Mons - First Shots WW1

Early in the morning of 22^nd August 1914, a cavalry patrol from the 4^th Dragoon Guards were investigating reports from the local population that the Germans were in the village of Casteau to the north east of Mons.

Casteau

The Dragoons encountered the Germans on the main road in the village and in the subsequent engagement drummer E Thomas fired what is believed to be the first shots of the great war.

First shots fired memorial

First Shots fired memorial plaque

 Fate would once again visit this location, as opposite the memorial is the place is the location of the last shot fired prior to the Armistice 11^th November 1918.

First & last shots Casteau

Last shots fired plaque

Last shots fired plaque