ortnight, 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 every one 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, had a double problem, for
he was wrestling with General von Buelow to hold the southern edge of the
Sezanne Plateau, while General von Hausen's Saxon Army was trying to
turn his right flank. A violent attack, which, for the space of over two
hours seemed likely to succeed, was launched by the Duke of Wuerttemberg
against General Langle and the Fourth Army. The attack was repelled, but
the French losses were proportionately great. There could be no denial
that many such attacks could break through the line. General Sarrail's
army, fight