Alongside maps and carefully-chosen archive photography, David Lomas explores The British Expeditionary Force's presence during the battle of Mons and thereafter.

When the First World War broke out in August 1914 the Imperial German Army mistakenly assumed that the BEF - 'that contemptible little army' - would be easily defeated. They were stopped in their tracks by the numerically inferior British force, whose excellent marksmanship cost the closed packed German ranks dear. Eventually forced to fall back by overwhelming German numbers, the British carried out a masterful fighting retreat across Belgium and northern France. At Mons, nine and a half British battalions held four German divisions at bay for an entire day.

This book examines not just the battle of Mons itself but also the ensuing British retreat including the actions at Le Cateau and Villers-Cotterêts.

David Lomas is the pen name of Deborah Lake who currently lives and works in Northumberland.

Ed Dovey has been a military illustrator for a number of years and has worked on Osprey titles such as Campaign 49 Mons 1914. He is well known and much admired for his work in Military Illustrated magazine.

Origins of the Campaign

Opposing Commanders
Opposing Armies
The Opposing Plans
The Campaign
The Battle of Mons
The Retreat Begins
Le Cateau
Aftermath

Wargaming Mons
The Battlefield Today
Further Reading