Battle of Gudow. September 26th.
General Vichery had ordered a reconnaissance force to move from Mölln towards Gudow.
The reconnaissance force consisted of 3 French voltigeur companies and squadron Wittrog of
the Jydske Regiment Light Dragoons.
The French voltigeurs deployed in the terrain and prepared an ambush position just south
of Lehmarde, which were heavily occupied by enemy Cossacks. The Danish light dragoons rode
directly towards the town, making sure to be seen and heard by the enemy Cossacks. When
the Cossacks came charging out of the town, towards the dragoons, they quickly turned
their horses and retreated luring the Cossacks into the ambush prepared by the French
troops. The ambush didn't work exactly as planned as young inexperienced French troops
started firing too early. Several of the Cossacks fell to the French long range musket
fire. Their leader, colonel Cheanichew had his horse shot from under him, and had to cling
to one of his horsemen to avoid being captured. The disordered Cossacks turned and fled
towards the town. The Danish cavalry, being exceptionally well drilled, had quickly
reformed and charged towards the disorganised fleeing Cossacks, who they caught in the
overgrown terrain near Gudow . The numerical superiority of the Cossacks were useless as
the terrain prevented them from surrounding the dragoons. After a brief fight with sabres
the Cossacks routed through the town, pursued by the Danes, who during the following
pursuit killed quite a number of the fleeing Cossacks.
The Danes captured 5 Cossacks and 10 horses. After the engagement General Vichery (who at
this time had grown very fond of the Jydske Regiment Light Dragoons) wrote the following
to the Prince of Hessen:
"I am pleased to inform your Highness, that the Danish squadron Wittrog made a most
spectacular and heroic attack near the hamlet of Gudow. 60 of these brave dragoons
attacked about 300 veteran Cossacks led by their colonel and routed them totally. They
killed several and wounded quite a few, captured 10 horses and 5 Cossacks. I cannot praise
this regiment enough or their most capable leader."