was thus virtually ringed by enemy guns on one side
and by hostile infantry on all sides. "It became apparent," says Sir
John French's dispatch, "that if complete annihilation was to be
avoided, a retirement must be attempted; and the order was given to
commence it about 3.30 p. m. The movement was covered with the most
devoted intrepidity and determination by the artillery, which had
suffered heavily, and the fine work done by the cavalry in the farther
retreat from the position assisted materially in the completion of this
difficult and dangerous operation. The saving of the left wing could
never have been accomplished unless a commander" (Sir Horace
Smith-Dorrien) "of rare coolness had been present to personally conduct
the operation."

This retirement foreshadowed the end of the battle. Worn out by repeated
repulses, the Germans had suffered too heavily to continue their attacks
or to engage in an energetic pursuit. According to General French's
estimate, the British losses during the trying period from August 23 to
August 26, 1914, inclusive, were between 5,000 and 6,000 men and the
losses suffered by the Germans in their pursuit and attacks across the
open country, owing largely to their dense formation, were much greater.
The Battle of Le Cateau gave the Germans pause. Further retreat of the
British could now be resumed in orderly array; for by now General Sordet
with his cavalry was relieving the pressure on the British rear, and
General D'Amade with his two reserve divisions from the neighborhood of
Arras was attacking General von Kluck's right, driving it back on
Cambrai. Disaster to the British forces was averted, though the peril of
German interposition between the Allied army and Paris would soon compel
still further withdrawals.

Covered by their gunners, but still under heavy fire of the German
artillery, the British began again to retire southward. Their retreat
was continued far into the night of August 26, 1914, and through the
27th and 28th; on the last date--after vigorous cavalry fighting--the
exhausted troops halted on a line extending from the French cathedral
town of Noyon through Chauny to La Fere. There they were joined by
reenforcements amounting to double their loss. Guns to replace those
captured or shattered by the enemy were brought up to the new line.
There was a breathing space for a day, while the British made ready to
take part in the next great encounter.

This fourth week in Augus