November 10

Dixmude falls to the Germans in the final stages of the Battle of the Yser.

The SMS Konigsberg

The collier, Newbridge, converted into a blockship, is sunk in the main channel of the delta of the Rufiji River to prevent the escape of the SMS Konigsberg.

The Germans retaliate by moving the Konigsberg further up river, to make it more difficult for the British to destroy her.

October 31

The seaplane carrier, HMS Hermes, is sunk by the German submarine U27 in the Dover Straits.

HMS Hermes

In the Battle of the Yser, with the German offensive having stalled, the Allies claim victory by preventing Germany gaining total control of Belgium.

The Battle of the Vistula River, which began on 29 September, ends in a Russian victory.

The Siege of Tsingtao begins with Japanese forces shelling the port and digging trenches.

The 26th Brigade RFA remains in action all day.

October 26

Battle of the Yser

In the continuing Battle of the Yser, the Belgians begin to open the sluices on the canal and sea defences at Nieuport to stop the German advance.

The 26th Brigade RFA is now based at Zillebeke. During the day, the 57th howitzer battery is in action at Veldoek firing against Poezehoer; 117 is in action east of Gheluvelt firing against trenches north of Reidelbeek; 116 is in action  at Veldhuer firing against trenches south of Zuidhuer. 

October 25

Sir Charles Douglas (1850-1914)

In the continuing Battle of the Yser, due to unrelenting pressure from the German forces, the Belgians decide to open the canal and sea defences at Nieuport in a desperate bid to stop the German advance.

The 26th Brigade RFA marches to Zillebeke.

The death is announced of Sir Charles Douglas, Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

October 18

The German offensive in the Battle of the Yser begins. Its objective is to overwhelm Allied troops from Nieuport to Arras, to defeat the Belgian and French armies, and to deprive British access to Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk.

October 16

The Battle of the Yser begins.

Battle of the Yser

Sir John French's Second Despatch is published in the London Gazette. It describes the retreat from Le Cateau to the far side of the Seine and the dramatic turnabout and epic Battle of the Marne. Sir John's Third Despatch, covering the Battle of the Aisne, when the Germans dug in and defended stoutly. Movement was over and trench warfare began, is also published in the same edition.

Troops of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force set sail from Wellington.