Mikhail Kutuzov (16 September 1745-28 April 1813) was a Russian commander of the Napoleonic Wars.
Biography[]
Russian aristocrat Mikhail Kutuzov was fortunate to survive his early military career - twice shot through the head, he lost only an eye. He was recalled from retirement from 1805 to command an army against Napoleon, although his caution before Austerlitz was ignored Czar Alexander. He thus avoided blame for this defeat. In August 1812, with Russian armies falling back in the face of Napoleon's invasion, he was again called upon to take command. Although aging and somnolent, Kutuzov was welcomed as embodying Russian patriotism. He withdrew to the gates of Moscow before making a stand at Borodino. During this epic battle, he issued few orders but allowed carnage to ensue.
The decision to withdraw beyond Moscow, yet refuse to make peace, was his masterstroke. He shadowed the French retreat, and through a clash at Maloyaroslavets, forced Napoleon to march through already devastated land. Harassing the French while refusing to seek battle, he allowed hunger, cold, and distance to ravage them before the crossing of the freezing Berezina River claimed many thousands more casualties.
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