It was the first battle of the so-called Pulawy Legion, a Polish military formation of World War I, which was part of the Imperial Russian Army.

In early May of that year, the Gorlice-Tarnow Offensive of the Central Powers began, and on May 18, the Legion was sent to Krzyzanowice, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north of Ilza, near Russian-German frontline.

Polish soldiers had to abandon their personal belongings, including haversacks and mess kits, so as not to reveal their positions to the enemy.

Suffering heavy losses, the Poles managed to cross German barbed wire and capture first line of enemy trenches, where hand-to-hand combat ensued.

German officers quickly realized chaotic situation among Russian forces, and began artillery barrage, followed by infantry assault.