UTITSA

---

In the battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, the battle of Utitsa occurred on the south flank. The French forces in the area were Poniatowski's 5th Corps and some cavalry. They were opposed by the Russian Tuchkov's Corps along with the reserves of Baggavout. Early in the battle the French attacks managed to gain control of the town of Utitsa and part of the neighboring forest. Russian reserves were being committed in large numbers to the center and left flanks. Attempts to turn the Utitsa flank failed as the Russians used the broken and wooded terrain to their advantage. General Tuchkov, however, was killed. The fighting was very heavy and by 4:00 PM the Polish troops managed again to retake Utitsa and the nearby hill. The arrival of fresh Russian troops caused the Polish Prince to pause and by 5:00 PM the battle was over.

---