Russian Campaign

In a desperate attempt to cross the Berezina to escape encirclement, Napoleon had two bridges erected under Russian fire. Thanks to a successful diversion, French troops managed to cross the river at the cost of heavy losses. The phrase "it's a Berezina" derives from this bloody retreat.

During the retreat from Russia, several corps of the Grande Armée were attacked separately by the Russians near Krasnoi. Napoleon managed to relieve Eugène and Davout, but Ney's corps was isolated and hard hit. He nevertheless rejoined the army after a legendary march.

In an attempt to retreat southward, Napoleon advanced Eugène's troops toward Kaluga. At Maloyaroslavets they faced Russian forces in fierce urban combat. The town changed hands several times. Although the French gained the advantage, Napoleon chose to withdraw along the already devastated Smolensk route.

The Battle of the Moskva, known as the Battle of Borodino, was the bloodiest engagement of the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon sought to break the Russian army before reaching Moscow. After a day of murderous frontal assaults on Russian redoubts, the French managed to pierce the enemy center without destroying the Russian army, which withdrew in order.

Napoleon attacked the fortified town of Smolensk to pin the Russian army and force a decisive battle. Despite intense fighting and devastating bombardments, the Russians finally abandoned the town at night, allowing the French to seize it.

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.