Major John George Brew - 1914: The Road to War

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1914 - The Road to War

Tensions had been mounting in European politics in the years leading up to 1914, and many countries were highly suspicious of their neighbours. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Throne, in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, sparked off a complex and rash sequence of events in Europe which would culminate in a world war. An investigation by the Austrians concluded that while extreme nationalists were involved in the conspiracy, there was no proof Serbian Government involvement. Austria nevertheless seized the opportunity to teach Serbia a lesson and win back some of her lost prestige, and decided on a path of war. Fearful of Russian interference in the matter, Austria sought assurances from Germany to back her up in case. Germany replied to Austria that she could rely on her "complete support", adding that there would be no need for concern as Russia was "in no way ready for war".

Having obtained what she wanted, Austria drafted an ultimatum to Serbia which purposely made demands which she knew Serbia would never accept. It was delivered to the Serbian Government at 6:00pm on 23 July and allowed only 48 hours to accept the terms. The next day, Germany delivered messages to Paris, London and St. Petersburg, attempting to allay their concerns, but warning them not to become involved. The three Governments were astounded to read the German threat that their interference would be followed by "incalculable consequences".

Two minutes before the end of the 48 hours, Serbia, in a desperate effort to avoid an unwinable war, handed over a written reply which, to Austria's surprise, did in fact accept the demands. There was suddenly no reason for war, but the wheels had already been set in motion and Austria nonetheless mobilised her troops on the Serbian border. The next day, 28 July, at 11:00am, Austria telegraphed Serbia a declaration of war.

The downhill race to war in Europe gained sudden momentum. Russia was outraged by the Austrian declaration, and the Tsar, seeing himself as protector of the Balkan peoples, mobilised his army. Germany demanded Russia's immediate demobilisation but Russia continued on her course. On 30 July, Germany telegraphed Austria that she should mobilise immediately against Russia, as she would also do. Two days later, on 1 August, Germany declared war on Russia, and, deliberately seeking war with France, Germany declared war on her, too, on 3 August.

Germany demanded Belgium allow passage for her troops through the country, their intended gateway to France, but Belgium refused this violation of her neutrality. Watching the steady course of events on the continent from the sideline thus far, Britain felt a sense of duty to France and found herself bound by treaty to Belgium. Finally taking action, the British sent Germany an ultimatum warning her not to violate Belgium's neutrality. Ignoring this, the German Army entered Belgium on Tuesday, 4 August, and Britain was forced to declare war on her.

The cruel irony is perhaps that the very fact that Germany had delivered her original threat on 24 July simultaneously to London, Paris and St. Petersburg warning them to stay out of the Austro-Serbian conflict, meant that their mutual co-operation against Germany in the case of war was practically assured. Now Europe and within a short time much of the rest of the world, would be embroiled in a conflict which would  last over four years and cost some 15,000,000 lives.

Just days after the British entry to the war, a small British Expeditionary Force disembarked for France. Lord Kitchener, the British Secretary of State for War, foresaw, however, a prolonged conflict, and, believing the regular army was inadequate, urged the raising of territorial forces. Soon a bill was passed in Parliament allowing Kitchener to recruit half a million men.

News of the hardships facing the B.E.F. in France began to reach home and a wave of patriotism rolled across Britain. Heeding Kitchener's call for volunteers, 'Pals Battalions' began to be raised, made up of men from the same villages, workplaces, streets and families, and began to prepare for the war with Germany.

In Ireland, in the years preceding the war, sectarian tensions and opposition to 'Home Rule' had brought about the founding of paramilitary armies. In Ireland's northern counties, the protestant Ulster Volunteer Force was formed, followed by the catholic Irish National Volunteers. They were highly trained and disciplined forces and actually prepared for war with one another, but at the outbreak of war, the two opposing armies initially grudgingly, but admirably, declared a political truce, put their differences aside and assured Prime Minister Asquith of their loyalty in the defence of Britain.

Soon, plans were under way in military circles for creating a new army out of the Ulster Volunteers. In the General Staff, all were only too well aware of the strength of the U.V.F., and wished to use it's potential. It has been recorded that Kitchener himself demanded "I want the Ulster Volunteers". Discussions ensued which concluded in an agreement between Kitchener and U.V.F commanders at the end of August, allowing the name "Ulster" to accompany the number of the proposed Division.

However, during the delay caused by the discussions, many men grew impatient, and, fearing they may miss out on an adventure they expected would be over by Christmas, they quickly joined up before the Ulster Division official began to exist. Volunteers from both sides of the political and religious line signed up together and were posted to the 10th Irish Division which was already being formed. Newspapers eagerly reported unexpected scenes on tolerance which occurred as the national emergency unfolded. One local newspaper reported,

Only weeks later, on 3 September, the founding of the 36th Ulster Division was announced in Belfast, to be made up of 3 infantry brigades of each 4 battalions, a pioneer battalion, three companies of Royal Engineers, a signal company, and a Royal Army Medical Corps, placed under the command of Major General C. Herbert Powell who had seen service as an officer in the Indian Army.

Recruiting began in earnest and men rushed forward to sign up. By 7 September the first recruits had already departed for the training camp at Ballykinler. Originally called 1, 2, and 3 Brigades, the Division was officially authorised on 28 October, and the brigades renumbered to 107, 108, and 109 on 2 November. The 107th was formed by volunteers from Belfast, the 108th by men from the Counties of Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Down, and Monoghan, and the 109th from Donegal, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone, and a battalion from Belfast. The pioneers were taken mostly from the Lurgan area of County Down, while the 121st and 122nd Engineers and the Signal Company were recruited mainly from Belfast's shipyards.

Next Chapter - Enlistment and Disembarkation