1914 in History

Marwitz is dispatched to the Eastern Front in command of the newly-established XXXVIII Reserve Corps, where it was believed that the cavalry would fare better

The Director of Naval Construction is instructed to develop shallow-draught monitors around the newly available fourteen-inch turrets.

Supports emergency expansion of the Army as Britain mobilises for a continental war.

Asks Parliament to authorise up to 500,000 additional land forces for wartime service.

Appointed Commander of the German Navy along the Belgian coast

Appointed Commander of the German Navy along the Belgian coast

Refuses to disclose the maximum price payable under the Admiralty's Anglo-Persian oil supply arrangements.

Creates a small Admiralty War Group of senior naval leaders to direct major strategic decisions after war begins.

Carden reviews ships, bases and logistical arrangements required for sustained naval operations near the Dardanelles.

Hertzog's federal party expands its organization into Pretoria.

British Government agree to Japanese request that Australia should not occupy German islands north of the Equator

British-German agreement on the Baghdad Railway & Mesopotamia

Informs the Austria Germany will support Austria against Serbia, the "blank cheque". Assures Francis-Joseph Germany will not desert Austria during its conflict with Serbia

Foch coordinates French reinforcements to help stabilise the Allied position around Ypres.

Britain acquires control of Persian Gulf oil interests from the Anglon Oil Company.

The Anglo-Persian Oil Company Acquisition of Capital Act receives Royal Assent.

Moves Commons authorization for up to two million two hundred thousand pounds to acquire company share or loan capital.

Secures Commons approval for financing the government's acquisition of Anglo-Persian share and loan capital.

Defends government acquisition of a controlling financial interest in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company.

Defends the Anglo-Persian oil contract in the House of Commons.

Churchill reviews protective measures after U-9 sinks three British armoured cruisers in rapid succession.

Churchill discusses the city's defence with Belgian and British authorities after arriving at Antwerp.

The Admiralty helps coordinate withdrawal as the Belgian position becomes untenable.

Churchills proposals to increase Naval expenditure split the cabinet

Churchills proposals in cabinet to increase Naval expenditure are accepted

Explains Admiralty policy concerning the arming of British merchant ships.

Churchill answers parliamentary questions concerning wartime commissions between the armed services.

Reviews practical measures intended to speed the enlistment of wartime volunteers.

Secures government support for expanding Britain's small professional army through successive volunteer formations.

Uses a Commons statement to reinforce the national appeal for voluntary Army recruits.

Asks the Tsar to spare Europe, "the most horrible war she has ever witnessed"

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand & his wife by the "Black Hand" Serbian nationalists

The assassination sparks off World War I. The anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 when Turks defeated the Serbs. Assassinated on St Vitus day, anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389

Assassinated by Garrilo Princip, a member of Young Bosnia

Assassination of Frnz Ferdinand, Franz Josefs cousin & heir

Following the Balkan Wars, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914 was therefore a culmination of the heightened tension between Austria-Hungary and Serbia

Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Bethmann Hollweg and Foreign Secretary Gottlieb von Jagow are instrumental in urging the Austrians to take a tough stand against Serbia

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand & his wife by the "Black Hand" Serbian nationalists

The assassination tiggers off the 1st World War

Assassinated by a French nationalist fanatic

Answers Commons questions about the Austro-Hungarian naval programme.

Publishes an early patriotic poem in a local newspaper.

Holbrook brings B11 back through the minefield despite currents, grounding and Ottoman pursuit.

Holbrook takes submarine B11 beneath the defended minefield in the Dardanelles.

Winn serves as first lieutenant during B11's successful attack on Mesudiye and hazardous return passage.

Britain and Germany reach agreement concerning the Baghdad Railway and Mesopotamia.

Balkan War tensions shape Austria's response to Serbia.

Appointed Commander of the Baltic Sea naval forces

Churchill records that Britain cannot command both the North Sea and Baltic before defeating Germany's main fleet.

Churchill proposes opening new strategic pressure against Germany and considers the requirements for Baltic operations.

The failed December interception reinforces concern about information sharing and signalling among British naval forces.

Beatty withdraws his battlecruisers after the German light forces have suffered severe losses.

Fisher refuses to delay the South Atlantic force and requires the battlecruisers to sail even with workmen still aboard.

Beatty's battlecruisers mobilise for North Sea operations as Britain enters the war against Germany.

Beatty's force is used as fast heavy support for British cruiser and destroyer operations in the North Sea.

Provides parliamentary information concerning battleships then under construction.

Answers Commons questions comparing Admiralty policy for battleships, submarines and airships.

Addresses early casualty information concerning the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front.

French shifts the BEF northward as both sides attempt to outflank each other toward Flanders.

The Belgian Army retreats from the Gette on Antwerp

Albert directs the Belgian Army toward the Yser after Antwerp falls and the northern front contracts.

Royal Navy vessels bombard German forces on the Belgian coast while supporting the Allied flank.

Reports the British ultimatum demanding that Germany respect Belgian neutrality.

Addresses arrangements for Belgian refugees displaced by the German invasion.

Moves an address expressing admiration for Belgian resistance and British determination to support Belgian independence.

Reports the response of King Albert to British expressions of sympathy and support for Belgium.

After having dispatched Count Hoyos on a mission to Berlin on 5 July to secure German support for Austria-Hungarys future actions, which resulted in the famous "blank cheque", he became the leading spokesman, together with the Chief of the General Staff General Conrad von Hotzendorf, for war against Serbia during the meeting of the Imperial Crown Council on 7 July

Is arrested with other Bolshevik Duma deputies.

A German squadron bombs Hartlepool, Scarborough & Whitby

Conducts an air raid on Scarborough

Japan severs diplomatic relations with Austria-Hungar. Japan declares "State of War" with Austria-Hungary

Japan severs diplomatic relations with Austria-Hungary. Japan declares "State of War" with Austria-Hungary

Japan severs diplomatic relations with Austria-Hungary

Turkey severs diplomatic relations with Belgium

Germany declares war on Belgium. Belgium severs diplomatic relations with Germany

Austria-Hungary severs diplomatic relations with Japan

Germany severs diplomatic relations with Japan

Austria-Hungary severs diplomatic relations with Japan

Japan declares war on Germany. Germany severs diplomatic relations with Japan

Austria-Hungary severs diplomatic relations with Japan

Austria-Hungary severs diplomatic relations with Serbia. Austro-Hungarian Minister leaves Belgrade

Bristol aircraft production expands for wartime service.

Great Britain enters war with Austria.

British and French Governments guarantee to Belgium the integrity of her colonies

Explains that Admiralty oil transport will use British-flag vessels under government freight arrangements.

Explains to Parliament why the German invasion of Belgium has brought Britain into the European war.

French commands the BEF before the First Battle of Ypres.

The French 5th & the BEF move between Bulow & von Kluck forcing Bulows retreat

Appointed Commander of the British Expeditionary Force

Appointed Commander of the British Expeditionary Force

Joins in the battle linking the BEF with the French 5th and 6th Armies

The BEF lands at Ostend, Calais & Dunkirk

The BEF cross the Channel to France

Murray summoned the Corps Chiefs of Staff at around 1am on 24 August (the night after the Battle of Mons), and ordered them to retreat, but gave them no detailed plans, leaving them to work out the details themselves

Appointed Chief of Staff to the BEF

Murray had an important meeting with Gallieni (Military governor of Paris) and Maunoury (commander, French 6th Army) to discuss the planned Allied counterattack which would become the First Battle of the Marne

The British naval mission withdraws from Ottoman service as relations deteriorate before Turkey enters the war.

The Irish Home Rule conference opens at Buckingham Palace.

Churchills proposals to increase Naval expenditure split the cabinet

Churchills proposals in cabinet to increase Naval expenditure are accepted

Integrates the arriving Canadian contingent into Britain's expanding imperial war effort.

Organizes the first Canadian Expeditionary Force camp at Valcartier.

Addresses Commons questions about Canadian ships and their relationship to Imperial naval policy.

Churchill answers questions about HMS Canopus following the defeat of Admiral Cradock's squadron.

The Admiralty receives news that HMS Carmania has sunk the German auxiliary cruiser Cap Trafalgar.

The Belgian capital is moved from Brussels to Antwerp

The Belgian capital is moved from Antwerp to Le Havre, France

The capital of France is moved to Bordeaux

Amiens is captured by the Germans

France recaptures Amiens

Germany captures Amiens

Amiens is captured by the Germans

Germany captures Antwerp

Commands the capture of Antwerp by the First Army

Antwerp surrenders to the Germans

Takes part in the German capture of Antwerp

The Russians regroup, counterattack & recapture Augustov & move into East Prussia

Germany captures Brussels

Germany captures Brussels

Brussels is captured without resistance by General von Kluck of the First Army

Britain captures Cyprus

Is captured after the rebellion fails.

The Belgian Army retreats from the Gette on Antwerp

The Russians capture Lemberg, Lwow, capital of Austrian Galicia

The Russians capture Lemberg, Lwow, capital of Austrian Galicia

The Russians capture Lemberg

Germany captures Liege

Ludendorf commands the 14th Infantry Brigade in Liege & accepts its surrender. Ludendorf calls up the zeppelins to drop bombs into the city and citadel, and personally leads 14th Brigade in between the forts into the city, forcing the Belgian garrison there to surrender

The forts around Liege are finally taken

The taking of Mulhouse, albeit without opposition, sparked wild celebrations in France, the French are regarded as liberators by the inhabitants of Mulhouse

The Germans capture Ostend

France recaptures Rheims

Austrian forces cross the Save and seize Shabatz

Termonde (Belgium) taken by German forces

The German colony of Tsingtao in China surrenders to the Japanese

Tsingtau capitulates to Japanese forces

US forces bombard & seize the Mexican port of Vera Cruz

Japanese naval forces occupy Yap Island

The British occupy Ypres

Fights in difficult mountain operations against Austro-Hungarian forces.

Answers questions about publishing official lists of British military casualties.

Receives command of the British Expeditionary Force Cavalry Corps.

Takes command of the newly formed BEF Cavalry Corps.

Turkey joins the Central Powers; Britain and France declare war on her

Appointed Chairman of the Council of Minister's, 2nd term

Appointed Commander of the French Army

Appointed Commander of the French Army

Resigns as Chief of the Imperial General Staff after the Curragh Mutiny

Appointed Chief of Staff to the Eussian sth-western army group on Galicia

Appointed Chief of Staff to the Eussian sth-western army group on Galicia

Appointed Chief of Staff to the BEF

Appointed Chief of Staff to the BEF

Appointed Chief of Staff of the Ninth Army

Appointed Chief of Staff of the Ninth Army

Churchill addresses questions concerning the destruction of Cradock's squadron off the Chilean coast.

Answers Commons questions about piracy and British naval responsibilities in Chinese waters.

Takes part in Commons discussion concerning the relationship between civil authority and military forces.

Addresses wartime regulations affecting Civil Service employees and their availability for national service.

The Clayton Act targets anticompetitive practices and exempts legitimate labour activity from antitrust prosecution.

Answers Commons questions concerning coal and oil supplies for the Royal Navy.

Appointed Commander of the 4th Army

Appointed Commander of the Army Group North

Appointed Commander of the Army Group North, during the "Race to the Sea"

Appointed Commander of the Baltic Sea naval forces

Appointed Commander of the Baltic Sea naval forces

Appointed Commander of the British Expeditionary Force

Appointed Commander of the British Expeditionary Force

Appointed Commander of the Far East Squadron, patrols the Pacific

Appointed Commander of the Far East Squadron, patrols the Pacific

Appointed Commander of the Ninth Army, to fill the gap on the Marne front

Appointed Commander of the Ninth Army, to fill the gap on the Marne front

Given command of the Russian Second Army

Given command of the Russian Second Army

Appointed Commander of the 33rd Regiment

Appointed Commander of the Ninth Army

Appointed Commander of the Ninth Army

Appointed Commander of the XXXIII Corps

The Admiralty signals Royal Navy ships and establishments to commence hostilities against Germany.

Responds to parliamentary questions about whether compulsory military service will be introduced.

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

The ISB defends Lenin against charges of splitting the party

Governs China without Parliament

Dismisses Parliament & becomes a dictator

After news of Coronel, Fisher moves quickly to create an overwhelming force to hunt Admiral von Spee.

Succeeds Seely at the War Office during the Curragh crisis and threat of Irish civil conflict.

Resigns as Chief of the Imperial General Staff after the Curragh Mutiny

Royal Naval Air Service seaplanes launched from converted ships raid German naval and Zeppelin facilities around Cuxhaven.

Britain takes control of Cyprus during the war.

Enver orders reinforcement of the Dardanelles as the threat of an Allied attack increases.

Churchill instructs Admiral Carden to conduct a limited bombardment against the outer Dardanelles forts.

Churchill argues that pressure at the Dardanelles could threaten Constantinople and relieve strategic pressure elsewhere.

Carden strengthens the watch on the Dardanelles entrance as Allied planners consider operations against Ottoman defences.

Fisher warns that forcing the Dardanelles without adequate troops could expose the fleet to serious losses.

Carden conducts reconnaissance of the Ottoman forts and mine defences guarding the Dardanelles entrance.

Carden concentrates Allied naval forces outside the Dardanelles after the Ottoman Empire enters the war.

Helps break organized resistance during the Afrikaner rebellion.

Germany declares war on Belgium

Austria-Hungary declares war on Belgium

Austria is at war with Belgium

Great Britain is at war with Austria

Great Britain & France declare war on Turkey

As the acceptance of all ten demands listed in the ultimatum was required, the Austro-Hungarian Government made a decision to enter a state of war with Serbia on 28 July

Berchtold had added extra clauses to the ultimatum delivered to Serbia as he was very worried the Serbs could accept it.

The Serbian Government accepted all points of the ultimatum but the one that permitted Austro-Hungarian authorities to participate in the investigation of Archduke Ferdinands assassination on Serbian territory

which would have been a severe violation of Serbian sovereignty and the countrys constitution.

Sends a declaration of war to Serbia after they refuse Berchtolds ultimatum. Sends a declaration of war to Serbia after it refuses Berchtolds ultimatum

The German Government submit a note to Entente Governments approving Austrian ultimatum to Serbia

Germany declares war on Russia

Germany declares war on France

Germany declares war on Belgium

Serbia declares war on Germany. Montenegro declares war on Germany

Japan declares war on Germany

A Council of Austro-Hungarian Minister's finally determine on action against Serbia

A Council of Austro-Hungarian Minister's approve of draft ultimatum to Serbia

The Austro-Hungarian Government send ultimatum to Serbia. Austria declares war on Serbia

Austro-Hungarian Government order General Mobilization

Montenegro declares war on Austria-Hungary

Austria & Russia are at war, Russia supports Serbia. Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia

Austria is at war with Montenegro

Great Britain is at war with Austria

Austria-Hungary declares war on Belgium

Japan declares "State of War" with Austria-Hungary. Austria is at war with Japan

Austro-Hungarian declaration of war received by Belgian Government. Austria is at war with Belgium

Japan declares war on Germany

The Dardanelles & Bosprous are closed to Allied shipping

Russia declares war on Turkey

Turkey joins the Central Powers; Britain and France declare war on her. Britain & France declare war on Turkey

Germany declares war on Russia

Russia & Austria are at War

Russia declares war on Turkey

Great Britain & France declare war on Turkey

Handed a written declaration of war from the German Ambassador Count Portales

Declares war on France on behalf of the German Government. Declared because France had dropped bombs on Belgium & Germany as far as Nurnberg

Japan uses its alliance with Britain to declare war on Germany. Japan declares war on Germany

Japan declares "State of War" with Austria-Hungary. Austria is at war with Japan

Declares war on his cousin Tsar Nicholas II of Russia

Addresses improved financial support for the dependants of men serving in the armed forces.

Is deposed after supporting the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.

Appointed Deputy Commander in-Chief at Stavka to Duke Nicholas

Appointed Deputy Commander in-Chief at Stavka to Duke Nicholas

Fisher insists repairs and preparation of Invincible and Inflexible be accelerated for immediate South Atlantic service.

German and Austrian representatives expelled from Egypt

The German Government send ultimatum to Belgium demanding passage through Belgian territory

Austrias ten-point ultimatum is delivered to Belgrade

As the acceptance of all ten demands listed in the ultimatum was required, the Austro-Hungarian Government made a decision to enter a state of war with Serbia on 28 July

Berchtold had added extra clauses to the ultimatum delivered to Serbia as he was very worried the Serbs could accept it.

The Serbian Government accepted all points of the ultimatum but the one that permitted Austro-Hungarian authorities to participate in the investigation of Archduke Ferdinands assassination on Serbian territory

The German Government submit a note to Entente Governments approving Austrian ultimatum to Serbia

Japanese Government send ultimatum to Germany demanding evacuation of Tsingtau

Japanese Government send ultimatum to Germany demanding evacuation of Tsingtau

Addresses provision for disabled servicemen and for the widows and dependants of men killed in service.

Dismissed after Rava Ruska

Zhilinsky is dismissed after Russias failure to capture Prussia

Yuan closes Parliament

Receives the Distinguished Service Order for his conduct during the opening campaign in France.

Answers questions concerning admirals superintendent serving at Royal Navy dockyards.

Answers parliamentary questions about securing oil fuel supplies within the United Kingdom.

Dramatization of, "Pygmalion"

Provides comparative information on British and foreign dreadnought strength.

Answers Commons questions on the number of completed British dreadnoughts.

The Admiralty establishes a seaplane base at Dunkirk to support coastal operations and anti-submarine patrols.

Royal Naval Air Service aircraft destroy a German Zeppelin in its shed during a successful raid on Dusseldorf.

A German squadron bombards Hartlepool, Scarborough and Whitby.

The Battle of Gumbinnen, initiated by forces of the German Empire is the first major German offensive on the Eastern Front during the First World War

Marwitz is dispatched to the Eastern Front in command of the newly-established XXXVIII Reserve Corps, where it was believed that the cavalry would fare better

The first action on the Eastern Front, the Battle of Stalluponen (in present day Lithuania) is fought by a corps of the German Eighth Army against Russian General Rennenkampfs First Army

Carden assumes command of the Eastern Mediterranean Squadron during the opening months of the First World War.

The monitor programme expands with eight vessels designed around twelve-inch battleship turrets.

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf)

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf)

Appointed First General Staff Officer to the Eighth Army in East Prussia

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf)

Maximilian von Prittwitzs orders were very clear, his German Eighth Army was to remain in its positions in East Prussia, without attempting any offensive action, as all German efforts were to be concentrated on the Western Front against France

Made Commander of the German Eighth Army, and was tasked with defending East Prussia from an expected Russian attack

Made Commander of the German Eighth Army, and was tasked with defending East Prussia from an expected Russian attack

Defeat at the scrappy Battle of Gumbinnen led a panicked Prittwitz to order the withdrawal of Eighth Army to the River Vistula, fearing encirclement by the Russian First and Second Armies

The first action on the Eastern Front, the Battle of Stalluponen (in present day Lithuania) is fought by a corps of the German Eighth Army against Russian General Rennenkampfs First Army

Poor communications with both Stavka headquarters and, more specifically, with First Army commander Rennenkampf (with whom Samsonov had a personal quarrel), led to Samsonovs forces being encircled by the German Eighth Army under Hindenburg and Ludendorf

Appointed President of China for life by a council of his own selection

The Admiralty welcomes the destruction of the German cruiser Emden by HMAS Sydney.

Fisher presides over an emergency building programme totalling 612 vessels for expanded wartime naval operations.

Backs emergency financial measures intended to protect credit and currency after the outbreak of war.

Addresses proposals to extend the age limits for men available for emergency military service.

The Second Hannes Hafstein Ministry ends, concluding this period as Minister for Iceland.

Answers Commons questions concerning the Royal Navy engineering branch.

Sturdee's force destroys most of von Spee's squadron, vindicating Fisher's decision to send superior battlecruisers south.

Invincible and Inflexible leave Devonport under Sturdee on the mission Fisher had organised after Coronel.

The Act creates the Federal Trade Commission to police unfair methods of competition.

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

The emergency programme includes fifty seagoing patrol boats for expanded coastal and anti-submarine patrol work.

The emergency programme authorises fifty-six destroyers for fleet screening, patrol and offensive duties.

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf)

Commands the First Army at the Battle of Yser

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

Launches, on his own initiative and against orders, an attack against the Russian First Army at the Battle of Stalluponen

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf). Francois persuades Prittwitz to launch an offensive against the Russian First Army while the Second Army was still far to the south

The German First Army sufferss heavy losses but force the British back to the River Marne

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

Advances the First Army to within 50 km east of Paris

The German First Army suffer heavy losses but force the British to retreat

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf)

Mackensens Ninth Army strikes the one corps of Rennenkampfs First Army which was posted south of the Vistula and routed it, capturing 12,000 prisoners

Marwitzs cavalry protects the flank of First Army during its retreat in the wake of the First Battle of the Marne

At the start of World War I, Rennenkampf was given command of the Russian First Army for the invasion of East Prussia, advancing from the North East

Leads the First Army, 12 divisions, in the ill-fated invasion of Prussia

Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

The First Army retreats but loses 100,000

Mackensens Ninth Army strikes the one corps of Rennenkampfs First Army which was posted south of the Vistula and routed it, capturing 12,000 prisoners

The Russian First Army is heavilly defeated & the Russian offensive is called off

Tasked, along with Paul von Rennenkampf, commander of First Army, with the Russian invasion of East Prussia. Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

Poor communications with both Stavka headquarters and, more specifically, with First Army commander Rennenkampf (with whom Samsonov had a personal quarrel), led to Samsonovs forces being encircled by the German Eighth Army under Hindenburg and Ludendorf

Moves against the exposed flank of von Klucks First Army & halted its southward drive

Appointed First General Staff Officer to the Eighth Army in East Prussia

Appointed First General Staff Officer to the Eighth Army in East Prussia

Calls for the first one hundred thousand volunteers needed to begin building the New Armies.

Appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, 2nd term

Royal Naval Air Service aircraft attack Zeppelin sheds at Dusseldorf and Cologne from their Belgian base.

Fisher returns to the Admiralty as First Sea Lord after Prince Louis of Battenberg leaves office.

Supports the £100 million Vote of Credit needed for the opening phase of the war.

Leads the Cavalry Corps during the First Battle of Ypres.

French directs BEF operations as German attacks intensify around Ypres during the First Battle of Flanders.

French's army holds Ypres as the mobile campaign in Flanders settles into trench warfare.

Fisher's emergency programme calls for five fast, shallow-draught battlecruisers intended for offensive operations.

Fisher's building programme includes five flotilla leaders to improve command of destroyer forces.

Answers Commons questions about the disposition of Royal Navy forces.

Four large monitors are ordered to carry the American fourteen-inch twin turrets obtained during Fisher's emergency programme.

Fisher and Churchill seize the opportunity to use four American-built twin fourteen-inch turrets in new shallow-draught monitors.

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

General Pierre Ruffeys 3rd Army and, further north, General Fernand de Langle de Carys 4th Army, fought the German 4th and 5th Armies: the former led by Duke Albrecht, the latter by Crown Prince Wilhelm

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

General Pierre Ruffeys 3rd Army and, further north, General Fernand de Langle de Carys 4th Army, fought the German 4th and 5th Armies: the former led by Duke Albrecht, the latter by Crown Prince Wilhelm

Foch coordinates French support for Belgian and British forces during the fighting in Flanders.

Royal Naval Air Service aircraft raid the Zeppelin base and hydrogen facilities at Friedrichshafen.

Commands the 48th Infantry Division after war begins.

Kitchener judges that troops cannot yet be spared for a large Gallipoli landing.

Appointed General of the Brigade

Appointed General of the Division after the Battle of the Marne

Hipper's force escapes despite British interception attempts after bombarding Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool.

French's BEF survives a major crisis around Gheluvelt as reserves restore the line east of Ypres.

Beatty's heavy ships overwhelm German cruisers encountered during the closing phase of the battle.

Albrecht's Fourth Army advances toward the Yser and Ypres during the final phase of the Race to the Sea.

Provides a written parliamentary answer concerning German naval policy.

Answers Commons questions concerning German naval estimates and comparative naval strength.

German forces occupy Bruges during the invasion of Belgium.

Rupprecht's forces continue pressure in Flanders as German armies seek to seize Ypres and the Channel approaches.

Rupprecht's forces support German attempts to break the Allied northern flank during the Flanders fighting.

British cable operations sever German transatlantic communications shortly after war begins.

Faces criticism after Goeben and Breslau reach Ottoman waters despite British attempts to intercept them.

Answers parliamentary questions concerning the escape of the German battlecruiser Goeben.

Directs Admiralty efforts to locate and contain the German battlecruiser Goeben and light cruiser Breslau in the Mediterranean.

Germany suspends the Reichsbank's obligation to redeem banknotes in gold.

Addresses Commons questions concerning government dockyards and Admiralty administration.

Explains that new government capital will finance wells, pipelines, refinery plant, storage, transit and other development.

Provides parliamentary information concerning British naval missions connected with Greece and Turkey.

Churchill reviews naval defensive arrangements after German battlecruisers bombard Hartlepool.

Shot through the right lung by a sniper at Meteren and severely wounded.

Put in hospital with a leg injury for 3 months

Beatty commits his battlecruisers despite mine and submarine risks to support the hard-pressed British flotillas.

Beatty moves his battlecruisers toward the fighting after British light forces come under increasing pressure.

Beatty's intervention helps turn the confused action into a clear British naval victory.

Keeps the loss of HMS Audacious from immediate publication after the battleship strikes a mine off the Irish coast.

The Admiralty reports the destruction of HMS Bulwark after an internal explosion at Sheerness.

Answers parliamentary questions concerning HMS Chatham.

The submarine HMS D5 strikes a British mine while responding to the German raid on Yarmouth.

The loss of HMS Hermes to a German submarine highlights the danger facing ships supporting naval aviation operations.

Answers Commons questions concerning HMS Iron Duke during discussion of the naval programme.

The Admiralty reviews the first loss of a warship to a submarine-fired torpedo.

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

Argues for compromise over Irish Home Rule as the Liberal Government attempts to contain the constitutional crisis.

The Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill in May 1914.

Explains wartime handling of Irish Home Rule legislation while hostilities continue.

Reviews measures concerning domestic food production and distribution during wartime disruption.

Answers parliamentary questions concerning hospital-ship provision for the Royal Navy.

After having dispatched Count Hoyos on a mission to Berlin on 5 July to secure German support for Austria-Hungarys future actions, which resulted in the famous "blank cheque", he became the leading spokesman, together with the Chief of the General Staff General Conrad von Hotzendorf, for war against Serbia during the meeting of the Imperial Crown Council on 7 July

Endurance sails from Plymouth as Shackleton begins the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition

Seeks increased parliamentary provision for the expanding military demands of the war.

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

Confirms that the Government of India was consulted about the proposed controlling investment in Anglo-Persian.

Supports deployment of Indian Army formations to reinforce the British Expeditionary Force in France.

Addresses parliamentary questions concerning expenditure connected with Indian troops serving in the war.

German General appointed as Inspector General of the Turkish Army

Provides a parliamentary answer concerning instructional allowances in naval service.

Austro-Hungarian declaration of war received by Belgian Government

Successfully repels the French invasion of Alsace, Heeringen is awarded the Pour le Merite for outstanding leadership and distinguished military planning

Leads the 4th Army through the Ardennes

Leads Austro-Hungarian forces during the July crisis. Advises preemptive attack against the Balkans

Hopes to quickly defeat Serbia by sending 12 divisions to the Balkans

Germany demands passage through Belgium

The German Government send ultimatum to Belgium demanding passage through Belgian territory

Belgium rejects Germany's demands for passage through Belgium

The British Government guarantee armed support to Belgium should Germany violate Belgian neutrality

Germany invades Belgium & is stopped at Liege

German troops cross the Belgian frontier and attack Liege

The Belgian Army retreats from the Gette on Antwerp

Termonde (Belgium) taken by German forces

Germany demands free passage through Belgium

Germany calls for a free passage across Belgium but this is refused the following day. Belgium rejects Germany's demand for troop access

German troops cross the Belgian frontier at Vise in the province of Liege

Declares in the Commons the British army will act immediately if Belgium is threatened

The German Second Army, together with First and 3rd Armies, began to implement the next stage of the Schlieffen Plan, embarking upon a wide sweeping wheel movement through Belgium, forcing the Belgian army back to Antwerp

Brussels is captured without resistance by General von Kluck of the First Army

Leads the 4th Army through the Ardennes

Germany enters France near Lille

Joffre orders a retreat to the Somme

Joffre orders a retreat to the Seine-Aube-Ornain line

Kluck reaches Crepy-en-Valois, 30 miles from Paris

Kluck crosses the Oise

Kluck reaches Villers-Cotterets, 30 miles from Paris

Kluck crosses the Marne

Advances the First Army to within 50 km east of Paris

Follows orders to withdraw his troops & join up with the Second Army

Launches an attack on the French right

Dispatched to East Prussia to defend against a likely Russian invasion as documented in Russias war strategy, Plan 19

The order to withdraw effectively abandoned East Prussia to the Russians; before the order was executed he was recalled to Berlin by Helmuth von Moltke, the German Army Chief of Staff. Defeat at the scrappy Battle of Gumbinnen led a panicked Prittwitz to order the withdrawal of Eighth Army to the River Vistula, fearing encirclement by the Russian First and Second Armies

Enters East Prussia ahead of Samsanovs Second Army. At the start of World War I, Rennenkampf was given command of the Russian First Army for the invasion of East Prussia, advancing from the North East

The Russians move in force over the Prussian frontier. Rennenkampfs forces march into East Prussia

The invasion of Prussia fails with the loss of 250,000

Tasked, along with Paul von Rennenkampf, commander of First Army, with the Russian invasion of East Prussia. Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

Samsonovs Second Army starts to advance into East Prussia

Invades Germany near the village of Tannenberg

Poor communications with both Stavka headquarters and, more specifically, with First Army commander Rennenkampf (with whom Samsonov had a personal quarrel), led to Samsonovs forces being encircled by the German Eighth Army under Hindenburg and Ludendorf

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

Castelnaus army is forced to retreat to Nancy

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

One of the battles of the Frontiers, the Invasion of Lorraine (also known as the Battle of Morhange-Sarrebourg) begins with the French First and Second Armies entering the city.

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified.

The French invasion of Lorraine forms one of the major objectives of the French pre-war offensive strategy against Germany, Plan XVII.

Eight days after the French offensive had begun both First and Second Armies are back to the fortress zones of Belfort, Epinal and Toul

Pressurised by France to attack in the east to help the French & British in the west

The last Russian troops are forced out of East Prussia

Rennenkampfs forces march into East Prussia. Leads the First Army, 12 divisions, in the ill-fated invasion of Prussia

Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

Rennenkampfs invasion of Prussia stops at Gumbinnen

Leads the Second Army, 13 divisions & 5 corps, in the ill-fated invasion of Prussia

Tasked, along with Paul von Rennenkampf, commander of First Army, with the Russian invasion of East Prussia. Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

Poor communications with both Stavka headquarters and, more specifically, with First Army commander Rennenkampf (with whom Samsonov had a personal quarrel), led to Samsonovs forces being encircled by the German Eighth Army under Hindenburg and Ludendorf

The ten-point ultimatum was presented to Emperor Franz Joseph

Austrias ten-point ultimatum is delivered to Belgrade

As the acceptance of all ten demands listed in the ultimatum was required, the Austro-Hungarian Government made a decision to enter a state of war with Serbia on 28 July

Berchtold had added extra clauses to the ultimatum delivered to Serbia as he was very worried the Serbs could accept it.

The Serbian Government accepted all points of the ultimatum but the one that permitted Austro-Hungarian authorities to participate in the investigation of Archduke Ferdinands assassination on Serbian territory

which would have been a severe violation of Serbian sovereignty and the countrys constitution.

Count Berchtold had been accused of indecisiveness and diffidence during the Balkan Wars, he gave proof of more resolve during the July Crisis.

Austrian forces cross River Drina and begin first invasion of Serbia

Austrian forces begin second invasion of Serbia

Hindenburg had intercepted Russian reports of the proposed invasion into Silesia, and sees an opportunity to repeat his crushing victory at the Battle of Tannenberg, by hitting the Russian flank at Lodz as it moves into Silesia

The Russians had repulsed the Germans and saved Warsaw, which had been the objective of the original German offensive, the Germans, for their part, had caused the Russians to abandon their offensive into Silesia

The Russians had repulsed the Germans and saved Warsaw, which had been the objective of the original German offensive, the Germans, for their part, had caused the Russians to abandon their offensive into Silesia

Japanese forces land in Shantung to attack Tsingtau

British force joins Japanese army before Tsingtau

The Turkish forces in the Yemen are held although the Sultanate of Lahej is taken

Fisher orders battlecruisers Invincible and Inflexible detached from home forces for the hunt for von Spee.

Defends delaying the operation of major Irish and Welsh constitutional legislation during the war.

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill

1st day of the Irish Home Rule Conference in Buckingham Palace

Addresses the position of volunteer forces in Ireland during the opening weeks of the war.

Jodl receives the Iron Cross Second Class after his early wartime service and wounding.

Japanese Cabinet decide against despatch of troops or warships to Europe

Japanese Cabinet decide against despatch of troops or warships to Europe

Japanese Foreign Minister declares Japan will not give up German islands occupied north of the Equator

Japanese Foreign Minister declares Japan will not give up German islands occupied north of the Equator

After having dispatched Count Hoyos on a mission to Berlin on 5 July to secure German support for Austria-Hungarys future actions, which resulted in the famous "blank cheque", he became the leading spokesman, together with the Chief of the General Staff General Conrad von Hotzendorf, for war against Serbia during the meeting of the Imperial Crown Council on 7 July

As the acceptance of all ten demands listed in the ultimatum was required, the Austro-Hungarian Government made a decision to enter a state of war with Serbia on 28 July

Berchtold had added extra clauses to the ultimatum delivered to Serbia as he was very worried the Serbs could accept it.

The Serbian Government accepted all points of the ultimatum but the one that permitted Austro-Hungarian authorities to participate in the investigation of Archduke Ferdinands assassination on Serbian territory

which would have been a severe violation of Serbian sovereignty and the countrys constitution.

Count Berchtold had been accused of indecisiveness and diffidence during the Balkan Wars, he gave proof of more resolve during the July Crisis.

Informs the Austria Germany will support Austria against Serbia, the "blank cheque". Assures Francis-Joseph Germany will not desert Austria during its conflict with Serbia

Encourages Austro-Hungarian aggression against Serbia with unconditional support

Proposes a neutrality agreement to Britain guaranteeing France's territory. Advises Vienna to mediate

Learns of Russias mobilization. Declares a "state of imminent war"

Germany declares war on Russia. Demands that France abandon the Francon alliance

Belgium is asked to accept German protection from a non-existent French attack

Germany declares war on France

Makes an address in the Reichstag about the Russian "firebrand"

Begins organising the first six New Army divisions from the initial mass of volunteers.

Reports the destruction of German auxiliary cruiser Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse by HMS Highflyer.

Opens the widened Kiel Canal

Answers a parliamentary question concerning the application of King's Regulations in the naval service.

British and French warships bombard Ottoman positions on the Asian side of the Dardanelles entrance.

Addresses reported violations of the laws of war during the German invasion of Belgium.

Prince William leaves Albania during revolt and the outbreak of World War One

"long-proved fiendship must succeed with Gods help in avoiding bloodshed"

Appointed Lieutenant to a battalion at Shorncliffe, part of 10th Brigade

Appointed Member of 49th Field Artillery Regiment

Provides parliamentary information concerning the Royal Navy's light-cruiser construction programme.

Warns ministers that the conflict will require mass armies and may last for years.

"long-proved fiendship must succeed with Gods help in avoiding bloodshed"

Plans for a continental army large enough to sustain a prolonged industrial war.

Appoints Admiral Lord Fisher as First Sea Lord following Prince Louis of Battenberg's resignation.

The sinking of three British cruisers by German submarine U-9 exposes the growing danger from submarines.

Answers Commons questions concerning appeals available to lower-deck naval ratings.

Supports Botha in suppressing the Afrikaner wartime rebellion.

Carden's Malta appointment ends as the Royal Navy shifts fully onto a wartime footing in the Mediterranean.

Addresses British policy toward international maritime rules governing wartime commerce.

Resigns from command before joining anti-government rebellion.

Faces an Afrikaner revolt against the invasion of German South West Africa.

Faces armed rebellion from antiwar Afrikaner commandos.

Joins the rebellion against the Union government.

Leads rebels across the Kalahari toward German territory.

Defects near the German border and proclaims rebellion.

Helps organise loyalist forces against the rebels.

Coordinates government military operations against rebel commandos.

Answers Commons questions concerning marriage regulations affecting petty officers and ratings.

Explains that Admiralty requirements in the Mediterranean depend on wider strategic and state-policy considerations.

Carden directs British naval patrol and readiness duties in the eastern Mediterranean as regional tensions increase.

Defends Admiralty policy concerning guns carried by merchant steamships.

Holbrook torpedoes the Ottoman battleship Mesudiye after penetrating the Dardanelles mine barrier.

Leads men forward near Meteren before being shot through the lung by a sniper.

Appointed Military Governor of Paris

Appointed Military Governor of Paris

The Admiralty decides to mine the North Sea

The Admiralty decides to mine the North Sea

Appointed Minister of War

The Canadian Parliament authorizes an expeditionary force

The Canadian Expeditionary Force of 32,000 lands at Plymouth

Orders the Fleet to take up its War Stations in the North Sea

Austro-Hungarian Government order Partial Mobilization as against Serbia

Austro-Hungarian Government order General Mobilization

Mobilizes Austria against Serbia in July, convinced of a quick victory

The BEF lands at Ostend, Calais & Dunkirk

15-28 July, orders partial Russian mobilization

17-30 July, orders full Russian mobilization

Issues the mobilization proclamation to France

Responsible for Russias mobilization plans

Proposes Germany call off her mobilization but is turned down by the General Staff

The new large monitors incorporate anti-torpedo bulges while being rushed from design to construction.

Answers Commons questions concerning Royal Navy warship movements.

Cevat strengthens mines, mobile guns and coastal batteries after Allied submarine and surface attacks.

Answers Commons questions about the service and condition of Royal Naval and Marine brigades.

Reviews allowances and pensions available to servicemen and their dependants.

Responds in the Commons during an inquiry into reported naval and military movements.

Supports the Royal Navy strategy of restricting German overseas trade and access to strategic imports.

Churchill answers Commons questions concerning the training and employment of naval cadets during wartime.

Answers parliamentary questions concerning naval materiel and Admiralty supply arrangements.

Explains a supplementary naval estimate to the House of Commons and defends the additional expenditure.

Provides parliamentary information concerning wages paid within naval establishments.

Presents the Navy Estimates for 1914-15 and explains Admiralty policy and construction commitments.

Proposes a neutrality agreement to Britain guaranteeing France's territory

The Battle of Liege signifies the first land Battle of the war, as the German Second Army crosses the frontier into neutral Belgium (since 1839) to attack France from the north, the Schlieffen Plan had started

Bratianu supports neutrality when the Crown Council debates Romania's response to war.

Expands ammunition requirements as Britain builds forces far larger than the prewar army.

Orders increased provision of guns and artillery units for the growing volunteer formations.

Accelerates procurement of rifles, uniforms, artillery and transport for newly raised formations.

Expands training camps to accommodate the huge influx of inexperienced wartime volunteers.

Answers Commons questions concerning new Royal Navy construction.

The emergency construction programme provides for ninety smaller barges alongside the larger motor-barge fleet.

Appointed Commander of the Ninth Army, to fill the gap on the Marne front

Appointed Commander of the Ninth Army, to fill the gap on the Marne front

General Nikolai Ruzsky, commander of the Russian Northwest Front, brings up significant reinforcement against the Ninth Army, att this time Hindenburg learned of a planned Russian offensive into Silesia from a captured Russian soldier

The Germans were unfamiliar with the land and unable to bring sufficient reinforcements to the Ninth Army, allowing Ruzsky to concentrate his front against Mackensen. On October 17, Hindenburg orders a retreat, and by the 31st the battle is over

Hindenburg moves the German Ninth Army, under General August von Mackensen, to the Polish sector

The Battle of Lodz takes place from November 11 to December 6, 1914, near Lodz in Poland, fought between the German Ninth Army and the Russian First, Second, and 5th Armies, in appalling winter conditions. Mackensens Ninth Army strikes the one corps of Rennenkampfs First Army which was posted south of the Vistula and routed it, capturing 12,000 prisoners

Mackensens Ninth Army strikes the one corps of Rennenkampfs First Army which was posted south of the Vistula and routed it, capturing 12,000 prisoners

The Battle of Lodz takes place from November 11 to December 6, 1914, near Lodz in Poland, fought between the German Ninth Army and the Russian First, Second, and 5th Armies, in appalling winter conditions

General Nikolai Ruzsky, commander of the Russian Northwest Front, brings up significant reinforcement against the Ninth Army, att this time Hindenburg learned of a planned Russian offensive into Silesia from a captured Russian soldier

The Germans were unfamiliar with the land and unable to bring sufficient reinforcements to the Ninth Army, allowing Ruzsky to concentrate his front against Mackensen. On October 17, Hindenburg orders a retreat, and by the 31st the battle is over

Beatty continues aggressive sweeps intended to locate German heavy ships beyond their defended waters.

The Admiralty declares the North Sea a military area and issues controlled routes for neutral shipping.

The Admiralty decides to mine the North Sea.

Fisher makes offensive preparations in northern waters a central element of his renewed wartime naval strategy.

Answers Commons questions on the Admiralty's growing use of oil fuel.

The steamship Ancon makes the canal's official inaugural transit.

Orders completion and requisition of Ottoman battleships being built in British yards as the European crisis deepens.

Ottoman entry into the war turns Carden's squadron toward blockade, reconnaissance and possible operations against the Dardanelles.

Souchon coordinates Ottoman naval dispositions while the Dardanelles becomes a major Allied target.

Answers Commons questions about British naval policy and commitments in the Pacific.

Appointed Governor of the Canal Zone

Dismisses Parliament & becomes a dictator

Writes Parliamentarism and the Working Class as part of his prewar discussion of socialist political strategy.

Answers Commons questions concerning naval service in the Persian Gulf.

Helps secure a long-term Persian oil supply for the Royal Navy through government involvement in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company.

Petitions Louis III of Bavaria to for service in a Bavarian regiment in World War I

Answers parliamentary questions concerning conditions affecting petty officers and seamen.

Photographed in a crowd clamouring for war

Placed in charge of overseas propaganda

The French invasion of Lorraine forms one of the major objectives of the French pre-war offensive strategy against Germany, Plan XVII

The British Government guarantee armed support to Belgium should Germany violate Belgian neutrality

Successfully repels the French invasion of Alsace, Heeringen is awarded the Pour le Merite for outstanding leadership and distinguished military planning

Appointed President of Argentina after the death of Roque Saenz Pena

Appointed President of Brazil

Appointed President of Brazil

Appointed President of China for life by a council of his own selection

Begins a one-year term as President of the Swiss Confederation.

Appointed acting President of Venezuela

Answers questions about the wartime Press Bureau and the handling of military information.

Responds to criticism concerning censorship and the treatment of newspaper reporting during the war.

Churchill revives consideration of attacking the Dardanelles as the Ottoman Empire moves closer to war.

Appointed Prime Minister of France, forms & leads the Government of National unity

Appointed Prime Minister of Iceland

Accepts Prince Louis of Battenberg's resignation as First Sea Lord amid intense public hostility to his German background.

William of Wied arrives in Albania as sovereign prince

Fisher deploys Princess Royal toward the West Indies to guard against a possible German move through the Panama route.

Fisher seeks to enlist the country's wider engineering and shipbuilding capacity for accelerated wartime construction.

Publishes Problems of Unity while continuing his effort to bridge divisions in Russian Social Democracy.

Announces a British protectorate over Egypt after Ottoman entry into the First World War, changing the canal's sovereignty framework.

Becomes Sultan under the British protectorate, replacing Ottoman suzerainty over Egypt and the canal zone.

Britain acquires control of oil in the Persian Gulf from the Anglon Oil Company

"lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime"

Leads the 4th Army north to Flanders in the "race to the sea"

German operations extend north toward Ypres.

Successor to Seely during the "Curragh Mutiny" & threat of Irish civil war

Commands government forces against rebel commandos.

The Kaiser receives at Potsdam special envoy from Austrian Emperor and promises "the full support of Germany" in the event of Austrian action against Serbia. He consults his military and naval advisers before leaving for a cruise in northern waters

Expands recruiting machinery through towns, workplaces and local organisations across Britain.

Reports on recruiting progress as the Government seeks a much larger wartime Army.

The Stavka is given nominal control of Army operations

The House of Commons passes the Welsh Church Disestablishment Bill for the third time

The House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill

Sent to London by the German Chancellor to sound out the British reaction to war. Reports that if France is attacked Britain will intervene

Serves with 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment during the retreat from Mons as the BEF falls back through France.

Supports deployment of Royal Naval Air Service aircraft to Belgium for reconnaissance and attacks against German airship bases.

The Admiralty develops the codebreaking organisation later known as Room 40 to exploit captured German naval signals material.

The Admiralty develops Rosyth as a forward base better positioned for Beatty's fast battlecruiser operations.

Answers parliamentary questions about the Royal Flying Corps and naval aviation responsibilities.

Oversees creation of the Royal Naval Air Service as a distinct naval air organisation.

Churchill answers criticism concerning oilskins and equipment supplied to Royal Naval Division personnel.

Answers Commons questions concerning equipment and oilskins for men of the Royal Naval Division.

Creates the Royal Naval Division from naval reservists and marines not immediately required for service at sea.

Churchill reports that roughly one thousand Royal Naval Division personnel remain listed as missing after Antwerp.

Naval Division units withdraw toward the coast as German forces complete the siege of Antwerp.

Answers parliamentary questions concerning the Royal Naval Museum at Greenwich.

Churchill defends the Navy's discipline, power and efficiency during a Commons debate.

Provides the House of Commons with figures for Royal Navy killed, wounded and missing since the war began.

Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society

Japanese Government send ultimatum to Germany demanding evacuation of Tsingtau

Japanese Government send ultimatum to Germany demanding evacuation of Tsingtau

Visits the Grand Fleet and meets senior officers while inspecting naval readiness at northern bases.

Beatty's battlecruisers participate in the British effort to intercept German forces returning from the east-coast raid.

The Admiralty reviews the German bombardment of Scarborough and the failure to force a decisive interception.

The Battle of Liege signifies the first land Battle of the war, as the German Second Army crosses the frontier into neutral Belgium (since 1839) to attack France from the north, the Schlieffen Plan had started

Cevat improves searchlights, artillery positions and observation arrangements along the straits.

Liege blocked the narrow gap between the Limburg appendix and the Ardennes, considered the best route into Belgium.

The Battle of Liege signifies the first land Battle of the war, as the German Second Army crosses the frontier into neutral Belgium (since 1839) to attack France from the north, the Schlieffen Plan had started.

Von Bulow's Second Army, comprising 320,000 men, initially aimed to seize Liege, the gateway to Belgium.

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

Francois persuades Prittwitz to launch an offensive against the Russian First Army while the Second Army was still far to the south

The French First Army, under General Auguste Dubail, intended to take Sarrebourg, east of Nancy, a strongly defended town, with General Noel de Castelnaus Second Army taking Morhange, similarly fortified

The German Second Army, together with First and 3rd Armies, began to implement the next stage of the Schlieffen Plan, embarking upon a wide sweeping wheel movement through Belgium, forcing the Belgian army back to Antwerp

Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

His behaviour during the Battle of Tannenberg, & failure to coordinate with Samsonovs Second Army, resulted in much criticism from sector commander Yakov Zhilinskiy and attempts by some members of the military high command to have him removed

With his Second Army virtually destroyed, of a total of 150,000 men under his command less than 10,000 escaped German capture, Samsonov, lost in wooded terrain, and unable to face reporting the scale of the disaster to Tsar Nicholas II, commits suicide

Leads the Second Army, 13 divisions & 5 corps, in the ill-fated invasion of Prussia

Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

Samsonovs Second Army starts to advance into East Prussia

With his Second Army virtually destroyed, of a total of 150,000 men under his command less than 10,000 escaped German capture, Samsonov, lost in wooded terrain, and unable to face reporting the scale of the disaster to Tsar Nicholas II, commits suicide

The Russian Second Army disintegrates, Samsonov shoots himself

Given command of the Russian Second Army

Authorises further volunteer formations as enlistment quickly exceeds the first recruiting target.

Supports a further Vote of Credit as military expenditure rises during the first winter of the war.

Appointed Secretary of State for War

The Allied bombardment detonates an Ottoman ammunition magazine at Sedd el Bahr.

Fisher supports purpose-built shallow-draught ships able to bring heavy guns close to hostile coasts.

Commands the capture of Antwerp by the First Army

Leads the 4th Army through the Ardennes

Brussels is captured without resistance by General von Kluck of the First Army

The Battle of Liege signifies the first land Battle of the war, as the German Second Army crosses the frontier into neutral Belgium (since 1839) to attack France from the north, the Schlieffen Plan had started

Ludendorf calls up the zeppelins to drop bombs into the city and citadel, and personally leads 14th Brigade in between the forts into the city, forcing the Belgian garrison there to surrender

The forts around Liege are finally taken

The German Second Army, together with First and 3rd Armies, began to implement the next stage of the Schlieffen Plan, embarking upon a wide sweeping wheel movement through Belgium, forcing the Belgian army back to Antwerp

Castelnaus army is forced to retreat to Nancy

Calls off Prince Ruprechts siege of Nancy

Orders the 6th French Army to defend Paris

Ordes retreat to the Rivers Seine & Aube south east of Paris & 60 km south of the Marne

Defeated by Joffre, Germany is retreats from Paris to the Soissons-Rheims line

Paris is placed in a state of siege

Battles of Limanowa, in which Austrian forces save their lines and prevent Russia attacking Vienna

The Germans advance on Warsaw but retreat a week later

The Germans were unfamiliar with the land and unable to bring sufficient reinforcements to the Ninth Army, allowing Ruzsky to concentrate his front against Mackensen. On October 17, Hindenburg orders a retreat, and by the 31st the battle is over

The Russians had repulsed the Germans and saved Warsaw, which had been the objective of the original German offensive, the Germans, for their part, had caused the Russians to abandon their offensive into Silesia

Mackensen reaches the Vistula River by October 9 and is only 12 miles away from Warsaw

The Russians had repulsed the Germans and saved Warsaw, which had been the objective of the original German offensive, the Germans, for their part, had caused the Russians to abandon their offensive into Silesia

Begins the Sigurdur Eggerz Ministry and serves as Minister for Iceland.

Japanese light cruiser "Takachiho" sunk by German destroyer off Tsingtau

Reports information from Sir John French concerning the British Expeditionary Force in France.

Ordes the 6th Army to advance east from Paris & attack the German First Armys flank

Begins when the French 6th Army & German IV Reserve Corps clash in the Meaux hills

The French 6th Army attacks German First Armys flank

The 6th Army comes to Klucks assistance & the French are driven back

The 6th Army comes to Klucks assistance & the French are driven back

Fisher's emergency programme includes sixty-four submarines, reflecting his strong commitment to undersea warfare.

Inspects Sopwith Aviation during his continuing effort to understand and encourage naval aviation.

The Admiralty's Sopwith Sociable associated with Churchill makes its first flight at Brooklands.

The Admiralty sends Invincible and Inflexible south under Admiral Sturdee to hunt Admiral von Spee after Coronel.

Appointed Chief Officer of the Endurance

The Endurance arrives in the Thames for Shackletons expedition to the South Pole

The Endurance sails from the Thames for the expedition to reach the South Pole

Visits George IV who supports the expedition to the South Pole despite immenent war

Anchors in the Weddell Sea trapped in ice, The Endurance is crushed & sinks

"Business carried on as usual during alterations on the map of Europe"

Poor communications with both Stavka headquarters and, more specifically, with First Army commander Rennenkampf (with whom Samsonov had a personal quarrel), led to Samsonovs forces being encircled by the German Eighth Army under Hindenburg and Ludendorf

The Stavka is given nominal control of Army operations

Appointed Deputy Commander in-Chief at Stavka to Duke Nicholas

Appointed Deputy Commander in-Chief at Stavka to Duke Nicholas

Fisher places Doveton Sturdee in command of the South Atlantic and Pacific force formed to destroy von Spee.

Fisher argues that normal paperwork and peacetime procedures must not delay urgent submarine production.

Fisher directs that speed of submarine construction should take precedence over peacetime concerns about lowest cost.

Answers parliamentary questions concerning submarine accidents and naval safety.

Ferdinand succeeds his uncle Carol I as king.

With his Second Army virtually destroyed, of a total of 150,000 men under his command less than 10,000 escaped German capture, Samsonov, lost in wooded terrain, and unable to face reporting the scale of the disaster to Tsar Nicholas II, commits suicide

With his Second Army virtually destroyed, of a total of 150,000 men under his command less than 10,000 escaped German capture, Samsonov, lost in wooded terrain, and unable to face reporting the scale of the disaster to Tsar Nicholas II, commits suicide

Becomes Sultan when Britain declares a protectorate over Egypt.

Commands loyalist forces against rebel commandos.

Telegrams Count Berchtold asking the Auastrians not to mobilize against Russia

Telegrams the Austrian Chief of Staff to mobilize at once against the Russians

Supports wider overseas employment of Territorial Force units as regular army demands increase.

Writes The Struggle for Unity and a Marxist Center shortly before the outbreak of the First World War.

The Austrian 3rd Army is thrown back by the Russian 3rd & Eighth armies

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

General Pierre Ruffeys 3rd Army and, further north, General Fernand de Langle de Carys 4th Army, fought the German 4th and 5th Armies: the former led by Duke Albrecht, the latter by Crown Prince Wilhelm

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

General Pierre Ruffeys 3rd Army and, further north, General Fernand de Langle de Carys 4th Army, fought the German 4th and 5th Armies: the former led by Duke Albrecht, the latter by Crown Prince Wilhelm

Continues raising additional divisions as recruiting remains strong through the autumn.

The emergency programme includes thirty-seven monitors for shallow-water and heavy coastal bombardment roles.

Fisher's 612-vessel programme includes thirty-six sloops for patrol, escort and minesweeping-related duties.

The Transvaal branch of the National Party is established.

Russian withdrawal from East Prussia, and conduct at the Battle of Lodz in November 1914 led to Rennenkampfs dismissal amid recriminations of incompetence and even treason

Turkey joins the Central Powers; Britain and France declare war on her

A contract is signed with Bethlehem Steel for twenty H-type submarines as part of Fisher's rapid expansion programme.

Fisher's programme includes twenty-four light river gunboats for operations in confined and shallow waters.

Fisher's emergency plan includes twenty-four specialised submarine-destroying vessels.

Fisher's programme includes two hundred oil-engined motor barges for amphibious and logistical operations.

The emergency programme includes two light cruisers among the new wartime construction.

Tries to find a dilpomatic solution to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand

Sends a declaration of war to Serbia after it refuses Berchtolds ultimatum

Issues an Ultimatum to Serbia, mostly complied with

Chooses to suppress the revolt with loyal Union forces.

Fisher declares rapid acquisition of additional submarines an urgent national requirement and presses for immediate construction.

Expands officer recruitment and training to provide leadership for rapidly forming New Army battalions.

War Office arrangements improvise clothing and equipment while uniform production struggles to match recruitment.

Kerensky supports the Trudovik decision to abstain when the Duma considers government war credits, refusing unconditional endorsement of imperial wartime policy.

Writes War and the International, opposing the world war and criticizing socialist parties that supported their national governments.

Joins the government's central strategic discussions immediately after becoming Secretary of State for War.

Asquith's War Council considers but initially rejects a major landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Great Britain and France declare war on Turkey.

Temporarily assumes the War Office during the Curragh crisis.

Condemns the First World War as an imperialist conflict.

Opposes defensist socialism after war begins.

Kerensky opposes enthusiastic support for the First World War and criticises the conflict as destructive to Russian society and democratic reform.

Debates Russia's response to the outbreak of war.

Leads the Government case during the parliamentary debate on the wartime Address.

Emergency bank holidays and debt moratoria help contain financial panic at the outbreak of war.

Emergency currency legislation restricts gold payments and introduces Treasury notes during the war.

Gives Parliament a further statement on the developing war and the Government response.

Discusses the conduct of public political meetings while the country is at war.

The Commons passes Welsh Church disestablishment legislation for a third time.

The war on the Western Front, head of a group of cavalry divisions, does not lend itself well to cavalry as a form of offensive warfare, as he discovers at the Battle of Haelen in Belgium (the first cavalry engagement of the War)

Maximilian von Prittwitzs orders were very clear, his German Eighth Army was to remain in its positions in East Prussia, without attempting any offensive action, as all German efforts were to be concentrated on the Western Front against France

Churchill urges Kitchener to release additional trained artillery for the armies fighting in France.

which would have been a severe violation of Serbian sovereignty and the countrys constitution.

Commits Canada to war when Britain declares war on Germany.

Sees Russia enter war after warning against reckless conflict.

Jodl is wounded in the thigh during fighting on the Western Front.

The Admiralty reviews German battlecruiser operations off Yarmouth and Britain's attempted interception.

Count Berchtold had been accused of indecisiveness and diffidence during the Balkan Wars, he gave proof of more resolve during the July Crisis.

British forces occupy Ypres.

Albrecht intensifies attacks against Belgian and French positions along the Yser in Flanders.

Albert's army holds the Yser sector while German pressure threatens the last unoccupied part of Belgium.

Belgian forces use controlled flooding to hinder German movement across the Yser plain in Flanders.

Belgian resistance north of Ypres stabilises the front.

Birth of Alan Hodgkin

Alec Guinness is born as Alec Guinness de Cuffe

Birth of Creighton Abrams

Birth of Joe Louis

Birth of Sarah Churchill, Churcills 3rd child

With his Second Army virtually destroyed, of a total of 150,000 men under his command less than 10,000 escaped German capture, Samsonov, lost in wooded terrain, and unable to face reporting the scale of the disaster to Tsar Nicholas II, commits suicide

With his Second Army virtually destroyed, of a total of 150,000 men under his command less than 10,000 escaped German capture, Samsonov, lost in wooded terrain, and unable to face reporting the scale of the disaster to Tsar Nicholas II, commits suicide. Shoots himself after the Battle of Tannenberg

Carol I dies after a reign that established Romania's independence and monarchy.

Is killed by police before the rebellion spreads.

Death of Ferdinand, assassinated by Garrilo Princip, member of Young Bosnia. Assassinated by Garrilo Princip, a member of Young Bosnia

Death of Franz Ferdinand, assassinated

Death of Jean Jaures, assassinated

Death of Maximilian Johannes Hubert von Spee

1st day of the Battle of Albert between the Germans & French for the "race to the sea"

The 6th Army comes to Klucks assistance & the French are driven back. The French consolidate & become entreched in a line from Albert to Nyon

The 6th Army comes to Klucks assistance & the French are driven back. The French consolidate & become entreched in a line from Albert to Nyon

The Belgians plan to evacuate Antwerp, Churchill visits it & rallies its defence

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

General Pierre Ruffeys 3rd Army and, further north, General Fernand de Langle de Carys 4th Army, fought the German 4th and 5th Armies: the former led by Duke Albrecht, the latter by Crown Prince Wilhelm

The French forces begin a disorderly retreat, the 3rd Army withdrawing to Verdun chased by the German 5th Army (where Ruffey was subsequently removed by Joffre), and 4th Army retreating near Sedan and Stenay

General Pierre Ruffeys 3rd Army and, further north, General Fernand de Langle de Carys 4th Army, fought the German 4th and 5th Armies: the former led by Duke Albrecht, the latter by Crown Prince Wilhelm

Conducts an offensive in Artois

The battle was the first offensive move on the Western Front by either side after the First Battle of Ypres ended in November 1914. The French assault failed to break the stalemate. Commander at the Battle of Artois

The Russians regroup, counterattack & recapture Augustov & move into East Prussia

Germany demands passage through Belgium

The German Government send ultimatum to Belgium demanding passage through Belgian territory

Belgium rejects Germany's demands for passage through Belgium

The British Government guarantee armed support to Belgium should Germany violate Belgian neutrality

Germany invades Belgium & is stopped at Liege

German troops cross the Belgian frontier and attack Liege

The Belgian Army retreats from the Gette on Antwerp

Termonde (Belgium) taken by German forces

Germany demands free passage through Belgium

Germany calls for a free passage across Belgium but this is refused the following day. Belgium rejects Germany's demand for troop access

German troops cross the Belgian frontier at Vise in the province of Liege

Bethmann Hollweg protests Britain's decision to uphold Belgian neutrality and dismisses the 1839 guarantee as a 'scrap of paper' during the crisis over Germany's invasion.

Declares in the Commons the British army will act immediately if Belgium is threatened

The German Second Army, together with First and 3rd Armies, began to implement the next stage of the Schlieffen Plan, embarking upon a wide sweeping wheel movement through Belgium, forcing the Belgian army back to Antwerp

Brussels is captured without resistance by General von Kluck of the First Army

Takes part in the battle for Bleid

Hopes to divert the Germans from the Eastern front

The Admiralty confronts a severe defeat after Admiral Cradock's squadron is destroyed by Admiral von Spee off Chile.

The British under Craddock fail to prevent German commerce raiding in the south Pacific. The British are outnumbered & defeated & lose 2 cruisers & 1,500 crew. British defeat by Admiral Spee including the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau & Nurnberg

Defeats Craddock then sails around Cape Horn to scour the South Atlantic

The British under Craddock fail to prevent German commerce raiding in the south Pacific. The British are outnumbered & defeated & lose 2 cruisers & 1,500 crew. Spees forces sink the HMS Good Hope & HMS Monmouth. British defeat by Admiral Spee including the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau & Nurnberg

The Ottomans close the Dardanelles to Allied shipping after an incident when the British Dardanelles squadron had seized a Ottoman torpedo boat

Entertains plans of capturing the Dardanelles as early as September 1914

Churchill orders the first British attack on the Dardanelles following the opening of hostilities between Ottoman and Russian empires

Battle of the Drina begins

The Royal Navy destroys most of Admiral von Spee's East Asia Squadron, reversing the shock of the Coronel defeat.

The German Navys South American commerce raiding force is destroyed. Sturdee sinks Spees flagship, SMS Scharnhorst, together with SMS Gneisenau, SMS Nurnberg & SMS Leipzig. Spee attempts a raid on the coaling station at Stanley in the Falkland Islands, unaware the British had sent reinforcements. British reversal of the defeat at Coronel

The Scharnhorst is sunk & von Spee drowns. Bombards the Falkland Islands not knowing of the presence of Admiral Sturdee

Sturdee sinks Spees cruisers the Scharnhorst & Gneisenau. Destroys the German Navys South American commerce raiding force. A Reversal of the Battle of Coronel

Attacks Morhange but forced to retreat to Nancy

One of the battles of the Frontiers, the Invasion of Lorraine (also known as the Battle of Morhange-Sarrebourg) begins with the French First and Second Armies entering the city

Eight days after the French offensive had begun both First and Second Armies are back to the fortress zones of Belfort, Epinal and Toul

The offensive begins in Galicia

The Russians counter-attack & Austrian gains are lost

Hotzrndorf is forced to retreat to the River San

Leads troops during Russia early advance in Galicia.

Bulfin sends reinforcements during the crisis at Ypres.

FitzClarence helps restore the line near Ypres.

The Austrian 3rd Army is thrown back by the Russian 3rd & Eighth armies

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf)

Prittwitz decides to engage Rennenkampf at the earliest possibility, pitting 150,000 Germans against 200,000 Russians, the decision went against the orders of Moltke, the German Chief of Staff, which ruled out any offensive before the fall of France

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf). Francois persuades Prittwitz to launch an offensive against the Russian First Army while the Second Army was still far to the south

At the mercy of the German artillery the Russians are were forced to retreat 8 km in the early afternoon but the lines are stabilized when the Russian 29th Division arrived, and the battle turned into a stalemate

The Battle of Gumbinnen, initiated by forces of the German Empire is the first major German offensive on the Eastern Front during the First World War. Commands Commander-XVIII Corps.

The Eighth Army comprises four corps: I Corps (Hermann von Francois), XVII Corps (August von Mackensen), I Reserve Corps (Otto von Below), and XX Corps, plus one cavalry division, facing the Russian First Army (Paul von Rennenkampf).

Maximilian von Prittwitz's orders were very clear, his German Eighth Army was to remain in its positions in East Prussia, without attempting any offensive action, as all German efforts were to be concentrated on the Western Front against France.

Prittwitz decides to engage Rennenkampf at the earliest possibility, pitting 150,000 Germans against 200,000 Russians, the decision went against the orders of Moltke, the German Chief of Staff, which ruled out any offensive before the fall of France.

At first the German advance went well, but faltered once they came under Russian artillery fire, and the Russians were able to turn their flanks and force them to retreat to the Insterburg-Angerburg lines, leaving 6,000 prisoners in Russian hands

At the mercy of the German artillery the Russians are were forced to retreat 8 km in the early afternoon but the lines are stabilized when the Russian 29th Division arrived, and the battle turned into a stalemate.

The Chief of Staff reacted by removing Prittwitz and his deputy Waldersee, replacing them with Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff. Prittwitz's panic partially affected Moltke, who now feared that Berlin itself could now be threatened by the advancing Russians.

The war on the Western Front, head of a group of cavalry divisions, does not lend itself well to cavalry as a form of offensive warfare, as he discovers at the Battle of Haelen in Belgium (the first cavalry engagement of the War). Advance squadrons of Georg von der Marwitzs cavalry corps prove unable to defeat a single Belgian cavalry division under de Witte guarding the Haelen bridge

The Royal Navy wins an early North Sea action against German light forces off Heligoland.

Wins a tactical victory over the Russians

The Russian 4th Army is driven back by the Austrian First Army

German reserve corps attack near Ypres.

Liege blocked the narrow gap between the Limburg appendix and the Ardennes, considered the best route into Belgium.

The Battle of Liege signifies the first land Battle of the war, as the German Second Army crosses the frontier into neutral Belgium (since 1839) to attack France from the north, the Schlieffen Plan had started.

Von Bulow's Second Army, comprising 320,000 men, initially aimed to seize Liege, the gateway to Belgium.

Ludendorf commands the 14th Infantry Brigade in Liege & accepts its surrender. Ludendorf calls up the zeppelins to drop bombs into the city and citadel, and personally leads 14th Brigade in between the forts into the city, forcing the Belgian garrison there to surrender

The last of the forts surrounding Liege surrenders to Ludendorfs forces. The forts around Liege are finally taken

The German Second Army, together with First and 3rd Armies, began to implement the next stage of the Schlieffen Plan, embarking upon a wide sweeping wheel movement through Belgium, forcing the Belgian army back to Antwerp

Battles of Limanowa, in which Austrian forces save their lines and prevent Russia attacking Vienna

Hindenburg had intercepted Russian reports of the proposed invasion into Silesia, and sees an opportunity to repeat his crushing victory at the Battle of Tannenberg, by hitting the Russian flank at Lodz as it moves into Silesia.

Hindenburg moves the German Ninth Army, under General August von Mackensen, to the Polish sector.

Pressure on Lodz continues until December but the Germans are unable to break the Russian lines, short on ammunition, the Russians withdraw to form a new and stronger line closer to Warsaw.

The Russians had repulsed the Germans and saved Warsaw, which had been the objective of the original German offensive, the Germans, for their part, had caused the Russians to abandon their offensive into Silesia

Although a Russian victory it causes the Russians to call off their offensive.

August von Mackensen directs the successful German offensive at Lodz.

Mackensen's Ninth Army strikes the one corps of Rennenkampfs First Army which was posted south of the Vistula and routed it, capturing 12,000 prisoners.

The Battle of Lodz takes place from November 11 to December 6, 1914, near Lodz in Poland, fought between the German Ninth Army and the Russian First, Second, and 5th Armies, in appalling winter conditions.

Mackensens Ninth Army strikes the one corps of Rennenkampfs First Army which was posted south of the Vistula and routed it, capturing 12,000 prisoners

The Russian First Army is heavilly defeated & the Russian offensive is called off. The Battle of Lodz takes place from November 11 to December 6, 1914, near Lodz in Poland, fought between the German Ninth Army and the Russian First, Second, and 5th Armies, in appalling winter conditions

The Russians had repulsed the Germans and saved Warsaw, which had been the objective of the original German offensive, the Germans, for their part, had caused the Russians to abandon their offensive into Silesia. Russian withdrawal from East Prussia, and conduct at the Battle of Lodz in November 1914 led to Rennenkampfs dismissal amid recriminations of incompetence and even treason

The French 5th & the BEF move between Bulow & von Kluck forcing Bulows retreat. Kluck & Bulow retreat when the British begin to cross the Marne. Forced back by Joffre, leads to the collapse of the Schlieffen Plan

The British & the French fail to pursue the Germans

Trench warfare begins. The front is established alog the Aisne, Vesle, Argonne, Meuse hills, Moselle & Vosges

Joins in the battle linking the BEF with the French 5th and 6th Armies

Ordes the 6th Army to advance east from Paris & attack the German First Armys flank

Forms the 6th & 9th Armies in preparation for the German counter-attack

Orders the 1st & 2nd French Armies to hold the Germans around Verdun & Nancy

Stops further French retreat & orders an attack at the Marne

Counter-attacks against von Bulow & forces him to retire, the German advance is halted

Defeats von Kluck, the German Army retreats from Paris to the Soissons-Rheims line

Begins when the French 6th Army & German IV Reserve Corps clash in the Meaux hills

The French 6th Army attacks German First Armys flank. A decisive German breakthrough results in a general retreat

Kluck & Bulow retreat when the British begin to cross the Marne

Trench warfare begins. The front is established alog the Aisne, Vesle, Argonne, Meuse hills, Moselle & Vosges

Defeated by Joffre, Germany is retreats from Paris to the Soissons-Rheims line

Marwitzs cavalry protects the flank of First Army during its retreat in the wake of the First Battle of the Marne

Orders a retreat of 65 km to the River Aisne. Establishes a new line of defence & ends hope of a short war

Murray had an important meeting with Gallieni (Military governor of Paris) and Maunoury (commander, French 6th Army) to discuss the planned Allied counterattack which would become the First Battle of the Marne

Fights at the Battle of the Marne

Moves against the exposed flank of von Klucks First Army & halted its southward drive

Hindenburg reaches the Vistula

Leads the XVIII Corps

Attacked by the German VIII Army after its victory at Tannenberg

The invasion of Prussia fails with the loss of 250,000. The First Army retreats but loses 100,000. Rennenkampf personally retreats across the Russian border. Rennenkampf orders a general retreat

Commands the 5th Cavalry Brigade against the Germans at Mons

French deploys the BEF near Mons before retreating toward the Marne.

Driven back from Le Cateau

Awarded the Victoria Cross

Awarded the Victoria Cross

The German First Army suffer heavy losses but force the British to retreat. Orders 150,000 soldiers to attack British positions

Awarded the Victoria Cross

Successfully repels the French invasion of Alsace, Heeringen is awarded the Pour le Merite for outstanding leadership and distinguished military planning

The taking of Mulhouse, albeit without opposition, sparked wild celebrations in France, the French are regarded as liberators by the inhabitants of Mulhouse. The Battle of Mulhouse was intended to secure the recapture of Alsace (with Lorraine to follow separately), territories lost to Germany as a consequence of losing the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71

The Germans mount a counter-attack at nearby Cernay, Bonneau begins a slow withdrawal

Despatches a reserve division to assist in the defence, but they arrived too late to save the town from recapture, Bonneau withdrawing towards Belfort on 10 August in order to escape German encirclement

Charges Bonneau with a lack of aggression & relieves him of his command, Joffre adds four more divisions to the Army of Alsace placed under the command of General Pau

British units resist the last German push at Ypres.

Withdraws to Tannenberg. The Russians are stopped by the German XX corps. The Germans know the Russian positions because of Samsonovs uncoded radio messages. Russia withdraws to Tannenberg. bu the Germans know Russian positions because they decode radio messages. Attacks East Prussia & defeats the Germans

The Germans advance to Tannenberg to trap the Russian Army

Army almost surrounded

The Austrians are decisivly defeated & forced back into the Carpathian Mountains

Jodl serves with his artillery unit during the fighting around Sarrebourg.

Beys Turkish XIII Corps are driven back into the Jebel Hamlin Mountains

Launches, on his own initiative and against orders, an attack against the Russian First Army at the Battle of Stalluponen

By the time he withdrew to Gumbinnen after this battle, his corps had inflicted 5,000 casualties and managed to capture about 3,000 Russian prisoners

The first action on the Eastern Front, the Battle of Stalluponen (in present day Lithuania) is fought by a corps of the German Eighth Army against Russian General Rennenkampfs First Army. Russias invasion of East Prussia, part of pre-war strategy, Plan 19, is two-pronged, Rennenkampfs First Army, of 200,000 men, enters East Prussia from the north while General Samsonovs Second Army invades from the south

Later gives him Hindenburg & Ludendorf a legendary status during the Weimar Republic. Decisive victory against Russia in east Prussia

Gathers a force 100,000 against the threat posed by Samsonov & Rennekamps armies

Only 60,000 Russian troops escape. Hindenburg takes 90,000 prisoners & several hundred guns

Hindenburg defeats Samsonov & turns on Rennenkampf who retreats to the Niemen River

Hindenburg drives Samsonovs army back to Hohenstein

Leads the XVIII Corps

Russian loses are 92,000 captured & 30,000 killed. Russian defeat which precipitates the revolution. Pressurised by France to attack in the east to help the French & British in the west

The last Russian troops are forced out of East Prussia

His behaviour during the Battle of Tannenberg, & failure to coordinate with Samsonovs Second Army, resulted in much criticism from sector commander Yakov Zhilinskiy and attempts by some members of the military high command to have him removed. Hindenburg defeats Samsonov & turns on Rennenkampf who retreats to the Niemen River

Samsonov runs into a German trap, 1st day of the Battle of Tannenberg

Invades Germany near the village of Tannenberg

Zhilinsky orders Samsonov to stop "acting the coward & resume the offensive"

The Russian centre moves into a trap & is overwhelmed by the German VIII Army. Shoots himself after the Battle of Tannenberg. Decisive German victory under Hindenburg & Ludendorf against Russia in East Prussia. 2 Russian corps, 13th, 15th & 23rd are trapped

Hindenburg drives Samsonovs army back to Hohenstein

Hindenburg takes 90,000 prisoners & several hundred guns

Poor communications with both Stavka headquarters and, more specifically, with First Army commander Rennenkampf (with whom Samsonov had a personal quarrel), led to Samsonovs forces being encircled by the German Eighth Army under Hindenburg and Ludendorf. Only 60,000 Russian troops escape.

Samsonov is surrounded on 3 sides by Hindenburgs army & by swamps & lakes.

With his Second Army virtually destroyed, of a total of 150,000 men under his command less than 10,000 escaped German capture, Samsonov, lost in wooded terrain, and unable to face reporting the scale of the disaster to Tsar Nicholas II, commits suicide.

The Russian Second Army disintegrates, Samsonov shoots himself

Zhilinsky orders Samsonov to resume the offensive. The Russians are outflanked & radio messages decoded

Ordered by Zhilinsky to stop "acting the coward & resume the offensive"

The Germans counterattack the Russian east flank

General Nikolai Ruzsky, commander of the Russian Northwest Front, brings up significant reinforcement against the Ninth Army, att this time Hindenburg learned of a planned Russian offensive into Silesia from a captured Russian soldier

The Germans were unfamiliar with the land and unable to bring sufficient reinforcements to the Ninth Army, allowing Ruzsky to concentrate his front against Mackensen. On October 17, Hindenburg orders a retreat, and by the 31st the battle is over

Mackensen reaches the Vistula River by October 9 and is only 12 miles away from Warsaw

General Nikolai Ruzsky, commander of the Russian Northwest Front, brings up significant reinforcement against the Ninth Army, att this time Hindenburg learned of a planned Russian offensive into Silesia from a captured Russian soldier

The Germans were unfamiliar with the land and unable to bring sufficient reinforcements to the Ninth Army, allowing Ruzsky to concentrate his front against Mackensen. On October 17, Hindenburg orders a retreat, and by the 31st the battle is over. Nikolai Ruzsky defeats the Germans first attempt at capturing Warsaw at the Battle of the Vistula River

Allenby leads cavalry during the fighting around Ypres.

Byng commands cavalry at Ypres.

Commands the 3rd Cavalry Division at Ypres

French forces support the Allied line at Ypres.

Fabeck commands a German attack toward Ypres.

Falkenhayn seeks decision in Flanders around Ypres.

Foch coordinates French support around Ypres.

French directs the BEF during the First Battle of Ypres.

Gough commands cavalry near Ypres.

Haig commands I Corps in the Ypres salient.

Albrecht commands German forces at Ypres.

Rawlinson helps hold the line during First Ypres.

Smith-Dorrien holds part of the line near Ypres.

Commands the First Army at the Battle of Yser

Spends next 4 years guarding Belgian naval bases. Schroders marine forces are stopped at Yser

The Austrian 4th Army pushes back the Russian 4th Army

Answers Commons questions concerning the Fourth Battle Squadron.