Battle of Siikajoki

The battle of Siikajoki
Battle of Siikajoki
Part of Finnish War

Positions at the battle
Date18 April 1808
LocationSiikajoki, near Oulu
64°50′N 024°44′E / 64.833°N 24.733°E / 64.833; 24.733Coordinates: 64°50′N 024°44′E / 64.833°N 24.733°E / 64.833; 24.733
Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
 Sweden  Russia
Commanders and leaders
Carl Johan Adlercreutz and Georg Carl von Döbeln Yakov Petrovitch Kulnev
Strength
2,000 2,000[1][2]
Casualties and losses
200 up to 340[3]

The Battle of Siikajoki (Finnish: Siikajoen taistelu) was fought between Swedish and Russian troops on April 18, 1808 at Siikajoki, near Oulu, Finland. During the first stage of the Finnish War the Swedish commander Wilhelm Mauritz Klingspor had decided to retreat from southern Finland, so that the Swedes would gain time, and more troops could be moved to Finland via Tornio. The move was also made in case the Danes would take the opportunity to attack Sweden.

The Battle of Pyhäjoki, which had been fought two days earlier, was one of the first skirmishes of the war, but Siikajoki was the first major attempt to stop the advancing Russians. Carl Johan Adlercreutz had been appointed commander after count Löwenhjelm had been captured by the Russian at Pyhäjoki. The force commanded by Georg Carl von Döbeln was trying to cross the river of Siikajoki when the Russians caught up with his force. Von Döbeln decided to take a stance on the south bank of the river. He first ordered a counterattack, but was forced to pull back. At that moment, the Russian enter is opening up and the newly appointed General-Adjutant Adlercreutz orders another attack, which throws the Russians back and halted the Russian advance.

The Battle of Siikajoki is described in the poem "Adlercreutz" in Runeberg's epic Tales of Ensign Stål.

The Nyland Regiment distinguished themselves at the battle and today, the Siikajoki Cross can be worn by soldiers of the Uusimaa Brigade, which is the traditional heir.

References

  1. ↑ Военный энциклопедический лексикон. СПб. Т. XI. 1856. С. 115
  2. ↑ Захаров Г. Т. Русско-шведская война 1808—1809. М., 1940. С. 30
  3. ↑ Военный энциклопедический лексикон. 2-е издание. Т. XII. СПб. 1857. С. 229

External links

Media related to Battle of Siikajoki at Wikimedia Commons


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