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#OTD 22 July 1870: First PoW's of the Franco-German War...
As can be seen following the 3 deaths that had occurred on 21 July, patrols on both sides of the border – some that had resulted in a few minor skirmishes - were commonplace at this point of the Franco-German War... 1/
As can be seen following the 3 deaths that had occurred on 21 July, patrols on both sides of the border – some that had resulted in a few minor skirmishes - were commonplace at this point of the Franco-German War... 1/
2/ ...During the morn of 22 Jul, a Prussian patrol from Sarrelouis advanced on the village of Villing. They surprised the unarmed douaniers & took them prisoner while others advanced with impunity to the village of Tromborn several miles deeper inside French territory. ..
3/ ... At the same time, 80 miles away, the customs post at Scheibenhardt was also attacked & the unarmed occupants taken prisoner...
4/ ... From that moment on, it was ordered that all douaniers should be constantly armed with their rifles, bayonets, pistols & swords ... an order that would have consequences within 24 hours...
