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the first months of the war 20. In a speech at Woodenbridge, Co Wicklow, John Redmond, an Irish nationalist politician and leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party from 1900 to 1918, called for the Irish Volunteers to join the British army to show Britain that Ireland could help it in times of danger and need, thus making Home Rule more likely. 25. The Battle of Albert began as part of the ‘Race to the Sea’.
OctOber The Battle of the Yser and Ypres were just some of the conflicts that occurred in October. By this time the troops were realizing that the war may not be over by Christmas ...
Much of the fighting at Mons took place in built up areas from which many of the inhabitants had been unable to flee in time. COLOURED BY JON WILKINSON
1.
The Battle of Arras began as the French army attempted to prevent the German Army’s movement towards the English Channel. The French were forced to withdraw towards Arras.
morning of 1 September, a fog descended, and the 1st Brigade was hit by a surprise attack from the German 4th Cavalry Division, which was on its way to demonstrate in front of Paris. In the event, the British fought back gamely and the six German cavalry regiments were driven off, losing their guns. It was the end of the German attempt to advance on Paris. The British had won the field, but continued their retreat, leaving behind some 100 casualties. 5. The Battle of the Marne began and ran until 12 September. The German invasion of France was stopped during the First Battle of the Marne as German troops were forced to the north side of the Marne River, causing the Schlieffen Plan to fail. 10. The First Territorial Division (42nd East Lancashire Division) went on overseas service to India. 13. French troops attacked the German Army at the River Aisne, France, beginning the Battle of Aisne. This battle would not finish until 28 September, and even then the result was inconclusive. French infantry moving to take up new positions during the opening weeks of August.
5.
The first German aircraft was shot down by an Allied plane.
16. Canadian troops arrived in Britain and the Battle of Yser commenced until 29 October. 18. The first Battle of Ypres commenced in Belgium, which ran until 11 November. It was an allied victory. 29. Turkey joined the Central Powers. 31. Japan attacked and captured Tsingtao, China, a lightly garrisoned port city on the Yellow Sea. It was held by the Germans since 1898, until they surrendered on November 6.