Battles & Campaigns · 1812
Battle of Smoliani
Near Smolyany, Belarus
What happened
A Russian army under Peter Wittgenstein fought French troops under Marshals Claude Victor and Nicolas Oudinot. French troops drove back the Russian advance guard and then took the village of Smoliani, but a Russian counter-attack won it back. A small Russian detachment kept Oudinot's larger force from helping Victor.
Why it matters
It was the last French attempt to restore their northern defence line. It left Wittgenstein able to threaten Napoleon's retreat.
What came next
Victor fell back south. Napoleon's retreating army crossed the Berezina later that month.
Did you know?
The battle site is easily confused with another village called Smalyany.
Timeline
- 31 Oct 1812Battle of Chashniki.
- 13 Nov 1812French attack the Russian advance guard.
- 14 Nov 1812Battle of Smoliani.
- 26–29 Nov 1812Crossing of the Berezina.