Remembering the Papal Zouaves Who Fought at the Battle of Loigny-Poupry (1870)

Pictured are important Papal Zouaves (Volunteers of the West) who fought at the Battle of Loigny-Poupry on December 2, 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war. Colonel Athanase de Charette is surrounded by 4 of his companions who died from the battle, either killed in action or from their wounds.

Top Left: Commander Troussures, Lieutenant Colonel. He was wounded in combat and was finished off by a German soldier on the battlefield, right in front of General Gaston de Sonis.

Top Right: Count of Verthamon, Sergeant, 1st bearer of the unit banner, he was seriously injured and died 8 days later from his injuries.

Bottom Left: Count Fernand de Bouille, Grandson of Vendéen General Bonchamp. Next banner bearer, he was wounded during the battle while trying to carry the banner and died in Orléans on Dec. 25, 1870.

Bottom Right: Jacques de Bouille, son of Fernand. Bearer of the banner after his father, he was killed in battle and his body never found.

Please pray for the repose of their souls. They fought for Pope, King, and Country.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, ora pro nobis!

By Brendan Cassell (Papal Zouave History @PapalZouaveUS)