IT WILL COST WHAT IT COSTS

In July 1870, after a period of provocation, the Second French Empire declared war on the Kingdom of Prussia and its allies. The French plan was for the Army of the Rhine to launch an offensive into German territory aiming to capture Trier and divide German forces. The French gambled on Austria and Bavaria wanting to exact revenge for the defeats in 1866; when this did not happen, the French changed their plan to a defensive campaign, accelerated by the speed with which their enemy was mobilising.

Eoghan Kelly

The early French action at Saarbrücken gave the French reassurance that their infantry armed with the Chassepot rifle were seemingly better equipped than their German counterparts. However, events unfolded much faster than anticipated, with the Germans crossing the border with three columns. Learning of the advances, the French withdrew towards Metz. The main Prussian thrust was towards Wissembourg, capturing the city but with high casualties and a reluctance by German cavalry to follow-up - most likely because of the effectiveness of French infantry fire. The 5th of August saw the Prussian Second Army attack at Spicheren. Then, on the 6th, the French general MacMahon was beaten at Wörth, after inflicting heavy casualties amongst the German forces who outnumbered the French six-to-one. The French Army of the Rhine withdrew into the…

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Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy (Digital) - 1 Issue, WSS 133

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