14–

27 1

500–

1673

1–1

3 12

36–1

435

1 THE BATTLE OF SAULĖ, September 22, 1236. Crusaders were defeated by Lithuanians. Grand Master of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword Volkwin and 48-60 knights were killed.2 THE BATTLE OF DURBĖ, July 13, 1260. Crusaders were defeated by Lithuanians. Livonian Grand Master Burchard von Hornhausen, Marshal of Prussia Heinrich Botel and 150 knights were killed.3 THE BATTLE OF KARUSĖ, February 16, 1270. Livonian Crusaders were beaten by Lithuanians. Grand Master of Livonia Otto von Lutterberg and 52 knights perished in battle.4 THE BATTLE OF AIZKRAUKLĖ, March 5, 1279. Livonian Crusaders were beaten by Lithuanians. Grand Master of Livonia Ernst von Rassburg and 71 knights were killed in battle. 5 THE BATTLE ON THE IRPIN RIVER, 1325. Duke Stanislav of Kiev was defeated near Irpin River close to Belgorod by the Sovereign of Lithuania Gediminas. Lithuanians occupied Belgorod, after a month they captured Kiev.

14 THE BATTLE OF VEDROSHA, July 14, 1500. The Lithuanian Army was defeated by the Army of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Great Hetman of Lithuania Konstantin Ostrogski was taken captive.

15 THE BATTLE OF KLETSK, August 6, 1506. The Lithuanian Army defeated the Army of Crimean Tatars, which penetrated into the depth of Lithuania.

16 THE BATTLE OF ORSHA, Septem-ber 8, 1514. Lithuanian forces under the command of Konstantin Ostrogiski totally defeated the Army of Moscow.

17 THE BATTLE OF ULA, January 23, 1564 . Lithuanians led by Mikalojus Radvila Rudasis (the Brown) defeated the Army of Moscow. Russians su�ered great losses.

18 KRISTUPAS RADVILA PERKŪNAS (THE THUNDER) RAID, 1581.

Radvila Perkūnas' forces invaded the depths of Russia, reaching the surroundings of Tver and Novgorod. During the raid large enemy territories were devastated. The operation’s aim was to divert Moscow troops' attention from the main King Stephan Batory-led forces, which invaded Pskov and were holding this city under blockade. The Russians were not able to concentrate their forces against the main Lithuanian and Polish

forces. The victory in the Livonian War was achieved and Pollock was regained.19 THE BATTLE OF KUOKNESĖ, June 23, 1601. The Lithuanian Army led by Kristupas Radvila Perkūnas (The Thunder) defeated Swedish forces which had Lithuanians blockedin Kuoknesė Castle. This victory enabled Lithuanians to achieve major victories in Livonia.

20 THE BATTLE OF SALASPILIS (KIRCHOLM), September 27, 1605. Lithuanians led by Lithuanian Field Hetman Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius defeated the Swedish Army led by the King of Sweden Charles IX. Riga was defended from Swedes.

21 THE BATTLE OF SALACGRYVA, March 23-24, 1609. Lithuanians led by Karolis Chodkevičius drew away the Swedish Fleet from Saliai harbour and terminated the blockade of Riga. It was the �rst battle of the Lithuanian �eet which resulted in a Lithuanian victory.

22 THE BATTLE OF CHOTIN September 2 – October 10, 1621. The Lithuanian-Polish Army led by Karolis Chodkevičius, after a successful battle at Chotin City in the vicinity of Dniestr River stopped the penetration of the Osman Empire.

28–

33 1

700–

1864

28 THE BATTLE OF VALKININKAI, November 18, 1700. A decisive breakthrough in the internal war of the Great Duchy of Lithuania between the Sapiega’s family and the noblemen opposition, seeking to eliminate domination of the Sapiegas in the rule of State. The opponents of the Sapiega’s family won the battle. 29 THE BATTLE OF ANTOPOLIS (BEZDEZH), 1771. The Bar Confederation Forces led by Mykolas Kazimieras Oginskis in the �ght against the in�uence of Russia defeated a large Russian unit. 30 THE BATTLE OF BRASTA (BREST), July 23, 1792. Lithuanian forces conducted a successful city defence operation from the Russian Army.31 RETRIEVAL OF VILNIUS, April 22-23, 1794. During the rebellion led by Jokubas Jasinskis Lithuanian units and armed citizens drove away the more powerful Russian Garrison from Vilnius city. 32 THE BATTLE OF PANERIAI, June 19, 1831. An unsuccessful attempt of Lithuanian rebels to regain the capital of Lithuania Vilnius from Russian forces.

6 THE BATTLE OF STRĖVA, February 2, 1348. The troops of Lithuania were defeated by the German Order. Duke Narimantas Gediminaitis was killed.7 DOWNFALL OF KAUNAS In 1362 Kaunas was destroyed by Crusaders. Lithuanian soldiers defended the stronghold heroically. 8 THE BATTLE OF BLUE WATERS 1362/1363. The Lithuanian Army led by the Sovereign of Lithuania Algirdas defeated Tatars and conquered Podolia and Kiev. Lithuania consolidated its power in the land of Southern Russia.9 RAIDS OF ALGIRDAS TO MOSCOW, 1368, 1370, 1372. Expansion and enhancement of Lithuania’s sphere of in�uence. The apogee of penetration into Northern Russia. 10 THE CONQUEST OF MARIENVERDER, November 6, 1384. The rulers of Lithuania Vytautas and Jogaila destroyed Marienverder (crusaders) Castle. The alliance of Jogaila and Vytautas and subsequent joint operations.

11 THE BATTLE OF VORSKLA, August 12, 1399. Tatars destroyed the Army of Lithuania and the Allies led by Vytautas. The defeat weakened the political power of Vytautas.12 THE BATTLE OF ŽALGIRIS (TANNENBERG), July 15, 1410. Joint Polish and Lithuanian forces conquered the Teutonic Knights. This resulted in the collapse of the power of the German Order.13 THE BATTLE OF PABAISKAS, September 1, 1435. Grand Duke Žygimantas Kęstutaitis (supported by Poland) defeated his rival Švitrigaila and his Livonian Order allies.

23 THE SIEGE OF SMOLENSK, 1632–1634. King Vladislov and Field Hetman of Lithuania Kristupas Radvila after the defeat of the Russian Army defended the Fortress of Smolensk. Later the Piece Treaty of Polianova was signed and the Smolensk region was protected.24 THE BATTLE OF LOJOV, July 31, 1649. The Lithuanian Forces under the command of Jonušas Radvila defeated B.Chmelnicky’s Cossacks.

25 THE BATTLE OF SHKLOV, August 12, 1654. Lithuanians led by Jonušas Radvila defeated rear guard of the Russian Army.

26 THE BATTLE OF PROSTKI, October 8, 1656. Lithuanians led by A. Gonsievsky defeated the allies of Swedes, the German Branderburg Regiment. 27 THE BATTLE OF CHOTIN, November 10-11, 1673.Lithuanian forces, led by Grand Hetman Mykolas Kazimieras Pacas hurried to help the Polish Army against the Turkish Army that was causing serious threat to Poland. By joint e�orts the enemy was defeated completely.

The Battle of Žalgiris (Tannenberg). Chronicle by Shilling, XV century

September 1,

Žygimantas Kęstutaitis (supported by Poland)

The Battle of Salapilis (Kircholm) in 1605. Painting by P. Snayers, 1630

33 THE BATTLE OF BIRŽAI, May 7, 1863. In Biržai Forest the united Lithuanian rebel forces of Zigmantas Sierakauskas and Boleslov Koliška were attacked by a unit of the Russian Army. After a hard �ght the rebels lost the battle.

The battle near Šiauliai in 1831. Painting by W. Kossak

Jokubas Jasinskis, Commander of the uprising in Lithuania in 1794. Painting by P. Smuglevičius

The Battle of Orsha in 1514 The siege of Polock in 1579. One of the three successful Stefan Batory's military operations against the Russians during the Livonian War The repel of the Turk assault at Chotin in 1621. Painting by G. Lauro, 1624 The battle against Crymean Tatars, 16th century One of the leaders of the 1863 Uprising priest Antanas Mackavičius blesses the rebels The Battle of Saulė in 1236. Painting by A. Kruka The Army of Sovereign of Lithuania Algirdas near Moscow in 1370. Illustrated Chronicle, the XVI century

1–1

3 1

236–

1435

44–

50 1

945–

1953

34–

43 1

919–

1923

28–

33 1

700–

1864

14–

27 1

500–

1673

44–

50 1

945–

1953

THE MAJOR BATTLES AND MILITARY OPERATIONS

OF THE LITHUANIAN ARMED FORCES44 THE BATTLE OF KIAUNELIŠKĖS,

March 11-13, 1945. An extensive battle in Labanoras Forest lasted nearly for three days and nights. Soldiers of the Red Army assisted by local collaborators attacked two large bunkers of Lithuanian partisans. Around 80 partisans resisted to nearly 2 thousand occupant soldiers. Almost all the partisans perished in battle, about 300 Russians and their supporters were killed.45 THE BATTLE OF AŽAGAI- EIMULIŠKIS, March 27, 1945. The Soviet Forces (around 800 soldiers) conducted a huge operation with the aim to destroy partisans in Panevėžys District. In Ažagai-Eimuliškis Forest they encirceled 300 partisans. After a persistent battle the partisans escaped from the encirclement. About 80 partisans and 400 Russians were killed in the battle.46 THE BATTLE OF KALNISKĖS, May 16, 1945. Persistent defence by Lithuanians and a breakthrough through the obstructions of Russians in the hills of Kalniškės Forest. Nearly half of the Lithuanian forces managed to make a break-through, Russians su�ered heavy losses.

Lithuania till the second half of the 13th century

Lithuania till the middle of the 14th century

Lithuania till the second half of the 14th century

Lithuania till the middle of the 15th century

Subject territories

Borderline of the present day’s state of Lithuania

1

2

3

4

5

67

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

1920

21

22

23

24

252628

2930

3132

33

34

35

3637

3839

40

41 42

43

44

45

46 4748

4950

GrodnoMinsk

Krėva

Medininkai

Vilnius

Riga

Klaipėda

Konigsberg

Marienburg

Warsaw

O R D E R O FC R U S A D E R S

K I N G D O M O F P O L A N D

L I V O N I A

LA

ND

OF

PS

KO

V

L A N D O F V E L I K I J

N O V G O R O D

K I N G D O M O F H U N G A R Y

D U C H Y O F M O L D A V I A

C H A N A T O F C R Y M E A

Vitebsk

Smolensk

Briansk

Chernigov

Poltava

Kijev

Braclav

Suchava

Crakow

Luck

Brest

Moscow

Tver

Lyda

Trakai

Polock

Medvėgalis

Šiauliai

Kaunas

Tallinn

Pskov

Velikij Novgorod

Kernavė

B L A C K S E A

A Z O V S E A

34–

43 1

919–

1923

King Stephan Bator at Pskov. Painting by J. Matejk a

47 THE BATTLE OF ŽUVINTAS-PALIAI, August 6-12, 1945. Large-sized Soviet forces with armoured vehicles and aviation encircled partisans in Žuvintas Paliai surroundings. Partisans entrenched themselves in marshy islands and all-week long resisted Russian attempts to assault them on the lake by boats. Finally, at nighttime the partisans withdrew from the encirclement.48 ASSAULT OF MERKINĖ, December 15, 1945. Partisans of Dzūkija (Southern Lithuania) attacked and occupied Merkinė town.

49 THE BATTLE OF UŽPELKĖS August 13, 1949. Soviet forces aided by a traitor destroyed partisans in Užpelkės Forest. The partisans resisted heroically and all were killed, only two partisans managed to escape.50 THE BATTLE OF ŠIMONYS FOREST November 1-3, 1949. During a large-scale Soviet operation after several betrayals, the bunkers of partisans were disclosed in Šimonys Forest. The Soviets managed to destroy Algimantas District and Šarūnas District Headquarters; as a result Algimantas District ceased to exist.

34 KĖDAINIAI-ŠETA BATTLE, February 7-10, 1919. The Lithuanian Armed Forces resisted the assault of Bolsheviks towards the temporary capital of Lithuania Kaunas from the north-east.35 THE BATTLE OF JIEZNAS, February 10-13, 1919. The Lithuanian Armed Forces resisted the attack of Bolsheviks on the temporary capital of Lithuania Kaunas from the south.36 REGAINING OF PANEVĖŽYS, April-May 1919. The Lithuanian Armed Forces defeated Bolshevik troops and recaptured the town of Panevėžys.

37 REGAINING OF UTENA, May 31 - June 2, 1919. The Lithuanian Armed Forces defeated Bolshevik troops, recaptured Utena town and took over the initiative in the battles against the Red Army.38 OPERATION OF ZARASAI, August 23-25, 1919. The �nal exulsionl of the Russian Army from the territory of Lithuania by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.39 THE BATTLE OF RADVILIŠKIS - ŠIAULIAI, November 20-24, 1919. Operation by the Lithuanian Armed Forces in order to drive away the Bermontian forces (Russian monarchists and Germans) and take over their military equipment and supplies.

40 OPERATION OF AUGUSTAVAS-SUVALKAI, July-September 1920. An unsuccessful attempt of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to recapture Augustavas, Suvalkai and Seiniai occupied by the Polish Armed Forces and to stop further penetration of the Polish troops into the territory of Lithuania. After this operation Lithuania lost Southern Suvalkija once and for all, later, after the o�ense of the Polish commander L. Zelygowski, Vilnius was also lost for a long time. 41 THE BATTLE OF ŠIRVINTOS, November 19, 1920. A successful bypass of the attacking Polish Forces allowed preventing the penetration of Poland into Lithuania and the Lithuanian Armed Forces took over the initiative.42 THE BATTLE OF GIEDRAIČIAI, November 17-21, 1920. Lithuanians recaptured all the territories lost after the attack of L.Zelygowsky from Vilnius and the intention of Poland to occupy the entire territory of Lithuania failed.43 THE REVOLT OF KLAIPĖDA, January, 9-15, 1923. A successful military operation, Klaipėda Region and Klaipėda seaport was annexed to Lithuania.

The Battle of Orsha in 1514

Lithuanian gunners at 76,2 mm caliber field gun during fights of freedom 1919–1920

T H E B A L T I C S E A

Battles of Lithuanians with Crusaders. Fragment of Decoration of Marienwerder Castle in the XIV century

Lithuanian military pilots in 1920

Partisans of Southern Lithuania Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas and Lionginas Baliukevičius-Dzūkas, 1947

Executive editors Albertas Karosas and Karolis Zikaras, designers Aida Janonytė and Edita Namajūnienė, drawings by Lida Dubauskienė. Designed by the Printing Unit, General Affairs Department of the Ministry of National Defence, Totorių st. 25/3 LT-01121 Vilnius. Printed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Cartography Center, Muitinės st. 4, DOMEIKAVA, LT-54359 Kaunas district. Illustrations from: MoD photo archive, Vytautas the Great War Museum’s funds, the Lithuanian Central State Archive, the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania’s Archives, Bumblauskas A. Senosios Lietuvos istorija 1009–1795, V., 2005; Kaunietis R. Miškiniai: prisiminimų rinktinė, V., 2002; Vaičenonis J. Lietuvos karyba nuo baltų iki XXI amžiaus, V., 2011.

Lithuanian war booty – cannons deprived of Polish troops, 1920 Participants of the Klaipėda Revolt in 1923 Lithuanian machine-gunner, 1919 Participants of the armed resistance against the Soviet occupation in 1945–1953

27

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