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.