"What about Admiral Chichagov after the Berezina?" Topic

He became a citizen of Britain died in Paris on August 20, 1948 at the age of 82. He was buried at the cemetery at Sceaux near Paris.

"In April 1812, Alexander I, who was discontent with the tardiness of the Chief Commander of the Russian Army General Mikhail Kutuzov in the Russian-Turkish war, worked out his own plan and entrusted Admiral Chichagov with its implementation. In 1812, Alexander appointed him Commander in Chief of the Army of the Danube and Governor-General of Moldavia and Walachia. On May 2, 1812 Chichagov arrived from St. Petersburg to the south of Russia and already on May 11, he was in Yassy. However, by the time he took command of the army Prince Mikhail Kutuzov had already signed peace with Turkey and the Admiral's presence there was no longer needed.

Chichagov joined the 1812 campaign against Napoleon on its final stage, when the French troops were retreating from Russia. In early November, the Danube Army completed redeployment from the Bug River to the Berezina River. His army was ahead of Napoleon's army, which was only crossing the Dnieper. Chichagov had implemented the order of Alexander I cutting Napoleon from the main road that the French Emperor had planned to use for his retreat from Russia. Chichagov even planned to capture Napoleon but when on November 10 the admiral's army entered the town of Borisov he realized that the situation was much worse than he had expected. In this situation he simply could not stop the French army which was much bigger than his army. Napoleon's troops managed to cross the Berezina River and occupied the town. Kutuzov reported to Alexander I blaming Chichagov for letting Napoleon escape. This episode gave birth to the ill-fame which would chase Chichagov for many years. Although the admiral was not fully responsible for the failure he became the subject of many evil jokes and epigrams. Some people even accused him of treason against his Motherland. But the admiral did not betray his country. The whole thing reduces to the question of how Chichagov's improper command, if this was the case, affected the outcome of the battle near Borisov.

In 1813, Chichagov was dismissed and went to France. He never returned to Russia. He became a citizen of Britain and spent his last years in France and Italy. Forgotten by his compatriots he lived in the house of his daughter Ekaterina du Bouzet, who was the wife of a French sailor. Pavel Chichgov died in Paris on August 20, 1948 at the age of 82. He was buried at the cemetery at Sceaux near Paris.

Earlier this year, on May 11, a monument to Admiral Chichagov was unveiled at this cemetery marking the 200th anniversary of Russia's victory over Napoleon.

The monument was designed by Moscow architects. It is a 2-meter high granite arrow with a bronze double-headed eagle on top of it. The monument has an inscription in Russian and French. The opening ceremony was attended by the officials of the Russian embassy in Paris and the descendants of the admiral, who live in France. It is expected that a monument to Admiral Pavel Chichagov will soon be unveiled in St. Petersburg. The glorious son of Russia really deserved it."
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If he was not a traitor, why he never return to Russia?

Amicalement
Armand

Interesting read for some post 1812 info. But died in 1948? I figure it was 1848.

He was held responsible for the failure to capture or kill Napoléon and his army staff, the maréchals and the surviving Old Guard. While indeed perhaps not entirely his fault, this was not an unfair judgement. So he was, rather politely, exiled. Indeed, he agreed to be listed on "vacation" from his post, with permission to travel overseas. There was no serious talk of "treason" – that would be a typical mis-accusation by tale-bearers of the era for any failure. The French did the same.

As to not returning to Russia ….

His late wife was British. Marrying her had been a great scandal during Paul's reign. The Admiral had resigned from his post in the Navy and was already living in France and England in 1809 and had to be called back to take the Danube Army in 1812. I doubt his daughter even spoke Russian. After Alexander's death, he was invited and then ordered to return to Russia, or give up his Russian rank and priveledges. He chose British citizenship instead.

So perhaps he did not think his punishment unjustified. Or perhaps he just thought Britian and France to be more modern and enlightened places, where it was nicer to live.

Kutusov wanted Tormasov, who had done well against the Saxons and Austrians, to have received the Admiral's command. But Kutusov had never been close to the Admiral. So maybe this was more personal than professional. Kutusov did not have perfectly clean hands in the question of letting Napoléon escape – and some of his remarks even make this seem intentional. He did fear that Russia would bleed for the ultimate benefit of British commerce – which actually was what happened to some extent.

The third potentially culpable general was Vitgenshtein. But he perfomed a minor miracle covering all the north flank with 1st Corps, the Petersburg militia and depot sweepings. The distance to get to the French was greatest for him, and his formations horribly depleted. And he had made a rather dedicated set of forced marches to attempt to close upon the enemy.

That left the Admiral to take the blame.

Thanks for your guidance Seroga!.

Amicalement
Armand

Yes thank you both, very interesting.

I am a firm believer in Combined Operations, but on the whole I favour Generals commanding Armies and Admirals commanding Navies…

(Theres nothing worse than working for a sea sick boss…)

@Tango 01
For a change, read a good book, Mikaberidze : Berezina, here this topic is discussed in great detail.

Kutusov played a very bad role this incident, feeding Chichagove with dubious intelligence reports, Wittgenstein, as Seroga pointed out, could have shown much more activity.

The scapegoat – ended to be the Admiral.