Defence of Chateaudun 18 October 1870

Today is the anniversary of the defence of Chateaudun in 1870, during the Loire campaign. This was true “people’s war”, the defence being conducted by the francs-tireurs of Colonel Lipowski, one of the best of the French irregular units, supported by the gardes nationaux, the local militia. The action was marked by ferocious street fighting, which left a third of the town in ruins.

Fighting in the main square of Chateaudun.

The fountain in the main square at Chateaudun today. It is clearly visible in the above picture.

A German view of the street fighting at Chateaudun.