The struggle seemed so hopeless, that orders were asked for, in view of a possible retreat on Paris. However, General Gallieni refused to consider this possibility and, faithful to Joffre's instructions, gave orders to "die rather than give way." Maunoury's left continued therefore its heroic resistance.
GROSSETTI
Von Kluck's retreat along the Ourcq left Von Bulow's army completely unprotected, and he was, in turn, obliged to give way before Franchet d'Esperey's left.
The latter continued to co-operate actively in the heroic resistance of the French centre, by taking in the flank the enemy forces which were furiously attacking Foch. This general became the objective of the last and most furious attacks of Von Bulow and Von Hausen who, realizing that should they fail they would be forced to continue the retreat begun on their right, decided to make one more attempt to crush in the French centre.
They very nearly succeeded; all along the line, the French were forced to fall back, and the southern boundary of the Marshes of Saint-Gond was entirely abandoned.
The position, to the east of Sézanne, seemed hopeless. It was there that the loss of ground was most dangerous, and it is perhaps necessary to explain in detail this critical phase of the battle.
On the large-scale map below is shown the position of Foch's left and centre on September 8 and 9.