Battle of Inkovo explained

Conflict:Battle of Inkovo
Partof:the French invasion of Russia
Date:8 August 1812
Place:Near Rudnya, Mogilev Governorate, Russian Empire
Coordinates:54.9469°N 31.0933°W
Result:Russian victory
Combatant1: French Empire
Combatant2: Russian Empire
Commander1: General Sebastiani
Commander2: Matvei Platov
Strength1:2nd Light Cavalry Division
Strength2:Cossack corps
Casualties1:600-1,200 killed or wounded, 300-500 captured
Casualties2:300 killed or wounded

The Battle of Inkovo took place on 8 August 1812, between the Cossack corps of General Platov and the 2nd Light Cavalry Division of General Sebastiani and ended as a minor Russian victory.

Prelude

As Barclay de Tolly's and Pyotr Bagration's army were separated, Napoleon tried in vain to defeat them before they could unite. But Barclay de Tolly under political pressure had to attack Napoleon and the Russian offensive began west on the north bank of the Dnieper on 7 August, but relying on a false report Barclay de Tolly abandoned the move west.

Battle

The altered orders had not reached General Platov on his advance and he clashed with General Sebastiani's 2nd Light Cavalry Division near Inkovo. The French were first forced to retreat. Being reinforced the French force then repulsed the pursuing Russians. The fighting ended three miles east of Rudnya in the west of Inkovo.

Aftermath

The battle of Inkovo was a Russian victory. The French casualties were 600 men, including 11 officers and 300 other ranks captured. The Russian offensive had been abandoned, allowing Napoleon to continue his attack on Smolensk.

See also

References