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Plan of the attack on Batoche
by the North West Field Force under Major-General Frederick
Middleton
May 12, 1885
The most decisive battle in the North West Rebellion
was at Batoche, where Louis Riel established his headquarters.
The battle began May 9 and was followed by three days
of skirmishes. On the afternoon of May 12, impatient
troops under Middleton led a frontal attack on the weakened
Métis, who were reduced to firing nails and stones
from their rifles. The village was captured and the
resistance broken. Over 25 men on both sides were killed.
Although Riel surrendered on May 15, many Cree continued
to resist until Chief Poundmaker gave himself up on
May 23, and Chief Big Bear on July 2.
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