Are you open to suggestion, or should the audience keep their mouth shut?
They occupied Gotland OTL?
I did not know that either Very interesting. Do you have any links to information about this? I would realy like to read more about this!
A different Finnish War
- Thread starter von Adler
- Start date
Are you open to suggestion, or should the audience keep their mouth shut?
They occupied Gotland OTL?
I did not know that either Very interesting. Do you have any links to information about this? I would realy like to read more about this!
Oddball: Of course, I am open to suggestions. I am considering a Swedish invasion 1810, if the Brits lift the blockade at the same time, the Norwegians might even remember the Swedish invasion as a great relief.
Valdermar II: The invasion was a coup OTL. With the Royal Navy in the Baltic, I do not think the Russians can keep it.
Valdermar II: The invasion was a coup OTL. With the Royal Navy in the Baltic, I do not think the Russians can keep it.
Valdemar II
Banned
I was just surprised it happened, and though it would be a interesting POD to another timeline than yours.
Russia and Gotland
I got curious about OTL's Russian invasion of Gotland. I found two very interesting references. I just love the internet!
Sadly in Swedish only:
One page introduction
144 pages comprehensive history! (there is even an AH discussion on page 111)
Let me say this again: I love the internet!
I got curious about OTL's Russian invasion of Gotland. I found two very interesting references. I just love the internet!
Sadly in Swedish only:
One page introduction
144 pages comprehensive history! (there is even an AH discussion on page 111)
Let me say this again: I love the internet!
1808-04-24
The ice will soon give away, and with it the Russian ability to take Sveaborg. So, von Buxhoevden knows he will have to strike now. The Russian forces have sporadically shelled the forts by bringing out guns on the ice and firing a few shots. Every time the various forts respond, however, the Russians quickly retreat. The Russians lack heavy siege artillery and with it the ability to shell Sveaborg from outside the range of the heavy guns of the forts. Defeatism among the Swedish garrison is reduced every time the Russian artillery run from the fire of the forts and soon jokes about the cowardice of Russian artillerymen starts poppig up in the fortress, eagerly encouraged by af Klercker.
"What is the colour of the buttons of a Russian artillery uniform?"
"I don't know."
"Me neither, you never see the front of them." and the like.
However, by the latter half of April, the Russians have managed to, by sled, transport some of the artillery from Svartholm to Sveaborg and set up a redoubt that can trade fire with the forts. Fire is concentrated against the fortifications on Skanslandet and soon they start to crumble.
However, time is short - soon the ice will not be strong enough to carry men and then Sveaborg will be out of reach - and even worse for von Buxhoevden, the Swedish archipelago navy will be free from its ice prison to ravage his supply lines, land troops in his back and even conduct operations against Estonia, Russian Finland or Ingria.
HMS Styrbjörn, shallow-draft and rowing-capable archipelago frigate, flagship of the Sveaborg squadron of the Swedish archipelago fleet and flagsip of Vice Admiral Cronstedt. Armed with 24x26pdxr guns and 2x12pdr guns.
HMS Byrnhilda, shallow-draft and rowing-capable archipelago frigate, smallest of the archipelago frigates at Sveaborg. Armed with 16x3pdr, 2x12pdr and 10xSwivel guns.
At the dawn of the 22nd of April, the Russians, in total about 9 000 men, of which 4 000 take part, assault the fort on Skanslandet. The fortifications here are not completely finished and the Russian barrage the previous days have rendered them even more impotent. Only about 70 men defend the fort, supported by 10 guns. The Swedes fire a few shots, then spike the guns and flee. Skanslandet is then over-run. The Swedes have skis and most manage to get over to Gustavssvärd. The Russians surge across the ice towards the southernmost of the islands that make up the fortress of Sveaborg.
However, now the garrison is warned. Not that it is needed, the shelling of the fort on Skanslandet and some against Gustafssvärd has warned af Klercker and Cronstedt what is about to happen. As the Russians march and double-quick over the ice over Stora Inloppet, they are met with murderous fire from Gustafssvärd. The Russians have picked a bad spot to attack - while Gustafssvärd offers the shortest distance to march over the ice, it is also the strongest and most complete of the fortifications at Sveaborg. The ice also allows af Klercker to move troops and even guns freely between the fortifications. In places, there's 30cm of water on the ice, and Russian soldiers slip, get bogged down and wet. Even if the temperature is slightly over zero degrees celsius, strength and fighting spirit is quickly sapped from a man that is wet all over.
The heavy fire from the Swedish guns cut trough the Russian battalions leaving neat, straight rows of green-uniformed Russians on the ice. As the Russians close the Swedish guns switch to grape shot, creating much less neat piles of dead and horrendously wounded Russians. The Russians press on through, and are soon able to raise ladders against the low walls and start climb. That is when the garrison let loose their first musket volley. Sporadic fire continue as the Russians have been forbidden to fire before being over the wall. Soon vicous bayonet fighting is taking place on the walls of Gustafssvärd and the Russians force a bridgehead.
However, this is a trick, as the Swedish soldiers on the walls retreat, exposing the Russians to another devastating volley from the first courtyard and the second and third wall. The Swedes then charge with fixed bayonets, sending the Russians reeling and forcing them across the first wall again. The Russian forces try to reform outside the wall, but the still unsilenced Swedish artillery and their devastating grape shot soon breaks the Russians, who rout and flee back to Skanslandet.
While the Russians now control the fort at Skanslandet, they have suffered at least 700 men dead and about as many wounded, many of which have been abandoned on the ice and will freeze to death during the night before the Russians under a flag of truce request to care for their wounded the next morning, which af Klercker agrees to.
The Swedes suffer 39 dead and 65 wounded in a great victory for the garrison. Only a few days later the ices start to break up and cannot carry men.
The ice will soon give away, and with it the Russian ability to take Sveaborg. So, von Buxhoevden knows he will have to strike now. The Russian forces have sporadically shelled the forts by bringing out guns on the ice and firing a few shots. Every time the various forts respond, however, the Russians quickly retreat. The Russians lack heavy siege artillery and with it the ability to shell Sveaborg from outside the range of the heavy guns of the forts. Defeatism among the Swedish garrison is reduced every time the Russian artillery run from the fire of the forts and soon jokes about the cowardice of Russian artillerymen starts poppig up in the fortress, eagerly encouraged by af Klercker.
"What is the colour of the buttons of a Russian artillery uniform?"
"I don't know."
"Me neither, you never see the front of them." and the like.
However, by the latter half of April, the Russians have managed to, by sled, transport some of the artillery from Svartholm to Sveaborg and set up a redoubt that can trade fire with the forts. Fire is concentrated against the fortifications on Skanslandet and soon they start to crumble.
However, time is short - soon the ice will not be strong enough to carry men and then Sveaborg will be out of reach - and even worse for von Buxhoevden, the Swedish archipelago navy will be free from its ice prison to ravage his supply lines, land troops in his back and even conduct operations against Estonia, Russian Finland or Ingria.
HMS Styrbjörn, shallow-draft and rowing-capable archipelago frigate, flagship of the Sveaborg squadron of the Swedish archipelago fleet and flagsip of Vice Admiral Cronstedt. Armed with 24x26pdxr guns and 2x12pdr guns.
HMS Byrnhilda, shallow-draft and rowing-capable archipelago frigate, smallest of the archipelago frigates at Sveaborg. Armed with 16x3pdr, 2x12pdr and 10xSwivel guns.
At the dawn of the 22nd of April, the Russians, in total about 9 000 men, of which 4 000 take part, assault the fort on Skanslandet. The fortifications here are not completely finished and the Russian barrage the previous days have rendered them even more impotent. Only about 70 men defend the fort, supported by 10 guns. The Swedes fire a few shots, then spike the guns and flee. Skanslandet is then over-run. The Swedes have skis and most manage to get over to Gustavssvärd. The Russians surge across the ice towards the southernmost of the islands that make up the fortress of Sveaborg.
However, now the garrison is warned. Not that it is needed, the shelling of the fort on Skanslandet and some against Gustafssvärd has warned af Klercker and Cronstedt what is about to happen. As the Russians march and double-quick over the ice over Stora Inloppet, they are met with murderous fire from Gustafssvärd. The Russians have picked a bad spot to attack - while Gustafssvärd offers the shortest distance to march over the ice, it is also the strongest and most complete of the fortifications at Sveaborg. The ice also allows af Klercker to move troops and even guns freely between the fortifications. In places, there's 30cm of water on the ice, and Russian soldiers slip, get bogged down and wet. Even if the temperature is slightly over zero degrees celsius, strength and fighting spirit is quickly sapped from a man that is wet all over.
The heavy fire from the Swedish guns cut trough the Russian battalions leaving neat, straight rows of green-uniformed Russians on the ice. As the Russians close the Swedish guns switch to grape shot, creating much less neat piles of dead and horrendously wounded Russians. The Russians press on through, and are soon able to raise ladders against the low walls and start climb. That is when the garrison let loose their first musket volley. Sporadic fire continue as the Russians have been forbidden to fire before being over the wall. Soon vicous bayonet fighting is taking place on the walls of Gustafssvärd and the Russians force a bridgehead.
However, this is a trick, as the Swedish soldiers on the walls retreat, exposing the Russians to another devastating volley from the first courtyard and the second and third wall. The Swedes then charge with fixed bayonets, sending the Russians reeling and forcing them across the first wall again. The Russian forces try to reform outside the wall, but the still unsilenced Swedish artillery and their devastating grape shot soon breaks the Russians, who rout and flee back to Skanslandet.
While the Russians now control the fort at Skanslandet, they have suffered at least 700 men dead and about as many wounded, many of which have been abandoned on the ice and will freeze to death during the night before the Russians under a flag of truce request to care for their wounded the next morning, which af Klercker agrees to.
The Swedes suffer 39 dead and 65 wounded in a great victory for the garrison. Only a few days later the ices start to break up and cannot carry men.
yourworstnightmare
Banned
Hmm, since Sveaborg was the main aim of the campaign (the Russians really wanted that fortress) the Russkies must be frustrated as hell.
Continued
1808-04-29
Savolaxbrigaden (the Savolax Brigade), under Colonel Johan Adam Cronstedt (not to be confused with his second cousin Vice Admiral Carl Olof Cronstedt, currently in Sveaborg) have stopped their retreat northwards outside Tavastehus. Russian forces under General Michail Bulatov have been in pursuit for weeks, taking casualties from skilled rear-guard actions. The Russians arrive in front of the Swedish positions during the last week of April. Bulatov does not want to force his tired men through the Swedish positions with a frontal assualt - his plan is rather to use his superior numbers to surround Savolaxbrigaden in Tavastehus and use the rest of his forces to occupy central Finland and perhaps threaten Wasa. Bulatov has slightly over 6 000 men, while Cronstedt now have 3 800 men. Cronstedt is aware, though good recoinnasance, that Bulatov has a significant numerical superiority and is unwilling to engage in combat head-on with the Russian troops. Also, Savolaxbrigaden consists mainly of Jägare and other light troops, many with rifled muskets. It is a force suited and trained for skirmishing rather than line combat and musket volleys. Cronstedt is aware of this and is unwilling to let himself be surrounded in Tavastehus and enter a siege. Savolaxbrigaden is a unit for manouvre warfare and Cronstedt is both aware of this and his instructions from af Klercker to not be pinned down.
The Russian forces are disoriented and ragged from the long march in the winter conditions. The ground is no longer snow-covered, except for some spots in the darkest parts of the forests around Tavastehus, but the roads are more of a muddy swamp than actual roads and it is extremely difficult to get supplies and reinforcements up to the combatants in central Finland. The land is also too poor and sparsely populated to feed the armies, especially as no harvest has been brought in since September.
Cronstedt sees a chance to strike the Russians, disperse or even rout them and then march south to prey on their lines of supply and communication, something which should force von Buxhoevden to think twice before launching a second attack on Sveaborg or Åbo. Unbeknownst to Cronstedt, Russian reinforcements are starting to arrive in force in southeastern Finland as it is evident that the initially committed Russian troops are not enough to take Finland and force Sweden to sign a peace and join the continental system. However, Cronstedt is aware that he needs to do his part to keep the Russians occupied, so that they cannot gain good positions and entrench themselves before reinforcements can start arriving from Sweden.
While Bulatov manouvers to get around the Swedish right flank (southwest of Tavastehus, and thus moving northwest) to cut Savolaxbrigaden off, Cronstedt orders an attack on Bulatov's right flank, currently mostly inactive and resting south of Tavastehus. The plan is to rout the Russian right flank before Bulatov can turn around to aid it, and then move south to cut Bulatov off from von Buxhoevden, and hopefully cause a general Russian rout.
The plan is initially a success. The Russian right flank is mostly working to establish a camp. Numerous Russian soldiers are surprised in the woods cutting timber for field fortifications and camp construction and are quickly routed. A Russian battalion ordered to deal with this menace faces murderously accurate rifle fire and is then assaulted in the flank and flees in what cannot be described as anything but panic.
However, by now the Russians are aware that this is not a recoinnasance attack, not a Jäger raid, it is a full assault by the main force of Savolaxbrigaden. The muddy roads cause problems for the Swedes too. Cronstedt is unwilling to let his six 3pdr field guns fall behind - he needs them if he is to match the Russian firepower with his less numerous forces. Also Savolax Infanteriregemente (Saxolax' Infantry Regiment) loses contacts with the other forces in the dense woods and valuable time is lost re-establishing contact and cohesion. In the meantime, Bulatov has rushed south with his staff to assume command, have rallied the routed battalion and are bringing up reserves to face the Swedes. As the Russian strength increases, the Swedish attack stalls. Karelska Jägarkåren (Karelian Jäger Corps) successfully envelopes the new Russian right flank (now in the south), but are engaged by Russian Jägers that have marched double-quick right behind Bulatov and his staff after a foraging mission. The Russians are exhausted and cannot drive Karelska Jägarkåren backwards, but the envelopment of the Russian flank has been stopped. Cronstedt is now out of steam and out of reserves. His attack, while initially successful, has failed. By nightfall, Cronstedt has visited enough positions to realise that any further fighting is fruitless. The Russians are holding Savolaxbrigaden, and casualties are mounting. Under the cover of darkness, Cronstedt's men slip out of their positions and retreat northwards, allowing Bulatov to march into Tavastehus by dawn. The Swedes have lost about 500 men, a significant part of the fighting strength of Savolaxbrigaden. While the Russians have lost more, about 700 men, it does not prevent Bulatov from remaining in the field and capturing Tavastehus.
The Battle of Tavastehus is a Russian victory, at least tactically. Strategically, Cronstedt managed to avoid being encircled and has kept Savolaxbrigaden together as a fighting unit, despite the losses. He is also free to manouver as he sees fit. Bulatov, in the meantime, has become cautious and do not with to advance further without knowing the whereabouts of the Swedes. He also needs reinforcements and above all supplies for his men. Both are hard to get to Tavastehus on the muddy, if at all existing, roads. Bulatov is thus content to stay in Tavastehus for the time being.
OTL Cronstedt defeated Bulatov at Revolax at this time. However, the Russians have not marched as far, are not as exhausted and have more men (less lost to disease and straggling) and are thus able to win at least a tactical victory.
1808-04-29
Savolaxbrigaden (the Savolax Brigade), under Colonel Johan Adam Cronstedt (not to be confused with his second cousin Vice Admiral Carl Olof Cronstedt, currently in Sveaborg) have stopped their retreat northwards outside Tavastehus. Russian forces under General Michail Bulatov have been in pursuit for weeks, taking casualties from skilled rear-guard actions. The Russians arrive in front of the Swedish positions during the last week of April. Bulatov does not want to force his tired men through the Swedish positions with a frontal assualt - his plan is rather to use his superior numbers to surround Savolaxbrigaden in Tavastehus and use the rest of his forces to occupy central Finland and perhaps threaten Wasa. Bulatov has slightly over 6 000 men, while Cronstedt now have 3 800 men. Cronstedt is aware, though good recoinnasance, that Bulatov has a significant numerical superiority and is unwilling to engage in combat head-on with the Russian troops. Also, Savolaxbrigaden consists mainly of Jägare and other light troops, many with rifled muskets. It is a force suited and trained for skirmishing rather than line combat and musket volleys. Cronstedt is aware of this and is unwilling to let himself be surrounded in Tavastehus and enter a siege. Savolaxbrigaden is a unit for manouvre warfare and Cronstedt is both aware of this and his instructions from af Klercker to not be pinned down.
The Russian forces are disoriented and ragged from the long march in the winter conditions. The ground is no longer snow-covered, except for some spots in the darkest parts of the forests around Tavastehus, but the roads are more of a muddy swamp than actual roads and it is extremely difficult to get supplies and reinforcements up to the combatants in central Finland. The land is also too poor and sparsely populated to feed the armies, especially as no harvest has been brought in since September.
Cronstedt sees a chance to strike the Russians, disperse or even rout them and then march south to prey on their lines of supply and communication, something which should force von Buxhoevden to think twice before launching a second attack on Sveaborg or Åbo. Unbeknownst to Cronstedt, Russian reinforcements are starting to arrive in force in southeastern Finland as it is evident that the initially committed Russian troops are not enough to take Finland and force Sweden to sign a peace and join the continental system. However, Cronstedt is aware that he needs to do his part to keep the Russians occupied, so that they cannot gain good positions and entrench themselves before reinforcements can start arriving from Sweden.
While Bulatov manouvers to get around the Swedish right flank (southwest of Tavastehus, and thus moving northwest) to cut Savolaxbrigaden off, Cronstedt orders an attack on Bulatov's right flank, currently mostly inactive and resting south of Tavastehus. The plan is to rout the Russian right flank before Bulatov can turn around to aid it, and then move south to cut Bulatov off from von Buxhoevden, and hopefully cause a general Russian rout.
The plan is initially a success. The Russian right flank is mostly working to establish a camp. Numerous Russian soldiers are surprised in the woods cutting timber for field fortifications and camp construction and are quickly routed. A Russian battalion ordered to deal with this menace faces murderously accurate rifle fire and is then assaulted in the flank and flees in what cannot be described as anything but panic.
However, by now the Russians are aware that this is not a recoinnasance attack, not a Jäger raid, it is a full assault by the main force of Savolaxbrigaden. The muddy roads cause problems for the Swedes too. Cronstedt is unwilling to let his six 3pdr field guns fall behind - he needs them if he is to match the Russian firepower with his less numerous forces. Also Savolax Infanteriregemente (Saxolax' Infantry Regiment) loses contacts with the other forces in the dense woods and valuable time is lost re-establishing contact and cohesion. In the meantime, Bulatov has rushed south with his staff to assume command, have rallied the routed battalion and are bringing up reserves to face the Swedes. As the Russian strength increases, the Swedish attack stalls. Karelska Jägarkåren (Karelian Jäger Corps) successfully envelopes the new Russian right flank (now in the south), but are engaged by Russian Jägers that have marched double-quick right behind Bulatov and his staff after a foraging mission. The Russians are exhausted and cannot drive Karelska Jägarkåren backwards, but the envelopment of the Russian flank has been stopped. Cronstedt is now out of steam and out of reserves. His attack, while initially successful, has failed. By nightfall, Cronstedt has visited enough positions to realise that any further fighting is fruitless. The Russians are holding Savolaxbrigaden, and casualties are mounting. Under the cover of darkness, Cronstedt's men slip out of their positions and retreat northwards, allowing Bulatov to march into Tavastehus by dawn. The Swedes have lost about 500 men, a significant part of the fighting strength of Savolaxbrigaden. While the Russians have lost more, about 700 men, it does not prevent Bulatov from remaining in the field and capturing Tavastehus.
The Battle of Tavastehus is a Russian victory, at least tactically. Strategically, Cronstedt managed to avoid being encircled and has kept Savolaxbrigaden together as a fighting unit, despite the losses. He is also free to manouver as he sees fit. Bulatov, in the meantime, has become cautious and do not with to advance further without knowing the whereabouts of the Swedes. He also needs reinforcements and above all supplies for his men. Both are hard to get to Tavastehus on the muddy, if at all existing, roads. Bulatov is thus content to stay in Tavastehus for the time being.
OTL Cronstedt defeated Bulatov at Revolax at this time. However, the Russians have not marched as far, are not as exhausted and have more men (less lost to disease and straggling) and are thus able to win at least a tactical victory.
Yes, they are. The place is the lock of Finland, and that Archipelago fleet is dangerous once the ice is gone.
1808-05-01
Sveaborg is still holding. While von Buxhoevden has moved up the Russian siege artillery to Skandslanded and have conducted a few probing attacks, nothing serious threatens the fortress before more Russian reinforcements can be brought up. More artillery is also en route from Saint Petersburg and Svartholma. The Russians are now shelling Gustavssvärd day and night, but with little effect. The Swedish counter-fire is effective and the Russians have to move and rebuild their field redoubts several times.
At Åbå, Adlercreutz is forced to retreat from the city northwards, since Rajevskij have received substantial reinforcements, while only sporadic such has reached the Swedes. Rajevskij now have about 14 000 men, while Adlercreutz obly can muster about 8 000. The Swedish forces march towards Wasa, while the Russians triumphantly enter Åbo under parade-like circumstances. Rajevksij try to continue towards Åland, but is unable to go far. The Stockholm squadron of the Swedish archipelago navy has taken up positions in Åland now that the ice is gone. In face of that, the Russians are unable to advance beyond the closest islands in the Åbo archipelago. Rajevskij instead opts to leave a small garrison in Åbo to hold the small Swedish forces in Åland and pursue Adlercreutz towards Wasa.
Outside Tavastehus, Bulatov has lost contact with Savolaxbrigaden (the Savolax Brigade) completely. He correctly assumes it has retreated westwards to make contact with the Swedish forces in Wasa. However, he does not realise that Colonel Johan August Sandels have, with most of Savolax Jägarregemente (Savolax' Jäger Regiment), about 1 500 men, been detached from Savolaxbrigaden and are marching eastwards, around his positions and have already reached the border. Soon frequent reports from the Russian lines of supply and communication between Saint Petersburg and von Buxhoevden come in, speaking of a 'ghost unit' ravaging the Russian supply. At Pulkkila Sandels surrounds and completely eradicates a small and green Russian force intended to reinforce von Buxhoavden. The Finnish farmers are tired of Russian demands for supply and labour. Pre-war, King Gustav IV Adolf was toying with the idea of forming a Finnish militia to help reists a Russian invasion. Some training and some equipment had been distributed, but the units had never been formed. However, now, Sandels ties these men and various partisans and revolters that have taken to the forests to his force. He supplies them with captured Russian muskets, powder and equipment and gives them experienced Jäger NCOs to command and train them. Soon, both his force and the partisans are becoming a major nuisance and headache to the Russians.
General Michail Barclay de Tolly is sent with 8 000 men to secure the rear lines and deal with Sandels and these 'bandits', but is soon pinned down in a vicous guerilla war and futile attempts to catch Sandels and his quick-marching and elusive Jägers.
OTL, the Finnish population in the occupied parts of Finland started to rise and revolt against the Russians around this time. The militia is also historical. Now that Sandels can support them directly, their activity will be much more of a nuisance for the Russians. OTL, the Swedes won several battles in northern Finland. Sandels marched southeast and got behind the Russian lines and caused great havoc until Russian victories along the coast casued his recall.
Sveaborg is still holding. While von Buxhoevden has moved up the Russian siege artillery to Skandslanded and have conducted a few probing attacks, nothing serious threatens the fortress before more Russian reinforcements can be brought up. More artillery is also en route from Saint Petersburg and Svartholma. The Russians are now shelling Gustavssvärd day and night, but with little effect. The Swedish counter-fire is effective and the Russians have to move and rebuild their field redoubts several times.
At Åbå, Adlercreutz is forced to retreat from the city northwards, since Rajevskij have received substantial reinforcements, while only sporadic such has reached the Swedes. Rajevskij now have about 14 000 men, while Adlercreutz obly can muster about 8 000. The Swedish forces march towards Wasa, while the Russians triumphantly enter Åbo under parade-like circumstances. Rajevksij try to continue towards Åland, but is unable to go far. The Stockholm squadron of the Swedish archipelago navy has taken up positions in Åland now that the ice is gone. In face of that, the Russians are unable to advance beyond the closest islands in the Åbo archipelago. Rajevskij instead opts to leave a small garrison in Åbo to hold the small Swedish forces in Åland and pursue Adlercreutz towards Wasa.
Outside Tavastehus, Bulatov has lost contact with Savolaxbrigaden (the Savolax Brigade) completely. He correctly assumes it has retreated westwards to make contact with the Swedish forces in Wasa. However, he does not realise that Colonel Johan August Sandels have, with most of Savolax Jägarregemente (Savolax' Jäger Regiment), about 1 500 men, been detached from Savolaxbrigaden and are marching eastwards, around his positions and have already reached the border. Soon frequent reports from the Russian lines of supply and communication between Saint Petersburg and von Buxhoevden come in, speaking of a 'ghost unit' ravaging the Russian supply. At Pulkkila Sandels surrounds and completely eradicates a small and green Russian force intended to reinforce von Buxhoavden. The Finnish farmers are tired of Russian demands for supply and labour. Pre-war, King Gustav IV Adolf was toying with the idea of forming a Finnish militia to help reists a Russian invasion. Some training and some equipment had been distributed, but the units had never been formed. However, now, Sandels ties these men and various partisans and revolters that have taken to the forests to his force. He supplies them with captured Russian muskets, powder and equipment and gives them experienced Jäger NCOs to command and train them. Soon, both his force and the partisans are becoming a major nuisance and headache to the Russians.
General Michail Barclay de Tolly is sent with 8 000 men to secure the rear lines and deal with Sandels and these 'bandits', but is soon pinned down in a vicous guerilla war and futile attempts to catch Sandels and his quick-marching and elusive Jägers.
OTL, the Finnish population in the occupied parts of Finland started to rise and revolt against the Russians around this time. The militia is also historical. Now that Sandels can support them directly, their activity will be much more of a nuisance for the Russians. OTL, the Swedes won several battles in northern Finland. Sandels marched southeast and got behind the Russian lines and caused great havoc until Russian victories along the coast casued his recall.
1808-05-04
Admiral James de Saumarez, on his flaship HMS Victory, arrives at Göteborg at the head of a large Royal Navy squadron to offer assistance. While the Swedish navy is larger than its Russian counterpart, the arrival of the Royal Navy spells the end of any hopes that Field Marshal Bernadotte and his 36 000 French, Danish, Dutch and Spanish men outside Köpenhamn will be able to cross Öresund and invade Sweden. Still, there's about 30 000 Danish and Norwegian soldiers in Norway. However, as the Royal Navy has Norway under blockade, they are unable to use the sea to reinforce threatened parts of Norway. Land communications are close to useless, even worse than in Finland and the lack of fishing (always a major Norwegian source of food) and transport of what little other food there is has weakened the Norwegian forces to the extent that the commander, General Christian August, also stadtholder and effectively regent of Norway due to the cut-off communications with Denmark, is forces to remain on the defensive.
The Swedish fleet, now unimpeded by ice, sails from Stockholm and Karlskrona to join forces with de Saumarez' squadron.
As OTL.
Admiral James de Saumarez, on his flaship HMS Victory, arrives at Göteborg at the head of a large Royal Navy squadron to offer assistance. While the Swedish navy is larger than its Russian counterpart, the arrival of the Royal Navy spells the end of any hopes that Field Marshal Bernadotte and his 36 000 French, Danish, Dutch and Spanish men outside Köpenhamn will be able to cross Öresund and invade Sweden. Still, there's about 30 000 Danish and Norwegian soldiers in Norway. However, as the Royal Navy has Norway under blockade, they are unable to use the sea to reinforce threatened parts of Norway. Land communications are close to useless, even worse than in Finland and the lack of fishing (always a major Norwegian source of food) and transport of what little other food there is has weakened the Norwegian forces to the extent that the commander, General Christian August, also stadtholder and effectively regent of Norway due to the cut-off communications with Denmark, is forces to remain on the defensive.
The Swedish fleet, now unimpeded by ice, sails from Stockholm and Karlskrona to join forces with de Saumarez' squadron.
As OTL.
Thankyou. One new post for you Sir, the Battle of Tavastehus just commenced.
Me likey!!!
Will I be butterflied away? My Finnish ancestors of the Communist persuasion were no longer welcome during the emphasis on Russification.
Very interesting time line, I'm subscribed.
I am sure they will enjoy the huge socialist-communist debates between the social democrats and communists in Viborgs Län 1891.
Oh, this looks interresting!
Im going to watch out for this thread
Please just dont turn it into a Swedish Wank...
And dont forget the "Russian allies" in the west
Yah I mean I don't know much about swedish history but if you can without making asb could you make sweden at least a competent power?
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Gotland liberated
1808-05-16
The Russian navy had retreated to Reval and Riga even before the Royal Navy arrived, but now it is almost certain it will not poke its nose outside the harbour fortifications until something lures the pride of Great Britain away. The copper-bottomed British ship of the lines prove surprisingly fast - Swedish and Russian ships are built to handle ice and are more brick-formed and have heavier bottoms.
Admiral Rudolf Cederström gathers a squadron and transports Lieutenant Colonel Carl Johan Fleetwood and his 1 800 men to Gotland. The isolated Russian garrison, that only three weeks ago declared Gotland 'forever Russian' are forced to surrender. As part of the terms, the men are allowed to return to Riga without their weapons and standards. Bodisco, the engineer behind the brilliant coup that the capture of Gotland was, will be court-martialled and executed.
The increasing threat of the Royal Navy, the Swedish navy and the two squadrons of the Swedish archipelago navy forces the Russians to commit more and more forces to defend Estonia and Livonia - towards the end of the war, more than 50 000 Russian soldiers will be guarding the shores from Windau to Saint Petersburg.
All as OTL.
1808-05-16
The Russian navy had retreated to Reval and Riga even before the Royal Navy arrived, but now it is almost certain it will not poke its nose outside the harbour fortifications until something lures the pride of Great Britain away. The copper-bottomed British ship of the lines prove surprisingly fast - Swedish and Russian ships are built to handle ice and are more brick-formed and have heavier bottoms.
Admiral Rudolf Cederström gathers a squadron and transports Lieutenant Colonel Carl Johan Fleetwood and his 1 800 men to Gotland. The isolated Russian garrison, that only three weeks ago declared Gotland 'forever Russian' are forced to surrender. As part of the terms, the men are allowed to return to Riga without their weapons and standards. Bodisco, the engineer behind the brilliant coup that the capture of Gotland was, will be court-martialled and executed.
The increasing threat of the Royal Navy, the Swedish navy and the two squadrons of the Swedish archipelago navy forces the Russians to commit more and more forces to defend Estonia and Livonia - towards the end of the war, more than 50 000 Russian soldiers will be guarding the shores from Windau to Saint Petersburg.
All as OTL.