Forces War Records recently went to the National Archives, Kew to study some of the Telegrams sent just before the start of the Great War.          

We will be posting the transcription of the telegrams as they happened 100 years ago.

From Archive Reference:  ADM137-11 Telegrams between Admiralty and C-in-C China.

To C-in-C China, Hong Kong.

Date: 4.8.1914

Sent: 6.45pm

General message. 

The War telegram will be issued at midnight authorising you to commence hostilities against Germany.  But in view of the terms of our ultimatum they may decide to open fire at any moment.  You must be ready for this.