The Italians in 1813

Battle of Repatriation

by A. Ricciadello, Poland

On the retreat after Leipzig the Italians were ordered by Napoleon to return to Italy to reinforce Eugene and more importantly form the experienced cadres to rebuild the regiments. Zucchi's brigade was reduced to; Unit Off men horses 5th Line 26 265 23 2nd Light 6 89 68 4th Chas 8 67 68 Totals 40 421 99 Other columns of march were formed for the return home; the 15th division; Unit Off men horses Art. 3 6 114 1st Light 7 42 151 Guardia Milan 1 8 64 1st Line 3 28 101 4th 3 30 95 6th 5 24 110 7th 3 19 83 Totals 25 157 718 Unit Off men 2nd Light 6 191 5th Line 17 499 2nd Coy. Marines 1 29 9th Coy. Marines 1 23 Medics & Services 2 49 Totals 27 791 Unit Off men horses Horse Art. 0 23 7 Art. Train 2 113 15 1st Chas Cheval 1 57 19 2nd Chas Cheval 0 14 6 4th Chas Cheval 7 102 78 Nap Drags. 10 111 82 Transport 1 47 7 Totals 21 467 214 From the autumn of 1812 to the spring of 1813 a total 28,400 Italians crossed the Alps with 8,900 horses. 3000 returned with 500 horses. I think the last figures tell the real story and now I'm off to paint Zucchi and friends for my army. References Comando del Corps di Stato Maggiore (ufficio storico)., Gli Italiani in Germany nel 1813. Reprint, Ermanno Albertelli Editor. 1993. More Italians in 1813 Introduction Battle of Mockern Battle of Weissig Battle of Konigswartha Battle of Pilgramsdorf Reorganization of 15th Division Battle of Lahn Battle of Wartenburg Repatriation Back to Table of Contents -- First Empire #55 Back to First Empire List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2000 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