Battle of Ostrołęka (1920)

The Battle of Ostrołęka was a major engagement during the Polish-Soviet War of 1920. It took place near the town of Ostrołęka in north-eastern Poland between August 3rd and August 6th, 1920, involving Polish and Soviet forces.

The battle was part of the larger Soviet offensive aimed at capturing Warsaw and ultimately defeating Poland. The Polish forces, primarily composed of the 5th Army under General Władysław Sikorski, were tasked with slowing the Soviet advance. The opposing Soviet forces were primarily from the Western Front, specifically the 3rd Cavalry Corps led by Gaja Gaj.

The fighting was intense and characterized by both infantry engagements and cavalry clashes. Initially, Polish forces managed to hold their positions, inflicting significant casualties on the Soviets. However, the sheer number of Soviet troops and their relentless attacks eventually forced the Polish to withdraw.

Despite the Polish withdrawal, the defense of Ostrołęka played a crucial role in delaying the Soviet advance towards Warsaw. This delay bought crucial time for Polish forces to reorganize and prepare for the decisive Battle of Warsaw, which took place later that month. Although a tactical victory for the Soviets, the Battle of Ostrołęka contributed to the ultimate Polish victory in the war by disrupting the Soviet offensive's momentum. The battle resulted in significant losses on both sides, and the town of Ostrołęka suffered considerable damage.