Alexander Kutaisov


Graf Alexander Ivanovich Kutaisov was an Imperial Russian military commander, namely a major general who specialized in artillery. His death during the Battle of Borodino undermined the combat capability of the Russian gunners.

Biography

Kutaisov was born in Saint Petersburg, of Turkish origin. The surname comes as far as from the name of the ancestor's hometown, Kütahya. He received a home education. In 1805, he was already an artillery colonel; in the wars of the Third and Fourth coalitions, he proved himself to be a remarkably brave leader of horse artillery and especially distinguished himself in the Battle of Eylau. In 1812, he was chief of artillery of the First Western Army; he participated in all rearguard actions during its retreat; he was killed near Borodino.