Clash of Steel
for Military History & Aviation enthusiasts

Translate this Page

Search :

Le Cateau


Battle Name : Le Cateau

Date(s) : 26 August 1914 - 27 August 1914

Part of : First World War , The Western Front ,

Outcome : A victory for British Expeditionary Force over German First Army

Type of battle : Land

Summary

A hard-fought rear-guard action by Gen. Smith-Dorrian's II Corps held off massively superior German forces to permit the rest of the BEF to continue it's retreat. The cost was very high bt it bought valuable time for the rest. The survivors fell back as night fell on the 27th.

Casualty figures

British Expeditionary Force

Number engaged :
7,800

Casualties :
40,000 (512.82%)

German First Army

Number engaged :
n/a

Casualties :
n/a