THE BATTLE OF HONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20650, 23 August 1930, Page 12

THE BATTLE OF HONS.

SIXTEENTH ANNIVERSARY. HISTORIC RETREAT RECALLED. The sixteenth anniversary of the commencement of the Battle of Mons and the historic retreat of the British Expeditionary Force, which lasted 12 days, falls to-day. This was tho first occasion on which the British forces had come in contact with a large body of tho German troops, but owing to the appearance of llio Third German Army on tho flank of tho French I'ifth Army, the British commander. Sir John French, found it necessary to retreat with the retiring French Army.

Following tho invasion of Belgium by tho First, Second and Third German Armies, which marched in a wide sweep in an attempt to carry out a devastating flank movement with Paris as its objective, the British, with four divisions, and the French Fifth Army, with 13 divisions, found themselves faced by all three German units, totalling 30 divisions. After concentrating near Maubouge, tho British troops had moved up to Mons on August 22, ready to advance further into Belgium as [tart of tho offensive of the Allied left wing. On arrival, Sir John French learned that the day previously General Lanrezac's Fifth Army had been attacked and had been deprived of the crossings of tho River Sambre. Although ho was placed in a forward and difficult position, Sir John French agreed to stand at Mons and to cover the French rereat. Next day, however, word was received of tho fall of Namur and tho appearaneo of tho Third German Army on his exposed right flank, so he was forced to give orders for a retreat that evening. After resisting the attacks of six German divisions during the day, the British fell back in conformity with tho rest of tho Allies. Tho retreat was not a day too soon, as the First German Army was marching still further on the exposed western flank. The British retreat was continued until September 5, when tho French on either flank turned about and commenced tho offensive that led to the Battle of tho Maine. The Allied frontal pursuit continued until Septomber 17, when tho Germans stood firmly on tho lino of the Aisne.