In the aftermath of a devastating conflict, a street in Rueil-Malmaison bears a poignant name: Rue du 19 Janvier. This street, Rue du 19 Janvier, commemorates a pivotal battle in the Franco-Prussian War. The Battle of Buzenval, fought on January 19, 1871, was a desperate attempt by the French to break the Prussian siege of Paris. Rue du 19 Janvier serves as a reminder of this final, futile effort. The battle unfolded across the landscapes of nearby towns, including Rueil-Malmaison, Garches, and Saint-Cloud. The French forces, a mix of regular troops, mobile guards, and less-trained national guards, launched a three-pronged attack. Their goal was to reach Versailles, then the headquarters of the Prussian army. However, the French army was ill-prepared. Confusion reigned among the different units. The artillery was ineffective due to a combination of poor positioning and a reluctance to risk hitting a nearby hospice flying a Red Cross flag. Despite initial successes in capturing key positions like the Montretout redoubt, the French advance faltered. By late afternoon, exhaustion and a renewed Prussian offensive forced a retreat. The fighting continued into the night, with some French units unaware of the retreat order. The next morning saw the burning of what remained of Garches and Saint-Cloud, marking the end of this tragic chapter. Rue du 19 Janvier, therefore, stands not only for the battle itself but also for the destruction and resilience of the surrounding communities. Though the battle was lost, the spirit of those who fought and the towns that were rebuilt is embodied in the name, Rue du 19 Janvier.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to