Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie are assassinated by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo, Bosnia. This event is widely considered to be the immediate cause of World War I.
Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, officially beginning World War I.
Thomas Baxter receives a telegram ordering his mobilization while working at Castle Howard. He returns to Brampton to join C Company of the 4th Border Regiment, beginning his military service.
Read LetterFollowing Germany's invasion of Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany, bringing the British Empire, including colonial territories like India and Burma, into the conflict.
Thomas Baxter and his comrades embark on H.M. Transport "Deseado" for the journey to India, marking the beginning of his service in the colonial territories of the British Empire.
Read LetterBritain annexes Cyprus, previously under Ottoman suzerainty but administered by Britain since 1878, as the Ottoman Empire enters the war on the side of the Central Powers.
Thomas writes about his experiences confined within Fort Dufferin in Mandalay, Burma, describing the challenges of military life in a colonial posting far from home.
Read LetterThe Allies begin their withdrawal from the Gallipoli Peninsula after a failed campaign against the Ottoman Empire, marking a significant setback for British forces.
Thomas describes his visit to the Arakan Pagoda in Mandalay, offering insights into his encounters with local culture and religious sites during his service in Burma.
Read LetterThe Battle of the Somme begins on the Western Front, resulting in over one million casualties and becoming one of the bloodiest battles in human history.
Thomas writes about his experiences with local customs and the challenges of maintaining British imperial control in Burma during wartime.
Read LetterThe United States declares war on Germany, bringing fresh resources and troops to the Allied cause, significantly altering the balance of power in the conflict.
Thomas describes the health challenges faced by British troops in Burma, including malaria and other tropical diseases, and the medical measures implemented to combat them.
Read LetterGermany and the Allies sign an armistice, effectively ending World War I on the Western Front, though troops in colonial territories remain in service.
With the war officially over, Thomas writes about his anticipation of returning to England after years of service in Burma and India, reflecting on his experiences and future prospects.
Read LetterThe Treaty of Versailles is signed, officially ending World War I and establishing the League of Nations, though many colonial troops remain in service throughout the empire.