Battle of Daugavgriva (1609)

The Battle of Daugavgriva took place October 6, 1609 during the Polish-Swedish War (1600-1611). When Jan Karol Chodkiewicz (2500 soldiers) moved in September from Pärnu to Daugavgrīva, went too him the Swedish army (5000 soldiers) under the command Joachim Frederick von Mansfeld. Lithuanian troops stopped the march on September 29 to establish a confederation in connection with overdue wages.

The arrival of October 2 Mansfeld resulted that the Lithuanian army subordinate to Chodkiewicz. Chodkiewicz, in order to unhindered besiege Daugavgriva, decided to destroy the army of Mansfeld. He, however, for four days managed to avoid battle. On the other hand the Swedes did not manage to break through and help the starving crew Daugavgriva, which Lithuanians blockaded for months.

Unable to force Mansfeld to the battle. Chodkiewicz prepared ambush by the river Gauja. For this purpose, he abandoned camp, leaving a small force there. Himself with the rest of the forces hid in the nearby woods.

Swedes not resist the temptation and 6 October attacked the weakly defended Lithuanian camp. Then Chodkiewicz, ordered to attack the regiment under the leadership of Tomasz Dąbrowa. The surprising impact of the Lithuanian cavalry led to the breakdown of Mansfeld's army.

The Swedes have suffered heavy losses. The victory at Daugavgriva, prejudged the Lithuanians regained Daugavgriva.