Special ‘s Lithuanian forces Part I

1812 Napoleonic Vytis — Vytautas the Great War Museum collection.

Helmet Badge with Vytis of the 1812 Napoleonic Lithuanian 17th Lancer — Vytautas the Great War Museum collection.

Uhlan of the 17th Lithuanian Lancer Regiment, 1812.

INTRODUCTION: WHY FRANCE? monwealth with losing large parts eview any history of the Lithuanian of its Latvian, Ukrainian, and Belorussian nation written in English and you will lands. The second partition of 1793 resulted only find a brief reference to the exis- in even greater loss of territory and brought Rtence of the Napoleonic Lithuanian. One of the the to the doorstep of ethnic major reasons for this obvious oversight is the Lithuania. A futile attempt to save the Com- fact that the majority of the Lithuanian leaders monwealth was lead by Lithuanian General of the time had been Polonized and subscribed Thaddeus Kosciuszko, but his forces were to the phrase "Gente Lituani, natione Poloni". suppressed by overwhelming strength after an They took pride in their Lithuanian heritage, eight months long struggle. The third partition but accepted the proposition that Lithuania of 1795 wiped Lithuania and off the had become a province in the State of Poland. map of as a sovereign nation. Cartridge Box of 1812 Napoleonic 17th Lithuanian In 1772, , Prussia, and Austria mili- Hopes for the liberation of Lithuania and Lancer Regiment — Vytautas the Great War tarily forced the dismemberment of the Com- Poland now were tied to the emergence of Museum collection.

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France as a military power under Napoleon Bonaparte. Thousands of and fled to France which had been almost the only nation to object to the partition and destruction of the Commonwealth. This ready supply of trained military exiles was a welcome source of manpower to the French army. Na- poleon quickly realized the potential they of- fered and in 1797 assisted in the formation of Poles and Lithuanians into the Polish Legion Auxiliary to the Republic of Lombardy during the Italian Campaign. The Polish Legion com- manded by General Jan Dombrowski gradually expanded and was eventually assimilated into the regular French army as the Vistula Legion and the Vistula . Though no figures exist of the number of Lithuanians that served Napoleon during his eighteen year reign the figure was quite large. It is documented that twelve thousand Lithua- nians and Wolhynians alone answered Napo- leon's September, 1806, call for volunteers. The major reason why Lithuania's contribution to Napoleon can only be estimated is the fact that Lithuanians and Poles were assigned to the same units without designation.

BIG HOPES: A REVOLT AGAINST RUSSIA Napeoleon's victories against the Prussians, Austrians, and Russians, during the 1806 Ger- man Campaign found him occupying several former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth pa- latinates annexed by Prussia. While preparing for peace negotiations at Tilsit, a Lithuanian delegation composed of Louis Pac, Count Joseph Sierakowski, and Count Thad- deus Tyszkiewicz, proposed to organize a re- volt against Russia if France would assist. The Emperor was not favorable and the envoys re- At first Lithuanians saw Napoleon as a saver from the Russian tsar’s occupation. Painting of Andrea Appiani.

turned home very depressed. Apathy gripped armed forces of the Duchy of included Lithuania, but hope was rekindled with Napo- General Joseph Niemojewski, Commander of leon's creation of the from the 2nd Polish Brigade; General Michael the captured palatinates. Frederick Augustus I, Grabowski, 1st Polish Infantry Regiment; Ge- King of Saxony, was proclaimed the ruler of the neral Thaddeus Tyszkiewicz, 2nd Polish Lancer new duchy and Prince Joseph , the Regiment; General Prince Michael Radzwill nephew of the last King and Grand Duke of the 5th Polish Infantry Regiment; General Prince Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, appointed Dominik Karol Radzwill, 8th Polish Lancer Re- the Minister of War. As established the Duchy giment, and Colonel Constantine , of Warsaw included the former Lithuanian dis- 16th Polish Infantry Regiment. These officers trict of (Užnemunė). and thousands of enlisted men served with great Though the failure of Napoleon to liberate all distinction during the 1809 Austrian Campaign of Lithuania disillusioned many, thousands of against Russian and Austrian forces. Lithuanians rushed to enlist in the ranks of the With increased hostilities between Napo- armed forces of the Duchy of Warsaw. Senior leon and Czar Alexander over the Russian fai- Lithuanian noblemen joining the ranks of the lure to comply with the Continental Economic

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made no definite commitments. The Russian military levies imposed as a result of Alexan- der's campaigns have caused a great short- age of manpower, horses, supplies, and cash in Lithuania as in other parts of his empire. The Russian army traditionally lived off the land and had continually marched criss-cross Lithuania on the way to foreign battlefields spreading panic and epidemics. Thousands of Lithuanians were forced into Russian military service, while others volunteered believing in Alexander's promise of self-administration. Notable Lithuanian military units in the Rus- sian army included the Lithuanian , The Vilna Mousquetaries, the Samogitia Grenadier Regiment, and the Lithuanian Imperial Guard Infantry Regiment. Lithuanian manpower was badly depleted by such military service as well as the flight of freedom fighters join- ing Napoleon's forces. Thousands of patriotic Lithuanians died in the ranks of both Alex- ander's and Napoleon's armies believing that they were fighting in the best interest of their home land. While Alexander relaxed in , Na- poleon gradually moved his Grand Army of 600,000 men across Europe in preparation for the invasion of Russia. Though generally referred to as a French army it was composed of units from twenty different nations. On the eve of the invasion the Grand Army ad- vanced on four major fronts from the shores of the Baltic Sea to the banks of the Vistula River. Prince Karl Phillip Schwarzenberg marched from Galicia in southeastern Po- land with 30,000 Austrians. Duke Andoche Junot of Westphalia proceeded from Warsaw with 79,000 Westphalians, Saxons, and Poles. Viceroy Eugene de Beauharnais of ap- proached from Konigsberg with 79,500 Ba- varians, Italians, and French. The Center of Tsar Alexander I of Russia by F. Kruger (1837, Hermitage). the Grand Army consisting of 200,000 men under Napoleon's personal command gathe- System imposed on them by the Treaty of Til- source of their information. The names of indi- red near the village of Žagariškės about one sit agreement, Lithuania's hope for liberation viduals and geographic locations as a result ap- league above . again rose during the early months of 1812. pear in their original French or Polish forms. Napoleon's strategy was to form his attack This year would bring to a crest the years of sac- forces into three lines. The main force under rifice rendered by Lithuanians on Napoleon's THE RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN his own command, containing the greatest battlefields. Alexander's disastrous 1806 German number of native-born French, was to march The following history of Lithuanian military Campaign against Napoleon had led to the directly to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. His participation in the Russian 1812 Campaign establishment of the Duchy of Warsaw on his flanks and rear were to be covered by two auxi- is compiled largely from the Polish histori- border and he greatly feared further French liary armies and two semi-autonomous corps cal work of Bronislaw Gembarzewski, Wojsko incursion. Hoping to avert another Kosciusz- predominately made up of allied soldiers. The Polskie 1807–1814, Warsaw, 1905, and the ko insurrection, Alexander actively encour- first auxiliary army under the command of his French work of Lithuanian Professor Bronius aged liberal projects of Lithuanian Princes stepson, Eugene de Beauharnais, marched pa- Dundulis, Napoleon et la Lituanie en 1872, Adam Czartoryski and Michael Cleophas rallel to the right of Napoleon and the second Paris, 1940. Both authors utilized original Oginski concerning the return of freedom army commanded by his brother King Jerome French and Polish military documents pre- and self-administration to Lithuania. Though marched still farther to the east towards Grod- served in official government archives as the his words offered hope of improvement, he no. The extreme flanks of the Grand Army were

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sults were most disastrous to the French forces. Movement of troops was impeded or abso- lutely checked and the vast troop and supply trains on the Vilnius-Kaunas Road became dis- organized. The existing roads became little bet- ter than quagmires causing the horses to break down under the additional strain. The delay and frequent loss of these supply trains caused both troops and horses to suffer. Napoleon's forces traditionally were well supplied by his transportation corps, but they proved inadequ- ate during the invasion. As the French army pushed deeper into Rus- sia, the natural consequences were of shortage of food supplies resulting in a breakdown of discip- Napoleon‘s forces by Jean Louis Ernest. line and marauding in quest of food. The Lithua- nians, whom the French forces were supposed to be guarded by the two semi-autonomous Lithuania going no farther than for to be liberating from Russian occupation, were formations. General MacDonald commanded the purpose of consolidating his rule in the maltreated and plundered everywhere by their the so called Prussian X Corps marching to former Polish-Lithuanian palatinates before at- deliverers. The water available in Lithuania was Napoleon's left along the Baltic Sea, while Ge- tempting to conquer Russia proper. scanty in quantity and often contaminated. The neral Schwarzenberg with his Austrian Corps Thus the Russian Campaign began with- combination of food and water problems caused proceeded into the western Ukraine. Napoleon out any formal declaration of war. Napoleon a frightful amount of diarrhea, dysentery, and also established a second line of defense in his entered Vilnius unopposed on June 27, 1812, typhus for which little could be done. The sick captured areas to act as replacements and as a and was warmly greeted by the Lithuanians as were left behind in temporary hospital camps communication channel. A third line consist- a liberating hero. Farther to the east, King Je- and thousands died due to filth, starvation, and ing of forces left in various garrisons extended rome Napoleon of Westphalia entered general destitution. It is estimated that only one from Gdansk across the Vistula. on June 30, 1812, and General Louis Henri in ten survived when stricken with such sick- Davout, Prince of Eckmuhl, captured on ness. The necessity of foraging for food and NAPOLEON IN LITHUANIA July 11, 1812, with only light resistance. water caused large detachments of Napoleon's On June 23,1812, Napoleon ordered his The Grand Army did not engage in any ma- forces to straggle behind the main body and dis- forces across the Nemunas River into Lithuania jor battle, however, the extreme heat, drought, cipline deteriorated with each mile. to start the Russian Campaign. The army quick- and rough terrain of Lithuania took a terrible Czar Alexander learned of the French inva- ly moved towards Kaunas, with the intention toll. Marshal Joachin Murat, King of Naples, sion during the evening of June 24,1812, while of liberating Lithuania and forcing Alexander who commanded Napoleon's Cavalry, esti- hosting a ball at Russian General Bennigsen's to sue for peace. At the outset of the campaign, mated that over 15,000 horses died and 50,000 Zakret estate a few miles from Vilnius and im- Napoleon had planned to establish himself in troops deserted during the short forced march mediately fled. from Kaunas to Vilnius. On June 29, 1812, a violent thunderstorm FORMATION OF THE LITHUANIAN struck Lithuania and continued for the next PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT five days producing continuous rain. The -re Napoleon's entry into Vilnius was greeted

Memorial plaque for Napoleon in Kaunas. The battle of Deltuva (Ukmergė) between the French and the Russian forces, June 28, 1812.

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President of the Provisional Government was Count Stanislas Soltan and its members were Prince Alexander , Joseph Sierakows- ki, Count Francis Jelski, Count Alexander Po- tocki, Charles Prozor, General Joseph Ignace , and Professor John Sniadecki of the University of Vilnius. Later with the un- timely death of Prince Sapieha, Count Ignace Tyzenhauz was appointed to the Council as his replacement. In principle the Provisional Government was autonomous, however, Napoleon also im- posed his own shadow military government. Vilnius became the French Imperial Head- quarters for all diplomacy and in effect a pro- visional capital of France. Dutch General Dirk Van Hogendorp was appointed the Lithuanian military-governor and General Maret Duc de Bassano Bigon the civilian commissioner rep- resenting Napoleon. The military government actually controlled the routine operations of the nation and it was thereafter extended into The imperator Napoleon I appoints the Temporary Lithuanian Government. Painting of Petras Kalpokas. each department and palatinate. The French military governors appointed for the Depart- with great pomp and ceremony. An honor University of Vilnius and eagerly abandoned ments were General Jomini in Vilnius, General guard was formed in imitation of the Poznan their studies to help liberate their country. This Brun in Grodno, General Ferriere in Bialystok, Honor Guard formed by the Poles in 1806 elite guard subsequently accompanied Napo- and General Broni-lowski in Minsk. In addi- with the creation of the Duchy of Warsaw. The leon to and from Moscow providing escort and tion, the French army established local mili- Poznan Honor Guard was recruited into Napo- acting as interpreters. tary commanders and quarter-masters com- leon's personal body guard and subsequently After securing his military position to the manding their own units in each department won great fame as the 1st Polish Lancers of the north and east of Vilnius, Napoleon immedia- and palatinate. Only the sub-prefects in the Imperial Guard. The citizens of Vilnius, not to tely moved to establish a provisional govern- palatinates were native Lithuanians. This dual be outdone by their Polish counterparts, went ment for Lithuania from among the senior government system hamstrung the Lithuanian to great trouble and expense to organize and nobles. On July 1, 1812, Napoleon decreed administration and proved slow, unwieldy, uniform an elite guard whose members consis- the establishment of the Provisional Govern- and unable to satisfy the later demands of the ted of young men from the most noble families ment for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The military. The Grand Army was thus depleted of Lithuania. The commander of the Vilnius new government was formed with four depart- of manpower by the establishment of his own Honor Guard was Prince Gabriel Oginski and ments consisting of Vilnius, Grodno, Minsk, occupation units which were greatly needed its members included such noble Lithuanian and Bialystok, which had all been part of the during the invasion of Russia proper. families as Broel-Plater, Romer, Chlewinski, old Grand Duchy of Lithuania within the The following Department Commissioners Lenkiewicz, Czarnowski, Nosarzewski, Jelens- Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Though and Subpre-fects of the Provisional Govern- ki, Pomarnacki, Strawinski, Wollowicz, Puzy- officially responsible for governing thirty-three ment of Lithuania were appointed by Napo- na, Laskowicz, Zabiello. Many of the guard palatinates, in reality it only exercised control leon on July 1, 1812, for Vilnius, Grodno, and members had formerly been students at the over seventeen liberated by the French army. Minsk, and on July 5, 1812, for Bialystok.

A reconstruction of Napoleon’s march to Kaunas wearing Russian and French uniforms, June 2002.

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This force was conscripted at a rate of one soldier per LITHUANIAN each two hundred households. The responsibility entrusted to the National DEPARTMENTAL Guard was to protect private and public property COMMISSIONERS in the cities and districts assigned. The conscription DEPARTMENT OF of soldiers was the obligation of the property ow- VILNIUS ners and the only exception was for those engaged Colonel Tyzenhauz in important commerce and trade. Members of the Count Adam Chreptowicz unit were to be between eighteen and fifty years old Count Ferdinand Plater and in good health. Notable local militia units were established by Count Mirbach at Telšiai and Count Vitkevičius at Šiauliai which functioned efficiently DEPARTMENT OF in protecting the inhabitants from both Russian and GRODNO French marauders. Colonel Lachnicki In order to secure his rear, Napoleon also decreed Niemcewicz of Brzesc on July 1, 1812, the formation of one Gendarmerie Pancerzynski (Police) Regiment in each department from among the nobles themselves. Each department and district DEPARTMENT OF MINSK was to have one police company composed of 107 Marshal Joseph Wolodkowicz volunteer officers and soldiers. The responsibility of Judge Xavier Obuchowicz, Appeal the Gendarmerie was to promote public order and Court to assist the French forces in the suppression of de- Judge Ginter, Appeal Court serters and marauders. These units were to be either foot or mounted depending on the territory cove- DEPARTMENT OF red. The governments of Vilnius and Minsk were BIALYSTOK assigned two Chiefs of Squadrons and Grodno and Victor Gradzki Bialystok one each. The uniforms worn by the Gen- Michael Daszkiewicz darmerie units were to be the same as worn by the Michale Dziekonski Polish Gendarmerie. Lithuanian Subprefects by towns Antoine Chrapowicki was appointed Colonel of Vilnius — Prince Gedroyc the Vilnius Gendarmerie Regiment, Prince Michael — Joseph Petrykowski Radzwill commander of the Grodno Gendarmerie Ošmena — Zaba Regiment, Leon Osztorp commander of the Minsk Ukmergė — Przezdziecki Beside the formation of the Provisional Govern- Gendarmerie Regiment, and Francois Oretti com- Zawiley — Chamberlan ment for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Napoleon mander of the Bialystok Gendarmerie Regiment. took personal interest in the administration of the On July 9, 1812, Prince Sapieha recommended Wawrzecki city of Vilnius. On July 1, 1812, Napoleon appointed Mr. Michalowski to be the major of the 2nd Vilnius Kaunas — Zabiello the following officers for the city of Vilnius. Gendarmerie Regiment due to his past sixteen years Upytė — Brunof military service. The commanders of the larger units Raseiniai — Micewicz FORMATION OF THE LITHUANIAN and the Gendarmerie a Cheval (Mounted) were to Šauliai — Witkiewicz MILITARY UNITS be gentlemen of property and to reside in the terri- Telšiai — Pilsudskį On July 1, 1812, Napoleon decreed the creation tory where assigned. Mayor of Vilnius — Michael of a National Guard for Vilnius to be composed of The service of the Gendarmerie was prescribed Romer two battalions of infantry consisting Mayor Staff — Professor Malewski of six companies each. The staff of of the University of Vilnius the Vilnius National Guard was to Danilowicz — Prosecutor consist of twenty-two officers and Woynicz — Surgeon soldiers and each Guard Company Sledzinski — Controller to be composed of 119 officers and Vilnius City Council — Antoine soldiers totaling 1450 men. Colonel Chrapowicki — Chairman Kosielski of the old Lithuanian Artil- Francois Czyr — Assessor lery Corps was named Commander Malczewski — Notary of the unit and his Battalion Chiefs, Froland — Member former Captain of Infantry Zakrze- Szynkiewicz — Prosecutor wski and former Captain of Artillery Neiman — Doctor Franceson. Thereafter, the provisio- Mauzer — Purchaser of metals nal government extended the nation- Statkowski and Borkowski — al guard system into all the principle Instruction of the French military administration to the municipality of Vilnius to deliver horses and carriages for transportation. Former Mayors cities and towns in each department.

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ber of men according to the following individuals as Colonels in their re- number of serfs on his property. spective infantry and cavalry : 18th The manpower quota thus im- Infantry — Alexander , 19th In- posed called for 10,000 men for fantry — Constantine Tyzenhauz, 20th Infan- infantry and 4,000 men for cav- try — Adam Biszing, 21st Infantry — Charles alry. The infantry levy imposed Pierzchala Przezdziecki, 22nd Infantry — Sta- on the Department of Vilnius nislas Czapski, 17th Cavalry — Michael Tysz- and Minsk called for 3,000 men kiewicz, 18th Cavalry — Joseph Wawrzecki, each, the Department of Grod- 19th Cavalry — Constantine Rajecki, and the no 2500 men, and the Depart- 20th Cavalry — Xavier Obuchowicz. ment of Bialystok 1500 men. The newly formed Lithuanian units were to The recruits were to be between be patterned on the French style. The basic in- by Napoleon himself upon the Lithuanian 18 and 34 years old and in good health. The fantry unit of the French army was the regiment nobles, but they felt it beneath their dignity levy for the Department of Vilnius was based which was commanded by a colonel and assisted to perform police functions and did not rush on one recruit for each 119 male inhabitants. by a regimental staff which provided the neces- to join these units. Napoleon further decreed The cavalry formation was to be on a system sary logistics. The infantry regiment consisted of that each county take immediate steps to form similar to that of the infantry recruitment, but it three battalions, each commanded by a lieuten- a skeleton company of fifty men while awaiting followed the ancient custom of conscription in ant-colonel, with each battalion having six line the mustering of their full complement. By the which each trooper be furnished complete with companies. The battalion line companies were middle of November, 1812, the Vilnius De- mount. The manpower requirement thus im- each commanded by a captain and consisted of partment composed of the counties of Vilnius, posed was 1327 troopers from the Department one Grenadier company, one Voltigeur compa- Trakai, Ašmena, Ukmergė, Zawiley, Braslaw, of Vilnius, 1307 troopers from the Department ny, and four Fusilier companies. The Grenadier Kaunas, Raseiniai, Šiauliai, and Telšiai, repor- of Minsk, 996 troopers from the Department company was the elite company chosen for their ted their Gendarmerie Regiment as mustering of Grodno, and 370 troopers from the Depart- courage, resoluteness, strength, and experience. six hundred and eight officers and men. The ment of Biolystok. They were to form the head of the column on other three departments did not progress as On July 13, 1812, Napoleon appointed the the march and stood at the flank or rear of the quickly and remained under strength. line as a reserve force in battle. The Voltigeurs functioned as the unit skirmishers and preceed- LITHUANIAN INFANTRY AND CAVALRY REGIMENTS The principle emphasis of Napoleon's Lithuanian formed units was placed in infan- try. It was decreed that five infantry regiments and four cavalry regiments be raised with their regimental numbers to be a continuation of the numbers utilized by the units of the Duchy of Warsaw. As a result the Lithuanian Infantry bore regimental numbers 18 through 22 and the Lithuanian Cavalry bore numbers 17 through 20. In order to obtain the necessary troops, the Provisional Government established a recruit- ing system similar to that utilized by the Rus- Napoleonic Helmet Plate and the Vytis Belt Buckle from the 17th Lithuanian Lancer Regiment — sians in Lithuania. Each nobleman who owned Gaidis collection. property was required to deliver a certain num-

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ed the regiment in open order in combat provi- depleted by the previous Russian levies. Un- ment sought to create six battalions of Chas- ding a harassing fire. The Fusiliers were the basic der these burdens Prince Sapieha worked as seurs a Pied (Foot Rifleman) with each batta- foot soldier of the Napoleonic period. the Military Commissioner-in- of unit lion being composed of six companies of 130 Following the tradition of the old Polish-Li- formation. Recruitment was to commence on men. The following officers were designated thuanian cavalry regiments the newly formed August 5, 1812, and be completed on August commanders of their respective battalions; Napoleonic Lithuanian cavalry regiments were 30 for infantry regiments and commencing on 1st Battalion — Colonel Joseph Kossakowski, armed with a as one of their basic weap- August 15 for cavalry and completed by Sep- 2nd Battalion — Major Ignacy Rokicki, rd3 ons. As a result of the use of this weapon the tember 25. Each regiment was assigned to a Battalion — Major Kazimierz Plater, 4th Bat- Lithuanian cavalry regiments were designated specific territorial headquarters and depots for talion — Lieutenant-Colonel Andrzej Kur- as Lancers. The Napoleonic lancer regiment recruitment and training. The following unit czewski, 5th Battalion — Major Franciszek consisted of four squadrons of men with each depots were utilized by Lithuanian units. Obuchowicz, and the 6th Battalion — Major squadron composed of two companies. One of Pawel Loskowski. The battalions were to be the squadrons was designated the elite squad- ADDITIONAL MILITARY UNITS formed from the gamekeepers and forest rang- ron and carried the regimental standard or With the unexpected death of Commis- ers within the particular property or area from guidon flag. The lancer regiment was designed sioner Sapieha, former Lithuanian General Eti- which recruited and assigned. The mission of to be a mobile force employed to protect the enne Grabowski was appointed to supervise the the Chasseurs a Pied was to act as scouts for flanks and rear of the main line in battle and formation of the Lithuanian forces. Attempts to the region, to abridge Cossack raids, appre- to threaten the flanks and rear of the enemy establish a political union between Poland and hend vagabonds and deserters, and maintain lines. It was sent forward similar to the infan- Lithuania failed due to what the Lithuanians general order. The units were to be composed try Voltiguers to discover the size, position, considered to be Polish proposals subjecting of volunteers, but if the recruitment was slow deployment and movement of the enemy. The them to a less than equal partnership. Napoleon the government authorized the enrollment of lance gave the regiment and advantage in ap- finally authorized advancement of 500 million commoners with the foresters to be armed proaching and advancing because of its great francs for the purchase of necessary military ar- and dressed at the expense of the local land- psychological effect on infantry units. mament for the Lithuanian forces. In addition, owners. These battalions were expected to be On August 31, 1812, General Van Hogen- Lithuanians were authorized to establish cadets formed by September, 1812, with the rest of dorp, Military-Governor of Lithuania, ap- for training within the Polish Army. Supplies the regular units. pointed Colonel Antoine Gielgud to replace were subsequently obtained from the French In November, 1812, the Privisional Govern- Charles Przezdzieki as the commander of the army depots at Koenigsberg and Danzig with ment further resolved to create two regiments 21st Lithuanian Infantry Regiment. Colonel the hopes that the Lithuanian units would be of Light Infantry composed of three battalions Przezdzieki in turn was appointed comman- able to enter the line by mid-November, 1812. each in the French pattern, but their formation der of the 18th Lithuanian Cavalry Regiment The Provisional Government of Lithuania was only partially successful. One formed com- replacing Colonel Joseph Wawrzecki. General hoping to incur the favor of Napoleon also pany was consolidated into Kossakowski's Foot Prince Romuald Giedroyc was appointed decreed the formation of additional auxilliary Riflemen Regiment. The principle source of overall commander of forming the Lithuanian military units. In August, 1812, the govern- recruitment for the Foot Riflemen Regiments units, Colonel Joseph Wawrzecki Inspector- were from the great Radziwill estates in the De- General of Cavalry, and Colonel Count Joseph partment of Minsk. The Plater rd3 Foot Riflemen Niesiolowski Inspector-General of Infantry. Regiment Deport City Regiment was recruited from the large estates th The Lithuanian units though under the com- 18 Infantry Regiment Vilnius in the Department of Vilnius. All soldiers enlis- th mand of Lithuanian officers were formed as a 19 Infantry Regiment Raseiniai ting in the Foot Riflemen Regiments agreed to th part of the French military and subject to its or- 20 Infantry Regiment Slonim serve for the duration of the war. Unfortunately th ders. Thus the Lithuanian units were formed at 21 Infantry Regiment Bialystok due to the lack of manpower and equipment the th the expense of Lithuania, but to be utilized by 17 Cavalry Regiment Minsk 4th Battalion was only partially formed as were th Napoleon at his discretion. 18 Cavalry Regiment Kupiškis the other two remaining battalions. th The military requirements imposed on 18 Cavalry Regiment Panevėžys Individual nobleman were also authorized th Lithuania by Napoleon were very difficult to 18 Cavalry Regiment Nowogrodek to form military units for service to Napoleon th comply with due to the extreme shortage of 18 Cavalry Regiment Pinsk at their own expense. On September 14,1812, th men, supplies, and horses which were badly 18 Mounted Rifles Vilnius with the capture of Moscow by the French for-

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volunteer noblemen of the first families of Lithuania-Poland between 18 and 40 years old. These volunteers were expected to provide at their own expense a horse, uniform, accoutre- ments, and harness set, when reporting for duty, but would thereafter be in the service of France. Major Jan Konopka, a Lithuanian serving as a Squadron Commander with the 1st Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard was appointed as General of the new regiment. His staff was to be composed of twenty-two officers and eighteen troopers, and each regiment squadron formed of four officers and one hundred and twenty troopers. A large number of troopers in this unit were recruited from the student body of the University of Vilnius. This regiment was said to have been the best equipped and mounted regi- ment formed and its uniforms were the richest and most elegant in the army. Napoleon also authorized the recruitment of Lithuanian Napoleonic Reenactors wearing Lithuanian Artillery uniforms — Members of Kaunas Military History Club under Vytautas the Great War museum. a Lithuanian Tartar Regiment. Its members were the descendants of the Tartar families resettled in Lithuania during the by Grand ces, Count Ignace Moniuszko was authorized dual Lithuanian recruitment. With the demon- Duke Vytautas-the-Great. They continued to to raise one Regiment of Chasseurs a Cheval strated willingness of the Lithuanian youth to exercise their Moslem religion and privileges (Mounted Riflemen) which was designated the serve in the Vilnius Honor Guard, Napoleon on as noblemen and wished to show their devo- 21st Lithuanian Cavalry Regiment. Likewise, July 5,1812, decreed the creation of the 3rd Regi- tion to their adopted land by forming their own Count Rudolph Tyzenhauz formed a Battery of ment de Chevaux-Leger Lanciers de la Garde cavalry regiment in its defense. On August 24, Artillery a Cheval () at his own (3rd Lithuanian Lancer Regiment of the Impe- 1812, Napoleon accepted their offer and autho- expense. These two privately funded units were rial Guard). This regiment was assigned as part rized Mustafa Musa Achmatowicz to organize only partially formed by the time of Napoleon's of Napoleon's personal guard in the same man- the unit. The actual Lithuanian Tartar Regiment disastrous retreat. ner as was the 1st Regiment Polish lancers of the thus recruited formed only a company size unit Beside the Provisional Government levied Guard created in 1806. This new elite regiment and was attached to the rd3 Lithuanian Lancer and nobleman financed Lithuanian units several was to be composed of five squadrons formed Regiment of the Guard to act as scouts. other regiments were formed through indivi- with two companies each recruited from among In addition to the Lithuanian name-bearing

French infantry attack in Russia, 1812. Napoleon’s forces crossing the Nemunas in Lithuania, 1812, painted by Clark.

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An interesting engraving on the blade of the sword from the 17th Lithuanian Lancer Regiment in Gaidis collection: It features an "Horse Shoe with the 17 "designation over a "Vytis" on one side and a "Napoleonic 17th Lancer in Vytis like pose" and a "Vivat Litewskie Ulany" inscription on the other side. This engraving had to have been done after the war since the Honor Ribbon below the Vytis bears the dates "1812-1813" commemorating the Regiment’s dates of service.

units, numerous Lithuanians also joined exist- Lithuanian Commonwealth which had existed Government due to the treatment afforded to ing French and Polish regiments. Notable units prior to the 1795 partition. Unfortunately, this them by the occupying French forces. having large contingents of Lithuanians were project failed with the rise of the traditional ar- Still Lithuanian volunteers answered Napo- the 1st Polish Lancer Regiment of the Imperial gument over equality between the two nations. leon's call for troops. On August 1, 1812, Colo- Guard, the Vistula Lancer Regiment, and the Poland, though desiring to regain power over nel Chodkiewicz reported that his 18th Lithua- Vistula Legion. Napoleon further authorized the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, nian Infantry Regiment being formed at Vilnius the 129th French Line Regiment of Infantry was not willing to make concessions to the already had 600 men. These soldiers were de- and the Illyrien Infantry Regiment to each re- Lithuanians, and Lithuania was riot willing to scribed as virtuous citizens of high quality who cruit 500 Lithuanians to replace their losses bend to Poland without them. In the end it was were joining the colors at a rate of 15 men per sustained during the Russian invasion. Napoleon himself who vetoed the reunion on day. Colonel at Raseiniai reported political grounds. He feared the repercussions on August 16, 1812, that his 19th Lithuanian In- LITHUANIANS START TO that would occur among his Austrian and Prus- fantry Regiment had been successfully formed DISAPPOINT sian allies as well as the damage that would be and were already bearing arms. Unfortunately Unfortunately Napoleon's preoccupation caused with Polish-Lithuanian infighting over recruitment in the ranks of the other regiments with Lithuania was not in establishing liberty the selection of their new monarch. did not progress as rapidly. Colonel Czapski and equality. He took great efforts to avoid the Napoleon had been well received in Vilnius reported as late as October, 1812, that his 22nd re-establishment of the Polish-Lithuanian Com- by the Lithuanian delegations from all strata, Lithuanian Infantry Regiment lacked 600 men to monwealth and the emancipation of the serfs. It but this feeling immediately worsened due reach full strength and his 2nd Battalion was not is obvious that his major purpose for the forma- to the poor treatment of the populace by the armed. But in spite of all the difficulties involved tion of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was to or- French army. Some 50,000 deserters marauded in forming these Lithuanian units, over 20,000 ganize auxiliary troops at Lithuania's expense for the countryside. They seized the scant food Lithuanians joined Napoleon during the short his further military operations and to secure his supplies and gave no consideration to the needs period between July and December, 1812. rear against the Russians. His failure to proclaim of the inhabitants. The regular French troops the emancipation of the serfs precluded a mass behaved no better than the Russians, carousing, To be continued embracing of his cause. Though many noble- robbing, flogging, and seizing living quarters. men gave freely of their wealth, many began to Many Lithuanian peasants believing the French By Henry L. Gaidis / Lituanus see in Napoleon only another foreign sovereign slogan of "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" fled Photo credits: H. Gaidis Collection, Office of exploiting his military occupation. their estates and frequently joined the marau- the Chief Archivist of Lithuania, Tyszkiewicz The political leaders in both Lithuania and ders. Many noblemen and serfs alike resisted re- Collection, Vytautas the Great War Museum Poland sought to re-establish the old Polish- cruit levies imposed on them by the Provisional collection, Tadas Dambrauskas.

July 2020. No 7. 23 Special Napoleon‘s Lithuanian forces Part II

The Grande Armée of Napoleon crossing the Nemunas in Kaunas, June 24, 1812.

THE MARCH TO MOSCOW Austrian units showed little inclination fter eighteen days in Vilnius, to fight and took little part in combat Napoleon rejoined his Grand during the campaign. The Austrians Army vainly trying to engage and Prussians would eventually desert Athe retreating Russian Army in com- Napoleon and join the Russians against bat. The French moved on three fronts him. Many ethnic Lithuanians from pushing north along the Baltic Sea and Eastern Prussia served with General northwest towards Moscow. The Prus- Grawert's forces including the Prussian sian X Corps under the Command of 3rd Lithuanian Regiment that General Alexander MacDonald ad- would later be highly decorated for ser- vanced slowly into northern Lithuania vice against Napoleon during the 1813 and to attack and possibly Paris Campaign. St. Petersburg. MacDonald's Corps The heart of the French Grand consisted of approximately 32,000 Army under the personal command of men formed into two distinct bodies. Napoleon pushed northeast towards General Grandjean commanded the Smolensk and Moscow. Joining Napo- Polish-German Division and General leon's personal staff were Lithuanian Grawert the Prussian Division. Grand- noblemen, Count Joseph Antoine Kos- jean's advanced-guard consisted of sakowski, Count Charles Morawski, four Polish Battalions commanded by and Prince Eustache , acting Lithuanian Prince Radzwill. The Prus- as advisors and interpreters. Lithu- sian X Corps met little resistance and anian General Count Ludwik Pac who marched steadily towards Riga. The had served Napoleon for many years Austrian army under the command of joined the Imperial Staff as a military Prince Schwarzenberg occupied south- advisor for logistics and supplies. Nu- The 17th Lithuanian Lancer Regiment on march. ern Lithuania and the Ukraine. The merous Lithuanian officers also served

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with General Prince Poniatowski's 5th Corps Kutuzov upon reaching the gates of Mos- soil. With the approach of winter, Napoleon including General Weyssenhoff, Chief of Staff cow, was forced by political pressure to again could not continue his occupation so far from to General Zajonczek, 16th Division, Com- risk his forces in combat with the French. He his supplies. Finally on October 19, 1812, re- mander General Tyzkiewicz, 19th Light Cav- selected a field in the vicinity of a small village treat was ordered and the Grand Army set out alry Brigade, Commander General Grabowski, named Borodino which would lend its name to southeast towards Tula. 18th Division Brigade, and General Niemojew- the bloodiest battle of the Russian Campaign. The orderly withdrawal soon turned into ski, Commander 18th Division. The Battle of Borodino was fought on Sep- a rout and the most tragic march in history. These officers along with hundreds of junior tember 5-7, 1812, resulting in the loss of over Through the November snow and freezing tem- officers would serve bravely in heavy fighting 30,000 Frenchmen and 43,000 Russians. Both peratures the French troops marched without in the Battles of Smolensk and Borodino. In sides claimed victory, but the Russian army adequate food and clothing falling prey to the addition Napoleon throughout the campaign again was forced to retreat and to abandon Russian soldiers and that were now would be attended by his trusted aide-de-camp Moscow. following the flanks of the retreating column. Lithuanian Captain Count Dunin Wonsowicz Napoleon continued to pursue the Russians Discipline broke down and the Grand Army of the 1st Polish Lancers. Later Wonsowicz and entered the deserted city of Moscow seven slowly disintegrated. Of the estimated 130,000 would be one of the only three officers to -ac days later with little satisfaction. The imperial men that followed Napoleon into Moscow company Napoleon when he abandoned the capital was largely deserted and burned as the only about 50,000 men were with him when he Grand Army and fled to Paris. Russian populace retreated and gave little pro- crossed the Berezina River back into Lithuania. The three retreating Russian armies finally tection to the French forces. The prolonged oc- Napoleon's Lithuanian troops would also unified for battle in the vicinity of Smolensk cupation of Moscow was the beginning of the share his tragic fate during the retreat. As the under the command of Field Marshal Michail end for the Napoleonic Empire. evacuation period from Moscow neared, the Kutuzov. The Russian forces were easily de- Lithuanian soldier was scattered across western feated and as a result continued their retreat THE MOSCOW RETREAT Russia. The Vilnius Honor Guard was present towards Moscow. Lithuanian General Thad- Napoleon waited for five weeks in Moscow with Napoleon inside the gates of Moscow deus Tyszkiewicz, Commanding the 19th Pol- for a peace overture from Czar Alexander con- along with the Lithuanians serving with the ish Cavalry Brigade, was personally decorated vinced that Moscow was such a prize that he 1st Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard. The by Napoleon with the Legion of Honor deco- would have to negotiate for its return. Alexan- thousand Lithuanian volunteers recruited into ration on the battlefield of Smolensk for out- der in turn swore that he would never negotiate the 129th French Line Infantry Regiment and standing bravery in combat. as long as a single invader remained on Russian the Illyrian Infantry Regiment formed part of

Napoleon and his staff at Borodino in Russia, by Vasily Vereshchagin.

August 2020. No 8. 17 Special

General Ney's Corps along with numerous ot- in their regimental depot at Grodno. her fellow countrymen serving with the Vistula Guarding against the approaching menace Legion in the vicinity of Smolensk. The bulk of of Admiral Tschitchagov's army stood Ge- the Lithuanian infantry and cavalry regiments neral Dombrowski's 17th Polish Division and were still assigned to their recruitment depot isolated garrison detachments along the way. near Vilnius, Raseiniai, Bialystok, and Minsk. Dombrowski hastened to gather his scattered General Konopka's 3rd Lithuanian Lancer forces between Minsk and Borisov and march Regiment of the Guard was being formed at to the defense of Minsk. General Bronikowski Grodno, while the 21st Lithuanian Chasseurs a the Polish military-governor of the Minsk sup- Cheval, Tyzenhauz's Artillery Battery, and the ply depot garrison formed a field force under Lithuanian Tartar Regiment in the vicinity of the command of General Kossecki and sent Vilnius. Between Minsk and Kaunas were vari- him south on the Slonim road to determine the ous units of the Lithuanian National Guard, strength of the approaching enemy. This small Gendarmes, and the Foot Riflemen Regiment. force consisted of three battalions of the 22nd In all, over 20,000 Lithuanian soldiers awaited Lithuanian Infantry Regiment and one bat- Napoleon's destiny. talion of Kossakowski's Chasseurs a Pied sup- Upon Napoleon's withdrawal from Moscow ported by a single . Kossecki marched he found the Russian Army under the com- Prince Mikhail Illarionovich south and established a defensive position at- mand of General Kutuzov on his heels with Golenishchev-Kutuzov was a Field Marshal tempting to hold the vital approach bridge over of the Russian Empire. additional Russian forces under the command the Nemunas River. of General Wittgenstein advancing from the On November 12,1812, Kossecki's column north and Admiral Pavel Tchitchagov from the Austrian Corps which showed little desire to came under attack by Tchitchagov's main force. southwest threatening to surround the Grand fight. This force would be the most devastating For six hours the units were subjected to in- Army. The Russian forces maneuvered rather to the Lithuanian units. Tchitchagov's force of tense artillery fire. Historic battlefield docu- than attacking Napoleon in mass and hoped to approximately 40,000 men was composed of ments indicate that the Lithuanian units were converge on the Berezina river cutting off the cavalry, infantry, and artillery units and were only held in place by the resolution of their of- French rout of flight. seasoned veterans. A Cossack brigade under ficers so great was the enemy fire. After vainly The Russian Moldavian Army under the the command of General Chaplitz preceeding seeking permission from General Bronikowski command of Admiral Tchitchagov had been in front of the main body surprised two squad- to withdraw the Lithuanians were overrun by at war with the Turks since 1806, but became rons of 600 troopers of the 3rd Lithuanian Lan- the superior Russian forces. About a thousand available when the Treaty of Bucharest was cer Regiment travelling on the Minsk road near men were killed or captured in this engage- signed on May 28, 1812, just a few weeks prior Slonim. The regiment defended itself valiantly ment. The surviving forces still under the com- to the French invasion. Tchitchagov immedi- before finally being overwhelmed with all but a mand of Kossecki fell back towards Minsk and ately began marching northwest through Brest- few troopers being killed or captured. The only were reinforced on the way by small units of Litovsk and Minsk by-passing Schwarzenberg's surviving members of this elite unit remained French infantry and cavalry. On November 15, 1812, Kossecki's retreating column was over- taken by Russian forces under the command of General Lambert about 18 miles from Minsk. This entire force was all but destroyed in a run- ning fight near Koidanow. The consequences were fatal to the Minsk garrison. Dombrowski's relief column was still 20 miles away with Lam- bert's Russians closing in for the kill. General Bronikowski was forced to abandon Minsk and retreated towards Borisov with about a thou- sand men from the garrison regiments. Dom- browski turned his forces back towards Berzino hoping to hold that location with its vital bridge for the retreating Grand Army. Tchitchagov's army occupied Minsk on November 18, 1812, and the following day dispatched units towards Borisov and Zembin.

CRITICAL MOMENT On November 25, 1812, Napoleon's situa- tion was critical as he approached Borisov. The Russian forces were at his heels and Admiral Napoleon and Prince Poniatowski before the burning city of Smolensk in Russia, 1812, Tschitchagov had succeeded in occupying the by Jean-Charles Langlois. opposite bank of the Berezina River cutting

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discipline, Napoleon finally abandoned his army on December 5, 1812, at Smorgonie and set out for Paris. He would be escorted the first few miles by light cavalry, but then continued his journey with only his trusted Lithuanian aide-de-camp Count Dunin Wonsowicz and a Mameluke bodyguard. Napoleon is reported to have handed Count Wonsowicz a pair of loa- ded pistols at the beginning of the journey with orders that he should never allow the Emperor to be captured alive. During the final stages of the retreat from Russia the life of Emperor Na- poleon was in the hands of this lone Lithuanian officer. With Napoleon's flight, the Grand Army ceased to resist the pursuing Russian forces as a military unit. The proud army was transformed into a merciless band of marauders and every man acted for himself. Of the 50,000 soldiers Napoleon in burning Moscow in 1812. that crossed the Berezina river and the 20,000 off his escape route. Choosing a position near the village of Studzianka, Napoleon ordered Dombrowski's forces which had joined his retreating army to hold the hills overlooking the river while his engineers began building a new bridge. Throughout the day and night of November 25, 1812, the French engineers labored to build an escape bridge under the waiting of the Russian army. Only an elaborate and exaggerated movement of troops caused the Russians to believe that this bridge was a ruse and that the real crossing was to be made several miles to the north. On the morning of November 26,1812, Napoleon awoke expecting a great battle to occupy the opposite bank, but only found the abandoned campfires of the enemy. Impatient to take possession of the opposite bank, Napo- leon pointed to a mounted group of his bravest officers. Jacqueminot, an aide-de-camp to the Duke of Reggio, and Colonel Count Prez- dziezki of the 18th Lithuanian Lancers, imme- diately plunged into the river and despite the sharp cakes of ice which tore into the flanks and chests of their horses, succeeded in reaching the opposite shore. With the successful passage of the Berezina river, Napoleon divided his forces so as not to have the entire army continue on the previ- ously devastated invasion route. The surviving Polish and Lithuanian units were ordered to separate from the Grand Army at Molodechno and fall back towards Warsaw by way of Alytus and Grodno. Dismounted cavalry units were ordered to retreat via Merkinė and the Nemu- nas river. The main French column continued to withdraw towards Vilnius. With continued Retreat of the Grande Armée of Napoleon from Russia, by Vasily Vereshchagin. freezing temperatures and the breakdown of

August 2020. No 8. 19 Special

(Clockwise from top left): The Battle of Borodino by Louis-François Lejeune; Napoleon watching the fire of Moscow by Albrecht Adam; Marshal Ney at the Battle of Kaunas by Auguste Raffet; French retreat by Illarion Pryanishnikov. men that joined the column from local gar- Lithuanian units left at Vilnius included the produce gangrene. The unexpected sight of the risons, half perished in the four day freezing Tartars, Gendarmes, Chasseurs and National army alarmed the populace and the horrified march to Vilnius. Only the heroic rear guard Guard. Platov's Cossacks drove Wrede's Ba- inhabitants barricaded their doors in fear. action of General Ney allowed the retreating varian remnants into Vilnius upon the just ar- Assistance for the defeated army was only army to outdistance the Cossacks. The tragic rived retreating column. The Cossacks were all obtained through the efforts of some senior retreat of Napoleon's army had been kept sec- around the town skirmishing with the garrison officers by appealing to the pity of the Lithua- ret from the populace of Vilnius and as a result units. The Lithuanian Tartars fought valiantly nians. Unfortunately, the French army rested for both the military and civilians were taken by and were almost totally annihilated. only one day before the cry of Cossacks forced complete surprise when the first scattered units The Imperial Grand Army that passed them to continue their flight through Kaunas began to arrive. through Vilnius a few months before now re- until they reached Koenigsberg. The shouts of The Vilnius defense forces could only offer turned on December 9, 1812, in total defeat. officers, rolls of drums, and the clamor of the token resistance to the advancing Russians. Many were worn out by sickness and fatigue crowd of fugitives only caused new confusion. What little defense of Vilnius that was provi- and once laying down could not rise again. The Grand Army was destitute in its will to re- ded was by Prince Karol De Wrede's Bavarians The wounded soon spread sickness to the sist and again fled in terror. Only General Ney's towards , General Louis Loison's just townspeople and thousands died. The fugitives rear guard and the Vilnius garrison regiments re- arrived French XI Corps, and the 6,000–7,000 poured into the streets seeking food and shel- sembled a military force. Nearly 20,000 helpless men belonging to regiments on the march and ter. The town gates were choked by the mob creatures were left behind and most perished in the Lithuanian depot units. General Loison's of helpless wretches making order impossible. the city due to the cold and Cossacks. Division of 15,000 men was ordered to march Arson and looting were commonplace with to Smorgony to cover the main body of the cold and famine. Hundreds gorged themselves THE RUSSIANS’ RETURN TO retreating French column. Loison's Division into helplessness on brandy and then died of VILNIUS was reduced to 3,000 men by cold and enemy exposure on the frozen streets. Many more Russian Marshal Kutuzov reached Vilnius action before it joined the retreating column. were frostbitten and the sudden warmth helped on December 12, 1812, with the bulk of his

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forces. He immediately dispatched Tchitcha- gov to support Platov's Cossacks on the hills of the retreating French abandoning Kaunas. Wittgenstein was ordered to intercept Mac- Donald's X Corps in Latvia which had not been advised of Napoleon's tragic retreat. MacDo- nald's forces were attacking Riga on December 18, 1812, when orders were received to retreat. He immediately divided his forces into two retreat columns and began his withdrawal the following day. Grandjean's Polish units under the command of MacDonald took the advance supported by Massenback's Prussian cavalry and the Prussian Infantry Brigade. General Yorck's Prussian Corps was to cover the retreat at one day's march. The Russian forces under Wittgenstein met MacDonald's retreating co- lumn, but were unsuccessful in stopping the withdrawal. While falling back into Samogitia, MacDonald was joined by various Lithuanian units including the 17th and 19th Lancer Regi- ments in the vicinity of Tauragė. These units would help defend the retreating column Retreat from Russia: the Grande Armée of Napoleon in Vilnius again. Assistance for the defeated army against Russian cavalry and were most helpful was only obtained through the efforts of some senior officers by appealing to the pity of the Lithuanians. to MacDonald in his hour of need. Czar Alexander arrived in Vilnius on De- cember 22,1812, and devoted himself to Czartoryski indicates the scope of Lithuania's The five Governments of Lithuania, instead of helping the sick and wounded left behind by suffering. enjoying the benefits you wish to grant them, are the retreating French. Though the Czar ex- suffering under an administration more unjust pressed his desire to be compassionate to the Warsaw, 27th April 1813 and arbitrary than any of those that have preceded Lithuanians, his subordinates did not comply "...Those who know your Imperial Majesty can- it. No one's property, life, or honour is safe. Any with his wishes. General Levitsky who was not admit the slightest suspicion of the loyalty of official prompted by a desire of revenge or greed appointed commandant of Vilnius took a ter- your sentiments or fear that you do not intend to of gain may ruin the most innocent citizen and rible vengeance upon Napoleon's supporters. fulfill the hopes you are holding out to the Poles; the whole of his family... in a word, the Govern- The following letter written to Czar Alexan- ...yet those who have to carry out your policy are ment and the authorities, instead of protecting the der by his long time personal friend, Prince doing their utmost to defeat it. inhabitants placed under their care, seem to think it their duty to persecute and plunder them. You have no idea, Sire, of the evil that is being done in your name, for if you had you would put a stop to it ... The inhabitants are in despair, and though hitherto they have been quiet, they may be driven to insurrection, not by a hope of success, but be- cause they think it better to perish than to remain in their present condition.“ 46 Source: Adam Gielgud, Memoirs of Prince Adam Czartoryski, and his Correspondence with Alexander I, , 1888, pp. 239-240.

Such was the state of Lithuania at the end of the 1812 Russian Campaign. The countryside along the Moscow-Vilnius road was a deserted and scorched wasteland. Material damage to the country as a result of the French liberation and the subsequent Russian occupation was estimated by Lithuanian Count Oginski at 87 million silver rubles. The 1811 and 1817 Rus- sian Census of Lithuania shows that the nation Big loses: Of the approximately 20,000 Lithuanians that joined Napoleon in 1812, only about 8,000 lost one-third of its inhabitants during that pe- survived the tragic retreat. riod.

August 2020. No 8. 21 Special

rear wages of the surviving Lithuanian military units. These commissioners remained loyal to Napoleon and refused to avail themselves of Czar Alexander's amnesty proclamations until Napoleon himself released them with his ab- dication in 1814. Like their honor, the oath of these Lithuanian aristocrats given to Napoleon was held supreme to their lives and fortunes. In January, 1813, Napoleon ordered the surviving Lithuanian infantry regiments con- sisting of the 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, and 2nd Bat- talion of Chasseurs to join with the 3rd and 17th Polish Infantry Regiments in garrisoning the Vistula River fortress of Modlin. Due to the extreme depletion of men during the Russian Campaign, the 19th Infantry, 22nd Infantry, and Kossakowski's Battalion were consolidated into the other Lithuanian units. Fortress Modlin 1814 campaign in North-East France: Napoleon and his staff are returning from Soissons after the battle had been originally established by Napoleon in of Laon, by Ernest Meissonier. 1807 to defend the northern approach to War- saw and was a seven fronted walled complex, The newly formed Lithuanian regiments engagements at Tilžė, Labguva, Koenigsberg, capable of holding 10,000 men, and armed retreated with Napoleon vainly hoping that and Brandenburg. with 200 guns. Here over 2200 Lithuanian he would still lead them to victory. The scat- Thus, the Lithuanian forces found them- officers and soldiers withstood a prolonged tered units continued to follow their officers selves in a difficult situation being cut off from Russian siege even after Warsaw itself had and regrouped within the Duchy of Warsaw. their homeland on which they depended for been abandoned. This fortress did not surren- Of the approximately 20,000 Lithuanians that financial and military support. The Provisional der until December 25, 1813, and was the last joined Napoleon in 1812, only about 8,000 Government of Lithuania survived the tragic retreat. The loyalty of these had retreated along with the untrained Lithuanian volunteers is very com- French Diplomatic Corps on mendable in light of the desertion of the pro- December 8, 1812, bringing fessional Austrian and Prussian armies who with it all of their records to refused to fight. justify to posterity their ho- nor concerning the treasury THE 1813–1814 CAMPAIGNS entrusted to them. Lithuanian units arriving at Warsaw nearly, The Lithuanian Provisio- intact were Colonel Chodkiewicz's 18th Infan- nal Government would meet try Regiment, Colonel Biszing's 20th Infantry on December 21, 1812, in Regiment, Colonel Gielgud's 21st Infantry Warsaw and again on Janu- Regiment, Colonel Przezdziecki's 18th Lan- ary 29, 1813, at Krakow. On cers, and Colonel Obuchowicz's 20th Lancers. February 7, 1813, units of the Partially surviving units included the embryo Vilnius Gendarmerie Regi- Tyzenhauz Horse Artillery Battery, one squad- ment brought in the treasury ron of Moniuszko's Mounted Rifles, the 4th Bat- from Šiauliai, Raseiniai, and talion of Kurczewski's Foot Chasseurs, the Vil- Telšiai, totaling 61,675 gul- nius National Guard, and various Gendarme dens, which was a marked detachments. contrast from the pillage of With the Prussian desertion of MacDo- the French military treasury nald's Corps, he was joined in Samogitia by by its forces. The exile govern- Colonel Tyszkiewicz's , Colonel ment continued to retreat and Rajecki's 19th Lancers, and surviving mem- held its last executive meeting bers of Kossakowski's and Plater's Battalions of on July 24, 1813, at Dresden, Chausseurs. Upon arriving at Koenigsberg the Saxony. Here, another unit Lithuanian infantry units were ordered to join of the Vilnius Gendarmerie In December of 1813, the 17th Lithuanian Lancer Regiment separated the rest of the Polish-Lithuanian infantry units would deliver the treasury from French service and assigned as an auxiliary unit to the Danish regrouping in Warsaw. The Lithuanian Lancer from Upytė and Ukmergė Corps under the command Marshal Prince Eckmuhl. As a result regiments were retained in East Prussia to sup- counties. The funds delivered of this transfer, the 17th Lithuanian Lancers took part in Prince Frederick of Hesse campaigns in Holstein and Denmark. port MacDonald who had been depleted of to the Provisional Govern- Photo credit: Flickr.com cavalry. These lancer units took an active part in ment were used to pay the

22 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

fortress complex left in Poland after the total sakowski, Czapski, Przezdziecki, Tyzenhauz, withdrawal of the French and Duchy of War- and Abramowicz. saw forces. Their surrender was with honor as On August 26, 1813, the Lithuanian units the fortress defenders only accepted their fate took part in the engagement at Katzback and after months of starvation and constant siege. September 6, 1813, in the engagement at Den- The remaining Lithuanian infantry forma- newitz. During October 16-19, 1813, Napo- tions were assimilated into various Polish for- leon's Lithuanian forces took part in the battle mations during the 1813 reorganization and at Leipzig subsequently known to history as became part of the French VIII Corps. These the "Battle of Nations." Here while fighting to units were designated as the 17th Polish Infant- hold the vital escape bridge at Dolitz, the Rus- ry Division under the command of General sians broke into the city causing the French to Krasinski. Lithuanian General Grabowski was prematurely blow-up the bridge leaving 20,000 assigned as the commander of the 1st Brigade men trapped. Marshall Joseph Poniatowski of this new unit consisting of the 12th Polish drowned trying to swim to safety across the Infantry Regiment. The former units of Dom- Elster River and the remnants of his trapped browski's 17th Division formed the 2nd Brigade forces fell into enemy hands. under command of General Loczynski con- One-by-one, the isolated fortresses capitu- sisting of the new 2nd and 14th Polish Infantry lated and the fleeing French forces retreated to- Regiments. The nd2 Lithuanian Lancer Guard wards Paris. The remaining Polish and Lithua- Regiment and the Lithuanian Tartar Squadron nian soldiers were incorporated into the regular were consolidated into the 1st Polish Lancers of French army. Inspired by personal loyalties the the Imperial Guard as its 7th Squadron and con- Polish Battalion of the Imperial Guard and tinued to serve Napoleon until the fall of Paris the Vistula Infantry and Lancers continued to in 1814. serve Napoleon during the 1814 Campaign. The 18th, 20th, and 21st Lithuanian Lancer Five and one Polish Infantry Regiments were assigned to the reorganized Regiment containing Lithuanian soldiers took 4th Reserve Cavalry under the command of part in the final fighting for Paris. The Vistula General Kellermann as part of the 7th Light Ca- Infantry which had been formed by Napoleon valry Division. This division was formed into in 1797 took a conspicuous part in the defense two cavalry brigades under the command of of Soissons. The Krakus Cavalry Regiment un- Generals Tolinski and Kwasniewski and con- der the personal command of Lithuanian Ge- sisted of the new 8th Polish Lancer Regiment, neral Louis Pac made the last cavalry charge in the 13th Polish Regiment, and -the 16th the defense of Paris. Polish Lancer Regiment. Lithuanian General The fall of Paris marked an end to the Weyssenhoff commanded a Brigade assigned eighteen year reign of Napoleon and his tide to the 8th Light Cavalry Division. of greatness. Still in defeat he did not forget With the regrouping of the French army its the years of sacrifice made by his Polish and Lithuanian units were again engaged in com- Lithuanian allies. Napoleon's abdication treaty, bat with the Russians. Colonel Przezdziecki's article 19, which was signed on April 14, 1814, 18th Lancers took part in the January 15, 1813, obtained a guarantee from Czar Alexander that Battle at Koidanow where it was cited for bra- these soldiers could return to their homes with very and combat ability. Lieutenant Grabowski The remaining Lithuanian infantry formations arms and baggage maintaining the orders and was awarded the Virtuti Military decoration were assimilated into various Polish formations pensions won in honorable service to France. during the 1813 reorganization and became part of and Colonel Przezdziecki the Legion of Honor the French VIII Corps. for charges against advancing Cossack cavalry. CONCLUSION The 17th and 19th Lithuanian Lancer Regi- A squadron of the old 1st Polish Lancers ments continued to serve in East Prussia where unit attached to the Danish Corps during the of the Imperial Guard, which included several they frequently engaged the Russian Cavalry. 1813 German and Denmark Campaigns. Lithuanians, accompanied Napoleon as part of On February 11-12, 1813, the 17th Lancers In June, 1813, with the arrival of new his miniature army in exile on the Isle of Elba. were surprised at Zirke and General Ronald troops from France, Napoleon recaptured This unit would again follow Napoleon during Giedroyc and a great many troopers taken pri- Dresden. The surviving Polish and Lithua- his one hundred days 1815 Campaign making soner. A great honor was paid the 19th Lancers nian forces were assigned to this area in the its final charge in the famous Battle of Water- on March 31, 1813, when they were selected hopes of holding the invading forces in check. loo. Other units containing Lithuanians that to act as scouts and bodyguards for Napoleon On August 10, 1813, Napoleon recognized fought in this last great battle of the Napoleonic while visiting Pattensen. On April 20, 1813, the service of Lithuania with the awarding Wars were the Vistula Lancers and remnants of the two lancer regiments were combined due of France's highest decoration for valor, the the Vistula Infantry serving in the 3rd Foreign to losses into the 17th Lithuanian Lancer Regi- Legion of Honor, to the Provisional Govern- Regiment of Infantry. ment. This unit served with great distinction ment officials Soltan, Prozor, Sierakowski, under Marshall Davout and as an auxilliary Jelski, and Potocki and military officers Kos- By Henry L. Gaidis / Lituanus

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