Battles & Campaigns · 1808
Battle of Pulkkila
Pulkkila, North Ostrobothnia, Finland
What happened
About 800 Swedish soldiers under Johan August Sandels fought a smaller Russian force under Colonel Obuhov. After the Swedish wins at Siikajoki and Revolax, Sandels marched east to win back parts of Finland. At Pulkkila his men surrounded the Russians, drove them into a nearby village and forced their commander to surrender.
Why it matters
It started Sandels's offensive, one of the most remarkable of the war. He captured Russian supply depots and harried their rear.
What came next
The Swedes went on to retake Kuopio, but a Russian counter-attack forced them back in late August 1808.
Did you know?
Sandels won the respect of both friends and enemies for his raids.
Timeline
- 27 Apr 1808Swedish victory at Revolax.
- 2 May 1808Battle of Pulkkila.
- 1808Swedes retake Kuopio.
- Late Aug 1808Russian counter-offensive.