1 August

Events preceding British Declaration of War

 * King George wires the Tsar that Germany recommended British proposals to Austria on 30 July, but that Russian mobilisation was reported during Austrian Cabinet meeting.
 * Russia does not reply to German ultimatum expiring at noon.
 * French mobilisation ordered 3.40 p.m.
 * Germany, having ostensibly ordered general mobilisation 5 p.m., declares war on Russia 7.10 p.m.; makes out that Russians had crossed frontier in afternoon and begun war. (Declaration drafted before noon.)
 * Tsar wires to King George that he had to mobilise on account of Serbia; but that though he had promised Kaiser he would not move troops during negotiations, Germany had suddenly declared war.
 * Austria at last moment appears accommodating to England.
 * Italy declines to take part in war, as being an aggressive one.
 * Sir Edward Grey protests against detention of British ships in Hamburg.
 * Belgium announces her intention of upholding her neutrality.

1915

 * - Artillery duels in Artois, valley of the Aisne, north-west of Reims, and in western Argonne; enemy attacks repulsed here.
 * British retake some trenches at Hooge.
 * - Mitau (Riga) evacuated, and captured by Germans. Latter held on Blonie line, west of Warsaw; they progress on the Narev. Austrians capture Novo Alexandria station (Ivangorod).
 * - Enemy counter-attacks on Mr. Medetta (Carn.) and is repulsed.
 * No - Galata bridge (Constantinople) blown up by British submarines.
 * - Kaiser and Tsar each issue manifesto on first anniversary of war. Former swears that his conscience is clear.
 * Great Britain orders motor-boats in USA.