This tour follows the fortunes of the men of the British Expeditionary Force, sent to their position on the left flank of the French armies on the outbreak of war in August 1914. We discover what happened to this small army of professionals, from the firing of the first shots to the beginning of trench warfare.

This journey takes us to the canal at Mons, where many famous British regiments went into action in Europe for the first time since Waterloo, almost a hundred years before. We will see what happened when the Royal Fusiliers first made contact with the German Army, winning 2 VCs and impressing the enemy with the accuracy of their fire. We hear about the stand of the Middlesex at Obourg, find out what happened to the Cheshires and Norfolks and see where the Cavalry charged at Elouges. Forced to withdraw to keep contact with the French and the British 1st division on their right, Smith Dorrien's II Corps fought a 'stopping blow' battle at Le Cateau on the high ground above the River Selle, before disengaging and continuing their reluctant withdrawal. We look at the actions of the 1st Division at Etreux and the cavalry at Cerisy, as we continue to trace the BEF's frustrated retreat southwards. This was very much a war of movement; there were high casualties in the Guard's rearguard action in the forest at Villers Cotteret and at the village of Nery, 'L' Battery were surprised by the German cavalry, 3 VCs were won and German guns captured.

The retreat continued until early September; French and British forces were south of the River Marne. Historian Simon Jones who will accompany this tour will discuss the importance of the Battle of the Marne, so crucial to the Allies' survival, before moving on to examine some of the places where the BEF re-crossed the River Aisne and its canal. Scenes of innovation, improvisation and courage from Bourg to Missy, before we look at the final battles to gain the spurs leading up to the commanding ridge of the Chemin des Dames.

This is an excellent opportunity to study the professional, highly trained BEF in action, before its destruction at Ypres at the end of 1914.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Friday): Depart Victoria Coach Station, London 0900. Dover – Calais ferry. To Mons and the area of the first and last shots of the war. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Nimy. (2 nights).
Day 2: The canal bridge at Nimy and the Middlesex at Obourg. The CWGC cemetery at St. Symphorien. Lunch break in Mons. The actions on the left flank. Dinner at our hotel.
Day 3: The Le Cateau Battlefield. Stands include the International CWGC Cemetery, the Suffolk Memorial and the Arbre Rond. Group lunch. The Munsters at Etreux and the cavalry at Cerisy. Dinner and overnight Compiegne. (1 night).
Day 4: The action at Nery, one of the most evocative battlefields of the retreat. The Guards in the forest of Villers Cotteret. Group lunch. Mid September - The Aisne crossings in the west. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Chamouille beyond the ridge. (1 night).
Day 5: The crossing at Bourg en Comin and the attack towards Troyon, including the CWGC cemetery at Vendresse and the memorial at Cerny. The museum at the Caverne du Dragon. Lunch break en route to the Channel crossing. Calais – Dover ferry. Arrive approx 1830 Dover and 2030 London.