The Battle of Halen unfolded as a significant cavalry confrontation between Belgian and German forces at the outset of World War I. On August 12, 1914, the Belgian cavalry, composed of around 3,000 men led by the Duke of Ursel, met the German cavalry charging from the east. The Germans, under the command of General von Kluck, aimed to secure a swift victory in Belgium, an essential route toward Paris. The battle marked an early phase of the larger conflict, known for its dynamic use of cavalry, a reflection of military strategies utilized before the widespread introduction of trench warfare.As the two sides clashed, the Belgian cavalry employed their mobility and understanding of the local terrain to engage the Germans effectively. The battle commenced with a series of cavalry charges, where both sides utilized their speed and the element of surprise. Despite being outnumbered, the Belgians exhibited notable bravery and strategic prowess, inflicting significant casualties on German troops. The fighting was marked by fierce hand-to-hand combat, and the Belgians utilized their superior knowledge of the area, taking advantage of the countryside to outmaneuver the German forces.The aftermath of the Battle of Halen, while technically a tactical German victory, showcased the valiant stand taken by the Belgians against a larger force. The engagement became emblematic of the early war's fluid battlescape and highlighted issues related to cavalry effectiveness in the growing industrial and war mechanization, setting the stage for the transition to more extensive trench warfare in the later years of World War I.