7. August 1
French military mobilisation ordered.
Germany declares war on Russia.
Italy announces neutrality.
Belgium announces neutrality.
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8. August 3
Germany declares war on France.
Great Britain gives order for troops to mobilise.
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9. August 4
Germany declares war on Belgium.
United States declares neutrality.
Great Britain gives Austria-Hungary ultimatum to stand down from hostilities. When Austria-Hungary doesn't comply a state of war is declared at 11.00pm
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10. August 6
Royal Navy cruiser HMS Amphion is sunk by German mines in the North Sea, causing the death of 150 men and the first British casualties of war.
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11. August 7
First members of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) land
in France.
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12. August 11
'Your King and Country Need You' slogan is published, calling for the first 100,000 men to enlist for Kitchener's New Army. The call is answered within two weeks.
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13. August 13
The first squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps arrive in France.
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14. August 20
Brussels is evacuated as Germans occupy the city.
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15. August 25
The Royal Flying Corps claim their first 'kill' as three aircraft from 2nd Squadron force down a German reconnaissance plane.
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16. August 26
The Battle of Le Cateau. BEF suffers 7,812 casualties and is forced
to retreat.