LE CATEAU.

Northern Advocate, 17 January 1920, Page 4

LE CATEAU.

SMITH-DORRIEN DEFENDED

The most discussed battle of the war at present is that of L e Cateau, which General Sir Horace Smith-Dor-rien fought with the 2nd Corps on August 26th, 1914, contrary to orders from Sir Jo hn' French, but for which he was highly commended in dispatches by the Commander-in-Chief, and later severely condemned in the latter's book "1914" (says "F. 8." in the "Daily Express").

It is difficult for the reader unpractised in military affairs to grasp the situation when described by the average professional writer, but Ma-jor-General Sir Frederick Maurice, who was there, has, in the "National Review" for November, succeeded in drawing a pen picture of the disposition and condition of the troops, who for two day s "had been incessantly on the stretch."

Colonel Ansell, commanding th'- 1 sth Dragoon Guards, had obtained the latest and most important information, and to Sir Frederick he said the night before: "Unless Smith-Dorrien wants a big battle, to-morrow, we will have to get away pretty quick," and after detailing the forces which the exhausted 2nd Corps were up against, he said that as his horses were "pretty cooked" he feared he could ro.t be of much assistance.

General Smith-Dorrien had to choose one of two terrible alternatives —to stand and fight in a selected position, with some units partially entrenched, or to attempt a running fight with weary troops and his cavalry scattered, somewhat disorganised and tired.

Sir Horace consulted General Allenby, who was pessimistic, ajid said he thought, unless the Commander of the 2nd Corps made his mind to move at daybreak, the enemy probably would succeed in surrounding him.

"Nevertheless Sir Horace" determined to fight."

What he did and how he did it Sir Frederick Maurice tells briefly, but so lucidly that the reader understands what has happened when he comes to the phrase: "The enemy attempted to pursuit on the 26th. His experiences of the day did not make him inclined to he enterprising."

The 2nd Corps commander has justified his fateful decision.

Some of Lord French's criticisms of hi s subordinate's actions are put to the acid test by Sir who was with the man on th e spot, and one i 3 staggered at the definite and important statements made by the field-marshal, which are flatly contradicted, and the criticisms, which are shown to be baseless. For Lord French is told that he is wrong in names unis, dispositions, and casualties. A "skilful manoeuvre" which enabled the harassed sth Division to be given a less exposed position, was described as "confusion in retirement," This, Sir Frederick •says, is "an inversion of the facts," and he winds up this striking review in biting fashion:—

"As to the strength of the German troops, we know that Sir Horace wa3 righ and that Lord French was wrong. Personally, I believe at the time that Sir Horace's decision to fight on th? 26th saved us from disaster, and everything I have learnt since has confirmed me in that opinion. It required great courage to mak c such a decision, which, I believe, history will not only justify, but commend."