Battle of Vaasa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Vaasa
Part of the Finnish War
Date 25–26 June 1808 Location Vaasa, Finland 63°6′0.000″N 21°37′0.001″E / 63.10000000°N 21.61666694°E / 63.10000000; 21.61666694 Result Russian victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Sweden	Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Johan Bergenstråhle	Nikolay Demidov
Strength
1,100 infantry 200–300 peasants 4 guns	1,488 infantry 200 cossacks 4 guns
Casualties and losses
68 killed 204 captured (including 101 wounded) In total: 272	37 killed 82–113 wounded 53 captured In total: 150–172

The Battle of Vaasa was a fight between the Kingdom of Sweden and the Russian Empire. It happened during the Finnish War, which lasted from 1808 to 1809. The battle took place in Vaasa, Finland, on June 25-26, 1808. Russia won this battle.

What Happened at Vaasa?

The Swedish army had just celebrated a victory at Nykarleby. At the same time, another Swedish group, led by Johan Bergenstråhle, landed near Vaasa. This landing was not planned well with the main Swedish army. The main army commander, Adlercreutz, forgot to send help to Bergenstråhle.

The Swedish force had about 1,300 to 1,400 soldiers. They landed just outside Vaasa. However, the Russian army was much stronger. The main Russian army arrived and joined the fight.

The Fight in the Streets

The battle turned into harsh street fighting. Both sides fought hard in the town. In the end, the Russian forces were too strong for the Swedes.

Who Won and What Were the Losses?

The Russians won the Battle of Vaasa. They lost 37 soldiers killed and between 82 and 113 wounded. About 53 Russian soldiers were captured. In total, Russia lost between 150 and 172 men.

The Swedish forces lost 68 soldiers killed. Another 204 Swedish soldiers were captured, and 101 of them were wounded. This total loss for Sweden was 272 men. The Swedish commander, Johan Bergenstråhle, was among those captured.

The remaining Swedish soldiers retreated north. They joined the main Swedish army at Nykarleby. These soldiers then formed a new group called the Sixth Swedish Brigade.

Who Fought in the Battle?

Here's a look at the soldiers and equipment each side had:

Russian Forces

• Infantry: 1,488 soldiers (these are foot soldiers)
• Cossacks: 200 soldiers (these were often cavalry, or horse soldiers)
• Guns: 4 (these were cannons)
• Total: About 1,688 men and 4 cannons.

Swedish Forces

• Västerbotten Infantry Regiment: 1 battalion (a battalion is a large group of soldiers)
• Västerbotten auxiliary reserve and Jämtland Infantry Regiment: 1 battalion (this included 2 companies from Jämtland)
• Peasants: 200–300 people (these were local people who helped fight)
• Guns: 4 (cannons)
• Total: About 1,300 to 1,400 men and 4 cannons.