Battle of Gumbinnen, 20 August 1914 (East Prussia)

Battle of the First World War. After a short delay caused by defeat at Stalluponen, Rennenkampf's Russian First Army renewed its attack. General Francois managed to persuade the German command to launch a counterattack, and his own attack, in the centre of the Russian line, drove the Russians back over five miles, but his success was exceptional. The battle was a draw, but the failure to inflict a defeat on the Russians caused a panic at the German headquarters which resulted in the replacement of General Prittwitz with the team of Hindenburg and Ludendorff.

Books on the First World War | Subject Index: First World War

coverThe First World War , John Keegan. An excellent narrative history of the First World War, especially strong on the buildup to war. Good on detail without losing the overall picture. Keegan keeps to a factual account of the war, leaving out the judgement calls that dominate some books. [see more]
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How to cite this article: Rickard, J. (15 March 2001), Battle of Gumbinnen, 20 August 1914, http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_gumbinnen.html

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