Battle of Pulkkila facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Pulkkila
Part of the Finnish War
Striden vid Pulkkila. Svenskarnas anfall, by Magnus Adlercreutz
Date 2 May 1808 Location Pulkkila, Finland Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Sweden	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Johan August Sandels	Colonel Obuhov
Strength
800	320+
Casualties and losses
10 killed 65 wounded	42 killed 282 captured (of which 49 wounded)

The Battle of Pulkkila was a fight between Swedish and Russian forces. It happened near Pulkkila in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, on May 2, 1808. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Finnish War.

The Battle of Pulkkila: A Key Moment in the Finnish War

The Finnish War was a major conflict between Sweden and Russia. It took place from 1808 to 1809. The Battle of Pulkkila was an important event during this war. It showed how determined the Swedish forces were. They wanted to take back parts of Finland that Russia had taken over.

Who Fought and Where?

The battle happened in a place called Pulkkila. This area is in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. The Swedish forces were led by a brave commander named Johan August Sandels. He had about 800 soldiers with him. These included 350 men from the Västerbotten Regiment and 80 from the Savolax jägers. The Russian troops were led by Colonel Obuhov. They had over 320 soldiers.

The Battle Unfolds

On May 2, 1808, Sandels and his troops marched east. Their goal was to free areas of Finland under Russian control. They met the Russian troops near Pulkkila. Sandels quickly planned an attack. His soldiers surrounded the Russian forces. The Russians tried hard to break free from the trap. But they were pushed back into a nearby village.

The fighting in the village was very intense. It was a tough battle for both sides. In the end, the Swedish forces won. Colonel Obuhov, the Russian commander, had to surrender to the Swedes. After this victory, the Swedish army continued their advance. They successfully took back the town of Kuopio, which is in the middle of Finland.

Sandels' Amazing Actions

Johan August Sandels' actions during this time were truly remarkable. He was very skilled in leading his troops. He captured Russian supply areas. He also kept bothering the Russian forces from behind their lines. His actions earned him respect from everyone, both his friends and his enemies. He showed great courage and cleverness.

What Happened Next?

Even though the Swedes won at Pulkkila, their success was not permanent. This battle was part of the "Summer Campaign" of 1808. Later that year, the Russian army launched a strong counterattack. This forced the Swedish forces to retreat in late August 1808.