A. M. Martynov

At the end of August, 1769 to Warsaw where at that time there was with the group a foreman Suvorov, data reached that two young Pulavsky, sons of one of the main instigators of lordly confederation, wandered with considerable groups about Lithuania, rassevy indignation among the population and hiring themselves supporters. With the purpose to prevent their further dangerous activity, to the aid of the Russian troops operating in Lithuania Suvorov with two battalions of infantry, a cavalry squadron, 50 Cossacks and two field tools was directed.

The forced marches Suvorov immediately moved to Brest. Here data on proximity of group of Pulavsky completely were confirmed. Without having a little reliable data on the opponent, Suvorov decided to meet previously the colonel Rennes, the commander of the Russian group operating in these parts already before pursuing Pulavsky, and in different skirmishes captured to 80 confederates.

The part of the troops which were available at the disposal of Suvorov was left to them for protection of Brest, he acted in a campaign on August 31 with 36 dragoons, a company the grenadier, huntsmen and two easy guns. In total Suvorov had about 400 people.

At dawn on September 1 Suvorov met the captain Kasteli with pyatidesyatyyu the carabineers and about thirty Cossacks sent in investigation by Rennes which with main by own efforts went on other road. Kasteli Suvorov's group attached to the troops, and then went to the village of Orekhovo near which according to the available data confederates stopped.

The village of Orekhovo is in the deaf woody marshland near the Orekhovsky lake, in 22 versts to the South from Malorita and in 70 versts to the southeast from Brest.

At about noon Suvorov overtook the confederates totaling up to 2000 people and consisting under both Pulavsky' command, Orzhevsky, Malchevsky, etc. They settled down on a small forest glade in 4 versts from Orekhovo in Kryvn's natural boundary surrounded with bogs and the woods. Before the Polish position the extensive bog more than a verst wide lasted. The way to the wood through a bog lay on three bridges from logs and a fascine which were under firing of enemy guns.

Absolutely unexpectedly for confederates on this glade Suvorov attacked them. Under the enemy's fire the Russian grenadiers rushed on the bridge, supported by huntsmen who, having developed to the right and to the left, opened strong gun fire. In chapter 50 the dragoon Suvorov directed on the enemy battery. Being afraid to lose tools, Poles hasty removed them from a position and took away to the back. After that they four times undertook cavalry attacks to the Russian front line, every time throwing fresh forces into fight. However all their attacks were beaten off by a case-shot and strong gun fire therefore they suffered heavy losses. At retreat after unsuccessful attacks Kasteli's group pursued them, mercilessly cutting running. At the same time Franz Pulawski, the outstanding figure of confederation whose death was mourned not only by Poles was killed, but Russians regretted.

Departing to Orekhov, confederates had intention to linger on the southeast suburb of the village in the natural boundary Whetstones. Then for the purpose of acceleration of defeat of the opponent that was necessary also in view of approach of night, Suvorov ordered to set fire grenades to the village in the back of a new Polish position. This fire caused strong confusion in the ranks of the Poles completely discouraged and who lost courage after unsuccessful attacks. At this time the Russian infantry promptly charged with the bayonet, driving the opponent through the burning village. On heels behind receding the Russian cavalry directed, pursuing their several versts. Even more to frighten the opponent the Russian infantry on Suvorov's order opened the recovered firing in the wood. Receding before were demoralized that only once tried was during retreat to show resistance, having begun to be aligned, but without having carried out it, turned back.

In the official report Suvorov wrote about this considerable stage of fight: "I pursued them from cheloveka of ten cavalrymen from half-mile, met Pulavsky in the field where there were they again were constructed, at me povorotit to the right, I hope to Helma, and left. In battle, a ponezha of people I have not enough, did not order to give anybody to a parton". A little further in the same official report it was added: "Today's victory is very good in broad daylight".

Whereas from our party of loss were insignificant – only 5 people the killed and 11 wounded – the opponent lost up to 200 people. Moreover, one major, two captains and to forty soldiers were captured.

After rest in a pursuit of the confederates receding towards Vlodava Suvorov hurried. However this time the group of the colonel of Rennes who, according to Suvorov, "met was ahead of him and still broke, took away all artillery, three guns and there are enough wagon trains. Here they almost as much lost people how many under Nut. It is not enough my team, I go to Brests for prosecution scattered and rest".

On September 6 Suvorov's group came back to Brest and staid here till September 14 then acted to Lublin where there was a constant headquarters of Suvorov.

The general lieutenant Veymarn, the immediate superior of Suvorov, in the official report addressed to Military board gave the following assessment of the Orekhovsky victory: "The business which had them at the village of Pulavsky' party, Nut with disturbers, not tokmo the major and only consists the reason, the vyzhitiya of this enemy from all Lithuania, but also bezsomnenny is the cause to breaking by the colonel by Rennes, these disturbers of parties Pulavsky under the town Vlodavoyu".

For Orekhovo Suvorov was awarded the order to Georgy of the 3rd degree.

From Kryvn's natural boundary where fight was played, the road to Orekhovo turns at right angle, goes steps 400 on a bog and comes to the glade called "Zzhurka" Here in smoke this century the local population specified a grave of confederates steps in 120 from the road. Right there locals found money, the weapon and human bones.



 



• Kobrin action
• Orekhovo
• To return back