On 26 July 1914, the Wessex Division was on Salisbury Plain, beginning its annual training. Three days later, with the international situation deteriorating, the division was warned to take 'precautionary measures'. The divisional HQ returned to Exeter and the units took up their precautionary posts, with the infantry brigades at defended ports in South West England. 4th Devons arrived at Plymouth on 4 August, on which date the division was ordered to mobilise for war. On 9 August the battalion returned to Salisbury Plain, this time under war conditions.