Guerrilla War of 1812 is the armed struggle of the masses of the Russian state, the majority of the peasants, as well as units of the Russian army in the rear and on the important facilities against Napoleon's troops.
peasants began spontaneously to resist the insidious invaders in Belarus and Lithuania after the retreat of the Russian army.Guerrilla warfare at first expressed in the polls abandonment of villages and destruction of feed and food.Active way of the guerrilla movement began to develop in late July-early August in Smolensk, and later the Kaluga and Moscow provinces, which consist of groups of farmers organized attacks against certain groups of the enemy.
earned great fame crusades troops S. Emelyanov, G. chick Polovtseva V., E. Chetvertakova V. Kozhina and others.The royal power at first with disbelief considered guerrilla movement.But against the backdrop of patriotic enthusiasm, some landlords began to organize peasant guerrilla groups.Army units were established to conduct guerrilla operations behind enemy lines.The first such detachment consisting of 130 people, organized by Colonel D. Davidov by the end of August 1812.
importance of guerrilla warfare in 1812 was for the Chief of the MIKutuzov, to assist the establishment of the guerrilla army units, to give instructions about their tactics and weaponry.He sought to ensure that the guerrilla war was subordinated to its strategic plans and wore organized.In September of the army of guerrilla groups were 36 regiments of Cossacks, 7 cavalry regiment, 5 infantry regiments, squadrons of 5, 3 Battalion.These troops were headed army officers such as the DVDavydov, ANSeslavin, ISDorokhov, MAFonvizin, ASFigner and others.
significant number of troops poured into the guerrilla army units or interact with them.Guerrilla warfare is actively attracting people's militia.In September and early October, guerrillas (peasant and army) was surrounded Moscow.They carried out attacks on enemy communications and seized and destroyed convoys foragers.Great importance was attached to information about the enemy that came from guerrillas, who organized the attack on the enemy garrisons and reserves.And their forces managed to release a number of cities (for example, Vereya).
Five weeks have passed since the battle of Borodino, the guerrilla war has caused considerable damage to the Napoleonic troops (killed 30,000 people).At that time, when the enemy retreated, the guerrillas contributed actively to the regular army in the pursuit and elimination of enemy forces, while playing a major role in the defeat of Napoleon's troops.
Merit individual farmers awarded in the form of crosses of St. George and others, but in general, their contribution was appreciated.The most coveted award at that time for the peasants would certainly eliminate serfdom.However, the release did not happen.
