Second Battle of Polotsk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Battle of Polotsk
Part of the French invasion of Russia
Battle of Polotsk, by Peter von Hess
Date 18–20 October 1812 Location Polotsk, Russian Empire 55°29′N 28°48′E / 55.483°N 28.800°E / 55.483; 28.800 Result Russian victory
Belligerents
Russian Empire	French Empire
Commanders and leaders
Peter Wittgenstein Fabian Steinheil	Laurent Saint-Cyr
Strength
40,000 regular troops; 9,000 militia	23,000 to 27,000 troops
Casualties and losses
8,000–12,000	6,000–8,000

The Second Battle of Polotsk was a major fight that happened from October 18 to 20, 1812. It was part of Napoleon's invasion of Russia. In this battle, Russian forces led by General Peter Wittgenstein attacked and defeated a combined French and Bavarian army. This enemy force was commanded by Laurent Gouvion Saint-Cyr. After their victory, the Russians took control of the city of Polotsk. This win also helped to stop Napoleon's military plans in Belarus. Wittgenstein's success was important because it set the stage for another big battle, the Battle of Berezina, which happened in November. In that battle, three Russian armies closed in on Napoleon's forces from different directions.

Why This Battle Was Important

When Napoleon marched his army towards Moscow, he left some French and German troops behind in Polotsk. Their job was to protect his northern side from General Wittgenstein's Russian army. Polotsk was a very important defensive spot for Napoleon. It was about 320 kilometers (200 miles) east of the Polish border. It was also about 240 kilometers (150 miles) northwest of Smolensk.

Protecting Napoleon's Army

Having a strong defense at Polotsk kept Wittgenstein's army busy and away from Napoleon's main force. It was really important that Wittgenstein's army did not move south. If they had, Napoleon's huge army, called the Grande Armée, would have been in danger. They were hundreds of miles to the east, fighting near Moscow. An attack from the rear would have cut off their supplies and messages from Europe. This could have led to Napoleon's army being surrounded.

Guarding Supply Depots

The French position at Polotsk was also key because it protected Vitebsk. Vitebsk was one of three very large supply depots Napoleon had set up in western Russia (which is now Belarus). These three depots—the others being Minsk and Smolensk—were meant to provide food, weapons, and other supplies. This would help Napoleon's army if the war lasted longer than he expected, especially during the winter.

The First Battle and Shifting Power

Throughout the summer and early fall of 1812, the Russian and French armies were stuck in a stalemate at Polotsk. This meant that General St. Cyr's troops were doing their job of holding the "Dwina Line." The first battle of Polotsk, which happened in August, didn't have a clear winner. But it did keep Wittgenstein's army from moving forward, so Napoleon saw it as a success.

However, by mid-October, the situation at Polotsk had changed a lot. Wittgenstein's army had received many more soldiers. Now, the Russian forces were much larger than the French army they faced. Wittgenstein now commanded almost 50,000 troops. This included 31,000 regular soldiers and 9,000 local fighters right at Polotsk. Another 9,000 troops, led by General Steingal, were operating behind and to the side of Polotsk. Against this large Russian force, the French army under St. Cyr had only about 23,000 to 27,000 soldiers. On October 18, Wittgenstein began his attack against the French "Dwina Line."

The Battle Unfolds

On the first day of fighting, the Russian army attacked Polotsk head-on seven times. At the same time, Steingal's forces started moving towards the French from behind. The fighting in Polotsk was very intense and bloody. The Russians lost about 8,000 to 12,000 soldiers. The French also suffered heavy losses, with about 8,000 casualties. All seven Russian attacks were pushed back by the end of the day. St. Cyr could say he won the first part of this tough battle, but it was not over yet.

The Fire and Retreat

Wittgenstein planned to attack again once Steingal's forces arrived. He kept up a heavy artillery bombardment on Polotsk. Soon, much of the town was on fire. Late on the next day, October 19, Steingal got within 6 kilometers (four miles) of Polotsk. St. Cyr realized his army was in danger of being surrounded. That night, knowing they couldn't hold their position, the French began to leave Polotsk. Fierce house-to-house combat broke out in the town as the Russians launched their final attack.

French Escape and Russian Victory

To protect his tired army's escape route to the south, St. Cyr ordered his Bavarian soldiers to push Steingal back. This happened early on October 20. The Bavarians did an impressive job, forcing Steingal to retreat with many casualties. This action saved the French from being surrounded by the Russians. However, the battle for Polotsk was still lost.

After three days of fighting, St. Cyr's forces were reduced to only about 15,000 tired soldiers. They were in full retreat from Wittgenstein's 38,000 Russians. Two weeks later, Wittgenstein's troops captured the French supply depot at Vitebsk. This was a huge problem for Napoleon's quickly failing Russian invasion. Napoleon's northern front—the "Dwina Line"—was broken. This had serious consequences for his invasion of Russia.

See also

• List of battles of the French invasion of Russia

Images for kids

• 

  Modern view of the Dvina River in Polotsk.

• "Полоцк". Military Encyclopedia: In 18 Volumes. 1911–1915.