SEPTEMBER 10 to 13, 1914
The morning of the 10th witnessed a theatrical change of scene on the French left, where it will be remembered Maunoury's army was in a most critical position. After a night of anxious suspense, it was seen that the Germans had abandoned their positions, and were retreating hastily towards the north-east, to avoid being caught in the pincer-like jaws formed by the Franco-British forces the previous day.
Thus Paris and France were saved, as Von Kluck's retreat carried away Von Bulow's army with it, and Franchet d'Esperey crossed the Marne. Von Hausen's right followed suit, pursued by Foch. The troops of the former had crossed the Marshes of St. Gond during the night to avoid disaster.
Langle de Cary precipitated the retreat of Von Hausen's army. His right, still under heavy pressure, was however obliged to fall back. Here, the Germans were only held up by the increasingly effectual help rendered by Sarrail's army. The latter withstood the furious attacks of the Crown Prince without flinching, while on the heights above the Meuse, the fort of Troyon, the heroic defence of which has since become famous, withstood the terrible onslaughts of the enemy forces which sought to cross the river.
It was only on the 11th that the Duke of Wurtemberg followed the retreat begun on his right the day before, and it was only during the night of the 12th-13th that the German retreat became general.
On the 13th the Germans reached their line of resistance, and, as will be seen on the map before you, their front extended from Soissons to Verdun, passing by Rheims. This map also shows the positions at the beginning of the battle.
The foregoing sketch gives a general idea of the character of this great battle, which has been called "The Miracle of the Marne," and for the winning of which the following factors were responsible: firmness on the part of the commander-in-chief; the clear and well-laid plan which he caused to be executed by highly capable army commanders working in close collaboration with one another; and, above all, the superhuman courage and endurance of the soldiers.
As time passes, these memorable days stand out more and more gloriously. The study in detail of this stupendous event will continue for centuries hence, but its main lines, which we have been at pains to trace, already stand out clearly. They recall all the old French traditions. The clearness of the plan, the suppleness of manœuvre, the bold use of the reserves, remind one of the Napoleonic era. The enthusiasm which galvanized soldiers and chiefs alike dates back to the Revolution. And going back into the remote past, it was the remembrance of the arresting on the soil of Gaul of the great barbarian invasions which inspired the Victory of the Marne.
MARSHAL JOFFRE