First Battle of Picardy
By late September 1914, the Entente Alliance and the Central Powers had experienced both successes and disasters across the Western and Eastern Fronts.
The German execution of their Schlieffen Plan which involved the invasion of France through Belgium had initially delivered success until it was checked and defeated by French and British forces during the Battle of the Marne. For the Entente, that victory had rescued a situation that had been rapidly spiralling out of control and saved Paris from being occupied.
However, on the Eastern Front the Russians had been dealt a catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Tannenberg. There the German 8th Army had been able to annihilate the Russian 2nd Army and prevent East Prussia from being captured.
Now, on the Western Front, the German invasion force and the combined Entente armies had begun the ‘Race to the Sea’ as both sides attempted to outflank the other in an attempt to recapture the strategic initiative.
Beginning on 22nd September, French and German forces clashed at Picardy, as they tried to outmaneuver each other and either turn the opposing flank or hold onto defensible ground. The French moved to try and outflank their opponents with their 6th and 2nd armies around the rivers Oise and Somme.
The German counterattack was thwarted after the French were able to quickly reinforce the 2nd Army. As a result the Germans could not break through but they had at least protected their own flank. In response the fighting continued to move further north towards the coast as both sides jostled for space and strategic advantages.
The Picardy region would see fighting again later in the war during the 1916 Battle of the Somme and Operation Michael in 1918.
In-game Event
Starting today until September 28th, join the 'First Battle of Picardy' campaign in both Verdun and Tannenberg!
The side with the least casualties by the end of the event is victorious. Casualties in both the Frontlines and Maneuver game modes are counted. Those who fought for the winning side will receive a special campaign medal!
The Central Powers have not been able to break through so far, but surely this campaign is the one?
