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
"With the support of British forces, the [French] Fifth and Sixth Armies have continued to progress. In the centre and on the right our troops though sharply attacked have maintained their positions. Today the Third and Fourth Armies have resumed the offensive with the support of the reinforcements sent them.In general the situation is very satisfactory on the whole front."
Extract from a telephone message by French Commander Joseph Joffre to the Chief of the French Mission at British Headquarters. On September 8, 1914, the British forced their way across the Petit Morin River and advanced halfway to the Marne. They had been opposed by cavalry under von Richthofen, father of the then not-yet-famous fighter pilot. During the afternoon the British Flying Corps reported the German forces were retreating quickly to the north. German planes reported the British and French advances that threatened to outflank the German Second Army. After a sultry day, a violent thunderstorm struck at 6:00 PM.
The Campaign of the Marne by Sewell Tyng, pp. 389, 390, copyright © 2007 Westholme Publishing, LLC, publisher: Westholme Publishing, LLC, publication date: 2007 (1935)
Joseph Galienni, Galienni, Galiénni John French, Sir John French, Sir John, Paris, Marne, Battle of the Marne, Morin, Grand Morin, Petit Morin, Battle of the Grand Morin, Battle of the Petit Morin
