOn 3 November 1914 British and French ships shelled the forts at the mouth of the Dardanelles. A magazine blast wrecked Sedd el Bahr but warned the Turks.
- Sonnino becomes Italian foreign ministerIn early November 1914 Baron Sidney Sonnino took over the Italian foreign ministry. Six months later he signed the secret Treaty of London with the Entente.
- 04
- Loss of the cruiser KarlsruheOn 4 November 1914 an internal explosion tore apart the German cruiser Karlsruhe on her way to attack Barbados. About 260 men died, including her captain.
- Russians enter TurkeyIn early November 1914 Russian troops crossed the Turkish border in the Caucasus. By 4 November they had reached Azap, about 25 km inside Turkey.
- 05
- Key eventBritain and France declare war on TurkeyOn 5 November 1914 Britain and France declared war on Turkey. London abandoned its century-old policy of defending the Ottoman Empire against Russia.
- The Battle of Tanga endsOn 5 November 1914 the beaten Force "B" re-embarked at Tanga, leaving weapons and ammunition on the shore. The defeat cost General Aitken his command.
- 06
- British land at FaoOn 6 November 1914 Indian troops, after a naval bombardment, landed at Fao on the Shatt al-Arab and took the Turkish fort. The Mesopotamian campaign began.
- Russians take KöprüköyIn the first week of November 1914 Russian troops reached Köprüköy on the road to Erzurum. The British chronology states that they took it on 6 November.
- 09
- The end of the EmdenOn 9 November 1914 the Australian cruiser Sydney destroyed the German raider Emden off the Cocos Islands. The most famous raid of this war was over.
- Anglo-French prize conventionOn 9 November 1914 Britain and France signed a convention in London that settled whose courts would rule on ships seized by the warships of the two countries.
- 10
- Germans take DiksmuideOn 10 November 1914 the Germans took Diksmuide on the Yser, held since mid-October by French marines and Belgians. The defenders fell back across the Yser.
- Second siege of Przemyśl beginsOn 10 November 1914 the Russians again closed the ring around the fortress of Przemyśl. Some 130,000 soldiers and thousands of civilians were encircled.
- 11
- Key eventPrussian Guard attack at Nonne BosschenOn 11 November 1914 the Prussian Guard broke into the British line at Ypres. Gunners and an Oxfordshire counter-attack stopped the last great German attack.
- Sinking of HMS NigerOn 11 November 1914 the German U-12 torpedoed the British torpedo gunboat Niger, serving as a minesweeper, off Deal. Most of the crew were saved.
- 13
- Netherlands protests against changes to the Declaration of LondonOn 13 November 1914 the Dutch government protested against changes to the Declaration of London that tightened Allied controls on neutral trade.
- Barrett takes command in MesopotamiaIn mid-November 1914 General Arthur Barrett arrived on the Shatt al-Arab with 18th Brigade. He took command and was ordered to occupy Basra.
- 14
- Turks retake KöprüköyIn mid-November 1914 an Ottoman Third Army counter-offensive pushed the Russians from Köprüköy almost to the border, the first Turkish success in the Caucasus.
- Lord Roberts diesOn 14 November 1914 Field Marshal Lord Roberts, hero of the wars in Afghanistan and South Africa, died of pneumonia at Saint-Omer.
- Sultan proclaims jihadOn 14 November 1914 the Sultan-Caliph's call to holy war against the Entente was solemnly proclaimed in Constantinople. Germany hoped for Muslim uprisings.
- 15
- Battle of Kraków beginsIn mid-November 1914 the Russians neared the fortress of Kraków. On 16 November the Austro-Hungarian Fourth Army sallied out and hit their Ninth Army's flank.
- Action at SaihanOn 15 November 1914 Gen. Delamain's brigade routed a Turkish force at Saihan on the Shatt al-Arab. It was the first step on the road to Basra.
- 17
- Sinking of the cruiser Friedrich CarlOn the night of 17 November 1914 the German armoured cruiser Friedrich Carl struck Russian mines off Memel and sank. Seven or eight sailors were killed.
- Action at SahilOn 17 November 1914 two brigades of Gen. Barrett routed the main Turkish force at Sahil on the Shatt al-Arab in rain and mud. The road to Basra lay open.
- 22
- End of the First Battle of YpresOn 22 November 1914 the First Battle of Ypres ended. The French took over the salient around the town and the bled-white British army a sector further south.
- The British occupy BasraOn 22 November 1914 British and Indian troops entered Basra, abandoned by the Turks. The next day the occupation of the city was formally proclaimed.
December
- 01
- Battle of Limanowa beginsOn 1 December 1914 Austro-Hungarian troops assembled in the Raba valley moved down from the mountains to strike the flank of the Russian Third Army near Kraków.
- Australians and New Zealanders at SuezOn 1 December 1914 the first ships of the convoy from Australia and New Zealand anchored at Suez. The troops, bound for England, were to stay in Egypt.
- 04
- Fighting for Qurna beginsOn 4 December 1914 Indian troops landed near Qurna and drove the Turks out of the village of Muzaira, but failed to cross the Tigris and returned to camp.
- Wapshare replaces AitkenAfter the defeat at Tanga Gen. Arthur Aitken was recalled. Command of the British forces in East Africa passed to Gen. Richard Wapshare.
- The Puławy Legion is formedOn 4 December 1914 the first volunteers of a Polish Legion, raised with Russian consent and National Democrat backing against Piłsudski's, reached Puławy.
- 06
- Romania refuses guarantees for GreeceAccording to the British chronology, on 6 December 1914 Romania refused guarantees for Greece. Without them Athens, fearing Bulgaria, would not help Serbia.
- Germans take ŁódźOn 6 December 1914 German troops entered Łódź, abandoned by the Russians. For its inhabitants an occupation lasting almost four years began.
- 17
- End of the Battle of LimanowaThe British chronology ends the Battle of Limanowa on 17 December 1914. Fighting had stopped days earlier, but Vienna then announced a general Russian retreat.
- Turkish offensive in the CaucasusThe British chronology dates the start of the Turkish offensive in the Caucasus to 17 December 1914. In fact Enver Pasha was then finishing his preparations.
- 18
- British protectorate over EgyptOn 18 December 1914 Britain proclaimed a protectorate over Egypt. This ended the formal suzerainty of the Ottoman sultan over the country.
- Fighting begins on the Rawka and the BzuraOn 18 December 1914 the Germans attacked new Russian positions on the Rawka and the Bzura, opening fighting that became trench warfare lasting until July 1915.
- 26
- Italians land at VlorëAt the end of December 1914 neutral Italy occupied the Albanian port of Vlorë. Rome assured Vienna that the occupation was temporary.
- Garibaldi Legion in the ArgonneOn 26 December 1914 Peppino Garibaldi's Italian volunteers first attacked in the Argonne. His brother Bruno, grandson of the hero of Italian unity, fell.