Battle of Szczekociny

Battle of Szczekociny
Part of the Kościuszko Uprising

Battle of Szczekociny, 1794, by Michał Stachowicz
Date6 June 1794
LocationSzczekociny
Result Russian-Prussian victory
Belligerents
Poland Russia Russian Empire
Kingdom of Prussia Prussian Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Tadeusz Kościuszko RussiaFiodor Denisov
Kingdom of PrussiaFrancis Favrat
Strength
15,000[1]:194
24 guns[2]:168		 26,500[1]:194
124 guns[1]:168
Casualties and losses
1200 plus[1]:195 minimal[1]:195

The Battle of Szczekociny was fought on June 6, 1794, near the town of Szczekociny, Lesser Poland, between Poland and the combined forces of the Russian Empire and Kingdom of Prussia. Polish forces were led by Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the Russians and Prussians by Alexander Tormasov, future eminent general of the Napoleonic Wars. Tormasov was aided by Prussian General Francis Favrat,[1]:194 who emphasized the use of artillery, which put Russian-Prussian forces in the advantage.

Background

Following the Russian defeat at the Battle of Raclawice, the Prussians entered Poland to help confront the Polish revolt.[1]:194 Prussia and Russia were threatened the sanctuary Poland offered serfs and Prussia was additionally threatened by their burghers lured to Poland's promise of democracy and free-market economy.[1]:156

On the morning of 6 June, General Wodzicki noted, "It is impossible that Denisov could have amassed such an army. My eyes must be wrong, but I can see Prussians."[1]:194 Kosciuszko had received assurances the Prussians would remain neutral.[1]:194 Russian forces were placed on the left wing, while Prussian army was located on the right wing.

Battle

The combined Russo-Prussian forces of 26,500 were victorious, defeating Kosciuszko’s army of 15,000 with cannon fire.[1]:194 Polish peasant hero, Wojciech Bartosz Głowacki, died of the wounds he sustained during this battle.[1]:194 Other Polish military commanders who took part in the battle were General Adam Poninski, General Antoni Madalinski, General Jan Grochowski and Duke Eustachy Sanguszko. Apart from Glowacki, two Polish generals died in the battle: Jozef Wodzicki[1]:194 and Jan Grochowski.[2]:168

Found on the battlefield by General Sanguszko, the wounded Kosciuszko stated, "I want to die here", as he was ridden to safety.[1]:195

Aftermath

Kosciuszko's rebels retreated to Warsaw while the combined Russian and Prussian force captured Krakow on 15 June.[1]:195 Austria then invaded Poland from the south.[1]:195 The Polish revolt was reduced to defending Warsaw.[1]:195

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Storozynski, A., 2009, The Peasant Prince, New York: St. Martin's Press, ISBN 9780312388027
  2. 1 2 Reddaway, W.F., The Cambridge History of Poland, Vol. 2, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

External links

Coordinates: 50°37′39″N 19°49′31″E / 50.6275°N 19.8253°E / 50.6275; 19.8253

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