Action at Sochocin
24 December 1806
Introduction
by Robert Goetz, USA
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The view downstream from the western end of the bridge over the Wkra near Sochocin. The generally level ground can clearly be seen. Contemporary accounts describe the area
between the Sochocin bridge and Kolozab as largely wooded. Although some patches of woods remain, it seems these woods have largely been cleared. Russian jager and artillery were positioned on the far bank in a position to sweep the approach to the bridge.
The action at Sochocin, described as a French victory in a number of accounts, was in fact a French failure that was transformed into a victory by the French success at Kolozab to the south. Because the French forces at both Kolozab and Sochocin were under the overall command of Marshal Augereau and forces from Kolozab were diverted to Sochocin after the successful seizure of the Kolozab bridge, the two actions have been typically described together as two parts of a single action. However, as separate forces were involved in the two actions, it is appropriate to examine the action at Sochocin on its own merits and as distinct from its “twin” action to the south.
Action at Sochocin 24 December 1806
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As with the other actions in the French army’s 24 December cross-ing of the Wkra, English language accounts of the action at Sochocin are vague and lacking in detail. Given the strategic sig-nificance of the action in exposing the Rus-sian right, it is important to understand the action at Sochocin in order to understand fully the operations on the Narew and Wkra
in December 1806.