Battle of Kuopio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kuopio
Part of the Finnish War
Stormningen af kanslihuset i Kuopio, by Gunnar Hallström
Date 12 May 1808 Location Kuopio, Finland Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Sweden	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Karl Wilhelm Malm
Strength
150 infantry 300 peasants	400 (inclusive 124 sick)
Casualties and losses
2 killed 1 wounded	40 killed or wounded 284 captured

The Battle of Kuopio was a fight between Swedish and Russian forces. It happened in Kuopio, Northern Savonia, on May 12, 1808. This battle was an important part of the Finnish War. The Swedish side won this battle.

Why the Battle Happened

After a victory at Pulkkila, Swedish forces, led by Sandels, moved south. Their goal was to disrupt the Russian supply lines. Supply lines are like roads or paths used to bring food, weapons, and other important items to soldiers.

Attacking Russian Supplies

Sandels' forces first attacked Russian transports heading for Raahe. They captured two supply wagons and one weapon wagon. About 100 Russian soldiers were also captured. Another group of Russian supplies was taken northwest of Kuopio.

Sending a Small Force to Kuopio

Sandels then sent a small group of 150 soldiers. This group was led by Karl Wilhelm Malm. Their mission was to attack a Russian supply storage area in Kuopio. There was also a temporary hospital there. On their way, Malm's soldiers surprised a Russian force of 150 men. These Russians were trying to get back the lost supplies. The Swedish soldiers defeated them without any losses. Seven Russian soldiers were killed, and 98 were captured.

The Battle Unfolds

On May 11, Malm's soldiers arrived near Kuopio. About 300 local farmers, called peasants, joined them. However, only about 50 of these farmers had guns. So, Malm decided it was better for them to surround the town. This would stop Russian soldiers from escaping.

The Surprise Attack

The attack began on May 12, at 2:00 AM. Malm divided his 150 soldiers into three groups of 50 men each. The attack was a complete surprise for the Russian forces. It was also dark, and the Russian commanders were not ready. This made the Russian defense fall apart quickly.

Fighting at the Chancellery

The only strong resistance came from the chancellery building. A few Russian soldiers had taken positions there. But by 6:00 AM, the remaining Russian soldiers surrendered.

Battle Results

The Russian forces lost 40 soldiers who were killed or wounded. Another 160 soldiers were captured. This number also included some civilians and 124 sick soldiers. Two Russian officers and about 70 men managed to escape. They got away even though the peasants were surrounding the town. The Swedish side had very few losses. Only two Swedish soldiers were killed, and one was wounded. The main Swedish army arrived in Kuopio on May 20.