Retreat from Mons - Affair at Landrecies

The British I Corps retreated south moving east of the Foret de Mormal. The 1st Guards Division moved into billets west of Avnes with initially little enemy contact.

The Germans had however found traversing routes through the Foret de Mormal and their advanced guard tried to secure crossing places over the River Sambre. As darkness fell, at 7:30 pm they attempted to capture a bridge over the Sambre in Landrecies.

The 4th Guards Brigade were billeted in Landrecies and were guarding the bridge. The initial contact was with piquets from 3rd Coldstream Guards who were reinforced by 2nd Grenadiers as the action developed.

Despite numerous German charges and German artillery brought forward the Guardsmen held the position.

Coldstream Guards Landrecies

Landrecies

During the action corn stacks in a farm yard were set on fire lighting up the British positions. L/Cpl GH Wyatt dashed out to put out the fire despite the enemy being only 25 yards away and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions.

L/Cpl Wyatt VC

Charles Wyatt VC



Shortly after midnight the British man handled a 60 pounder gun into action near the station at Landrecies and were able to silence the German artillery. The Germans withdrew.


Landrecies Station

British 60 pounder gun field of fire Landrecies