The New York Times Current History of the European War | Page 4

that his
horses were too tired to move before the next day. Although he

rendered me valuable assistance later on in the course of the retirement,
he was unable for the reasons given to afford me any support on the
most critical day of all, viz., the 26th.
At daybreak it became apparent that the enemy was throwing the bulk
of his strength against the left of the position occupied by the Second
Corps and the Fourth Division.
At this time the guns of four German army corps were in position
against them, and Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien reported to me that he
judged it impossible to continue his retirement at daybreak (as ordered)
in face of such an attack.
I sent him orders to use his utmost endeavors to break off the action
and retire at the earliest possible moment, as it was impossible for me
to send him any support, the First Corps being at the moment incapable
of movement.
The French cavalry corps, under Gen. Sordêt, was coming up on our
left rear early in the morning, and I sent an urgent message to him to do
his utmost to come up and support the retirement of my left flank; but
owing to the fatigue of his horses he found himself unable to intervene
in any way.
There had been no time to intrench the position properly, but the troops
showed a magnificent front to the terrible fire which confronted them.
The artillery, although outmatched by at least four to one, made a
splendid fight, and inflicted heavy losses on their opponents.
[Illustration: Map 1.--Showing the early stages of the retreat from
Mons, Aug. 22 to Sept. 1.]
At length it became apparent that, if complete annihilation was to be
avoided, a retirement must be attempted; and the order was given to
commence it about 3:30 P.M. The movement was covered with the
most devoted intrepidity and determination by the artillery, which had
itself suffered heavily, and the fine work done by the cavalry in the

further retreat from the position assisted materially in the final
completion of this most difficult and dangerous operation.
Fortunately the enemy had himself suffered too heavily to engage in an
energetic pursuit.
I cannot close the brief account of this glorious stand of the British
troops without putting on record my deep appreciation of the valuable
services rendered by Gen. Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien.
I say without hesitation that the saving of the left wing of the army
under my command on the morning of the 26th August could never
have been accomplished unless a commander of rare and unusual
coolness, intrepidity, and determination had been present to personally
conduct the operation.
The retreat was continued far into the night of the 26th and through the
27th and 28th, on which date the troops halted on the line
Noyon-Chauny-La Fère, having then thrown off the weight of the
enemy's pursuit.
On the 27th and 28th I was much indebted to Gen. Sordêt and the
French cavalry division which he commands for materially assisting
my retirement and successfully driving back some of the enemy on
Cambrai.
Gen. D'Amade also, with the Sixty-first and Sixty-second French
Reserve Divisions, moved down from the neighborhood of Arras on the
enemy's right flank and took much pressure off the rear of the British
forces.
This closes the period covering the heavy fighting which commenced at
Mons on Sunday afternoon, 23d August, and which really constituted a
four days' battle.
At this point, therefore, I propose to close the present dispatch.
I deeply deplore the very serious losses which the British forces have

suffered in this great battle; but they were inevitable in view of the fact
that the British Army--only two days after a concentration by rail--was
called upon to withstand a vigorous attack of five German army corps.
It is impossible for me to speak too highly of the skill evinced by the
two general officers commanding army corps; the self-sacrificing and
devoted exertions of their staffs; the direction of the troops by
divisional, brigade, and regimental leaders; the command of the smaller
units by their officers; and the magnificent fighting spirit displayed by
non-commissioned officers and men.
I wish particularly to bring to your Lordship's notice the admirable
work done by the Royal Flying Corps under Sir David Henderson.
Their skill, energy, and perseverance [Transcriber: original
'perseverence'] have been beyond all praise. They have furnished me
with the most complete and accurate information, which has been of
incalculable value in the conduct of the operations. Fired at constantly
both by friend and foe, and not hesitating to fly in every kind of
weather, they have remained undaunted throughout.
Further, by actually fighting in the air, they have succeeded in
destroying five of the enemy's machines.
I wish to acknowledge