Battles & Campaigns · 1920
Battle of Daugavpils
Daugavpils, Latvia
What happened
In deep snow and bitter cold, Polish troops crossed the frozen Daugava River. They stormed the fortress while another division attacked from the north. The Soviet garrison withdrew, and the city was handed over to Latvia on 5 January 1920.
Why it matters
It stopped Soviet armies from gathering strength in the region. It also helped keep relations between Poland and Latvia good between the wars.
What came next
Latvia did not join Poland's further war against Soviet Russia and later joined the Baltic Entente.
Did you know?
French-made Renault FT tanks took part in the battle.
Timeline
- 3 Jan 1920The joint attack begins.
- 5 Jan 1920Daugavpils is handed to Latvia.
- 11 Aug 1920Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty.
- 18 Mar 1921Peace of Riga ends the Polish–Soviet War.