VON HAUSEN
On this day of September 8, a German officer wrote in his notebook: "Caught sight of Von Kluck. His eyes usually so bright, were dull. He, who was wont to be so alert, spoke in dejected tones. He was absolutely depressed."
At the right of the British army, General Franchet d'Esperey continued his rapid advance and occupied the outskirts of Montmirail.
Moreover, his troops co-operated efficiently in helping to check the violent attacks of Von Bulow's army against Grossetti's division.
The Germans became more and more anxious, and rightly so, at the turn events were taking on their right where Von Kluck's army was beginning to be tightly squeezed between the armies of General Maunoury, the British and General Franchet d'Esperey. Von Kluck was forced to retreat and, in doing so, left exposed Von Bulow's army. The armies of Von Bulow and Von Hausen received orders to crush Foch and break through the French centre at all costs, so as to be able to turn Franchet d'Esperey's army on the west, and that of Langle de Cary on the east.
The position was this: If the manœuvre succeeded, Joffre's entire plan would fall to pieces. If, on the other hand, it failed a general retreat on the part of the Germans would be inevitable.
Foch's army received a terrible blow. It was forced back in the centre, and almost pierced on the right. However, Foch in no wise lost confidence, but pronounced the situation to be 'excellent.' The fact was, he clearly realised that these furious attacks were dictated by the desperate position in which the Germans found themselves. He rallied his troops, hurled them again against the Germans, but was unable to win back the ground which he had just lost.
