Battle of Mons: German forces break through British lines

The Battle of Mons took place from August 23 to August 24, 1914, along the Mons–Condé Canal on the Franco-Belgian border. The engagement involved the British Expeditionary Force, commanded by John French, defending against the German Empire's 1st Army, led by Alexander von Kluck.

The German forces deployed approximately 160,000 personnel and 600 guns, while the British forces consisted of 80,000 personnel and 300 guns. Although the British objective was to hold the canal line, the German offensive succeeded in breaking through the defensive line to enter French territory. The battle resulted in a victory for the German Empire, with British losses reported at 1,638 killed or missing, compared to German losses estimated between 2,000 and 5,000 killed or missing.