BATTLE // June 11, 1920

Battle of Borodzianka

Name: Battle of Borodzianka
Start: 1920-06-11
End: 1920-06-11
Location: Battle of Borodzianka

Significance

The Battle of Borodzianka was fought during the Kiev offensive of the Polish Army in June 1920, a phase of the Polish–Soviet War in which Polish forces had advanced deep into Soviet-held territory. The engagement along the Zdwizh river, approximately 50 kilometers west of Kiev, placed Polish forces in direct contact with Soviet units including the 25th Rifle Division and a Bashkir Cavalry Brigade operating under Alexander Yegorov's command. Polish casualties of 260 are recorded for the engagement. The battle reflects the intensity of fighting on the approaches to Kiev as Soviet forces worked to contain and push back the Polish Kiev offensive.

Tactics

The battle was fought along the Zdwizh river over three days. The Polish 1st Legions Infantry Division under Edward Śmigły-Rydz clashed with the Soviet 25th Rifle Division, which was supported by the Bashkir Cavalry Brigade. Beyond the river axis and the combined-arms composition of the Soviet force, the overview does not describe the specific maneuvers or dispositions employed by either side.