On April 27, 1920, Polish forces struck a decisive blow near Chernobyl during the Polish-Soviet War. What began as part of Poland’s march toward Kyiv became one of the most remarkable inland naval victories of the 20th century, led by an improvised river fleet.
The Road to Chernobyl
General Władysław Sikorski, commanding Poland’s 9th Infantry Division, aimed to capture Chernobyl, a key river port on the Pripyat and a Soviet Dnieper Flotilla base. Major Jaworski led a cavalry group, supported by the newly formed Pinsk River Flotilla. On April 25, 1920, they set out from Demowicze, facing Soviet gunboats along the way.
Fighting by Land and River
Jaworski’s group, delayed after clashes at Lelow, joined Colonel Kazimierz Galinski’s forces attacking Chernobyl from the west on April 27. Despite resistance from the Soviet 61st Rifle Brigade and twelve armed vessels, Polish infantry seized key positions. Supported by the Pinsk Flotilla, they forced a Soviet retreat.
Naval Triumph and Aftermath
The Pinsk Flotilla, including the gunboat Pancerny and armed motorboats, chased the stronger Dnieper Flotilla nearly 30 kilometers, sinking one vessel, damaging others, and capturing several. It was Poland’s greatest naval victory of the century. Though Poland soon retreated under Soviet counterattacks, the Chernobyl battle remained a rare moment where an improvised river navy turned the tide.
On April 27, 1920, Polish forces captured Chernobyl in a daring battle during the Polish-Soviet War.
Supported by an improvised river fleet, they defeated a stronger Soviet flotilla, marking one of the most surprising inland naval victories of the century…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/pKErCL7v3A
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 11, 2025