In the First Battle of Polotsk, which took place on 17–18 August 1812, Russian troops under the command of Peter Wittgenstein fought French and Bavarian troops led by Nicolas Oudinot near the city of Polotsk, halting Oudinot's advance toward Saint Petersburg.

He managed to mislead Wittgenstein about the area of the offensive, regroup his troops and suddenly attack the left flank and centre of the Russian positions.

In the beginning the offensive was a major success, the French troops crushed the Russians and captured seven cannons.

Wittgenstein managed with his much smaller force effectively halted two French corps trying to advance to Saint Petersburg, which deed later gave him the Russian general-in-chief post.

General of Infantry Bernhard Erasmus von Deroy was mortally wounded and General-Major Siebein was killed.