Souvorov Crossing the Devil's Bridge
Posted by: 
Oleg
N 46° 38.850 E 008° 35.400
32T E 468625 N 5166074
The Italian and Swiss expeditions of 1799 and 1800 were undertaken by the Russian commander Alexander Souvorov against French forces.
Waymark Code: WM5ATT
Location: Uri, Switzerland
Date Posted: 12/09/2008
Views: 26
Alexander Vasilyevich Souvorov (November 24, 1729 – May 18, 1800), was the fourth and last generalissimus of Russian Empire. One of the few great generals in history who never lost a battle, he was famed for his manual The Science of Victory and noted for the sayings "Train hard, fight easy", "The bullet is a fool, the bayonet is a fine chap", "Perish yourself but rescue your comrade!". He taught his soldiers to attack instantly and decisively: 'attack with the cold steel - push hard with the bayonet!' His soldiers adored him.
Souvorov had forced Napoleon's troops from northern Italy, and in the fall of 1799 he was under orders to march to Zurich to join the allied armies and drive the French out of Switzerland. Upon reaching central Switzerland, however, Souvorov's army was nearly trapped by the French. After ferocious fighting across the St. Gotthard Pass, his troops were hungry, exhausted and nearly barefoot. But Souvorov escaped encirclement by leading this army of 18,000 soldiers and 5,000 Cossack horsemen over three alpine passes in 10 days. He was then 70 years old.
Name of Battle:
Souvorov Crossing the Devil's Bridge
Name of War: Napoleonic War
Entrance Fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Date(s) of Battle (Beginning): 09/25/1799
Parking: Not Listed
Date of Battle (End): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Post a photo of you in front of a sign or marker posted at the site of the battle (or some other way to indicate you have personally visited the site.
In addition it is encouraged to take a few photos of the surrounding area and interesting features at the site.