Russia
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Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Archival Overview
Russian field marshal who defeated Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Russia in 1812. His strategic patience, brutal defensive stand at Borodino, and scorched-earth operational retreat preserved the Russian army and destroyed the Grande Armée.
Biographical Record
Mikhail Kutuzov (1745–1813), a veteran pupil of Suvorov who had survived two catastrophic gunshot wounds to the head, assumed supreme command of Russian armies in August 1812. At the titanic Battle of Borodino, his troops fought Napoleon's grand assault to a bloody standstill.
Overruling his generals at the Council of Fili, he made the agonizing strategic decision to abandon Moscow to save the army: "With the loss of Moscow, Russia is not lost; but with the loss of the army, Russia is perished." His pursuit through the freezing Russian winter eradicated the invading army.
Key Life Milestones
The Bloodbath of Borodino
Commanded 120,000 Russian troops against Napoleon's Grande Armée in the bloodiest single day of the Napoleonic Wars.
The Council of Fili
Made the visionary strategic choice to sacrifice Moscow in order to preserve the field army and defeat the invader.
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialBunzlau (Bolesławiec), Poland