September 12

The Battle of the Marne ends. The Germans retreat up to 56 miles losing 11,717 prisoners, 30 guns and 100 machine-guns to the French and 3,500 prisoners to the British, before reaching the Aisne.

French soldiers advancing to take up new positions

In general terms the Marne is an Allied victory which saved Paris and kept France in the war; it also ensured the failure of the Schlieffen Plan for a quick German victory in the West. However there is less agreement as to the extent of the Allies' success.

The 26th Brigade RFA advances to Bazoches.

Recruitment figures show that between 4 August and 12 September, 478,893 men joined the army. This includes 33,204 volunteers on 3 September which was a wartime record.

August 1

Sir John French

During the day, King George V telegraphed the Czar saying, "I cannot help thinking that some misunderstanding has produced this deadlock. I am most anxious not to miss any possibility of avoiding the terrible calamity which at present threatens the whole world."

Meanwhile the Czar sent another appeal to the Kaiser, whilst the Kaiser was now determined to honour his promise to help Austria. At 5pm the Kaiser ordered the mobilisation of all German forces.

In the evening, the German Ambassador to Russia, Count Pourtales, handed the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergius Sazonoff, the German declaration of war.

Italy and Denmark declare themselves neutral.

Sir John French is appointed Inspector-General of the Forces.

British naval reserves are called up.

During the night, a small German force entered Luxembourg to occupy a rail and telegraph junction, the first steps in the long-prepared Schlieffen Plan.