Battles & Campaigns · 1914
First Battle of the Aisne
Aisne River, France
What happened
After the Marne, the Allies chased the retreating German armies. The Germans turned and held strong positions on the high ground north of the Aisne River. The British crossed at night in fog, but when the mist lifted neither side could advance, and both began to dig in.
Why it matters
The deadlock began a line of trenches more than 400 miles long that lasted about four years. It also started the 'Race to the Sea', as each side tried to get around the other to the north.
What came next
The fighting moved north to Antwerp, the Yser and Ypres.
Did you know?
British airmen found three hidden German gun batteries, radioed their positions back, and circled to watch their own side's shells land.
Timeline
- 5–12 Sep 1914First Battle of the Marne.
- 13 Sep 1914First Battle of the Aisne begins.
- 28 Sep 1914The battle ends.
- 28 Sep 1914Siege of Antwerp begins.