rearguarding

Updated: May 27, 2025

Davout's men fought the Russians with the bayonet and took cannons from them, but being without horses they were compelled to leave them on the road, content rearguarding themselves to remain undisturbed for some hours. Gradually the French had to part with their own cannons and ammunition; sinister explosions told the soldiers of increasing distress.

Achilles Rose - Napoleon's Campaign in Russia Anno 1812