[16] Until 19 September the Prussian V Army commanded by General Von Kirchbach marched in two vertical formations to the Palace of Versailles .

The French were determined to keep control of the important points in front of the capital's fortifications,[8] and in view of the Prussian presence in the Châtillon plateau, French general Ducrot[8] launching a breakout on the frontline of the V Corps:[5] At dawn on 19 September, two divisions of infantry of Corps XIV of France had invaded Petit Bicêtre and Villacoublay.

Simultaneously, Von Kirchbach ordered the Prussian 10th Division to respond shortly after their vanguard force reached the northeast of Villaconblay.

Firepower of Prussian muskets defeated the French, and German shells forced the Zouaves soldiers of the Trivaux farm to flee to Paris.

[14] The German army increased its artillery, and after a day of fighting,[13] Ducrot ordered the destruction of the cannons at the earthen fortifications and retreated to the rear of separate fortresses.