monoplane in the first delivery of airmail. He arrived in Sydney on 18 July after nine and a half hours of flying time. 31 July – As the likelihood of Britain being involved in a European war became more likely, the leaders of both major parties pledge their support. Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher states in a speech at Colac, Victoria Australians will stand beside her own to help and defend her to our last man and our last shilling. Prime Minister Joseph Cook states in Horsham, Victoria "All of our resources in Australia are ... for the preservation and the security of the empire". 4 August – The United Kingdom declares war on Germany – as a consequence Australia enters the war. 5 August – Australia fires its first shot in World War I at Fort Nepean in Victoria. The German merchant ship Pfalz was leaving Port Phillip Bay at 12.10am when news of involvement in the war had just reached the fort. The battery fired shots across its bows forcing the ship to surrender. This is believed to be the first shots fired in anger by British Empire forces during the war. 10 August – Recruiting begins for the First Australian Imperial Force. Australia had offered a force of 20,000 troops. 18 August – The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force of 1500 men leaves Sydney to capture German New Guinea. 5 September – The Australian Labor Party led by Andrew Fisher wins the Federal election of 1914 winning 42 out of 75 seats in the Australian House of Representatives and 31 out of 36 seats in the Australian Senate. 9 September – The light cruiser captures the German radio station in Nauru. 11 September – Australian troops land in German New Guinea. 13 September – Rabaul occupied. 14 September – The Australian submarine lost with all 35 men while patrolling New Britain. 17 September – The acting governor of German New Guinea surrenders. 29 October – The War Precautions Act 1914, which gave the Government of Australia special powers for the duration of World War I and for six months afterwards, was passed by the Parliament of Australia. 1 November – The first contingent of the First Australian Imperial Force leaves for Egypt. 6 November – Australian forces occupy Nauru. 9 November – Australia's first naval victory as defeats in the Battle of Cocos. 30 November – The