evidence: Mikhail Ilarionovich Kutuzov was a military figure whose extraordinary career has been lionised in Russia for more than two centuries. The field marshal led a life of almost ceaseless battlefield exploits. Kutuzov fought against the Polish Confederation of Bar and he served in the Russo-Turkish wars, in which he lost an eye. He took part in the Battle of Austerlitz, which was fought against his advice, and in 1811 he again took command against the Turks and defeated them in a brief and brilliant campaign which resulted in Bessarabia being annexed to Russia. The following year Kutuzov, recently created a prince, replaced Prince Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly as commander-in-chief against the invading armies of Napoleon I.