In the first months of the war, Oberste Heeresleitung (OHL, German High Command) first realised the increased effectiveness that artillery and machine guns gave to the defence and seized various terrain features that would be easy to defend.

Recognising that it is easier to defend the heights along the Meuse than the plain between the Moselle and Meuse, a German attack was planned to seize the heights, deny access to the Woëvre Plain to the Allies, isolate Verdun and reduce the ability of the French to attack German territory.

The attack commenced on 19 September, with German cavalry from Metz skirmishing with the French defenders in the Dieulouard–Martincourt area.

By 24 September, the town of Saint-Mihiel was captured and villages of Flirey, Seicheprey and Xivray recaptured.

The battle created the Saint-Mihiel salient projecting into the French lines south of Verdun.