ORDER OF BATTLE // November 9, 1870
Battle of Coulmiers
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 90,000 estimated
French Republic
70,000
Medium-confidence figure
Bavaria
20,000
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
Coulmiers stands as a notable French success during the Franco-Prussian War, achieved after the fall of the Second Empire and the proclamation of the republic. Facing a Bavarian force of roughly 20,000 under Ludwig von der Tann, the French Army of the Loire under Louis d'Aurelle de Paladines brought approximately 70,000 men to the field and secured a clear numerical advantage that translated into victory. The engagement demonstrated that republican France retained an offensive capability despite the disasters that had preceded it, and it represented one of the few French field victories of the war.
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