From Russia with ... EtG After Action Report

Race to the Ula

A desperate French retreat meets a determined Russian blockade, 15 November 1812

The retreat from Moscow had become a nightmare for Napoleon's Grande Armée. Starvation, exhaustion, and the relentless Russian winter were claiming more lives than the battlefield itself. Following the French defeat at Smoliani, the remnants of II Corps faced yet another obstacle on their long road to safety—the icy waters of the Ula River.

Their only hope lay in securing the remaining bridges before General Peter Wittgenstein's pursuing Russian Army could close the trap.

The Situation

Three French divisions—two infantry and one light cavalry—advanced west toward Minsk with orders to seize the surviving crossings over the Ula. Supporting the operation were two precious pontoon bridging trains that had somehow survived the catastrophic retreat from Moscow. Should the permanent bridges be lost, the engineers would have one final opportunity to throw temporary bridges across the river.

Opposing them, Wittgenstein commanded two substantial infantry divisions supported by a light cavalry division of Hussars and Light Dragoons. Understanding the importance of the river crossings, the Russian commander divided his forces to attack from both banks while ensuring the bridges remained firmly in Russian hands.

The stage was set for a desperate contest in the fading days of Napoleon's Russian campaign.

Opening Moves

The French advance began aggressively. Their leading troops quickly occupied the village of Primoczino, halting barely 800 yards from the Ula River. Unfortunately for the French, speed alone would not be enough.

Russian cavalry had already secured both bridges.

With the crossings denied, what had begun as a race quickly evolved into a brutal battle of attrition.

The Battle

Throughout the afternoon the French 2nd and 3rd Divisions deployed around Primoczino, searching for an opportunity to force the Russians away from the river.

In the center, cavalry from both armies fought a series of spirited engagements. Charges and countercharges echoed across the frozen fields as sabres flashed, but neither side managed to gain a decisive advantage. After several fierce encounters, both cavalry divisions withdrew bloodied but unbroken.

On the French right, disciplined infantry repeatedly formed square to repel aggressive Russian cavalry attacks. Although the squares proved virtually impregnable against mounted assaults, they presented perfect targets for the Russian horse artillery. Roundshot tore through the densely packed formations, inflicting heavy casualties while steadily wearing down the French line.

Along the river itself, Russian infantry stubbornly clung to the bridgeheads, frustrating every French attempt to seize a crossing before darkness.

The Result

As daylight faded, neither army had been driven from the field. Casualties were remarkably even, testimony to the determined fighting displayed by both sides.

Yet victory is measured by objectives rather than losses.

The French had failed in their primary mission. The bridges remained firmly under Russian control, and no crossing of the Ula had been achieved. With winter tightening its grip and time slipping away, another opportunity for escape had been lost.

General Wittgenstein had accomplished exactly what he intended—delaying the retreating French and denying them access to the vital river crossings.

Scenario Result

Minor Russian Victory

The battle proved to be a tense and enjoyable scenario that swung back and forth throughout the afternoon. Although the casualty count remained almost perfectly balanced, the Russians held the key terrain at the end of the game and therefore secured the victory. The French were left facing another hazardous day in their retreat, with the Ula River still barring their path westward.

Many thanks go to Tim Harwood, Jim Dan, Jimmy Jones, Jim Klenzendorf, James Ridenour, John McDowell, and Wes Noble for another outstanding day of Eagles to Glory. Their sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and determination made for a memorable and hard-fought game worthy of the desperate final months of Napoleon's 1812 campaign.