Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 11

2. Battle of Hrodna – 5

On the morning of the day that would determine the fate of Russia and France in Hrodna, Baron Cathcart, ’11 the British ambassador in Russia, came to the temporary palace in Vilnius under the call of Alexander I. Baron Cathcart received strong protests from Alexander I. As promised, he had opposed France and Napoleon, but the reason was that the British support was insufficient.

“The Federal Bank has already issued a bill in His Majesty’s name of about 3.6 million pounds. With the friendship and trust of the two countries, Westminster Council will spare no support for the Empire, so please wait a little longer.”

The ambassador’s words were recognized as the official promises of the government. Alexander I did not doubt them. As the atmosphere eased, the two enjoyed lunch and had a casual chat. During most of it, they blamed Napoleon, the common enemy of Britain and Russia. Meanwhile, Alexander I hinted at what he really wanted to ask.

“I’ve heard a very interesting rumor lately. There was a massive revolt and demonstration against Nabot in Paris. I heard it’s such a big rebellion that Nabot had to rethink the expedition itself.”

The Baron was surprised at the words of the Tsar, whose eyes were glowing.

“l-is that true, Your Majesty? If it’s true, it’s a great fortune for both the Empire and us!”

“…It’s a rumor that has not been confirmed yet. Of course, we have secured circumstantial evidence.”

Alexander I tried to mesure the falsehood of the rumor by looking at Baron Cathcart’s reaction, but he only got some surprised words, as if the Baron had no idea about it.

“The Empire and your country are on the same boat to fight against France, our common enemy. So if you have any information about this, you should share it.”

“Indeed, I should. But I’ve never heard of such information. Of course, it takes at least 10 days for information to get here because of the distance…”

Alexander I tried to hide his uncomfortable feelings by saying ‘Is that so?’ when he promised to let him know as soon as he confirmed the authenticity of the rumor. It was a rumor that even the British, who sent hundreds of spies to France alone every year, did not know about…

‘I wonder if this is Nabot’s deceptive operation, huh? But his main corps is already retreating to Paris. I can’t rule out the possibility that all this is a hoax made by the islanders.’

He was confused. What on earth was true and what was false? Alexander I had fought several wars, but it was the first war mixing uncertainty and difficulty.

===

There was a close game of push and pull centered on the town of Labrodotangals. Located in front of the city of Hrodna, this small town was a major stronhold that could affect the direction of the whole battle. Although they had pushed a considerable number of troops to capture the village of Labrodotangals, they had struggled against the enemy defending the place, repeatedly shooting and hiding, using the reed forest as a cover.

‘When Tuchkov launched an attack to capture the artillery, I definitely should have provided support. That was the decisive moment to seize the battlefield dominance!…’

General Barclay blamed himself, thinking he should have pushed more elite soldiers despite the enemy’s intensive fire and lead shots, but the past was already gone. As the deadlock was prolonged, anxiety began to appear on the soldiers’ expressions. The officers offered various opinions to break through. Barclay and the other generals gathered some of the ideas that seemed quite good and put them into practice.

They sent a quick squad to attack the area where the enemy’s headquarters were located. However, they were stopped by a grenadiers regiment waiting in the rear. They advanced with their artillery placed in the safe rear, and even tried to push forward with overwhelming cannon firepower. But rather, they were intercepted by the enemy artillery and only damaged the small cannons. Their cannon handling skills were just as good as those of the French. An officer suggested in a powerful voice to Barclay, who was slightly frustrated.

“How about releasing the Cossack cavalry and striking their supply camp in the rear? They must have a supply camp close by, seeing that their ammunition is not running out.”

“Well… that’s a good idea. Do it right away.”

The Cossack cavalry on the rough, uneven, and wild grasslands was simply the best light cavalry in the world. They were unrivaled in looting, arson, and slaughter, and as soon as the orders were issued, they turned to the right side of the battlefield faster than anyone else and invaded the rear of the Allied Forces.

“Burn everything! Kill them all!”

“Ring Rus’ funeral march!”

The speed of the excited Cossack cavalry was not something that the Allied cavalry dared to match. The Cossacks rushed toward the supply camp predicted by the commander, displaying ingenious horsemanship to avoid the shots of the soldiers deployed in various places. Barclay and the officers all jumped out of their seats as they watched their fierce battle with telescopes from the headquarters. The Cossacks themselves were sure of the success of the operation. However, the secret weapon of the Allied Corps was relentlessly breaking their sweet dreams.

Bang! Boom! Bang! Bang! Boom!

New artillery was coming from the side and firing! The cannons, which had never appeared in the battle so far, fired in unison. They were aiming at the Cossack cavalry as if they knew they would come here. The iron shells that flew with terrible kinetic energy were enough to crush the running horses.

In an instant, the ranks of the Cossack cavalry shattered. It was an unexpected surprise attack, so the damage was tremendous. The horses swept away by the shelling rolled on the grass in a mess, and the riders were crushed by such warhorses. The cannons of the Allied Forces, which were equally striking the horses and the riders, were the god of battle itself.

“Oh my God! Blow the retreat trumpet right away! Order the Cossacks to come back!”

Pooooooo

The injured Cossack riders turned their heads, but what awaited them was the Cuirassiers who had been chasing after them. The Cossacks swallowed dry saliva when they saw the bright Cuirassiers. In a battle between light cavalry and armored cavalry, the Cossacks could not do anything, despite being skilled in horsemanship.

The artillery fire and the assault of the armored cavalry continued simultaneously. The rulers of the grasslands eventually had to go back, losing as much as half of their power. General Barclay stared at the officer who had suggested using the Cossack cavalry, who had his mouth shut and his head lowered.

Barclay looked at the clock. It was 5 pm. It had already been four hours since the full-fledged battle had begun. Soon the night would come and they would not be able to continue the battle. The Polish Corps would be here in a day or two, and the Napoleon’s Corps would arrive between two and four days.

Before that, they had to end the battle unconditionally.

‘What the hell is that Georgian guy doing, he can’t even get through the Austrian and Prussian troops!’

Staring at the Bagration corps blocked on the Krunol Hill, Barclay vented his anger.

It had looked like they could defeat the Allied Corps and capture Hrodna at any moment, but the only achievement they got after four hours was to occupy one bastion, and that was all.

TL notes

[1] William Cathcart