Battle of Koljonvirta

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2008)

Battle of Virta bridge
Part of Finnish War
Positions at the battle
Date October 27, 1808 Location near Iisalmi, Northern Savonia, Finland Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Sweden	Russia
Commanders and leaders
Johan August Sandels	Nikolai Alexejvitsch Tutschkoff
Strength
1,800	6,000–8,000
Casualties and losses
312 killed	1,064 killed, 74 prisoners

The Battle of Koljonvirta (Finnish: Koljonvirran taistelu) (Swedish: Virta Bro) i.e. the Battle of the Virta Bridge was fought between Swedish and Russian troops on October 27, 1808. The Swedish force consisted of troops from Savolax and Östergötland. After the main Swedish army had been defeated at the Battle of Oravais the army under Johan August Sandels in Savonia had to retreat in order not to be outflanked by the Russians. Sandels found a good defensive position north of Iisalmi and decided to resist the Russian advance there.

Between September 29 and October 27 a cease-fire was in effect. Sandels was heavily outnumbered but had a good defensive position between two lakes connected by the Koljonvirta river and he had prepared his position well during the cease-fire. On October 27 the cease-fire was to end at 1 PM, but Russians started their attack a little earlier, perhaps because of the time difference between Sweden and Russia. Sandels pulled back the forces on the south side of the river and the Russians attacked over the partially demolished bridge. The Swedish counter-attacked and literally pushed the Russian troops into the river. The Russians pulled up fresh troops on the south side of the river, but they didn't try to attack again. The battle was the last Swedish victory on Finnish soil.

Coordinates: 63°35′19″N 27°09′51″E / 63.58861°N 27.16417°E / 63.58861; 27.16417

This article about a battle of the Napoleonic Wars is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

This Finland-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

This article about a battle in Swedish history is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

This article about a battle in Russian history is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e