Edward J Murphy

A Tarnished Eagle Edward J Murphy

The victories and accomplishments of Napoleon and his Grand Army are legendary. Yet, on the bloody field of Eylau, Napoleon lost both his prestige and over one third of his Army. How did this Russian Army of notably inferior weapons, tactics, organization and leadership stave off defeat and almost achieve victory? The Campaign cost Napoleon over 43,000 casualties and proved indecisive. The campaign and Battle of Eylau, ruined Napoleon's image of invincibility and completely gutted the Grand Army of a wealth of leadership and experience. Over twenty general officers were killed or seriously wounded at Eylau. Subsequently, Napoleon would have to consistently rely on more conscripts and foreign troops to fill his depleted ranks. Napoleon's Army would never again resemble the previously invincible Grand Army that died on the blood soaked snows of Poland.