Battle of the Berezina
Near Studenka, Belarus
What happened
Napoleon's retreating Grande Armée faced Russian armies under Peter Wittgenstein and Admiral Pavel Chichagov. The Russians destroyed the bridge at Borisov, so Napoleon's army had to find another way across the Berezina River. While diversions drew the Russians away, the French built bridges at Studienka, and over several days troops crossed under attack. The French burned the bridges on the morning of 29 November, leaving many stragglers behind.
Why it matters
Napoleon escaped with the experienced core of his army, which he needed to rebuild his forces. Even so, the crossing cost the French very heavily.
What came next
Napoleon left the army at Vilna on 5 December, and the survivors crossed the Niemen on 14 December. The campaign led into the War of the Sixth Coalition.
Did you know?
In French, the word 'Berezina' came to mean a disaster.
Timeline
- 24 October 1812Battle of Maloyaroslavets.
- 26 November 1812The Berezina crossing begins.
- 29 November 1812The French burn the bridges.
- 5 December 1812Napoleon leaves the army at Vilna.
- 14 December 1812The survivors cross the Niemen.