Battle Histories > Western Front > The Battle of Le Cateau, 26 August 1914
'...it is said by some that through the course of the entire war never were British troops as heavily outnumbered' Private John Lucy in his autobiography 'There's a devil in the drum'
This action followed the Battle of Mons, 23 August 1914
Why did the British Army fight this battle?
By nightfall of the 25 August 1914 the retreating II Corps was being closely pursued by the German 1st Army. I Corps was some way away to the east, and although the newly-arrived 4th Division was moving up alongside II Corps it was clear that the disorganised and greatly fatigued units faced a calamity the next day if the withdrawal was forced to continue. Corps Commander Horace Smith-Dorrien ordered II Corps to stand and fight. The units of the Corps were arranged in the open downs to the west of the small town of Le Cateau.
The senior British commanders responsible for this action
John French,
Commander in Chief
Horace Smith-Dorrien,
II Corps
Despatch
Read Sir John French's Despatch to the Secretary of State for War on this battle.
Order of Battle

The Battle of Le Cateau - 26th August 1914

The Cavalry Division

II Corps : Divisions 3rd, 5th

4th Division

19th Infantry Brigade

What happened?

For long hours during the morning of the 26th August, the British, notably the field artillery, held overwhelming numbers of the enemy at bay and inflicted severe loss. Miraculously, the Corps disengaged and withdrew towards the south during the afternoon. Smith-Dorrien's decision to turn II Corps around from retreat and to stand against the German advance at Le Cateau paid off handsomely. Serious losses were inflicted on the Germans and another delay imposed on their Paris timetable. To the east, I Corps was able to move further away from the advance parties of the Germans. However, a rift grew between Sir John French (who had initially ordered Smith-Dorrien to continue to retreat) and Smith-Dorrien as a result of this action. It was to have serious consequences in 1915.

Le Cateau
This photograph shows the effects of battle in 1914. A wrecked field gun and limber, with dead men and horses strewn across the field. It has not been possible to identify the exact location or unit involved, but it is believed that it is at or shortly after Le Cateau.
Tactics
British tactics were similar to those at Mons. The infantry produced intensive and accurate rifle fire, while the field artillery fired air-bursting shrapnel rounds on the unprotected enemy, both causing severe losses to the Germans. Many field guns were fired at point-blank range over open sights. Some were withdrawn just as the enemy infantry closed in. For the second time in three days, the British force engaged withdrew brilliantly in the face of overwhelming odds and without flank protection.
Casualties
The total British casualties amounted to 7,812 of all ranks, killed, wounded and missing. 38 guns were lost.
Senior officer casualties

Lt-Col. Charles Brett, OC 2nd Suffolks, Lt-Col Alfred Dykes, OC 1st King's Own, and Lt-Col Edward Panter-Downes, OC 2nd Royal Irish Regiment, were all killed in action at Le Cateau. None has a known grave and all are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at La Ferté sous Jouarre.

 

Col. Frank Boileau, of Royal Engineers and on staff of 3rd Division, died on 27th August 1914 of wounds received on the days before this battle and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery.

 

Lt-Col George Ansell, OC 5th Dragoon Guards, was killed on 1st September 1914 at Verberie and is buried in the French National cemetery in that village. Lt-Col the Hon. George Morris, OC 1st Irish Guards, also died on 1st September 1914 in the woods near Villers-Cotterets, and is buried in the Guards Grave there. Lt-Col Ian Hogg, OC 4th Hussars, died the next day and is buried in the communal cemetery at Haramont.

 
The retreat continues
Over the course of the next week, the BEF continued the long slog of retreat, often fighting sharp rearguard actions. Eventually the force was south of the Seine and effectively our of the battle line. A number of the actions in retreat were identified by the Battles Nomenclature Committee as being worthy of note: this is the list, together with the order of battle.

Rearguard Affair of Le Grand Fayt - 26th August 1914

2nd Connaught Rangers of 2nd Division


Rearguard Affair of Etreux - 26th August 1914

Two troops of 15th Hussars of 1st Cavalry Division

2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers of 1st Division


Affair of Cerizy - 28th August 1914

5th Cavalry Brigade


Affair of Nery - 1st September 1914

1st Cavalry Brigade

1st Middlesex of 19th Infantry Brigade


Rearguard Action of Crepy en Valois - 1st September 1914

13th Brigade of 5th Division


Rearguard Actions of Villers-Cotterets - 1st September 1914

3rd Cavalry Brigade

4th (Guards) and 6th Brigades of 2nd Division

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