On the Sambre, the German and French armies met with great violence. The western part of Namur was also attacked by the heavy German artillery, while the 5th French army attempted an attack on the 2nd German army that was starting a move southwards.
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Between the two enemies, the Sambre, and the bridge over it, were a major objective. The German headquarters mainly aimed for the bridges in Tamines, Auvelais and Châtelet. These bridges, which were located at a fair distance of Suarlée and Malonne, were included in a city as was the bridge in the region of Charleroi.
Monument of Auvelais On the days of August 21st and 22nd, 1914, the French and German army fought each other on the banks of the Sambre. The bloodiest battles were fought in the entities of Tamines and Auvelais. The French losses were extremely heavy. In July 1923, a monument was inaugurated along the road to Falisolle, where the French troops had retreated in August 1914. It shows a soldier with his gaze outstretched to the horizon, his rifle in hand, protecting the flag. It is dedicated to a young Breton soldier, Pierre Lefeuvre, a sharpshooter who fell in battle.
Rue des Bachères, 1 - 5060 Sambreville