Mons
Battle Name : Mons
Date(s) : 23 August 1914
Part of : First World War , The Western Front , The Battles of the Frontiers ,
Outcome : A victory for British Expeditionary Force over German Imperial Forces
Type of battle : Land
Summary
The BEF, formed to the left of the French Fifth army advanced with them into Belgium where they met the full force of the German First Army near Mons. Sir John French's efficient and professional army (often regarded as the finest Britain ever put into the field) although heavily outnumbered, fought back stoutly, and held the German advance. Although ready to counter-attack the following day, the French withdrawal from the Sambre threatened the British flank so the BEF was forced to fall back.