July,8-10 (June,26-28)
(From P.A.Zhilin "The Patriotic War Of 1812", Moscow,1988;
E.V.Tarle,Complete Works, Volume VII., Moscow 1959,
The collection of materials of the museum-panorama "The Borodino Battle" by I.A.Nickolaeva, N.A.Kolosov, P.M.Volodina, the 3rd edition, Moscow,1985)
General Of Cavalry Ataman Matvey Ivanovich PlatovThe portrait by Dow. |
The major engagements between the Russian troops of the 2nd Army of Prince Bagration and the French army took place to the south-west of Novogrudok in the region of the Karelichy and Mir villages. On July,8 the cavalry of Ataman Platov was attacked by the French cavalry near Karelichy. Platov's Cossacks drove the enemy off to Novogrudok.
The next day the Cossacks, covering the retreat of the main forces of the 2nd Army, stopped in the village of Mir.
From the beginning of the war, the 2nd Western Army under Bagration was in serious difficulty. Outnumbered, it was constantly pursued closely by the French forces.
Bargation decided to give his army a rest near Nesvizh and ordered Platov with his Cossacks to hold the village of Mir.
On July,9th there was a hard battle between the Cossacks and the Polish Uhlans of Rozhnetsky from the Corps of Marshal Poniatowsky. The cossacks used their favorite method - "venter"**, when they retreated at first, then suddenly surrounding and entrapping the enemies.
Platov formed a picket on the way to Mir, hiding two hundred Cossacks in a forest nearby. The regiment of V.A.Sysoev was in the town. 7 other regiments were hidden in a castle and a nearby grove. The enemy vanguard overran the Cossack picket and burst into Mir, but was forced out by Sysoev's regiment.
The Action of Platov's Cossacks At Mir. July,9,1812
The picture by Mazurovsky.
 Prince Joseph Poniatowski |
 Polish Uhlan (the figure painted by Helen and Nick Mozak) |
The Uhlans charged again, but were counterattacked by the Cossacks hidden in the grove. The Uhlans tried to retreat, but two hundred Cossacks blocked their way. This moment is caught in the above picture.
Platov's success gave Bagration an opportunity to continue marching his army to Bobruisk.
On the night of July,10th, the cavalry of Platov was reinforced by 16 squadrons under the command of General I.V.Vasilchikov. But the French had also brought up new forces and took the offensive. The combat lasted four hours with varying success. But at the height of the fighting, the light detachment of General L.E.Kuteinikov charged into the fray.
The French found themselves surrounded by Russian cavalry and after heavy fighting they were crushed. On the evening of July,10th, the main forces of the 2nd Western Army continued the retreat and in two lines went to Slutsk.
 Trumpeter of Polish Uhlans (painted by Helen and Nick Mozak) |
** Venter: a ruse, where a small detachments retreats, drawing the enemy into a trap where hidden reenforcements can attack them.
