Battles & Campaigns · 1812
Battle of Chashniki
Chashniki, Belarus
What happened
A Russian army under Peter Wittgenstein fought French troops under Marshal Claude Victor. Russian troops attacked the French and pushed them back. Wittgenstein stopped his advance guard and bombarded the French line instead. Victor pulled back east, and the Russians did not follow.
Why it matters
Victor failed to restore the French 'Dvina Line'. It raised the chance that Russian armies could join up across Napoleon's retreat route.
What came next
Napoleon ordered Victor to try again, which led to another French defeat at Smoliani on 14 November.
Did you know?
The battle is also known by its Polish name, Czasniki.
Timeline
- 31 Oct 1812Battle of Chashniki.
- 7 Nov 1812Russians take the French depot at Vitebsk.
- 13–14 Nov 1812Battle of Smoliani.