Fighting for Food

Italian Exploits 1812

by A. Ricciardiello, Poland

In the Russian campaign of 1812, a great concern for the officers was provisioning for the army, in Russia probably more so than usual. What follows are interesting episodes, which precisely came about because of the need to get food. They are characterised by their audacity, which more than likely contributed in great part to their success. The first actions reveal a great deal of courage and coolness in the heat of battle that is sometimes found in reading about successfully brilliant one off events, the other is reminiscent of something Hollywood might dream up: a kind of Rambo in Russia, or more like Sharpe in Spain. Cavalry are the protagonists in the first stories. A detachment of Queen's dragoons from the Italian Royal Guard, were sent off by Eugene to reconnoitre towards Ousviat, under the command of Colonel Narboni and to look out for Russian supplies. When in the area they made contact with a Russian convoy strongly guarded by a group of infantry. A squadron charged and captured 200 wagons full of oats, flour and rye. They also bagged an officer and 14 men. But this is straight forward. On the same day (31.7.12) Eugene heard of another strongly guarded convoy on the road to Velij, along the river Dwina. Thus, under the command of Colonel Banco (his A.D.C. and commander of the 2nd Chasseurs a Cheval) 200 picked men from his regiment were sent to search for the convoy. Banco They met the convoy at the bridge crossing the Dwina. The Russians had 300 cavalry, blocking the bridge with 4 battalions in a square and their wagons in the middle. Undaunted Banco charged at the enemy, cavalry who promptly turned and fled across the bridge. Banco's command turned on the infantry, who fired at them. Worse though in front of the square was a deep ditch which broke the charge. Without infantry or artillery support, in a disadvantageous, vulnerable position Banco had to think quickly, his men were itching for a fight -- asking him to charge. He sent a squad to watch the Russian cavalry and hold them up, who by now would probably be reforming beyond the infantry, another squad went down and up two narrow ramps that enabled them to cross the ditch. Shortly, after they found a better way out which they used. Out of the ditch they reordered themselves and charged at the square. Five times without success. It seemed that the only option was to retire, but this would lead them not only to failure, but further danger in crossing the ditch with the Russians hanging onto their coat tails. Banco and a few others scouted around to try and find a weak spot. They, charged again screaming at the other men to do likewise Details are lacking here, but it seems as these few managed to break the square and wreaked havoc. In all they took 500 prisoners and 150 wagons for the loss of about 50 men. For this action the Emperor nominated Banco as Commander of the Iron Crown. Marcheselli On 7th August unfolded the next tale in these adventures. This is a report sent to Eugene by General Pino, which was to be sent on to the Emperor. A captain of the 3rd Italian line regiment, called Marcheselli was detached with 18 men from the Italian division on a mission. They stayed at Polotsk for several days, where they believed they would join up with the 4th Division. But, because of false information received they eventually found themselves instead on top of a Russian convoy only 2 leagues from Nevel. They got amongst the convoy, saw off the escort and took about 200 wagons. They also freed 500 Polish recruits who were being led in chains to Nevel to be incorporated into Russian battalions. Marchescelli heard to his left and rear the cannonades of the combat between the Duke of Reggio and Wittgenstein's Corps and so when reaching the outskirts of Nevel he announced that fire was the advance guard of a considerable French column, his aim being to commandeer supplies. Not satisfied with what he heard, he wanted to see for himself what the actual state of the fortress was. With some of his men he went up to the gates of the city on two light wagons. His arrival was enough to sound the alarm and a patrol of Cossacks was sent out. Marcheselli did not lose his cool. He quickly rejoined his convoy and passed through the suburbs and over some small bridges crossing a ravine. He destroyed the bridges and so stopped the troops following him. Unfortunately in mistaking the road he lost part of the convoy, but in so doing fooled the enemy following him, and he reached Witebsk with 40 wagons. This officer has now arrived at Souraj with his booty. The wagons are loaded with food, mainly Russian biscuit. The men that accompanied him give testimony to the sincerity of his account, and Captain Marcheselli refers to the joy, of the people at the arrival of the French, which is not shared by the Barons, etc. This officer learned that at Nevel all the baggage of Wittgenstein's army was there comprising over 800 wagons and guarded by not more than 200 Russians. One off events such as these certainly show the main concerns of the rank and file, as well as some of the superior officers, and fighting clearly does not limit itself to just outmanoeuvring for set piece battles. They also show how a bit of cheek can bring about some luck that in turn can bring success. Didn't someone once say that you make your own luck? Source Comando del Corpo di Stato Maggiore (ufficio storico). Gli Italiani in Russia nel 1812. Ermanno Albertelli publishers. 1993. 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