St. Privat: German Sources (Classic Reprint)

A vivid eyewitness account of a pivotal battle in the Franco‑Prussian War.

This detailed volume follows the Prussian Guard on August 18, 1870, as they move to strike at the French position near St. Privat. Based on official sources, it reconstructs the day’s combat through strategic decisions, marches, and the intense fighting that shaped the outcome.

The narrative gives readers a clear sense of the scale and pace of 19th‑century warfare, from morning reconnaissance to afternoon assaults. It traces troop movements, command decisions, and the high stakes of enveloping maneuvers that aimed to tilt the battle in favor of the German army.

• Ordered deployments and the guard’s role in the center of the first line
• Descriptions of the terrain, sequence of attacks, and shifting fronts
• Insights into command decisions at royal headquarters and field level
• Accounts of engagement with French forces around Ste. Marie and Roncourt

Ideal for readers of military history and those curious about how large, coordinated operations unfold on a single, demanding day.