The Opening Clash of a World War

For the people of Mons, the summer of 1914 brought the thunder of war to their doorstep. On 23 August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) — a relatively small but highly professional army — found itself facing the massive German First Army along the Mons-Condé Canal. What followed was the Battle of Mons, the first significant engagement between British and German forces in World War One.

The Strategic Context

Following Germany's invasion of Belgium on 4 August 1914, British forces crossed the Channel to support their French allies. Under the command of Field Marshal Sir John French, the BEF advanced into Belgium and took up a defensive line along the industrial canal just south of Mons. They were vastly outnumbered — roughly 70,000 British soldiers faced an estimated 160,000 Germans under General Alexander von Kluck.

The Fighting on the Canal

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the BEF's disciplined rifle fire — capable of an extraordinary rate of accuracy — initially stunned the advancing Germans. British soldiers could fire fifteen aimed rounds per minute, leading some German commanders to initially believe they were facing machine guns. The battle raged throughout 23 August, with fierce fighting around the canal bridges and the town's coal-mining villages.

However, with French forces retreating on their flank, the BEF was left dangerously exposed and had no choice but to begin the famous Retreat from Mons — a gruelling 200-mile withdrawal that would last until early September.

The Angels of Mons

The battle quickly became surrounded by legend. A short story by Arthur Machen, published in September 1914, described phantom angelic bowmen protecting British soldiers. Though fictional, many soldiers and civilians came to believe the angels were real — a testament to the profound psychological impact of the battle on the public imagination.

Liberation and Return

Mons was occupied by Germany for most of the war. It was finally liberated on 11 November 1918 — the very morning the Armistice was signed — by Canadian forces. The last British soldier to die in WWI, Private George Lawrence Price, was killed in Mons just minutes before the ceasefire took effect at 11:00 AM.

Remembering the Battle Today

Mons takes its Great War heritage seriously. Key sites to visit include:

  • The In Flanders Fields Museum context: While the main museum is in Ieper, Mons has its own dedicated WWI interpretation resources.
  • Saint Symphorien Military Cemetery: A beautifully preserved cemetery 3 km east of Mons, containing both British and German graves — including that of George Lawrence Price. It was designed by the German military and is considered one of the most moving war cemeteries in Belgium.
  • The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 is a short drive away for those wanting broader WWI context.
  • Mons Memorial Museum: Located in the city, it covers both World Wars and the city's wartime experiences in depth.

A City Shaped by History

The Battle of Mons left a permanent mark on the city's identity. Every year, commemorations are held to honour the soldiers — British, Canadian, Belgian, and German — who fought and died here. Visiting these sites is a humbling and deeply worthwhile experience for anyone travelling through this part of Belgium.