September 20

HMS Pegasus, anchored in Zanzibar harbour, is attacked by the German light cruiser SMS Königsberg. Outranged and outgunned, Pegasus is quickly incapacitated, and her Commander lowers her ensign ("striking the colours") to avoid further bloodshed. The ship sinks later, with 38 lives lost and 55 wounded.The Admiralty goes to great lengths to prevent the truth of the Captain's action becoming publicly known.

German artillery fire destroys parts of Reims Cathedral. The French use images of the destruction as anti-German propaganda, such as the postcard shown below.

The 26th Brigade RFA endures two enemy attacks during the day. The guns of 117 are located by aeroplane and shelled by heavy howitzers. Two guns are disabled.