War is an extremely terrible thing, even the word itself evokes the most terrible associations.

Patriotic War of 1812

The war of 1812 took place between Russia and France due to violations of the Tilsit peace treaty signed by both sides. And although it did not last long, almost every battle was extremely bloody and devastating for both sides. The initial alignment of forces was as follows: six hundred thousand soldiers from France and two hundred and forty thousand from Russia. The outcome of the war was obvious from the very beginning. But those who believed that the Russian Empire would lose were deeply mistaken. On December 25, 1812, Emperor Alexander the First signed an appeal to his subjects, which announced the victorious end of the war.

Heroes of the past

The heroes of the war of 1812 look at us from the pages of history books. Whoever you take - entirely majestic portraits, but what is behind them? Behind pompous poses and magnificent uniforms? Boldly going into battle against the enemies of the Fatherland is a real feat. In the war against the Napoleonic troops in 1812, a lot of worthy and wonderful young heroes fought and died. Their names are honored to this day. Portraits of the heroes of the war of 1812 are the faces of those who spared nothing for the sake of the common good. To take responsibility for command and control of troops, as well as for success or, conversely, defeat on the battlefield and eventually win the war - this is the highest feat. This article tells about the most famous participants of the year, about their deeds and accomplishments.

So, who are they - the heroes of the war of 1812? Photos of portraits of famous personalities presented below will help fill in the gaps in the knowledge of native history.

M. I. Kutuzov (1745-1813)

When the heroes of the war of 1812 are mentioned, Kutuzov, of course, comes to mind first. The most famous student of Suvorov, a talented commander, strategist and tactician. Golenishchev-Kutuzov (real name) was born in a family of ancestral nobles, whose roots were traced back to the Novgorod princes. Mikhail's father was a military engineer, and it was he who largely influenced his son's future choice of profession. From a young age, Mikhail Illarionovich was in good health, inquiring mind and courteous in handling. But the main thing is still his undeniable talent in military affairs, which his teachers noted in him. He was educated, of course, with a military bias. He graduated from the artillery and engineering school with honors. For a long time he even taught at his alma mater.

However, about his contribution to the victory: Count, Kutuzov at the time of the war was already at an advanced age. He was elected commander, first of the St. Petersburg, and then of the Moscow militia. It was he who came up with the idea to give up Moscow, thus making a gambit, like in chess. Many generals who participated in this war were practically brought up by Kutuzov, and his word in Fili was decisive. The war was won largely thanks to his cunning and skill in military tactics. For this act, he was granted on behalf of the tsar to the rank of Field Marshal, and also became Prince of Smolensk. He did not live long after the victory, only a year. But the fact that Russia did not submit in this war is entirely the merit of M.I. Kutuzov. The enumeration of the list "People's Heroes of the War of 1812" is most appropriate to start with this person.

D. P. Neverovsky (1771 - 1813)

A nobleman, but not from the most famous family, Neverovsky began to serve as a private of the Semenovsky regiment. By the beginning of the war of 1812, he was already the chief of Pavlovsky. He was sent to defend Smolensk, where he met with the enemy. Murat himself, who led the French near Smolensk, wrote in his memoirs that he had never seen such selflessness. These lines were dedicated specifically to D. P. Neverovsky. Having waited for help, Dmitry Petrovich made the transition to Smolensk, which glorified him. Then he participated in the Battle of Borodino, but was shell-shocked.

In 1812 he received the rank of lieutenant general. Even after being wounded, he did not stop fighting, his division suffered the greatest losses in the war. Only this is not from unreasonable command, but rather from selflessness and dedication in the most difficult positions. Like a real hero, Neverovsky died from his wounds in Halle. Later he was reburied on, like many heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812.

M.B. Barclay de Tolly (1761 - 1818)

This name during the Patriotic War has long been associated with cowardice, treason and retreat. And very undeserved.

This hero of the Patriotic War of 1812 came from an ancient Scottish family, but at an early age his parents sent the boy to study in Russia, where his uncle lived and served. It was he who helped the young man in many ways to get Mikhail Bogdanovich independently rose to the rank of officer at the age of sixteen. By the beginning of the war with Napoleon, he was appointed commander of the first Western Army.

This commander was an interesting personality. Completely unpretentious, he could sleep under the open sky and dine with ordinary soldiers, he was very easy to handle. But he held on by virtue of his character and, perhaps, his origin, it was cold with everyone. In addition, he was very cautious in military affairs, which explains his numerous retreat maneuvers. But it was necessary: ​​he did not want to thoughtlessly waste human lives and, as he himself noted, he had no such right.

He was the Minister of War, and all the "bumps" from military failures fell on him. Bagration will write in his memoirs that during the Battle of Borodino, Mikhail Bogdanovich seemed to be trying to die.

Nevertheless, the idea to retreat from Moscow will come from him, and Kutuzov will support it. And, whatever it was, Barclay de Tolly would be right. He personally participated in many battles, by his example showing the soldiers how to fight for their country. Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly was a true son of Russia. The gallery of heroes of the war of 1812 was replenished with this name not without reason.

I. F. Paskevich (1782-1856)

The son of very wealthy landowners living near Poltava. Everyone predicted a different career for him, but from childhood he saw himself only as a military leader, and that's how it all happened. Proving yourself the best way in wars with Persia and Turkey, he was ready for war with France. Kutuzov himself once introduced him to the Tsar as his most talented young general.

He participated in the army of Bagration, wherever he fought, he did it conscientiously, sparing neither himself nor the enemy. He distinguished himself near Smolensk and in the Battle of Borodino. He was subsequently awarded the Order of St. Vladimir of the second degree. It was St. Vladimir, for the most part, that was awarded to the heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812.

P. I. Bagration (1765-1812)

This hero of the Patriotic War of 1812 came from an ancient royal Georgian family, in his youth he served in a musketeer regiment. And even took part in the battles of the Russian-Turkish war. He studied the art of war with Suvorov himself, for his valor and diligence he was extremely loved by the commander.

During the war with the French, he led the second Western army. He also visited the retreat near Smolensk. At the same time, he was extremely opposed to withdrawing without a fight. Participated in Borodino. At the same time, this battle became fatal for Peter Ivanovich. He was seriously wounded, and before that he fought heroically and twice with the soldiers threw the enemy away from his positions. The wound was extremely serious, he was transported to the estate of a friend, where he quickly died. After twenty-seven years, his ashes will be returned to the Borodino field to be buried with honors in the land for which he spared nothing.

A. P. Ermolov (1777-1861)

At that time, this general was known to literally everyone, all of Russia followed his successes, and they were proud of him. Very brave, strong-willed, talented. He participated in not one, but in as many as three wars with the Napoleonic troops. Kutuzov himself greatly appreciated this man.

He was the organizer of the defense near Smolensk, personally reported to the tsar about all the details of the battles, he was very weary of the retreat, but he understood all its necessity. He even tried to reconcile two opposing generals: Barclay de Tolly and Bagration. But in vain: they will fight to the death.

Most clearly in this war, he showed himself in the battle of Maloyaroslavtsev. He left Napoleon no choice but to retreat along the already devastated Smolensk route.

And although the relationship with the command due to the ardent character at the end of the war went wrong, nevertheless, no one dared to diminish the importance of his actions and courage in battles. General Ermolov took his rightful place in the list, which lists the generals - heroes of the war of 1812.

D. S. Dokhturov (1756-1816)

Another hero of the war of 1812. The future general was born into a family where military traditions were highly revered. All of his male relatives were in the military, so there was no need to choose a matter of life. And in fact, in this field he was accompanied only by luck. The great Empress Catherine the First herself presented him with a sword for achievements during the Russian-Swedish war with a pompous inscription: "For courage."

He fought near Austerlitz, where, again, he showed only courage and courage: he broke through with his army through the encirclement. Personal courage did not save him from injury during the war of 1805, but the wounds did not stop this man and did not prevent him from joining the ranks of the Russian army during the war of 1812.

Near Smolensk, he fell very seriously ill with a cold, but this did not tear him away from his direct duties. Dmitry Sergeevich treated each of his soldiers with great care and participation, he knew how to restore order in the ranks of his subordinates. That is what he demonstrated near Smolensk.

The surrender of Moscow was extremely difficult for him, because the general was a patriot. And he did not want to give even a handful of land to the enemy. But he endured this loss steadfastly, continuing to try for the sake of his homeland. He proved himself a real hero near Maloyaroslavets, fighting next to the troops of General Yermolov. After one of the battles, Kutuzov met Dokhturov with the words: "Let me hug you, hero!"

N. N. Raevsky (1771 - 1813)

A nobleman, hereditary military man, talented from the cavalry. This man's career began and developed so rapidly that in the middle of his life he was already ready to retire, but could not. The threat from France was too great for talented generals to sit at home.

It was the troops of Nikolai Nikolaevich who had the honor of holding the enemy's army until other units united. He fought at Saltanovka, his units were thrown back, but time was still won. Fought at Smolensk, near Borodino. In the last battle, it was on his flank that the main blow fell, which he and his soldiers steadfastly held back.

Later it will be very successful under Tarutin and at Maloyaroslavets. For which he will receive the Order of St. George of the third degree. Unfortunately, soon he will fall ill and very seriously, so that he will finally have to give up military affairs.

P. A. Tuchkov (1769 - 1858)

Not much is known about him. He came from a military dynasty and served for a long time under the leadership of his father. Since 1800 he served in the rank of major general.

He fought zealously near the small village of Valutina Gora, then personally took command near the Strogan River. He boldly went into battle against the army of the French Marshal Ney, but was wounded and taken prisoner. He was introduced to Napoleon as a Russian general, and the emperor, admiring the courage of this man, ordered that his sword be returned to him. Unfortunately, he met the end of the war, victorious for Russia, in captivity, but received his freedom in 1814 and continued to work for the good of the Fatherland.

A. A. Skalon (1767 - 1812)

A hero of the war of 1812, he was from an old French family, but only his ancestors had long ago moved to Russia, and he knew no other Fatherland. For a long time he served in the Preobrazhensky, and then in the Semenovsky regiment.

Skalon began military operations against France only in 1812, when there were not enough generals, and until now the emperor, knowing about his roots, removed Anton Antonovich from interfering in the war with France. Participated in and this day for the major general was the last. He was killed, Scalon's body fell to the enemy, but was interred with honors at the behest of Napoleon himself.

real heroes

Of course, these are not all the heroes of the war of 1812. The list of glorious and worthy people could be continued indefinitely. And much more can be said about their exploits. The main thing is that all of them spared neither their strength nor their health, and many of their lives for the sake of the main task - to win the war. It is so amazing to understand that once the real heroes were not on the book pages, but really performed feats just for the sake of the Fatherland flourishing. And it is not surprising that monuments to the heroes of the war of 1812 were erected throughout the country. Such people must be honored and remembered, they must live for centuries. Honor and glory to them!

The main anniversary that all of Russia will celebrate this year is the 200th anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812, during which the heroic Russian army, all the peoples of our Fatherland defended its freedom and independence in a glorious struggle against the invasion of "twelve languages" - the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte .

Two hundred years on the scales of History is a grain of sand. And for this, in general, a short period - two bloody wars, two Patriotic. Involuntarily, analogies arise. Both wars began in June. Why? And everything is simple - the calculation for a lightning war. Both Napoleon and Hitler expected to strangle the "Russian bear" in a month or two. June - because the spring thaw is over, and before the autumn one - it is quite possible to manage. In a conversation with the French ambassador in Warsaw, Pradt, Napoleon said: "I'm going to Moscow and I'll finish everything in one or two battles." Characteristically, the invasions of the French and Nazi troops began without a declaration of war. On the night of June 24 (12 according to the old style), 1812, the Napoleonic corps crossed the Russian border on the Neman River. The 1st and 2nd armies under the command of M.B. met the enemy. Barclay - de - Tolly and P.I. Bagration. The Russian corps were stretched along the front line, there was a threat of being broken in parts due to the rapid advance of the Napoleonic troops. Giving back with fights settlements, the Russian armies sought to unite in order to give the invaders a decisive battle. On August 3, they retreated to Smolensk and, as a result of a bloody battle, finally united.

The Russian troops numbered 120 thousand people against 200 thousand of Napoleon. The active actions of the Russians on the flanks fettered the significant forces of the Napoleonic army. But Smolensk was surrendered, the retreat caused general discontent. This forced Alexander I to appoint General M.I. Kutuzov, whose name was especially popular in connection with his victories over Turkey.

Kutuzov withdrew troops to the village of Borodino, where he gave a decisive battle to the French army.

Near Borodino on September 5, 1812, a battle took place - one of the greatest in history, in which the fate of the peoples of Russia was decided. In this battle, the patriotic spirit of the Russian army and the entire Russian society manifested itself with the highest force. Borodino - the beginning of the sunset and the final death of the "invincible" troops of Napoleon. Despite the fact that the enemy lost 58 thousand killed (Russians - 44 thousand), Kutuzov retreated to Moscow, then left it. Having saved his troops, he took the French in the ring.

Napoleon occupied the capital on 14 September. On the night of the same day, the city was engulfed in fire, which on the next day intensified so much that the conqueror was forced to leave the Kremlin. The fire raged until September 18 and destroyed most of Moscow. There are several versions of the fire - organized arson when the city was abandoned by Russian troops, arson by Russian spies, uncontrolled actions of the invaders, an accidental fire, the spread of which was facilitated by the general chaos in the abandoned city. There were several foci, so all versions are true to some extent. But the main thing remained in the people's memory: God's will was done.

The invasion of foreign invaders caused a patriotic upsurge among various segments of the Russian population. By the autumn of 1812, a partisan movement had unfolded, and a people's militia had been formed. The resistance of the peasants to foreign invaders began spontaneously in Lithuania and Belarus after the retreat of the Russian army, first expressed in the massive abandonment of villages and the destruction of food and fodder. It actively unfolded in late July - early August in the Smolensk province, and then in Moscow and Kaluga, where armed detachments of peasants attacked individual enemy groups and convoys. Some landlords began to organize partisan detachments from the peasants.

Army detachments also began to be created for partisan operations behind enemy lines. The first such detachment (130 people) was created by Lieutenant Colonel D.V. Davydov at the end of August 1812. Great importance was attached to the partisan movement by the commander-in-chief M.I. Kutuzov. He contributed to the organization of army partisan detachments, gave instructions on their weapons and tactics, sought to link the popular movement with his strategic plans and give it an organized character.

In September, 36 Cossack regiments, 7 cavalry regiments, 5 squadrons, 5 infantry regiments, 3 battalions were already operating in the army partisan detachments. At the head of the military detachments, in addition to Davydov, were I.S. Dorokhov, A.N. Seslavin, A.S. Figner, M.A. Fonvizin and other Russian officers.

During the retreat of the French troops, the partisans assisted the regular units in pursuing and destroying the enemy, playing an important role in defeating the conquering army. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the backbone of the invader was broken by the cudgel of the people's war.

The critical situation forced Napoleon to send his general to the headquarters of the Russian high command with peace proposals, but Kutuzov rejected them, saying that the war was just beginning and would not be stopped until the enemy was expelled from Russian soil. The denouement came on the Berezina River, where the strategic encirclement of the Napoleonic army closed. On December 21 (January 2), 1813, Kutuzov congratulated the troops on the expulsion of the enemy from Russia.

The war of 1812 ended with the almost complete annihilation of the invading "great army". The assessment of these events by an impartial observer, the German military theorist K. Clausewitz, is very curious: “The Russians rarely outran the French, although they had many opportunities for this. When they managed to get ahead of the enemy, they released him every time. In all battles, the French remained victorious; the Russians gave them the opportunity to do the impossible; but if we sum up, it turns out that the French army ceased to exist, and the whole campaign ended with the complete success of the Russians ... "

The moral strength of the French attacking army was exhausted ... Not that victory, which is determined by the picked up pieces of matter on sticks, called banners, and the space on which the troops stood and are standing, but a moral victory, one that convinces the enemy of the moral superiority of his enemy and in its impotence, was defeated by the Russians near Borodino ... A direct consequence of the Battle of Borodino was Napoleon's causeless flight from Moscow, the return along the old Smolensk road, the death of a five hundred thousandth invasion and the death of Napoleonic France, on which for the first time near Borodino was laid the hand of the strongest enemy in spirit.

This day will remain an eternal monument to the courage and excellent courage of the Russian soldiers, where all the infantry, cavalry and artillery fought desperately. Everyone's desire was to die on the spot and not yield to the enemy. The French army did not overcome the firmness of the spirit of the Russian soldier, who sacrificed his life with courage for his fatherland.

M.I. Kutuzov

Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration

Prince from the Georgian royal house of Bagrationi. Participated in the conquest of the Caucasus in 1783 - 1790, in the Russian-Turkish war of 1787 - 1791, the Polish war of 1794; in the Italian and Swiss campaigns, where he was the right hand of A.V. Suvorov; during the capture of Brescia, Bergamo, Lecco, Tortona, Turin and Milan, in the battles of Trebbia and Novi, where he was in the most difficult and decisive places; in the wars against France in 1805-1807, in the Russian-Turkish war of 1806-1812 and the Russian-Swedish war of 1808-1809.

At the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, the 2nd Western Army was located near Grodno and was cut off from the main 1st Army by the advancing French corps. Bagration had to retreat with rearguard battles to Bobruisk and Mogilev, where, after the battle near Saltanovka, he crossed the Dnieper and on August 3 connected with the 1st Western Army of Barclay de Tolly near Smolensk. Bagration was a supporter of involving broad sections of the people in the fight against the French, and was one of the initiators of the partisan movement.

At Borodino, the army of Bagration, constituting the left wing of the battle formation of the Russian troops, repelled all the attacks of Napoleon's army. According to the tradition of that time, decisive battles were always prepared as for a show - people changed into clean linen, carefully shaved, put on full dress uniforms, orders, white gloves, sultans on shakos, etc. Exactly the way it is depicted in the portrait - with blue St. Andrew's ribbon, with three stars of the orders of Andrei, George and Vladimir and many order crosses saw the regiments of Bagration in the Battle of Borodino, the last in his military life. A fragment of the nucleus crushed the general's tibia of the left leg. The prince refused the amputation proposed by the doctors. The next day, Bagration mentioned in his report to Tsar Alexander I about the injury:

“I was wounded rather lightly in the left leg by a bullet with crushing of the bone; but I don’t regret it in the least, being always ready to sacrifice the last drop of my blood to defend the fatherland and the august throne ... "

The commander was transferred to the estate of his friend, who also participated in the Battle of Borodino, Lieutenant General Prince B. A. Golitsyn (his wife was the fourth cousin of Bagration, and their son, N. B. Golitsyn, was his orderly), in the village of Sima Vladimirskaya provinces.

On September 23, 1812, Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration died of gangrene, 18 days after being wounded.

Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay-de-Tolly

Commander, Field Marshal General (1814), Prince (1815), Minister of War (1810-1812). During the Patriotic War of 1812, Barclay de Tolly commanded the 1st Army, in July-August he actually commanded all the active Russian armies. In 1813-1814 he was commander-in-chief of the Russian-Prussian army in foreign campaigns. Michael Barclay de Tolly came from an old family of Scottish barons. His ancestors moved to Germany at the beginning of the 17th century due to religious persecution, and then to the Baltic states. In 1767, a ten-year-old boy was enrolled as a corporal in the Novotroitsk cuirassier regiment, and began active service in 1776 in the ranks of the Pskov carabinieri regiment with the rank of sergeant major. In 1778, Barclay de Tolly received the first officer rank of cornet. He received his baptism of fire during the Russian-Turkish war (1787-1791) during the assault on Ochakov (1788) in the army of G.A. Potemkin, then participated in the Russian-Swedish war (1788-1790) and in the suppression of the Polish uprising of 1794, during which he was awarded the Order of George of the fourth class.

In the first period of the Patriotic War of 1812, Barclay served as commander-in-chief of the 1st Western Army and was able, despite the resistance of part of the generals and the officer corps, to put his plan into practice. From the beginning of hostilities, he organized the withdrawal of Russian troops, and his units avoided the blows of superior enemy forces. After the connection of the two Western armies at Smolensk, Mikhail Bogdanovich began to exercise overall leadership of their actions, continued the retreat, which caused an explosion of discontent and accusations against him in the army environment and Russian society. After arriving at the troops of M.I. Kutuzov on August 17, he handed over to him the overall command, but remained at the head of the 1st Western Army. In the battle of Borodino, Barclay de Tolly was subordinate to the center and the right flank of the Russian positions, he took part in repelling enemy attacks in its most dangerous areas. His skillful leadership of the troops at Borodino was highly appreciated by Kutuzov, who believed that it was largely due to the firmness shown by him that the “striving of the superior enemy” was kept in the center of the Russian position, and “his courage surpassed all praise.” As a reward, Barclay de Tolly received the Order of George 2nd class. At the military council in Fili, Mikhail Bogdanovich acted as the main opponent of L.L. Bennigsen, criticizing his chosen position on the Sparrow Hills, and was the first to strongly advocate leaving Moscow in order to preserve the army. He organized the passage of the retreating troops through Moscow.

Then Barclay de Tolly found it necessary to leave the active army, the command of which was completely concentrated in the hands of M.I. Kutuzov. On September 21, Mikhail Bogdanovich left all his posts and left the army. During the foreign campaigns of the Russian army (1813-1814), on February 4, 1813, he took command of the 3rd Army. The troops under his command took the fortress of Thorn, distinguished themselves in the battle of Koenigswart, and participated in the battle of Bautzen. In 1813, Barclay was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian-Prussian troops, and after Austria joined the ranks of the allies, he commanded the Russian-Prussian troops as part of the Bohemian army. Under his leadership, a victory was won near Kulm, for which he was awarded the Order of George, first class. Barclay de Tolly was one of the heroes of the victory in the Battle of Leipzig and, together with his offspring, was elevated to the dignity of a count. After the end of hostilities, Barclay de Toglii led the 1st Army, at the head of which he made a campaign in France in 1815. After a review of Russian troops near the city of Vertu, he received a princely title. M. Barclay de Tolly was buried at the estate of his wife Bekgoff in Livonia.

Denis Vasilievich Davydov

Lieutenant General, ideologist and leader of the partisan movement, participant in the Patriotic War of 1812, Russian poet of the Pushkin Pleiades.

At the beginning of the war of 1812, Davydov was a lieutenant colonel in the Akhtyrsky hussar regiment and was in the vanguard troops of General Vasilchikov. On August 21, 1812, near the village of Borodino, where he grew up, where they were already hastily dismantling the parental house for fortifications, five days before the great battle, Denis Vasilyevich proposed to Bagration the idea of ​​​​a partisan detachment.

He borrowed this idea from the Guerillas (Spanish partisans). Napoleon could not deal with them until they were united in a regular army. The logic was simple: Napoleon, hoping to defeat Russia in twenty days, took that much food with him. And if you take away carts, fodder and break bridges, then this will create big problems for him. Bagration's order to create a flying partisan detachment was one of his last before the Battle of Borodino, where he was mortally wounded.

On the very first night, Davydov's detachment of 50 hussars and 80 Cossacks was ambushed by peasants, and Denis Vasilievich almost died. The peasants were poorly versed in the details of the military uniform, which the French and Russians had similar. Moreover, the officers spoke, as a rule, in French. After that, Davydov put on a peasant's caftan and grew a beard.

Napoleon hated Davydov and ordered him to be shot on the spot upon arrest. For the sake of his capture, he singled out one of his best detachments of two thousand horsemen with eight chief officers and one staff officer. Davydov, who had half as many people, managed to drive the detachment into a trap and take him prisoner along with all the officers.

The awards for the campaign of 1812 to Denis Davydov were the orders of St. Vladimir of the 3rd degree and St. George of the 4th degree: “Your Grace! While the Patriotic War was going on, I considered it a sin to think of anything other than the extermination of the enemies of the Fatherland. Now I am abroad, then I humbly ask Your Grace to send me Vladimir of the 3rd degree and George of the 4th class, ”Davydov wrote to Field Marshal M.I. Kutuzov after crossing the border.

For the battle at the approach to Paris, when five horses were killed under him, but he, along with his Cossacks, nevertheless broke through to the French artillery battery and decided the outcome of the battle, Davydov was given the rank of major general.

Ivan Ivanovich Dibich

Famous Russian commander, one of the heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812. Unfortunately, few people know the name of Dibich today, although there is one very remarkable fact in the biography of this remarkable person. Ivan Dibich is a full cavalier of the Order of St. George, and there are only four of them in Russian history - Kutuzov, Barclay de Tolly, Paskevich and Dibich.

Ivan Ivanovich Dibich was the son of a Prussian army officer who entered the Russian service. Dibich was born in the spring of 1785 in Silesia, where he grew up. Ivan Ivanovich received his education in the Berlin Cadet Corps. During his studies, Dibich proved himself to be an outstanding personality. In 1801, Dibich's father achieved serious success in the service in the Russian army, becoming a lieutenant general. At the same time, the father attaches his son to the Semenovsky Life Guards Regiment in the rank of ensign. Soon a series of wars broke out with Napoleonic France. Ivan Dibich received his first combat experience on the battlefields near Austerlitz.

The battle of Austerlitz was lost, but the courage and stamina of the Russian soldiers and officers in this battle could only be envied. Dibić was among those who managed to prove themselves in this fierce and bloody battle from the best side. Ivan Dibich was wounded in the hand, but remained in the ranks. He hastily dressed his wound and continued the fight, remaining in the battle formation of his company. But Dibich already held the weapon not with his right, but with his left hand. For the courage shown in the battle of Austerlitz, Dibich found his first award - a golden sword, on which the words: "For courage" flaunted. There were only a few people awarded after Austerlitz, this added special value to Dibich's award. For the successful disposition of troops in the battle of Heilsberg, Ivan Ivanovich was awarded the Order of St. George of the fourth degree. For participation in the fierce battles of the war of 1812. Ivan Dibich was awarded another award - the Order of St. Hero of the third degree. Before Dibich, the Order of St. George of the third degree was awarded only to generals, now a 27-year-old colonel of the Russian army was presented for the award. During the Patriotic War of 1812, Ivan Ivanovich Dibich was engaged not only in staff work, but also personally led the soldiers into attacks, always finding himself at the very epicenter of events. Under the command of Dibich, cavalry attacks on the French army at Lützen are organized. He takes the Russian army out of the blow at Bautzen, courageously fights near Dresden. Dibich's contribution to the victory near Leipzig is so great that the Austrian General Field Marshal Schwarzeberg, right on the battlefield, takes off the Order of Maria Theresa (this is the highest Austrian order) and puts Dibich on his chest.

Durova Nadezhda Andreevna

The first female officer in Russia ("cavalry girl").

The daughter of a poor nobleman-hussar. Durova's childhood passed in the conditions of a camp life, and she got used to military life and fell in love with him. In 1789 settled with her father, who retired, in the city of Sarapul. In 1801 Durova was given in marriage to a petty official and gave birth to a son. Family life did not work out, and Durova returned to her parents, never again maintaining relations with either her husband or her son.

In 1806, dressed in a men's suit, she fled from home with a Cossack regiment, calling herself the son of a landowner, and managed to enter the service in a cavalry lancer regiment. Participated in the war between Russia and France in 1806-1807. first as a private, then as a cornet. When it was accidentally discovered that Durova was a woman, she was summoned to Petersburg by Alexander I and after a conversation received permission from the tsar for further service under the name Alexandrov. For saving an officer in battle, she was awarded the St. George Cross. Participated in the Patriotic War of 1812. and was wounded on the eve of the Battle of Borodino.

She participated in the battles of Gutshadt, Heilsberg, Friedland, everywhere she showed courage. For rescuing a wounded officer at the height of the battle, she was awarded the soldier's George Cross and promoted to non-commissioned officer. Amazingly, participating in the battles, she never shed someone else's blood.

She served as an orderly at M.I. Kutuzova and in 1816 she retired with the rank of staff captain. She was engaged in literary activity: she wrote several novels and short stories. Widely known for her "Notes of a cavalry girl", first published in 1836. in “Notes of the Fatherland” and deserved an approving review by A.S. Pushkin. The story of Durova's extraordinary life subsequently became the basis for a novel, novel, play, film and opera.

Alexey Petrovich Ermolov

Military and statesman. Born into a poor noble family. He was educated at home and at the Noble Boarding School at Moscow University. Enrolled in the army from childhood, he began active military service in the Nezhinsky Dragoon Regiment in 1792 with the rank of captain. Fascinated by the educational ideas of the French Republicans, Yermolov was arrested on the case of an officer's political circle and, after a short imprisonment in the Peter and Paul Fortress, was exiled "forever" to Kostroma. In 1801 after the death of Paul I, among many, he was forgiven and continued his service.

In campaigns against France 1805 - 1807. commanded the artillery of the vanguard and showed courage and skill. In 1808 Yermolov was promoted to major general. in the Patriotic War of 1812. Yermolov participated in all major battles, especially distinguished himself in the battles of Smolensk, Borodino, Maloyaroslavets and Berezina. At the very beginning of hostilities, Alexander I appointed Major General Yermolov to the post of chief of the main headquarters of the Western Army, commanded by Minister of War Barclay de Tolly.

From that time on, Yermolov was a direct participant in all more or less major battles and battles of the Patriotic War of 1812, both during the offensive of the French army and during its exile from Russia. In heavy battles near Smolensk, Yermolov was later promoted to lieutenant general at the suggestion of Barclay de Tolly. In the Battle of Borodino, the general was at Kutuzov himself. At the critical, decisive moment of the battle, he accomplished an outstanding feat. Having discovered, following with a reserve to the 2nd Army, that the French had gained the upper hand on Kurgan height and captured the Raevsky redoubt, Yermolov instantly decided to restore order here, to knock the enemy out of the redoubt, dominating the entire battlefield and rightly called the key of the Borodino position. He deployed units retreating from the heights and personally led the attack. Raevsky's battery was repulsed. After the battle of Borodino, Alexei Petrovich was awarded the Order of St. Anna, 1st degree. He was convinced that in the Battle of Borodino the entire Russian army crowned itself with immortal glory. Yermolov played a decisive role in stopping Napoleon's attempt to retreat to Kaluga. After three days of fierce fighting for Maloyaroslavets, the French army had no choice but to turn off the Kaluga road and retreat through the ashes of the burned cities and villages of the old Smolensk road, where hunger and Russian partisan detachments awaited it. Accepting the proposal of the chief of the main staff of the army Yermolov, Kutuzov began his famous parallel pursuit, which led the French army to disaster. After the battle of Krasny, Yermolov received the rank of lieutenant general.

Mikhail Andreevich Miloradovich

A descendant of the Serbian nobles who moved to Russia (in the Poltava province) under Peter I. From childhood he was enrolled in the guards, he was considered on vacation until he completed his education, which he received at several foreign universities. He began military service in the guards regiments in 1787 with the rank of ensign. He took part in the Russian-Swedish war of 1788-90.

Produced in 1798 to the rank of major general, he especially distinguished himself in the Italian and Swiss campaigns of Suvorov in 1799-1800, as well as in the campaign against the French in 1805. Commanding a corps, from 1806 he participated in hostilities against the Turks and for the victory at Rassevat received the rank of general of infantry (1809). On August 14, 1812, M. A. Miloradovich, in the campaign against Napoleon Bonaparte, forms a detachment of troops for the army between Kaluga and Volokolamsk and Moscow, and then goes to war with this detachment. In the Battle of Borodino he commanded the right wing of the 1st Army. Then he led the rearguard, held back the French troops, which ensured the withdrawal of the entire Russian army. The main quality that won respect among his soldiers and the enemy was courage, fearlessness, bordering on recklessness.

His adjutant, poet and writer Fyodor Glinka left a verbal portrait of Mikhail Andreevich during the battle:

Here he is, on a beautiful, jumping horse, sitting freely and cheerfully. The horse is richly saddled: the saddle is covered with gold, decorated with order stars ... He himself is dressed smartly, in a brilliant general's uniform; there are crosses on the neck (and how many crosses!), on the chest of a star, on a sword a large diamond burns ... A smile brightened up narrow, even pursed lips. For others, this means stinginess, in him it could mean some kind of inner strength, because his generosity reached the point of extravagance ... Cheerful, talkative (as he always was in battle), he drove around the field of death as in his home park ... The French called him Russian Bayard; we, for daring, a little dapper, were compared with the French Murat. And he was not inferior in courage to both.

It was M. A. Miloradovich who agreed with Murat on a temporary truce when the Russian troops left Moscow. In the battle of Maloyaroslavets, he did not allow the French to immediately overturn the Russian troops. During the pursuit of the Napoleonic army, the rearguard of General Miloradovich turned into the vanguard of the Russian army.

On October 22, 1812, a battle took place near Vyazma of the vanguard of the Russian army under the command of General Miloradovich and the Don ataman M.I. Platov (25 thousand people) with 4 French corps (total 37 thousand people), which ended in a brilliant victory for the Russian troops, and as a result of which the French lost 8.5 thousand people. killed, wounded and captured. The damage of the Russians amounted to about 2 thousand people.

Miloradovich gained the greatest fame and glory as one of the most experienced and skillful avant-garde commanders of the Russian army, who successfully pursued the French to the borders of the Russian Empire, and then in a foreign campaign, participated in the capture of Paris. In the battle of Leipzig, he commanded the Russian and Prussian guards. For the successful actions of his corps in early 1813, M. A. Miloradovich was the first to receive as a reward the right to wear the cypher of Emperor Alexander I on epaulettes, and for the skillful leadership of troops in a foreign campaign on May 1, 1813 - the title of Count of the Russian Empire. As a motto, he chose the words: "My directness supports me."

Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich

Born into a family of Belarusian and Ukrainian nobles who lived in Poltava. Paskevich had four younger brothers, who, like him, later became famous and respected people. The Paskevich brothers should be grateful to their grandfather, who in 1793 took his grandchildren to the capital of the Russian Empire. Two brothers - Stepan and Ivan Paskevich were enrolled in the Corps of Pages. Ivan Paskevich did not have much to study, when he suddenly became the personal page of Emperor Paul I.

Soon, having the rank of lieutenant of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, he was promoted to the adjutant wing. The first military campaign in which Paskevich participated was the Russian-Turkish war of 1806-1812. Paskevich was an adjutant to the commanders-in-chief of the Russian army, who changed like gloves. Despite the rank of adjutant, Paskevich sought to take part in the battle directly at every opportunity. In the war with Turkey, Ivan Fedorovich Paskevich was awarded the Order of St. George of the third and fourth degrees. For participation in the same war, Paskevich was granted the rank of colonel.

The division, led by Paskevich, proved to be excellent during the Patriotic War of 1812. For participation in the battle of Smolensk, Paskevich was personally thanked by Bagration for his courage and steadfastness. In the battle of Borodino, Ivan Fedorovich Paskevich and his division fought fierce battles for the "Raevsky battery". The French had a five-fold numerical superiority, but the Russian soldiers were not afraid. The Knights of Paskevich repulsed the attacks of the enemy over and over again. Under Ivan Paskevich during the Battle of Borodino, two horses died, and Paskevich himself was not even shell-shocked. For courage and courage shown on the Borodino field, Paskevich was awarded the Order of St. Anna of the second degree. Paskevich, probably no worse than Kutuzov, knew how to beat the French. Throughout the campaign of the Napoleonic wars, Ivan Fedorovich was invariably lucky. But this luck smiled on Paskevich for his courage, courage, audacity, intelligence and readiness to give his life for the glory of the Fatherland. In the battle near Krasnoy, Ivan Fedorovich led the bayonet attack of the Russian army and overturned the enemy's line, for which he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir of the second degree. Near Leipzig, Dresden and Hamburg, too, it was not without the active participation of Ivan Fedorovich Paskevich. For successes on the European battlefields, Paskevich was promoted to lieutenant general of the Russian army, awarded the Order of St. Anna of the first degree. At the beginning of 1814, Paskevich was appointed commander of the second grenadier division, in which he smashed Marshal Ney and took Paris.

Matvey Ivanovich Platov

General of the cavalry. Graph. The most famous ataman of the Cossack troops of Russia.

The number one Cossack ataman in the history of the Russian state, no doubt, was and remains M.I. Platov. He was born on the Don in the village of Pribylyanskaya, descended from "foreman's children of the Don Army." Father - Colonel Ivan Fedorovich Platov, who taught his son all the wisdom of military Cossack skills.

He received a baptism of fire in a campaign in the Crimea, distinguished himself during the capture of Perekop (Turkish Wall), in the capture of the fortress of Kinburn. Platov found himself in the composition of those Russian troops who happened to fulfill a truly historic mission - to put an end to the Crimean Khanate, the last fragment of the Golden Horde. In 1772, Matvey Platov received the rank of Cossack colonel and at the same time (at the age of 18!) began to command a Cossack regiment. In 1774, in the Kuban, he skillfully and independently repelled seven attacks of "non-peaceful" highlanders on a Cossack camp on the Kalnakh (Kalalakh) River. For this feat, he was awarded, by decree of Empress Catherine II, a nominal gold medal. Then the words of Matvey Ivanovich Platov sounded, which became his life motto: “Honor is dearer than life!” ...

Commander's glory came to the three times St. George Cavalier General from the cavalry M.I. Platov during the Patriotic War of 1812. From the very beginning of the invasion into the Russian borders of the Great Army of the conqueror Napoleon I, the regiments of the Don Cossacks of the Platov flying (irregular) corps did not leave the battles. The corps covered the retreat of the Russian armies to Smolensk from the side of Rudnya and Porechye. List of battles conducted by the irregular cavalry represented by the flying corps of ataman M.I. Platov in the first period of the war is impressive: these are Karelichi and Mir, Romanovo and Molevo Boloto, Inkovo ​​... In the fact that the Russian 1st Western Army of Infantry General M.B. Barclay de Tolly and the 2nd Western Army of Infantry General P.I. Bagration united in the Smolensk region, a huge merit belongs to the flying Cossack corps. After the connection of the two armies and their retreat to Moscow, Platov commands the rearguard battles. In the battle of Borodino, the corps of General Platov's cavalry was on the right flank of the Kutuzov army, opposing the cavalry of the Italian Viceroy. After the battle of Borodino, the chieftain goes to his native Don, where the Don militia is created in the shortest possible time. And 26 cavalry regiments of the Don militia in a swift forced march arrive at the Tarutinsky camp of the Main Russian Army. During the retreat of the Russian army from Moscow, the Cossack regiments formed the rearguard forces. They managed to hold back the onslaught of the cavalry of the Marshal of France, the King of Neapolitan Joachim Murat near the city of Mozhaisk.

When the relentless pursuit of the fleeing Napoleonic army began, it was the Cossack commander Platov who was entrusted with the command of the vanguard of the Main Army. Platov did this great deed for the history of Russia together with the troops of General M.A. Miloradovich successfully and effectively. Strong blows are inflicted on the troops of the famous Marshal Davout, from whom, near the Kolotsky Monastery, the Cossacks beat off 27 guns in battle. Then the Platov cavalry takes part in the battle near the city of Vyazma, in which the French corps of marshals Michel Ney, the same Davout and the Italian viceroy are completely defeated. The Cossack cavalry also won a brilliant victory on October 27 in the case on the banks of the Vop River, defeating the French troops of Marshal Eugene Beauharnais and recapturing 23 artillery pieces from them. For this genuine victory, the chieftain of the Don Cossacks was elevated by Alexander I to the dignity of a count of the Russian Empire. On November 8, the flying corps of the cavalry general Count M.I. Platov, when crossing the Dnieper River, utterly defeated the remnants of the corps of Marshal Ney. Three days later, the Cossacks occupied the city of Orsha. Emperor Alexander I repeatedly expressed the monarch's "favor" to the Cossack commander from the banks of the Don. The effectiveness of the combat activities of the Cossack troops under the command of Ataman Count M.I. Platov during the Patriotic War of 1812 is amazing. They captured 546 (548) enemy guns, 30 banners and captured more than 70 thousand Napoleonic soldiers, officers and generals. Commander M.I. Golenishchev-Kutuzov wrote the following words to the military leader of the Cossacks of Russia: “The services you rendered to the Fatherland have no examples, you proved to the whole Europe the power and strength of the inhabitants of the blessed Don ...”

Nikolai Nikolaevich Raevsky

A cavalry general, a friend of A. S. Pushkin, who wrote about him: “I spent the happiest minutes of my life in the midst of the family of the venerable Raevsky. Witness of the Catherine's century, a monument of the 12th year; a man without prejudices, with a strong character and sensitive, he will unwittingly bind to himself anyone who is worthy of understanding and appreciating his high qualities.

Nikolai Nikolaevich Raevsky is the pride of the Russian army. A man of high honor, selfless devotion to duty, a gifted military leader. He was appreciated even by opponents. Napoleon said of him: "This general is made of the material from which marshals are made." During the retreat of Bagration's army under the onslaught of Napoleon's troops from the border, Raevsky's corps marched ahead of the troops - seventeen thousand soldiers. At the Belarusian village of Saltanovka, Raevsky's corps met with French troops under the leadership of Marshal Davout, who were twice as many. General Raevsky could evade the battle, but he knew that on this day Bagration's troops were crossing the Dnieper, and they could be easily destroyed at the crossing.

The duty and honor of Nikolai Nikolaevich Raevsky did not allow him to evade the fight with the enemy. “Many officers and lower ranks, having received two wounds and bandaged them, returned to the battle, as if to a feast ... All were heroes,” Nikolai Nikolayevich wrote in his report. But the forces were unequal: the regiment held back the attacks of the whole army. There was a moment when the death of the corps seemed inevitable. A gap began to form in the middle of the Russian system. Where to get new strength? How to help your soldiers? And then Raevsky took his sons, the youngest, Alexander, held on to his father's hand, on the other side was the eldest, Nikolai, with the banner of the Smolensk regiment. The three of them ran towards the enemy, who was marching with hostility. This heroic deed in the name of the Motherland shocked not only Russian soldiers. With a vengeance, the soldiers rushed to save their commander and his sons and with a bayonet charge forced the French to retreat. At night, Raevsky's corps joined the army and went with it to Smolensk. Unusual heroism was shown by General Raevsky in the Battle of Borodino. A battery of 18 guns stood at Kurgan height on the right flank. It was surrounded by a parapet more than two meters high, surrounded by a wide moat two meters deep. The infantry corps of General Raevsky defended the height, and therefore the battery was called the “Raevsky battery”. The French attacked, but having met the fire of our guns, they retreated. After the Patriotic War, Raevsky was listed as the commander of an army corps. In 1824 he retired.

Alexander Alekseevich Tuchkov

The Russian commander, major general, died during the Battle of Borodino. He came from an old noble family, the founder of which moved from Prussia to Russia. In the family of engineer-general-lieutenant A.V. Tuchkova Alexander was the youngest of five sons. (All rose to the rank of general and four - Nikolai, Pavel, Sergei and Alexander - of them participated in the Patriotic War of 1812). In 1788 he was recorded as a bayonet junker in the Bombardier Regiment.

Promoted to captain June 27, 1794. and began service in the 2nd artillery battalion. In 1799 He received the rank of colonel in 1800. appointed commander of the 6th artillery regiment. In 1801 left the service, "desiring to improve his knowledge and get acquainted with European states." Since 1804 continued military service in the Murom infantry regiment, and two years later was transferred to the Tauride Grenadier, with whom he fought in 1806-1807. He was appointed chief of the Revel Musketeer (after 1811 - infantry) regiment on December 3, 1806. May 24, 1807 the Revelians bravely fought near Gutstadt in the forefront of P.I. Bagration, for which their chief on December 27, 1807. was awarded the Order of St. George 4th class.

At the beginning of 1812, the Revel Infantry Regiment, headed by Tuchkov, as part of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division, was part of the 3rd Infantry Corps of the 1st Western Army. Tuchkov also commanded this brigade. Tuchkov's brigade held back the enemy near Vitebsk, Smolensk and Lubin. On the Borodino field, he, inspiring the Revel regiment, which trembled under a hurricane of enemy fire, rushed forward with a regimental banner in his hands and was mortally wounded in the chest by a canister bullet near the middle Semyonov flush. They could not take him out of the battlefield, plowed up by artillery shells and completely swallowing the hero ... Two months passed. Napoleon's army, retreating from Moscow, moved past the Borodino field, where more than fifty thousand bodies were decaying. Following the French, the peasants of the surrounding villages came to this terrible field. It was necessary to destroy the remains of people and horses so that they would not become a source of infection for the whole region. Bonfires blazed, on which the corpses were burned. And in their smoke, between groups of peasants and mountains of dead bodies, two figures dressed in black moved - Margarita Mikhailovna Tuchkova and the old monk of the nearby Kolotsk monastery who accompanied her. An inconsolable widow searched for the remains of her husband. And I didn't find them. Three years after the end of the war with Napoleon, Tuchkova built a small church near the village of Semenovskoye, on the spot where, according to eyewitnesses, her husband fell.

In 1806, in Moscow, Colonel Alexander Tuchkov married a lovely girl from Russian aristocrats. Her name was Margarita Mikhailovna Naryshkina.

A young woman fell in love with Tuchkov without a memory, which is not surprising: what a romantic look, and what awards on her chest! Indeed, the young man fought brilliantly. As General Bennigsen wrote about him, Tuchkov, in the battle against the French at Golymin, “acted like a drill under a hail of bullets and grapeshot,” i.e. calmly and coolly. Then he was awarded George 4th degree - an outstanding military award.

After the wedding, Tuchkov left for another, this time the Russian-Swedish war. And his young wife, instead of waving her cap from the porch and shedding tears, changed into a soldier's uniform, jumped on a horse and, under the guise of a batman Tuchkov, followed him on a hard winter campaign. Margarita withstood this test on a par with her husband - a freshly minted general with two new orders and the glory of a brave warrior.

In 1811, she gave birth to a son, Nikolai, so that with the outbreak of the war of 1812, she could no longer follow her husband, as before. She accompanied him only to Smolensk, and then returned to her parents in Moscow.

And then the day of Borodin came - August 26. During the battle, both Tuchkov brothers were mortally wounded: Nikolai, who at a critical moment led the counterattack of his corps, and Alexander, who also fell with a banner in his hands in front of his regiment.

Nikolai was carried out of the battlefield, and he died after it, and Alexander's fate was even worse: a French bomb - a cast-iron ball filled with gunpowder - fell into a stretcher on which the soldiers carried the commander out, and nothing was left of his body - it disappeared, dissolved in this hell...

Margarita found out about this misfortune at the very beginning of September. Then, in many noble and peasant families, widows howled - the losses of the Russian army were horrendous. The mother-in-law of Margarita, having received the news of the fate of her sons, became blind once and for all. Margarita, who fled with everyone from Moscow, held out for two months, but when she received a letter from Alexander's boss, General Konovnitsyn, she made up her mind - she quickly packed up and went to the battlefield. For two days in a row, together with a monk from a neighboring monastery, Margarita searched for the remains of her husband, but found nothing: only an eerie mess stuffed with lead and cast iron from the earth, the remains of human bodies and weapons.

I had to return home. With difficulty, she withstood this test, and then suddenly decided: since it is impossible to bury Alexander in a Christian way, then in the place where his body dissolved in the ground, a church should be built. She sold the diamonds, received another 10,000 rubles from Alexander I, and set about building. Son Nikolai grew up, his mother adored him, for every month the features of Alexander appeared in him more and more clearly.

Margarita moved to St. Petersburg, where the boy was accepted into the Corps of Pages. Life seemed to straighten out, time heals wounds. But the year 1826 was fatal for Margarita's family. In the case of the Decembrists, her younger brother Mikhail went to hard labor in Siberia. Then, unable to stand the test, the mother died, and after her, scarlet fever carried away 15-year-old Nikolai. The suffering seemed unbearable to her: "It is boring to live - it is terrible to die," she wrote to her friend. This continued until Metropolitan Filaret, the saint of rare human virtues, came to her. He managed to inspire Margarita with the idea that she was leading a non-Christian life, that her pain was only a part of the general pain: after all, there is so much grief around, so many widows, orphans and unfortunate people like her, and you need to give yourself to serving them, the suffering.

It was as if a veil had fallen from her eyes, and Margarita energetically set to work: she formed a widow's community around the church. It turned out to be difficult for Margarita to serve others - she had neither the experience nor the ability to communicate with ordinary people, but gradually the life of the community improved, and in 1833 it turned into the Spaso-Borodino community...

She was not a saint, did not perform miracles, did not heal the sick, and was not even included in the church annals as a righteous and passion-bearer, but she did so much good that when she was buried, all the nuns wept so much that they could not sing, and the burial took place without a choral singing according to the Orthodox rite. In fact, Margarita Tuchkova was like thousands of other Russian women who lost loved ones and remained faithful to their memory to the end. She, like these women, carried her cross - as best she could - and, probably, until her death hour she had no doubts on the chosen path - like her husband in his hour of death, in the same place, at the Semyonovsky flushes, on August 26 1812.

Bibliography:

1. 1/62011 N. Pochko. General N.N. Raevsky. M., 1971
2. 61/33131 G.I. Bobenko. General Miloradovich - Boyard of Russia. St. Petersburg, 2006
3. H II 6478-1127 A. Bondarenko. Miloradovich. M., 2008
4. J II 12377 Science and religion. No. 3, 1990
5. J II 12377 Science and religion. No. 8, 1990
6. 7/47981 V. Bezotosny. Don Generals and Ataman Platov in 1812. M., 1999
7. F II 18885 part 1 A.T. Borisevich. Cavalry General N.N. Raevsky. St. Petersburg, 1912
8. F II 13383 Notes of Alexei Petrovich Yermolov. About the War of 1812 London, 1863
9. 51/88744 N. Durova. Selected works of a cavalry girl. M., 1988
10. 51/66355 D. Davydov. Diary of partisan actions, 1812 L., 1985
11. F II 18874 M.B. Barclay de Tolly Depiction of the military operations of 1812. St. Petersburg, 1912
12. H I 3966 I.I. Polosin. Bagration, hero of the Patriotic War of 1812. Tashkent, 1942
13. F II 24217 General Bagration. Collection of documents and materials. L., 1945
14. 52/39001 Yu.Koginov. He is the god of the army. M., 2003
15. F II 10615 A. Raevsky. Memories of the campaigns of 1813 and 1814. M., 1822
16. 7/23567 V.M. Glinka, A.V. Pomarnatsky. Military gallery of the Winter Palace. L., 1974
17. 61/27121 Field Marshal Kutuzov: myths and facts. M., 2003
18. 61/24669d A.V. Shishov. Unknown Kutuzov. New reading of the biography. M., 2002
19. 52/34862 O. Mikhailov. Kutuzov. M., 2001
20. 5/37384 B.B. Kafengauz, G.A. Novitsky. Heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812. M., 1966
21. F II 15835 E.D. Zhelyabuzhsky. Patriotic War of 1812 and Kutuzov. M., 1912
22. 61/16277 N.A. Trinity. Alexander I and Napoleon. M., 1994
23. E II 5153 Works by D.V. Davydov. St. Petersburg, 1848
24. 52/10641 V.P. Totfalushin. M.B. Barclay de Tolly in the Patriotic War of 1812. Saratov, 1991
25. 52/39002 V. Balyazin. Barclay de Tolly. Loyalty and patience. M., 2003
26. 51/58225 V. Pukhov. Denis Davydov. M., 1984
27. 52/34183 A. Barkov. Denis Davydov. M., 2002
28. H I 4146 M.I. Kutuzov. M., 1945
29. 4/8402 M. Bragin. Commander Kutuzov. M., 1941
30. F II 26157 P.A. Zhilin. Kutuzov's counteroffensive in 1812. M., 1950
31. H II 6478 M. Bragin. Kutuzov. M., 1970
32. 6/8410 Borodino. Documents, letters, memories. M., 1962
33. 8/7032 Borodino 1812. M., 1987
34. F II 15227 Napoleon and Alexander I. T.1. St. Petersburg, 1910
35. H II 7554 To the centenary of the Patriotic War of 1812. SPb., 1912
36. F I 6350 A.G. Elchaninov. Patriotic War. M., 1912
37. F II 19421 P.G. Vasenko. Twelfth year. St. Petersburg, 1912
38. F II 21525 E. Bogdanovich. 1812. SPb., 1912
39. F II 15227 A. Vandal. Napoleon and Alexander. T.3. St. Petersburg, 1913
40. F II 15227 A. Vandal. Napoleon and Alexander. T.2. St. Petersburg, 1911
41. J II 828 Historical Bulletin. Historical and literary magazine. October, 1903. St. Petersburg, 1903
42. F III 2570a T.2. Proceedings of the Moscow Department of the Imperial Russian Military Historical Society. T.2. M., 1912

Patriotic War of 1812 - an important event in Russian history. Napoleon, a recognized genius of military art, invaded Russia with forces superior to the Western Russian armies, and after six months of the campaign, his army, the strongest in history, was completely destroyed.

Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich The illustrious Russian commander, Hero of the Patriotic War of 1812, Full Cavalier of the Order of St. George. Kutuzov began his military career at the age of nineteen. Participation in the Russian-Turkish wars was a great school of military art for him. Kutuzov was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian troops on August 8, 1812. He decided to give Napoleon a general battle near Moscow (Battle of Borodino on August 26, 1812).

To save the Russian army, Kutuzov made an extremely difficult decision to withdraw troops from Moscow. He undertook a flank maneuver from the Ryazan road to Kaluga, setting up a camp near Tarutino. Having blocked the path of Napoleon's army to the south of Russia, Kutuzov forced it to leave the territory of Russia along the devastated Smolensk road.

Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly He commanded the entire Russian army at the initial stage of the Patriotic War of 1812, after which he was replaced by M. I. Kutuzov. He managed to achieve the connection of the Russian armies near Smolensk, frustrating Napoleon's plans to break the Russian forces apart. AT Russian history he was remembered as a commander who was forced to make a strategic retreat before Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812, and for this he was unfairly condemned by his contemporaries. He initiated the creation of the first partisan formations. He distinguished himself during the Battle of Borodino, on behalf of Kutuzov led the withdrawal of the army from Moscow.

Bagration Petr Ivanovich Prince, originally from Georgian royal dynasty Bagrationi. In military service since 1782. At Borodino, the army of Bagration, constituting the left wing of the battle formation of the Russian troops, repelled all the attacks of Napoleon's army. People dressed in clean linen, carefully shaved, put on ceremonial uniforms, orders, white gloves, sultans on shakos, etc. A fragment of the core crushed the general’s tibia of his left leg in the Battle of Borodino, the last in his military life.

Dorokhov Ivan Semyonovich Lieutenant General. At the very beginning of the war of 1812, Dorokhov, cut off with his brigade from the 1st Army, decided, according to own initiative, go to connect with the 2nd army. During the Battle of Borodino, he commanded a cavalry division, which heroically fought on the Bagration flushes. After the Russian army left Moscow, Dorokhov formed a 2,000-strong partisan detachment, and was awarded a golden sword for the capture of the city of Vereya. In the battle near Maloyaroslavets, he was seriously wounded.

Platov Matvey Ivanovich () General from the cavalry. Since 1801 - ataman of the Don Cossack army. During the retreat of the French, the Cossacks exterminated the remnants of the broken units, captured more than 50 thousand prisoners, more than 500 guns, and almost captured Napoleon himself. Platov was very popular in Europe and during his stay in London (1814) he was given special honors.

Miloradovich Mikhail Andreevich () General from Ifanteria. Near Borodino, he commanded the troops of the right wing, which reliably covered the road to Moscow, after which he was placed at the head of the rearguard. He ensured the withdrawal of the Russian army to Moscow, and its backlog and the transition of the Russian army from the Ryazan road to the Kaluga road in full order of battle. Member of foreign campaigns, holder of almost all Russian and foreign orders of that time.

Raevsky Nikolai Nikolaevich () General from the cavalry. During the Patriotic War of 1812, he commanded the 7th Infantry Corps, distinguished himself in battles near Saltanovka, near Smolensk. In the Battle of Borodino, his corps defended Kurgan height (Raevsky's battery). After Borodin, participating in all major battles, his corps reached Paris. Thanks to his personal courage, he was very popular in the army.

Wittgenstein Peter Khristianovich () Field Marshal General, Most Serene Prince. In the Patriotic War of 1812, he commanded the 1st Infantry Corps, covering the St. Petersburg direction, against which Napoleon threw 3 corps. Managed to weaken the main grouping of enemy troops. He was loved by the troops for his humanity, kindness and personal courage.

Davydov Denis Vasilievich At the beginning of the war of 1812, Davydov was a lieutenant colonel in the Akhtyrsky hussar regiment and was in the vanguard troops of the gene. Vasilchikov. On August 21, 1812, in view of the village of Borodino, where Denis Vasilyevich grew up, he proposed to Bagration the idea of ​​a partisan detachment. He borrowed this idea from the Guerillas (Spanish partisans). Napoleon could not deal with them until they were united in a regular army. Outstanding courage and military talents made Davydov one of the most famous heroes of the war of 1812.

Dokhturov Dmitry Sergeevich () In the Battle of Borodino, Dokhturov commanded the center of the Russian army between the Raevsky battery and the village of Gorki, and after Bagration was wounded, the entire left wing. He put in order the upset troops and entrenched himself in position. In the battle of Tarutino he also commanded the center. In the battle near Maloyaroslavets, Dokhturov withstood the strongest pressure of the French for seven hours. For this fight he was awarded the Order of St. George 2nd degree. He distinguished himself in the battle of Dresden and in the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig.

Figner Alexander Samoylovich At the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, Figner was a staff captain of artillery. He went as a scout, but with the secret intention of killing Napoleon, for whom he had a fanatical hatred, as well as for all the French. He did not succeed in fulfilling this intention, but thanks to his extraordinary sharpness and knowledge foreign languages Figner, dressed in different costumes, freely rotated among the enemies, obtained the necessary information and reported it to our main apartment. Having recruited a small detachment of hunters and backward soldiers, surrounded by opponents, he managed to escape.

Kulnev Yakov Petrovich Major General. In 1812, as part of the corps of Count Wittgenstein, he participated in battles to protect the road to St. Petersburg from the enemy. On July 17, 1812, in a battle near the village of Klyastitsy, he was mortally wounded, having entered into an unequal battle with the enemy. Dying, he turned to the soldiers with the words: “Friends, do not give up a single step of the Russian land. Victory awaits us."

Napoleon stayed in Moscow until October 7, 1812. In the Army of Napoleon, confusion and vacillation began, discipline was broken, the soldiers got drunk. The French army decided to retreat to the south, to the grain, not devastated by the war region. The Russian army gave battle to the French at Maloyaroslavets. Napoleon was forced to retreat along the Old Smolensk road, the very one along which he had come. The battles near Vyazma, Krasnoye and at the crossing over the Berezina put an end to the Napoleonic intervention. The Russian army drove the enemy from their land.

The war of 1812 caused an unprecedented surge of national self-consciousness among the Russian people. Everyone defended their Fatherland: from young to old. By winning this war, the Russian people confirmed their courage and heroism, showed an example of self-sacrifice for the good of the Motherland. On December 23, 1812, Alexander I issued a manifesto about the end of the Patriotic War.

Conclusions: The War of 1812 was truly Patriotic. A combination of factors led to the defeat of Napoleon: the nationwide participation in the war, the mass heroism of soldiers and officers, the military talent of Kutuzov and other generals, and the skillful use of natural factors. The victory in the Patriotic War caused an upsurge in the national spirit.

1) 1812. Borodino Panorama: Album / Ed.-Comp.: I. A. Nikolaeva, N. A. Kolosov, P. M. Volodin.- M.: Image. Art, 1985.; 2) Bogdanov L.P. The Russian army in 1812. Organization, management, armament. M., Military Publishing,) Danilov A.A. History of Russia IX-XIX centuries. Reference materials. – M.: Humanit. Publishing Center VLADOS; 4) Internet resources: a) b) NAYA_VONA_1812.html

COMMANDERS OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY OF 1812
Military leaders of the Russian army in 1812 [Text]: inform.-bibliogr. allowance / MBUK "CBS"; TsGB im. M. Gorky; comp. N.V. Malyutina. - Bataysk, 2012.

In 2012, a glorious date is celebrated - the 200th anniversary of Russia's victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. Thanks to the decree of the President Russian Federation dated December 28, 2007, No. 1755 “On the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the victory of Russia in the Patriotic War of 1812”, the memory of the twelfth year acquired state status.

This significant date is of great importance for the education of patriotism and citizenship. The information and bibliographic manual "Military Leaders of the Russian Army of 1812" is dedicated to the heroes of the Patriotic War, largely thanks to whom Russia managed to win this difficult victory over the enemy.

The manual also contains a calendar of the main events of the war of 1812, statements of great people about the war of 1812, which will help in the design of exhibitions and events, writing essays, etc.

Complements the manual List of literature and scenarios, dedicated to both individual personalities and events, and the war as a whole.

The manual is addressed to high school students, students, leaders of children's reading and everyone who is interested in the topic of the Patriotic War of 1812.
Generals of the twelfth year

You, whose wide overcoats

Reminds me of sails

And whose eyes are like diamonds

A trace was carved on the heart -

Charming dandies

Of past years.

With one fierce will

You took the heart and the rock, -

Kings on every battlefield

And at the ball.

All the peaks were small for you

And soft - the most stale bread,

Oh young generals

Your destinies!

Oh how - I think - could you

And caress the curls of the maidens - and the mane

In one incredible leap

You have lived your short life...

And your curls, your sideburns

It snowed.

Three hundred won - three!

Only the dead did not get up from the ground.

You were children and heroes

You all could.
What is also touching - young,

How is your mad army?..

You golden-haired Fortune

Led like a mother.

You have conquered and loved

Love and sabers point -

And merrily passed

Into non-existence.

M. Tsvetaeva
Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich

(1761 -1818)

Barclay de Tolly - Russian commander, field marshal general. Minister of War of the Russian Empire in 1810-1812.

Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly came from an old Scottish noble family, whose ancestors moved to the city of Riga in the 17th century. When Livonia became part of the Russian Empire, people from Scotland quickly became Russified and turned into ordinary Russian nobles, whose ancestral vocation was military service.

Patriotic War of 1812, which began on the night of June 12, Infantry General M.B. Barclay de Tolly met as commander of the largest Russian army, the 1st Western. It consisted of six infantry, two cavalry and one Cossack corps. total strength almost 130 thousand people with 558 guns, and was located in the area of ​​​​Rossiena, Vilna, Grodno and covered a 220-kilometer section of the western border of Russia. The 1st Army outnumbered the combined 2nd Western Army and the 3rd Reserve, or Observational, Army of General A.P. Tormasov.

Barclay de Tolly was also subordinate to the neighboring, Bagrationov's 2nd Western Army (up to the appointment of M.I. Golenishchev-Kutuzov as commander-in-chief of the Russian active army). In the conditions of a significant superiority of the Napoleonic army, Barclay de Tolly managed to carry out the withdrawal of two Russian armies to Smolensk, thereby frustrating the plan of the French emperor to defeat them separately. However, the majority of contemporaries condemned such actions of the Russian Minister of War.

Retreat of Russian troops from state border and the unwillingness of Barclay de Tolly to give the enemy army a general battle caused discontent among the general public, and above all in the ranks of the army itself. The authority of the Minister of War fell, and he could no longer claim the supreme command in the outbreak of war. However, his undoubted merit was that he managed to save the Russian army for the Battle of Borodino.

Initially, the 1st Russian Western Army retreated to Drissa in order to take up defense in the fortified camp built there according to the Ful plan. Because of this, the distance between the 1st and 2nd armies increased significantly. In addition, the unsuitability of the camp for defense was obvious. The enemy could bypass him, surround him and force the Russian army to surrender.

The Minister of War ordered his army to leave Drissa and withdraw to join the army of General Bagration in the direction of Polotsk, Vitebsk, Smolensk. Barclay de Tolly near Vitebsk skillfully escaped from the general battle with Napoleon. To protect the St. Petersburg direction, the corps of General Wittgenstein, numbering 23 thousand people, was allocated from the army.

The retreat of the 1st Western Army took place with constant rearguard battles, the most fierce of which took place near the village of Ostrovno. Only after this did Emperor Napoleon realize that he would not succeed in defeating the main enemy forces in the border area and that another plan of war against Russia should be developed.

Two Russian armies united under the walls of ancient Smolensk. On June 20, the 1st Western Army approached the city, the 2nd Army - the next day. The victory won by the Russians in the battle of Smolensk raised the spirits of the retreating. But Smolensk was not prepared for defense, and the forces of the French Grand Army were still significantly superior to those of the Russians. The Minister of War ordered to continue the retreat into the depths of Russia. Avoiding a premature general battle, Barclay de Tolly gradually prepares for the inevitable decisive battles. Not succumbing to persuasion and pressure from the outside, against the imperial will and contrary to the mood of Bagration, he continued to retreat. On the march, he was caught by a message from St. Petersburg that on August 5, General of Infantry M.I. was appointed commander-in-chief of all Russian armies. Golenishchev-Kutuzov.

Only the 1st Western Army remained under the command of the Minister of War. In terms of numbers, it outnumbered Bagration's army, so in the Battle of Borodino, Commander-in-Chief Kutuzov instructed Barclay de Tolly to command the center and right flank of the Russian troops. His army on the day of the battle consisted of three corps: Generals Baggovut, Osterman-Tolstoy and Dokhturov. Everyone who saw Barclay de Tolly on the day of Borodin unanimously noted the fearlessness of the army commander. He appeared in the most dangerous places of the battle in the center of the Russian position. It was even said that he was looking for death. Four horses fell under him. All the adjutants who accompanied him, with the exception of one, were killed or wounded, and the army commander remained unharmed.

On August 26, 1812, the infantry general showed great skill and personal courage in repelling the onslaught of the Napoleonic troops. For merits in the battle of Borodino, he was awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree.

At the military council in Fili, the commander of the 1st Western Army supported the proposal of M.I. Kutuzov to leave Moscow, although most of the military leaders were against it and wanted a new general battle under the walls of the city. In September 1812, Barclay de Tolly left the active army due to illness and left the post of Minister of War. He did not participate in the expulsion of the French from Russia.

He again returned to the troops only in January 1813, when he was appointed commander of the 3rd Russian Army by the highest order and together with it made a trip to Europe, which the Russian troops, together with the allies, liberated from the French conquerors. After the death of the liberator of the Fatherland, Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov, Emperor Alexander I, with the consent of other allied monarchs, appointed General of Infantry M.B. Barclay de Tolly at the head of the combined Russian-Prussian army.

(1765 – 1812)

Oh, take me to the fight, you battle-experienced

Enemies perished foreboding cliques, -

Heroic leader, Bagration the great.

(D. Davydov)

General Bagration came from an ancient family of Georgian kings Bagratids, his grandfather, Tsarevich Alexander, moved to Russia in 1757, had the rank of lieutenant colonel. Pyotr Bagration at the age of 17 was appointed by G. Potemkin to the Caucasian Musketeer Regiment.

In August 1811, Peter Ivanovich was appointed commander of the Podolsk army, located from Bialystok to the Austrian border and renamed in March 1812 into the 2nd Western Army. Anticipating a clash between Russia and Napoleon, he presented Alexander I with his plan for a future war, built on the idea of ​​an offensive. But the emperor gave preference to the plan of the Minister of War Barclay de Tolly, and the Patriotic War began with the retreat of the 1st and 2nd Western armies and their movement to unite. Napoleon directed the main blow of his troops to the 2nd Western Army of Bagration in order to cut it off from the 1st Western Army of Barclay de Tolly and destroy it. Bagration had to move with great difficulty, making his way through the battles at Mir, Romanovka, Saltanovka. Breaking away from the troops of the French Marshal Davout, he crossed the Dnieper and on July 22, finally, connected with the 1st Army near Smolensk.

Brought up in the Suvorov offensive spirit, Bagration was morally very difficult during the retreat. "It's a shame to wear a uniform," he wrote to the chief of staff of the 1st Army, A. Yermolov. "I don't understand your wise maneuvers. My maneuver is to search and beat!" He was indignant with Barclay: “I can’t do it together with the Minister of War. And the whole main apartment is filled with Germans so that it’s impossible for a Russian to live and there’s no point.” Bagration offered to give Napoleon a general battle near Smolensk, but the retreat continued.

On August 26, the 1st and 2nd armies, under the leadership of Kutuzov, who became commander in chief, entered the battle with the French near Borodino. This day turned out to be fatal in the glorious life of Bagration. His troops were located on the left flank, near the village of Semenovskaya with three earthen fortifications built in front of it - "Bagration Flushes". The left flank was hot. For 6 hours, a fierce, furious battle went on at Semenovskaya, which took place with varying success. The French twice captured the Bagration Flushes, and were twice driven out of there. During the next enemy attack, Prince Peter raised his troops in a counterattack, and at that moment (about 12 noon) he was seriously wounded: a fragment of a grenade crushed his tibia. The commander, taken off his horse, still continued to lead his troops, but after losing consciousness, he was taken out of the battlefield.
Wittgenstein Petr Khristoforovich

(1768 – 1843)

Field Marshal Peter Khristianovich (Ludwig Adolf Peter) Wittgenstein came from a German count family.

By the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, Peter Khristianovich was already a lieutenant general and commanded the 1st Infantry Corps, which stood on the right flank of the 1st Army of Barclay de Tolly. After Napoleon crossed the Neman, the corps, like the entire army, avoiding major battles, moved back, participating in the planned withdrawal of the Russian troops. When the decision was made to leave the Drissa fortified camp, Wittgenstein was entrusted with a combat mission of particular importance - to cover the roads leading to the capital, Petersburg. After the 1st army of Barclay de Tolly left Drissa for Vitebsk, Wittgenstein's corps became, in fact, a small independent army that defended the entire north.

Napoleon, sending the main forces after the armies of Barclay de Tolly and Bagration retreating to Smolensk, moved the corps of Marshals Oudinot and MacDonald against Wittgenstein. On June 14, Oudinot occupied Polotsk and launched an offensive on Sebezh and Pskov, to the north in the direction of Riga, MacDonald began to move. The commander of the Russian corps correctly assessed the situation, he abandoned defensive actions along the entire 600 verst road from Dvinsk to St. Petersburg and decided to defeat the French corps separately. In mid-July, he moved towards Oudinot and on Belarusian soil, near Klyastitsy and Yakubovo, entered into a three-day battle with him. The vanguard detachment of General Ya. Kulnev was the first to attack the enemy and succeeded, defeating the forward detachments of Marshal Oudinot, 900 prisoners and a convoy were taken. Pursuing the enemy, Kulnev met the main forces of Oudinot and died, but soon the troops of the French marshal experienced the crushing blow of Wittgenstein and retreated, losing up to two thousand prisoners. During the battle, Peter Khristianovich was wounded, but did not leave the battlefield.

The victory at Klyastitsy - Yakubovo removed fears in St. Petersburg, where preparations for the evacuation were already beginning. Count Wittgenstein was awarded the Order of St. George of the 2nd degree, received the name "Savior of St. Petersburg" and became known throughout Russia. After the defeat of Oudinot, the French corps of MacDonald suspended its offensive against Riga, and Napoleon was forced to send the corps of Saint-Cyr to the Dvina, thereby weakening the main army. At the same time, the French emperor gave an order to his three marshals: to stop offensive operations against Wittgenstein and, holding on to the banks of the Dvina, guard the lines of communication of the main army.

Reinforced by the St. Petersburg and Novgorod militias and other reinforcements, Wittgenstein on the day of the Tarutino offensive battle of the Russian army near Moscow (October 6) also moved forward and drove the troops of Saint-Cyr and Oudinot from Polotsk. On October 19, under Chashniki, the troops of the Russian general (up to 30 thousand people) defeated the corps of Oudinot and Victor (about 46 thousand) and occupied Vitebsk on the 26th. Then, fulfilling the plan of Alexander 1 to encircle the Napoleonic army on the Berezina, Wittgenstein moved towards Borisov, approaching Chichagov's 3rd army, which was approaching from the south. However, in a rapidly changing situation, he, like Chichagov, could not correctly calculate his actions, which allowed Napoleon with the main part of the troops to cross the Berezina and continue the retreat, which turned into flight. The failure at the Berezina did not shake the authority of the "savior of St. Petersburg."

(1779 – 1855)

After the outbreak of the Patriotic War of 1812, he was appointed to be with the 2nd Western Army. Before the Battle of Borodino, he was entrusted with the command of the troops (N.D. Neverovsky's division, militia and cavalry; about 11 thousand people in total) defending positions near the village of Shevardino. Aug 24 (September 5) attacked by the corps of General I. Poniatowski (about 35 thousand people). Withstood all attacks, and only by midnight did the division of General J. Compan break into the redoubt. After that, on the orders of Kutuzov, he left the position, having won the time necessary for the Russian army to deploy to the Borodino positions. In the Battle of Borodino on August 26 (September 7), he was seriously wounded during a counterattack on the Bagration Flushes. For distinction, he was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd class.

(1784 – 1839)

Barbel. With his mind, he was sharp with a pen, like a Frenchman,

But the French are afraid of the saber ...

Like a whirlwind, like a fire, on guns, on wagons,

And at night, like a brownie, the enemy's camp disturbs!

But dear he gives, in his couplets, roses:

Davydov! It's you, poet and partisan!

(from the poem by F. Glinka “Partizan Davydov”)

Lieutenant General, ideologist and leader of the partisan movement, participant in the Patriotic War of 1812, Russian poet of the "Pushkin galaxy".

At the beginning of the war of 1812, Davydov was a lieutenant colonel in the Akhtyrsky hussar regiment and was in the vanguard troops of General Vasilchikov. On August 21, 1812, in view of the village of Borodino, where he grew up, where they were already hastily dismantling the parental house for fortifications, five days before the great battle, Denis Vasilyevich proposed to Bagration the idea of ​​​​a partisan detachment. He borrowed this idea from the guerrillas (Spanish partisans). Napoleon could not deal with them until they were united in a regular army. The logic was simple: Napoleon, hoping to defeat Russia in twenty days, took provisions with him. And if you take away carts, fodder and break bridges, then this will create big problems for him. Bagration's order to create a flying partisan detachment was one of his last before the Battle of Borodino, where he was mortally wounded. On the very first night, Davydov's detachment of 50 hussars and 80 Cossacks was ambushed by peasants and Denis almost died. The peasants were poorly versed in the details of the military uniform, which the French and Russians had similar. Moreover, the officers spoke, as a rule, in French. After that, Davydov put on a peasant's caftan and grew a beard (in the portrait by A. Orlovsky (1814), Davydov is dressed in the Caucasian fashion: a chekmen, an obviously non-Russian hat, a Circassian checker). With 50 hussars and 80 Cossacks in one of the sorties, he managed to capture 370 Frenchmen, while recapturing 200 Russian prisoners, a cart with cartridges and nine carts with provisions. His detachment, at the expense of the peasants and the liberated prisoners, grew rapidly.

His quick success convinced Kutuzov of the expediency guerrilla war, and he was not slow to give it a wider development and constantly sent reinforcements. The second time Davydov saw Napoleon was when he and his partisans were in the forest in ambush, and a dormez with Napoleon drove past him. But at that moment he had too little strength to attack Napoleon's guards. Napoleon hated Davydov fiercely and ordered Denis to be shot on the spot during his arrest. For the sake of his capture, he singled out one of his best detachments of two thousand horsemen with eight chief officers and one staff officer. Davydov, who had half as many people, managed to drive the detachment into a trap and take him prisoner along with all the officers.

One of the outstanding exploits of Davydov during this time was the case near Lyakhov, where he, along with other partisans, captured the two thousandth detachment of General Augereau; then, near the town of Kopys, he destroyed the French cavalry depot, scattered the enemy detachment near Belynichi, and, continuing the search to the Neman, occupied Grodno. The awards for the campaign of 1812 to Denis Davydov were the orders of St. Vladimir 3rd degree and St. George 4th degree - “Your Grace! While the Patriotic War was going on, I considered it a sin to think of anything other than the extermination of the enemies of the Fatherland. Now I am abroad, then I humbly ask Your Grace to send me Vladimir of the 3rd degree and George of the 4th class, ”Davydov wrote to Field Marshal M. Kutuzov after crossing the border.

With the crossing of the border, Davydov was seconded to the corps of General Winzingerode, participated in the defeat of the Saxons near Kalisz and, having entered Saxony with an advanced detachment, occupied Dresden. For which he was put under house arrest by General Wintzingerode, since he took the city without permission, without an order. Throughout Europe, Davydov's courage and luck were legendary. When Russian troops entered a city, all the inhabitants went out into the street and asked about him in order to see him.

For the battle when approaching Paris, when five horses were killed under him, but he, along with his Cossacks, nevertheless broke through the hussars of the Jacquinot brigade to the French artillery battery and, having cut down the servants, decided the outcome of the battle - Davydov was given the rank of Major General.
Ermolov Alexey Petrovich

(1777 – 1861)

Praise to the companions - the leaders;

Yermolov, young knight,

You are a military brother, you are the life of the regiments,

And the fear of your thunderbolts.

(V. Zhukovsky)

Infantry General, Artillery General. General Yermolov was one of the most famous and popular people in Russia in the first half of the 19th century. He achieved this fame by participation in three wars with Napoleon, activities in the management of the Caucasus, statesmanship, independent and noble character.

With the outbreak of the Patriotic War of 1812, Yermolov was appointed chief of staff of the 1st Western Army of Barclay de Tolly. Like the commander of the 2nd Western Army P. Bagration, Alexei Petrovich was weary of the retreat and the Barclay plan, but still humbled his pride "for the good of the fatherland." At the personal request of Alexander 1, he wrote to him about everything that was happening. As chief of staff, he did much to smooth relations between Barclay de Tolly and Bagration and to successfully link up the two armies near Smolensk; was the organizer of the defense of this city, then successfully led the troops in the battle of Lubin, was promoted to lieutenant general. In the battle near Borodino, Yermolov was under the commander-in-chief M. Kutuzov. At the height of the battle, Kutuzov sent him to the left flank, to the 2nd Army, where Bagration was seriously wounded, and Yermolov helped overcome the confusion of the troops there. Seeing that the central battery of Raevsky was taken by the French, he organized a counterattack, repulsed the battery and led its defense until he was shell-shocked by buckshot.
Konovnitsyn Petr Petrovich

(1764 – 1822)

Hero of the Patriotic War of 1812, infantry general. He came from an old noble family of Konovnitsyns.

At the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, the 3rd division of Konovnitsyn became part of the 1st Western Army of M. Barclay de Tolly. On July 14, at Ostrovna, the division entered into the first battle with the French; replacing the tired corps of General A.I. Osterman, she held back the enemy’s onslaught all day, ensuring the withdrawal of the main forces of the army. On August 5, he defended Smolensk, remaining wounded in the ranks, on August 6 he fought at Lubin. In Smolensk, soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division took the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, which they brought to Moscow and carried it in front of the Russian troops on the day of the Battle of Borodino.

Soon after leaving Vyazma, he was instructed to lead the rearguard of the 1st and 2nd Western armies, and, repelling the attacks of Marshal Murat, being in continuous battles, he ensured the withdrawal of Russian troops to Borodino. Under his command were troops numbering up to 30 thousand people. The composition of the participants in the battles was comparable to the pitched battles of the 18th century. He will receive awards for these fights after Borodino.

On the day of the Battle of Borodino, Konovnitsyn's division took up defensive positions on the old Smolensk road, but when the main direction of Napoleon's attack was revealed - against the Russian left flank, the division was hastily sent to help Bagration. Arriving at the Bagration Flushes at 10 o'clock in the morning, Konovnitsyn knocked out the French with a blow to the bayonets. After Bagration was seriously wounded and carried away from the battlefield, Konovnitsyn led the defense of the left flank. The temporary confusion of the 2nd Army, which lost its commander, led to the loss of flushes, and Petr Petrovich was forced to withdraw troops 300-400 meters back - behind the Semenovsky ravine, where, using the heights, he organized a strong defense. Infantry General Dokhturov, who arrived to lead the 2nd Army, approved all his orders. When repulsing the last attacks of the French, Pyotr Petrovich was twice shell-shocked by cannonballs flying close, his uniform was torn apart by fragments of a shell that showered him, but the general calmly continued the battle. The next day after the battle, Commander-in-Chief Kutuzov appointed Konovnitsyn commander of the 3rd Corps (instead of the mortally wounded N. A. Tuchkov). At the military council in Fili, Petr Petrovich voted for a new battle near Moscow. Like most other generals, he took the decision of the commander-in-chief to leave Moscow with pain.

After the retreat from Moscow, Kutuzov appointed Konovnitsyn the duty general of the headquarters of the Russian army. This appointment was not accidental: Mikhail Illarionovich, with a general confusion after the loss of Moscow, needed a balanced and firm person next to him. In addition, honest Konovnitsyn, unlike Bennigsen, who formally held the post of chief of staff, did not intrigue against Kutuzov. Since that time, Pyotr Petrovich became the first speaker at the commander-in-chief, all Kutuzov’s combat correspondence with his subordinate military leaders passed through him.

Helping Kutuzov, Konovnitsyn gave all his strength to the restoration and strengthening of the army. In the Tarutinsky camp, he was engaged in the reception and distribution of reinforcements, followed their education and training, slept no more than three or four hours a day. Despite being unwell (before Tarutin he was tormented by a severe fever) and the promise given to Kutuzov: not to risk his life, Pyotr Petrovich took part in the hot Tarutino battle and almost died.

In the position of general on duty, Konovnitsyn was under Kutuzov all the time of the persecution of the Napoleonic army until the occupation of Vilna (Vilnius) by Russian troops. His military activity in 1812 was marked with the Golden Sword "For Courage" with diamonds, orders of St. Vladimir 2nd degree, St. Alexander Nevsky, St. George 2nd class. and the rank of adjutant general.

(1763-1812)

Russian commander, hero of the Patriotic War of 1812. Hussar. Major General.

With the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, he was instructed to lead a 5,000-strong cavalry detachment as part of the corps of P. X. Wittgenstein. The corps covered the paths to Petersburg, and Kulnev’s detachment was invariably entrusted with the most difficult task- act in the forefront or rearguard, the first to attack and the last to retreat.

Skillfully acting against the pressing French, Kulnev inflicted a number of tangible defeats on them. On July 18 - 19, at Klyastitsy and Yakubovo, he defeated the avant-garde French Corps Marshal Oudinot, capturing nine hundred prisoners and a large convoy of the enemy. On July 20, Kulnev crossed the Drissa, again attacked the French and overturned them. Carried away by the pursuit, he did not notice the approach of the main forces of the French corps, which brought heavy artillery fire on his detachment. Breaking back, Yakov Petrovich closed the retreat of his detachment, and at that moment the enemy core struck him, buckshot tore off both his legs above the knees. The last words of the dying hero were: "Friends, do not give up a single step of your native land to the enemy. Victory awaits you!"

So, not having lived just a few days before his forty-nineth birthday, the glorious warrior of the Suvorov school, Yakov Petrovich Kulnev, perished. He was buried at the place of death near the village of Sivoshino. Subsequently, the brothers moved his ashes to their estate Ilzenberg in the Vitebsk province (now the village of Brezgale, Latvia), and a monument was erected at the site of the death of Yakov Petrovich. An excerpt from V.A. Zhukovsky's poem "A Singer in the Camp of Russian Warriors" is engraved on its front side:

Where is our Kulnev, the destroyer of forces,

Ferocious flame of battle?

He fell - bowed his head on the shield

And clenched the sword in his hand ...
Platov Matvei Ivanovich

(1751 - 1818)

General of the cavalry. Ataman Platov, the hero of the Don, was born in Starocherkassk into the family of a military foreman, who gave him his initial education and taught him military affairs. With the outbreak of the Patriotic War of 1812, Matvey Ivanovich headed the Cossack Corps, which was part of the 1st Army of Barclay de Tolly, but due to its location covered the withdrawal of the 2nd Western Army of Bagration. Near the town of Mir on June 27-28, Platov's corps defeated 9 regiments of the advancing enemy, bringing the Russian army the first victory in the war of 1812. The Cossacks successfully acted against the avant-garde French detachments near Romanovka, Saltanovka, near Smolensk.

During the difficult period of the retreat, Platov almost had a misfortune. At Semlevo, his rearguard let the French advance, and Barclay de Tolly removed him from command of the rearguard. Barclay believed that the chieftain "overslept" the French because of drunkenness, and besides, he did not like Platov for criticizing him in connection with the continuous retreat. Matvey Ivanovich, who was already leaving for the Don, was returned to the troops by the new commander-in-chief M. Kutuzov (he had known Platov since 1773). In the Battle of Borodino, Platov's ten Cossack regiments fought on the right flank. At one of the critical moments of the battle, they participated in a cavalry raid behind enemy lines, upsetting his ranks.

At the military council in Fili, which decided the fate of Moscow, the brave Don chieftain spoke in favor of a new battle with Napoleon, but the wise Kutuzov took the liberty of ordering a retreat. Platov was the initiator of additional mobilization on the Don, and 22 thousand Cossacks arrived at the Tarutino camp, where the Russian army was gathering forces, at the end of August. Ataman was instructed to lead the newly arrived Cossack regiments. On October 7, the retreat of the French army from Moscow began, and Platov's Cossack cavalry took an active part in pursuing and defeating the enemy along the Smolensk road, conducted successful military operations near Vyazma, Smolensk, Krasny. At the request of Kutuzov, by decree of the tsar of October 29, the leader of the Cossacks was promoted to count.

(1771 – 1829)

Russian commander, hero of the Patriotic War of 1812, cavalry general.

On the night of June 24, 1812, Napoleon's "Great Army" invaded Russia. Raevsky at that moment headed the 7th Infantry Corps of the 2nd Western Army of General P.I. Bagration. From Grodno, the 45,000-strong army of Bagration began a retreat to the east for subsequent connection with the army of M. B. Barclay de Tolly. In order to prevent the connection of the two Russian armies, Napoleon sent the 50,000-strong corps of the "Iron Marshal" Davout to cut through Bagration. On July 21, Davout occupied the city of Mogilev on the Dnieper. Thus, the enemy was ahead of Bagration and ended up to the northeast of the 2nd Russian army. Both sides did not have accurate information about the enemy’s forces, and Bagration, approaching the Dnieper 60 km south of Mogilev, equipped Raevsky’s corps to try to push the French back from the city and get on the direct road to Vitebsk, where the Russian armies were supposed to join.

On the morning of July 23, a fierce battle began near the village of Saltanovka (11 km down the Dnieper from Mogilev). Raevsky's corps fought for ten hours with five divisions of Davout's corps. The battle went on with varying success. Raevsky himself was wounded in the chest by buckshot, but his heroic behavior brought the soldiers out of confusion, and they, rushing forward, put the enemy to flight. According to legend, next to Nikolai Nikolaevich at that moment were the sons: 17-year-old Alexander and 11-year-old Nikolai. However, Raevsky himself later objected that although his sons were with him that morning, they did not go on the attack. However, after the battle of Saltanovka, the name of Raevsky became known to the entire army. He became one of the most beloved soldiers and all the people of the generals. On this day, Raevsky, having endured a fierce battle, managed to withdraw the corps from the battle completely combat-ready. By evening, Davout, believing that the main forces of Bagration should soon come up, ordered the battle to be postponed until the next day. And Bagration, meanwhile, with his army successfully crossed the Dnieper south of Mogilev near Novy Bykhov and quickly marched to Smolensk to join Barclay's army. Davout found out about this only a day later. The news of the salvation of Bagration's army from a seemingly inevitable defeat infuriated Napoleon.

On August 29, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov took command of the Russian army. On September 7, 120 km from Moscow, on the Borodino field, a battle was given under his leadership, which became the central event of the entire war. The Borodino field was located at the junction of two roads - the old Smolensk and the new Smolensk. In the center of the location of the Russian army, the Kurgan height dominated the area. The 7th Corps of General Raevsky was entrusted to protect it, and it went down in history as the "Raevsky battery". All day on the eve of the battle, Raevsky's soldiers were building earthen fortifications at Kurgan height. At dawn, a battery of 18 guns was located here. At 5 o'clock in the morning on September 7, the French began shelling the left, less strong, flank of the Russian army, where the Bagrationov flushes were located. At the same time, a stubborn struggle ensued at Kurgan height. The French, concentrating forces to storm the heights, sent two infantry divisions across the Kolocha River. At 09:30, after artillery preparation, the enemy rushed to the attack. And although by this time eight battalions of the 7th Corps were already fighting on the flushes, Raevsky still managed to stop the French advance on the battery. After some time, three French divisions went on the assault. The situation on the battery became critical. In addition, there was a shortage of ammunition. The French broke into the heights, a fierce hand-to-hand fight ensued. The situation was saved by the soldiers of the 3rd Ufa Regiment, who arrived in time to help and pushed back the French, led by General A.P. Yermolov. During these two attacks, the French suffered significant losses, three generals were wounded, one was taken prisoner. Meanwhile, Platov's Cossack regiments and Uvarov's cavalry corps hit the French left flank. This suspended the French attacks, and made it possible for Kutuzov to pull up reserves on the left flank and to Raevsky's battery. Seeing the complete exhaustion of Raevsky's corps, Kutuzov led his troops into the second line. The 24th Infantry Division of P. G. Likhachev was sent to defend the battery. The whole second half of the day was a powerful artillery skirmish. The fire of 150 French guns fell upon the battery, the enemy cavalry and infantry simultaneously rushed to storm the height. Both sides suffered huge losses. The wounded General Neverovsky was captured, the French General Auguste Caulaincourt died. Raevsky's battery was nicknamed "the tomb of the French cavalry" by the French. Nevertheless, the numerical superiority of the enemy had an effect: at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the French took possession of the battery. However, after the fall of the battery, the French did not advance further into the center of the Russian army. With the onset of darkness, the battle ceased. The French withdrew to their starting lines, leaving all the Russian positions they occupied at the cost of huge losses, including the Raevsky battery. At the military council in Fili, held on September 13, Raevsky spoke in favor of leaving Moscow. A similar opinion was shared by M. I. Kutuzov. On September 14, the Russian army left Moscow, and on the same day it was occupied by the French. However, a month later, Napoleon was forced to leave the burned city. On October 19, the French army began to retreat towards Kaluga. On October 24, a major battle took place near Maloyaroslavets. The 6th Infantry Corps of General D.S. Dokhturov put up stubborn resistance to the enemy, the city changed hands several times. Napoleon brought more and more units into battle, and Kutuzov decided to send Raevsky's corps to help Dokhturov. Reinforcements came in handy, and the enemy was driven back from the city. As a result, Maloyaroslavets remained with the Russian army. The French failed to break through to Kaluga, and were forced to continue their retreat along the Smolensk road, which they had already devastated. Raevsky for actions near Maloyaroslavets was awarded the Order of St. George 3rd degree. The forces of the French, rapidly retreating to the western borders of Russia, were melting every day. In November, during a three-day battle near Krasnoe, Napoleon lost about a third of his army. In this clash, Raevsky's corps actually finished off the remnants of the corps of Marshal Ney, whom he had to deal with more than once during the campaign. Soon after the battle near Krasnoy, Nikolai Nikolayevich was forced to leave the army. The constant overstrain of forces, as well as numerous concussions and injuries, had an effect.
Tormasov Alexander Petrovich

(1752 – 1819)

Count, general of the cavalry. During the Patriotic War of 1812 he commanded the 3rd Western Army on the southern flank.

During the Patriotic War of 1812, Tormasov commanded the 3rd observational army (54 battalions, 76 squadrons, 9 Cossack regiments, 43 thousand in total), designed to contain Austria. First Schwarzenberg was sent against Tormasov, then Renier, with the Saxon corps. On July 1, Tormasov, leaving the Osten-Sacken corps to guard Volyn and to communicate with the Danube army, and Major General Khrushchov (dragoon brigade and 2 Cossack regiments) in Vladimir-Volynsky, to secure the borders from Galicia and the Duchy of Warsaw, himself, with main forces, moved against the flank and rear of the French troops advancing from Brest to Pinsk against Bagration. Corps Rainier was scattered over a large area (Slonim - Pruzhany - Brest - Kobrin - Yanovo - Pinsk). On July 24, part of Tormasov's army captured Brest. On the 27th, a Saxon detachment was defeated and laid down weapons in the battle near Kobrin (General Klengel, 66 officers, 2200 lower ranks, 8 guns); after that Tormasov occupied Pruzhany. This victory was of great psychological significance as the first success during the retreat of the Russian armies. For her, Tormasov received on July 28, 1812, the Order of St. George, 2nd class, as a reward.

Rainier, having gathered his troops and joined with Schwarzenberg, attacked Tormasov near Gorodechno. On August 1, Russian troops retreated first to Kobrin, and then to Lutsk, to join the Danube army, which was marching to Russia after the conclusion of the Bucharest peace with the Ottoman Porte.

In September, the armies united and forced Schwarzenberg to hastily retreat to Brest. Soon, command of the united armies passed to Admiral Chichagov, and Tormasov was recalled to the main headquarters, where he was entrusted with the internal command and control of the troops and their organization. Tormasov took part in the battles near Maloyaroslavets, Vyazma, Krasny and with the main army crossed the border of the empire in December 1812. During the Patriotic War of 1812, General A.P. Tormasov became the only cavalier of the Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called for distinction in the battle of Krasnoe. When Kutuzov, due to illness, remained in Bunzlau, Tormasov temporarily assumed the main command of the army.
Major events of 1812

August 4-6 (16-18) - Battle of Smolensk, Napoleon's unsuccessful attempt to defeat the main forces of the Russian troops;

September-October - Kutuzov conducts the Tarutinsky march maneuver, forcing the French to leave Moscow and retreat along the Old Smolensk road; deployment of guerrilla warfare;

November-December - the death of the French army;

Poems and quotes about the Patriotic War of 1812

"I will not lay down my arms until not a single enemy warrior remains in my kingdom."

Alexander I

"The New Russia Begins in 1812".

A. I. Herzen

"The destruction of the huge Napoleonic army during the retreat from Moscow served as a signal for a general uprising against French rule in the West."

F. Engels

“We will stand up with our heads for our Motherland.”

M. Yu. Lermontov

“... Everyone burned with zeal. Everyone outdid himself."

A.P. Ermolov, general, participant in the war of 1812

"Well, it was a day! Through the flying smoke

The French moved like clouds ... ".

M. Yu. Lermontov

And we promised to die

And the oath of allegiance was kept

We are in the Borodino battle.

M. Yu. Lermontov

“And prevented the nuclei from flying

A mountain of bloody bodies."

M. Yu. Lermontov

"With the loss of Moscow, Russia is not lost."

M. I. Kutuzov

"The twelfth year was a great epoch in the life of Russia...".

V. G. Belinsky

“The Russian campaign of 1812 placed Russia at the center of the war. The Russian troops formed the main core, around which the Prussians, Austrians and the rest were grouped only later.

F. Engels

“The enemy knew a lot that day,

What does the Russian fight remote mean?

M. Yu. Lermontov

"Guys! Isn't Moscow behind us?

Let's die near Moscow

How our brothers died!”

M. Yu. Lermontov

“Not a holiday, not an accepting gift,

She was preparing a fire

An impatient hero."

A. S. Pushkin

“The earth shook like our breasts;

Mixed in a bunch of horses, people,

And the volleys of a thousand guns

Laugh in a long howl ... "

M. Yu. Lermontov

If I take Kyiv

If I take control of Petersburg,

I'll take her head.

Having occupied Moscow, I will strike her in the heart.

Napoleon

“In Russia, the bitterness of the people against the invading enemy grew every month ... The desire to defend Russia and punish the impudent and cruel conqueror - these feelings gradually seized the entire people.”

E. V. Tarm, writer.

"The most terrible of all my battles is the one I gave near Moscow."

Napoleon

"The French have shown themselves worthy of victory, and the Russians have acquired the right to be invincible."

Napoleon

The twelfth year is a folk epic, the memory of which will pass into the centuries and will not die as long as the Russian people live.

M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin

“This glorious year has passed, but the high-profile deeds and deeds committed in it will not pass and will not fall silent ...”

M. Kutuzov

Raevsky, the glory of our days, Praise! Before the ranks He is the first chest against swords with brave sons.

V. A. Zhukovsky
1812 on the Internet

1812 - Internet project http://www.museum.ru/1812/index.html

Site "Project 1812". The project library contains 45 full-text electronic books: memoirs and diaries (by A. Ermolov, D. Davydov, N. Durova, F. Glinka, F. Rostopchin, A. Kolenkur, Rustam, K. Mitternich), letters (Alexander I, M .A. Volkova and others), works of art ("Burned Moscow" by G.P. Danilevsky, "Roslavlev or Russians in 1812" by M.N. Zagoskin, a collection of poems and songs about the Patriotic War of 1812, a number of works by contemporary authors ), historical works (Clausewitz, Stendhal, Tarle, Vernet, etc.). All books are annotated and attached in three formats: html, txt and zip-archive. Editions richly illustrated

Patriotic War of 1812 http://www.patrio.ru/index.htm

This site is dedicated to the Patriotic War of 1812. It contains unique information that describes the historical events of that time and gives a complete picture of the ongoing actions. For more convenient navigation, the site is divided into several sections, which are located in the left menu, go in chronological order and describe individual historical periods from the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812 to its end.

The Battle of Borodino is considered in the most detail. The chronology of the Battle of Borodino is presented with sufficient frequency and the course of the battle can be traced by the clock.

A separate section is devoted to the partisan war of the Russian people against the French occupation on the territory of the Russian Empire. This section provides information on the formation and operation of the partisan detachments of Denis Davydov and other Russian partisans.

The section results of the war of 1812 provides a historical analysis of the war and examines its significance for the further development of Russia.

In addition, the site contains biographies of individuals who in one way or another relate to the war of 1812. These are, first of all, outstanding commanders, rulers of the countries participating in the war and their allies, as well as other outstanding personalities. Also on the site you can find excerpts from historical documents of that period, which unambiguously describe historical events and reflect the essence of individual decisions.

1812 through the eyes of contemporaries http://militera.lib.ru/db/1812/pre.html

military literature. Diaries and letters.

Hussars in wars http://www.kulichki.com/gusary/istoriya/polki

1812 in Russian poetry

http://www.museum.ru/1812/Library/poetry/index.html

Collection of poems and songs about the Patriotic War of 1812

Members of the Napoleonic Wars

http://www.hrono.ru/biograf/bio_n/1812menu.php

The participants in the so-called Napoleonic Wars in the index of names given here are the most famous generals and officers who participated in the military conflicts of 1799-1815.

battle of Borodino

http://www.warstar.info/borodino_pruntsov/borodino.htm

The popular essay “Battle of Borodino” contains a detailed description of the Battle of Borodino in 1812:

day of the Battle of Borodino by the hour;

scheme of the battle of Borodino;

heroes of the battle of Borodino.

Moscow buildings restored after the fire of 1812

http://www.protown.ru/russia/city/articles/4630.html

"Premium medal of the participant of the Patriotic War of 1812 as a monument of the era"

http://medalirus.narod.ru/Tools/bartosh_1.htm

The history of the silver medal established in 1813 to reward direct participants in the Patriotic War.

Battle of Borodino in the paintings of artists

http://www.museum.ru/1812/Painting/Borodino

Museum-Reserve "Borodino field"

http://www.borodino.ru

Website of the State Borodino Military Historical Museum-Reserve.

Literature:

Alekseev, A. “It is not for nothing that the whole of Russia remembers ...” [Text] / A. Alekseev // Science and Life. - 2010. - No. 9. - P. 81-87.

Alekseev, A. “It is not for nothing that the whole of Russia remembers ...” [Text] / A. Alekseev // Science and Life. - 2010. - No. 10. - P. 90-94.

Bezotosny, V. Vikhor-ataman [Text] / V. Bezotosny // Motherland. - 2004. - No. 5. - P. 43 - 47. - About the hero of the Patriotic War of 1812 Platov Matvey Ivanovich.

Bessonov, V. ... Not counting the sharomyzhnikov [Text]: the number of prisoners of war in 1812 in Russia / V. Bessovnov // Motherland. - 2002. - N 8. - S. 55-59.

Vasilyev, A. The sly figure of the Adventurer [Text]: real and invented losses / A. Vasilyev // Motherland. - 1992. - N 6/7. - S. 68.

Heroes of 1812: collection [Text] / [comp. V. Levchenko]. - M .: Mol. guard, 1987. - 608 p., l. ill. - (The life of wonderful people).

Dementiev, A. "...Fulfilled all duties as the bravest and most worthy general" [Text]: [Dmitry Petrovich Neverovsky (1771-1813)] / Anatoly Dementiev // Science and Life. - 2004. - N9. - S. 114-122.

Durov, V. Awards of 1812 [Text] / V. Durov // Motherland. - 2002. - N 8. - S. 103-109.

Ermolov, A. Characteristics of the commanders of 1812 [Text] / A. Ermolov // Motherland. - 1994. - N 1. - S. 56-60.

Zemtsov, V. The art of dying correctly [Text]: in the name of what French soldiers went to their deaths / V. Zemtsov // Motherland. - 2002. - N 8. - S. 26-29.

Ivchenko, L. “The Prince Bagration known to you” [Text] / L. Ivchenko // Motherland. - 1992. - N 6/7. - S. 40-43.

Ivchenko, L. Who moved the hour hand? [Text] / L. Ivchenko // Motherland. - 2002. - No. 8. - P. 40-46: Ill.-Chronology of the great battle on the Borodino field.

Kuharuk, A. Non-round date [Text] / A. Kuharuk // Motherland. - 2002. - No. 8. - P. 134-136: ill. - Opening of the monument on the Borodino field in 1839.

Lobachev, V. Features of the national war. Murat and Miloradovich [Text] / V. Lobachev // Science and religion. - 2002. - N 9. - S. 6-9.

Podmazo, A. The Russian army in June 1812 [Text] / A. Podmazo // Motherland. - 2002. - N 8. - S. 60-70.

Sapozhnikov, A. "... and was driven through the village of Chertanovka" [Text] / A. Sapozhnikov // Motherland. - 2010. -№ 4. -S. 42-44: ill. - Historical facts about the military battle of the Patriotic War of 1812 on the territory of modern Moscow.

Tretyakova, L. Three days of Borodin [Text] / L. Tretyakova // Around the world. - 2001. - N 8. - S. 26-33.

Chinyakov, M. "Thunderstorm of the twelfth year" [Text]: (on the 190th anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812) / M. Chinyakov // OBZh. Fundamentals of life safety. - 2002. - N 6. - S. 39-41.

Sheremetiev, O. "Roll overcoats, gentlemen!" [Text] / O. Sheremetiev // Motherland. - 2006. - No. 6. - P.53-59: ill. - About the appearance of the Russian army from Borodino to Paris.

Sheremetiev, O. A squadron of flying hussars [Text]: the world of light cavalry of Alexander's reign / Oleg Sheremetiev // Motherland. - 2008. - N 5. - S. 71-75.

Shishov, A. “Having rendered immortal merits to Russia” [Text]: full St. George Cavalier Barclay de Tolly / A. Shishov / / Fundamentals of life safety. - 2005. - N 6. - S. 61-64.

Shishov, A. “Provided new experiences of art and courage” [Text]: Kutuzov is the first Russian full Cavalier of St. George / A. Shishov // Fundamentals of Life Safety. - 2005. - N 5. - S. 51-55.

Shishov, A. Breakthrough through the Balkans [Text]: Field Marshal Ivan Ivanovich Dibich-Zabaikalsky / A. Shishov // Fundamentals of life safety. - 2006. - N 4. - S. 60-64.

Ekshtut, S. A. Nikolai Raevsky [Text] / S.A. Ekshtut // Motherland. - 1994. - No. 3-4.

Scenarios

Bobrova, L.V. Hussars - dashing knights ... [Text]: an evening of honor dedicated to the officers of Russia, the heroes of 1812 / L. V. Bobrova // Read, study, play. -2000. - No. 7. - S. 40-51.

Druzhinina, T.V. "Hero of the twelfth year, indomitable partisan ..." [Text]: literary evening dedicated to D. Davydov. // Read, study, play. - 2004. - No. 4. - P.51-55.

Evdokimova, K.V. The commander and hero of the war of 1812 [Text]: a history lesson dedicated to the life of P. Bagration // Read, study, play. - 2007. - No. 10. - P.75-78.

Zarkhi, S.B. Confession of the heart [Text]: an evening dedicated to the life and work of the poet D. Davydov // Read, study, play. - 2009. - No. 4. - P.13-30.

Zarkhi, S.B. They kept the oath of allegiance [Text]: literary music evening // We read, study, play. - 2007. - No. 6. - P.17-26.

Nevolina, G. Brave guys - mustachioed hussars [Text]: cognizant. quiz game for an adult audience // Scenarios and repertoire. - 2007. - No. 9. - S. 14-27.

Norkina, L. "Cavalry guards, you have gained glory" [Text]: an evening of courage, glory and honor for students in grades 7-11. // Read, study, play. - 2009. - No. 9. - S. 49-55.

Oparina, N. A History Lesson [Text]: Scenario for an Event on the Anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 // Scripts and Repertoire. - 2005. - No. 2. - P.16-22.

Khlupina E. A. Hussar ballad [Text]: a historical evening for students in grades 7–11 / E. A. Khlupina // Read, study, play. - 2009. - N 6. - S. 92-96. - The event is dedicated to the life of N. A. Durova, the first female officer in Russia.

Send your good work in the knowledge base is simple. Use the form below

Students, graduate students, young scientists who use the knowledge base in their studies and work will be very grateful to you.

Hosted at http://www.allbest.ru/

Generals of the Patriotic War of 1812

Introduction

1.Kutuzov

2. Barclay de Tolly

3.Bagration

Conclusion

List of used literature

Kutuzov Bagration war battle of Borodino

Introduction

The topic of war has been relevant at all times, but in the 20th century this problem became especially acute, because it is no coincidence that the twentieth century was imprinted in the history of mankind as the century of two world wars, a warrior who claimed the lives of millions of people, a warrior in which our people showed courage and fortitude , having defended their homeland from the attacks of enemy invaders. In the new 21st century, there were no global conflicts yet, but constantly breaking out local wars in different parts of the world prompted me to choose this topic, because the role of generals has always been great, especially in wartime.

Every year our country celebrates the Great Victory, the victory of our people over the fascist invaders. On the streets of cities these days you can see many veterans, witnesses of that terrible war. Thanks to their stories and memories, we have an idea of ​​many details of that war. However, with the passage of time, memories of previous wars, which played an equally important role in the history of our country, are erased from human memory. So, in my opinion, it is worth remembering the Patriotic War of 1812, the spirit of the people in that difficult period for them, and the generals of that time, largely thanks to whom Russia managed to win this difficult victory over the enemy. A special place in this war belongs to Kutuzov, who, according to most historians who conducted research in this area, including such respected people as Zhilin, Bragin, Troitsky, became the main "culprit" of that great victory.

Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov is one of the greatest people in Russia. He personifies the strength and courage of the Russian army, and her problem is now the most urgent, because who else but she can repulse the claims of the West to the East. The solution to the “dranh nah Osten” problem has faced Russia at all times, from Alexander Nevsky to the current advancement of NATO to the East. From these battles with the West, Russia has always emerged victorious, otherwise it would have been threatened with destruction, that's right, because victory was equal to life on earth. The responsibility that lay on the leaders and generals of Russia was such that the possibility of error in actions was excluded. Kutuzov is exactly the person in the history of Russia who had the strength to take responsibility for victory or defeat, and it was he who was most afraid of foreign figures (both generals and diplomats) of that time, since his principles contradicted all Western dogmas, these were Russian principles.

Nowadays in Russia there are no politicians like Kutuzov, to whom the people could completely entrust their lives, who would take care of their security and prosperity, would be able to take responsibility for themselves, and not look for someone to blame. Now Westerners, taking advantage of the temporary relaxation of Russia, are trying to put pressure on her, but nothing will come of it, since they have no idea about the main thing - the intransigence of the Russian spirit, with the help of which Kutuzov won the Patriotic War of 1812.

Some historians, such as Tarle or Mironov, downplay Kutuzov's role in the victory over Napoleon, arguing that Russia won the victory only thanks to the stamina, courage and desperate resistance of its people. There is undoubtedly some truth in this, but, in my opinion, it was thanks to the intelligence, courage and enormous strategic talent of Kutuzov that our country managed to withstand the onslaught of enemy troops. Do not forget about other commanders of that time, in particular, Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly and Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration, who also made an unbearable contribution to the victory over Napoleon.

1.Kutuzov

The most important national liberation war at the beginning of the 19th century, in which the fate of not only Russia, but also Europe, was decided, was the Patriotic War of 1812.

By June 1812, three powerful groupings of French troops were concentrated on the western Russian border, having 500 thousand infantry and cavalry with 1372 guns. Developing a campaign plan, Napoleon hoped to defeat the Russian troops in border battles with a swift blow, bring Russia to its knees, and thereby further strengthen its power in Europe.

On June 12, 1812, the Napoleonic army crossed the Neman and invaded Russia. The main blow of the French troops was directed to Moscow.

The war for Russia began in an unfavorable strategic situation, with an unfavorable balance of forces. The number of Russian troops on the western border was 300,000 soldiers with 1,200 guns stretched across a wide front from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. The western border of the country was defended by three armies: the 1st Western Army of General Barclay de Tolly was located in Lithuania and covered the St. Petersburg direction; The 2nd Western Army of General Bagration covered Moscow; The 3rd Western Army under the command of Tormasov defended the Kiev direction. In addition, the Danube army under the command of Admiral Chichagov was in Wallachia. The war plans developed in St. Petersburg had a number of serious miscalculations in the organization of the country's defense. This created enormous difficulties for the Russian army and became the reason for its retreat.

The goal pursued by Napoleon is not to allow the armies to unite, but to defeat them one by one or to impose a decisive battle on the Russian army. However, Napoleon's strategic plan cracked from the very beginning. The Russians were not going to go to the general battle, reasonably believing that the time was ahead for him. At Smolensk, the 1st and 2nd Western armies united. On August 18, a battle took place, where the courage and heroism of Russian soldiers were clearly manifested. First, they detained the enemy at the walls of the city, and then, undefeated, they crossed to the Moscow road, preparing for new inevitable battles. The capture of Smolensk cost Napoleon 20 thousand soldiers, and in the meantime, more and more militia joined the Russian army.

The retreat of the Russian troops, the loss of vast territories caused growing dissatisfaction in the army, among the nobility and among the broad masses of the people with the government's activities in directing military operations, the lack of a unified command in the army. The demands for the appointment of Kutuzov as commander-in-chief sounded more and more insistent. A specially created Extraordinary Committee to decide who to hand over the fate of the army and Russia, said that the members of the committee unanimously chose Kutuzov. Alexander 1, against his will, on August 8 (20) approved the decision of the Extraordinary Committee and signed a decree appointing Kutuzov commander in chief.

Kutuzov arrived in the army on August 17 (29) and took command. His arrival caused a general uplift of spirit in the Russian army. “Kutuzov came to beat the French,” the soldiers said.

The documents show what a great job M. I. Kutuzov did after his appointment. He paid attention to literally everything: the military plan and reserves, the supply of the army and the condition of the roads, the organization of the militia and partisan detachments, medical care and the attitude towards prisoners, and so on. Only such an understanding of all problems could be the key to future success. While Kutuzov was driving towards the army, she fought back to the east. Napoleonic troops captured a significant part of the Russian Empire. After reviewing the affairs in the army, it was no longer possible to postpone the conduct of the general battle, and Kutuzov makes the final decision to give it. The people and the army can't wait any longer. He gives the corresponding order to the acting chief of the main staff, L. L. Benigsen, to find a suitable position. The command stopped at the Borodino field, to which the army began to approach on the morning of August 22.

The area in the area of ​​Borodino, located 12 kilometers west of Mozhaisk, is heavily hilly and crossed by a significant number of rivers and streams that have formed deep ravines. The eastern part of the field is more elevated than the western. The Koloch River flows through the village, which flows into the Moscow River 4 kilometers from the village. The river had a high and steep bank, well covering the right flank of the positions of the Russian army. The left flank came close to a small forest, heavily overgrown with small shrubs and swampy in places.

Most of the tributaries of the Kolocha are densely overgrown with shrubs, two Smolensk roads passed through the village: Novaya and Staraya. Having taken a position at Borodino, the Russian army had many advantages. Choosing a place is one of Kutuzov's military arts. Difficulty in moving enemy cavalry and infantry, blocking roads leading to Moscow.

Before the battle, the French army numbered 135,000 soldiers and 587 guns. She was opposed by the Russian army in 120 thousand wars and 624 guns.

Napoleon considered the battle of Borodino as an opportunity to decide the outcome of the war in his favor with one blow. His plan was to break through the Russian positions on the left flank and in the center, push the Kutuzov army into the bend of the Moscow River at the confluence of the Kolocha River and destroy it. Kutuzov set the troops the task of exhausting and bleeding the enemy in a defensive battle in order to seize the initiative at an opportune moment and go on the counteroffensive. The balance of power was still on Napoleon's side, but Kutuzov had superiority in artillery. Kutuzov tried to take advantage of this superiority and placed the army in such a way that Napoleon could not get around it and attack the rear. Kutuzov placed the battery at a height right in the center of the army, infantry regiments were placed next to the battery to repel French attacks on the battery. On the right wing of the Russian armies, Kutuzov placed the 1st army of Barclay - de Tolly, on the left wing there were earthen fortifications (flashes) in the form of an angle, they were occupied by the 2nd army of Bagration. Also, a few kilometers ahead on the left flank, the Shevardinsky redoubt was put up, and even to the left was Tuchkov’s corps. On August 24, the French attacked the Shevardino redoubt. This allowed us to gain time and strengthen the main positions.

The Battle of Borodino began the day after that, on August 26, 1812. Early in the morning, the first shot rang out, then another and another - this was how the “battle of the giants” began. Napoleon, using tried and tested tactics, moved the main forces to the left flank. He expected to quickly defeat them, and, taking advantage of the confusion, attack from the flank and from the rear. On the left flank, Napoleon pulled almost all the artillery. But this did not bring the expected results to Napoleon, because on the left flank stood the brave and intelligent Bagration, who managed to help everywhere and covered the flanks. French attacks followed uninterruptedly, to which the Russians responded with counterattacks. The Russians stood to the death, the struggle lasted 7 hours. Only in the middle of the day, after 8 attacks, after Bagration, mortally wounded, was carried away in battle, the French took flushes, but the Russians did not give up their positions, they only retreated behind the ravine. Napoleon failed to break through in the center. The French stubbornly sought to capture the battery (Kurgan height), but each time they were driven back by bayonet attacks. Here Raevsky, Dokhturov, Miloradovich, and then Barclay de Tolly bravely led their soldiers into battle. Only at the end of the day, the French managed to capture the central battery at the cost of huge losses, but the Russians did not give up their positions, they only retreated 800 meters. The Russians fought as best they could, but it was clear that they would not last long. Then Kutuzov went on the move that decided the outcome of the battle. Kutuzov sent two cavalry units of generals M. I. Platov and F. P. Uvarov to bypass Napoleon's army. Parts appeared so unexpectedly that they panicked the French. Napoleon did not dare to bring the Old Guard into battle.

Throughout the battle, Kutuzov was in the full sense of the word the brain of the Russian army. During the entire struggle for the Bagrationovskie flashes, then for the Kurgan heights, then during the brilliant defeat of Poniatowski's cavalry, and finally, at the end of the battle, adjutants rushed to him and from him, bringing him reports and taking orders from him.

The battle lasted 15 hours, subsided only late in the evening. Kutuzov carried out his plan and practically won the battle. The French retreated to their previous positions, not having solved the task - to destroy the Russian army.

The losses of both armies were enormous: the French lost 50,000 soldiers, the Russians 38,000.

In a report on August 29, Alexander Kutuzov, who received the rank of Field Marshal for Borodino, wrote: “The battle on the 26th of the former was the most bloody of all those that modern times known. The place of the battle was completely won by us, and the enemy then retreated to the position in which he came to attack us.

Speaking of the battle of Borodino, Napoleon was forced to admit: "Of the fifty battles given by me, the most valor was shown in the battle near Moscow and the least success was won."

“When evaluating the battle of Borodino,” notes the military historian P. A. Zhilin, “3 main results should be noted: the Napoleonic army did not break the resistance of the Russians, it was not possible to defeat it, thereby opening the way to Moscow; The Russian army withdrew half of its troops from the enemy; on the field of Borodino, the French army suffered an irreparable moral shock, while the Russian troops gained confidence in victory.

After the Battle of Borodino, events began to develop more rapidly. Kutuzov decided to sacrifice Moscow for the sake of all of Russia. Leaving the capital to Napoleon, he moved further towards the sinking Russian troops and south to rich provinces so that the army could rest and gain strength. But behind these simple actions lay the fact that, having retreated to Tarutin, Kutuzov found himself on the flank of Napoleon's troops and could calmly cut off Napoleon from his reserves. Kutuzov performed this ingenious Tarutinsky maneuver, retreating along the Ryazan and Kaluga roads, and Murat, who was pursuing him, became so confused that, reporting to Napoleon, he said: "The Russian army has disappeared." After spending less than a month in Moscow and not having achieved peace from Russia, Napoleon began his retreat on October 7, thereby recognizing the futility of his campaign. He was heading, as expected, to the southern Russian provinces in the hope of spending the winter there, but the position was already taken by the foresight of Kutuzov. The first major clash between the French army and Russian troops near Moscow, which ended in the defeat of Murat's vanguard, took place on October 6 in the Tarutino area. From that moment began an endless series of defeats of the "great" army on Russian soil. Then there were Maloyaroslavets, Vyazma, Krasnoe, and everywhere Russian people won victories. It even got to the point that Napoleon could not stand it and left his army, fleeing to Poland.

It is impossible not to note the actions of partisans during the months of the war, the appearance of which was the result of a patriotic upsurge in the Russian people. But all this could not have happened without Kutuzov, who at that time was the only one of the generals who felt the soul of the Russian people, believed in him and hoped for his steadfastness. Kutuzov contacted the leaders of the partisan detachments, coordinated their actions, and the people were ready to follow him anywhere.

And in December 1812, Napoleon fled, the great army was no more, and the Russian troops, having crushed the previously invincible enemies, ended up in Vilna. Now, having plucked up courage, Tsar Alexander 1 came to the army. Kutuzov met him with great honors, bowed dozens of captured banners at his feet, and the tsar awarded the commander with the highest military distinction of the Russian army - George of the "first" degree. Both of them remained implacable enemies.

Subsequently, Kutuzov led an army to Europe, but even here he was awarded glory. Koenigsberg was taken by night attack, which was defended by Marshal Macdonald. Surrendered without buy Warsaw. Surrounded by the Cossacks, the fortress of Danzig fell. Passed Poznan, Kalisz, dozens of other Polish and German cities among them Dresden Leipzig, Berlin.

In Prussia, Mikhail Illarionovich caught a severe cold and his condition worsened every day. In the city of Bunzlau, Kutuzov, being in a difficult situation, took to his bed, but even then he continued to give orders to the army. Shortly before his death, Alexander 1 came to visit him. From the first year of his reign, the hypocrite, who poisoned Mikhail Illarionovich, now sanctimoniously asked the dying man for forgiveness, to which he replied: “I, Your Majesty, forgive, but will Russia forgive.”

April 28, 1813 Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov died. His body was embalmed and taken to the east, to Russia. All along the way, in mournful silence, the people met the funeral procession.

Kutuzov fulfilled his duty - he saved the fatherland from death for posterity, he was able to bring Russia out of a difficult situation, glorify it throughout the world as invincible, and all this thanks not only to his genius, but also to his sincere love for his people.

2. Barclay de Tolly

Barclay de Tolly, Mikhail Bogdanovich, prince, famous Russian commander, of Scottish origin. During the troubles of the 17th century, one of the members of this family left the fatherland and settled in Riga; his descendant was Barclay de Tolly. He was born in 1761, as a child he was enrolled in the Novotroitsk cuirassier regiment and in 1778 he was promoted to cornet. In 1788, B., being the adjutant of the Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg, took part in the assault on Ochakov, and in 1789, in the defeat of the Turks near Kaushany and in the capture of Akkerman and Bendery. In 1790, Barclay de Tolly, together with the prince, participated in cases against the Swedes, in 1794 - in military operations against the Poles. In the campaign of 1806, Mikhail Bogdanovich especially distinguished himself in the battles near Pultusk, for which he was awarded the Order of St. George of the 3rd degree, and at Gough, where he withstood the pressure of almost the entire army of Napoleon; near Preisisch-Eylau was wounded in the right arm with a broken bone. In the Swedish War of 1808, Barclay commanded at first a separate detachment, but by disagreement with the general Buxhoeveden left Finland; in 1809 he was sent there again, made the famous passage through the Kvarken and captured the city of Umeå, which resulted in the conclusion of peace with Sweden. Promoted to general of infantry, Barclay de Tolly was appointed governor-general of Finland and commander of the Finnish army, and on January 20, 1810, he took over as minister of war. Under him, an "Institution for the management of a large active army" was drawn up and significant improvements were introduced in various branches of the military administration, which turned out to be especially useful in view of the impending war with Napoleon: the army was almost doubled; brought to a defensive state and armed with new fortresses, food stocks were prepared, arsenals were replenished, parks with shells were established. Before the outbreak of World War II, Barclay de Tolly took command of the 1st Western Army. He clearly foresaw that the war would be "terrible in intentions, unique in its kind and most important in consequences," but for the sake of caution did not consider it possible to "anticipate the public about the critical situation of the fatherland" and preferred to endure insults and attacks, "calmly expecting justifications from the very consequences ". Napoleon's forces turned out to be so great that it was impossible to wage, as was supposed before, even a defensive war. Barclay's ingenious plan to retreat and "lure the enemy into the bowels of the fatherland itself, force him to acquire at the cost of blood every step, every means of reinforcement and even his own existence, and, finally, exhausting his strength with as little as possible shedding of his blood, strike him the most resolute, "was not understood, and reproaches even of treason were heard against the commander; even those who understood the plan sometimes echoed the public voice. As a result, the commander-in-chief of the armies was appointed Kutuzov, but he was forced to follow his predecessor's plan and retreat. In the Battle of Borodino, Mikhail Bogdanovich commanded the right wing of the army and appeared, as if looking for death, in the most dangerous places; he personally led the regiments into the attack, and they enthusiastically greeted him, as if instinctively realizing their previous wrong. All the insults and unrest experienced affected Barclay's health, and he left the army in the Tarutino camp. He returned to the troops already in 1813, accepting first the 3rd, and then the Russian-Prussian army. May 8 and 9 near Bautzen reflected the main attacks of Napoleon; On August 18 near Kulm he completed the defeat of Vandam (he was awarded the Order of St. George of the 1st degree), and in the "battle of the peoples" near Leipzig he was one of the main culprits of the victory; for this campaign, Mikhail Bogdanovich was elevated to the dignity of a count. In the campaign of 1814, the battles at Brienne, Arcy-on-Aube, Fer-Champenoise and Paris delivered a field marshal's baton to Barclay de Tolly. In 1815, Mikhail Bogdanovich, being the commander-in-chief of the 1st Army, again entered France, where, after a review in Vertu, he was elevated to princely dignity.

Upon his return to Russia, Barclay continued to command the 1st Army. Having left abroad due to poor health, he died on the way in the city of Insterburg; his body was brought to Russia and interred on May 14, 1818 in the town of Bekhof, in Livonia.

3. Bagration

Prince Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration was born in 1765, in 1782 he entered the service as a sergeant; participated in the cases of 1783-90 against the Chechens and was seriously wounded; in 1788 he was at the capture of Ochakov; in 1794 he took part in almost all cases against the Confederates and drew attention to himself Suvorov. In 1798 he was appointed chief of the 6th Jaeger Regiment, and a year later, with the rank of major general, he went on an Italian campaign. In this campaign, as well as in the famous passage through the Alps, Bagration took an active part, receiving the most responsible and difficult assignments from Suvorov; affairs at Pozzolo, Bergamo, Lecco, Tidon, Trebia, Nura and Novi are associated with his name. Upon entering Switzerland, Bagration commanded the vanguard; September 13 attacked and drove back the French, who occupied St. Gotthard; On September 14, he crossed the Devil's Bridge and pursued the enemy to Lake Lucerne; September 16, in the Mutten Valley, he surrounded and captured a strong French detachment; On September 19 and 20, he withstood a successful battle near the village of Kloptal, where he received a severe shell shock, and then commanded the rearguard, covering our retreat from Switzerland. Upon returning from the campaign, Peter Ivanovich was appointed chief of the Life Guards of the Jaeger battalion and reorganized it into a regiment. In the campaign of 1805 and in the war of 1806-07, Bagration participated in almost all battles and, often being in a dangerous situation, constantly showed courage and diligence. Bagration distinguished himself in affairs at Lambach, Enz and Amshteten, at Rausnitz, Wischau and in the battle of Austerlitz, especially at the village of Shengraben, where he, with a detachment of 6,000 people, held the strongest enemy all day, who was going across our path of retreat, for which he received order of St. George 2nd degree. In the Swedish war of 1808 - 09, Peter Ivanovich became famous for the occupation of the Aland Islands. In August 1809, Bagration was appointed commander-in-chief of the army against the Turks; under him, Machin, Girsov, Brailov, Ishmael were taken and the Turks were defeated at Rassevat, but the siege of Silistria, whose garrison was almost equal to the besieging army, was not successful. In 1810 Bagration was replaced by Kamensky. During the Patriotic War, he commanded the Second Western Army. During the initial retreat of our armies, Bagration had to make a difficult roundabout march under pressure from an excellent enemy, to join the army Barclay de Tolly; having united near Smolensk, Bagration, being older than Barclay, who had previously been under his command several times, nevertheless submitted to him for the sake of unity of command, bearing in mind that Barclay, as Minister of War, knew better the desires of the sovereign and overall plan actions. With a further retreat, when public opinion rebelled against Barclay, Bagration, although he understood all the benefits of such a course of action, also condemned him. During the Battle of Borodino, Pyotr Ivanovich was wounded by a grenade fragment in the leg with crushing of the bone; from the dressing station, realizing his wrong before Barclay, he sent an adjutant to tell him that "the salvation of the army depends on him." The wound, which at first seemed harmless, brought him to the grave on September 12, in the village of Simakh, Vladimir province; now his ashes rest on the Borodino field.

Conclusion

Kutuzov, Barclay de Tolly and Bagration are those figures in the history of the Russian State who can be put on a par with its founders, since salvation from foreign invaders can be considered a second birth. The history of Russia experienced such births more than once, but this convinced Europe more than anyone of the resilience and steadfastness of the Russian character. It would seem that everything is already lost, the war is deadly for Russia, but the Russian people never give up and fight to the last drop of blood, achieving success in almost hopeless situations. This characteristic feature for Russians manifested itself in all wars, but Kutuzov used it most of all, or rather, the people gave him this right. The war of 1812 was one of those rare cases in history when people united around one person, not because of his fame and success, not because of his wisdom and intelligence, although this also served as a defining moment, but because of the fact that in during this difficult time, he was spiritually close to him like no one else, he expressed the will of the people and this is not given to everyone.

Kutuzov, Barclay de Tolly and Bagration were so versatile people that they could defend the interests of Russia in any field of activity and on any front.

There is also some mystery in these people, which, it seems to me, is intertwined with their wisdom. In all the pictures they are depicted as thoughtful and looking somewhere in depth, knowing some great truth about the existence of all mankind. They seem to see through the ages and know in advance about all the accomplishments.

Today you can’t help comparing these great generals with political and statesmen of the present time and you understand that among them there are no people who contain at least a particle of those features that were inherent in them. This means that these people have nothing close to the people, they do not have the problems that are inherent in their people, and they do not have a soul mate with their people - because they are guided not by state principles, but by personal ones, like once Alexander. And who is not guided by them? Maybe it was the honest Kutuzov, Barclay and Bagration who were somehow special, maybe they were specially sent to mankind by God to save him from the bloodthirsty Napoleon?

One way or another, the significance of these people is great not only for the whole of Russia, which they saved from the enslavers who were thirsty for profit, but also for the whole world, and in particular Europe, whose peoples were exhausted from the oppression of Napoleon's servants. In this regard, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration and Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly can only be called "the saviors of Europe."

List of used literature

1. Bragin M. ZhZL M.I. Kutuzov

2. Zhilin P.A. The death of the Napoleonic army in Russia

3. Mironov G.E. History of Russian Goverment

4. Tarle E.V. M.I. Kutuzov - commander and diplomat

5. Troitsky N.A. 1812. Great Year of Russia

Hosted on Allbest.ru

Similar Documents

Highlights of the life path of outstanding commanders of the Patriotic War of 1812: Kutuzov, Barclay de Tolly, Kutaisov, Platov, Raevsky, Bagration, Kulnev, Miloradovich, Dokhturov. Evaluation of their military prowess and victories.

presentation, added 04/06/2014


Causes of the Patriotic War of 1812, its main events. History of the Battle of Borodino. Participation of the Russian people during the Patriotic War of 1812. Results and consequences of the Patriotic War. Acceleration of the complex process of consolidation of the Russian nation.

test, added 02/25/2010


The just character of the Patriotic War of 1812. The efforts of falsifiers of history: slander on the brilliant commander M.I. Kutuzov. Patriotic war of 1812 and its heroes. The course of the Battle of Borodino, the causes of fires in Moscow and the disappointment of Napoleon.

abstract, added 12/07/2010


Causes of the Napoleonic invasion. The battle for Smolensk and the beginning of the partisan war. Relations between Bagration and Barclay. Battle of Borodino and Moscow fire. Losses of the French army while crossing the Berezina River. Outcome of the Patriotic War of 1812

abstract, added 01/18/2011


Background to the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812. Preparation for war, characteristics of the military forces of France and Russia on the eve of the war. Start of hostilities. History of the Battle of Borodino. End of the war, Tarutino battle. Consequences of the War of 1812.

abstract, added 03/25/2014


Background of the Patriotic War of 1812, Russia's participation in the anti-French coalition. Reasons for the defeat and loss of Napoleon's army. The historical significance of the French invasion. Attempts to resolve the peasant issue, the development of the Constitution after the war.

abstract, added 04/27/2013


M.B. Barclay de Tolly as Minister of War. Reforms in the War Department. Reorganization of the Russian ground forces. Reconstruction and construction of fortresses. M.B. Barclay de Tolly - Commander-in-Chief of the Russian troops during World War II.

term paper, added 02/11/2013


Causes of the Patriotic War of 1812. The conflict between Russia and France over the continental blockade. Start of hostilities. The system of manning the Russian army by recruiting from serfs. Battle of Borodino. Consequences of the war.

test, added 03/15/2009


Biography and exploits of the heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812. Causes and prerequisites for the start of the war. breakdown strategic plan Napoleon. Retreat and unification of Russian troops. The course of hostilities, the partisan movement, the Battle of Borodino and the liberation.

control work, added 12/05/2009


Development of the main theoretical provisions of the conduct of guerrilla warfare by Kutuzov. The importance of the morale of troops in military affairs. The activities of Field Marshal of the Russian Army M.B. Barclay de Tolly. Significance in the war of 1812 D. Davydov and Prince Bagration.