On the 17th of August 1914, the French offensive continues. However many attacks are launched without an enemy in front. The German forces have slightly retreated and when French troops entered the city of Sarrebourg ( Lorraine region ) the 18th, it had been abandoned. The population of the city applauded the French troops. A sentiment of joy spread in the air, but many townsfolk warned the soldiers. This pretended German retreat is a trap, there are not far from the city in great number, more numerous than the French and better equipped in artillery. And they were right. In the afternoon of the 18th of August, patrols encountered heavy defended German positions. Soon, the entire valley of the Sarre could hear artillery fire. The battle of Sarrebourg has began.
In Belgium, the perspectives were bad. Liège had fallen the day before and Germany was moving very fast toward the capital city, Brussels. The 18th, King Albert ordered the Belgian army to withdraw to the fortifications near Anvers.
In the vast majority of the Western front, the German army is free to advance. The allied nations, despite brave resistance, are unable to stop them.