Events for Monday 29th November 2021

Only £19.99

Battle of Berezina ends

29th November 1812

In the winter of 1812, Napoleon's army retreated from Moscow under appalling conditions, hunted by three separate Russian armies, its chances of survival apparently nil. By late November Napoleon had reached the banks of the River Berezina - the last natural obstacle between his army and the safety of the Polish frontier. But instead of finding the river frozen solid enough to march his men across, an unseasonable thaw had turned the Berezina into an icy torrent. Having already ordered the burning of his bridging equipment, Napoleon's predicament was serious enough: but with the Russian army of Admiral Chichagov holding the opposite bank. The battle ended with a mixed outcome. The French suffered very heavy losses but managed to cross the river and avoid being trapped.

Further Reading

The Battle of the Berezina
(Hardback - 288 pages)
by Alexander Mikaberidze

In the winter of 1812, Napoleon's army retreated from Moscow under appalling conditions, hunted by three separate Russian armies, its chances of survival apparently nil. By late November Napoleon had reached the banks of the River Berezina - the last natural obstacle between his army and the safety of the… Read more...

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