upon the mobilization max von hausen (saxon war minister) was given command of the 3rd army which mainly consisted of saxons. the army participated in the battle of the frontiers, mainly in the battles of dinant and charleroi and the army were responsible for the destruction of reims in september 1914. after the second army's retreat after the first battle of the marne, von hausen saw his own flank exposed and ordered a retreat. upon the stabilization of the front on the river aisne, von hausen was relieved of his command and replaced by general karl von einem.