Battle of Siikajoki facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Siikajoki
Part of the Finnish War
Positions at the battle
Date 18 April 1808 Location Siikajoki, near Oulu, Finland Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Sweden	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Carl Johan Adlercreutz Georg Carl von Döbeln	Yakov Petrovich Kulnev
Strength
6,000–7,000	2,000–2,400
Casualties and losses
205 killed, wounded or captured	387 killed, wounded or captured

The Battle of Siikajoki (Finnish: Siikajoen taistelu) was an important fight during the Finnish War. It happened on April 18, 1808, in a place called Siikajoki, in Finland. This battle was between the armies of Sweden and Russia.

The Finnish War was a big conflict where Russia tried to take control of Finland from Sweden. At the start of the war, the Swedish commander, Wilhelm Mauritz Klingspor, decided to pull his troops back. This retreat was a plan to gain time. It also allowed more Swedish soldiers to come to Finland. The Swedes also wanted to wait for the ice on the seas to melt. This would make it easier to move troops and supplies.

The Battle Begins

A few days before Siikajoki, there was a smaller fight called the Battle of Pyhäjoki. The Battle of Siikajoki was the first major attempt by the Swedes to stop the Russian army.

After the Battle of Pyhäjoki, a new commander, Carl Johan Adlercreutz, took charge. Another Swedish force, led by Georg Carl von Döbeln, was trying to cross the Siikajoki River. Suddenly, the Russian soldiers caught up with them.

A Fierce Fight

Von Döbeln decided to make a stand on the south side of the river. He first ordered his troops to attack the Russians. But the Swedish soldiers had to fall back.

At this moment, the Russian army's middle line opened up. General-Adjutant Adlercreutz saw his chance. He quickly ordered another attack. This strong charge pushed the Russians back. It stopped their advance completely. The Swedish army won the battle.

Legacy of the Battle

The Battle of Siikajoki is remembered in a famous poem. It's called "Adlercreutz" and is part of Tales of Ensign Stål by Johan Ludvig Runeberg.

The Nyland Regiment was a group of soldiers who fought very bravely in this battle. Today, soldiers of the Nyland Brigade can wear the Siikajoki Cross. This cross honors the bravery shown by the Nyland Regiment. The Nyland Brigade is now part of the Finnish Navy.