Battles & Campaigns · 1812
Battle of Saltanovka
Saltanovka, near Mogilev, Belarus
What happened
Bagration's Russian army was trying to cross the Dnieper at Mogilev to join the main Russian army. Davout got there first and defended Saltanovka with earthworks and artillery. The Russian attacks were driven back, and Bagration ordered a retreat.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The French victory stopped Bagration joining the main army at Vitebsk. He had to fall back toward Smolensk.
What came next
Bagration built a bridge further south, crossed the Dnieper and joined the main Russian army at Smolensk.
Did you know?
Leo Tolstoy wrote about this battle in War and Peace.
Timeline
- 20 July 1812Davout reaches Mogilev.
- 23 July 1812Battle of Saltanovka.
- 2 August 1812Bagration hands overall command to Barclay de Tolly.