Battle of Alavus [SEP] point in time
Battle of Alavus
The Battle of Alavus took place on 17 August 1808 in the vicinity of the town of Alavus (), as part of the Finnish War. The Finnish army, under the command of General Carl Johan Adlercreutz defeated a smaller Russian force and drove it southwards. It was the last in a string of Swedish successes during the summer of 1808, and marked the turning point in the war.
Prelude.
With his supply lines harassed by Swedish forces and retreating southward, the newly appointed general major
much worn by the ordeals of the summer, was moved south on 16 August in pouring rain. The following day the weather cleared.
The battle.
In bright sunshine, Adlercreutz attacked the Russian positions south of the Alavus church, near the small village of Härkölä, protected by lake Alajärvi on his left and marshy ground on his right. The Russian counterattacked on their right wing and forced a battalion of Karelians on the Swedish left flank to retreat northwards. At this point Adlercreutz ordered the 3rd battalion of Savolax infantry