19/September 1914

 

A private in the Coldstream Guards invalided out, reported on action after Mons:

"The Guards had been marching for about 18 hours on the Saturday.

They took up a position on the Saturday evening acting as a reserve for the firing line.

"The fighting commenced at dawn on Sunday morning.

The 5th Bridgae had a fall back and retired through the Guards trenches.

"Shrapnel fire from the enemy became so hot that they had to clear out. They returned from Mons fighting their way to Landrecies where they billeted in the village.

"After a short rest the alarm was sounded and they had to turn out. They had been surprised by the enemy in the dark.

"It was seen that the enemy was in vastly superior numbers."