Battle of Borodino

The battle of Borodino is characterized by historians as a fierce and bloody battle. In the battle, the armies of two opposing countries - Russia and France - came together. The Russian army was then commanded by Mikhail Kutuzov, the French army was under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The battle of Borodino in 1812 was decisive. In the grandiose battle took part on both sides of the order of 300 thousand people, and used about 1200 guns.

The battle of Borodino began 110 kilometers west of Moscow. The day before the village of Shevardino Russian avant-garde was delayed the advance of the army of the French. Thus, the main forces of the Russian army had the opportunity to consolidate themselves on the Borodino field. Napoleon launched an attack at dawn on August 25.

The Borodino battle of 1812 was marked by bloodshed and bitterness. Later, Napoleon spoke of him as the most terrible of all the battles he had ever given.

Losses of the Russian army amounted to more than 44 thousand, French - 58 thousand people. By modest estimates, every hour on the battlefield killed about 2500 people.

Kutuzov, understanding the numerical superiority of the enemy, had to find the most convenient position on the way to Mozhaisk from Tsarevo-Zayimishch. In advance, experienced officers were sent in advance. August 22 Kutuzov personally engaged in inspection of the position and gave orders for its strengthening.

The chosen position allowed to protect all the main routes that led to Moscow. The flanks could not be bypassed: the right one was covered by the Moscow River, the left one was wooded. Ahead lay the ground very well viewed and gave the opportunity to begin, if necessary, artillery shelling. Significantly interfered with the maneuvers of the French army ravines and rivers ahead of the front.

The Borodino position very limited the capabilities of the commander of the French. Napoleon could go all the way around the whole front, but this would lead to excessive stretching and weakening of forces.

Thus, the battle of Borodino was at a disadvantageous for the French army area. Napoleon was forced to accept the battle on the terms of Kutuzov.

The famous battle of Borodino began on August 26 at six in the morning with the surprise attack of General Delzon. Almost simultaneously, the French struck the main blow at Bagrationov (Semenovsk) flushes, which were advanced fortifications in the artillery of the entire defensive system on the left flank. Fights, very fierce, were conducted almost until noon on this direction. In an effort to plunge the enemy, the Russian cavalry, infantry and artillery repelled several attacks at once. Adopted command instead of wounded Bagration, Konovnitsyn, assessing the situation, orders to leave flashes and go for Semenovsky ravine.

After noon, the obsessed man break through the defense in the left flank of the Russian army Napoleon throws the attack on the cavalry corps Nansuti and Latour-Mobura. Together with this, Kutuzov orders to take command of the left flank of Lieutenant-General Dohturov, who was able to competently and in time organize the defense of Semenov Heights.

Despite the fact that for some time the French captured the village of Semenovskoe, they were unable to break through the left flank.

In the morning, the center of the position (the Raevsky battery) of the Russian army was attacked twice, but both attacks were repulsed. However, by noon here and on the left flank the situation was very tense again. Kutuzov orders several parts of the army to raid the left flank of the French. This diversion not only distracted part of the Napoleonic army, but also gave a respite to the Russian soldiers.

In the afternoon Raevsky's battery was again attacked. The cavalry of Caulaincourt, having fallen on the central height, occupied it.

The battle lasted until the evening. At the end of the battle, the artillery of the Russian army distinguished itself. She silenced the French. Both armies remained on the battlefield by the end of the day.