In an attempt to assist the Belgian Army during the German siege of the Belgian city of Antwerp ringed by its forts, the British despatched a force, based on a Royal Navy Marine Brigade, to assist in the Defence of Antwerp during the critical period 4 -10 October 1914. The British force, by 6 October, grew to a division-sized force. However, the Germans, who had begun their assault against Antwerp defenses on 27 September, eventually overwhelmed the defenders and entered Antwerp on 9 October, forcing the Allies to retreat. The withdrawing brigades of the Royal Navy Division has mixed fortunes with elements escaping, being taken prisoner and interned in the neutral Netherlands.