A Franco-Prussian War engagement in which Prussian forces repelled a French ambush, enabling their continued withdrawal from Autun.
Key Facts
- Date
- 3 December 1870
- Duration
- Seven hours
- Prussian casualties
- 153
- Prussian formation
- 3rd Infantry Brigade, Baden Division
- French commander
- General Camille Crémer
- Prussian commander
- General Keller
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Franco-Prussian War, Prussian forces of the Baden Division were withdrawing from Autun when French forces under General Camille Crémer identified an opportunity to strike the retreating column near Châteauneuf, Côte-d'Or.
On 3 December 1870, the 3rd Infantry Brigade under General Keller repelled a French ambush near Châteauneuf. The engagement lasted seven hours and resulted in only 153 Prussian casualties, which the army considered negligible given the circumstances.
The successful defense allowed the Prussian army to continue its withdrawal from Autun unimpeded. German forces regarded the action as one of their most glorious victories of the campaign, despite its relatively modest scale.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Keller.
Side B
1 belligerent
General Camille Crémer.