The Battle of Haelen, also known as the Battle of Silver Helmets, was fought on August 12, 1914. The conflict was between the German cavalry and the Belgian cavalry. While the majority of German forces were battling to take the fortresses at Liege and move forward through Belgium, the German cavalry was sent to cross the Meuse River north of Liege and advance through Belgium at Louvain. The German cavalry fought under the command of General Georg von de Marwitz.
On the morning of August 12, the German cavalry arrived at Haelen and prepared to cross the bridge there. However, they encountered a prepared Belgian cavalry, fighting under General de Witte. The two cavalry fought throughout the day. The significant difference between the two cavalry was that the Belgian cavalry dismounted and fought as infantrymen.
The Germans launched numerous and repeated attacks against the Belgian forces but their sabers and lances could not hold against the unexpected Belgian rifle fire. The Germans fought until 6pm that evening having begun the attack around 8am. Frustrated Marwitz and the German cavalry were forced to withdraw from the bridge at Haelen that evening.
In all the Germans suffered nearly 1000 casualties that August day in 1914; 200 – 300 were taken prisoner by the Belgians, 150 were killed and 600 Germans were wounded. Belgian forces suffered approximately half that number in casualties.
The Battle of Haelen was a tremendous victory for the Allied Forces. Although the Belgians held the bridge at Haelen, the remainder of the German army won the Battle of Liege on August 16 and the German army continued their advance through and takeover of neutral Belgium.