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Marshal Ney Supporting the Rear Guard during the retreat from Moscow” 1856 by artist Aldolphe Yvon. Michel Ney was a man of striking appearance with fiery red hair, possessed of utter fearlessness, if limited intelligence. He obeyed Napoleon’s order almost too long, staying on in Smolensk with his 6,000-strong rearguard and twelve guns to delay […]

On the night of 25 November, Napoleon ordered him to build two 300-foot bridges across the Berezina to connect with the causeway across the extensive marshes on the other side. Oudinot embarked upon a brilliant piece of deception, sending stragglers to other fords down the river to give the illusion that the French would attempt […]

Russian guerrillas in 1812 that fought against northern regions of Russia against the French Empire invasion. Anatoly Telenik MARAUDING PARTIES No hay or straw – Le Roy commands a marauding party – ‘every day the circle’s being drawn tighter’ – Césare de Laugier meets the locals – ‘I asked him politely in Latin’ – Paul […]