Aleksandr Figner

Aleksandr Samoilovich Figner (, ; 1787 – 12 October 1813) was a Guards Colonel of the army of the Russian Empire, known as an organizer of partisan units during the 1812 Napoleonic invasion of Russia and later in Germany.

Early life A descendant of the ancient German Figner-von-Ruthmersbach family, he was born the son of the future Vice Governor of Pskov, Samuil Samoilovich Figner. The young Figner was educated in the 2nd Cadet Corps and in 1805 was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of the Artillery. That same year, he took part in the Anglo-Russian expedition to the Mediterranean and, during his stay in Italy, learned Italian well, which later proved very useful. In 1810, Figner participated in the Russo-Turkish War and earned the Order of St. George, 4th Class, for the storming of Rusçuk. After this war, he retired and received a position as mayor of a city in the province of Tambov, but returned to military service as a Staff Captain of Artillery in 1812.

Napoleonic Wars His distinguished service at the Battle of the Strogani River earned Figner a promotion to Captain. When the Russian army left Moscow after the Battle of Borodino, Figner received permission to act independently as a partisan. He entered the city and committed sabotage there. According to some stories, he even planned to kill Napoleon. After that, he gathered a detachment of lagging soldiers and deserters and began to attack the retreating units of the Grande Armée. Figner's detachment became a notable force and participated in the capture of general Augereau's brigade near Lyakhovo. Figner managed to create a resounding glory for himself, becoming the most famous partisan leader at that time. He was distinguished by a passion for dressing up for reconnaissance among enemy units. For his exploits, his rank was raised to Lieutenant Colonel and he received 7,000 rubles.

Death He was distinguished by cruelty towards captured French prisoners, unusual even among the partisans of that time. Another famous partisan, Denis Davydov, severely criticized him for this. Other contemporaries, however, found in him traits of chivalrous nobility and generosity, and genuine religiosity, not hypocrisy. His sabre was found on the river bank.