Plan of the Battle of Maloyaroslavets (24th October, 1812) during Napoleon's retreat from Russia. Shows the Russian and French positions.



Maloyaroslavets was an important battle during Napoleon's retreat from Russia. Located about 80 miles southwest of Moscow, Maloyaroslavets blocked the route to Kaluga, Napoleon's preferred method of retreat.



A contingent of 15,000 Russians intercepted the head of the retreating French army and attempted to hold the town while awaiting reinforcements. Over the course of the day the town changed hands eight times, but eventually the French and Italian forces broke through and the Russians retreated to their strategic defensive position at Kaluga.



Despite winning the battle, Napoleon was forced to accept that his preferred southern route out of Russia through Kaluga was no longer viable, and instead marched further north towards Smolensk through harsh winter conditions.



Original hand-colour. [RUS2647]