Battle of Szczekociny

The Battle of Szczekociny was fought on the 6 June 1794 near the town of Szczekociny, Lesser Poland, between Poland and the combined forces of the Russian Empire and Kingdom of Prussia. Polish forces were led by Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the Russians and Prussians by Alexander Tormasov, future eminent general of the Napoleonic Wars. Tormasov was aided by Prussian General Francis Favrat,[1]: 194  who emphasized the use of artillery, which put Russian-Prussian forces in the advantage.

Battle of Szczekociny
Part of the Kościuszko Uprising

Battle of Szczekociny, 1794, by Michał Stachowicz
Date6 June 1794
Location
Szczekociny
Result Russo-Prussian victory
Belligerents
Poland  Russia
 Prussia
Commanders and leaders
Tadeusz Kościuszko Russian Empire Fyodor Denisov
Kingdom of Prussia Francis Favrat
Strength
15,000[1]: 194 
24 guns[2]: 168 		 26,500[1]: 194 
124 guns[1]: 168 
Casualties and losses
1,200+[1]: 195  687+[1]: 195 

Background

Following the Russian defeat at the Battle of Raclawice, the Prussians entered Poland to help confront the Polish revolt.[1]: 194  Prussia and Russia were threatened by the sanctuary Poland offered serfs and Prussia was additionally threatened by their burghers lured to Poland's promise of democracy and free-market economy.[1]: 156 

On the morning of the 6 June, General Wodzicki noted, "It is impossible that Denisov could have amassed such an army. My eyes must be wrong, but I can see Prussians."[1]: 194  Kosciuszko had received assurances the Prussians would remain neutral.[1]: 194  Russian forces were placed on the left wing, while Prussian army was located on the right wing.

Battle

The combined Russo-Prussian forces of 26,500 were victorious, defeating Kosciuszko's army of 15,000 with cannon fire.[1]: 194  Polish peasant hero, Wojciech Bartosz Głowacki, died of the wounds he sustained during this battle.[1]: 194  Other Polish military commanders who took part in the battle were General Adam Poninski, General Antoni Madalinski, General Jan Grochowski and Duke Eustachy Sanguszko. Apart from Glowacki, two other Polish generals also died in the battle: Jozef Wodzicki[1]: 194  and Jan Grochowski.[2]: 168 

Found on the battlefield by General Sanguszko, the wounded Kosciuszko stated, "I want to die here", as he was ridden to safety.[1]: 195 

Aftermath

Kosciuszko's rebels retreated to Warsaw while the combined Russian and Prussian force captured Krakow on the 15 June.[1]: 195  Austria then invaded Poland from the south.[1]: 195  The Polish revolt was reduced to defending Warsaw.[1]: 195 

References
  1. Storozynski, A., 2009, The Peasant Prince, New York: St. Martin's Press, ISBN 9780312388027
  2. Reddaway, W.F., The Cambridge History of Poland, Vol. 2, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

50.6275°N 19.8253°E / 50.6275; 19.8253

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