Brili 1

Engagement/Skirmish Name : Brili 1

Date(s) : 26 November 1812

Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , Napoleon's Russian Campaign , Crossing the Beresina ,

Outcome : A victory for French and Allied Forces over Russian forces

Type of battle : Land

Summary

The first French bridge was completed about 1300hrs. As soon as it was ready Napoleon sent what was left of Oudinot II Corps across it. The French also set up a battery of 40 to 56 guns to fire across the river to cover the front of II Corps. Only a token element of the Russians opposed them as the bulk of Tchichagov's army had been drawn further south by a Napoleonic ruse.
By 1500hrs the second, larger, bridge was ready and Napoleon began to reinforce his bridge head with men and guns.