November 9

The German raider, the SMS Emden, is sunk by HMAS Sydney in the Battle of Cocos. The battle continues for over an hour, resulting in the Emden becoming little more than a floating wreck. The warship ran aground on North Keeling Island.

HMAS Sydney

October 15

German troops occupy Zeebrugge and Ostend.

The Admiralty announces the sinking of the Hamburg-Amerika liner Markomannia and the capture of the Greek steamer Pontoporos (the SMS Emden's colliers), near Sumatra, by HMS Yarmouth.

HMS Yarmouth

HMS Hawke is sunk by the German submarine U9 in the North Sea. 524 officers and men are killed, including the ship's captain, Hugh P. E. T. Williams.

September 26

The first troops from the Indian Expeditionary Force arrive in Marseilles, having travelled from India via the Suez Canal. This is the first time Indian troops have set foot on European soil.

Indian troops marching through Marseilles

 
The SMS Emden begins four days of activity off Ceylon during which she claims six prizes.

The 26th Brigade RFA remains in position. Two damaged guns  of 117 and one of 118 are withdrawn from Paissy during the night of 26-27.

September 22 - Disaster for the Royal Navy

A naval engagement takes place in which three obsolete Royal Navy cruisers, manned mainly by reservists and sometimes referred to as the "live bait squadron", are sunk by the German submarine U9. Approximately 1,450 sailors are killed, and there is a public outcry at the losses. The incident erodes confidence in the British government and damages the reputation of the Royal Navy. The British ships lost are HMS Cressy, HMS Aboukir, and HMS Hogue. The Captain of the U9, Otto Weddigen, returns to a hero's welcome.

German propaganda postcard commemorating U9's sinking of three British cruisers

In France the 26th Brigade RFA remains in positions. 118 is "shelled by heavy howitzers all day, 1 gun disabled." Both batteries are engaged with enemy guns about Cerny and Labouelle.

Britain launches its first air raid against Germany. Flying from Antwerp, two aircraft from No. 1 Squadron, RNAS, flown by Major Eugene Gerrard and Flight Lieutenant Collet fly two hundred miles to Düsseldorf to bomb the Zeppelin shed there; whilst two aircraft from No. 2 Squadron are detailed to attack Cologne. Due to poor weather, the attack on Cologne is aborted, and Major Gerrard also turns back. Collett presses home his attack by descending to only 400 feet and drops three bombs. Despite failing to damage any airship, news of the raid provides a useful boost to Allied morale.

During the evening, SMS Emden approaches the city of Madras on the southeastern coast of the Indian peninsula. Entering Madras harbour, the Emden opens fire at 9.30pm on several large oil tanks belonging to the Burmah Oil Company.

The bombardment of Madras

September 10

The German cruiser Emden, having entered the Bay of Bengal on 5 September, begins operating against shipping routes and in the next week claims eight prizes.

The SMS Emden in the Bay of Bengal, 10-16 September 1914

In France, the 26th Brigade RFA marches to Courchamps. At 12.30pm it is held in readiness just north of the town and then advances to Latilly via Sommelans. At 3.30pm 116 is in action at Treville against enemy based in Chouy.