Alexander Suvorov (1729 – 1800)
Russian Generalissimo.
Exercises cultivated self-reliance - the foundation of courage.
No battle can be won in the study, and theory without practice is dead.
Fortune seized at the right moment gives victory.
The three military arts. First - Apprehension, how to arrange things in camp, how to march, how to attack, pursue, and strike; for taking up position, final judgement of the enemy's strength, for estimating his intentions. Second - Quickness... This quickness doesn't weary the men. The enemy doesn't expect us, reckons us 100 versts away, and if a long way off to begin with - 200, 300 or more - suddenly we're on him, like snow on the head; his head spins. Attack with what comes up, with what God sends; the cavalry to begin, smash, strike, cut off, don't let slip, hurra! Brothers do miracles! Third - Attack. Leg supports leg. Arm strengthens arm; many men will die in the volley; the enemy has the same weapons, but he doesn't know the Russian bayonet. Extend the line - attack at once with cold steel; extend the line without stopping... the Cossacks to get through everywhere... In two lines is strength; in three, half as much again; the first breaks, the second drives into heaps, the third overthrows.
Money is expensive during the war. Human life is more expensive. And time is the most expensive.
Judgment of eye, speed and attack are the basis of victory.
The officers know that I myself am not ashamed to work at this. ...Suvorov was Major, and Adjutant, and everything down to Corporal; I myself looked into everything and could teach everybody.
If we had not driven them into hell... hell would have swallowed us.
When the enemy is driven back, we have failed, and when he is cut off, encircled and dispersed, we have succeeded.
The more comfort the less courage there is.
One cannot think that blind bravery gives victory over the enemy.
A strong pursuit, give no time for the enemy to think, take advantage of victory, uproot him, cut off his escape route.
Die for the Virgin, for your mother the Empress, for the royal family. The Church will pray to God for the dead. The survivor has honor and glory.
Fight the enemy with the weapons he lacks.
Fire opens the gates of victory.
Win with ability, not with numbers.
Accustom yourself to tireless activity...
Alive. In health. Serving. Suvorov.
The bullet is a mad thing; only the bayonet knows what it is about.