ORDER OF BATTLE // July 23, 1812
Battle of Saltanovka
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 38,500–48,000 estimated
French Empire
21,500–28,000
Medium-confidence figure
Russian Empire
17,000–20,000
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
The Battle of Saltanovka, fought in the early stages of the French invasion of Russia, involved forces under Davout on the French side against Russian forces under Bagration and Raevsky. The French held a numerical advantage of roughly 21,500–28,000 against a Russian force of 17,000–20,000. Russian casualties of approximately 2,548 exceeded French losses of around 1,200, indicating the engagement took a heavier toll on the Russian side. The battle's place in the broader 1812 campaign relates to the early period when Napoleon's forces were driving into Russian territory and Russian armies were attempting to coordinate their movements and avoid encirclement.
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