The largest one was in the night of January 23/24, 1915. In mid-January 1915, news of a planned Austrian offensive reached Polish soldiers. Since Rafajlowa was regarded as a strategic point, the Russians were keen to forestall Austrian advance and attack first. Furthermore, on January 20 Józef Haller left for a short leave. On January 24, at 00:45, two Russian battalions, reinforced with Cossacks and artillery (altogether 4000 men) began the attack. They quickly captured first two lines of Polish trenches and a hospital building. For unknown reason, Russians decided then to stop their advance, and Poles, commanded by Captain Henryk Minkiewicz, took advantage of this. They regrouped and attacked the trenches, taking the enemy by surprise. Both sides used bayonets, and the battle continued until morning, when Polish reinforcements attacked from both sides, forcing Russians to retreat from Rafajlowa. Several traces of fighting can still be seen in Rafajlowa, including parts of the Legions Road and trenches. Furthermore, near former Roman Catholic church there is a commemorative obelisk. A Legions Cross was erected on the Pantyr mountain, there also is a field cemetery. Polish losses in the battle are unknown, they range from 5 to 40. Sources Henryk Lewartowski, Bolesław Pochmarski, J. A. Teslar: Szlakiem bojowym Legionów. Krótki zarys organizacyi i dziejów 2 Brygady Legionów Polskich w Karpatach, Galicyi i na Bukowinie. Oprac...oficerowie Legionów Polskich. Nakł. Funduszu Wdów i Sierot po Legionistach, Lwów 1915. Stanisław Czerep: II Brygada Legionów Polskich. Bellona, 1991. . See also 2nd Brigade, Polish Legions Polish Legions in World War I First Cadre Company Polish Military Organisation External links Battles of World War I involving Poland Battles of the Eastern Front (World War I) Polish Legions in World War I Battles of World War I involving Austria-Hungary Battles of World War I involving Russia Military history of Ukraine Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria 1915 in Austria-Hungary Conflicts in 1915 January 1915 events