Battle of Siikajoki

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Siikajoki


caption=Positions at the battle
partof=Finnish War
date=April 18 1808
place=Siikajoki, near Oulu
result= Swedish victory
combatant1=flag|Sweden
combatant2=flag|Russia
commander1=Carl Johan Adlercreutz and Georg Carl von Döbeln
commander2=Yakov Petrovitch Kulnev
strength1=- Initial 279Adlercreutz 120
strength2=- 1080
casualties1=- 4 dead 31 wounded
casualties2=- 300 dead and wounded

The Battle of Siikajoki was fought between Swedish and Russian troops on April 18 1808 at Siikajoki, near Oulu, Finland. During the first stage of the Finnish War the Swedish commander Wilhelm Mauritz Klingspor had decided to retreat from southern Finland, so that the Swedes would gain time, and more troops could be moved to Finland via Tornio. The move was also made in case the Danes would take the opportunity attack Sweden.

The Battle of Pyhäjoki, which had been fought two days earlier, was one of the first skirmishes of the war, but Siikajoki was the first major attempt to stop the advancing Russians. Carl Johan Adlercreutz had been appointed commander after count Löwenhjelm had been captured by the Russian at Pyhäjoki. The force commanded by Georg Carl von Döbeln was trying to cross the river of Siikajoki when the Russians caught up with his force. Von Döbeln decided to take a stance on the south bank of the river. He first ordered a counter attack, but were forced to pull back. At that moment, the Russian enter is opening up and the newly appointed General Adjutant Adlercreutz orders another attack, which throws the Russians back and halted the Russian advance.

The Battle of Siikajoki is describet in the poem "Adlercreutz" in Runeberg's epic Tales of Ensign Stål.

The Nyland Regiment distinguised themselves at the battle and today, the Siikajoki Cross can be worn by soldiers of the Uusimaa Brigade, which is the traditional heir.