The Battle of Mons, August 1914

What was the Battle of Mons?

The Battle of Mons was a significant event in the early days of the First World War, when the British Expeditionary Force impeded, but failed to stop, the progress of the German Army as it advanced under the Schlieffen Plan.

When was the Battle of Mons?

The Battle of Mons took place on the 23rd August, 1914.

What were the aims of each side at the Battle of Mons?

The BEF was aiming to hold the line along the Mons canal, while the Germans aimed to continue their advance into France, while destroying the British and French forces that stood in their way.

What strengths did the BEF have at the Battle of Mons?

The BEF at Mons contained a force of about 75,000 men and 300 artillery guns. Each battalion was armed with two Vickers machine-guns and there was an artillery brigade in each division. The men of the BEF were also expert and well-trained riflemen.

What strengths did the Germans have at the Battle of Mons?

The German troops at Mons were about 150,000 men and 600 artillery guns. It was made up of eight divisions of the German 1st Army, with artillery and cavalry forces, and was part of the wider co-ordinated German advance into France.

What happened at the Battle of Mons?

The main events of the battle were:

• ❖ The British forces faced heavy bombardment by the Germans, who simultaneously attempted to outflank them on either side.
• ❖ British troops were forced to the south and west of Mons, and the Germans entered the town that evening. The next day, the British fell back.

What was the significance of the Battle of Mons?

The Battle of Mons was significant in a number of ways.

• ❖ It slowed down the German advance, although it failed to stop it.
• ❖ The British lost about 1,600 men. German losses were estimated at about 5,000.
• ❖ It demonstrated the potential of the BEF to upset German plans. The kaiser had referred to the BEF as 'that contemptible little army', but afterwards a German general said that they were an 'incomparable army'.
• ❖ The retreat gave the British time to establish defences at the River Marne, where the next significant battle would take place.