Battles & Campaigns · 1812
Second Battle of Polotsk
Polotsk, Belarus
What happened
The Russians attacked the French position at Polotsk, making seven frontal assaults on the first day, all beaten back. When other Russian forces moved against the French rear, the French left the town at night, and Bavarian troops then held off the Russians long enough for the French to escape.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a Russian victory. The French lost the position that guarded Napoleon's northern flank and his supply depot at Vitebsk.
What came next
About two weeks later Wittgenstein captured the Vitebsk depot, setting the stage for the Berezina in November.
Did you know?
Saint-Cyr and Oudinot took turns commanding the French at Polotsk.
Timeline
- 17–18 August 1812First Battle of Polotsk.
- 18–20 October 1812Second Battle of Polotsk.
- 26–29 November 1812Battle of the Berezina.