1812: Napoleon in Moscow

by Paul Britten Austin

Reviewed by Paul Chamberlain


1812: Napoleon in Moscow by Paul Britten Austin
Published by Greenhill (1995)
Hardback, 264 pages, 2 maps, 27 black and white plates
Price 19.50 pounds
ISBN 1-85367-195-9

This book follows the author's previous work entitled 1812: The March on Moscow, and begins at the gates of this city. 1812: Napoleon in Moscow uses extracts from the accounts of over one hundred of the participants, both French and their 'allies'. It is a very original way of telling the story of the French invasion of Russia and the march on Moscow. The book covers the six months of 1812 when Napoleon's army arrived at the city, remained in the place, and their eventual withdrawal.

It is a virtual day-by-day account of this period, by such eyewitnesses as V.Bertrand, a Carabinier Sergeant in the 7th Light Infantry; G.Bonnet, a Grenadier captain in the 18th Line; D. van Hogendorp, a Dutch General and governor of the Vilna province; and C.Wary, First Valet to Napoleon.

Using a very wide cross-section of such accounts, the author paints a very vivid picture of life in Moscow at the time, bringing the people, both great and small, to life. We hear the opinions of the soldiers regarding the accommodation allocated to them and the scarcity of food (this was a major problem). However, the strength of the book is that we hear of what the soldiers thought of the events going on around them, such as their impression of Moscow itself; the start of the fires in the city; and their views on the Russian civilian population. The French and their allies looted the city during their stay, and their plunder is described in colourful detail! The work gives a fascinating insight into the life of a soldier of the time, and what the different troops thought of each other. Many of the soldiers set up markets to dispose of their booty, especially the infantry of the Imperial Guard, who became known as the Jews of Moscow by the rest of the army!

This story of the occupation of Moscow is not simply about life in the city. While many troops were billetted there, Murat's cavalry was constantly in action against the Russians, and the story details life on campaign in Russia, with accounts of the fate of any Frenchmen taken prisoner. The story of these soldiers mirrors some of the problems that faced their compatriots many thousands of miles away in the Iberian Peninsula. In both theatres the French had serious problems in finding food for both men and horses, and large escorts were required to protect the foraging parties.

No part of the picture is neglected, for the author looks at Napoleon' s concerns for his army and his constant wait for news from Paris; through the eyes of his staff and servants. Throughout his stay in Moscow, he made constant peace overtures to Tsar Alexander, before finally facing the fact that the French should depart from the city if they were to survive. The book ends on their departure from Moscow, describing the vast caravans of loot that accompanied the army. A detailed bibliography is included to assist with further reading.

Paul Britten Austin is producing a very lucid account of Napoleon' s invasion and subsequent retreat from Russia. What make this work different from previous studies of the subject is that the author is looking at each phase of the campaign in detail, using accounts written by the men and women who were there. This brings the campaign very vividly to life, and by dealing with the various phases separately, the author is able to examine the story from all angles, and in great detail. If you have read his previous work 1812: The March on Moscow, then this second part of the study is essential and compulsive reading. I certainly look forward to reading the next volume 1812: The Great Retreat, that Greenhill will publish later this year.

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