Page "Battle of Sedan (1870)" Paragraph 8

This was the opening engagement, as the French First Corps had barricaded the streets, and enlisted the aid of the population.

Von der Tann sent a brigade across pontoon bridges at 0400 hours, but encountered stiff resistance, holding only the southern end of the town.

The combat drew new forces, as French brigades from the First, Fifth and Twelfth Corps arrived.

At 0800 the Prussian 8th Infantry Division arrived, and von der Tann decided it was time for a decisive attack.

He had not been able to bring artillery to bear from long range, so he committed his last brigade to storm the town, supported by artillery from the other side of the Meuse.

His artillery reached the Bazeilles at 0900 hours.