Battles & Campaigns · 1812
First Battle of Polotsk
Near Polotsk, Belarus
What happened
On 17 August Wittgenstein's corps attacked French positions near Polotsk. Oudinot was wounded, and Saint-Cyr took command. The next day Saint-Cyr's attack went well at first, but a Russian cavalry counterattack stopped it, and both sides drew back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Wittgenstein's smaller force stopped two French corps from advancing on Saint Petersburg, then Russia's capital. Historians disagree over who won.
What came next
For the next two months neither side tried to change the balance. A second battle at Polotsk followed in October.
Did you know?
Wittgenstein became known as the 'Saviour of Saint Petersburg' for his fighting in this region.
Timeline
- 30 July 1812Battle of Klyastitsy begins.
- 17 August 1812Russians attack near Polotsk.
- 18 August 1812Saint-Cyr's attack is halted.
- November 1812Wittgenstein fights at the Berezina.