This retreat, as it seemed, tempted General Kameke to attack with a single division, as he was justified in doing in order to find the direction and strength of the retiring force.

The attack, when pushed home, showed that the French were bent on making a stand on their commanding heights; and an onset on the Rothe Berg was stoutly beaten off about noon.
But now the speedy advance and intelligent co-operation of other German columns was instrumental in turning an inconsiderable repulse into an important victory.

General Goeben was not far off, and marching towards the firing, sent to offer his help with the 8th corps.

General von Alvensleben, also, with the 3rd corps had reached Neunkirchen when the sound of firing near Saarbruecken led him to push on for that place with the utmost speed.

He entrained part of his corps and brought it up in time to strengthen the attack on the Rothe Berg and other heights nearer to Forbach.