“This was the first time that these troops had turned back since their attack at Mons a fortnight before and from reports received the order to retreat when so close to Paris was a bitter disappointment.  From letters found on dead soldiers there is no doubt there was a general impression among the enemy’s troops that they were about to enter Paris.

GERMAN RETREAT IS HASTENED

“On Tuesday, September 8, the German movement north-eastward was continued.  Their rear guards on the south of the Marne were being pressed back to that river by our troops and by the French on our right, the latter capturing three villages after a hand-to-hand fight and the infliction of severe loss on the enemy.

“The fighting along the Ourcq continued on this day and was of the most sanguinary character, for the Germans had massed a great force of artillery along this line.  Very few of their infantry were seen by the French.  The French Fifth Army also made a fierce attack on the Germans in Montmirail, regaining that place.

“On Wednesday, September 9, the battle between the French Sixth Army and what was now the German flank guard along the Ourcq continued.

“The British corps, overcoming some resistance on the River Petit Morin, crossed the Marne in pursuit of the Germans, who now were hastily retreating northwest.  One of our corps was delayed by an obstinate defense made by a strong rear guard with machine guns at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre, where the bridge had been destroyed.

“On Thursday, September 10, the French Sixth Army continued its pressure on the west while the Fifth Army by forced marches reached the line of Chateau Thierry and Dormans on the Marne.  Our troops also continued the pursuit on the north of the latter river and after a considerable amount of fighting captured some 1,500 prisoners, four guns, six machine guns and fifty transport wagons.

“Many of the enemy were killed or wounded and the numerous thick woods which dot the country north of the Marne are filled with German stragglers.  Most of them appear to have been without food for at least two days.

“Indeed, in this area of the operations, the Germans seem to be demoralized and inclined to surrender in small parties.  The general situation appears to be most favorable to the Allies.

“Much brutal and senseless damage has been done in the villages occupied by the enemy.  Property has been wantonly destroyed.  Pictures in chateaus have been ripped up and houses generally have been pillaged.

“It is stated on unimpeachable authority also that the inhabitants have been much ill-treated.

TRAPPED IN A SUNKEN ROAD

“Interesting incidents have occurred during the fighting.  On the 10th of September part of our Second Army Corps, advancing into the north, found itself marching parallel with another infantry force some little distance away.  At first it was thought this was another British unit.  After some time, however, it was discovered that it was a body of Germans retreating.