1812 battle during Napoleon's invasion of Russia
The Battle of Nowo Schwerschen was fought on Friday, 13 November 1812, near Nowo Schwerschen, part of the Russian Empire at the time. An unexperienced Polish force under General Franciszek Ksawery Kossecki was defeated by seasoned Russian forces led by Count Lambert from Admiral Chichagov's Army of the Danube.
Kossecki's forces were given the task of protecting Minsk from a southeast attack and ensure a path of retreat for Napoleon's "Grande Armée".
Background.
Maret sent General Kossecki with about 3,000 infantry and 500 cavalry men to Nowo Schwerschen where they were to protect the crossing of the Niemen.
According to Smith, Kossecki's division was composed of:
Count Lambert's units included the 10th and 14th Jaegers.
Battle.
On November 13, Lambert arrived at Nowo Schwerschen with the Third Western Army's vanguard. Kossecki's raw Polish recruits were driven off with heavy losses by the cavalry.
Aftermath.
The defeated detachment was once more attacked in the battle of Kaidanowo.
References.
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