The Great Retreat marked a significant phase in World War I, primarily involving the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and the French Fifth Army. With the German Army executing its strategies effectively, the Allies faced a retreat that began near the border of Belgium. As German forces pressed forward, the Allied commanders realized the necessity of a strategic withdrawal to protect their troops and reorganize for future engagements. The retreat was characterized by hasty movements under pressure, with troops often traveling long distances while maintaining their combat integrity.

One of the most critical elements of this retreat was the decision to fall back towards the River Seine, which aimed to provide a line of defense. Effective communication between the British and the French units was essential, but the situation was complicated by the chaos of battle and the rapidly changing battlefield dynamics. Soldiers endured the grim realities of retreat, which included fatigue and supply challenges, yet they managed to execute an organized fallback, demonstrating military discipline and resilience.

The Great Retreat culminated in the subsequent First Battle of the Marne, where the Allies regrouped and launched a counter-offensive. This counterattack ultimately shifted the momentum of the war. The initial losses suffered during the retreat, however, exposed vulnerabilities in Allied command and highlighted the need for improved coordination between British and French forces in the face of German tactics that focused on speed and surprise.