Battles & Campaigns · 1914
Battle of Charleroi
Charleroi, Belgium
What happened
The French planned to attack across the Sambre River, but the Germans struck first and pushed them back. German troops also crossed the Meuse near Dinant, threatening to cut off the French retreat. On 23 August Lanrezac ordered his army to withdraw.
Why it matters
It was a German victory, but the French retreat arguably saved the French army from being surrounded, which was what the German plan aimed for.
What came next
The Allies kept retreating toward Paris, and Joffre replaced Lanrezac on 3 September.
Did you know?
The battle is also called the Battle of the Sambre.
Timeline
- 20–25 Aug 1914Siege of Namur.
- 21–23 Aug 1914Battle of Charleroi.
- 23 Aug 1914Battle of Mons.
- 29–30 Aug 1914Battle of Guise.