the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

October, the French controlled Switzerland as they did before the campaign. 158 The
Austrian commissariat also contributed to the ultimate debacle, especially in the delay at
Taverne. The sixteen days campaigning had a heavy toll on the Russian army. Suvorov’s
troops lost over 5,200 men, including 1,600 killed and over 3,500 wounded; the infantry
suffered 28,4% losses. 159 The real heroes of the campaign were the Russian soldiers, who
fought their way through the mountains, surrounded by the enemy and in terrible weather.
No one before had ever crossed through the Alps in wintertime so rapidly and in such
conditions.
The campaign in Switzerland was considered, and is still regarded, by the Russians
as the crowning glory of Suvorov’s career in spite of its ultimate failure. 160 Emperor Paul
conferred on Suvorov the title of generalissimo 161 and ordered construction of a monument
to the general that was completed in 1801. 162 The campaign contributed to the rise of many
generals, including Peter Bagration. Of all the Russian generals who served, Prince Peter
was Suvorov’s closest confidant. During the campaign, Bagration distinguished himself as
a skillful tactician and resourceful commander of advance and rear guards. Major General
at thirty-five, he played a significant role on many occasions during both the Italian and
158 Miliutin, Campaign of 1799 IV, 180-81.
159 Regimental reports, 12 October 1799, in Miliutin, Campaign of 1799 IV, 162, 330-37;
Suvorov’s Atlas, 58; Miliutin also had detailed numbers for Bagration’ troops:
On 12 September 1799 On 12 October 1799
Unit Officers Rank&File Officers Rank&File
Bagration Jager Regiment 22 484 17 300
Miller Jager Regiment 24 472 16 275
Lomonosov Grenadier Battalion 8 322 4 170
Dendrygin Grenadier Battalion 10 329 6 274
Kalemin Grenadier Battalion 12 385 8 194
Sanaev Grenadier Battalion 9 317 8 143
Total 85 2,309 59 1356
160 A monument in the shape of Greek cross, some 36 feet high, was cut in a cliff overlooking
the Devil’s Bridge to commemorate the Russian campaign in the Alps.
161 Paul to Suvorov, 9 November 1799, in Miliutin, Campaign of 1799 IV, 167, 339.
177