The Franco-German War of 1870-71Moltke, Helmuth, Graf von
History
The Franco-German War of 1870-71
Moltke, Helmuth, Graf von
Franco-Prussian War, 1870-1871
A French battalion had also made its way into Chatillon, but the
Bavarian battalion in occupation there held its own until assistance
came, and the enemy was driven out of the place after a sharp conflict.
A third brigade seized Clamart, which at that time was not yet included
in the German intrenched lines; but it failed to climb the ascent to
Moulin de la Tour, although the defenders on the plateau above were
exposed to the fire of the forts.
General Vinoy had convinced himself that forces which were a match for
him confronted him at every point, and at three o'clock he decided to
break off the fight. The French bodies of troops gradually disappeared
behind the forts, and had all vanished by dusk. The Bavarians returned
to their former fore-post positions, and the garrison of Bagneux was
increased to two battalions.
All France had meanwhile been arming with eager haste. Armies of
considerable strength were being massed at Rouen and Evreux, at
Besancon, and especially behind the Loire, of very various composition
no doubt, and above all lacking in professional officers to drill and
discipline them. Great battles were therefore in the first instance to
be avoided; the enemy was to be constantly harassed by small
engagements. Thus, towards the end of September, General Delarue
advanced from Evreux with his "Eclaireurs de la Seine" up to the
vicinity of St. Germain. But the 5th Cavalry Division, supported by two
Bavarian battalions, drove these bands back to Dreux behind the Eure.
The woods in front of the 6th Cavalry Division were also full of hostile
parties, who were, however, swept out without much difficulty beyond
Rambouillet to Epernon.
Matters looked more serious to the south of Paris, in front of the 4th
Cavalry Division, which was in observation towards the Loire.
The newly-formed French XVth Corps had assembled at Orleans in three
Divisions with a strength of 60,000 men, and it occupied the whole
forest-belt on the right bank of the river. To counteract the danger
threatening the investment from that direction, the 1st Bavarian Corps
and the 22nd Division of the XIth had been put in march on Arpajon and
Montclery as soon as they were freed from duty at Sedan; and on the 6th
of October they were placed, with the 2nd Cavalry Division, under the
command of General von der Tann.
ACTION OF ARTENAY.
(October 10th.)
When General von der Tann received instructions to take the offensive
against Orleans, he marched on the 9th of October to the vicinity of St.
Peravy without meeting any serious opposition, and on the 10th advanced
on Artenay. The 4th Cavalry Division covered the right flank; the 2nd
remained near Pithiviers, where the enemy had collected in great force.
General La Motterouge on the same day also moved out on Artenay with the
XVth French Corps, having the wood in his rear occupied by
Gardes-Mobiles; and so the advanced guards of both sides met at a short
distance to the north of the common objective.
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