Battle of the Matz

The battle of the Matz pitted the French troops of General Mangin against German forces in the Oise, between Montdidier and Noyon. After an initial German breakthrough on 9 June, Mangin organised a surprise counter-attack from 11 June. Thanks to rapid concentration of troops and skilful use of artillery, the French regained control of the ground. This battle marks a turning point: German offensives began to run out of steam, while the Allies demonstrated reinforced strategic reaction capacity.

In continuation of the German offensive on the Aisne, Ludendorff ordered a new attack further north in order to widen the breach. The objective was to cut French and British lines between Compiègne and Amiens. However, the French anticipated this movement. General Mangin, recently appointed in the region, prepared a rapid riposte plan using the lessons of Verdun and the Somme. Reinforcements flowed in from the Champagne front and from Paris.

The Germans began with a classic deep attack with shock troops (Sturmtruppen), using gas and mobile artillery. The breakthrough of 9 June was significant. Mangin reacted from 10 June: concentration of artillery on crossing points, armoured counter-attacks supported by aviation, infiltration of light detachments into the woods. On 11 June, a general counter-attack was launched with fresh divisions, retaking Méry, Belloy, and Antheuil-Portes. The coordinated action of Renault FT tanks was decisive in blocking German columns.

The French victory on the Matz was strategic: it interrupted the last serious German attempt to advance toward Compiègne. It also marked the progressive exhaustion of German offensive capabilities and a rebalancing of the balance of forces. Mangin acquired a solid reputation as an energetic commander. This success contributed to preparing the great Allied counter-offensives of the summer, including the Second Battle of the Marne. It was also a demonstration of the growing effectiveness of French troops, now supported by tanks and aviation.