The well-trained army regulars and reservists of the British Expeditionary Force (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.

This tour focuses on both the first fights and high-command issues involving the British in August 1914: Mons, the subsequent retreat, the stands at Le Cateau and Landrecies and the contradictory strategic options. Based out of Mons and Cambrai you will appreciate how the professionalism of the BEF in terms of tactics, training and leadership was able to stem the tide of the German advance and draw them away from their intended objectives. Under the guidance of historian Simon Jones you will gain an insight into the politics and rationale of high-level military thinking that prevailed at the beginning of the war with particular emphasis on those surrounding British General Horace Smith-Dorrien.

Day 1

Depart London St Pancras for Lille Europe with Eurostar or make your own arrangements to join the tour at Lille Europe. Upon arrival at Lille, board coach for our journey to Mons where we visit the excellent Mons Memorial Museum, setting the scene for the tour. We then transfer to our hotel in Mons where we spend the night. We enjoy welcome drinks and an introductory talk by our guide followed by dinner. Hotel in Mons – 1 night. (D).

Day 2

This morning we explore actions around Mons including the First Shot Memorial at Casteau, site of the first engagement of the war, Obourg Station and Nimy Bridge. After a light lunch, we visit the BEF Memorial at La Bascule before paying our respects at the Commonwealth War Graves St Symphorien Cemetery where we visit the graves of the first and last Commonwealth soldiers killed in the First World War. We then continue following the withdrawal route to Elouges. Continue to Cambrai. Hotel in Cambrai - 2 nights. (B, D).

Day 3

Continuing the withdrawal route we examine the Guard’s Brigade rear-guard action at Landrecies, the “stopping blow” at Le Cateau, and the Munster’s stand at Etreux. We enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. (B, L, D).

Day 4

Travelling via St Quentin we visit Cerizy where on 28th August 1914 the 12th Lancers charged a dismounted Prussian Guard Dragoon regiment. This afternoon we follow L Battery and 1st Cavalry Brigade’s skirmish at Nery and the 4th Guards Brigade rear-guard action at Villers Cotterets. We also stop at the Guards Grave Cemetery which Rudyard Kipling thought was “perhaps the most beautiful of all resting places in France”.

We continue to Paris Gare de Nord where we catch the early evening Eurostar back to London St Pancras or perhaps extend your stay in France. (B).