Information Board 14-18 Sambre Rouge - The Forgotten Battles of the Sambre

The Forgotten Battles of the Sambre
On 4 August 1914, the German staff launches more than 700.000 men on the assault of Belgium. The 2nd German Army, commended by General Karl von Bülow, reached Maubeuge passing through Belgium. The aim was to invade France and to topple Paris. The 5th French army was commended by General Charles Lanrezac. The meeting of these two armies occurred from 21 tot 24 August at various locations on either side of the Sambre.

Battle of 23 August 1914 Gozée
On the morning of 23 August troops advanced toward Gozée emerging from the woods of Grattière, Aule and Prince. The north of the village fell into enemy hands at midday. The Germans approached on all sides. The French then received the order to withdraw in order to prepare a counter attack. Once the battle was raging and success appeared jeopardised, the French resume the offensive. The French shelling caused numerous German losses. The German supply convoys fell back to Marchienne-au-Pont and Marcinelle. German reinforcements did not stop arriving. At 6 pm, the Germans’ encirclement movement was accentuated by the farm of Baudribus and Marbaix-la-Tour. The French moved back toward Thuillies. Given the superior number of the 2nd Army, the village fell into German hands.

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