News this week in September 1914

This week in 1914 included speculation that Russia may relax restrictions against Jews, as an official announcement revealed that commissions in the Russian Army and Navy would now be made available to Jews. The anti-semitic press applauded this news.

The Brisbane Courier enthusiastically reported a great Allied victory at Precy-sur-Oise, 15 miles north of Paris.  According to the report, the Germans were 'hurled back', the left wing falling back on Landrecies, on the Sambre  River, near Cambray, as the right was also crushed. British troops decimated the German Imperial Guard.

On the homefront, the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce tried to reach a consensus on how to handle German and Australian cargoes detained in port. While consignees were doing everything in their power to access the cargo, the question of the removal of cargo from detained ships was in front of the Prize Court in Melbourne, and it seemed likely that some affected vessels would retain their cargo for the duration of the War.

Of most significance for Queenslanders, the Brisbane Courier reports that Australian Naval forces have aided in the capture of German New Guinea.  This is the first time the Courier is called on to report Australian casualties of the war.

Each week we will be sharing news stories from the week 100 years ago, and we invite you to add your thoughts and comments.

Want to join in and find and correct newspaper articles from 1914 and 1915? Here’s more information about how to get started text correcting newspaper articles on Trove as a Pitch In! digital volunteer.

If you find something you’d like to share we’d love to hear from you at discovery@slq.qld.gov.au