Battles & Campaigns · 1708
Battle of Holowczyn
Near Mogilev, Belarus
What happened
During Charles XII's march into Russia, the Russian army was camped in two groups on either side of a marshy river. At night the Swedes waded through the marsh into the gap between them. Repnin's force was pushed back, and Sheremetev withdrew.
Why it matters
The win gave the Swedes a line along the Dnieper River and a base around Mogilev. But many Russian troops escaped, so it did not decide the war.
What came next
Charles kept marching toward Moscow, but his campaign ended in defeat at Poltava in July 1709.
Did you know?
Charles XII, then 26, reportedly thought it his favourite victory and waded across the river ahead of his men.
Timeline
- 19 Jul 1702Charles XII wins at Kliszów in Poland.
- 14 Jul 1708Battle of Holowczyn.
- 8 Jul 1709Swedish defeat at Poltava.