The fighting was extended
for a considerable distance on either side of the Meuse and many
engagements took place between French and German cavalry and regiments
working away from the main armies.
There was, for instance, a memorable encounter at Marville which is one
of the most heroic episodes of the war. Five thousand French soldiers of
all arms, with quick-firers, engaged 20,000 German infantry. In spite of
being outnumbered, the French beat back the enemy from point to point in
a fight lasting for twelve hours, inflicting tremendous punishment and
suffering very few losses.
The German officer captured expressed his unbounded admiration for the
valor of the French troops, which he described as superb. It was only
for fear of getting too far out of touch with the main forces that the
gallant 5,000 desisted from their irresistible attack and retired with a
large number of German helmets as trophies of the victorious action.
Nevertheless, in accordance with the general plan which had been decided
on by the Generals, in view of the superior numbers temporarily pressing
upon them, the Germans succeeded in forcing their way steadily down the
Meuse as far as Mezieres, divided by a bridge from Charleville, on the
other side of the river.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203