The Battle of the Marne: Generals Galiénni and French drive the invading Germans back from their approach to Paris, first to the Petit Morin, then the Grand Morin, then the Marne. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) under Sir John French crossed the Grand Morin on September 7 and 8, 1914 arriving on the Petit Morin on the 8th. Galiénni commanded the garrison of Paris, and had launched the initial French attack northeast of the capital on September 5.
Un Magistral Coup de Balai!ParisG[rand]e MorinP[e]t[ite] MorinA Magisterial Clean Sweep!MarneReverse:Message dated March 25, 1915
"If you can hold your ground the situation appears likely to improve. 4th Division must co-operate. French troops are taking offensive on right of I. Corps. Although you are given a free hand as to method this telegram is not intended to convey the impression that I am not as anxious for you to carry out the retirement and you must make every endeavour to do so."
Conclusion of a telegram from Sir John French, commander of British forces in France, to General Smith-Dorrien at 5:00 A.M., August 26, 1914. Retreating southwards after the Battle of Mons on August 23, believing his men to be exhausted, and concluding that the proximity of the Germans would force him to fight during the day, Smith-Dorrien informed French of his decision to prepare for battle at Le Cateau, France. On his right, General Douglas Haig continued retreating, leaving Smith-Dorrien dangerously exposed on both flanks, as units of the French Groupe d'Amade were on his left, but with a significant gap between the French and British. The German attack drove in Smith-Dorrien's right flank, but a French cavalry corps under Sordet arrived in time to support his left flank. That night, after the battle, the British continued their retreat. In the Battle of Le Cateau, the British suffered 7,800 casualties in a force of 40,000, and lost 38 guns, numerous wagons and stores of supplies. Commanding the German First Army, General von Kluck concluded that the British were retreating to the west, the Channel coast, and possibly a return to England.
Military Operations France and Belgium, 1914, Vol. I, August to October by J. E. Edmonds, page 136, copyright © Second Edition 1925, publisher: MacMillan and Co., Limited, publication date: 1925
Scheuermann, British Expeditionary Force, BEF, 1914, August, 1914-08-26, Sir John French, John French, Battle of Le Cateau
