EYLAU 1807

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The Battle of Preussisch-Eylau, fought in extreme weather conditions, under blizzards and temperatures of much below zero between the Great Armee and the Russians of Benningsen on 8 February 1807, has been called the most epic of Napoleon's battles, that which saw the greatest cavalry charge in history, led by Murat at the head of more than 10,000 troopers, but also the most controversial.

For the first time, after the triumphs of Ulm, Austerlitz, and Jena, Napoleon was stopped: throughout the day victory remained in the balance, and only late at night the Russian retreat left Napoleon master of the battlefield. Another battle will be needed at Friedland, four months later, to prompt Tsar Alexander I to call for peace.

Analyzes the French and Russian armies and their organization from the campaigns of Ulm, Austerlitz, and Jena in 1805-1806 to that of Poland of 1807. An hour-by-hour description of the Battle of Eylau and thereafter to the Battle of Friedland. Ends with a description of the battlefield of Eylau-Bagrationovsk today.