Russian Army Study Group

Napoleonic Newsdesk

by Paul Chamberlain

Russian Troops fought all over Europe, at the Battles of Austerlitz, Eylau, Friedland and Borodino and were instrumental in the downfall of Napoleon. David Chandler wrote in his book On the Napoleonic Wars p.181 'Any consideration of the vast canvas of the Napoleonic Wars would be hopelessly incomplete without the consideration of the troops and achievements of "Holy Russia".'

This study group aims to consider these achievements, not just against France, but also Sweden and the Ottoman Empire, as well as its failures. As well as researching the uniforms and organisation, the group will also study the characteristics of the Russian soldier, his drill and the effects of war on the civilian, or whatever you wish.

To join the Study Group all you have to do is write at least one article per year for the newsletter, The Kiwer. Articles so far include Cossacks, the Russian Imperial Guard, Russian Colours captured at Austerlitz, Life in the Russian Infantry and it has reprinted various contemporary accounts concerning the characteristics of the Russian soldier.

With the help of members of the Russian Military Nistorical Association, I hope to put this research into practice, by raising a re-enactment unit, (The St Petersburg Grenadiers) which will be the only Russian regiment in the West. For more information on the Study Group or the re-enactment regiment then please write to;

Laurence Spring
12 Puckshill
Knaphill
Woking
Surrey, GU21 2BS.

More Newsdesk

Back to Table of Contents -- First Empire #37
Back to First Empire List of Issues
Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1997 by First Empire.
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com