On 19 July 1702 (New Style) Charles XII of Sweden defeated the Saxon and Polish army of King Augustus II at Kliszów, in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The victory gave the Swedes more freedom of movement in Poland.
A Swedish win
There were about 12,000 Swedes, with only 4 guns, against a Saxon and Polish army nearly twice as large. The Swedish commander on the left wing, Duke Frederick IV of Holstein-Gottorp, was killed.1
The Saxon-Polish side lost 4,400 men, including 1,800 killed and 1,700 captured. The Swedes lost 1,100.
Augustus loses standing
Augustus retreated with most of his army, but it was weakened and he lost standing among the Poles.
Also on this day
1940: Battle of Cape Spada. Off Cape Spada, the northwestern tip of Crete, two Italian light cruisers met the Australian cruiser HMAS Sydney and British destroyers in the Mediterranean in World War II.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Kliszów?
It was fought on 19 July 1702 (New Style) near the village of Kliszów, in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, during the Great Northern War.
Who won the Battle of Kliszów?
The Swedish army of King Charles XII defeated the Saxon and Polish army of King Augustus II.
What did the victory give Charles?
It gave him greater freedom of movement in Poland.
Notes
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