Battle of Toverud facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battles of Rakkestad and Toverud
Part of the Dano-Swedish War of 1808–1809
Charge of the Swedish hussars at Rakkestad, by Andreas Bloch
Date 19–20 April 1808 Location Rakkestad, Viken; Toverud, Aurskog, Norway Result Rakkestad: Swedish victory Toverud: Dano-Norwegian victory
Belligerents
Sweden	Denmark–Norway
Commanders and leaders
Gustaf Olof Lagerbring Axel Otto Mörner  Axel Gabriel Oxenstierna	Christian August Paul Weibye Ole Fredrik Heyerdahl
Strength
750	2,400
Casualties and losses
Rakkestad: 11 Toverud: 2 killed 13 wounded 101–121 captured	Rakkestad: 10–20 Toverud: 30–40

The Battles of Rakkestad and Toverud were a series of small fights. They took place near Toverud in Aurskog and Rakkestad in Viken, Norway. These battles happened on April 19 and 20, 1808. They were part of the Dano-Swedish War of 1808-1809.

Christian August led a large Norwegian force. His goal was to trap and defeat Swedish groups led by Gustaf Olof Lagerbring. A small Swedish group, led by Oxenstierna, broke through Norwegian lines at Rakkestad. But another Swedish group, led by Axel Otto Mörner, could not break through at Toverud. This led to most of Mörner's force being captured. Only 13 men escaped to their main army.

Why Did the Battles Happen?

Swedish Advance into Norway

On April 14, 1808, the Swedish 2nd Brigade crossed the border. They were led by Colonel Schwerin. They marched towards Aurskog and Høland. The Norwegian commander, Major Friederich Christopher von Ditten, pulled his troops back. He moved them across the Glomma river. This left the way open for the Swedes.

Count Axel Otto Mörner's cavalry unit then took over Blaker entrenchment. This happened on April 16. The entrenchment was a fortified position.

Norwegian Response and Trapping the Swedes

Prince Christian August learned about the Swedish attack. He ordered six companies and some dragoons to march north. This was a total of 2,200 men. On the evening of April 18, they stayed at Trøgstad Church. There, he heard that the Swedes had captured Blaker.

At dawn on April 19, the Prince quickly marched towards Aurskog. On the same day, Colonel Schwerin sent a company to Blaker. This was to help Count Mörner. But they met Norwegian troops at Killingmo. So, they retreated back to Schwerin's headquarters.

Prince Christian August had now cut off Count Mörner's troops. He ordered two of his companies to set up defenses. They did this on farms in Rakkestad. The Prince wanted to block Mörner's escape route.

The Battles of Rakkestad and Toverud

Norwegian Preparations at Toverud

Major Paul Weibye followed Prince Christian August's plan. He moved towards Blaker with five companies and 40 dragoons. His goal was to find a good spot to stop the enemy. He chose to take over Toverud farm on the afternoon of April 19.

Major Weibye set up his soldiers facing south. This was where Count Mörner's 250 Swedish soldiers were. A lighter company was placed further north. This was towards Haneborg.

Swedish Attack at Rakkestad

Count Mörner quickly realized the Norwegians were surrounding his troops. He decided to quickly retreat to his main force at Haneborg. The Swedes hurried towards the Norwegian positions near Rakkestad. But deep snow made it hard for them to go around the Norwegian troops.

This meant they had to attack. Mörner started the attack with a cavalry charge. He sent the Hussars first. The Norwegian soldiers fired their muskets too early. This gave the Swedes a big advantage. The Norwegians did not have time to reload. Their defense broke when the Hussars reached their lines.

Battle of Toverud, by Andreas Bloch

Swedish Defeat at Toverud

The Swedes had broken through some Norwegian defenses at Rakkestad. But they soon realized they also had to get past troops at Toverud. Count Mörner decided the Hussars would charge first again. Mörner and his infantry would follow.

But this time, the Hussars were pushed back. Mörner then decided to try a bayonet charge. But before the Swedish troops could get ready for a new attack, the Norwegians attacked their sides. Count Mörner then knew they could not break through the Toverud defense. He surrendered to the Norwegian Lieutenant Gregers Lund.

What Happened After the Battle?

After the battle, 112 Swedish Grenadiers and Hussars were captured. Nine Swedish officers were also taken prisoner. About 40 of them were wounded. These prisoners were later shown in Christiania. Then, they were taken to Akershus Fortress. Count Axel Otto Mörner was held as a prisoner at Ulefoss Manor. He was later set free in 1809.

Legacy

In 1908, a monument was built to remember the battle. This was for the 100-year anniversary. It is called Norwegian: Toverudstøtta.

Toverud monument (Toverudstøtta)