RUSSIA: Thousands watch reconstruction of 1812 Battle of Borodino

Thousands watch a reconstruction of the Battle of Borodino, a decisive battle between France and Russia which marked the turning point in Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Hundreds of volunteers in the 19th century uniforms of opposing French and Russian troops on Sunday (September 3) took part in a reconstruction of the Battle of Borodino, the bloodiest battle of the Napoleonic Wars. Watched by an audience of thousands, hundreds of 'soldiers' re-enacted the events of the battle which took place in the village of Borodino near Moscow on September 7, 1812. History enthusiast Dimitry said he took part in the reconstruction because he wanted to understand how the soldiers felt. "When they were out in the elements, they slept in tents, it's really interesting," he said. The Battle of Borodino was the largest and bloodiest single-day battle of the Napoleonic Wars, involving more than a quarter of a million soldiers and resulting in at least 70,000 casualties. French forces were under the command of Napoleon, who made an appearance on his white horse during the re-enactment. Commander of the Russian side was Field-Marshall Mikhail Kutusov, who is regarded as a national hero in Russia, though the outcome of the battle was not an outright victory for either side. Fencing master Nikolai Drukin took part in the battle, bringing with him young members of the Fencing Club, in Krasnoznamensk near Moscow. Nikolai said he had no respect for Napoleon as a commander. "We showed them what for then and we'll show anyone else who invades Russia what for," he insisted. The renactment received an enthusiastic response from an audience of thousands. Spectator Lena said she brought her son along to watch. "It's great, we need this kind of thing, otherwise how can we bring up our children as patriots?" she said. The real battle ended with frustrated tactical results, although the French captured the main positions on the battlefield. Strategic considerations and the poor condition of the army forced the Russians to withdraw. The clash at Borodino was a pivotal point in the campaign as it was the last offensive battle fought by Napoleon in Russia.

ITN Source | September 10, 2007

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