100 years ago - August. The first ground actions by Aust and NZ troops.

At this time 100 years ago, Australia and New Zealand had forces overseas fighting the Germans in the Pacific.

Only two weeks after the declaration of war, troops from our countries were deploying overseas to take on the German's. 

These actions took place during August, September and October 1914.

100 Years ago-this week

While the countries of Europe manoeuvred their armies, Australia and New Zealand began to create their's.

Australian gunners are recorded as firing the British Empire's first shot of the War, on the 05 August 1914. Apparently a British destroyer was attributed with this deed as it fired at something like 10.30 am, and the Australian gun fired at 12.45 pm, but when you take into account the Time Zones, Australia's shot occurred a few hours before the British one. 

Read about it at these links ...

 The story of Australia's first shot

Who fired the first shot of the War?

I do not cover this in my book, as I was not aware of it; but other events outlined in "The Anzac Legend" are as follows ...

Bridges became the commander of the 1st Australian Division.

C.E.W. Bean spelt "Labour Party" in this manner in his Official History, leading me to suspect that it is the original spelling of the title back at the beginning of the 20th century (page 16 of "The Story of Anzac".

Godley began to organise the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF)
and would lead it overseas.

The Beginning of the Great War

After the failure of weeks of diplomatic negotiations, bullying and 

threats the situation developed quickly like this...