The Battle of Kaidanowo was fought on Sunday, 15 November 1812, near the village of Kaidanowo, part of the Russian Empire at the time.[3] A Lithuanian,[4] Württembergian, and French force under General Franciszek Ksawery Kossecki [pl] of 1,300-2,000 was defeated by seasoned Russian forces led by General Charles de Lambert of about 3,800-4,000.[3][2][1]
Background
On one side was General Kossecki's division, which had been mauled two days previously at Nowo Schwerschen, reinforced after the battle with Württembergian infantry and French cavalry units.[3] On the other side was cavalry from the Army of the Danube.[3]
Order of Battle
According to Pugačiauskas, the regiments under Kossecki were:[5]
Kossakowski's Chasseurs à pied Regiment (two battalions, total 634)
Battle
Lambert mounted a pursuit, catching them at Kaidanowo, where he destroyed most of the detachment.
The Russian cavalry charge proved devastating, as the unseasoned 22nd Lithuanian Infantry Regiment did not withstand it and retreated.[4] The regiment's commander, Stanisław Czapski, tried to halt the retreat and even shot insubordinate soldiers, but his actions were unable to rectify the situation.[4] All three Lithuanian regiments suffered losses.[5]
Kossecki and about 100 of his cavalry escaped back to Minsk.[6]
Aftermath
Of the 22nd Lithuanian Infantry Regiment, a mere 30 officers and 53 soldiers remained.[4]Stanisław Czapski was awarded the Legion of Honour by Napoleon due to his effort in this battle.[7]
The 18th Lithuanian Uhlan Regiment survived this battle, which was its first, relatively unscathed, as it managed to evade Russian capture and retreated towards Berezina.[8]
Bronikowski and about 1,000 men evacuated Minsk and, including about 500 men of the 7th Württembergian Infantry Regiment, marched to Barysaw. A number of civilians of the administration together with many soldiers escaped to Vilnius, where they caused a panic because the inhabitants thought that the Russians were following them.[6]
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