The Battle of Mons on August 23rd 1914 was the first action seen by the British Expeditionary Force during the First World War.
The British had aimed to hold the line at the Mons–Condé Canal against the advancing German First Army. Instead, the battle saw the BEF in a protracted retreat which lasted two weeks.
The Germans heavily outnumbered them, whilst the French Fifth Army’s own retreat saw the British right flank exposed.
After a fortnight of falling back, the British and the French were able to rally and push the Germans back at the Battle of the Marne.
A day of commemorations is being held in Mons today (August 23rd 2014) to mark the Centenary. Details can be found here. Centenary News is in Mons for the 100th anniversary of the battle.
Images: Peter Alhadeff,Centenary News
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, reporting for Centenary News from Mons