From the Diary...
"On the July 26th General Reynier ordered, after receiving the urgent message from Gen. Klengel in Kobryn, the the Corps has to change it's direction and turn toward Kobryn to help the endangered Brigade as soon as possible. He sent order to Gen. Klengel to hold Kobryn until July 28th at least, re-occupie Brzest, keep up the conection with Antopol(east of Kobryn), heavy Recon against the Enemy and send at least half a Regiment to Pruczany to secure the warchest and the train there. The last part was executed by sending 2 Companies from Niesemeuschel, Mjr.v.Bose, to Pruczany. After their departure 2000 men of Regiment König and Niesemeuschel, 3 Squadrons of Ulan's and 8 Regimental 4 pdr's remained in Kobryn.(Plan)
- Kobryn 1812.jpg (75.92 KiB) Viewed 9076 times
For the Defence of the only of wooden structures built town of Kobryn were the 3 main entrance routes to Brzest, Dywin and Antopol occupied with 2 guns and 2-3 Companies, 1 Battalion König was positioned on the market(center) an 2 Companies and 2 Guns on the right shore of the River Muchawiez as a Reserve. Of the 3 Squadrons one each stood on the Roads to Brzest and Dywin, the 3rd on the right shore of the River Muchawiez part as Reserve, part to watch the Ford south of Kobryn and to cover the rear.
Engagement at Kobryn, July 27th 1812.
Early in the Morning the Ulan's covering the forementioned Roads were thrown back to Kobryn by large Cavalry Forces, 6 Russian Squadrons forded the River south of Kobryn and positioned themselves across the Road to Pruczany. At the same time Batteries unlimbered on the 3 from the West, South and East coming streets and opened fire on the Town.
If Gen. Reynier hadn't given order to hold Kobryn until the 28th now would have been the last chance for the Saxons there to remove themselves of the danger, even under heavy losses.
After the attack on the Dywiner Gate, conducted by a dismounted Russian Dragoon Regiment, was thrown back and after the attempt of Oberst(Col.) v. Zezschwitz to breack out with his 3 Squadrons Ulans to Pruczany was blocked by 11 Russian Squadrons the Russian Infantry moved at 10.30h against the allready burning Kobryn for the final assault.
After 2 Hours of heroic defense the lack of Ammunition forced the Saxons to fall back from the defended gates to the market.
Only after a 9 hour fight through a burning town without ammunition Gen. v. Klengel forced himself to offer the Surrender of his Troops.
The Russians had 12.000 men and 22 guns in the attack on Kobryn with a further 20.000 men in Reserve. Our losses were 108 dead and 13 Officers and 165 men wounded on that day out of 76 Officers and 2382 men."
The braveness of the Saxon was recognized by the Russians by letting keep the officers their Sabers.
To be continued...