SEPTEMBER 6, 1914
On this and the succeeding maps, the Allied positions of the previous evening and at the end of the next day are shown.
The German positions are not shown, as too many lines might create confusion in reading the maps.
Maunoury's Army effected an advance of about six miles, but his left was unable to accomplish its task, which was to outflank the German right. Von Kluck who, till then, seeming to ignore Maunoury had concentrated all his efforts against the British and Franchet d'Esperey's Army, now perceived this manœuvre. With the promptitude and audacity which particularly marked his character, he completely changed his plans and rounded on Maunoury. Taking advantage of the state of extreme fatigue of the British forces, Von Kluck withdrew one of the army corps which were facing them and despatched it by forced marches to the help of his right wing. It was these unexpected reinforcements which enabled Von Kluck to hold up Maunoury's left.
On this day the British army finally recovered itself, and reached a line running from the north-west to the south-east of Coulommiers.
FRANCHET D'ESPEREY
The armies of Generals Franchet d'Esperey and Foch fought with great stubbornness. The former wrested several dominating positions from the Germans and approached Esternay, but the latter was able only to maintain himself on the line of resistance assigned to him south of the Marshes of Saint-Gond.
General Langle de Cary was eventually able to hold up the bulk of the troops under the Duke of Wurtemberg on positions extending from the south-west of Vitry-le-François to Revigny.
The general plan of operations included an attack by the Third Army, under General Sarrail, against the German left wing, such attack to coincide with that of General Maunoury at the other end of the line. This was, however, anticipated by the Germans who, under the Crown Prince, and in far greater numbers, forced back Sarrail's left and prevented all progress on his right.