Battle of Swolna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Swolna |
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| Part of the French invasion of Russia | |||||||
 Near Beshenkovichi, on the banks of the Western Dvina, Belarus. July 29, 1812. 1830s |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Russian Empire |
 French Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| General d'Auvray |
Nicolas Oudinot |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 9,000 | 10,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 700-800 | 1,500 | ||||||
The Battle of Swolna happened on August 11, 1812. It was a fight between the French and Russian armies. This battle took place near a village called Swolna, by the Svolna River. It was part of the much larger French invasion of Russia, also known as the Patriotic War of 1812.
What Led to the Battle?
Before this battle, the French army, led by Marshal Nicolas Oudinot, was trying to push forward. Napoleon, the French emperor, had sent more soldiers to help Oudinot. These new soldiers were from Bavaria, a region in Germany.
However, many of Oudinot's soldiers were very sick. Despite this, Oudinot decided to start a new attack. He wanted to cross the Svolna River and advance further into Russian territory.
The Battle Itself
The battle began when Oudinot's French forces met the Russian army near the Svolna River. Both sides fought hard to control the river crossing. The French tried to push across, and the Russians tried to stop them.
The fighting was intense, but neither army could win a clear victory. They both struggled to gain control of the river. It was a tough fight where neither side managed to force the other to retreat completely.
What Happened Next?
After the battle, Marshal Oudinot and his French troops pulled back. They moved to a safer position behind another river called the Drissa. The battle was considered "inconclusive," meaning neither side truly won.
Even though it wasn't a big victory for either side, this battle was one small part of the huge French invasion of Russia. This invasion eventually led to Napoleon's famous retreat from Russia.
See also
