39 - These Brave Fellows There might not have been a “sun of
Austerlitz.” It was a bit after four that afternoon. The
Russians had moved a column behind Gazan into Durenstein. His
men, though victorious up to this point, were exhausted and
nearly out of ammunition, with no relief in sight. Brigadier
Jean Graindorge begged Marshal Mortier to escape the
encirclement by boat to avoid capture or death. Mortier's answer
was clear: "No! We must not separate from these brave fellows;
we must be saved or perish together!" * For most people, even
veteran Napoleonic Grognards, the “War of the Third Coalition”
has three distinct parts. 1. Turning away from the aborted
invasion of England, Napoleon takes his army on an astonishing
force march, surprises Mack and much of the Austrian army at
Ulm, and forces their surrender. 2. French capture Vienna, using
sneaky tactics. 3. Big, decisive battle at Austerlitz.
Austerlitz may have been Napoleon’s classic battle, in his own
estimation. It was certainly one ‘title’ he refused