Battle of Komarów

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Battle of Komarów

The Battle of Komarów, also known as the Battle of the Zamość Ring, was a major cavalry clash in the Polish-Soviet War. It happened from 20 August to 2 September 1920 near Komarów and Zamość in Poland. It is considered the last large cavalry battle in Europe.

Who fought
- Poland: about 1,700 men in 6 regiments, commanded by Władysław Sikorski, Juliusz Rómmel, Stanisław Haller, and Stanisław Maczek.
- Russian SFSR: about 17,500 men in 20 regiments, led by Semyon Budyonny.

What happened
- The Soviet 1st Cavalry Army advances toward Zamość, hoping to break Polish defenses and threaten Warsaw.
- Polish forces use rapid cavalry actions and strong infantry support to blunt the Russian attack.
- A key fight takes place around Hill 255 near Wolica Śniatycka. The Poles recapture the hill after hard fighting.
- Polish units press the attack, break Soviet lines, and force the Russians into retreat.
- By 2 September, the Russian cavalry army is weakened and retreating eastward; the Poles do not allow it to regroup.

Aftermath
- The battle was a heavy defeat for Budyonny’s 1st Cavalry Army, which never again fought as an effective, cohesive force.
- Polish forces pursue the retreating Russians for a time, while continuing their own offensive in the region.
- The Polish victory helped turn the tide of the war and contributed to the eventual Polish advance toward Volhynia.

Casualties
- Poland: about 500 killed and 700 horses.
- Russia: around 4,000 killed (exact Soviet losses were not publicly published). No Polish soldiers were taken prisoner.

Significance
- The Battle of Komarów is regarded as the greatest cavalry battle of the 20th century.