Aide-de-camp to General Justin Clinchant, Camille Crémer was promoted Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1870.

He took an active part in the battles of the Army of the East, but did not go to Switzerland during his retirement, preferring, like Rear Admiral Penhoat and General Billot, to join Lyon via the Highlands.

In February 1871, Camille Crémer was appointed general of division in Chambéry, before being demoted and relieved of his functions in July, by the commission of revision of ranks, for having resumed service when he had "signed the reverse" in Metz.

He immediately addressed a public letter to the Minister of War: "I therefore have the honor to send you my resignation, contenting myself as a reward for fifteen years of service with having my property confiscated, my father exiled, my brother killed and my homeland delivered.

So much happiness makes me fear those which the future holds for me, and I prefer to wait as a simple citizen for the opportunity to wage war on the Prussians again.

Gnawed by spite and bitterness, he wrote in January 1872: "In 13 battles or combats I had the good fortune to beat the Prussians 13 times".