e apparent
intention of falling in strength upon the Fifth French Army. In
this operation they are exposing their right flank and their line
of communications to an attack from the combined Sixth French Army
and the British forces.

"I call upon the British army in France to now show the enemy its
power and to push on vigorously to the attack beside the Sixth
French Army.

"I am sure I shall not call upon them in vain, but that, on the
contrary, by another manifestation of the magnificent spirit which
they have shown in the past fortnight, they will fall on the enemy's
flank with all their strength and, in unison with the Allies, drive
them back."

As before, the day's fighting began with the efforts of the Sixth
French Army against the Ourcq. Before the Germans could be driven
from the east bank the few villages they occupied on the west bank
had to be taken, and as these were covered by heavy artillery from
the farther bank, the French loss of life was very severe. Yet
these several combats--of which there were as many as there were
villages--were stationary. In every case the Germans were compelled
to cross the river; in every case the artillery made it impossible
for the French to follow them.

At dawn also everyone of the French armies advanced, and within
two or three hours of sunrise found themselves engaged with the
German front. The spirited order to the troops issued that morning
by General Joffre had left no doubt in the minds of Frenchmen on
the importance of the issue. It read:

"At a moment when a battle on which the welfare of the country
depends is going to begin, I feel it incumbent upon me to remind
you all that this is no longer the time to look behind. All our
efforts must be directed toward attacking and driving back the
enemy. An army which can no longer advance must at all costs keep
the ground it has won, and allow itself to be killed on the spot
rather than give way. In the present circumstance no faltering
can be tolerated."

Yet in spite of the powerful efforts of the French armies they
were all held in check, and General Sarrail was beginning to give
way.

Though the fighting in the center had been stationary on this sixth
of September, 1914, it had been desperate. D'Esperey was facing
the 150,000 men of Von Kluck's army, and the effect of the British
attack on Von Kluck's flank had not yet been felt. He more than
held his own, but at great cost. General Foch, with the Ninth Army,