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 ("Armée d'Anvers"), based in the "National Redoubt" fortress in Antwerp, numbered approximately 15,000. It was a defensive force, designed to hold the city of Antwerp alone. Approximately 8,000 additional men served as guards at other fortresses around the country, including Liège. Commander: Lieutenant-General Alexis-Michel Eenens Chief of Staff: Colonel Henri Alexis Brialmont Franco-Prussian War order of battle This is an order of battle of the French and German Armies at the beginning of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. Order of battle at the beginning of the war: Commander in Chief: Emperor Napoléon III<br> Chief of Staff: Marshal Edmond Le Bœuf