Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 99.5 - French Invasion of Russia Part 6: March or Die
Apr 13, 2020
A brutal retreat from Moscow and the Grand Army’s collapse under relentless Cossack raids and freezing weather. Chaos on the march with looted baggage, collapsing discipline, and desperate survival tactics. Heroic rear-guard actions, desperate river crossings, and the creeping strategic fallout that seals Napoleon’s fate.
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Muscovites Turn On Leftover French
- The people of Moscow violently attacked leftover French wounded and looters as the French withdrew.
- Captain Thomas Aubry and three wounded Russian generals defended a hospital together until Russian regulars returned.
Napoleon's Retreat Was A Tactical Delusion
- Napoleon insisted the retreat was a tactical withdrawal and still considered attacking Kutuzov.
- His indecision squandered the last chance to exploit Russian weakness and helped doom the campaign.
Eugene's Italians Hold Burning Town
- Prince Eugene and mostly Italian troops defended the town of Mozhaysk (Mar'ino/Savlitz) in brutal street fighting and held despite heavy losses.
- The fighting cost both sides thousands and burned the town, making the victory strategically pointless.