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September 1914
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The first battle of the Marne was the turning point of the first phase of the First World War. At first the German offensive went as planned. Their strong right wing smashed through Belgium then turned left to head towards Paris. General Kluck's First Army was at the far right of the German line, nearest to Paris. By early September it was clear that the Germans were planning to pass to the east of Paris, and also that a gap had appeared between the First and Second Armies.
General Joffre, the French commander-in-chief, created a new Sixth Army within the fortifications of Paris. On 5 September the Sixth Army attacked east towards Kluck's right flank. The Germans didn't realise that this was a major attack and continued to move south across the Marne.
As part of the plan for the battle of the Marne a new French Sixth Army has been created in Paris, ready to attack the right flank of the German 1st Army (von Kluck) as it advanced south past the city. The Germans detected this buildup and on 5 September General von Gronau's IV Reserve Corps attacked west. This move allowed von Kluck to move his II Corps, followed by the rest of the 1st Army, and the French were soon outnumbered on the Ourcq. However this move expanded the gap between the German First and Second armies.
After a week long bombardment the German infantry attacks. Four of the fourteen forts around Mauberge are captured from the French. The garrison surrenders on 7 September.
The only R.A.F. H.R.E.2 is delivered to Calshot, possibly to replace a damaged Avro biplane.