3-039-014 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The barrack-square in the fortress of Mont Valérien, 1871. Franco-Prussian War: 'The surrender of Paris...The spacious Place d'Armes, or open square within the walls of the fortress, on the summit of the hill, is surrounded with buildings, which are the Commandant's house, the Salle d'Armes or Drill-Shed, and two great piles of barracks. In this place, of which we present a view, the German troops, chiefly of the 46th infantry regiment, under Colonel von Eberhardt, with cavalry and artillery were drawn up, while their band played the national airs. The guards were then told off, sentries were posted on the ramparts and over the powder magazines, and the remainder of the men were ordered to fall out and clean up the barrack-rooms and quarters, and make themselves comfortable for the night'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.