10 Things About WW I's Battle of Mons

On 23 August 1914 the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) clashed with the German army for the first time in World War One. At the Battle of Mons the British defended the Mons-Condé Canal from a much larger German force.
The BEF fought fiercely but were eventually pushed back. During this important battle the first Victoria Cross and the first Iron Cross of World War One were awarded.

Here are 10 facts about the Battle of Mons.

1. It was Britain’s first battle in western Europe for 100 years

The last time the British had fought in western Europe was at the famous Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815.