Battle of Coulmiers

The Army of the Loire surprised the Bavarian army at Coulmiers. Powerful artillery preparation using percussion shells created panic in the enemy camp. Taking advantage of the disarray, French infantry charged with the bayonet and drove back the Bavarians, achieving one of the rare French victories of the war.

In autumn 1870, the Third Republic sought to end the siege of Paris by raising a new army: the Army of the Loire. Coulmiers was its first major engagement against experienced troops. This victory restored hope to Parisians and motivated a sortie from their siege.

D'Aurelle opened combat with violent artillery barrage in two lines with percussion shells. Infantry then intervened in close formation: a coordinated charge by mobile regiments and the Foreign Legion swept the Bavarian center. The enemy, destabilized, could not reform before fleeing, taking prisoners with them.

The victory allowed the liberation of Orléans and rallied political confidence, prompting Gambetta to launch the 'Great Sortie' from Paris. Unfortunately, the French army halted at Orléans to rest, allowing the Germans to counterattack in December.