4 August

Events preceding British Declaration of War

 * Great Britain protests in Berlin against German violation of Belgian treaty.
 * Germany says French meant to invade Belgian territory, and she must take measures of defence. Violates Belgium at Gemmenich, early morning; burns Visé and attacks Liège.
 * Germany declares war on Belgium.
 * Bona and Philippeville (Algeria) are bombarded by the German cruisers Goeben and Breslau.
 * Trieux, near Briey (France). Taken by Germans. Speech by French PM René Viviani.
 * Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg's speech in Reichstag, acknowledging they are doing wrong.
 * Sir Edward Grey wires to Sir Edward Goschen telling him that unless satisfactory German assurances re Belgian neutrality are forthcoming, he is to ask for his passports.
 * Sir Edward Grey also addresses the House of Commons with a rousing speech where he announces the position and intentions of the Government with reference to the War.
 * John Redmond, Irish Nationalist Leader, addresses the House of Commons with his fervent speech.
 * At 7 p.m. the  flaring placards through the city, states: "Great Britain breaks off diplomatic relations."
 * British mobilisation orders issued.
 * Sir John Jellicoe takes command of British Fleet.
 * Sir Edward Goschen's interview ("scrap of paper") with Chancellor in evening: British ultimatum and state of war at 11 p.m.

1915

 * - Germans threaten Warsaw; civilians evacuate; Blonie-Nadarzyn line (15 miles west of Warsaw) abandoned by Russians. Latter evacuate Ivangorod.
 * - Castle of Lizzana (Rovereto) destroyed by Austrians. Italians occupy Col di Lana (Cordevole Valley, Ventian Alps).
 * No - French battleships bombard Spelia and Scalanova (opposite Samos).
 * - Anniversary service at St. Paul's.
 * Losses announced.
 * French Chamber renews "Union sacree".
 * Mr. Tribich Lincoln, spy and ex-M.P., arrested in New York.
 * Rumania votes £4,000,000 for military purposes.
 * National Cabinet for New Zealand decided on.