England has declared war on Austria. Germany has made no head way in Belgium

[Schlieffen Plan]. The forces of the nations are gathering up for a fearful battle. If only something could stop it, it is too terrible to contemplate.

No one knows where our army and navy is at least when I say no one, of course one forgets the authorities. The King for instance is kept informed by wireless telegraphy, the exact position of every ship.

The Atlantic is being guarded by our cruisers so that our food supply shall not be cut off.

Last night Plymouth was full of soldiers but today they have gone. No one saw them go, like the swallows they were seen collecting, but their departure was done secretly.

Stella Domville has left us. She has been splendid, & has helped us so much with the bandaging. I drove her to Coryton station & then went on to Sydenham with Ela to find an umbrella.

We went in & saw Mrs Tremayne & heard more about the Kelly College incident. *[see entry for Sep 17th] She is president of Red X Society at Tavistock & told us that the War Office had actually got the place down on their list as a hospital. Mrs H Thompson had evidently settled the whole thing without consulting anyone in authority.

We had tea at Marystowe & drove home. Lovely evening. Sat out after dinner on the terrace.