1914_0901_01s: A Desperate Rear Guard - FWWC 01 France '14

Villers-Cotterets, France, 1st September 1914: As the BEF was withdrawing south, elements of Haig's I Corps passed through the forest of Villers-Cotterets 0400 hours. As the sun rose the British 4th Guards Brigade was ordered to fall back through the forest as well. Shortly after this another order was received; the brigade was to perform a rear guard action as it was intended to allow the main body of the 2d Infantry Division a brief rest from 1000 to 1300 hours in order to reconsolidate after the night march. However, owing to the density of the forest, parts of the 4th Guards Brigade had already fallen back. At that moment the German 5.Infanterie-Division, hot on their heels in pursuit, attacked. A sharp, desperate rear guard action then ensued as the guards attempted to check the enemy's advance as the rest of the force rested and reorganized in preparation for the continuation of their withdrawal south. [Size: small] *See the notes document for information on scenario design decisions and historical notes.