During the nine-hour battle[2] the attackers defeated forces that included Francs-tireurs led by Ernest de Lipowski who was of Polish origin.

[3][11][12] Although it ended in defeat,[8] the resistance of the French army at Châteaudun is recorded by one document as legendary.

[8] Obeying orders, General Wittich, commander of the German 22nd Division[10] advanced from Orléans to the northwest, and attacked Châteaudun on the Loire which was defended by Lipowski's irregular forces.

[8] Finally, the German army claimed victory,[5] partly due to the strength of their artillery.

[9] The French irregulars holding Châteaudun then conducted a retreat, leaving behind a number of prisoners in the hands of the German army.