Retreat from Mons Bavai / Foret de Mormal.

The assessment of Field Marshall French on 25th August 1914 was the German First Army were intent on turning his flank to force the British Expeditionary Force into Maubeuges. The French forces  on his right were not thought to be strong enough to protect his flank, whilst to his left the French Army were already 10 kilometres to his rear.

He therefore ordered the further retreat to Le Cateau, and Operation Order no 8 was issued.

The Foret de Mormal lay between the current Brtitish positions and Le Cateau. A formidable densely forested area, it was assessed that routes through the forest it would be impassable.




Foret de Mormal

Operation Order No 8 split the BEF at Bavai. I Corps and 5th Cavalry Brigde would pass to the east of the forest, II Corps with the Cavalry Division and 19th Brigade to the west, the intent being to would reform in the area of Le Cateau.

Operation Order No8 splits the BEF

Bavai

Roman Road Bavai to Le Cateau
Route of British 5th Division