Battle of Zieleńce
Battle of Zieleńce | |||||||
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Part of the Polish–Russian War of 1792 | |||||||
Map of the Polish–Russian War of 1792 | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Poland–Lithuania | Russian Empire | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Prince Józef Poniatowski | Irakly Morkov | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
15,357 and 12 cannons[1] | 11,000 and 24 cannons[2][1] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
1,000[3] claimed by the Poles, 800[4] claimed by the Russians | 730[4] claimed by the Russians, 2,000[3] claimed by the Poles |
The Battle of Zieleńce was a battle in the
Prelude
Polish forces had been retreating for several weeks, avoiding a decisive engagement with the numerically superior Russian forces.[5]
On 15 June, the combined Polish forces reached
Battle
Opening moves
The battle began with artillery fire and cavalry clashes. About 7 a.m., Markow wanted to begin to attack but changed his orders when he saw that Polish formations under Poniatowski had moved onto the battle field.[6] Poniatowski forces included two infantry battalions, a cavalry regiment of front guard from Prince Józef Lubomirski, Brigade National Cavalry under command of Stanisław Mokronowski, a division under command of General Wielhorski, and 12 cannons. Kościuszko with his division had to stay in the rear in order to prevent an attack from Levanidov and Dunin corps. Poniatowski sent the Mokronowski brigade on right wing. He backed the artillery. The battalion of infantry regiment of Potocki was in reserve. The division of Wielhorski took position within the forest as second throw.[7]
Russian advance
After a few hours, the Polish and Russian artillery quieted. Within 12 hours with Russian-backed artillery fire, the infantry began advancing onto the Polish centre. Under mass artillery fire and a Russian attack, panic was induced among the Polish recruits who began escaping. After some time, Józef Poniatowski reviewed the Polish position. He organised a new battalion from the Potocki regiment and with support of battalion ordnance Ostrogoski began a counterattack. Russian infantry under fire of artillery and a Polish counterattack began withdrawal incurring heavy losses. Meanwhile, another Russian infantry unit secured the village of Zieleńce and opened fire on Polish formations. Poniatowski sent a formation of cavalry, but failed. After the village was set on fire, the Russians withdrew.[7] Meanwhile, the Russians moved artillery fire onto Polish right wing on cavalry. The soldiers felt panic. At that moment, Cossacks began a charge. At beginning, that charge was stopped by field squadrons of Mokronowski brigade cavalry, but in formation of Regiment Buławy Koronnej panic ensued the rear squadrons of Mokronowski brigade. The panic of the Polish cavalry was stopped by Sanguszko and other officers. After reorganisation, Polish cavalry with support of part Lubowidzki cavalry brigade from second line began a countercharge. During this charge, the Polish cavalry destroyed the Russian cavalry and began to rally. Poniatowski sent an order to support the rally to Czapski commander of second line cavalry right wing. Czapski refused to obey because the order was not written. In truth of the matter of his decision was that he was follower of the pro-Russian Targowica Confederation.[7] During this time, a Russian regiment of grenadiers from Ekatierinoslav attacked Polish left wing. Poniatowski sent battalions from Potocki and Malczewski regiments. After decimating grenadiers under artillery and rifle fire, the Russians advance collapsed.[8]
Polish advance
After collapsing the Russian advance, Poniatowski organised an attack group from division Wielhorski units.[8] This group contained three infantry battalions from regiments Potocki, Malczewski and ordnance ostrogocka, Brigade National Cavalry under command of Dzierżek, and regiment front watch under command of Józef Lubomirski. The group had to attack the Russian right wing. Morkov, who watched the preparations, concentrated most of his formation against the group. Polish cavalry successfully fought the Russian cavalry and forced them to withdrawal. But when Wielhorski met the enemy infantry, he stopped the advance because his infantry was weaker than the Russians and inexperienced. About 5 p.m. Morkov, who did not get relief from Kutuzov, withdrew.[9]
Aftermath
The victorious Polish army stayed on battlefield until evening and, thereafter, withdrew to Zasław. It was a tactical victory, without much strategic implications.[9] Polish losses were significant; soldiers lacked ammunition and food; Derdej compares it to a Pyrrhic victory.[10] After Polish withdrawal, Morkov moved onto the battlefield and announced himself the victor.[9] Nonetheless, modern historians classify this battle as a Polish victory.[10][1][3]
The Russians nonetheless sustained heavier losses, and were significantly delayed in their pursuit of the Polish forces.
Some contemporary Polish leaders, like Kościuszko and Zajączek, felt that Poniatowski should have pursued the Russians more aggressively,[3] but Derdej justifies his decision noting the exhaustion and low supplies of Polish forces.[10][1]
The Battle of Zieleńce is commemorated on the
References
Bibliography
- Piotr Derdej (2008). Zieleńce - Mir - Dubienka 1792. Bellona. ISBN 978-83-11-11039-7.
- Jadwiga Nadzieja (1988). Od Jakobina do księcia namiestnika. Wydawnictwo "Śląsk". ISBN 978-83-216-0682-8.
- Alex Storozynski (28 April 2009). The Peasant Prince: and the Age of Revolution. St. Martin's Press. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-312-62594-8. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
- Velichko, Konstantin; Novitsky, Vasily; Schwarz, Alexey von; Apushkin, Vladimir; Schulz, Gustav von (1912). Sytin Military Encyclopedia (in Russian). Vol. X: "Елисавета Петровна – Инициатива". Moscow: Типография Т-ва И. Д. Сытина. Retrieved 1 July 2023.