Battle of Koljonvirta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Koljonvirta
Part of the Finnish War
Sandels at Koljonvirta, by August Malmström
Date 27 October 1808 Location near Iisalmi, Northern Savonia, Finland Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Sweden	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Johan August Sandels	Nikolai Alexejvitsch Tutschkoff
Strength
Swedish source: 1,800 12 guns Russian source: 4,000	Swedish source: 6,000 17 guns Russian source: 5,000
Casualties and losses
Swedish source: 316: 34 killed 282 wounded	Swedish source: 773: 221 killed 479 wounded 73 captured Russian source: 764 killed and missing

The Battle of Koljonvirta was a fight between Swedish and Russian soldiers. It happened on October 27, 1808. This battle is also known as the Battle of the Virta Bridge or the Battle of Idensalmi.

The Swedish army had just lost a big battle called the Battle of Oravais. Because of this, a Swedish army led by Johan August Sandels had to pull back. They were in a part of Finland called Savonia. Sandels needed to retreat so the Russian army wouldn't surround his troops.

A Smart Defensive Spot

Sandels found a really good place to defend himself. This spot was north of a town called Iisalmi. He decided to stop the Russian advance there.

Preparing for Battle

The area Sandels chose was perfect for defense. It was between two lakes. These lakes were connected by a river called Koljonvirta. Sandels used a time when there was a cease-fire (a temporary stop in fighting) to get ready. He prepared his defenses very well.

The Battle Begins

The cease-fire was supposed to end on October 27 at 1 PM. But the Russian soldiers started their attack a little bit earlier. This might have been because of a time difference between Sweden and Russia.

Pushing Back the Russians

Sandels had fewer soldiers than the Russians, but his strong position helped a lot. He pulled his troops back from the south side of the Koljonvirta river. The Russians then attacked across the bridge, which had been partly broken down by the Swedes.

The Swedish soldiers then launched a powerful counter-attack. They pushed the Russian troops right into the river! The Russians brought in more fresh soldiers on the south side of the river. However, they did not try to attack again.

A Final Victory

The Battle of Koljonvirta was a big win for the Swedish army. It was also the very last time Swedish forces won a battle on Finnish land.

See also

• Sven Dufva

Images for kids

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  Positions at the battle