German trenches on the Aisne. The First Battle of the Aisne was the Allied follow-up offensive against the right wing of the German First Army (led by Alexander von Kluck) and Second Army (led by Karl von Bulow) as they retreated after the First Battle of the Marne earlier in September 1914. The offensive began on the evening of September 13, after a hasty pursuit of the Germans. It soon became clear that neither side could budge the other and since neither chose to retreat, the impasse hardened into stalemate that would lock the antagonists into a relatively narrow strip for the next four years. Bain News Service, circa 1914-15.