Joachim Murat

In this rearguard action, Russian General Bagration skillfully delayed the French advance to allow the bulk of the Austro-Russian army to fall back toward Brünn and join Kutuzov. Murat fell into the Russians' diplomatic trap, accepting a false armistice to gain time.

The Battle of Wertingen was the first engagement of the Ulm campaign. French cavalry under Murat swept the Austrian vanguard in a rapid, violent attack. Lannes supported the offensive with infantry.

Prince Hohenlohe's Prussian column, in retreat after Jena, was intercepted near Prenzlau by Murat's cavalry. A brief skirmish degenerated into encirclement, and Murat forced Hohenlohe to capitulate by exaggerating French strength. Ruse, speed, and tactical pressure triumphed.

The Battle of Heilsberg opposed French forces to Russians solidly entrenched on heights behind the Alle River. The poorly coordinated French attack met fierce defense. Casualties were heavy on both sides, and the French failed to break through.

Murat's French cavalry engaged Russian vanguards on icy, difficult terrain. Fighting was violent but confused, ending without a clear victor. This battle set the stage for the decisive confrontation at Eylau two days later.

While Murat observed the Russians camped at Tarutino during the general French withdrawal, they launched a surprise attack at dawn. The French vanguard was surprised, suffered heavy losses, and retreated in disorder. Napoleon lost strategic initiative.

Surprised by a Russian attack while leading the rearguard of the retreat from Moscow, Murat was forced into combat at Vinkovo. His forces were outflanked by enemy numerical superiority and had to abandon the ground, thus breaking cover for the withdrawal.