Thursday, August 02, 2012

98 Years Ago: The world blows up (II)

On August 2 1914 following German declarations of war on Russia and France and and the issuance of its ultimatum demanding free passage through neutral Belgium the first major combat operations of the war begin.

German troops invade Luxemburg very early.

France is entered at four points.

A patrol kills French soldiers 10 km over frontier near Belfort.

Poland is invaded by Germans, who occupy Kalish, Chenstokhov and Bendzin.

East Prussia is entered by Russian raiders near Schwidden.

Libau is bombarded by the German light cruiser "Augsburg".

Additional German Note is handed to Belgium at 7 p.m. alleging that Germany must violate her soil in order to "anticipate" a French attack in Belgium; demands that latter should remain passive; answer required in 12 hours.

England assures France that British fleet will stop German fleet if latter attacks French shipping in Channel.

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