Borodino (Shevardino Redoubt)

The Russian force at Shevardino was under the command of General Prince Andrey Gorchakov and consisted of 8000 infantry, 4000 cavalry and 194 guns. He had deployed his Jagers in the woods and villages while the Russian Grenadiers and Cuirassiers …

1812-09-05

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The Russian force at Shevardino was under the command of General Prince Andrey Gorchakov and consisted of 8000 infantry, 4000 cavalry and 194 guns. He had deployed his Jagers in the woods and villages while the Russian Grenadiers and Cuirassiers were held in reserve. The French advance guard under Compans consisted of his 5th Division of Davout’s I Army Corps. The initial French attack was against Doronino and the nearby woods. Russian cavalry attacked the advancing infantry and were counterattacked by French cavalry, which forced the Russian cavalry back. The French advance continued and pushed to the foot of the Redoubt, while the Poles were pressing hard against the Russian left. The Redoubt was charged and the guns were forced to retire. The Russian Grenadiers were ordered to advance to take back the Redoubt and the field works changed hands a number of times. Friant’s redoubtable French infantry had advanced during this fighting and were threatening to turn the Russian right. A desperate cavalry charge momentarily stopped Friant’s advance. Night was approaching when Kuruzov gave the order for Gorchakov to abandon the Redoubt and fall back.

Shevardino Redoubt, Russia

The Battle of Borodino took place on 7 September 1812 during Napoleon's French invasion of Russia. The Grande Armée won the battle against the Imperial Russian Army with casualties in a ratio 2:3, but failed to gain a decisive victory. Napoleon fought against General Mikhail Kutuzov, whom the Emperor Alexander I of Russia had appointed to replace Barclay de Tolly on 29 August 1812 after the Battle of Smolensk. After the Battle of Borodino Napoleon remained on the battlefield with his army; the Russian forces retreated in an orderly fashion to the south of Moscow.

Wikipedia: Battle of Borodino

French

Russians

French Invasion of Russia