Siege of Gdov explained

Conflict:Siege of Gdov
Place:Gdov, Russia
Partof:the Ingrian War
Date:August 1614
Result:Swedish victory
Combatant1: Swedish Empire
Combatant2: Tsardom of Russia
Commander1: Gustavus Adolphus
Commander2: Local nobles
Strength1:Several thousand mercenaries
Strength2:Few hundred militia
Casualties1:Heavy
Casualties2:Heavy
Territory:Gdov is captured by the Swedes

The siege of Gdov was part of the Time of Troubles and an episode of the Ingrian War.

Prelude

In 1613, the Swedes, who captured Novgorod, approached Gdov twice, but as a result of the sorties of the garrison and with the help of the Pskov, the siege was withdrawn.[1] In July 1614, the Swedes managed to defeat the Russian army sent for the liberation of Novgorod in the Battle of Bronnitsy, after which they firmly captured the military initiative in the north-west of Russia.[2]

Siege

In August 1614, the main Swedish forces led by Evert Horn were concentrated at Gdov. On August 25, King Gustavus Adolphus also arrived. The defenders of Gdov managed to repel two attacks, in which the Swedes suffered serious losses. However, the situation of the besieged became increasingly critical. Swedish artillery and subversive mines systematically destroyed the fortress wall. When more than a quarter of it was destroyed, the garrison decided to agree to the surrender of the city with free departure to Pskov, where it subsequently took part in repulsing the Swedish siege.

References

  1. Book: Velikai︠a︡ russkai︠a︡ smuta : prichiny vozniknovenii︠a︡ i vykhod iz gosudarstvennogo krizisa v XVI-XVII vv.. 2007. Dar. Strizhova, I. M., Стрижова, И. М.. 9785485001230. Moskva. 230750976.
  2. Book: Željko., Fajfrić. Ruski carevi. 2008. Tabernakl. 9788685269172. 1. izd. Sremska Mitrovica. 620935678.