[1][2] He started his military career around the age of 12, when he enlisted in the Lifeguard Preobrezhansky Regiment as a sergeant.

[1] However, he soon transferred to the Life Guard Horse Regiment, of which, in 1799, he became a cornet and several years later, on 7 June 1804, a colonel (polkovnik).

[1] Some months later, in 1805, he fought at the Battle of Austerlitz and in the years 1807-09 he served in Poland and in Finland with the Grodno Hussar Regiment.

[1] In 1812, amidst the French invasion of Russia by Napoleon, Alexander Davydov returned to the army and served under Mikhail Miloradovich at the battles of Tarutino, Maloyaroslavets, Vyazma, and lastly Krasny.

[1] In the ensuing year, in 1813, he served at the battles of Lützen, Bautzen, Dresden (received Order of St. George, 4th class) and lastly Kulm.