On the Edge of War

The Post Office in Cheapside, Luton with a horse and wagon outside, c.1908-1914 [Z1306/75/10/12/4]

Tuesday 4th August 1914 (Luton): It appears almost certain that within hours Great Britain will be at war with Germany and its allies. An ultimatum has been issued by the British government that will expire at 11p.m. tonight. Since Germany has already declared war on Russia and France and refuses to accept the neutrality of small, helpless Belgium it is surely inevitable that Britain will also be forced to declare war. 

In Luton today it would be easy to imagine that the war had already begun. The town is full of soldiers in uniform as reservists leave to rejoin their regiments. An announcement has been made that the General Post Office will stay open all night to give the reservists an opportunity to withdraw any money they need before they leave. The Territorial (volunteer) soldiers of the Fifth Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment have been at their annual training camp at Ashridge, but yesterday they were ordered to break camp and march back to Luton. They marched for four hours in the pouring rain, arriving back in town soaked through. The South Bedfordshires were told by their commanding officer, Major Brighten, to go home for the time being, but this morning they were ordered to mobilise.

Source: Luton News 6/8/1914