19 August 1914
The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force departed Sydney on 19 August 1914; its mission was to capture German possessions in the Western Pacific and in German New Guinea.
This expeditionary force of 1500 men were embarked on the troop ship Berrima on the 19th August 1914 and after a short stay on Palm Island for training and acclimatisation proceeded on to annex New Britain. This was the first force ever to leave Australia with its own ships, under the command of Australian officers.
SYDNEY MAIL 19th August, 1914. Page 14. The call to the Commonwealth : Types of New South Wales volunteers On Saturday afternoon 1100 New South Wales volunteers, who are to leave with the Australian Expeditionary Force, paraded at the Agricultural show ground, Sydney, and were inspected by Colonel Holmes, who expressed great satisfaction with the manner in which they bore themselves. Volunteers have offered from all parts of the State, and as only 6420 troops are required as the quota of New South Wales for the Expeditionary Force of 20,000 many must be disappointed. The men who are full of eagerness, include many South African campaigners. (Source Mitchell Library Sydney)
President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress and made public the U.S. policy of neutrality. During his address he warned U.S. citizens against taking sides in the war for fear of endangering the wider U.S. policy.
Germans reach Dinant-Neufchateau line and occupy Louvain; Belgians, defeated at Aerschot, fall back towards Antwerp.
French re-enter Mulhausen and push on in Lorraine.
Austrians' advance checked near Kyeltsi.
Kaiser's alleged order for the destruction of "General French's contemptible little army".