Battles & Campaigns · 1812
Battle of Vitebsk
Vitebsk, Belarus
What happened
Napoleon's army fought the Russian rearguard of Michael Barclay de Tolly's First Army, led by Pyotr Konovnitsyn and Peter von der Pahlen. During Napoleon's invasion of Russia, the Russian rearguard held up the French for a day and a half near Vitebsk. Napoleon expected a big battle the next day, but the Russian army slipped away that night.
Why it matters
The Russians escaped intact and went on to join Bagration's army at Smolensk. Napoleon's hope for a decisive battle failed.
What came next
The Russian retreat led to the Battle of Smolensk in August.
Did you know?
Cossacks kept campfires burning overnight so the French would think the army was still there.
Timeline
- 26–27 Jul 1812Battle of Vitebsk.
- 27 Jul 1812Russian army slips away.
- 16–18 Aug 1812Battle of Smolensk.