Battle of Villersexel Battle of Villersexel The Battle of Villersexel took place on 9 January 1871 as part of the Franco-Prussian War. Elements of the French "Armée de l'Est" under General Bourbaki engaged August von Werder's Prussian forces. It resulted in a French victory. In the turmoil and confusion following major reverses and capitulations at Sedan, Paris, and Metz, the remaining French armies faced major supply difficulties which restricted their movements. The "Armée de l'Est" was tasked with reaching and assisting Belfort, where Colonel Denfert-Rochereau still held out. Werder's Prussians caught up to Bourbaki in the evening of 9 January at Villersexel, where
Franco-Prussian War order of battle Chief of Staff: "Generalleutnant" Leonhard von Blumenthal Though not a belligerent in the conflict, the Belgian army was mobilized and placed on readiness at the country's borders in fear of a preemptive attack by either party through the neutral territory during the Franco-Prussian War. (See Belgium and the Franco-Prussian War). Commander-in-Chief: King Leopold II Chief of Staff: Lieutenant General Bruno Renard Minister of War: Major General Henri Guillaume The Army of Observation ("Armée d'Observation") numbered approximately 55,000 men. Its role was to defend the country's borders. Commander: Lieutenant-General Baron Félix Chazal Chief of Staff: Colonel Monoyer The Army of Antwerp