Battle of Vauchamps

Last battle of the Six Days' Campaign, Vauchamps saw Napoleon inflict a severe defeat on Blücher's forces, which had attempted to attack the French rearguard. Marmont resisted skillfully until arrival of reinforcements led by Napoleon. An encirclement maneuver, supported by a powerful cavalry charge, forced the Prussians into disastrous retreat.

After three consecutive defeats, Blücher sought revenge by attacking Marmont, isolated to the east. Napoleon, informed of the maneuver, marched rapidly to the area with his elite troops. Vauchamps became the theater of a classic trap: an apparently weak vanguard attracting the enemy, followed by brutal reversal thanks to well-placed reserves.

Marmont conducted a feigned retreat before Prussian forces, drawing them toward chosen ground. When Napoleon arrived with the Guard, he launched coordinated attack: infantry pinned the enemy center while Grouchy mounted a massive cavalry charge on the flanks. Surprised Prussians were cut to pieces during retreat. Pursuit was relentless to Étoges.

Victory at Vauchamps magnificently concluded the Six Days' Campaign. It confirmed temporary collapse of Blücher's front, which had to retreat on Châlons. However, despite these tactical successes, Napoleon failed to convert victories into durable strategic result. The Allies still possessed vast human and logistical reserves.