Borodino. The Field of Russian Military Glory, 1 day

Type: special offers, excursion, historical, events, culture heritage, discovery

Route: Moscow

Dates: upon request, all year round

Mode: on foot, vehicle

Group: 2 pax and more

                                                                                                                  Led by Vasiliy Novakovskiy

In June of 1812 Napoleon’s troops consisting of half million soldiers, attacked Russia. But Russia was prepared for this war and opposed Napoleon’s strategy by prepared and organized retreat. Russian army started retreating on the territory of today’s Byelorussia and went into daily rearguard actions. At the end of August Russian army under command of the Great Russian fieldmarshal Mr. Kutuzov accepted the battle near village Borodino situated one hundred kilometers to the West of Moscow.

Russian disposition was to keep the battle line fixed and exhaust the enemy. Napoleon attacked and the battle continued all day long, however it had no result for Napoleon. He could not destroy Russian troops.

French troops occupied Moscow but they could not obtain the military victory. Only in October 1812 Napoleon understood the necessity of calling off his army out of Moscow, because Russian Army was already based on the strategic Tarutino position to the South of Moscow. Thus Russians blocked all roads to the south, where the cold Russian winter could be spent. During this month reserves joined the Russian Army and guerilla war was organized on French communications.

In the battle by Tarutino Napoleon army was turned to the West. It had no supply and reserves and in a month was completely destroyed. Napoleon ran away to France. The War with Russia was the beginning of the end of Napoleon’s reign.