Action of Elouges explained

Conflict:Action of Elouges
Partof:the Western Front of World War I
Date:24 August 1914
Place:Elouge, Belgium and the surrounding countryside
Result:German victory
Combatant1: British Empire
Combatant2: Germany
Units1:5th Division
Units2:
Casualties1:250 dead or wounded
350 horses dead or wounded
Casualties2:Unknown

The action of Elouges on 24 August 1914 was fought during the First World War. Following the Battle of Mons the British Expeditionary Force was withdrawing, closely followed by the advancing German Army. The British 5th Division was assisted by the 2nd Cavalry Brigade and 3rd Cavalry Brigade.

During the action the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards and 'A' Squadron, the 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers charged the German guns. Major Ernest Alexander of the Royal Artillery and Captain Francis Grenfell of the 9th Lancers were awarded the Victoria Cross for saving an artillery battery while under fire. Eventually the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment was surrounded and destroyed.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 23 September 2012. Army Mod. The Retreat from Mons 1914.