Battle of Bazeilles

The Battle of Bazeilles pitted French colonial troops—the famous marine 'marsouins'—against Bavarian forces in fierce urban combat in the village of Bazeilles, near Sedan. The French fiercely defended every house and street in heroic resistance, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy despite numerical inferiority. The engagement became emblematic of the courage of French colonial troops and gave rise to the famous motto 'They shall not pass.'

In the Franco-Prussian War, French forces were encircled at Sedan. General de Vassoigne received orders to defend Bazeilles to delay the enemy advance. The village was a strategic point on the Meuse, and its defense aimed to protect the French retreat. The engagement of colonial troops in a metropolitan war illustrates the importance of these units within the imperial army.

French marines entrenched themselves in village houses and waged fierce street warfare. Enemy artillery pounded French positions, but defenders held firm thanks to ambushes, local counterattacks, and skillful use of urban terrain. Bavarians, surprised by the resistance, had to fight house by house. After hours of combat, the French, short of ammunition, withdrew in good order, some burning their last powder barrel rather than surrendering.

Despite defeat, the Battle of Bazeilles became a symbol of French military courage. It is commemorated annually by marine troops. Strategically, the resistance did not prevent Sedan's surrender the next day, but it delayed encirclement and demonstrated the effectiveness of colonial troops in desperate combat.