It was officially stated that the British Force engaged consisted of a detachment of the Gold Coast Regiment of the West African Frontier Force, under the command of Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel F.C. Bryant, R.A.
The destruction of the German wireless station in Togoland practically isolated German South-West Africa from Germany. This station in Togoland was built at Kamina, 1913-14, and was designed to act as a halfway station for the big station at Windhoek, the capital of German South-West Africa. The latter station—the station at Daressalam also having been destroyed—could now only "speak" to Nauen to take orders from Berlin when the conditions are extremely favourable, as, notwithstanding the great altitude on which the Windhoek station is built, direct communication with Germany was not possible, the stations being equipped on the telephone system, more than one day in ten, and then only for a few "spasmodic" minutes per day.
French Government leaves Paris—Triple Entente Declaration—An Important French Protest to the Powers—Aid from Dominions and India—South Africa's Expedition—The King's Proclamations.
Towards the end of August, although the long line of the Allied Forces remained unbroken, the commanders had thought it advisable to fall back in the direction of Paris, so that the left wing of the allied troops could rest on Paris, and their right wing on the great fortress of Verdun. Paris, being itself a strongly fortified town, formed an admirable western base for the operations of the defending armies.
It was not, of course, expected that the invaders would succeed in entering Paris, as the capital could be defended not merely by its own strong ring of fortresses, but by the left wing of the army. If, however, as was certainly expected, battles were to wage round the capital, the work of the Government would have become impossible and difficulties might be experienced by the Cabinet in keeping itself in communication with the commander-in-chief. It was therefore decided that the capital should be removed to some other city, just as the Belgian capital had been transferred from Brussels to Antwerp. Tours was at first spoken of as the new seat of government, but the final choice rested on Bordeaux, a well-situated seaport and a city of really excellent communications to all parts of the country. Early in September, therefore, it was decided that the transfer should take place, and on September 3rd the President of the Republic and all his Ministers addressed the following Proclamation to the country:
People of France
For several weeks sanguinary combats have taken place between our heroic troops and the enemy's army. The bravery of our soldiers has gained for them at several points marked success, but to the north the pressure of the German forces has compelled us to retire.