Battle of Kaidanowo | |||||||
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Part of the French invasion of Russia | |||||||
![]() Napoleon's retreat by Vasily Vereshchagin | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
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Commanders and leaders | |||||||
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Strength | |||||||
3,800 [1]-4,000 [2] | 1,300 [1]-2,000 [2] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
unknown | 1,000 [1]-2,000 [2] |
The Battle of Kaidanowo was fought on Sunday, 15 November 1812, near the village of Kaidanowo, part of the Russian Empire at the time. [3] A Lithuanian, [4] Württembergian, and French force under General Franciszek Ksawery Kossecki of 1,300-2,000 was defeated by seasoned Russian forces led by General Charles de Lambert of about 3,800-4,000. [3] [2] [1]
On one side was General Kossecki's division, which had been mauled two days previously at Nowo Schwerschen, reinforced after the battle with Württembergian infantry and French cavalry units. [3] On the other side was cavalry from the Army of the Danube. [3]
According to Pugačiauskas, the regiments under Kossecki were: [5]
Lambert mounted a pursuit, catching them at Kaidanowo, where he destroyed most of the detachment.
The Russian cavalry charge proved devastating, as the unseasoned 22nd Lithuanian Infantry Regiment did not withstand it and retreated. [4] The regiment's commander, Stanisław Czapski, tried to halt the retreat and even shot insubordinate soldiers, but his actions were unable to rectify the situation. [4] All three Lithuanian regiments suffered losses. [5]
Kossecki and about 100 of his cavalry escaped back to Minsk. [6]
Of the 22nd Lithuanian Infantry Regiment, a mere 30 officers and 53 soldiers remained. [4] Stanisław Czapski was awarded the Legion of Honour by Napoleon due to his effort in this battle. [7]
The 18th Lithuanian Uhlan Regiment survived this battle, which was its first, relatively unscathed, as it managed to evade Russian capture and retreated towards Berezina. [8]
Bronikowski and about 1,000 men evacuated Minsk and, including about 500 men of the 7th Württembergian Infantry Regiment, marched to Barysaw. A number of civilians of the administration together with many soldiers escaped to Vilnius, where they caused a panic because the inhabitants thought that the Russians were following them. [6]