Battle of Rødenes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Rødenes |
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| Part of the Dano-Swedish War of 1808-1809 | |||||
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| Belligerents | |||||
 Sweden |
 Denmark–Norway |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||
| Bror Cederström |
Christian August Andreas Samuel Krebs |
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The Battle of Rødenes was not one big fight, but a series of smaller clashes. These skirmishes happened in late April and early May 1808. They stretched from Lund in Hemnes all the way to Ørje. These battles were part of the Dano-Swedish War of 1808-1809. They happened because Sweden invaded Norway.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
In 1808, Sweden and Denmark-Norway were at war. On April 15, Swedish soldiers crossed the border into Norway. This was part of a bigger invasion plan. The Swedish 3rd Brigade, led by Colonel Bror Cederström, entered Norway. They took control of the eastern parts of Rødenessjøen and Øymarksjøen lakes.
From these lakes, the Swedes set up small outposts. These were like guard stations, reaching south and up to Hemnes. Colonel Cederström also ordered his troops to build barricades. These were barriers to block roads, especially at Ørje. Ørje was also where he set up his main headquarters.
First Fight at Lund
At this time, Prince Christian August was in charge of the Norwegian forces. He was worried about another Swedish attack near Kongsvinger. But he also feared the Swedish 3rd Brigade. He thought they might move north and trap many Norwegian soldiers.
So, on April 20, he sent two companies to Hemnes. These companies were led by Captain Heyerdahl and Captain Zarbell. Their mission was to stop any Swedish advance.
When news spread that the Swedes were coming, Captain Heyerdahl pulled his company back. He moved them to Fetsund. But Captain Zarbell decided to stay. He placed his troops west of Lund farm, near Hemnes Church. Later, he moved closer to the farm. There, his soldiers met a Swedish Jäger Corps (a type of light infantry).
After a short fight, the Swedes retreated. They moved back about half a mile to Opsal and Krok in Rødenes. These were the northernmost Swedish positions.
When Colonel Cederström heard about the retreat, he was not happy. He ordered his company commander to attack again. The Swedes tried many times to push Captain Zarbell's company out of Lund. But they failed. After losing many soldiers, the Swedes pulled back to Opsal again.
More Fighting on May 5
After a victory at Trangen, Prince Christian August felt less pressure on Kongsvinger. He then sent more troops to Rødenes. These new forces were to face the Swedish 3rd Brigade.
On May 4, Major Andreas Samuel Krebs was sent to Hemnes. He was to join Captain Zarbell. Major Krebs brought three companies of Jäger Corps. He also had four grenadier companies, some sharpshooters, and cavalry.
That same evening, Captain Zarbell and his sharpshooters moved forward. Lieutenant Hegge and his `3. jegerkompani` joined them. They attacked the Swedish positions at Opsal. Zarbell immediately attacked the Swedish soldiers. But he could not push the 150 Swedish troops out of their positions. These Swedes were from the `1. Södermanlands bataljon`.
It was only when Major Krebs' main force arrived that the Swedes were pushed back. They retreated to the Krok farm, further east. There, they dug in and prepared to defend. Major Krebs decided to keep chasing them. But the Swedish position was strong. The Norwegians first had to cross the Opsal river. Then, they had to attack the Swedish position on a hill where Krok farm was located.
Captain Butenschøn's company was the first to cross the river. They attacked the Swedish right side. Soon, more Norwegian jägers crossed the river. They began to threaten the Swedes from many directions. The Swedes then left their position at Krok. They fell back to Jåvall, about a mile south.
This new position was also quickly abandoned. The Norwegians attacked several times. The Swedes retreated again to Åseby. From there, they were forced to retreat one more time. Finally, at Askerud, about a mile north of Ørje, the Swedes managed to stop the Norwegian advance. The Norwegian troops were very tired. So, Major Krebs decided not to attack again.
However, on the morning of May 6, Krebs received a new order. Prince Christian August told him to pull back. The Norwegians retreated quietly. This way, the Swedes did not chase them.
Attack on Ørje Bridge
On the same day Major Krebs was ordered to retreat, Major Fischer received orders. Major Fischer was stationed at Mysen. He was told to move towards the Swedish positions near Ørje bridge.
The next morning, May 7, Fischer began his advance. He had sharpshooters and two companies from the `Nordenfjelske` Regiment. They moved towards Ørje bridge.
Near the bridge, the Norwegian troops quickly defeated the Swedish outposts. The Norwegians then moved up to the fortified bridgehead. This was a strong defensive position the Swedes had built. It was on the west side of the river. About 120 men from the `Dalbataljonen` defended it.
But Fischer stopped his attack to prepare for a big push. This gave the Swedish commander, Captain Törnblad, time to cross the bridge. He then ordered his men to set the bridge on fire. This made it impossible for the Norwegians to cross. So, Fischer decided to pull his troops back.
What Happened Next
Even though Swedish forces were still on Norwegian land, the Norwegians had stopped their advance. They had also pushed them back. This was important. It meant that Sweden's plan to reach and capture Christiania (as Oslo was called then) was greatly reduced. They had planned to advance through Smaalenenes Amt.
Many Norwegian soldiers who fought in Rødenes received awards. This was especially true for the jägers. Lars Opsal received a very special award. He was given a sword with a silver booklet. This was for his bravery, courage, and skill in the fighting.
