Battles & Campaigns · 1812
Battle of Valutino
Valutino, east of Smolensk, Russia
What happened
After Smolensk, Napoleon hoped to trap Barclay's retreating army. Ney attacked a Russian rearguard posted in marshy ground about 20 km east of the city. Murat's cavalry got stuck in the marsh and Junot did not attack, and by the time the French took the high ground most of Barclay's army had escaped.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The battle was indecisive. The rearguard's stand let the main Russian army get away, and Napoleon lost his chance to trap it.
What came next
Kutuzov took command of the Russian army later in August, and the armies met again at Borodino.
Did you know?
Napoleon reportedly complained that Junot's failure to attack meant he would 'now never earn his Marshal's Baton!'
Timeline
- 18 August 1812Barclay's army leaves Smolensk.
- 19 August 1812Battle of Valutino.
- 29 August 1812Kutuzov takes over the Russian army.