Two days later, while the French actually retreated on Metz (taking seven hours to cover 5 to 6 miles) the masses of the Germans gathered in front of Bazaine's Army at Gravelotte, intercepting his communication with the interior of France.
It was established in 1916 and named after the farm owned by a Prussian missionary who had fought in the Battle of Gravelotte (1870–71).
In the Franco-Prussian War Prittwitz took part in the battles of Gravelotte, Sedan - here he was wounded by a grenade - and in the conquest of Montmédy.