Following the withdrawal from Mons, the British Expeditionary Force retreated south with the intent of establishing defensive locations in the area of Le Cateau. The German First Army continued to pressure the BEF as they advanced southward.
On the eve of the 25th August 1914, the British I Corps to the east of Le Cateau had engaged the advanced guards of German troops forcing their way through the Foret du Mormal to establish crossings over the River Sambre.
II Corps with the Cavalry Division and 19th Brigade were withdrawing in contact with the German Army and the rear guard was engaged in heavy fighting at Solesmes.
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| Strategic Situation - Eve of Le Cateau |
Field Marshall French was concerned about the protection of his flanks especially as the French Fifth Army was falling back, and consequently he ordered that the retreat of BEF to continue.
General Dorien-Smith II Corps commander assessing the situation with General Alenby of the Cavalry Division and General Hamilton of the 3rd Division determined that the troops to the west of Le Cateau were not in a position to move till 09:00 26th August, by which time they could be overwhelmed.
During the period that the BEF were retreating from Mons to Le Cateau, the 4th Division commanded by General Snow had newly arrived from the United Kingdom and were assembling in Le Cateau.
Smith- Dorien asked that Allenby and Snow if they would serve under his command in order to form a blocking force and follow him in disobeying Field Marshall French's order to retreat. Both Generals acceded to Smith-Dorien's request, and the decision was made to stand firm to deliver a stopping blow to the advancing enemy.
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| General Smith-Dorien |
Very well , gentlemen, we will stand and fight
Orders were issued to prepare defensive positions, though the rear guard had only just extracted it's self from Solemes, and many other units were still arriving into the area.
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| Battle of Le Cateau - British Dispositions |
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| Le Cateau - Hotel de Ville |