The Crucifix of Illy

On this Calvary overlooking the Illy region, a Latin cross was erected after the fighting of the 1 September 1870, in memory of the fallen cavalrymen.

The inscription reads: "At this Calvary were assembled the squadrons that took part in the heroic charges of the 1 of September 1870."

On the 1 September 1870, the French cavalry, led by General Margueritte, attempted to break the encirclement of Sedan near the Illy plateau.

In less than two hours, more than a thousand French cavalrymen were killed here during a fierce firefight with German troops on the flanks of the Terme mountain.

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Source

• Text: Traces of War
• Photos: Francky de Rous