The Rock Of The Marne

Gourauds forces east of Reims swiftly halted the German advance, and after the first wave have had been sent in, the further assaults planned were called off. The offensive to the west however was more successful, with the Germans crossing the Marne river, before finally being halted by French, British and American forces on the 17th of July.

It was clear that there were no reserves available to the Germans, and they were now in a dangerous position, in a large, exposed salient surrounded by the French on three sides. A counteroffensive was authorised on the 18th.