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.
SEPTEMBER 7, 1914
On September 7, Maunoury's army began to feel the effects of the German heavy artillery, established out of range of the French 75's, and could advance but very slowly.
However, at the end of the day, Maunoury still hoped to be able to outflank the German right. Meanwhile, Von Kluck continued his risky manœuvre, and detached a second army corps from the forces opposed to the British, adding it to his right. Each was endeavouring to outflank the other.
Fronting the British, there was now only a thin curtain of troops taken from two of the German army corps opposed to Franchet d'Esperey.
This small force fought with great stubbornness, in order, if possible, to give Von Kluck time to crush Maunoury, before the advance by the British and Franchet d'Esperey could become really dangerous.
