Battle of Krasnoi
Russian Campaign · Krasnoi, Smolensk Governorate, Russian Empire
Summary
From 15 to 18 November 1812 at Krasnoi in Russia, Napoleon's rearguard was crushed by Kutuzov during the retreat from Moscow. Davout's, Ney's, and Eugène's corps lost about 20,000 killed, wounded, or captured. Ney, 'the last to leave Russia,' crossed Russian lines on foot with a small group of survivors.
Historical context
After leaving burned Moscow (19 October 1812), the Grande Armée retreated toward Smolensk and Poland. Kutuzov avoided decisive battle but continuously harassed French columns. At Krasnoi Russians blocked passage of the still relatively intact Napoleonic rearguard.
Tactics
Kutuzov concentrated 80,000 men against 40,000 French dispersed in several columns. Russian attacks isolated Davout's and Eugène's corps; Ney, rearguard, was encircled and had to fight for survival. French broke through at great cost but left behind artillery, baggage, and thousands of prisoners.
Consequences
Krasnoi completed destruction of the retreating French army before the Berezina. Ney became a legend for his bravery; Davout and Eugène lost much of their troops. The battle illustrates effectiveness of Russian harassment strategy rather than pitched battle during the 1812 retreat.