The features of reconnaissance operations of the 3rd brigade of the Russian expeditionary corps on the Western front. December 1916–March 1917

Abstract

The article analyzes the preparation and conduct of reconnaissance operations in the area of the French commune of Aubérive using the example of two regiments of the 3rd Special Infantry Brigade of the Russian Expeditionary Forces in France. The common and unique features of the French front inherent in the activities of the Russian troops are highlighted. The basis of the research is a set of unpublished sources from the collections of the Russian State Military Historical Archive, the Bakhmetyev Archive of Columbia University (USA), the archive of the Russian Cultural Center (USA). The author notes that, despite the inconsistency of the actions of artillery and infantry, the raids were quite well thought out, this allowed not only to carry out a combat mission, but also to save personnel.

Keywords

• russian imperial army
• russian expeditionary force
• france
• military intelligence
• military stratagem