From 1809 to 1811, Napoleon slowly built up the Duchy of
Warsaw army from it’s patriotic and loyal citizens. By the beginning of 1812
the Polish army had a strength of 45000 men and 165 cannon.
However, the Polish government struggled to find the money
to afford such a force and Napoleon took on the responsibility of paying for
several regiments. Many of the Infantry units where allocated to the major
garrisons throughout Europe to ease the burden of clothing and supplying them.
Tzar Alexander had always strongly opposed the formation of
a national Polish Army and was a major political issue that put further stress
on relationships between Russia and France.
In this time of turmoil, the Tzar saw his opportunity. On
the 12th February 1812, the Russian Army under General Kutusov
invaded the Duchy of Warsaw. In a bloody two week winter campaign, the Polish
forces under Prince Poniatowski are overwhelmed by Russian forces. It is a bold
an opportunistic move considering a Turkish army of 80000 men are poised to
launch an offensive to re-capture lost territory.
Two major pitched battles at Glogau and Torgau were fought,
but the first encounter outside the capital Warsaw, saw the most ferocious
fighting. Both sides were hampered by boggy terrain that made manoeuvring
difficult. No quarter was given on either side and very few prisoners were
taken.
It has been costly but never the less a very well fought
campaign by the Russians, losing over 23000 casualties. Strategically however,
the Russians have now established a firm base in central Europe. The Duchy of
Warsaw and Lithuania are overrun and effectively absorbed into Mother Russia.
The balance of power has now tipped in favour of Russia. Austria and Prussia
now have a new political threat for the future, but the priority is still a
venerable yet militarily strong France.
Poniatowski,and General Dombrowski escape back to France
with barely a thousand mounted troops and stragglers.
All remaining Poles of the Vistula Legion, the 4th,
7th & 9th Polish line regiments and a battery of
artillery are ordered to Sedan where the Vistula Legion has its depot. The
Polish survivors of the Russian invasion directed to join their fellow
countrymen. Over the coming months thousands of Poles rally around Poniatowski.
France gives the Poles sanctuary and Napoleon promises revenge.
On the 8th March, Napoleons appoints Prince
Poniatowski a Marchal of France and orders him to form a new Polish corps
around existing Polish units and survivors of the battered Duchy of Warsaw
army.
By the end of March, a small two division Polish Corps with
a brigade of cavalry and 3 batteries of artillery are made ready. Napoleon
designates it 8th Corps. It is an elite corps of troops and will
prove itself to be one of Napoleons best.
Davout receives reports that most of the French army has now
returned to positions inside France. Fresh conscripts are arriving at the
regimental depots, but the shortage of suitable horseflesh is being felt
throughout the army.
Most of the peninsular infantry regiments are depleted in
strength and most reduced to 2 battalions. It had been a costly withdrawal for
the French fighting their way back, and regrettably some garrisons were
surrounded and cut off.