August 8

Flag of the Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine

French troops occupy Altkirch and Mulhouse, both in Lorraine and annexed by Germany following the Franco-Prussian War.


The Government passes the first Defence of the Realm Act, granting wide-ranging powers during the war period, such as the power to requisition buildings or land needed for the war effort, or to make regulations creating criminal offences. The Act, widely referred to as "DORA" and the symbol of restriction. 
"DORA" was caricatured as an elderly lady.

"DORA" depicted in a 1919 issue of Punch

The original Act was short and precise:

"(1) His Majesty in Council has power during the continuance of the present war to issue regulations as to the powers and duties of the Admiralty and Army Council, and of the members of His Majesty's forces, and other persons acting in His behalf, for securing the public safety and the defence of the realm; and may, by such regulations, authorise the trial by courts martial and punishment of persons contravening any of the provisions of such regulations designed—

(a) To prevent persons communicating with the enemy or obtaining information for that purpose or any purpose calculated to jeopardise the success of the operations of any of His Majesty's forces or to assist the enemy; or

(b) To secure the safety of any means of communication, or of railways, docks or harbours; in like manner as if such persons were subject to military law and had on active service committed an offence under section 5 of the Army Act.

(2) This Act may be cited as the Defence of the Realm Act, 1914."

The Act was repeatedly strengthened, the first such amendment being passed on 28 August. You can refer to the 1918 Defence of the Realm Manual.

The British bank rate was now at 5%.


The first funeral service for those who died following the sinking of the Konigin Luise (see August 5) and HMS Amphion (see August 6) is held today in the churchyard of St Mary's, Shotley, Suffolk. These included four Germans and four British sailors. All were buried "with the full honours of war."

Military graves in St Mary's churchyard, Shotley

Further details of the military burials at St Mary's can be found on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Website.