Russo-Swedish War: Battle of Svensksund

July 9, 1790 - Fighting in the Gulf of Finland, near Svensksund (left), Swedish naval forces defeat the Russians leading to the end of the Russo-Swedish War. After launching a failed assault on the Russian port of Vyborg and escaping following a defeat at the Battle of Vyborg Bay, the Swedish Navy retreated to Svensksund in early July. Led by King Gustav III and Flag Captain Lieutenant-Colonel Carl Olof Cronstedt, the Swedes assumed a defensive position in anticipation of an attack by the pursuing Russians.

Anchoring in an L-shaped formation, the Swedish line was a mix of frigates, gunboats, and galleys, supported by shore batteries. On July 9, the Russians advanced and encountered rough weather which enabled the shore batteries to inflict heavy casualties. As the Russian attack faltered, the Swedes pressed forward with their gunboats, driving a number of Russian galleys ashore. The gunboats also swarmed around a number of anchored Russian ships capturing and burning them. The following morning, the Swedes sought to capitalize on their success and launched a large attack that drove the Russians away. Of the 14,000 men in the Russian fleet, between 7,500 to 9,000 were casualties, along with approximately half their ships. The Swedes suffered only 304 killed and around 400 wounded. The victory is regarded as the greatest in Swedish naval history and ultimately led to Russia negotiating peace with Sweden.

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