Key Facts
- Dates
- 25–29 September 1914
- Belgian divisions engaged
- 4th and 5th divisions, Cavalry Division
- German unit targeted
- Landwehr Brigade 37
- Strategic context
- Belgian sortie from Antwerp to aid French on the Marne
- Reason sortie suspended
- German artillery bombardment of Antwerp forts
Strategic Narrative Overview
The Belgian 4th Division advanced from Grembergen and Hamme, while the 2nd and 5th Chasseurs à pied regiments of the 5th Division attacked on the left flank from Bornem and Puurs. The Cavalry Division struck westward toward Aalst. However, German artillery opened a preparatory bombardment against the forts of the Antwerp National Redoubt, threatening the Belgian base of operations and forcing a suspension of the entire sortie.
01 / The Origins
In the opening weeks of World War I, Germany swept through Belgium and advanced into France, prompting the Belgian field army to withdraw into the fortified National Redoubt around Antwerp. Observing German forces shifting troops southward, Belgian Commander in Chief King Albert I saw an opportunity to sortie from Antwerp, relieve pressure on French forces fighting on the Marne, and strike the exposed Landwehr Brigade 37 advancing from Brussels toward Dendermonde.
03 / The Outcome
The Belgian operation was called off before achieving its objectives as German forces turned their attention to reducing the Antwerp fortifications. The siege of Antwerp followed in early October 1914, compelling the Belgian field army to evacuate westward along the coast. No territorial gain resulted from the battle, and the strategic initiative in Belgium passed firmly to German forces for the remainder of 1914.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
King Albert I.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.