1/ #OTD - 28 Dec 1870: Siege of Péronne, #Somme

Following failed negotiations (see linked tangent thread), despite a thick river mist partially masking their targets, the German artillery began their first bombardment of Péronne during the early afternoon (at approx 14:45pm)...

2/ Conscious of the possible need to preserve the more mobile field batteries for an expected confrontation with the Armée du Nord (von Senden had also issued orders for the artillery to be as sparing with ammunition as was possible on this 1st day), the initial bombardment…

3/ …was less heavy than might have been expected but this intensity gradually increased as the evening approached, peaking at approximately 600 shells hitting the town every hour. ...

4/ As the intensity increased, French artillery within the ramparts began to return fire; the guns located on the north western walls being particular active in targeting the German heavy batteries at Halles where the German gunners suffered numerous casualties.

5/ Within the town, with much of the population seeking refuge in cellars, several fires broke out and many buildings were damaged...

6/ However, casualties by nightfall on 28 December were still light and it appeared that the bombardment had, so far, been relatively ineffective (though, the following day, Garnier would be [unsuccessfully] petitioned by the inhabitants to surrender the town).

*(Please note that the two artillery images in this thread actually relate to the siege of Paris, the photo of French artillerymen having been taken at Champigny, 1871)*

Details on the ultimatum:

1/ Mid-morning, German messengers, under the cover of the white flag, had entered the town with an ultimatum issued by von Senden:

“The Armée du Nord has retreated to behind Arras & my troops have surrounded the fortress of Péronne on all sides. ...

2/
... I summon you to surrender and declare that I have the means with which to compel you to do so and will hold you responsible for all the misfortune which a bombardment will inflict upon the civilian population.”

3/

To this ultimatum (according to the account of Louis Faidherbe) chef d'escadron Garnier replied:

“I have but one reply to make to your summons: the government of my country has placed the fortress of Péronne under my command and I will defend it to the last gasp. ...

4/

... I throw back on you the responsibility for all the misfortunes which, by your account and contrary to the practices of war between civilised nations, you will inflict on a peaceful population.”

5/

In slight contrast, the German account of this episode (‘Operations of the First Army under General von Manteuffel’ compiled by Count Hermann von Wartensleben) records that Garnier simply stated that he would send a flag of truce but this was not forthcoming.