Spichern

Battle Name : Spichern

Date(s) : 06 August 1870

Outcome : A victory for French Army of Napoleon III over Prussian and allied German Army

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Troops of the German right wing (1st Army under General Steinmetz) met the French 2nd Corps under the steady General Frossard and hotheadedly, Steinmetz ordered an attack before the rest of the Prussian forces arrived. This ruined von Moltke's plan for a coordinated 'pincer' style attack and since Frossard's position was sound, and the French Chassepot rifle superior to the Prussian Needle-gun the Gernam casualties were heavy. Frossard only withdrew late in the day when a more enterprising German general manouvered to threaten Frossard's flank.