Battle of Nowo Schwerschen
The Battle of Nowo Schwerschen was fought on Friday, 13 November 1812, near, part of the Russian Empire at the time. An unexperienced Polish force under General was defeated by seasoned Russian forces led by Count [Charles de Charles de Lambert (soldier)|Lambert (soldier)|Lambert] from Admiral Chichagov's Army of the Danube.
Kossecki's forces were given the task of protecting Minsk from a southeast attack and ensure a path of retreat for Napoleon's Grande Armée.
Background
Maret sent General Kossecki with about 3,000 infantry and 500 cavalry men to Nowo Schwerschen where they were to protect the crossing of the Niemen.According to Smith, Kossecki's division was composed of:
- 18th Lithuanian Infantry Regiment
- 19th Lithuanian Infantry Regiment
- 20th Lithuanian Infantry Regiment
- 21st Lithuanian Infantry Regiment
- combined Cavalry regiment