A different Finnish War
- Thread starter von Adler
- Start date
Gustav IV Adolf will be wanting the 1700 border back, minus Saint Petersburg, but that is hardly doable. I have some plans, but I don't want to reveal too much before the TL is written.
1808-05-27
Adlercreutz arrives north of Åbo with about 12 000 men. His forces consists of the 1st Battalion, the Forest Volunteers (and attachments), 1:a Brigaden (1st Brigade), 2:a Brigaden (2nd Brigade), Savolaxbrigaden (the Savolax Brigade) and Döbelns Brigad (Döbeln's Brigade). All Swedish units are understrength, especially Savolaxbrigaden, which is no more than a reinforced battalion. During the morning, the Swedish army organises for the battle by forming a line stretching roughly west-east and facing south, towards Åbo. From left (east) to right (west) of the Swedish army was made up of Savolaxbrigaden, 1st Battalion, the Forest Volunteers (and attachments), 1:a Brigaden, 2:a Brigaden and finally on the right flank Döbelns Brigad.
The British forces and Savolaxbrigaden were mostly made up of light troops and intended to fight in the forested terrain, preventing any Russian flanking attempts. The Swedish artillery, 31 3pdr battalion guns were as usual placed between the infantry battalions to increase the firepower of the Swedish infantry. The guns were concentrated in the center. The Swedish light artillery used 'anmarschbommar', a technique consisting of horisontal wooden bars attached to verical bars attached to the lavette of the cannon, allowing four men (two on each side) to push the gun forward, while two others with special harness could lift and carry the lavette rear on their shoulders - this way, the gun could be moved while facing the enemy (at almost the same speed as infantry) and be ready to fire again in a few seconds. Most of the Swedish guns were placed at the centre - usually, any cavalry would be placed on the flanks and the flanks would do the most manouvering, meaning they would outrun the hand-pushed artillery anyway.
General Rajevskij have roughly 14 000 men to face the Swedes with. Having been frustrated in his attempts to cross over to Åland, Rajevskij, a cavalry general of offensive spirit, considers it vital to crush Adlercreutz once and for all - now that the ice is gone, the Swedish archipelago navy can land troops in his back at any time. He sees himself as fortunate - the Swedes are coming to Åbo, allowing him to attack them with fresh troops. His superior numbers, and the fact that the Russian line troops generally are of better quality than their Swedish counter-part, should bring him victory in this. Rajevskij lines up his forces, 13 600 men infantry and 400 men cavalry opposing the Swedish army, with his cavalry on the right flank, planning to push over the Swedish and British light troops and envelope the Swedish left flank with his right flank, forcing the Swedes to commit their reserves. At the same time, his center will engage the Swedish one to lock them in place, while his best troops break through the Swedish right flank. Once his left flank has broken through the Swedish right, he will commit his reserves to roll up the entire Swedish line and isolate them from the coast.
At roughly 10:15 the battle is joined amidst the flowering spring fields and forests north of Åbo.
Adlercreutz arrives north of Åbo with about 12 000 men. His forces consists of the 1st Battalion, the Forest Volunteers (and attachments), 1:a Brigaden (1st Brigade), 2:a Brigaden (2nd Brigade), Savolaxbrigaden (the Savolax Brigade) and Döbelns Brigad (Döbeln's Brigade). All Swedish units are understrength, especially Savolaxbrigaden, which is no more than a reinforced battalion. During the morning, the Swedish army organises for the battle by forming a line stretching roughly west-east and facing south, towards Åbo. From left (east) to right (west) of the Swedish army was made up of Savolaxbrigaden, 1st Battalion, the Forest Volunteers (and attachments), 1:a Brigaden, 2:a Brigaden and finally on the right flank Döbelns Brigad.
The British forces and Savolaxbrigaden were mostly made up of light troops and intended to fight in the forested terrain, preventing any Russian flanking attempts. The Swedish artillery, 31 3pdr battalion guns were as usual placed between the infantry battalions to increase the firepower of the Swedish infantry. The guns were concentrated in the center. The Swedish light artillery used 'anmarschbommar', a technique consisting of horisontal wooden bars attached to verical bars attached to the lavette of the cannon, allowing four men (two on each side) to push the gun forward, while two others with special harness could lift and carry the lavette rear on their shoulders - this way, the gun could be moved while facing the enemy (at almost the same speed as infantry) and be ready to fire again in a few seconds. Most of the Swedish guns were placed at the centre - usually, any cavalry would be placed on the flanks and the flanks would do the most manouvering, meaning they would outrun the hand-pushed artillery anyway.
General Rajevskij have roughly 14 000 men to face the Swedes with. Having been frustrated in his attempts to cross over to Åland, Rajevskij, a cavalry general of offensive spirit, considers it vital to crush Adlercreutz once and for all - now that the ice is gone, the Swedish archipelago navy can land troops in his back at any time. He sees himself as fortunate - the Swedes are coming to Åbo, allowing him to attack them with fresh troops. His superior numbers, and the fact that the Russian line troops generally are of better quality than their Swedish counter-part, should bring him victory in this. Rajevskij lines up his forces, 13 600 men infantry and 400 men cavalry opposing the Swedish army, with his cavalry on the right flank, planning to push over the Swedish and British light troops and envelope the Swedish left flank with his right flank, forcing the Swedes to commit their reserves. At the same time, his center will engage the Swedish one to lock them in place, while his best troops break through the Swedish right flank. Once his left flank has broken through the Swedish right, he will commit his reserves to roll up the entire Swedish line and isolate them from the coast.
At roughly 10:15 the battle is joined amidst the flowering spring fields and forests north of Åbo.
Battle of Åbo, continued.
1808-05-27 10:15
The two armies meet and the Russian artillery, a collection of 12 and 6pdr guns start the battle in earnest, by bombarding the Swedish center at ranges from 500-600 meters. The Swedish artillery, being lighter and much more short-ranged, holds its fire.
1808-05-27 10:20
The three Russian brigades starts advancing towards the Swedish lines. The Russian brigade in reserve, in the meantime, starts to enfilade towards the Russian left (west) to reinforce the attack that will face Döbeln.
1808-05-27 10:35
First skirmishing starts between the Swedish left (east) flank and the Russian right (east) flank. The Swedish Jägers and the British Riflemen skirmish, falling back and causing the Russians casualties.
1808-05-27 11:00
The Swedish center and Russian center meet and casualties start to mount. The Russians are making effective use of salvo fire, while the Swedish artillery is using grape shot as the range closes. The Swedish artillery pieces can with 'geschwinda' shots reach and in some cases even surpass 8-10 shots a minute, tearing gaping holes in the Russian lines.
1808-05-27 11:15
Tired of the skirmishing, the Russian cavalry battalion charges the Swedish and British light troops, dispersing them easily - mostly because the riflemen and jägers do not wish to go into close combat with the cavalry. However, the British line battalion stands fast, forms a square and starts the disciplined platoon salvo firing that the diciplined British troops are so famous for. For the next half-and-hour, as Runeberg would put it; "The thin red line stood in the grey smoke, stood fast against the waves of green. Sabres to le left of them, sabres to the right of them, sabres to the front of them, yet the thin red line stood fast". The fact that this thin red line was spitting fire at a rate previously unseen in the campaign did a lot to help the British battalion stand against the Russian cavalry. Rajevskij's plan to envelope the Swedish left flank has thus failed as the light infantry reforms and continues to harass his line troops that follow the cavalry.
1808-05-27 12:00
At noon, the Russian main attack on the Swedish right flank falls like a hammerblow. Rajevskij himself leads the two brigades hitting Döbelns Brigad head on. The Russian fire causes significant casualties among the Swedish troops, who lack artillery support and von Döbeln and his brigade falls back, crossing a small stream on a wooden trestle. The retreat is close to a rout and panic is not far away as the Swedes crowd the small bridge, eager to get to the other side. Russian troops in pursuit fires a salvo at long range and then close with fixed bayonets. The words "The Russians are coming!" and "Flee for your lives!" are heard on the bridge, but a single soldier, a giant of a man described as the most useless of soldiers, slow-witted and while eager to please, always following some other command than the one given, instead fixes bayonet and advances, shouting a loud "Hurra! Attack!"
For a full 15 minutes, this man holds an entire Russian battalion on the brigde, all by himself. No bullet seem to be able to hit him, and no wound caused by a bayonet or sword seem to be able to fell him. Behind him, the amazed men of Döbelns Brigad reform, reload, get their bearings together and advance to the banks of the stream to engage the Russian troops again. Pressured by salvos from the other side of the stream and the seemingly immortal giant in front of them, the Russian battalion breaks and retreats in disorder. It will take Rajevskij half-an-hour to get his troops in order and advance in formation to the stream again, and by that time part of the Swedish reserve has reinforced von Döbeln and his men, who stand fast. While von Döbeln's own field surgeon does his best, the life of the slow-witted soldier, one Sven Dufva, cannot be saved. Bleeding from numerous wounds and coughing up blood from a bullet chest wound, Dufva expires with the words "Did I do it right this time?". The answer is from von Döbeln himself; "Yes, Private Dufva. You did right.". The General would later comment that; "That bullet knew what it did, it did not hit his head, which was weak and slow, it hit his chest, which was bold and strong." By 13:30, von Döbeln is holding Rajevskij firm on the Swedish right flank.
Sven Dufva defending the bridge.
1808-05-27 10:15
The two armies meet and the Russian artillery, a collection of 12 and 6pdr guns start the battle in earnest, by bombarding the Swedish center at ranges from 500-600 meters. The Swedish artillery, being lighter and much more short-ranged, holds its fire.
1808-05-27 10:20
The three Russian brigades starts advancing towards the Swedish lines. The Russian brigade in reserve, in the meantime, starts to enfilade towards the Russian left (west) to reinforce the attack that will face Döbeln.
1808-05-27 10:35
First skirmishing starts between the Swedish left (east) flank and the Russian right (east) flank. The Swedish Jägers and the British Riflemen skirmish, falling back and causing the Russians casualties.
1808-05-27 11:00
The Swedish center and Russian center meet and casualties start to mount. The Russians are making effective use of salvo fire, while the Swedish artillery is using grape shot as the range closes. The Swedish artillery pieces can with 'geschwinda' shots reach and in some cases even surpass 8-10 shots a minute, tearing gaping holes in the Russian lines.
1808-05-27 11:15
Tired of the skirmishing, the Russian cavalry battalion charges the Swedish and British light troops, dispersing them easily - mostly because the riflemen and jägers do not wish to go into close combat with the cavalry. However, the British line battalion stands fast, forms a square and starts the disciplined platoon salvo firing that the diciplined British troops are so famous for. For the next half-and-hour, as Runeberg would put it; "The thin red line stood in the grey smoke, stood fast against the waves of green. Sabres to le left of them, sabres to the right of them, sabres to the front of them, yet the thin red line stood fast". The fact that this thin red line was spitting fire at a rate previously unseen in the campaign did a lot to help the British battalion stand against the Russian cavalry. Rajevskij's plan to envelope the Swedish left flank has thus failed as the light infantry reforms and continues to harass his line troops that follow the cavalry.
1808-05-27 12:00
At noon, the Russian main attack on the Swedish right flank falls like a hammerblow. Rajevskij himself leads the two brigades hitting Döbelns Brigad head on. The Russian fire causes significant casualties among the Swedish troops, who lack artillery support and von Döbeln and his brigade falls back, crossing a small stream on a wooden trestle. The retreat is close to a rout and panic is not far away as the Swedes crowd the small bridge, eager to get to the other side. Russian troops in pursuit fires a salvo at long range and then close with fixed bayonets. The words "The Russians are coming!" and "Flee for your lives!" are heard on the bridge, but a single soldier, a giant of a man described as the most useless of soldiers, slow-witted and while eager to please, always following some other command than the one given, instead fixes bayonet and advances, shouting a loud "Hurra! Attack!"
For a full 15 minutes, this man holds an entire Russian battalion on the brigde, all by himself. No bullet seem to be able to hit him, and no wound caused by a bayonet or sword seem to be able to fell him. Behind him, the amazed men of Döbelns Brigad reform, reload, get their bearings together and advance to the banks of the stream to engage the Russian troops again. Pressured by salvos from the other side of the stream and the seemingly immortal giant in front of them, the Russian battalion breaks and retreats in disorder. It will take Rajevskij half-an-hour to get his troops in order and advance in formation to the stream again, and by that time part of the Swedish reserve has reinforced von Döbeln and his men, who stand fast. While von Döbeln's own field surgeon does his best, the life of the slow-witted soldier, one Sven Dufva, cannot be saved. Bleeding from numerous wounds and coughing up blood from a bullet chest wound, Dufva expires with the words "Did I do it right this time?". The answer is from von Döbeln himself; "Yes, Private Dufva. You did right.". The General would later comment that; "That bullet knew what it did, it did not hit his head, which was weak and slow, it hit his chest, which was bold and strong." By 13:30, von Döbeln is holding Rajevskij firm on the Swedish right flank.
Sven Dufva defending the bridge.
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Yes, it was invented by Cronstedt 1710, but seem to have spread little outside Sweden.
Here's an image of a limbered 3pdr model 1773 - you can clearly see the wrought iron fittings for anmarschbommar.
http://www.artillerimuseet.se/bilder/1773.jpg
Sven Duvas fader var sergeant, avdankad, arm och grå,
Var med år åttiåtta ren och var ren gammal då;
Nu bodde på sin torva han och fick sitt bröd av den
Och hade kring sig nio barn, och yngst bland dem var Sven.
Om gubben haft förstånd, han själv, att dela med sig av
Tillräckligt åt en sådan svärm, det vet man ej utav;
Dock visst lär han de äldre gett långt mer än billigt var,
Ty för den son, som sist blev född, fanns knappt en smula kvar.
Link to the whole poem.
http://runeberg.org/fstal/1g.html
Var med år åttiåtta ren och var ren gammal då;
Nu bodde på sin torva han och fick sitt bröd av den
Och hade kring sig nio barn, och yngst bland dem var Sven.
Om gubben haft förstånd, han själv, att dela med sig av
Tillräckligt åt en sådan svärm, det vet man ej utav;
Dock visst lär han de äldre gett långt mer än billigt var,
Ty för den son, som sist blev född, fanns knappt en smula kvar.
Link to the whole poem.
http://runeberg.org/fstal/1g.html
That is pretty interesting.
I was in Portsmouth a few months back for a naval show, where they had a demonstration of artillery set up and movement - they had two teams who had to compete as to moving a piece across the parade ground then setting it up again.
Here is a link (the photo is rather large)
Thankyou very much for the comments. I am writing the next installment, in the meantime, you can have a teaser, for the future:
The Prussian guardsmen were spotless, of course, and saluted him properly. With a smile, af Klercker entered the tent of 'Old Forwards' and saluted his collegue. The man himself was jabbing his finger at a map on a table.
"He will be there, and there we will crush him. Tell Alexander to meet us at Leipzig, and we shall cage this French lion!" von Blücher said to an aide, who nodded and rushed out, past af Klercker to ride to the Russians.
"General von Blücher, good to finally meet you." said af Klercker with a smile. The Prussian smiled and gedtured towards and aide who immediately filled two glasses with schnapps.
"The same to you, Field Marshal af Klercker!" Blücher said with a smile and took the two glasses, to reach over to offer af Klercker one of them. "I see your artillerists are eager to get into action."
"Indeed." said af Klercker and took one of the glasses and raised it in a salute. "To the demise of Bonaparte!" he toasted, but before drinking, he stopped himself. "But first things first, General von Blücher. I suppose I must arrets you for desertion and aiding and abetting the enemy. There's a certain Hussar regiment that still is missing a Lieutenant." af Klercker said, and then emptied his glass.
'Old forwards' was known as a sauve man and a man of quick wits, but for a few precious seconds, he was completely stunned, blinking towards the old Field Marshal in front of him.
The Prussian guardsmen outside the tent actually looked back towards the cloth building they guarded as it erupted with laugher. A strong friendship was formed that day.
The Prussian guardsmen were spotless, of course, and saluted him properly. With a smile, af Klercker entered the tent of 'Old Forwards' and saluted his collegue. The man himself was jabbing his finger at a map on a table.
"He will be there, and there we will crush him. Tell Alexander to meet us at Leipzig, and we shall cage this French lion!" von Blücher said to an aide, who nodded and rushed out, past af Klercker to ride to the Russians.
"General von Blücher, good to finally meet you." said af Klercker with a smile. The Prussian smiled and gedtured towards and aide who immediately filled two glasses with schnapps.
"The same to you, Field Marshal af Klercker!" Blücher said with a smile and took the two glasses, to reach over to offer af Klercker one of them. "I see your artillerists are eager to get into action."
"Indeed." said af Klercker and took one of the glasses and raised it in a salute. "To the demise of Bonaparte!" he toasted, but before drinking, he stopped himself. "But first things first, General von Blücher. I suppose I must arrets you for desertion and aiding and abetting the enemy. There's a certain Hussar regiment that still is missing a Lieutenant." af Klercker said, and then emptied his glass.
'Old forwards' was known as a sauve man and a man of quick wits, but for a few precious seconds, he was completely stunned, blinking towards the old Field Marshal in front of him.
The Prussian guardsmen outside the tent actually looked back towards the cloth building they guarded as it erupted with laugher. A strong friendship was formed that day.
Battle of Åbo, end.
1808-05-27 14:00
It is now clear that Rejevskij's plan has come undone - the Swedish reserve has reinforced Döbeln and the entire Swedish line is holding - albeit barely on the flanks. Rajevskij however, does not want to pull out of this battle just yet. He still holds numerical superiority and decides to press on - his line troops is still generally better than its Swedish counterpart and he should be able to wear the Swedes down by continuous pressure on both their flanks. Casualties will be high, but as soon as the Swedes break and run the Russians should be able to capture artillery and shatter the Swedish units - there's still two squadrons of cavalry ready for a pursuit. Thus, the Russian forces reform, rotate to get fresh battalions in the front and continue to pressure the Swedish forces.
1808-05-27 15:30
Rajevskij's plan seem to be working. While the Swedish center, with its mobile light artillery to add to its firepower, holds firm, but both flanks start to buckle. The light troops on the Swedish left (east) flank cannot hold line troops in a musket duel, and the British battalion is running out of ammunition and have problems getting new powder from the Swedish supply train - language difficulties and cultural differences. Döbeln's men are tired and have faced the main assault of the Russian troops. They slowly retreat - orderly and making the Russians pay for every yard, but they still retreat.
1808-05-27 16:30
By now both the Swedish and the Russian forces are exhausted. The artillery is running out of ammunition, and many of the men have no powder nor bullets, but both sides are unwilling or too tired to engage in melee fighting. The supply trains still have plenty of ammunition, but getting it to the men in the uneven and confused lines through the dense terrain proves very difficult. The Swedish center is falling back as the support from the artillery is weakening. The Russians capture a few Swedish guns - the crews abandon them when they have no ammunition and not the strength nor the morale to brave the Russian fire to move the guns backwawrds. It does the Russians little good though, as the guns have no powder at all. 'Geschwinda' shots have consumed most of the Swedish' artillery's ammunition.
1808-05-27 17:00
Things are looking bleak for the Swedes, and Adlercreutz ponder trying to disengage and retreat, however, he is uncertain the morale of the men can take it - they might rout completely if ordered to retreat, especially if the Russians commit their by now fresh two squadrons of cavalry in pursuit. Fortunately, help finally arrives!
1808-05-27 17:15
Over the hills to the south comes von Vegesack and Cronstedt, with 4 000 men - 3 000 men infantry from the Swedish-speaking part of Sweden and 1 000 marines and sailors from the Archipelago navy. Having landed in Åbo and takign great care to make sure the garrison was contained and no message was sent to Rajevskij, they now arrive at his back. A further 1 000 men have been left in Åbo to round up the Russians Rajevksij left behind. The men burst out in a great "Hurrah!" to alert their friends on the other side of the Russian lines that help is arriving.
1808-05-27 17:45
By now, the Swedish reinforcements are engaging the Russians from behind. The tired troops Rajevskij sent to counter them cannot hold. The heavy artillery transported from the Archipelago navy, mostly short howitzers, which Cronstedt have insisted they drag with them, have delayed von Vegesacks reinforcements, but now they prove devastating to the Russian morale.
1808-05-27 18:00
Rajevskij now realises he has lost the battle and tries to disengage. He orders his cavalry to charge the Swedes to delay them and if possible, get those howitzers spiked. However, he is well aware that he is sacrificing them to buy the rest of his army time to disengage.
1808-05-27 18:30
The Russian cavalry bounces on the bayonets of von Vegesack's relatively fresh men and routs as a devastating volley decimates them. Emboldened by the reinforcements, and finally at leats partially resupplied from the supply train, Adlercreutz' army advances. It has taken time to organsie, and the line is uneven and ragged, but still and impressive sight as it bears down on the by now panicked Russians. The Russian left (west) flank is the first to rout, aas Döbelns Brigade presses on with battle cries of "Remember Dufva!". By 19:15, the Russian center buckles and then routs. Only the Russian right (east) manages to disengage. However, the Swedish troops in their back prevents them from using the roads. The Russian line infantry is a fine force in combat, both melee and musketry, disciplined in the line of battle and usually with high morale. However, a late evening retreat through the dense forests of western Finland is not their forte. Harassed by Jägare and British Riflemen and some of the fresh troops of von Vegesack, the Russian right flank collapses during the retreat. It does not get really dark in Finland this time of the year, and the Russians find no refuge in the night as vicous close combat takes place in the dense forests.
1808-05-28
Adlercreutz, Cronstedt and von Vegesack can see the sun rise over the battlefield abandoned by the Russians. It is a great Swedish victory - Rajevskij's army has been completely routed and eventually only about 4 000 men will make it back to join von Buxhoevden's troops around Sveaborg. The Russian artillery, supply train, war sold and roughly 900 prisoners have been captured. More than 4 000 dead and wounded Russians litter the battlefield and a further 6 000 will die in the forests or be captured during their retreat. Rajevskij's army has ceased to exist and Åbo is safe. However, the price is high. More than 3 000 Swedes are dead or seriously wounded. The British contignent has suffered 100 casualties, while von Vegesack and Cronstedt have lost 200 men. Adlercreutz' army will need reinforcements, supply and rest to be a fighting force again.
1808-05-30
Cronstedt have already sailed with his men and the Archipelago navy to see what he can do against the Russian supply lines west of Viborg. Adlercreutz and von Vegesack marches into Åbo and are greeted as liberators by the population. While von Vegesacks men drove out the Russians two days ago, things were uncertain until it was reported that the Swedes were victorious. The exotic British are of course highly popular among the local girls in the warm adn bright summer night.
Some of the local elite, Swedish-speaking Finns, influenced by defeatism, have sworn themselves to the Czar! Some immediately rescind that oath, insisting they were acting under duress, others deny it completel and a few have fled at neck-breaking speed to get to safety among the Russian troops in Helsingfors. Those that doubted what to do of course thump their chests and boast their loyalty and steadfastness under duress. Morale is high, the Swedes can obviously defeat the Russians in open battle and the war is looking like it will drag out. The Swedes have allies, supplies and reinforcements are arriving from the Swedish-speaking part of the country, the Royal Navy is flying its flag in the Baltic Sea - and how wondrous is not the Ships of the Line the British operate. Copper-bottomed, fast as frigates, manned with more men than most of the population in the Åland and Åbo archipelago has seen in one place. Stories and rumours fly around Åbo of the British sounding the channels and passages of the archipelago, even without the enthusiastic help from the locals.
It is almost as if the Finns have forgotten that von Buxhoevden is still laying siege to Sveaborg with the main Russian army - that have received substantial reinforcements.
Adlercreutz cheered by the victorious Swedish troops after the battle.
1808-05-27 14:00
It is now clear that Rejevskij's plan has come undone - the Swedish reserve has reinforced Döbeln and the entire Swedish line is holding - albeit barely on the flanks. Rajevskij however, does not want to pull out of this battle just yet. He still holds numerical superiority and decides to press on - his line troops is still generally better than its Swedish counterpart and he should be able to wear the Swedes down by continuous pressure on both their flanks. Casualties will be high, but as soon as the Swedes break and run the Russians should be able to capture artillery and shatter the Swedish units - there's still two squadrons of cavalry ready for a pursuit. Thus, the Russian forces reform, rotate to get fresh battalions in the front and continue to pressure the Swedish forces.
1808-05-27 15:30
Rajevskij's plan seem to be working. While the Swedish center, with its mobile light artillery to add to its firepower, holds firm, but both flanks start to buckle. The light troops on the Swedish left (east) flank cannot hold line troops in a musket duel, and the British battalion is running out of ammunition and have problems getting new powder from the Swedish supply train - language difficulties and cultural differences. Döbeln's men are tired and have faced the main assault of the Russian troops. They slowly retreat - orderly and making the Russians pay for every yard, but they still retreat.
1808-05-27 16:30
By now both the Swedish and the Russian forces are exhausted. The artillery is running out of ammunition, and many of the men have no powder nor bullets, but both sides are unwilling or too tired to engage in melee fighting. The supply trains still have plenty of ammunition, but getting it to the men in the uneven and confused lines through the dense terrain proves very difficult. The Swedish center is falling back as the support from the artillery is weakening. The Russians capture a few Swedish guns - the crews abandon them when they have no ammunition and not the strength nor the morale to brave the Russian fire to move the guns backwawrds. It does the Russians little good though, as the guns have no powder at all. 'Geschwinda' shots have consumed most of the Swedish' artillery's ammunition.
1808-05-27 17:00
Things are looking bleak for the Swedes, and Adlercreutz ponder trying to disengage and retreat, however, he is uncertain the morale of the men can take it - they might rout completely if ordered to retreat, especially if the Russians commit their by now fresh two squadrons of cavalry in pursuit. Fortunately, help finally arrives!
1808-05-27 17:15
Over the hills to the south comes von Vegesack and Cronstedt, with 4 000 men - 3 000 men infantry from the Swedish-speaking part of Sweden and 1 000 marines and sailors from the Archipelago navy. Having landed in Åbo and takign great care to make sure the garrison was contained and no message was sent to Rajevskij, they now arrive at his back. A further 1 000 men have been left in Åbo to round up the Russians Rajevksij left behind. The men burst out in a great "Hurrah!" to alert their friends on the other side of the Russian lines that help is arriving.
1808-05-27 17:45
By now, the Swedish reinforcements are engaging the Russians from behind. The tired troops Rajevskij sent to counter them cannot hold. The heavy artillery transported from the Archipelago navy, mostly short howitzers, which Cronstedt have insisted they drag with them, have delayed von Vegesacks reinforcements, but now they prove devastating to the Russian morale.
1808-05-27 18:00
Rajevskij now realises he has lost the battle and tries to disengage. He orders his cavalry to charge the Swedes to delay them and if possible, get those howitzers spiked. However, he is well aware that he is sacrificing them to buy the rest of his army time to disengage.
1808-05-27 18:30
The Russian cavalry bounces on the bayonets of von Vegesack's relatively fresh men and routs as a devastating volley decimates them. Emboldened by the reinforcements, and finally at leats partially resupplied from the supply train, Adlercreutz' army advances. It has taken time to organsie, and the line is uneven and ragged, but still and impressive sight as it bears down on the by now panicked Russians. The Russian left (west) flank is the first to rout, aas Döbelns Brigade presses on with battle cries of "Remember Dufva!". By 19:15, the Russian center buckles and then routs. Only the Russian right (east) manages to disengage. However, the Swedish troops in their back prevents them from using the roads. The Russian line infantry is a fine force in combat, both melee and musketry, disciplined in the line of battle and usually with high morale. However, a late evening retreat through the dense forests of western Finland is not their forte. Harassed by Jägare and British Riflemen and some of the fresh troops of von Vegesack, the Russian right flank collapses during the retreat. It does not get really dark in Finland this time of the year, and the Russians find no refuge in the night as vicous close combat takes place in the dense forests.
1808-05-28
Adlercreutz, Cronstedt and von Vegesack can see the sun rise over the battlefield abandoned by the Russians. It is a great Swedish victory - Rajevskij's army has been completely routed and eventually only about 4 000 men will make it back to join von Buxhoevden's troops around Sveaborg. The Russian artillery, supply train, war sold and roughly 900 prisoners have been captured. More than 4 000 dead and wounded Russians litter the battlefield and a further 6 000 will die in the forests or be captured during their retreat. Rajevskij's army has ceased to exist and Åbo is safe. However, the price is high. More than 3 000 Swedes are dead or seriously wounded. The British contignent has suffered 100 casualties, while von Vegesack and Cronstedt have lost 200 men. Adlercreutz' army will need reinforcements, supply and rest to be a fighting force again.
1808-05-30
Cronstedt have already sailed with his men and the Archipelago navy to see what he can do against the Russian supply lines west of Viborg. Adlercreutz and von Vegesack marches into Åbo and are greeted as liberators by the population. While von Vegesacks men drove out the Russians two days ago, things were uncertain until it was reported that the Swedes were victorious. The exotic British are of course highly popular among the local girls in the warm adn bright summer night.
Some of the local elite, Swedish-speaking Finns, influenced by defeatism, have sworn themselves to the Czar! Some immediately rescind that oath, insisting they were acting under duress, others deny it completel and a few have fled at neck-breaking speed to get to safety among the Russian troops in Helsingfors. Those that doubted what to do of course thump their chests and boast their loyalty and steadfastness under duress. Morale is high, the Swedes can obviously defeat the Russians in open battle and the war is looking like it will drag out. The Swedes have allies, supplies and reinforcements are arriving from the Swedish-speaking part of the country, the Royal Navy is flying its flag in the Baltic Sea - and how wondrous is not the Ships of the Line the British operate. Copper-bottomed, fast as frigates, manned with more men than most of the population in the Åland and Åbo archipelago has seen in one place. Stories and rumours fly around Åbo of the British sounding the channels and passages of the archipelago, even without the enthusiastic help from the locals.
It is almost as if the Finns have forgotten that von Buxhoevden is still laying siege to Sveaborg with the main Russian army - that have received substantial reinforcements.
Adlercreutz cheered by the victorious Swedish troops after the battle.
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Swedish uniforms during the war.
Swedish uniforms during the war.
From left to right: Infantry in m/1806 uniform, infantry in m/1794 uniform, Jägare in m/1801 uniform, infantry in m/1806 uniform (again), cavalry trumpeter in m/1806 uniform, cavalry officer in m/1806 uniform and infantry in m/1794 uniform (again).
From left to right: First three: Infantry in m/1806 uniform, from various regiments. Next two: Dragoons in m/1793 uniform. Next two: Cavalry in m/1795 uniform.
Swedish uniforms during the war.
From left to right: Infantry in m/1806 uniform, infantry in m/1794 uniform, Jägare in m/1801 uniform, infantry in m/1806 uniform (again), cavalry trumpeter in m/1806 uniform, cavalry officer in m/1806 uniform and infantry in m/1794 uniform (again).
From left to right: First three: Infantry in m/1806 uniform, from various regiments. Next two: Dragoons in m/1793 uniform. Next two: Cavalry in m/1795 uniform.
Some comments.
These uniforms are "ideal" - in the field, they were often worn, dirty, torn and complemented with older parts. Most Jägers wore grey instead of white trousers. The cavalry often wore grey trousers with leather reinforcements instead of the tan full leather trousers they were in this picture.
Some of the Finnish Jägare wore the m/1806 infantry uniform, but with green details.
Inf the field, most troops seem to have buttoned up their jackets instead of wearing it with the folds up as in the images. The m/1808 coat, in sparse supply, looked like this:
These uniforms are "ideal" - in the field, they were often worn, dirty, torn and complemented with older parts. Most Jägers wore grey instead of white trousers. The cavalry often wore grey trousers with leather reinforcements instead of the tan full leather trousers they were in this picture.
Some of the Finnish Jägare wore the m/1806 infantry uniform, but with green details.
Inf the field, most troops seem to have buttoned up their jackets instead of wearing it with the folds up as in the images. The m/1808 coat, in sparse supply, looked like this:
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Some comments.
These uniforms are "ideal" - in the field, they were often worn, dirty, torn and complemented with older parts. Most Jägers wore grey instead of white trousers. The cavalry often wore grey trousers with leather reinforcements instead of the tan full leather trousers they were in this picture.
Some of the Finnish Jägare wore the m/1806 infantry uniform, but with green details.
Inf the field, most troops seem to have buttoned up their jackets instead of wearing it with the folds up as in the images. The m/1808 coat, in sparse supply, looked like this:
Your updates are very informative. I am going to have to borrow some information from you sometime