AUGUST 2020. NO 8 (27).

NEWS

FRENCH TROOPS IN MARKED BASTILLE DAY

NATO'S PRESENCE THE 7TH ROTATION: HANDLING AN UNEXPECTED CRISIS Strengthened air defence ON JULY 28 PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA GITANAS NAUSĖDA WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE RAIMUNDAS KAROBLIS, CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE STAFF OF THE MAJ GEN GINTAUTAS ZENKEVIČIUS AND COMMANDER OF THE LITHUANIAN AIR FORCE COL DAINIUS GUZAS ON A VISIT TO THE LITHUANIAN AIR FORCE BASE IN ŠIAULIAI TO FAMILIARISE WITH THE AIR DEFENCE CAPABILITIES LITHUANIA HAS AND TO MEET WITH THE SPANISH, BRITISH AND GERMAN AIRMEN CONDUCTING SPECIAL THE CURRENT ROTATION OF THE NATO AIR POLICING MISSION IN THE BALTIC STATES, AS WELL AS U.S. AND LITHUANIAN SOLDIERS. NAPOLEON‘S LITHUANIAN resident was shown the RBS70, tional Exercise Tobruq Legacy 2020 in Sep- FORCES. PART II Stinger, Grom missile air defence tember this autumn. systems operated by the Air Defence NASAMS is the most widely used mid- Battalion,P Sentinel and Giraffe surveillance range air defence system in NATO member radars, and elements of the NASAMS mid- states, and even for guarding the airspace over range air defence system delivered to Lithua- the White House, Washington. Lithuania has nia in June earlier this year. acquired the most recent, third generation, "Arrival of the NASAMS reinforces air NASAMS 3, its current users are still only defence of Lithuania and NATO’s eastern the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Armed flank, all the components of the integrated Forces of Norway, the manufacturer. defence system are linked together, and The guests also viewed fighter aircraft the deterrence becomes stronger as a result," allies protect the Baltic airspace with: F18 Minister of National Defence R. Karoblis Hornets of the Spanish Air Force, Eurofighter says. Typhoons of the British Royal Air Force and Procurement of the ground-to-air mid- the German Air Force, and Spartan transport range air defence system NASAMS is cur- aircraft and Dauphin AS365N3+ helicopters rently in progress and is expected to be com- operated by the Lithuanian Air Force. pleted in 2021. NASAMS components will MoD information undergo the first trial in Lithuania at interna- Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis /MoD News

Content NEWS STRENGTHENED AIR DEFENCE...... 1

PRESIDENT BESTOWED THE RANK OF GENERAL ON TWO OFFICERS...... 2

FRENCH TROOPS IN LITHUANIA MARKED BASTILLE DAY...... 3

IN SHORT AUGUST 31 — FREEDOM DAY...... 4,5

THE BEST SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE 7TH ROTATION...... 6,7 President bestowed the rank NATO'S PRESENCE of general on two officers THE 7TH ROTATION: n July 22 President of the Republic of Lithuania promoted HANDLING AN UNEXPECTED by decree two officers of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to a CRISIS...... 8 senior officer rank at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace. OThe rank of general was bestowed on the Director of the Second In- vestigation Department under the Ministry of National Defence Remi- SPECIAL gijus Baltrėnas and on Commander of the Training and Doctrine Com- mand of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Steponavičius. Both NAPOLEON‘S LITHUANIAN of the new Generals were also presented with a sword with their names FORCES. PART II...... 16 etched in for merits in strengthening national defence of the Republic of Lithuania. The new Generals are both graduates of the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania and the U.S. Army War College. Briga- dier General R. Baltrėnas also studied at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in the U.S., and Brigadier General M. Steponavičius graduated from the Baltic Defence College in Estonia. Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis and Chief of De- Military Press Office of Lithuanian Armed Forces Totorių str. 25, LT-01121, ; fence of Lithuania Lt Gen Valdemaras Rupšys were also in attendance at Phone (370 5) 210 3897, GSM (370 6) 86 94458; fax (370 5) 273 5550; the ceremony. Email [email protected] The Decrees of the President of the Republic of Lithuania concerning Publisher — Lithuanian Armed Forces. The opinion of editorial office does not necessarily coin- promotion of two officers of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to the rank cide with the opinion of the authors. Pictures, manuscripts are not returned and reviewed. Cir- culation is 300 copies. Printed by the Cartography Center of Lithuanian Military, Muitinės str.4, of general came into force as of July 20. Candidates for promotions are Domeikava, LT-54359 Kaunas dist. Order GL-311. nominated by the Minister of National Defence. Lithuanian Armed Forced information Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis, MoD

2 Lithuanian Military Digest News

French troops in Lithuania marked Bastille Day

he 14th of July ceremony is an opportunity for the French De- tachment to demonstrate that France"T is a strong and loyal NATO Ally. Here at the Rukla military barracks in Lithuania, we are joined by our comrades from others Euro- pean nations to proudly celebrate our national day by raising our three-color flag high. Start- ing from tomorrow we will soon be cooperat- ing collectively in exercises with the aim to develop and strengthen our interoperability with the eFP multinational Battle Group. Our commitment here is that France stands along- side its Allies. The eFP Battle Group’s motto, "Stronger Together" is also the spirit of our 14th of July," Chief of the French Detachment in the eFP Lieutenant Colonel (OF4) Yannick Prigent said. Hoisting the national tri-colour to the tunes of La Marseillaise — that is how the French contingent celebrated the national day of relevant knowledge to conduct the training pe- France — Bastille Day — while deployed as riod within the NATO eFP Lithuania. part of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Like all the other eFP contingents, the Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania. French soldiers brought their combat, logisti- This is the fourth contingent that France de- cal and administrative equipment. The maneu- ploys to contribute to the implementation the ver unit will be serving with Leclerc main battle NATO deterrence and defence measures in the tanks and VBCI infantry fighting vehicles. Baltic states. All soldiers currently present in Lithuania The French contingent is composed of have been tested before landing and all have nearly 300 soldiers, roughly 200 of them as a been declared negative for COVID-19. mechanized infantry company, and 100 sol- The NATO enhanced Forward Presence diers will manage logistic and administration Battalion Battle Group in Lithuania has the affairs. The French troops will serve as one Component deployed in Lithuania in early July. total strength of over 1,200 soldiers. The in- of the NATO eFP maneuver companies, in The troops and equipment are deployed from coming French troops will replace Croatian combat support units, and in the NATO eFP the 5th Dragoon Regiment located in Mailly le colleagues. Lithuania HQ. Camp and equipped with the best assets in the MoD information The first portion of the French Tactical French Army, a battalion well-adapted with the Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces

August 2020. No 8. 3 In short

August 31 — Freedom Day LITHUANIA CELEBRATES FREEDOM DAY ON AUGUST 31, BECAUSE ON THAT DATE 27 YEARS AGO LAST DIVISIONS OF SOVIET ARMY LEFT LITHUANIA'S TERRITORY.

THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE OCCUPATION ARMY fter declaring independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990, Lithuania began to seek the with- Adrawal of the occupation army, which had en- tered the country back in 1940. The first with- drawal talks were held on January 31, 1992. Lithuania's first post-independence leader Landsbergis and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed on September 8 of that year a final agreement, setting a timetable for the withdrawal of the Russian army from Lithua- nia. An agreement on the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Lithuania was reached as a result of tough negotiations. "It is an achievement, a victory for both countries that we managed (to agree) despite all that fighting, intrigues, at- tempts to force, intimidate and blackmail (by saying) that we would not sign and you would leave with nothing," Landsbergis remembers. There is no exact data of how many Soviet military personnel was stationed in Lithua-

4 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

nia after the Restoration of Independence; according to data provided by the North-West Group of the Russian Federation, there were 34,6 thousand of troops by 1 January 1992. In total possible number could be around 7,3 thousand officers, 3,6 thousand praporshchiks, 22,2 thousand privates and sergeants, over 1,4 thousand cadets, about 1000 tanks, 180 air- crafts, and 1901 armoured vehicles. The last train carrying Russian military left Lithuania's territory on 31 August 1993. The train started off from Kaunas at 6.05 p.m. and following the order not to interrupt the jour- ney passed by Kena station and left Lithuania's territory at 11.45 p.m. So it was the official completion of withdraw- ing Soviet Army from Lithuania. Several small Russian divisions remained in Lithuania until they were also pulled out a few months later. Ob- jects of the last leaving division No. 377251993 of the Russian Federation deployed in Linkaičiai were taken over on 26 November 1993. "Lithuanian Military Digest" inf. Photo credits: The Lithuanian MoD photo archives.

August 2020. No 8. 5 In short

The best social activities of the th7 rotation

PILGRIMAGE OF THE CROATIAN SOLDIERS TO THE HILL OF CROSSES June 22 Soldiers of the Croatian army and part of the eFP BG LTU made a pilgrimage to the Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas), near the town of Šiauliai. They continued the tradition, started with the last con- tingent, of thanks and vows, but also of a farewell from the country in which they were accepted and received in the best possible way. Arriving to the Hill of Crosses was carried out with a procession, in which all Croatian soldiers participated. After the Holy Mass, Archbishop Rajič blessed the Cross, which was thereafter placed by the contingent on the Hill of Crosses. The cross is made of wood and has an engraved Croatian plait and coat of arms on it. It will remain in Lithuania as a lasting memory of the presence of the 2nd Croatian contingent and as a symbol of their willingness to protect their friends and allies within NATO. Text and photo credits: NATO eFP Battlgroup

6 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

THE VIKING GAMES July 4 Eight teams from every Battlegroup‘s company and also from the NATO Baltic Air Policing competed in a series of old Viking games, or Norwegian tradition, like throwing axes on a tar- get, throwing logs as far away as possible, towing trucks and so on. In the old Viking tradition this was a way of show- ing who would be the best warriors to the King in peacetime. Today we use the Viking games as a way of sports and comradeship. Text and photo credits: NATO eFP Battlgroup

August 2020. No 8. 7 NATO's presence The th7 rotation: Handling an unexpected crisis IN FEBRUARY, WHEN THE 7TH ROTATION OF THE NATO ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLEGROUP (EFP BG) STARTED ITS MISSION IN LITHUANIA, THE COMMANDER OF THE UNIT, LIEUTENANT COLONEL AXEL NIEMANN, EXPECTED TO USE ALL TRAINING AND EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES AT ALL LEVELS TO MAKE USE OF THE EXCELLENT POSSIBILITIES IN LITHUANIA, BUT THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS FORCED TO CHANGE PLANS AND COPE WITH THE UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES.

PANZERGRENADIERS — THE CORE Could you tell more about the composi- OF THE ROTATION tion of the 7th rotation? What was your view about NATO eFP First of all, please allow me to mention the BG mission in Lithuania before arriving multi-national staff. It is totally different com- here? posed compared to a regular national battalion Fortunately, I gained a lot of impressions prior staff, representing also much more skills and to my arrival here. As the military assistant functions such as Public Affairs, Information to the Deputy Chief of the German Army, I Operations, and specialized technical as well frequently travelled to Lithuania and moni- as logistical issues. tored the development of the eFP Battlegroup Going a bit more into detail, I should start Lithuania from scratch on. Moreover, I reali- with the support company providing real life zed quickly, what great training opportunities support and the working environment in my Lithuania offers: exercises in a multi-national command posts. Germany and Norway con- environment, Mechanized Infantry Brigade tribute companies consisting of armoured in- "Iron Wolf". fantry as well as main battle tank platoons. The Netherlands are here with a reduced armoured The German Panzergrenadiers are the artillery battery. Croatia has sent a mechanized core of the 7th rotation: Half of the ar- infantry company. In addition, we have a mul- moured infantry battalion 371 from tinational combat service support company Marienberg in Saxony has arrived to enabling transport and movement as well as a Lithuania. You are also a Panzergrena- medical company. On top come certain assets LTC Niemann: "Despite the circumstances, I think we have accomplished our mission as a multinational Battlegroup, as NATO forces". dier officer, so it would be interesting from other nations. to know what is the best being a Panzer- grenadier? Is it your first mission? When I joined the German army in 1995 as As regards previous deployments, I served in a conscript soldier, I started to serve in an ar- 2004 in Kosovo at company level. In 2013, I moured infantry battalion but later moved to a worked as the Chief of Staff of the Partnering logistic unit. This was interesting too, but when and Advisory Task Force Kunduz. We were the I decided to become an officer, I was sure that last contingent to close the base cluster there I wanted to be a Panzergrenadier once more. and to conduct all Relief in Place measures It was an easy decision because this profes- back to Mazar-eSharif. sion is very interesting: Panzergrenadiers can act dismounted like infantrymen or mounted What were your first impressions about in their infantry fighting vehicles descend to- Lithuania, Rukla military base and the gether with the armored troops. So it’s really a host nation support? great military experience for soldiers because In summary: Perfect! We got anything we need, it is very varied and challenging. even though there is always room for improve- German-built Infantry fighting vehicle Marder.

8 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

LTC Niemann: "Despite the circumstances, I think we have accomplished our mission as a multinational Battlegroup, as NATO forces".

German-built Infantry fighting vehicle Marder. A dismounted panzergrenadier in action. Troops of NATO eFP BG in the Lithuania’s Freedom Day Parade in Vilnius.

August 2020. No 8. 9 NATO's presence

The German panzergrenadiers from Armoured Infantry Battalion from Marienburg in Saxony were the core of theth 7 rotation.

Handover-takeover ceremony: the 6th rotation's commander Lt Col Habel, the "Iron Wolf" brigade Commander Petkevičius and the 7th rotation's Commander Lt Col Niemann. Hand over-take over Parade in Rukla.

10 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

ment. We are well accommodated, the food is to achieve this combat readiness by further deve- good, we have a huge area for recreation and loping Standard Operational Procedures within sport facilities. Jonava and Kaunas provide any- our multi-national staff and to conduct team thing our soldiers need. From a social point of building measures such as joint tactical trainings, view, everything is fine. Regarding the military all activities executing in close cooperation with aspect, the host nation support of the Mecha- the Mechanized infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf". nized Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" is strong and sustainable. We can get any help round the Unfortunately, your unit had to face with clock to make our life and task easier. So also an unpleasant "surprise" — the Corona- here, my assessment is simple: perfect! And to virus crisis, which was unexpected for be honest: I would wish that this kind of both everybody. Was it difficult to get under professional and personal commitment would control the situation in the first days, be the guiding principle. Anyplace, anywhere when the troops of the Battle Group and anytime we work together. started to get ill? It is true that we were all taken completely by UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES surprise. Even though we had already initia- How can you describe the pre-deploy- ted the first infection prevention measures, ment and the deployment phases of your we were caught on the wrong foot by the first rotation? Has anything surprised you? positively tested soldier. As you are aware, soldiers dislike surprises, Further random tests showed that the virus which could have been prevented. Here we was already in the Battle Group. An immedia- have a link to your previous question: It turned te lockdown with very strict quarantine and out that the pre-deployment trainings and plan- isolation measures were ordered to prevent the ning of all nations have been successful. In other further spread of the virus. During this time, words, all nations involved in the 7th rotation are only key personnel maintained operational. well prepared on company level, so it was my job Only my Norwegian company, which was at as the Commander to take care about the process the Pabradė training area at that time and had of growing together into ONE Battle Group. no infected soldiers, maintained training and exercising. How did you think, what would be the biggest challenges for you as a comman- The Commander Allied Joint Force Com- der during your mission in Lithuania be- mand Brunssum, General Jörg Vollmer, fore arriving here? during his official visit to Lithuania gave I guess it was the same challenge like all previous a lot of compliments, how Lithuania and commanders had: To train more than 1,000 sol- NATO forces, based here, managed to diers and my staff from different allies to integrate overcome the Coronavirus crisis, suc- them into a fully operational Battle Group within cessfully continuing their mission du- a very short period of time. It was my main intend ring this hard period. What have helped

Hand over-take over Parade in Rukla. Two main battle tanks Leopard 2 during a live-fire shooting exercise in the Pabradė training area.

August 2020. No 8. 11 NATO's presence

the most for you as a commander to ma- Lithuanian armed forces. All this would have nage the situation in your unit? confronted us with additional, tactical chal- As stated in the previous answer, strict mea- lenges, which I would have liked to tackle to- sures had to be ordered, implemented and gether with my soldiers. It was a pity, that we observed. This required a high degree of self- weren’t able to gather these experiences. discipline from all ranks. Furthermore, it was also unfortunately not In the end it was also decisive that we almost possible to see and experience more of our always had agreement between the different host nation Lithuania and to interact with the troop contributing nations concerning the population. I am especially sorry for my sol- measures and regulations and that our Lithua- diers, who are here for the first time. nian host always provided us with sufficient COVID-19 tests. What was the most difficult day for you as a commander? How the Coronavirus crisis has affected The worst day was when I had to make a de- your training plans and psychological at- cision on how to deal with the COVID-19 mosphere in the unit? positively tested soldiers of the Battle Group, All exercises were cancelled. The big exercise as they could not remain in the Training Regi- "Defender Europe 20" and the corresponding ment barracks in Rukla to avoid infecting more smaller exercises, such as "Saber Strike" are vi- soldiers. Fortunately, we were able to isolate sible expression for this. Apart from my Nor- these comrades in the Camp Adrian Rohn in wegian company, the training was suspended Pabradė and to ensure our medical care and for about three weeks and then resumed, ini- sufficient treatment there as well. tially with restrictions. Nevertheless, it was important for me as com- And what was the best one? mander to conduct an exercise, which inclu- Even if it seems unreal after all, I've already ded all forces of the Battle Group to show the said — but the most beautiful day was 6th of Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" that February, when I was handed over the com- we are Fully Operational Capable. This exer- mand of the multinational Battle Group LTU. cise took place as an alert exercise over several For many commanders it remains a dream to days and the positive result was reported to the be allowed to take over such a responsibility — superior leadership. no matter if with or without Corona... At this point it is also important to note, that the Battle Group was always present here in Lithua- Would you like to repeat the same mis- nia even during the lockdown, the connection sion again, with the same people, in the to the Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf" same place, but without Coronavirus was never interrupted and that in case of a cri- "surprises"? sis we could have fulfilled our mission at any Nevertheless and besides all the challenges the time. During the strict quarantine measures, the corona virus threats have given us, I would take mood of the soldiers was not always good. But over this job again immediately. in the end, I am very proud of my soldiers that we got the situation under control so quickly. Would you like to add something, sum- Even more, everyone was glad when we were ming up your mission here? able to resume training again and gradually Above you mentioned the praise of General lifted further restrictions, at least within the Vollmer for the overcoming of the Corona cri- Battle Group. sis. This time and all the necessary restrictions associated with, were and are not easy at all. In Summing up the results of the mission: the end the weaker ones were pulled along by what were the main positive and negative the strong ones and it was every single soldier aspects? who made his personal contribution to the fact Well, despite the circumstances, I think we that the rotation as a team was successful to- have accomplished our mission. As a multina- gether. Every member of the Battle Group can tional Battle Group, as NATO forces, we are in be proud of this — I am proud of my soldiers Lithuania to support our Lithuanian friends — as well! we are supposed to make a credible contribu- tion to deterrence — I think there was never Thank you very much for the interview any doubt about that. and your outstanding service. Unfortunately it was not possible to partici- pate in all the big exercises and that it was not By Ilona Skujaitė Parade on the occasion of the anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Iron Wolf". possible to practice on a larger scale with the Photo credits: NATO eFP BG.

12 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

For the 1st time eFP Battlegroup had a permanent artillery support: The Netherlands into theth 7 rotation had sent a reduced armored artillery company with their mighty 155 mm self-propelled howitzers PZH 2000.

The commander of the MIB "Iron Wolf" presents the Lithuanian The Norwegian soldiers in their Infantry Fighting Vehicle CV90 during Mission Medal to the Commander of NATO eFP BG. the exercise "Battle in the City".

August 2020. No 8. 13 The discount is applicable only upon presentation of a service National Defence System employees card. (soldiers, civil servants and employees Conditions and applicable discounts may change. working under an employment contract) There are additional conditions. * Expositions are free of charge to the Lithuanian Military Academy Soldiers of the Permanent Mandatory (LMA)** cadets, Permanent Mandatory Initial Military Service (PMIMS) Initial Military Service soldiers serving in the LMA, and soldiers from the Headquar- ters Battalion (GHB). Coordinate with the regional Conscription and recruiting service de- Members of the Lithuanian partment.*** Riflemen’s Union Due to a match of the football club "Atlantas" coordinate with the Grand Duke**** Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion's S5 division of the Motorized Infantry Bri- Lithuanian soldiers gade "Samogitia". Due to a match of the basketball club "Neptūnas" coordinate with the National Defence Volunteer Force’s S5 division of the Samogitia district 3rd team. Due to a match of the football club "Sūduva" coordinate with the Lithu- Soldiers of the National Defence Volun- anian Grand Duke General Support Logistics Battalion’s S5 division. teer Forces ***** The discount is applicable to persons who serve or have served in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, also to those who are in the prepared personnel NATO soldiers reserve of the Lithuanian Armed Forces (for the entire study period both for the first and second cycle studies). The discount is applicable on February 16, March 11, July 6, and Negotiation issues November****** 23.

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August 2020. No 8. 15 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 Dragoon 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 Latvia to attack Riga 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, Joseph Antoine Kos- jean's advanced-guard consisted of sakowski, Count Charles Morawski, four Polish Battalions commanded by and Prince Eustache Sanguszko, 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 Light Cavalry 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 Cossacks 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 . 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.

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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 cannon. 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 cannons 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

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(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 Rukainiai, 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 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, London, 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.

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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 '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 17th Lancers, 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

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fortress complex left in 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 Polish Cavalry 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 Hussar 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

August 2020. No 8. 23 Photo credit: NATO eFP Battlgroup credit: NATO Photo

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