Celebrations timed for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino have been held near Krasnoye Selo outside St. Petersburg, where the Russian Imperial Army was deployed in the summer of 1812. This photo gallery was prepared by the RIA Novosti in St. Petersburg Web site.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
Like 100 years ago, celebrations timed for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino have been held near Krasnoye Selo outside St. Petersburg, where the Russian Imperial Army was deployed in the summer of 1812.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
The Glory of Borodino festival is part of celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino, which was fought on the Moskva River on August 26 (September 7, Old Style) in 1812.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
The reenactment of some events of the battle included violent attacks by Napoleon’s cavalry, coherent firing by the Russian artillery units and the rhythmic marching of the infantry.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
The Russian Imperial Army converged with foreign troops in a merciless battle.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
The reenactment of the battle in the foothills of the Kirchhof of the Duderhof Heights in Krasnoye Selo lasted more than an hour.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
The Battle of Borodino was the largest battle of the Patriotic War of 1812. In France it is known as the Bataille de la Moskowa (Battle of the Moskva River).
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
When Napoleon invaded Russia, he planned to hold the main battle near the border, but the retreating Russian Army lured him inland.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
At the beginning of the battle, the Russian Army had 120,000 troops (including 7,000 Cossacks, about 10,000 soldiers and 15,000 new conscripts) and 624 artillery guns. The French had about 130,000-135,000 troops and 587 artillery guns.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
The Battle of Borodino began between 5 and 6 p.m. on September 7 (August 26, Old Style) with an exchange of artillery fire by the Russian and French armies and a French attack at the village of Borodino launched to divert attention from the French Army’s main thrust.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
Napoleon advanced 45,000 troops and 400 artillery guns against 20,000 Russian troops and 300 artillery guns. The battle soon turned into hand-to-hand combat.
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© RIA Novosti . Vadim Zhernov
Around midnight, Mikhail Kutuzov, knowing that he had no troops to replenish losses, ordered a retreat. Before dawn on September 8 (August 27, Old Style), the Russian Army began retreating to Moscow, which was later surrendered to the French to save the army and Russia.
