Battle of Maloyaroslavets

The battles of Maloyaroslavets took place the October 24th 1812 at the time of the war of the 6 {{E}} coalition, during the countryside of Russia between the Large army of Napoleon and the forces of Alexandre I {{er}}.

In the south of Moscow, Koutouzov order still 110 000 men and the third Russian army goes up towards north to threaten the French lines of communication in the area of Brest-Litovsk. Napoleon has less 100 000 men and the supply is failing. It decides to make go its western southern army towards Kaluga, a city in a prosperous area where full with supply could be found.

It sent his son-in-law, Eugene de Beauharnais with 15 000 men ahead guard to release the way of all opposite Russian forces.

The October 24th this troop approached Maloyaroslavets, to 110 km in the south-west of Moscow, given to take the control of a principal bridge on the Lusha river.

A force of 20 000 men under the orders of Dokhturov had just occupied the city but, in spite of the probabilities against him Eugene immediately launched a series of attacks to capture the bridge and to draw up a fulcrum on the opposite bank.

The combat was intense and the span changed hands at least seven times before Eugene utilizes his last reserves and pushes back the men of Dokhturov - together with reinforcements - out of their positions. The Russians moved back on the hills outside the city.

Eugene lost 5 000 men whereas the Russians 6 000.

Sporadic combat took place the next morning but this day is more famous to be that where Cosaques failed to capture Napoleon. After that, it will carry a bag of poison around its neck.

It was also the day when the emperor changed his decision of way of retirement by sending the army to the north of the Marais of Pripet where the country from now on is devastated because it is that which the invader had taken to go and at the harder winter.

Battle preceding: Moskowa Following battle: Bérézina

external bonds

retirement of Moscow

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