Could that small stone before us really mark the spot of such a legendary battle? This is the Reduta Ordona Stone. It stands as a reminder of a bloody clash during the November Uprising.
The Reduta Ordona Stone commemorates the Battle of Warsaw in 1831. It was a significant event in Polish history. The battle marked the end of the Polish-Russian War. This conflict is better known as the November Uprising.
After almost a year of intense fighting, a large Russian force besieged Warsaw. This occurred on August 20. The siege was partially lifted. A successful sortie opened a communication route. It connected the city to the rest of Poland. However, a substantial Russian force remained. They threatened the city from the Vistula’s left bank.
Ivan Paskevich, the Russian commander, anticipated a Polish surrender. Jan Krukowiecki, his Polish counterpart, was known to be moderate. Krukowiecki was willing to negotiate with the Russian Tsar Nicholas I. The Sejm had deposed Nicholas I from the Polish throne in January 1831. A less conciliatory faction gained power in Warsaw. The Russian offer of surrender was refused. Paskevich then ordered an assault on Warsaw’s western defenses.
The assault began on September 6, 1831. Russian forces surprised the Poles. They attacked the strongest Polish position in Wola. Fort 54 and Fort 56 saw staunch defense. However, the outer line of Polish defenses was breached. This was done by Russian infantry and artillery. In a heroic defense of the Wola redoubt, only 11 Polish defenders survived. The garrison numbered 3500 initially.
The fighting continued the next day. Russian artillery was close enough to shell the city. Polish authorities decided to evacuate the city. They did not want to risk another Massacre of Praga. Warsaw fell into Russian hands on September 8, 1831. The Polish Army retreated to Modlin. The November Uprising soon ended. The remnants of the Polish Army crossed into Prussia and Austria. This was to avoid Russian capture.
The fight for Warsaw became an icon of Polish culture. Adam Mickiewicz and Juliusz Słowacki described it in their poems. Chopin’s Revolutionary Étude was inspired by the bombardment of Warsaw. The fall of Warsaw garnered sympathy for Polish independence.
Archaeological research helps pinpoint the Reduta Ordona’s exact location. For years, it was wrongly placed near Mszczonowska Street. Historians now believe it was near Na Bateryjce Street. Excavations are ongoing to confirm this.
In September 1831, the Reduta Ordona witnessed a dramatic defense. Polish forces fought against the overwhelming Tsarist army. Over 600 Polish and Russian soldiers died. The bodies were buried nearby. They may have been covered by an explosion in the redoubt’s powder magazine. Excavations may reveal graves of the defenders. Metal uniform parts could provide details. They could tell us about the Polish military units involved.
The Reduta Ordona also known as Work No. 54, was located near Na Bateryjce Street. This was confirmed by archaeologists. Visible elevations marked the redoubt’s walls. It had a hexagonal shape. Each side measured 35 to 46 meters.
Archaeologists found fragments of shrapnel, musket balls, and grenade shards. These could have been fired by both sides. Or they could have been from exploding ammunition.
The defense lasted about 1.5 hours. Russians captured the redoubt easily. It was likely incomplete. The main attack may have occurred where there was no wall. Six cannons defended the redoubt. The garrison numbered around 200 soldiers. Major Ignacy Dobrzelewski commanded them. Julian Konstanty Ordon did not lead as Mickiewicz described. Several hundred Polish and Russian soldiers died. The Polish were likely buried in a moat. Or they were covered by the powder magazine explosion. Russians were buried in the Orthodox cemetery in Wola.
The Reduta Ordona Stone is a poignant reminder. It marks a place of courage and sacrifice. It echoes the spirit of those who fought for Poland’s freedom. This stone stands as a testament. It honors the heroes of the November Uprising.