Kutuzov never wore an eye patch.

1774 · 1812 · apart: 38 years

In 1774 near Alushta a bullet went through his temple and out by his right eye; the eye was left squinting but intact. The black patch is a later myth.

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The event

• Napoleon's invasion of Russia1812 · Borodino. In June 1812 Napoleon's Grande Armée crossed the Neman. After the Battle of Borodino the French took Moscow but, failing to force peace, retreated, and by year's end the army was almost destroyed. The campaign turned the tide of the Napoleonic Wars.

18th century · 19th century

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