Battle of Inkovo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Inkovo
Part of the French invasion of Russia
Cossacks were an irregular Russian cavalry best suited for the attack of the enemy’s supply lines without joining a regular battle.
Date 8 August 1812 Location Near Rudnja, Smolensk Oblast, Russian Empire 54°56′49″N 31°05′36″E / 54.94694°N 31.09333°E / 54.94694; 31.09333 Result Russian victory
Belligerents
French Empire	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
General Sebastiani	Matvei Platov
Strength
2nd Light Cavalry Division	Cossack corps
Casualties and losses
600-1,200 killed or wounded, 300-500 captured	300 killed or wounded

The Battle of Inkovo was a small but important fight that happened on August 8, 1812. It was between a group of Russian fighters called Cossacks, led by General Platov, and a French cavalry division led by General Sebastiani. The Russians won this battle. It was part of the larger French invasion of Russia by Napoleon's army.

What Happened Before the Battle?

In 1812, the French leader Napoleon invaded Russia. He wanted to defeat the Russian armies led by generals Barclay de Tolly and Pyotr Bagration. These Russian armies were separated, and Napoleon hoped to beat them one by one before they could join forces.

However, General Barclay de Tolly felt pressure to attack Napoleon. So, on August 7, the Russian army started moving west. They were on the north side of the Dnieper River. But then, Barclay de Tolly received some wrong information. Because of this, he decided to stop his westward movement.

The Battle of Inkovo

General Platov, who led the Russian Cossacks, did not get the new orders. He kept moving forward as planned. This led him to clash with General Sebastiani's French cavalry near a place called Inkovo.

At first, the French soldiers were forced to fall back. But then, more French troops arrived to help them. With these reinforcements, the French pushed back against the Russians who were chasing them. The fighting eventually stopped about three miles east of Rudnya, which is west of Inkovo.

What Happened After the Battle?

The Battle of Inkovo was a victory for the Russians. The French lost about 600 men, either killed or wounded. They also had between 300 and 500 soldiers captured, including 11 officers. The Russians had about 300 men killed or wounded.

Even though the Russians won this small battle, their main attack plan had been stopped. This allowed Napoleon to continue his march towards the city of Smolensk.

See also

• List of battles of the French invasion of Russia