At the Battle of Valutino on 18 August 1812, the VIII Corps was ordered to cross the Dnieper River and block the retreat of the Russian Army toward Moscow. After taking a long time to cross the river, Junot failed to advance any farther, allowing the Russians to escape. At the Battle of Borodino on 7 September, the corps started out in reserve along with the Imperial Guard and the reserve cavalry. By 8:30 AM, Junot's men were sent into action. At 10:00 AM they joined the I Corps and III Corps in a massed attack on the "flèches" which was successful. Tharreau was among Borodino's many fatalities. That autumn, the