A major engagement of the November Uprising in which Polish forces held Ostrołęka but suffered strategically irreplaceable losses against Russia.
Key Facts
- Date
- 26 May 1831
- Conflict
- November Uprising
- Polish commander
- Jan Skrzynecki
- Russian commander
- Hans Karl von Diebitsch
- Notable Polish unit
- 4th Line Infantry Regiment ('Czwartacy')
- Strategic outcome
- Considered a Polish defeat despite holding the town
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During Poland's November Uprising against Russian rule, Russian forces under Hans Karl von Diebitsch advanced to assault the town of Ostrołęka, bringing one of the uprising's largest confrontations to a head on 26 May 1831.
Polish forces under Jan Skrzynecki defended Ostrołęka against repeated Russian infantry and cavalry assaults throughout the day. The 4th Line Infantry Regiment held the burning town in close-quarters fighting, and a self-sacrificing charge by Lt. Col. Józef Bem's 4th Mounted Artillery Battery helped preserve the surviving Polish army by late evening.
Although Polish troops retained the town and both sides suffered comparable losses, the battle is regarded as a Polish defeat. Russia's ability to replenish casualties almost without limit, in contrast to Poland's inability to do so, left the Polish forces strategically weakened and undermined the viability of the uprising.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Jan Skrzynecki, Józef Bem.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hans Karl von Diebitsch.