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.

French Army of Napoleon III

Number engaged :

29,980

Casualties :

3,000 (10.01%)

Prussian and allied German Army

Number engaged :

45,000

Casualties :

4,861 (10.80%)