Postcard detailing the congratulations sent from Lord Kitchener to General Sir John French on August 25th 1914, at the very start of the First World War: "Congratulate the troops on their splendid work, we are proud of them." Kitchener was commending the bravery of the actions of the British Expeditionary Force. Following the declaration of war on 4th August, the BEF first engaged the enemy at the battles of Mons and Charleroi on 22nd to 23rd August 1914.