After the lapse of nearly a hundred years, then, the British troops found themselves once more on Belgian soil with a heavy task in front of them. As in 1815, the object of the Allies was to liberate Europe from the domination of a military despot. In the present conflict the Prussians, whom we had so often supported on the field, were against us, while we were ranged on the side of our old foes at Waterloo.
Our forces were placed on the left of the line on which the Allied Armies advanced to the help of Belgium. Liège had fallen, but Namur was holding out. The plan of campaign was that of the French staff, under the command of General Joffre, and was based on the general idea of a march across the Belgian frontier on the west of the Meuse with the left towards Tournai. It was expected that, after a first battle with the German army in Belgium near the border, the enemy would be driven back to the north-east, hands would be joined with the heroic Belgian army, Brussels abandoned by the invaders, and the siege of Namur raised.
Sir John French issued a stirring “order of the day” to the British Expedition at the moment, when our forces were complete, and our columns formed for advance. In the course of “a few brief words to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men I have the honour and the privilege to command,” the Commander-in-Chief said:—
Our cause is just. We are called upon to fight beside our gallant Allies in France and Belgium in no war of arrogance, but to uphold our national honour, independence, and freedom.
I have in peace time repeatedly pointed out to you that the strength and efficiency of a modern army in the field is to be measured more by the amount of individual intelligence which permeates throughout its ranks than by its actual numbers.
In peace time your officers and non-commissioned officers have striven hard to cultivate this intelligence and power of initiative. I call upon you individually to use your utmost endeavour to profit by this training and instruction. Have confidence in yourselves, and in the knowledge of your powers.
Having, then, this trust in the righteousness of our cause, pride in the glory of our military traditions, and belief in the efficiency of our Army, we go forward to do or die for GOD, KING, and COUNTRY.