b'FIRST WORLD WARMONS AND LE CATEAUScan here for the full OPENING SHOTS AND LEADERSHIP CRISIS itinerary31 AugustHistorical Background3 September 2025 This tour focuses on both the first fights and high-command issues 4 days involving the British in August 1914: Mons, the subsequent retreat, the Expert Historian: stands at Le Cateau and Landrecies and the contradictory strategic options. Based out of Mons and Cambrai you will appreciate how the Simon Jones professionalism of the BEF in terms of tactics, training and leadership was Activity Level: 2 able to stem the tide of the German advance and draw them away from their intended objectives. Under the guidance of our expert historian you will gain an insight into the politics and rationale of high-level military The well-trained army regulars andthinking that prevailed at the beginning of the war with particular emphasis reservists of the British Expeditionary Forceon those surrounding British General Horace Smith-Dorrien.(BEF) saw their first action of the Great War on the outskirts of Mons in Belgium on August 22nd 1914. The Kaiser disparagingly referred to them as a contemptible little army and by late November they had been virtually destroyed. But in so doing they had succeeded in helping foil the German Schlieffen Plan keeping the enemy both out of both Ypres and Paris. During the retreat from Mons, the commander of II Corps, General Smith-Dorrien, disobeyed the direct orders of his superior, Sir John French, to make his famous stand at Le Cateau.Day 1Eurostar from London to Lille or make your own arrangements to join the tour at Lille Europe Coach Mons Memorial Museum Welcome drinks and an introductory talk by our guide Hotel in Mons1 night (D)Day 2 Opening action around Mons: incl Casteau, Obourg Station and Nimy Bridge; St Symphorien Cemetery; Elouges Hotel in Cambrai - 2 nights (B,D)ESSENTIALS Day 3 Guards Brigade rear-guard action at Landrecies, stopping blow atLe Cateau, Munsters stand at Etreux Lunch in a restaurant (B,L,D)4-star hotels, meals as indicated,Day 4 Cerizy, Nery, Villers Cotterets, Guards Grave Cemetery Continue to Paris drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Gare de Nord - return Eurostar to London or perhaps extend your stay in tour manager and expert historianFrance (B)throughout, all internal travel,optional travel from UK.www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 475926 TCE BROCHURE 2025-26_Aug25.indd 47 22/08/2025 13:35'