Battle of Issy

If you find yourself exploring the enchanting streets of Issy-les-Moulineaux, a charming suburb in the southwest of Paris, you might be intrigued to learn about an event that played a pivotal role in shaping the history of France and Europe. This is the Battle of Issy, known locally as the Combat d'Issy, a dramatic clash that took place on the 2nd and 3rd of July, 1815. This battle was among the final confrontations of the Napoleonic Wars, marking a decisive moment in the aftermath of the infamous Battle of Waterloo.

The Prelude to Battle

Following the catastrophic defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, the Allied forces, led by the Duke of Wellington and Field Marshal von Blücher, advanced towards Paris. The French capital was on the brink of turmoil, and the Coalition forces were determined to bring an end to Napoleon's reign once and for all. By June 30, the Prussian forces, under the command of Marshal von Blücher, executed a strategic maneuver that would prove crucial. Crossing the Seine River at Saint-Germain, they positioned themselves on the south side of Paris, an area inadequately fortified by the French.

This movement caught the French off guard, revealing their vulnerabilities and the strength of the Coalition forces. Despite being situated between the armies of Wellington and von Blücher, the French were unable to prevent their junction. This critical error was later attributed to Napoleon's failure to fortify Paris's southern defenses, a mistake that would have dire consequences.

The Battle Unfolds

On the morning of July 2, the Prussian I Corps, commanded by General Graf von Zieten, advanced towards the strategic heights of Meudon and Châtillon. Fierce fighting ensued for control over Sèvres, Moulineaux, and Issy. The Prussians, despite facing stiff resistance, managed to secure their positions on the heights of Meudon and within the village of Issy. The French, under the command of General Dominique Vandamme, suffered significant losses, with estimates suggesting around 3,000 men.

The French Counterattack

In a desperate bid to defend the capital, a French Council of War convened on the night of July 2/3. Although it was clear that defending Paris against the combined might of the Coalition armies was impractical, Marshal Davout, the French Commander-in-Chief, sought one last attempt to stave off defeat. At three o'clock in the morning on July 3, Vandamme launched a counterattack from Vaugirard towards Issy, deploying two columns of infantry and a considerable force of cavalry along the Seine.

The French artillery unleashed a fierce cannonade, with twenty pieces of cannon targeting the village of Issy. Despite the Prussians having constructed barricades and other defenses overnight, the French batteries managed to inflict significant damage. The Prussian forces, including the 12th and 24th Regiments and the 2nd Westphalian Landwehr, fought valiantly against the relentless French assault. However, after several hours of intense combat, the French were forced to withdraw, only to regroup and launch another attack.

As the battle raged on, Zieten requested reinforcements from Blücher and Thielemann, who were positioned nearby. The French renewed their assault on Issy but were once again repelled by the determined Prussian defenders. After four hours of continuous but unsuccessful attempts to break through the Prussian lines, the French forces retreated towards Paris, with Prussian skirmishers in pursuit.

The Aftermath

The Battle of Issy was the final attempt by the French army to defend Paris. With their defeat, any hope of holding the capital dissipated. At seven o'clock in the morning, the French ceased fire and Brigadier General Revest, the chief of staff to the French III Corps, approached Zieten's Corps to offer a capitulation and request an immediate armistice.

Field Marshal von Blücher, upon hearing of the French ceasefire, demanded that delegates with full negotiation powers be sent before agreeing to a suspension of hostilities. The negotiations took place at the Palace of St. Cloud, with the Duke of Wellington joining Blücher in the deliberations. The result was the surrender of Paris under the Convention of St. Cloud, marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Napoleon Bonaparte had already abdicated on June 24, 1815. Unable to remain in France or escape, he surrendered to Captain Maitland of HMS Bellerophon on July 15 and was transported to England. The restoration of Louis XVIII followed, and Napoleon was eventually exiled to the island of Saint Helena, where he died in May 1821.

Today, the Battle of Issy remains a poignant reminder of the turbulent times that shaped modern Europe. As you stroll through the picturesque streets of Issy-les-Moulineaux, take a moment to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices made during this historic conflict. The legacy of the Battle of Issy continues to resonate, offering a glimpse into the dramatic events that unfolded in the final days of the Napoleonic era.