Battle of Valutino facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Valutino
Part of the French invasion of Russia
French infantry at the Battle of Valutino, by Christian Wilhelm von Faber du Faur
Date 19 August 1812 Location Near Smolensk, Russian Empire 54°49′23″N 32°14′28″E / 54.8231°N 32.2411°E / 54.8231; 32.2411 Result French victory
Belligerents
French Empire	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Michel Ney Jean-Andoche Junot Charles Gudin (DOW)	Barclay de Tolly Nikolay Tuchkov
Strength
35,000	25,000
Casualties and losses
7,000-8,800	6,000

The Battle of Valutino (also known as the Battle of Lubino) was a fierce fight during Napoleon's French invasion of Russia in 1812. It happened on August 19, 1812, near the city of Smolensk in Russia. This battle involved about 35,000 French and allied soldiers led by Marshal Ney. They fought against around 25,000 Russian soldiers. The Russian forces were a special group called a "rearguard." They were led by General Barclay de Tolly. The Russians had a strong position, protected by marshy ground and a small stream. Even with these challenges, the French managed to win the battle.

Why the Battle Happened: The Prelude

After the Battle of Smolensk, Napoleon hoped to trap the main Russian army. He wanted to stop them from escaping. However, he soon found out that the Russian force waiting for his army was only a rearguard. This rearguard was led by General Tuchkov. General Barclay de Tolly's main army was spread out near Smolensk. They were trying to get away from the French. The Russian rearguard then turned around to fight the French at the Stragan river. This was to give the main army more time to escape.

The Battle Unfolds

The battle began with a heavy artillery attack from the French. Marshal Ney then launched an assault against the Russian lines. His troops managed to cross the Stragan river. However, they struggled to capture the high ground where the Russians were positioned.

Murat's cavalry (soldiers on horseback) tried to attack. But they got stuck in the muddy ground. This made their attacks ineffective. General Junot's troops were very close to the fighting. Murat urged him to join the attack. If Junot had attacked, it might have been a huge victory for the French. But Junot did not engage his troops. This missed chance was a big moment in the battle.

A few hours later, Marshal Ney launched the final French attack. General Gudin led this important assault. During the intense fighting, he was hit by a cannonball. He lost one leg and sadly died three days later from an infection. Despite this loss, the French soldiers fought hard. They finally managed to capture the high ground. By this time, most of General Barclay's main army had escaped. They were heading towards a place called Lubino.

What Happened Next: Aftermath

The Battle of Valutino was very costly for both sides. The French suffered about 7,000 to 8,800 casualties (soldiers killed, wounded, or missing). The Russians lost around 6,000 soldiers.

Napoleon was very angry after the battle. He realized that he had missed another great chance. He wanted to trap and destroy the Russian army. But they had managed to get away again. This battle showed how difficult it was for Napoleon to achieve a decisive victory in Russia.

See also

• List of battles of the French invasion of Russia