Having ordered the Landwehr to attack the Siberians, Eighth Army grew concerned that a strong Russian force around the town of Lyck could attack the Landwehr's rear flank. Attaching a regular army cavalry brigade to Lt. Gen. Kurt von Morgen's division of reservists, army commander Paul von Hindenburg ordered Morgen to make a covering attack against the Russians and drive them away from the Landwehr.

The Finns put up furious resistance, and a massive firefight broke out more fitting to 1814 than 1914. Infantry of both sides blazed away at each other at ranges of 100 meters or less, with massive casualties inflicted. The German advantage in cavalry gave them no edge on the battlefield, as the horsemen dismounted to join the firing line. Despite their much greater numbers the Germans gave way first, leaving the Finns holding the battlefield.