This locality whose splendid panorama dominates the village of Illy has certainly been frequented for centuries by the villagers of the surroundings as a high place where the spirit blows. The Calvary of Illy could not fail to attract the attention of General Margueritte in the early afternoon of September 1, 1870 as he assembled his division in anticipation of a charge of several thousand cavalry in the hope of jostling the German infantrymen who were climbing the slopes of the Terme plateau.
Around 14:30 p.m., he made his troops advance slightly too far to 400 meters from the enemy, going himself three times to reconnoitre their positions. It was when the charge started that he was mortally wounded near the Terme inn.
General de Galliffet succeeded him immediately and took the head of this heroic charge with enthusiasm, because all these horsemen wanted to avenge their leader and, especially those of the 1st African Chasseurs Regiment which he had previously commanded.
It was the last great charge of the French cavalry, the memory of which is preserved by the Braves Gens memorial.
Around 14:30 p.m., he made his troops advance slightly too far to 400 meters from the enemy, going himself three times to reconnoitre their positions. It was when the charge started that he was mortally wounded near the Terme inn.
General de Galliffet succeeded him immediately and took the head of this heroic charge with enthusiasm, because all these horsemen wanted to avenge their leader and, especially those of the 1st African Chasseurs Regiment which he had previously commanded.
It was the last great charge of the French cavalry, the memory of which is preserved by the Braves Gens memorial.
