Despite odds of four to one, the III Corps launched a risky attack. The French were routed and the III Corps captured Vionville, blocking any further escape attempts to the west. Once blocked from retreat, the French in the fortress of Metz had no choice but to engage in a fight that would see the last major cavalry engagement in Western Europe. The battle soon erupted, and III Corps was shattered by incessant cavalry charges, losing over half its soldiers. The German Official History recorded 15,780 casualties and French casualties of 13,761 men. COUNT 5
QSN1 What odds were at stake for the attack launched by the III Corps? ANS1 four to one QSN2 What town were the III Corps able to capture? ANS2 Vionville QSN3 In capturing Vionville, what was further blocked in the west? ANS3 escape attempts QSN4 With battle at Metz, what factor shattered the efforts of III Corps? ANS4 incessant cavalry charges QSN5 The Germans recorded how many causualties in the battle? ANS5 15,780