Battle of Nykarleby

Part of Finnish War

Date	24 June 1808
Location	Nykarleby, Ostrobothnia, Finland 63°31′N 22°32′E / 63.517°N 22.533°E / 63.517; 22.533
Result	Swedish victory

Belligerents

Sweden

Russia

Commanders and leaders

Carl Johan Adlercreutz

Jankovich

Strength

1,300

Casualties and losses

132

Finnish War

Pyhäjoki Siikajoki Gotland Revolax Sveaborg Pulkkila Lemo Nykarleby Vaasa Kokonsaari Lapua Rimito Kramp Sandöström Kauhajoki Alavus Karstula Grönvikssund Ruona and Salmi Ömossa Jutas Oravais Palva Sund Taivassalo Koljonvirta Hörnefors Sävar Ratan

The Battle of Nykarleby was fought between Sweden and the Russian Empire during the Finnish War of 1808–1809.

When Carl Johan Adlercreutz continued his summer offensive, he saw an excellent opportunity to encircle the Russian main army at the town of Nykarleby. The Swedish offensive began on Midsummer's Eve, but the Russian forces had already evacuated the city and pulled back to Vaasa, where another Swedish force, commanded by Johan Bergenstråhle was landing.

Adlercreutz engaged several smaller Russian units who were guarding the Russian retreat. The Russians were led by Jankovitch. He pulled back over the bridge in the town centre, and then burned the bridge. On the way to Vaasa they encountered a smaller Swedish unit led by Major Carl von Otter and a small battle ensued. The Swedes decided to stop in Nykarleby to celebrate Midsummer while the Russian troops were retreating. The inhabitants generously offered food and drinks to the Swedish army.

Legend says that Georg Carl von Döbeln, who was marching in front of the Pori Regiment, became so angry when he saw the Russians retreat after having burned the bridge, and that the surprise attack had failed, that he ran out in the river, loyally followed by his regiment. He had then been close to drowning and his men had to rescue him. The battle of Nykarleby was to become a relatively bloodless battle.

The Swedes won a small victory at Nykarleby, but the ensuing festivities delayed the march to the south in such a manner that they couldn't support the Swedish landing force in Vaasa.

External links

Battle of Nykarleby. Comprehensive description by C-B. J. Petander.

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