France and Belgium 1914

Mons-23rd and 24th August

The strategy in 1914 was entirely subservient to the French. Marshal Joffre considered that no attacks in force would take place north of the River Oise. The British army was concentrated far forward on the left of the Fifth French Army, the I and II Corps being allotted about twenty-five miles to hold around Mons, their left flank in the air. It was on this flank that the German decisive attack had been planned to fall; luckily its strength was reduced by the withdrawal of two corps to East Prussia on the Russian threat developing. The 1st and 2nd Battalions mobilized on 4th August and left for France on 12th August, with the 6th Brigade of the 2nd Division and the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Division respectively.

Retreat From Mons

The Fifth French Army retired on 23rd August and Sir Douglas Haig's I Corps, in which both our battalions served, was attacked on the same day and commenced its retreat on the 24th. This retreat continued without further serious fighting by either the 1st or 2nd Division until 5th September, during which period about 180 miles were covered and some rearguard actions fought. This immunity from resolute pursuit was due largely to the splendid stand of the II Corps at Le Cateau on 26th August.

The Marne-1st to 6th September

On the River Marne the retreat was stopped. The French counter-attacked and the German flank was threatened by the whole of the French Sixth Army, which had been hastily created and rushed round Paris. On 6th September both our battalions advanced with renewed vigour and hope. The advance continued until 14th September, when heavy fighting ensued for possession of the high ground along the Chemin des Dames, east of the River Aisne. During this period one action deserves recording.

Hautevesnes

On 10th September the 1st Battalion formed part of the advance guard to the 2nd Division. Suddenly in the morning mist a German force of about equal strength was seen advancing on another road. The Battalion had reached the southern end of the village of Hautevesnes. The 50th Battery opened fire at 1,500 yards and Lieutenant-Colonel Northey made immediate dispositions to attack, "C" Company advancing about 400 yards past the battery, and "B" Company advancing by a sunken lane to reinforce "C."