Guise, Battle of

In World War I, unsuccessful French assault on German forces at St Quentin 29–30 August 1914. The attack failed to achieve its objective but succeeded in delaying the German advance.

The attack, by the French 5th Army under General Charles Lanrezac, was designed to relieve pressure on the British at Mons and other French units assembling near Paris. The 5th Army's open flanks were immediately threatened by German attacks, forcing Lanrezac to abandon the St Quentin objective and concentrate instead on a frontal holding battle against whatever forces the Germans sent. The French drove back one attack but were unable to pursue the victory and were forced to retreat. They caused some 6,000 German casualties and upset the German plans