Battle of Kaidanowo facts for kids

The Battle of Kaidanowo was a fight that happened on Sunday, November 15, 1812. It took place near a village called Kaidanava, which was part of the Russian Empire back then.

In this battle, a group of soldiers from Lithuania, Württemberg (a German kingdom), and France, led by General Franciszek Ksawery Kossecki, fought against experienced Russian soldiers. The Russian forces were led by General Charles de Lambert. The Russians had more soldiers, about 3,800 to 4,000, while General Kossecki's side had about 1,300 to 2,000. The Russian side won this battle.

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kaidanowo
Part of the French invasion of Russia
Napoleon's retreat by Vasily Vereshchagin
Date 15 November 1812 Location Kaidanowo, 30 km southwest of Minsk, Russian Empire Result Russian victory
Belligerents
Russian Empire	French Empire Lithuanian Provisional Governing Commission Duchy of Warsaw Württemberg
Commanders and leaders
Charles de Lambert	Franciszek Ksawery Kossecki
Strength
3,800-4,000	1,300-2,000
Casualties and losses
unknown	1,000-2,000

What Led to the Battle

General Kossecki's soldiers had been badly beaten just two days before this battle. That happened at a place called Nowo Schwerschen. After that defeat, his group got some help. They were joined by infantry (foot soldiers) from Württemberg and cavalry (horse soldiers) from France.

On the other side were the Russian cavalry units. These were horse soldiers from the Army of the Danube.

The Battle Itself

General Lambert, leading the Russians, chased Kossecki's group. He caught up with them at Kaidanowo. There, the Russians managed to destroy most of Kossecki's soldiers.

The Russian cavalry charge was very powerful. The Lithuanian soldiers, who were not very experienced, could not stand against it. They started to run away. Their commander, Stanisław Czapski, tried to stop them. He even took strong actions to make them stay and fight. But his efforts did not work. All the Lithuanian groups lost many soldiers.

General Kossecki and about 100 of his cavalry soldiers managed to escape. They made it back to Minsk.

What Happened After

After the battle, only about 30 officers and 53 soldiers were left from the 22nd Lithuanian Infantry Regiment. Even though his soldiers ran away, Stanisław Czapski was recognized for his bravery. Napoleon himself gave him the Legion of Honour award for his actions in this battle.

The 18th Lithuanian Uhlan Regiment was lucky. This was their first battle, and they got away without too much harm. They managed to avoid being captured by the Russians. They retreated towards Berezina.

Another group of about 1,000 men, including some Württembergian soldiers, left Minsk. They marched to Barysaw. Many civilians and soldiers who worked for the government also escaped to Vilnius. Their arrival caused a panic there, as people thought the Russians were right behind them.

See Also

• List of battles of the French invasion of Russia