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Alexander TsvilenevRussian commander during the Napoleonic Wars
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Beginnings
- Courage Under Fire
- Ottoman Wars and Serbian Victories
- General in the Napoleonic Wars
- Post-War Career
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Born into a noble family in the Smolensk Governorate, Ivan Mikhailovich Zwehlenyev began his military service at the tender age of 15, joining the elite Life Guards Semyonovsky Regiment as a quartermaster. As a sergeant, he embarked on his first campaign against the Swedes and was decorated with the rank of captain on January 1, 1790, transferring to the Belozersk Infantry Regiment. Three years later, he moved to the Moscow Grenadier Regiment, participating in the suppression of the Polish uprising in 1794.
Courage Under Fire
On May 17, 1799, Zwehlenyev became a major and commanded the Pavlovsky Grenadier Regiment. He served in the Dutch expedition and fought valiantly against the French at Bergen. His bravery earned him the rank of colonel on October 12, 1800. On March 23, 1806, he was appointed chief of the Novoingermanland Musketeer Regiment.
Ottoman Wars and Serbian Victories
From 1807 to 1811, Zwehlenyev fought against the Ottoman Turks. During the assault on a fortification near Duddu, he stormed the ramparts, demonstrating exceptional courage that earned him the Order of St. George, Class 4, on May 2, 1810. By the end of September, he had captured the fortress of Kladovo in Serbia and forced the surrender of the Bregavo Fortress, leading to his promotion to major general on September 25, 1810.
General in the Napoleonic Wars
In the War of 1812, Zwehlenyev commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Grenadier Division in the 1st Western Army. The brigade first encountered the French near Lubin and held their ground against overwhelming odds. At the Battle of Borodino, Zwehlenyev led his brigade into multiple bayonet charges near the Utitsy village. After the Battle of Tarutino, his brigade distinguished itself at Krasny. For his bravery, Zwehlenyev received the Order of St. George, Class 3, on June 3, 1813.
At the Battle of Lützen, he filled the vacancy of the wounded commander of the grenadier division, preventing the enemy from outflanking the left flank. At Kulm, he led the charge of the grenadiers, inspiring his troops before being severely wounded in the right hand.
Post-War Career
Following the war, Zwehlenyev took command of the 11th Infantry Division. His exceptional training of soldiers led to his promotion to lieutenant general on August 30, 1815.
