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

Information board at the war memorial in Beaumont concerning the battles of the Sambre at the beginning of the First World War.

Germany declared war on France in early August, 1914. On 4 August the German Chiefs-of Staff violated Belgium’s neutrality and sent more than 700.000 men to attack Belgium. The German Second Army, commanded by General Karl von Bülow, crossed our country via Maubeuge with the aim of invading France and taking Paris. France’s Fifth Army was commanded by General Charles Lanrezac.
Battles raged in Tamines, Arsimont and Auvelais on 21 August. Le Roux, Aiseau, Roselies, Carnières, Anderlues and Leernes were attacked on 22 August. On 23 August the fighting continued in Lobbes, Gozée and Marbaix-la-Tour. Opposite the German army’s heavy artillery, the French counteroffensives claimed many lives.
On 27 August, 60.000 German soldiers poured into the garrison town of Maubeuge. General Fournier announced the French defences’ surrender on 7 September. 32.000 prisoners were taking during the siege of Maubeuge, which was followed by the battles of the Marne.

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