Battle of Basazina

The Battle of Basazina were battles that took place on March 25 and March 29, 1773 at the city of Basazina during the Rictuvian Revolution. The first battle, which took place on March 25, resulted to a Rictuvian victory after Kieroklawski defeated the weaker garrison with his main force. In the second battle, which occured four days later, Kieroklawski was forced to retreat and evade annihilation of the National Army.

Prelude
Kieroklawski, after his victory in the Battle of Małagozka, decided to attack Basazina to capture a storehouse containing 5000 muskets and 10 cannons, and the city itself to become a strategic point.

On the morning of March 25, Kieroklawski, along with 9000 men, marched to Basazina to attack.

Battle
The battle started on 10 a.m. When the first Rictuvian attack was repelled, Kieroklawski decided to halt his attacks. A counterattack was done by the garrison, but was defeated. At 3 p.m., Kieroklawski attacked again, finally defeating the remaining defenders.

The Verdictine troops retreated from Basazina, severely outnumbered by the attacking troops.

Kieroklawski occupied the city and captured the storehouses. He also built defenses near the roads and openings to the city.

On March 27, Kieroklawski received reports of a stronger Verdictine force marching towards Basazina. Kieroklawski decided to fortify the city more and defend it.

On March 29, the National Army was attacked by the 9000 strong army of Verdictine troops composed of 8,900 infantry, 1000 cavalry and 10 heavy cannons. Heavy fighting began when the Verdictine troops tried to attack and enter Basazina.

The stronger Verdictine troops outnumbered the defenders. Kieroklawski lost control of his troops after he Rictuvian army panicked. With casualties piling up, the only choice was to retreat. Kieroklawski was informed earlier of fighting in Bydchowice, which made him think of where to retreat. Soon, the National Army had too much casualties and had abandoned the front lines.

Kieroklawski soon ordered a retreat while a Rictuvian unit under Karol Lopata covered their rear, leaving behind 7 artillery pieces.

Aftermath
After the retreat of the Rictuvian National Army, they were forced to retreat back to Racilia, leaving behind 7 artillery pieces they captured on March 25. Rictuvian casualties were high and while the Rictuvian troops managed to repel the enemy and avoid defeat or capture, their high losses and eventual retreat made the battle a Pyrrhic victory to the Rictuvians.

The Verdictine casualties were also high, but were lesser in comparison to the Rictuvian National Army. The Basazina garrison commander, Col. Antoni Wozniaki, was killed in the first battle and also lost nearly 90 men.