He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 467

(467) The Cossacks: Russia’s Secret Weapon

So, what exactly are the Cossacks?

“The Cossacks, especially the core Don Cossacks, are nomadic groups that hold sway over the Don River region.”

It’s important to understand that those called Cossacks aren’t a single, unified entity.

However, since the late 18th century, the Cossack light cavalry has been renowned even in Western Europe.

This is largely because, in Russian military deployments, the Cossack light cavalry is invariably at the forefront, acting as scouts and skirmishers.

Historically, it’s believed that the Cossacks originated when Slavic peoples living in the steppes adopted a nomadic lifestyle during the era of the Jochi Ulus [one of the successor states to the Mongol Empire].

Among these groups, those who congregated in the Don River basin, which originates south of Moscow, became known as the Don Cossacks.

“They began to coalesce at least from the 15th century and were, at times, under Tatar rule. However, they generally maintained their independence.”

“They are the backbone of the Russian Cossack light cavalry.”

“When the Russian Empire deploys cavalry, it’s usually the Don Cossacks leading the charge. They are particularly famous for their unwavering loyalty to the Tsar.”

Jomini, Chief of Staff of the Spanish General Staff and the 4th Corps of the Grande Armée, concluded his concise briefing.

“Currently, there’s an army of approximately 30,000 men under the command of Matvey Platov, the leader of the Don Cossacks.”

Platov is a figure who, in the original timeline, would have clashed with the French army.

Born into a prominent Don Cossack family, he distinguished himself in the Persian campaign and was subsequently appointed a Major General.

Moreover, in the original history, he served as the light cavalry commander in the battles of Eylau, Gutstadt, and Friedland.

However, because Russia didn’t engage in conflict with France in this reality, Platov’s service was limited to the Turkish, Persian, and Finnish campaigns.

This was perhaps a consequence of Joubert, dispatched by Eugene, prolonging Pavel’s reign.

Consequently, from the Grande Armée’s perspective, this marks their first encounter with the Don Cossack light cavalry.

This is because the light cavalry led by Suvorov in the past was relatively small and didn’t represent the full capabilities of the Cossacks.

Eugene, listening to the report in the barracks, tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Which units in our 4th Corps will be facing them?”

“General Champeaux’s Hussars and His Majesty’s Royal Guard cavalry. However, their training in the unique ambush tactics employed by light cavalry is insufficient.”

“Wouldn’t the Hussar saber cavalry be capable of handling them?”

At that moment, Lasalle, dressed in formal attire rather than a military uniform, chuckled and interjected.

“That’s a tough ask, Your Majesty. Have you forgotten the ambushes of the New World ‘Indian’ cavalry? Only cavalry familiar with that level of ambush warfare can effectively counter raiding tactics.”

Lasalle had participated in numerous battles against foreign civilizations under Eugene’s command.

Notably, he fought against the natives while pioneering the Mississippi River area in the New World.

During that time, Lasalle experienced firsthand the tactics of native cavalry who had acquired wild horses abandoned by the Spanish.

He essentially previewed the cavalry ambushes of the Western Great Plains that Americans would encounter in the original timeline.

But why isn’t Lasalle wearing a military uniform?

“Hey, Mr. Secretary of the Spanish King, can’t you be quiet while the Chief of Staff is briefing us?”

“Champeaux, are you upset because I’m pointing out the truth – that it’s beyond your capabilities?”

“Shut up. You aren’t even participating in this war.”

As Champeaux, who had taken over command of the 4th Corps’ Guard Cavalry from Lasalle, pointed out, Lasalle wasn’t permitted to participate in this Russian Grand Campaign.

This was because he had fallen out of favor with Chief of Staff Berthier.

Originally, in the original history, Jomini was the one targeted by Marshal Berthier, leading him to seek service in Russia during this period.

Instead, somewhat strangely, Lasalle is participating in the war with the title of secretary to the King of Spain, Eugene.

This highlights the unique position of the 4th Corps, which Napoleon had ordered to be the vanguard.

Like Eugene, the King of Spain and Viceroy of New France, most of the upper echelons of the corps held both Spanish and French titles simultaneously.

From the noble titles to the Spanish title of Duke of Abrantes, Corps Commander Junot chuckled.

“Enough of that. Hey, Jomini, so our Grenadier Cavalry is out of the question as well?”

“Precisely, Duke of Abrantes. By the time the Grenadier Cavalry is ready to throw grenades, the enemy will be long gone.”

“I was hoping to showcase grenade throwing for the first time in this war; it’s a shame.”

Jomini chuckled and flipped over the briefing paper.

“Of course, not all Cossacks are a unified force. The Seversky Cossacks and Zaporozhian Cossacks also belonged to the Polish Commonwealth [a dual state of Poland and Lithuania that existed from the 16th to 18th centuries].”

Then Poniatowski, who was standing in the corner, spoke up.

“In this war, only the Don Cossacks are likely to be involved, Your Majesty.”

Eugene turned to Poniatowski and inquired further.

“What’s the reason, Poniatowski?”

“The Zaporozhian and Seversky Cossacks harbor antipathy towards Russia. Furthermore, it’s difficult for them to mobilize in a situation where Tsars are fighting each other. Of course, that antipathy isn’t strong enough for them to side with us.”

“It’s been a long time since they were under Poland’s command, correct? So, the Don Cossacks are different?”

The term ‘Cossack’ itself doesn’t denote a single ethnicity.

Some claim that certain Tatars, meaning Mongols, became Russified; others suggest that Slavs adopted a nomadic lifestyle; and some even propose that certain Lithuanians joined their ranks.

However, what’s certain in the 19th century is that the Cossacks who belonged to Poland have been largely dismantled, leaving only the Don Cossacks, who are loyal to Russia.

Still, it’s true that the Poles historically had the closest ties to the Cossacks.

Therefore, Napoleon entrusted negotiations to Polish generals as he moved towards the original history’s Ukraine.

But, of course, all negotiations failed.

The Don Cossack cavalry, having been loyal to the Russian Empire for over 300 years, didn’t abandon their allegiance to the Tsar, even in this altered situation.

Poniatowski nodded.

“I used to serve in the Russian army, so I have some acquaintances. But they completely consider themselves Russian soldiers. Also, they harbor antipathy towards Tsar Pavel, especially Platov.”

So, Platov and the core of the Don Cossacks have a personal dislike for Pavel.

This issue dates back to the early days of Pavel’s reign, perhaps even to Empress Catherine, his predecessor.

In the past, there was a man named Pugachev, who came from the lower officer ranks of the Don Cossacks.

Pugachev led a rebellion during the reign of Empress Catherine, citing oppressive serf policies and Cossack oppression.

The individual who took the lead in suppressing Pugachev’s rebellion at that time was Ivan Platov, Matvey’s father.

Perhaps it was the distinction between the Platov clan, who were tribal leaders within the Don Cossacks, and Pugachev, who was a commoner, that fueled this conflict.

Thus, the Platov clan rose to prominence during the reign of Catherine the Great.

However, Pavel harbored resentment towards all those favored by Catherine and particularly enjoyed removing them from the army.

The same fate befell Platov, who was stripped of his position because of Pavel but was barely reinstated during this Indian expedition.

Since there was a prevailing belief that Cossack soldiers could only command Cossack cavalry, it was an even more painful deprivation of position.

So, now that Alexander is effectively reigning as Tsar, they follow Alexander, even if they have reservations.

But would a group that has been loyal to the Tsar for 300 years be happy with the situation where they are drawing their swords against the Tsar?

Eugene smiled strangely and nodded.

“Okay, let’s send out a test unit first.”

“What do you mean?”

“This is something that you, Poniatowski, will have to assist with.”

Suddenly, Eugene’s gaze shifted to Poniatowski and his subordinates, including General Dombrowski.

“Let’s see the capabilities of Poland’s renowned Hussars.”

The attire worn by these Polish generals differed from that of French soldiers.

The silver, heavy armor gleamed in the lamplight.

It was as if knights from the Middle Ages had returned.

Poniatowski’s eyebrows twitched slightly as he bowed his head.

“I will gladly serve Your Majesty. What is the operation?”

Even in the vanguard 4th Corps, Polish cavalry are once again taking the lead.

***

The Legion Polski, or the Polish Legion, has been serving the French Empire since the era of the Great Revolution.

-Doo-doo-doo!

At first glance, it might seem improbable, but Poland and France have a surprisingly deep historical connection.

Since King Louis XV married a Polish princess as his queen, many Poles had come to France to seek their fortunes.

As Poland began to decline, even more Poles headed to Paris.

Also, as Poland was completely partitioned around the time of the Great Revolution, Polish soldiers joined the French army.

The core of the 200,000 Polish troops participating in the Grande Armée’s Russian expeditionary force is the Legion Polski.

The commander-in-chief of the 100,000 who are with the Grande Armée is Poniatowski.

In particular, the commander-in-chief of the core 30,000 cavalry is Poniatowski’s closest aide, Dombrowski.

General Dombrowski frowned as he rode his horse and inquired.

“General, isn’t this a trap?”

“No, if it succeeds, we can advance to the Dnieper River area at once.”

“But didn’t the negotiations with the Don Cossacks fail?”

Poniatowski glanced at Dombrowski and replied.

“Even so, we must prove our worth in this expedition. Only then can we achieve the true unification and independence of Polska [Polish name for Poland].”

The point where the Legion Polski cavalry of 10,000 is advancing now is the Dnieper River area.

In terms of modern geography, it can be said to be northeastern Ukraine.

If they break through this area, they will advance to Yekaterinoslav, which was the name in the 19th century for modern-day Dnipro.

Therefore, Eugene had the famous Polish Hussars of later generations dispersed and advanced.

Even with supply wagons.

“For now, the scouts have confirmed that there are no enemies in this vicinity. Huh?”

Suukowski, an adjutant, rode up to report, paying close attention to the supply wagons.

-Swaeak!

Suddenly, an arrow flew in, and a commander’s guard next to Suukowski fell from his horse.

“Keok!”

“Arrows! Cossacks!”

“Alert! Protect all the wagons!”

Light cavalry rushed in unison from the forests surrounding the Dnieper River area.

Cossacks, cavalry in leather armor reminiscent of Turkish nomads from the Middle Ages.

A scene that seems out of place in the 19th century unfolded.

Dozens, hundreds, thousands of light cavalry rushed in like a wave, then swept away.

But Dombrowski is also a veteran who has endured a long struggle with Russia.

“Right wing! Prepare for a counterattack!”

The right wing, composed of light lancer cavalry called Uhlans in German.

The very people who suddenly made the lancer cavalry, which had already become a historical relic, the main force of the cavalry in the 19th century.

The light lancer cavalry raised their spears in unison.

-Cheok, cheok, cheok!

Poniatowski also urgently called for the guards.

“Everyone, raise your spears! Form a line! Eok!”

“Arrows, Your Excellency!”

“Barbarians, what are you doing with arrows in the 19th century!”

At that moment, an arrow came in, aiming for Poniatowski’s heart.

-Chaeng!

Seeing the arrow strike his armor and fall harmlessly, Poniatowski boldly shouted.

“We are heavy armored cavalry! Cuirassiers, charge!”

The heavy cavalry in silver breastplates charged in unison.

-Doo-doo-doo!

One of the fundamental principles of cavalry warfare is that light cavalry cannot prevail against heavy cavalry in close combat.

As the heavy cuirassiers and light uhlans charged like a wedge, the Cossack light cavalry in leather armor scattered.

However, the Cossack light cavalry’s apparent rout is a disorderly but elusive retreat.

The Cossack light cavalry’s tactic is to lure the enemy in this way and then annihilate them with a counterattack.

The Polish cavalry corps, aware of this tactic, halted their advance and began to assess the situation.

“For now, we have repelled them!”

“What about the supplies?”

“Yes? Oh! Oh no!”

Suukowski, who was urgently reporting to Commander Poniatowski, screamed.

-Hwareureuk!

Before they knew it, the supply wagons struck by fire arrows were ablaze.

The cavalry dismounted and tried to extinguish the flames, but too many supplies had already been consumed.

Poniatowski gnashed his teeth.

“It’s truly a tactic unimaginable in 19th-century modern warfare.”

Raids, bows and arrows, lures.

Isn’t that the method of medieval nomads?

It’s a tactic that was thought to have disappeared after gunpowder weapons appeared on the battlefield.

But the situation has already unfolded and cannot be reversed.

“Inform His Majesty that our army has been defeated!”

At Poniatowski’s command, the veteran General Dombrowski cried out.

“How can this be, at the hands of those Cossack barbarians!”

It was a truly humiliating moment for the Polish lancer cavalry who had roamed Eastern Europe.

***

Of course, Eugene wasn’t particularly surprised.

“All the supplies moved through 10 routes were looted, raided, and destroyed.”

Listening to Jomini’s report, Eugene tilted his head.

“Did information leak from our side?”

“I don’t believe so. The enemies know this Dnieper prairie terrain intimately. They know all the routes that can be used for advancement.”

“Then don’t we, the Grande Armée, have any guides?”

Then someone entered the barracks and announced.

“Why not? Of course, there are friends who have lived here for generations!”

The guest that Eugene had been waiting for had finally arrived.

It was Marshal Marceau from Constantinople.

Eugene greeted Marceau with a smile.

“Marceau, you came in person? You could have just sent the army, especially the Turkish cavalry.”

“His Majesty the King of Spain came all the way to Constantinople, so how could I remain idle?”

“But who are these friends who have lived here for generations?”

Marceau smiled and replied.

“The descendants of the Crimean Khanate [a Turkic state that existed from 1441 to 1783]. What do you think? Can you utilize them?”

This time, Eugene was genuinely surprised.

The Cossacks are Russia’s secret weapon.

Originally, even in the original history, the Cossacks hindered the advance of Napoleon’s Grande Armée with countless ambushes.

Therefore, he thought it was impossible to deal with them directly from the beginning and was waiting for reinforcements from the Ottoman Empire to arrive.

But the solution Marceau brought was beyond Eugene’s expectations.

“If you introduce them, I’ll use gold [as payment].”

The descendants of the Mongol Empire, which once ruled the Black Sea area.

If it’s the light cavalry of the Crimean Khanate, they will be able to stand against the Cossacks.