Siege of Mézières (1870–1871)

The siege of Mézières was a siege battle during the Franco-Prussian War, it took place from November 17, 1870 until January 2, 1871, in Mézières-en-Gâtinais which is located on the banks right of the river Meuse in France. After suffering from a German artillery strike, the French army at Mézières under the command of Colonel Vernet, surrendered to Germany under the command of Major General Wilhelm von Woyna on January 2, 1871. Although lasting just over a day, German artillery bombardment caused French defenders and civilians in Mézières heavy losses. With the victory, the Germans captured many French officers and soldiers, with many cannons and supplies from the enemy's reserves. Not only that, the victory at the Siege of Mézières made the German army have complete dominance of the railway line in the north extending from Metz and Mézières to Paris, capital of France.