Prussian Infantry attacking St. Hubert
18th August 1870
(Drawing by Friedrich)

This drawing by Woldemar Friedrich shows Prussian infantry attacking St. Hubert on 18th August 1870. St. Hubert was a farm on the Gravelotte-Metz road on the far side of the Mance Ravine from the Prussian initial positions; it was surrounded by walled yards and defended by 750 men of the French 90th Line Regiment. The Prussian attack in this area was initiated by General Von Steinmetz against express orders from General Von Moltke to wait until the Prussian move against the French right wing had begun to tell. The farm was taken by troops of General Von Goebens VIII. Armee-Korps, with some loss. All attempts by the Prussian to advance further in this area were defeated by heavy French fire.
Website "The Franco-Prussian War 1870-71"
©Martin Tomczak 2007