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by Jean Lochet
Editor-in-Chief
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This issue of Empires, Eagles & Lions wil1 reinforce one of the irrefutable facts of military history: that opposing sides shall save a different version of a battle or campaign for future generations to interpret.
We are presenting the third part and second battle in our series on the Six Days Campaign of 1814, the battle of Montmirail- Marchais in which Napoleon defeated Sacken's Russian Corps and
part of Yorck's Prussian Corps. This multi-part article examines the battle as seen and reported by the three different opponents, the French, the Prussians, and the Russians. What is most interesting is the vast differences in these three reports. Each side brings up battle
details that are not mentioned by their opponents.
There is no doubt that each side fought like lions and that is well reflected in these accounts. The French emphasize how the Guard carried the day. But in this battle, the Guards losses were heavy and Napoleon could not replace these precious veterans. The ever growing number of Allied troops would eventually overwhelm the French. Napoleon, despite his brilliant maneuvering during the Six Days, only postponed the inevitable that would end at Fontainebleau
with his abdication.
In addition to his excellent contribution about the Prussian side of the story, George Nafziger has provided us with the difficult to find orders of battle for the battle of Montmirail-Marchais.
But there is much more in EE&L #9. We are especially proud to present "Thunder Child: The Impact of Society on French Massed Artillery Doctrine" authored by Lt. Colonel Wilbur E. Gray. And of course let us not forget our regular columns: Leona's Corner, Reader's Forum, Dana Lombardy's Napoleonic Sourcebook (featuring our first Holiday Shopping Guide), and more for your reading pleasure.
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. |