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Basic facts on the
allotted (indelta) infantry of the army of Gustav III (1788-90)
Allotted cavalry
Enlisted units
Auxiliary units
Main sources:
The drawings of the
colours are based upon some
photos I have taken while visiting the Swedish war archive. The details are
based on the articles of Leif Törnqvist published in the Swedish army museums
book "Between the imperial
eagles" and the booklet " Med blå glob och tre kronor uti".
The uniform drawings are
based on the war archives on-line
pictures of CG Roos paintings from 1783. for details I have used the article
of Leif Törnqvist in the Swedish army museums book "Between the imperial
eagles" and some photos taken by Dan Schorr several years ago at the Swedish Army museum's
library. The sources are however to some point contradictive.
Since all sources refers to the work of CG Roos, I have chosen to follow
his version.
The other information
found below are drawn from the two books by Julius Mankell "Anteckningar
rörande Svenska regementenas historia". and the "Anteckningar rörande Finska arméens
och Finlands krigshistoria". The books are written in 1860-70 so there
might be some new facts that mr Mankell have missed. I have also used the Generalstabens "Sveriges krig åren 1808 och 1809", GH
Jägerhorn, "I fält för Gustav III" (editor Petra and Pertti Hakkala), CG Aminoff
"Nyuppsatta truppförband i Finland mellan 1770 och 1808" and the Army
museums great book "Between
the imperial eagles".
The campaign in
Finland was limited to the area close to the border river of Kymmene älv.
Since I don't expect anyone to be familiar with the geography in that area I
have downloaded a map showing the situation during the early 1800-hundreds.
The scale is 1:500 000.
General
information
The colours:
Since many of you are probably here to find appropriate colours to mount on 15
or 25 mm figures, you should know that many of the details are just too small
to see in that scale. For that reason I have distorted some proportions and made some "simplifications"
on the drawings on display. To
compare with the originals, please check the
photos.
The uniforms:
The
navy blue colour of the m /1779 uniform has unfortunately been distorted. The
rest of the colours are ok. I will fix the navy-blue when I have the spare
time.
If you would like to have the drawings in
Power-Point just send me an e-mail.
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Upplands regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Uppsala county.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1771

|

Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
June Transported to Helsingfors /
Helsinki
3
August Participate in the landings near Fredrikshamn / Hamnia
16
August Marches from Borgå to the boarder.
September Winter quarters in Svenskby between Elimä and Abborfors.
1789
June
Part of the right or coastal division.
3 July
The regiment advances across the border at Abborrfors. The Division
reaches Pyttis at the 5/7,
Kuppis 6/7, and on the 8/7 they participate in the fighting when the islet
of Suttula is cleared from
Russian defenders. The attempt to take control of the Islet of Kymmene on
the 9/7 fails however.
18 July The
new attempt to take control of the islets and the bridges leading to
Högfors is a success.
19 July Participate in
some fights between Högfors and Saxala
21 July
The regiment is sent as reinforcements to the Anjala area. On arrival,
they are immediately sent to face
the Russian force that has crossed the Kymmen river at Ummeljoki and Werälä.
The Russian force
pulls back without any fight, and soon after the regiment is sent back to
Kymmenegård.
26 August Parts of the regiment is taken onboard on the Archipelago fleet and
participate in the
first battle of Svensksund.
31 August The
regiment follows the archipelago fleet back to Helsingfors.
Winter Winter quarters in Ekenäs and Hangö.
1790 14
April The regiment,
who has spent the winter in the area of Hangö, is sent to Helsingfors in
order to serve
on the archipelago fleet. According to J Mankell there are still 420 men
left as a garrison at Hangö,
but it's not obvious that these men are from this regiment.
7 June
A force of 3000 men are set ashore at Koivisto/Björkö outside
Viborg.
The Upplanders, the light
dragoons and some of the Hussars marches to Ummeljoki on the road to St
Petersburg. On the
8
June
they are attacked by two squadrons of Russian cavalry. After a short fight
, the Russians
withdraws.
18 June
The troops that has been ashore are taken on board again.
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|
Skaraborgs regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the eastern parts of the province of Västergötland.
Colour m/1761 introduced in 1763

Possible design of the colour
introduced in 1804. It is possible that the colour should have only tw
crowns, one in the black and one in the yellow corner.
 |

Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
September
The regiment is posted at the Danish / Norwegian border .
29
September Three companies are surrounded at Kvistum, and
forced to surrender to the Danish /Norwegian
invasion force. The remainder of the regiment is summoned to Gothenburg to
defend the city.
1789
August
The regiment is transported to Finland and serves under the right or
coastal division.
1 September During
the fighting's after the Russian landings at Broby, one battalion are sent
as to support a
battalion from the Jönköping regiment, that is defending Broby, and that
is under severe pressure.
The defenders manages to keep the road open long enough to let retreating
Swedes slip out of
the trap.
2 September The
regiment takes up positions at Hirvenkoski
30 October The
regiment is a part of the right division and are sent to winter quarters
in the area of Lovisa.
1790
26 January The first
battalion is sent to Helsingfors.
15 April
The second battalion is also sent to Helsingfors. The regiment is united
at the castle of Sveaborg.
Early May
The second battalion is sent to the boarder at Abborfors.
14 June
The first battalion arrives at Abborfors.
15 June The regiment has crossed the boarder and arrives to the village of Kuppis.
The Russian garrison,
that only counts 400 men retreats to Kymmenegård without any resistance.
25 June An
assault on Suttila and Kymmenegård starts up, but a sudden rain forces the
Swedes to abort
the operation. The next day the Russians abandon their positions and pulls
back towards
Fredrikshamn. The bridges are repaired and the Swedes advances to Högfors.
9 July The troops at Kymmenegård gets ready to pull back in case that the Swedish
archipelago fleet
is beaten in the naval battle at Svensksund. When the words of the victory
reaches
Kymmenegård, the camp is set up again.
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|
Åbo läns regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the inland areas of the province of "Proper Finland".
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1746

Two possible versions of the colour
introduced in 1804


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Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1025 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war: 1788
Mid June The regiment is summoned and marches to Anjala
18 July The regiment
crosses the border and moves to Liikala
22 July The regiment
reaches Hussala
1 August Without order, the troops starts to
break up and march for home. The mutiny is stopped after a speech
by the King Gustav III. The troops are persuaded to move on Fredrikshamn
(Hamnia) instead.
After a
four hour long artillery duel with the city defenders the action is
abandoned and they returns
to Hussala.
8 August The regiment is pulled back to Anjala.
4 October The Regiment is sent to Helsingfors (Helsinki)
and are later sent home for winter quarters.
1789
3 May
The regimental vargering (reserve personal) are ordered to serve on the
archipelago fleet.
12 May The
entire regiment are ordered to serve with the artillery. I am not sure if
this mean, if they were to
man the cannons or just to serve as close defence and "extra hands".
30 October The
regiment sent home for winter quarters
1790
18 February The Vargering is sent to serve at the archipelago fleet.
21 February The
regiment is sent to serve with the artillery.
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Södermanlands regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Södermanlands county,
but were also allotted in a part of Östergötland.
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1746

Colour m/1766 introduced in 1813

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Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
June Transported to Helsingfors / Helsinki
3
August Participate in the landings
near Fredrikshamn / Hamnia and takes part in the fighting's at Sandby
26
August Watches the border at Abborfors.
October Transferred to the central division and takes winter quarters at Elimä
1789
July Deploy at Anjala
and builds a bridge to open up the escape route for the main army
that has
invaded the Russian Finland.
21
July The main army passes back over the bridge at Anjala. The
regiment joins in on the march
towards Werelä.
8 August Participate in
the fights at Werelä when a heavy Russian attack across the river is
repelled.
15 September The
entire regiment is sent from Werälä to face the Russian units that have
crossed the river at
Ummeljoki.
After just a few days they are sent on to Anjala.
27 September The
regiment is back at Werälä
October The
regiment is a part of the central division. They take winter quarters in
the area of Artsjö and
Elimä.
1790
End of April
The regiment belongs to the central division.
5 may
When the word of the Russian attacks across the river at Anjala and
Hirfvenkoski, parts of the
regiment are summoned in the village of Willikala. A small detachment of
60 men joins the group
that is sent forward to Korhois to meet the Russians.
6 may
The troops prepares for battle as they arrive to Korhois. The Västgöta-dal
regiment and the
60 men from the Södermanlands regiment and are deployed on the left flank.
During the second
phase of the battle, the Russians advances towards this flank and puts the
Swedes under a
severe gunfire. The Swedes are ordered to launch a counter attack, but due
to the rough terrain
they are disordered and are forced to retreat. At the same time words
comes that Russian troops
have managed to outflank them, a general withdraw to Willikala is ordered.
10 may
The manpower of the regiment is so
low that they are merged into one battalion.
16 may The
regiment is sent to Ninimäki.
19 may
The troops in Ninimäki advances on the russians at Keltis backar (the
hills of Keltis) The
battalion lines up as no five from the road. The battle starts of in the
during the early hours of
the 20th may. There is a long period of exchanges of fire, but no one gets
the upper hand.
Some sources say four hours other say eight. in the morning. Finally the
Swedish reserve
makes a daring assault on the Russian artillery on the southern flank. The
attack is successful
and the entire Russian line are pulled back. The shortage of ammunition
prevents the
Swedes from making a follow-up attack.
20 may
When the Swedes have rested after the battle at Keltis, they start to
advance. The Russians
have abandoned the village of Keltis, on the 21st the bridge at Nappo is
restored and the
Swedes can continue the advances to Werälä where the Russians have dug in.
The Swedish
forces are not considered strong enough to try an attack, so the rest of
the war is spent on
watching the Russians.
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|
Kronobergs regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Kronobergs county.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1768

|

Uniform m/1779 introduced in 1790. Meanwhile, the
troops were ordered to change the old m/1765 uniform to a similar style.
|
| Man power |
1100 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
July
One battalion
is shipped to
Helsingfors / Helsinki, Finland.
The other one was left at home to
defend the southern or western border in case of a Danish / Norwegian
invasion, but Mankell
gives no information on this matter.
3
august The battalion participate in the
landing at Brackila, near Fredrikshamn / Hamnia.
August Guards the border at Abborrfors
Winter
Transferred to the central division and takes winter quarters at Kungsböle.
1789
28 June Participate
in the battle of Uttismalm. The battalion passes on the outside of a swamp
and manages to
outflank the enemy, and forces them to retreat.
3
July Takes
part in the fighting's at Liikala, where the battalion together with the
lifeguard performs a bayonet
assault and drives the Russians on the run.
22
July Starts the
withdrawal to Swedish territory.
Mid August The other battalion is shipped to Finland, and are sent towards the front
at Högfors. Due to the Russian
offensive, the battalion are pulled back without seeing any action. This
battalion spends a short time
in Elimä before they are sent to Werälä where the regiment are joined.
Winter
The regiment belongs to the central division and are sent to winter
quarters at Rängomäki and Packas.
1790
28 April
Both battalions participate in the expedition to Valkiala. The expedition
has two pursues, first to
ease the pressure on
Armfelt and his troops at pardakoski, secondly to loot the Russian
magazines
at Valkiala. One of the
battalions forms together with a battalion from the Elvsbogs regiment the
avant-garde. They are the
first to cross the river and are immediately sent to clear out all Russian
forces from Ukkola.
29 April The regiment
takes part in the battle at Valkiala. The first battalion are at the front when
the
Swedish column pushes through a narrow pass. They take some severe casualties but manage to
open
up the road so the others can move through and spread out. Both battalions
takes part in the
final
assault where the Russians are forced to retreat.
5 May The
units at Valkiala are ordered back to the Ummeljokki on the Swedish side
to counter the
russian force that has
captured Anjala.
6 May One
battalion is sent to Wilikala while the other is left at the bridge in
Nappo. Their orders are to
observe the advancing
Russian force.
9 May More
russian troops crosses the border at Ummeljokki. They head north and force
the battalion at
Nappo to pull back, past
Keltis and all the way to Ninimäki.
10 May
The battailon at Wilikala are first marched to Elimä and then sent to
Ninimäki in order to reinforce
the northern flank.
19 may
In the line up before the battle at the hills at Keltis (Keltis backar)
one battalion is deployed next to
the road, while the other
is kept just behind as a reserve. The battle is fought in the early
morning
hours of the 20th of may
as a typical line infantry battle. There is a heavy fire fight, but
neither side
manage to get the upper
hand. Finally the reserve battalion, together with a battalion from the
Östgöta infantry
regiment, manages to push back the Russian jaegers and capture the
artillery
on the southern flank.
The entire russian force abandon their positions, but the swedes have run
too short on ammunition
and are unable to make a pursuit.
20 may After
a rest, the re-supplied Swedes start to advance. Keltis is retaken and the
bridge at Nappo is
repaired. On the 21st
they reaches Werälä where the Russians have taken up the defence. However
no action is taken as the
Russian position is considered too strong.
Summer The regiment stays at Werelä until the peace is signed.
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|
Jönköpings regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Jönköpings county
Colour m/1686 B introduced in 1758

In my opinion the most likely version
of the colour introduced in 1813.

In the war archive is a proposal from 1769 shown below.
However, I find it unlikely that the regiment ever received any colours of
this design.

|

Uniform m/1779 introduced in 1789-91 (note the light
blue colour). Meanwhile, the troops were ordered to change the old m/1765
uniform to a similar style. |
| Man power |
1100 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
July
One battalion
is shipped to
Helsingfors / Helsinki, Finland.
The other one was left at home to
defend the southern or western border in case of a Danish / Norwegian
invasion, but Mankell
gives no information on this matter.
3
august The battalion participate in the
landing at Brackila, near Fredrikshamn / Hamnia.
August
Guards the border at Abborrfors
Winter
Transferred to the central division and takes winter quarters at Kungsböle.
1789
June When
the main army crosses the river of Kymmene, the battalion is left to guard
the bridge at Werelä.
3
July The
battalion is sent to Liikala but doesn't appear to have participated in
the fight.
14
July The forces at Liikala
are to Kaipias sent as reinforcements, but gets lost on the way. They
arrive
too late.
22
July Withdraws
to Swedish territory with the main army. They are posted as border guards
at Ummeljoki
and Werelä.
August
The other battalion is shipped to Finland and are sent to the coastal
division at Högfors.
1 September After
the Russian victory in the first naval battle at Svensksund, the Russians
take the initiative for
an offensive along the coast. The battalion at the coast are sent to guard
a coastal defence battery
by Broby. When the Russian forces tries to land at Broby, the battalion
takes up the fight. The
battalion is under severe pressure, but with some reinforcements they
manages to hold the
ground, so that the retreating units from Högfors can slip out. The next
day they are pulled back to
Abborrors.
15 October
The battalion at Keltis are sent to Savolax, while the other one are sent
to the left division.
1790
April The regiment are sent to St Mickel on the Savolax front.
15 April
The regiment is a part of the avant-garde during the attack on Suomenniemi.
One battalion is
sent on the Russians at Kuivastensarari. The march is however too slow and
the Russians
gets away without a fight. Later the battalion are sent to Suomenniemi,
but when the Swedes
arrive the Russians are already gone.
16 April
The unit in Suomenniemi spots a large force advancing on them over the ice
clad lake. The
force believed to be the Russian main army, so the Swedes make a quick
retreat to Kristina
on the Swedish side of the border. On the 17th the king passes Kristina on
his way back
from the front. Now it becomes clear that the column was mistaken
for Russians, was the
Swedish main force advancing. The embarrassed unit is immediately sent
back to Suomenniemi
30 April
During the battle of Pardakoski, one battalion supports the shaken
Vargerings battalions at
Kärnakoski by launching a successful counter attack. Together with a
battalion from the
Svaolax regiment, the second battalion holds the Swedish right flank.
Their presence makes
the Russians to hold their positions. In the later stage of the battle,
the Swedes on the right
flank advances and tries to encircle the Russians. The Russians retreats
without any major
resistance.
4 June
One battalion is assigned to the middle column during the attack on Savitaipal.
The column
takes their first objectives, but Armfelt decides to continue the assault
on his own, without the
support from the other two columns. The Russians can concentrate their
fire on the single
column, they take some heavy losses. The entire operation is called of and
the troops are
marched back to Kärnakoski.
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|
Björneborgs regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as the province of Satakunta.
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1752

Colour m/1766 introduced in 1794

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1025 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
June The regiment is summoned in Helsingfors ( Helsinki).
5-12 July The regiment marches to the border at Anjala.
18 July The
second battalion is the first to cross the border and are later to capture Liikala
22 July The
regiment reaches Hussala
1 august Without
order, the troops starts to break up and march for home. The mutiny is
stopped after a
speech
by the King Gustav III. One battalion is sent to Fredrikshamn (Hamnia)
instead. After a
four hour long artillery duel with the city defenders the action is
abandoned and they returns to.
Hussala
The other battalion is sent to encircle the town and to make contact with
the force that is
supposed to make a landing future east at Brackila. After a minor battle with some
Russian jaegers
they get the message that no landing force is on the way, the battalion is pulled back
to Hussala.
10 august The
regiment is pulled back to Anjala.
25 September The whole Swedish army evacuate Russian territory
5 October The
regiment is sent to Ummeljoki
Mid October The regiment is split
between the left division and the Savolax division. The battalions take
winter
quarters at Peipola and Heinola.
1789
4 may Two companies takes part in the fails attack on Suomensilta. The advance
comes to a bloody halt
at Härkesilda and the unit is pulled back to Swedish
territory again..
Early June The vargerings battalion (reserve battalion) are on the march towards Heinola.
The rest of the unit
have one battalion deployed at Heinola and two companies each in Kyro and
Pumala.
13 June Three companies forms the backbone in the desperate defence at Porosalmi
19 June The Vargerinsbattalion are now at the scene at Porrosalmi, but due to a
misunderstood order
they comes in the path of a Russian attack. The unit are scattered and
takes to the woods. The rest
of the regiment follows the Savolax brigade on its retreat to Jorois.
21 July One
battalion takes the lead in the attack on the Russian defence at Parkumäki
and plays a
decisive role in the battle.
22 July The
regiment reaches the straits of Laitasilta, just across Nyslott. The
Swedes are not strong
enough to push across the straits, instead they start to build some
defence works.
9
October The first battalion defends the bridge at Laitasilta
against an Russian surprise attack. The battalion
is however forced to retreat, but have managed to stall the Russians long
enough. The other
battalion and parts of the Österbotten regiment gets there in time and
launches a counter attack.
After some severe close combat the Russians are forced back to Nyslott
again.
12
November The regiment takes winter quarters in Savolax.
1790
Spring The
regiment is deployed to defend the crossings at Kallislaks/Nyslott
31 march The
vargering is absorbed by the regular batalions
Early may
One battalion is sent from Kallislaks to Pirtimäki near Pumala to
strengthen the defence
before an expected Russian attack.
5 may Shortly
after 2 am the Russian attack starts. They advance on three columns
towards the
Swedish camp at Pirtimäki. The battle rages the entire morning. At 4 am
about 100 men from
the Savolax regiment arrives as reinforcements. The surprise of these
fresh troops showing up
in the rear of the Russian front, gives the defenders the chance to launch
a counter charge that
is strong enough to force the Russians abandon the operation and start to
pull back to Pumala.
At this moment the first parts of the Björneborg regiment arrives on the
scene, and they are
quickly sent to pursuit the retreating Russians
Mankell has no further notes on any activities at Kallilaks or Pumala.
|
|
Dalregementet |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Dalarnas county.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1764(!)
The colour is to be regarded as a prototype for the m/1766.

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
July
The regiment is transported to Helsingfors / Helsinki
3
august The regiment participate in the
landing at Brackila, near Fredrikshamn / Hamnia.
August Guards
the border at Högfors.
Autumn Deploy
as costal defence in the are of Lovisa.
1789
Spring
As a part of the costal division, the regiment is deployed along the coast
in order to repel
Russian
landings.
26 June The regiment is deployed at Hirvenkoski
as a preparation for the spring offensive on
Fredrikshamn
6 July The regiment crosses the border and marches towards Kuppis.
19 July One battalion participate in the royal recognisance expedition between Högfors
and
Fredrikshamn.
After the fighting's at Saxala, the expedition are pulled back to Högfors.
24 august One battalion are ordered to the archipelago fleet, and takes part in the
first naval battle of
Svensksund.
2 September Due to the Russian attacks along the coast, the regiment are pulled back
to Abborfors
30 October The regiment belongs to the costal division. It takes winter quarters in
the area of Lovisa
1790
Spring The
regiment is transferred from the costal to the central division, and are
made responsible
for
the defence of the road at Anjala.
5 may
Parts of the regiment is gathered in Willikala as a result of the Russian
attacks at
Anjala and
Hirvenkoski. Later
this day, parts of the unit is sent to Hirvenkoski.
6
May The
regiment participate in the fighting's at Hirvenkoski. By performing a
bayonet assault, the
regiment forces the Russians back across the river.
7 may
The regiment is pulled back from Hirvenkoski and joins the forces in Willikala
8 may
Once again the regiment is sent to Hirvenkoski where a Russian force has
again crossed the
river. When the
Swedes arrives, the Russians pulls back to their side of the river without
any
resistance.
9 May
Clears out a small island in the middle of the river. They also makes a
try to take control of
bridge and the other side of the river, but the Russians defend their side
well, so the final
crossing has to be abandoned.
12 June The regiment is
sent to the coastal division at Broby.
15 June
The regiment follows the advance of the costal division. When they reach
Kuppis they face a
Russian force of
400 men. The Russians realise that they are out numbered and retreats
without
resistence to Kymmenegård
25 June An
assault on Suttila and Kymmenegård starts up, but a sudden rain forces the
Swedes to abort
the operation. The next day the Russians abandon their positions and pulls
back towards
Fredrikshamn. The bridges are repaired and the Swedes advances to Högfors.
9 July The troops at Kymmenegård gets ready to pull back in case that the Swedish
archipelago fleet
is beaten in the naval battle at Svensksund. When the words of the victory
reaches
Kymmenegård, the camp is set up again.
The Dalarnas fricorps and the regimental vargering (the reserve
battalion)
1788
September The
King Gustav
III speaks to the peasantry and they respond by forming a freicorps to
help
defend the country against the Danish invasion.
16
October The corps
marches from Falun
22
October The corps
passes Karlstad and are sent to the front in Dalsland.
27 November The corps leaves the border and heads home.
14 December When
back in Falun, the corps are disbanded.
1789
Spring
The peasantry decide to form a vargerings (reserve) battalion for the
regular regiment. Normally
there should be one reserve for every two
regular soldier, in this case 600 men. The new unit
however counts 1400
men. They are recruited and trained during the summer.
August The Dalvargering is shipped from Gävle to Hangö.
Autumn The unit guards the coast of Nyland
30 September 100
men participate and distinguish themselves in the attack on the Russian
stronghold on the
island of Elgön.
1790
Mars The Dalvargering are sent to St Mickel on the Savolax front.
15 April
The unit is a part of the "avant garde" during the attack on Suomenniemi.
They charges and
takes control of a
hill close to Pardakoski. They are joined by the Hälsinge vargering, and
together the units
drive off a Russian force that is defending the bridge. The Russians
retreats
to Kärnakoski, but
are soon forced to abandon that position as well.
30 April
Before the expected Russian counter attack on Kärnakoski, the battalion is
lined up on the brink
south of the
Kärnakoski bridge. The Russian centre charges across the frozen lake and
threatens the back
of the vargering. They falls in to an chaotic retreat, but when a
battalion of
the Jönköping
regiment shows up, the vargering forms again and participate in a
successful
counter charge.
4 June
The battalion is a part of the middle column during the attack on Savitapale.
They manage to
capture the first
object, but when General Armfelt decides to continue the attack without
the the
other two columns,
they form an easy target for the Russian defensive fire. They suffer heavy
casualties, the
assault fails and the entire force retreats to Kärnakoski.
The unit is disbanded after the war.
|
|
Tavastehus regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the province of Tavastland, but some areas of Savolax and
Österbotten was also included.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1773

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1025 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
12
June The
regiment arrives at Anjala
17 July One
battalion crosses the border and takes Liikala
22 July One
battalion is sent to Kaipias to act as flank guard to the main army, while
the other battalion is
marched to Menduharju.
8 august Both
battalions are pulled back to Keltis, on the Swedish side of the border.
October The
first battalion is subordinated to the left division and are sent home for
winter quarters. The
second battalion is subordinated to the Savolax division and takes winter
quarters in Heinola.
28
November The second battalion are sent to Joensu in Carelia.
1789
3 may
One battalion are still in Carelia. The other battalion and the vargering
battalion (reserve
personnel) are sent to serve on the archipelago
fleet.
Mid May
Two companies are deployed at Pelgijärvi in Carelia.
17 may
Two companies participate in the surprise attack on the superior Russian
garrison at Ruskiala
church in Russian Carelia. The attack fails, but
due to the heavy losses, the Russians
abandons the post and pulls back to Sordavala.
June There
are no info regarding any fighting in Carelia during the time for the
Russian offensive
on Savolax. The battalion in Carelia is
redeployed to Jorois.
5 July The
battalion are sent forward to Jokkas in order to scout the Russians and if
possible, take control
of the village. They arrive the next day, and the
Russian garrison immediately evacuates the village.
16 August
Parts of the battalion takes part in the failed attack on Pumala.
30 October The
regiment are sent to winter quarters. One battalion are at home, the other
one stays in Savolax.
1790
Winter
Parts of the regiment is stationed in Pirtimäki in order to watch the
Russians in Pumala. The rest
of the regiment (5 companies) spends the winter at home.
13 February The vargering is
sent to join the artillery
28 March Those
parts of the regiment that has been at home during the winter are sent to
join General
Armfelt in St Michel.
18 April
When Armfelt launches the attack on Suomenniemi, the
unit marches with the main column.
When the column reaches the village the fighting's are already over.
5 may
Shortly after 2 am the Russian attacks the camp at Pirtimäki/Pumala.
The battle rages the entire
morning. At 4 am about 100 men from
the Savolax regiment arrives as reinforcements. The
surprise of these fresh troops showing up
in the rear of the Russian front, gives the defenders a
chance to launch
a counter charge. The action
is strong enough to force the Russians to
abandon their operation and start to
pull back to Pumala.
At this moment the first parts of the
Björneborg regiment arrives on the
scene, and they are
quickly sent to pursuit the retreating
Russians
Mid May
The parts of the regiment that is stationed in Pirtimäki are sent to Suomenniemi.
The regiment
is once again united.
4 June
During General Armfelts attack on Savitapale the regiment is split between
two of the three
columns. The left column are sent to encircle the stronghold and to attack
from south. Due to the
rough terrain their advance is delayed, and when finally is in position,
the general assault by
the mid and right column has already been repelled. The left column
returns to Kärnakoski.
The major part of the regiment joins the right column. They are sent by
boats from Suomenniemi
and are put ashore about 2½ km west of Savitapale, from
where they are to launch the attack.
The landing is carried out according to the plan, but
the Russian jaegers who are sent out to
meet the Swedes puts up such an effective defence that
the column is unable to reach their
target.
|
|
Hälsinge regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Gävleborgs county
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1760

Colour m/1766 introduced in 1813

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
July The regiment is transported to Helsingfors / Helsinki
3
August A smaller part of the regiment participate in the
landings at Brackila,
near Fredrikshamn / Hamnia.
August 200
men are sent to Hangö for guard duty
October The regiment marches to Åbo / Turku to be shipped home, but before the
debarking they are
ordered back to the front. During these marches there
are many men lost due to sickness and the cold.
Winter Winter quarters at Nyby
1789
June The
second battalion is sent to Savolax to support the defenders at Porosalmi.
However, they
arrive to late and are sent back to the former positions.
15
July The whole regiment participate in the attack at Kiapias. The regiment
serves as rear guard during
the Swedish withdrawel.
18
July The regiment serves as border guards at Anjala.
14
August The regiment repels a strong
Russian attempt to cross the river at Anjala.
October Winter quarters at Nyby.
1790
End of April
The regiment belongs to the left division.
28 April The
regiment is stationed in the village of Jala. They are now participating
in the expedition on
Valkiala. The expedition
holds two purposes, first to ease some of the pressure put on Armfelt
in Suomenniemi/Pardakoski,
secondly to raid the Russian supply stores in Valkiala. After the force
has crossed the Kymmene
river, the regiment and some dragoons are sent to secure the bridge at
Oravala.
6 may After
the Russian attack across the river at Anjala, the expedition is forced to
retreat back to the
Swedish side of the river.
During the withdrawal from Valkiala, the regiment serves as rear guard.
During the retreat they are
put under serious attacks and suffers some heavy casualties. They are
the last unit to cross the
bridge at Jokkila/Mattila
before it is destroyed. After the retreat they
join the main force in Keltis,
from where thee moves to Willikala and Elimä.
10 may The
regiment is ordered to march from Elimä to Ninimäki to strengthen the
defence on the
northern flank.
17 may The
regiment is in Ninimäki. Mankell notes that the average strength of the
Swedish battalions
has dropped to
2-300 men. He also states that this fact has forced the commanders to
start exercise
on two lines instead of three
just in order to maintain the length of the frontage. There is no notes on
if the new exercise also
included a more loose and open order of the line, or if they still used
the old
"shoulder to shoulder"
formation.
19-20 may In the line up
before the battle at the hills of Keltis, the battalions are lined up as
no six and
seven counting from the
road. The battle is fought in the early morning hours of the 20th of may.
After several hours of
shootings, there is still no one close to get the upper hand. Finally the
Swedish
reserve manages to make a
successful charge on the southern flank, and the Russians decide to
pull back. The shortage of
ammunition prevents the exhausted Swedes to make a pursuit.
After some rest the Swedes are on the move again. They takes control of
Keltis and starts to repair the
bridge
at Nappo. On the 21st they reach Werälä just to find
that the Russians have had the time to dig
in.
The defence are ruled to be too strong to attack. The
regiment spends the rest of the war in Werälä
guarding the Russians.
The Helsinge freicorps and the regimental vargering (the regimental reserve
battalion)
When
the word came about the Danish attack in Bohuslän the peasantry of the
provinces Gästrikland and
Hälsingland decided to form a freicorps of 5000 men. The corps was only to
be used for the defence of the county. Soon the corps was transformed to a
vergerings (reserve) battalion for the
regular regiment. The battalion counted 600 men who were recruited and trained during the summer
of 1789.
1789
August Transported
from Gävle to Hangö in Finland.
Autumn Guards the coast of Nyland
1790
March Marches to St Mickel in Savolax
15 April 180
men are asigned to the "avant guard" during the attack on Suomenniemi.
They supports the
Dalvargeringens attack on Pardakoski
and participates when the the russians are driven of the
bridge. The russians retreat
to Kärnakoski bat are also driven out of that area as well.
30 April Before
the expected Russian counter attack on Kärnakoski, the battalion is
lined up on the brink
south of the
Kärnakoski bridge. The Russian centre charges across the frozen lake and
threatens the back
of the vargering. They falls in to an chaotic retreat, but when a
battalion of
the Jönköping
regiment shows up, the vargering forms again and participate in a
successful
counter charge.
May The unit is posted at the island of Liansari to help protect the transports on the
lake Saimen, and mainly
the communications between Kristina and St Mickel. Some of the men are
doing service
on board
of the gun sloops that patrols the area.
4 June During the attack on
Savitapale, the unit joins the right column. They are sent by boats from
Suomenniemi
and are put ashore about 2½ km west of Savitapale, from
where they are to launch the
attack.
The landing is carried out according to the plan, but
the Russian jaegers who are sent out to
meet the Swedes puts up such an effective defence that
the column is unable to reach their
target.
The unit is disbanded after the war.
|
|
Älvsborgs regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the south-western parts of the province of Västergötland.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1771

|

Uniform m/1779 introduced in 1791. Meanwhile, the
troops were ordered to change the old m/1765 uniform to a similar style. |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
July
One battalion
is shipped to
Helsingfors / Helsinki, Finland
and are attached to the central
division
at Hussala. The
other one was left at home to defend the western border. This battalion
should have
been involved in the defence against the Danish / Norwegian invasion of Bohoslän,
but Mankell gives
no information on this matter.
3 August When
the events at Anjala are known the King fears for his life and decide to
leave the camp at
Hussala. As one of the few non-Finnish
units on location the battalion are assigned as royal
escort
during his trip
to Summa.
August Retreat
from Summa to Högfors.
Winter The
battalion is transferred to the left division and are given winter
quarters between Artsjö
and Nyby.
1789
Spring 600 men
from the vargerings battalion (reserve) are called in to guard the
Norwegian border.
June The battalion in
Finland deploys at Heinola to hold the gap between the main army and the
Savolax brigade.
14 July
The battalion takes part in the advance on Kaipias. On the 15 July they
reach the village
and engage in a fight with the
defending Russian force. The defenders have a strong position
and as the promised reinforcements
from Liikaba doesn't show up the Swedes are forced to
pull back to Kouvala.
17 July
Under the threat from the Russian main army, the battalion are pulled back
across the river to
Werälä.
8
August
The battalion repels a Russian attempt to cross the river at Werelä
Mid august
The second battalion are shipped to Finland.
31 August One
battalion are deployed at Anjala, the other one at Elimä
2 September
The battalion in Elimä are sent to enforce the defence at Hirvenkoski, but
only a few days later
they are sent to protect the costal
areas around Lovisa.
Late September
One battalion are sent to St Mickel to support the right flank of the
Savolax brigade.
6 October The
battalion in Savolax takes part in the "demonstration of power" in Suomenniemi.
30 October One
battalion are part of the left division and are sent to winter quarters in
the area of Nyby.
The other battalion takes quarters
in Savolax.
1790
Early April The two battalions are still separated, one in Savolax and
the other one under
the command
of the left division of the main army.
End of April The battalion in Savolax participate in the advance on Soumenniemi and the
straits of
Parda- Kärnakoski. They see no action during that operation.
Later the battalion is sent to
Parkumäki, Pumala as reinforcements. Here they
participate in the repelling of the Russian
assault on the 5th of may.
28 April
The battalion with the left division
takes part in the expedition on Valkiala. One purpose is to
ease the pressure on Armfelt at Pardakoski, the other
is to raid the Russian depot in Valkiala.
Together with a battalion from the Kronobergs regiment
they cross the newly constructed
bridge and then drives the russian defenders out of
Ukkola. When that mission is completed
the Älvsborgs battalion is detached to serve as as
flank guard in Antilla while the main force
moves on towards Valkiala.
5 may As
the Russians open up an offensive in the Anjala area, the battalion in
Antilla is ordered to
pull back to Nyby depot on the Swedish side of the
river.
6 May
The battalion are
operating
between Elimä and Wilikala to prevent the Russian expansion in
the area.
17 may The
battalion with the left division is ordered back to Ninimäki. Their
strength is reported to
have decreased to some were about 2-300 men.
19 may Before
the battle at the hills of Keltis (Keltis backar) the battalion lines up
as the third counting
from the road. The battle is fought in the early
morning of the 20th may and evolves to an
intensive exchange of musket fire. No one manages to
get the upper hand, until several hours
in to the battle when the Swedish reserve manages to
get around the Russian southern flank and
capture their artillery. The Russians starts to pull
back but the Swedes are running out of
ammunition and are unable to take up a pursuit.
20 May After
the battle the Swedes rest and resupply. Later the same day they starts to
follow the
Russians. They recapture Keltis and restores the bridge
at Nappo.
21 May
The Swedes reaches Werälä were the Russians have made a halt. Soon they
realise that the
Russian position is to strong. They fortify their own
position in order to prevent any new
Russian attacks. Neither side will move for the rest of
the war.
|
|
Västgöta-Dals regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the province of Dalsland and in the western parts of Västergötland
Colour m/1761 introduced in
1766.

In 1804 the regiment
received a colour with completely new look.
 |

Uniform m/1779 introduced in 1791. Meanwhile, the
troops were ordered to change the old m/1765 uniform to a similar style. |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
July One
battalion is shipped to
Helsingfors / Helsinki, Finland.
The other one was left at home to
defend the
western border. This battalion should have been involved in the defence
against the
Danish / Norwegian invasion of Bohoslän, but Mankell gives no information on this matter.
August The
battalion is sent to Hangö to defend the area from Russian landings. They
spend the winter in
the area.
1789
7 mars
The battalion in Finland are sent from Ekenäs to Hangö to help
constructing the two coastal forts
of Gustafsvärn and Gustaf Adolfs fäste.
Spring
Parts of the vargering are summoned due to the fear of a new attack
across the Norwegian border.
Summer
The battalion belongs to the right (coastal) division. The second
battalion arrive in the mid of august.
1 September One
battalion defends a coastal battery at Broby. The strong defence delays
the Russian landing
force long enough and the retreating Swedes can slip out of the trap. The
Battalion are then
withdrawn to Strömfors.
30 October
The regiment belongs to the central division and takes winter quarters in
the are a of Artsjö and
Elimä
1790
April
Both battalion belongs to the central division and serves as border
guards at Anjala.
3
May The
regiment is relived from the guard duty, but have to detach a reserve of
100 men at Korhois.
5
May
The
Russians attacks across the river at Anjala and the defenders are
shattered. The Detachment
at Korhois "collects" some hundreds of the routing Swedes and covers their
retreat. The weight of
the Russian attack forces them back to Willikala. Meanwhile the main part
of the regiment is
summoned and participate in the advance towards Korhois.
6 May
At Korhois the regiment and 60 men from the Södermanland regiment takes a
stand on the left
side of the main road. During the second phase
of the battle the Russians advance on the
positions held by the regiment and puts them
under a severe fire. The Regiment is ordered to
make a counter attack, but the difficult terrain
causes makes them loose their order and they
has to return to their previous positions. Back
there, reports tells that Russian troops has
managed to encircle a lake on the Swedish left
flank, so the whole force is pulled back to
Willikala.
30 may
The regiment takes part in the fighting's at Korhois and Anjala when the
Russians are
forced back across the river. The regiment are stationed at Anjala until the end of the war. 10
may Mankell
tells that the regiment is reduced to the strength of a battalion. If that
only refers to the
actual numbers, or if it indicates that they actually were formed into a
single battalion is not clear.
30 may The
regiment participate in the attack on Korhois and Anjala. The Russians are
pushed back
to the bridgehead in Anjala. They manages to hold on to the bridgehead and
the two sides
spends the rest of the war watching each other.
|
|
Savolax regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the province of Savolax, but parts of Österbotten and Karelen
(Carelia) were also included.
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1747

A proposal from 1769 for a new
colour. I have not found any notes on if any colours of this design was
ever introduced.

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
954 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
The regiment formed the
backbone of the Savolax brigade. The regiment saw actions on several
locations in the area between Nyslott and Kristina.
1789
Early June One
company each are deployed at Kyro and Pumala. The remaining parts are
deployed along
the roads to Nyslott.
13
June Some 80 men that has managed to find their way back after
the battle in Kyro, takes part in the
defence of Porosalmi.
22
June The main body of the regiment are summoned in Jorois. The
units that has been at Pumala gets
there by using boats.
5 July
Parts of the regiment are sent forward to Jokkas in order to scout the Russians and if
possible,
take control
of the village. They arrive the next day, and the Russian garrison
immediately evacuates
the village.
16 august The
regiment takes part in the failed attempt to retake control of Pumala.
12 November The
regiment are sent to winter quarters
1790
Spring The
regiment is posted in Pirtimäki to watch the Russians in Pumala. In late
mars the regimental
vargering is ordered to merge with the the two field battalions. Later one
battalion is sent to
St Michel to participate in the attack on Suomenniemi.
30 April The
battalion under the command of Armfelt is put into quarters in Laamalansaari,
close to
Pardakoski.
When the Swedes becomes aware of an Russian attack in the area the
battalion
is summoned to Pardakoski. Together with a battalion from the Jönköping
regiment they defend
the right flank. Their presence keeps the Russians from any other actions
then the use of a
cannon. When the Swedes moves forward and threaten to encircle the
Russians they pull back.
5 may Shortly
after 0200 the Russians tries to surprise the Swedes in Pirtimäki. At 0400
some 100 men
of the Savolax regiment that has been posted outside the main camp arrives
and threaten the
Russian rear. The defenders manages to use the confusion on the Russian
side and launches a
series of counter attacks. Finally the Russians give in and returns to
Pumala.
|
|
Östgöta regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as the province of Östergötland.
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1751.

In 1791 the unit was reformed and
renamed to the "rotehållsdivision" of the newly formed Life Grenadier
regiment. The old colours were used until 1800 when colours of the same
design as for the Lifeguard arrived (see the enlisted). |

Uniform m/1779 introduced in 1791. Meanwhile, the
troops were ordered to change the old m/1765 uniform to a similar style. |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
June The regiment is
transported to Helsingfors / Helsinki.
July At the end of the mouth they are marched to the border to participate in
the attack on
Fredrikshamn / Hamnia. After the events at Anjala the advance is stopped
an the regiment is
stationed at Kymmenegård.
October Takes winter quarters at Nyby
1789
27 may
The regiment are deployed in the area of Keltis and Tavastehus
26 June When the King open up his
offensive, one battalion are stationed by the bridge at Kouvala, while the
other follows the King to Uttismalm. During the battle, the battalion is deployed on
the left flank, and
by advancing behind the mountain that the Russian flak is resting on, and later gain
control over an
important hill, the Russians are forced to withdraw to Davidstad.
2-3
July The battalion follows
the king to Liikala and participate in that fight.
14 July
The battalion at the bridge at Kouvala takes part in the advance on Kaipias.
On the 15 July they reach
the village
and engage in a fight with
the defending Russian force. The defenders have a strong
position
and as the promised
reinforcements from Liikaba doesn't show up the Swedes are forced to
pull back to Kouvala.
17 July
When the Russian main army shows up in the area of Kouvala, the battalion
at the bridge are pulled
back across the river to Werälä.
21 July
The battalion at Werälä is sent to Ummeljoki. Meanwhile the other
battalion that has been with the
Swedish main force in Liikala
retreats to Anjala. This battalion are the next day marched to Ummeljoki
to repel the Russians that has
crossed the river.
22 July The
regiment are posted at Werelä
Winter
The regiment belongs to the left division and takes winter quarters at Nyby
1790
28 April
The Regiment takes part in the expedition on Valkiala. One purpose is to
ease the pressure on
Armfelt at Pardakoski, the other is to raid the Russian
depot in Valkiala.
29 April The
regiment forms the reserve during the battle at Walkiala. The second
battalion is sent to reinforce
the left flank when the Russians tries a counter
attack. The first battalion participate in the attack on
the village.
5 may When
the Russians open up their actions in the area of Anjala and Hirfvenkoski,
the units in
Walkiala
are sent to Ummeljokki on the Swedish side in order to
halt the Russian advance on Keltis.
10 may The
regiment is summoned in Elimä.
12 may The
regiment is sent to Ninimäki, along the road from the city of Tavastehus
and the border.
19 may Before
the battle at the hills of Keltis (Keltis backar) one battalion lines up
as the second counting
from
the road. The other battalion is deployed on the south side of the road,
facing some Russian
jaegers. The battle is fought in the early morning of
the 20th may and evolves to an intensive
exchange
of musket fire. No one manages to get the upper hand,
until several hours in to the battle when the
battalion south of the road, now reinforced by the
Swedish reserve manages to get around the
Russian southern flank and
capture their artillery. The Russians starts to pull back but the Swedes
are
running out of
ammunition and are unable to take up a pursuit.
20 May After
the battle the Swedes rest and re-supply. Later the same day they starts
to follow the Russians.
They recapture Keltis and restores the bridge at Nappo.
21 May
The Swedes reaches Werälä were the Russians have made a halt. Soon they
realise that the
Russian
position is to strong. They fortify their own position
in order to prevent any new Russian attacks.
Neither side will move for the rest of the war.
|
|
Västmanlands regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Västmanlands county.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1773

|

Uniform m/1779 introduced in 1791. Meanwhile, the
troops were ordered to change the old m/1765 uniform to a similar style. |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
June The
regiment is transported to Helsingfors / Helsinki.
3
August Takes part in the landings at Brackila, east
of Fredrikshamn / Hamnia.
16
August Guards the border at Strömfors.
Winter Assigned
to the central division and takes quarters at Elimä.
1789
Spring Parts
of the vargering are summoned due to the fear of a new attack
across the Norwegian border.
27 may The
regiment stands in the area of Anjala and Elimä
28 June Crosses the Kymmene river at Werelä. One battalion are posted to hold the
bridge, while the other
one follow the King towards Uttismalm.
28
June One Battalion participate in the actions
at Uttismalm. The battalion engage the Russian main force,
thus enabling the other Swedes to move around the Russian flanks.
3
July The battalion
participate in the fight at Liikala.
14
July The battalion is sent as
reinforcement to Kaipias, but gets engaged in combat at Enjärvi. The
battalion
is ordered to return to Liikala.
21 July The regiment pulls back to the Swedish side of the river.
8 August One
battalion participate in rejecting a Russian attempt to cross the river at Anjala.
Winter The regiment belongs
to the central division. It is sent to winter
quarters in the area of Artsjö.
1790
End of April Both battalions
belongs to the central division.
28 April Both
battalion takes part in the expedition on Valkiala. One purpose is to
ease the pressure on
Armfelt at Pardakoski, the other is to raid the Russian
depot in Valkiala.
29 April The
regiment plays an distinctive role in the victory at Walkiala. The first
battalion is deployed on the
left flank and
together with the Kronobergs regiment, they performs a decisive charge. The
second
battalion, that is deployed on the extreme right flank, makes a similar decisive attack
there.
5 may When
the Russians open up their actions in the area of Anjala and Hirfvenkoski,
the units in
Walkiala
are sent to Ummeljokki on the Swedish side in order to
halt the Russian advance on Keltis.
6 may The
regiment is sent to Willikala.
10 may One
battalion is sent half the way towards Werälä in order to scout out
the Russian positions there.
Meanwhile, the other
battalion is stationed in Elimä.
17 may The
battalion in Elimä is sent forward to Willikala.
20 may The
battalion that is stationed along the road close to Werälä have been
ordered to join the main force
for the battle of
Keltis. As the battalion advances on Keltis from the south they encounter
a superior
Russian force at the
Nappo bridge. The battalion is forced to retreat back to their initial
positions. The
Russian force is
likely the ones that just have been driven back from Keltis.
30 may The
battalion in Willikala participate in the counter attack on Korhois and Anjala.
The Russians are
forced back to the
bridgehead in Anjala, but the Swedes is not strong enough to dare an
assault.
End of June The regiment is
summoned in Anjala.
August The
regiment is moved to Werälä.
|
|
Västerbottens regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in provinces of Västerbotten and Norrbotten.
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1758

Colour m/1766 introduced in 1812

|

Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1056 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
September Arrives
to Anjala.
Winter Takes
winter quarters in the area between Tavastehus and Keltis.
1789
28
June Takes
part in the actions at Uttismalm. Together with the Västmanlands regiment
the y move around
the Russians right flank, and after some intensive fighting's the Russians
are forced back.
1 July
The regiment follows the king to Liikala
21 July Pulls
back across the river at Anjala.
22 July
One battalion stays at Anjala while the other is sent to face the Russians
that has crossed the river
at Ummeljoki and Werälä. The Russians pulls back without any fight.
29
July One
battalion gets engaged in combat with some Russians trying to cross the
river at Werelä.
31 august
The both battalions are in Anjala
Winter
The regiment is assigned to the costal division and takes winter quarters in Lovisa.
1790
5 may
The regiment is summoned in Wilikala as the news of the Russian attacks in
Anjala and Hirvenkoski
arrives. Later the same day the two battalions
are sent as a part of the force that advances along
the road to Anjala and Korhois.
6 may
In Korhois the regiment is deployed on the south side of the
road. They are accompanied by the
remains of the Dowagers Queens lifeguards and
the Mejerfelts freicorps. Together they repel the
first Russian charge. The Russians then tries to
encircle the flank. Later in the battle, when the
Russian side manages to push the Swedes back on
the other flank, a general retreat to Wilikala
is ordered.
10 may
The regiment is reorganised into one single battalion.
30 may
The regiment participate in the counter offensive on Korhois and Anjala.
The Russians are
forced back to the bridgehead in Anjala,
but the Swedes is not strong enough to dare an assault.
End of July
The king and the entire Swedish navy that has spent several weeks locked
into the bay of Viborg
finally manages to break out and retreat towards
Swedish territory. The command fears of Russian
landings in the back of the forces at Högfors,
so the regiment is sent to take up positions in the
area of Broby and Kvarnby.
|
| |
|
Kalmar regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in approximately the same area as today's Kalmar county
Colour introduced in
1764

Colour m/1766 introduced in 1813

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1100 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
The regiment
were serving onboard the Navy
during the
whole war.
The personnel participated in the following naval battles:
1788
17 July
The battle at Hogland
1789
26 July
The battle at
Öland
1790
13 May
The battle at
Reval (Tallinn)
3-4
June
The battle at
Kronstadt
3
July
The break out from the blockade at Viborg
|
|
Nylands regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the province of Nyland and the southern parts of Tavastland.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1772

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1025 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
12 June The
first battalion arrives to Elimä.
23 June The
first battalion is deployed at Lilla Abborrfors while the second is put as
garrison at the
fort Svartholmen.
12
July
The first battalion takes part in the advance along the costal road.
17 July
The first battalion reaches Summa.
19 July
The battalion at Summa takes part in the action when a Russian attack is
repelled.
10 august
The first battalion is deployed at Kymmenegård / Högfors
1 September The battalion at Högfors participate when a Russian attempt to cross the bridge is
repelled.
25
September The entire Swedish army evacuates the Russian part of
Finland.
20 October The
first battalion (?) forms together with the Svartholmen garrison one
battalion under the
coastal division, while the other battalion is sent home for winter
quarters.
1789
3 May One of the regular battalion and the vargerings
battalion are sent to serve on the archipelago
fleet. It seems like they have spent the whole campaign on board.
22 June The
remaining battalion boards the archipelago fleet at Svartholmen.
26 June The
battalion are put ashore in the back of the Russian defenders at Abborrfors.
From here on
they follows the costal division.
19 July They
takes part in the royal reconnaissance expedition towards Fredrikshamn.
The force are
withdrawn to Högfors after some fighting's at Saxala.
24 August The
archipelago fleet are defeated in the first battle of Svensksund. A large
number of the
participants comes from the regiment.
2 September Due
to the Russian offensive along the coast, the battalion at Högfors is
pulled back to Abborfors.
30 October The
whole regiment are sent home for winter quarters
1790
13 February The
regiment is transferred to the newly formed Karelian brigade.
18 February The vargering of the regiment is sent to the archipelago fleet.
April
The Karelian brigade is summoned in Tomajärvi. Due to shortages of supply,
mainly food, they
are un able to perform the offensive missions that the king had ordered.
June The Karelian brigade is ordered to redeploy to St Michel in Savolax. They
arrive at the end of
the month and are sent to Suomenniemi to strengthen
the positions held by Armfelt.
|
|
Närke-Värmlands regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in area of today's Örebro county and Värmlands county.
Colour m/1766 introduced in 1767

In 1812 the regiment was split into
Värmlands regiment and Närke regiment. The Närke regiment maintained the
basic design but the red and white fields were reversed.

The Värmland regiment recived colours
of a completely new design.
 |

Uniform m/1779 introduced in 1791. Meanwhile, the
troops were ordered to change the old m/1765 uniform to a similar style. |
| Man power |
1674 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
10 Companies
(The only alotted regiment with three battalions) |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
July Two
of he battalions are kept at home in case of any Danish activities while
the third battalion is
shipped to Helsingfors / Helsinki. They are then marched to the border at
Pyttis.
September When
the Danish attacks from Norway, the two remaining battalions are
mobilised. Some companies
are sent to the Norwegian border, the rest are marched to Gothenburg.
These battalions sees no
fighting's of any importance
1789
25 June The
battalion in Finland is moved to Svartholmen, were they embark the
archipelago fleet.
26 June The
battalion embarks at Pyttis to put pressure on the Russian defenders at
Abborfors.
7 July The
battalion joins the rest of the costal division at Kuppis.
18 July They
participate in the operations that leads to the capture of the bridges
between the island of
Pyttis,
Kymmenegård and Högfors
21 July The
battalion is sent to Anjala-Ummeljoki to reinforce the central front.
already on the 22nd they
are sent to meet the Russian force that has crossed the river at Ummeljoki.
The Russians
withdraws without any fight, and soon after the battalion is sent back to Kymmenegård
again.
14
August The battalion is
sent to Anjala and participate in the fighting's.
September The
remaining two battalions arrives to Finland and the united regiment guards
the coast of Nyland
(southern Finland).
30 September 100 men
takes part in the attack on the Russian stronghold at the island of Elgsö.
October The
regiment is moved to Savolax and takes winter quarters in the vicinity of St Mickel.
1790
Mars
The first battalion is sent to Savolax, so from now on the entire regiment
is under the command of
General Armfelt in St
Mickel.
April The
regiment takes part in the assault on Pardakoski, Kärnakoski and
Suomenniemi but plays
no
major role.
30 April Before
the Russian counter attack on Pardakoski and Kärnakoski, one company and
some
artillery deploys by
the Kärnakoski bridge. Here they repel an attack from some Russian
jaegers.
During the later part
of the battle the company manages to make a raid across the bridge and
captures two Russian
cannons.
The
first and second battalion is deployed on the ridge just to the north of
Pardakoski. They takes
some serious
casualties but manages to repel two Russian charges. The third battalion
who has
been deployed in
Suomenniemi arrives to the scene too late to see any actions.
4 June
Two battalions participate in the attack on Savitapale. One battalion of
the regiment, the
Dahlvargering
battalion and 40 jaegers forms the middle column. The column manages to
capture their first
objective, but then general Armfelt decides to start the assault on the
Sapvitapale fort
without the support of the other two columns. As the defenders can
concentrate
their defensive fire
on the column, they takes severe casualties and retreats back to
Kärnakoski.
The second battalion belongs to the left column and has the the mission to
attack the fort from the
south. Their advance
is delayed and when they finally arrives to their position, the main
charge
has already been
beaten back. The column turns back again without any fighting's.
|
|
Österbottens regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in the costal area of the province of Österbotten.
Colour m/1686 B introduced in
1744.

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1200 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
Spring The regiment spends the winter and spring as labours at the castle of
Sveaborg
26 July The regiment embarks the
archipelago fleet and are shipped towards Fredrikshamn (Hamnia).
3 august The regiment takes part
in the landings at Brackila and moves from the east to on Fredrikshamn.
The operation is however abandoned the day after and the troops embarks
the ships again.
20
October 100 men are stationed at Tavastehus while the rest is sent home.
1789
14
June The regiment is on a rapid march towards Porosalmi. When the
regiment shows up, the Russians
gives
up the assaults. The regiment joins the defenders but sees no action this
day. When Porosalmi
finally
is evacuated, the regiment follows the Savolax brigade in the retreat to
Jorois.
21 July
One battalion takes part in the attack at Parkumäki. They are halted by
the heavy fire from the
defenders,
but thanks to the success in the assault of the
Björneborgarers on the right flank, they can
move
on and finish the conquest.
22 July
The battalion that has been at Parkumäki reaches the straits of Laitasilta,
just across Nyslott.
16 august
The other battalion takes part in the failed attempt to retake Pumala.
6 October Parts
of the regiment participate in the "demonstration of power" at Suomenniemi.
9 October The
battalion at Laitasilta can together with the Björneborgers, after
some severe fighting's, repel
a
Russian attempt to retake the straits.
30
October The entire regiment takes winter quarters in Savolax.
1790
The regiment is deployed to defend
the crossings at Kallislaks/Nyslott. Mankell provides no information of
any actions on that location, and no information that indicates that the
regiment were engaged in any other operations.
|
|
Jämtlands regemente |
|

The regiment was
allotted in today's Jämtlands county, excluding Härjedalen.
Colour m/1686 B introduced in 1736

Colour m/1766 introduced in 1814

|
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
1048 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
8 Companies |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war:
1788
The regiment is mobilised to watch the Danish/Norwegian border. I have no
notes about any fighting's.
1789
September The
regiment is transferred to Finland and serves as costal defence in Nyland.
October The regiment is transported to the central division and takes winter
quarters at Peipola.
1790
End of April Both
battalions are under the command of the central division.
5 maj
Parts of the regiment are summoned to Willikala when the news of the
Russian attacks at Anjala
and Hirvenkoski arrives to the headquarter.
This is the last
note in Mankells book where the Jämtland regiment is mentioned. Instead a
unit referred to as the Jämtlands jaegers pop's up. There can be several
explanations on this. He may refer to the dragoon company that often are
mentioned as the "Horse jaegers". He may also refer to a smaller Jaeger
unit reqruited from the parent regiment. Finally it's possible that
Mankell has been slightly "uncareful" when writing the book. At that time
(mid 19th century) the regiment had been officially renamed to "The field
jaeger corps".
If I have to guess, I
would go for a fourth explanation. In the1770's this regiment was
transformed into a light unit along the same ideas as the units in
Savolax. These light units were more and more often referred to as
jaegers. My guess is that Mankell has been true to his sources and that "
The Jämtlands Jaegers" are identical to "The Jämtland regiment".
5 may The
regiment takes part in the expedition to Hirvenkoski.
6 may During
the engagement at Hirvenkoski, the regiment deploys in the Swedish village
to protect the
flank of the Dalregiment.
7 may
In the light of the Russian victory at Korhois, the entire force in
Hirvenkoski is pulled back to
Tavastby.
11 may The
regiment is sent to Haavisto.
3 June Once
again the regiment is back in Hirvenkoski. The Russian force evacuates the
village and
the
Swedes manages to cross the river and occupies the Russian village as
well. Later the regiment
advances
along the road towards Broby.
1 august In order to
defend the coast the regiment joins the Västerbottens regiment in the area
of Broby and
Kvarnby.
|
|
Kymmenegårds bataljon (former
Viborgs regemente) |
|
Due to the peace
in1721 the allotting area for the regiment were reduced, and the unit were
reduced to a battalion and also renamed. In 1744 the area was even more
reduced, and the battalion had only a small part of the Elimä company
left. The unit was still preserved as a battalion until 1791 when
the unit was merged into the newly founded Nylands rifle battalion.

The battalion was
allotted in the costal areas area between the river of Kymmene and the
province of Nyland

A picture dated
1728 display this colour. I don't know if it were ever used. The Viborgs
regemente carried the arm of Carelia, two arms with swords facing each
others (see the Karelian dragoons) .
The loss of territory is probably the reason for a colour with only half of the Carelian
arm. |
Uniform m/1779. I have no info about the time of the
introduction |
| Man power |
92 numbers |
| Number of
companies |
1 company |
|
Activities during the 1788-90 war: The activities of this unit is a bit tricky to trace in Mankells book. In
some case they are refered to as the "Kymmenegårds battalion" in some case
as "Elimä" or "Kymmenegårds jägare" (=rifles). Later on they are also
associated to "Enehjelms and Kraemers jägarkår" (rifle corps). My personal theory is
that there was only the alloted company (the rifles) that
participated in this campaign. The Vargering (the reserve unit) might have
stayed as guards on swedish soil.
1788
23 juni The battalion, including the vargering is summoned at Lilla Abborrfors
17 juli The Kynnenegårds rifles crosses the border at Anjala and capture Liikala.
22 juli 64 men takes part in the advance to Hussala
1 augusti The rifles are sent to encircle Fredrikshamn
(Hamnia) and to make contact with the force that is
supposed to
make a landing future east at Brackila. After a minor battle with some
Russian
jaegers they get the
message that no landing force is on the way, the battalion is pulled back
to Hussala.
10 augusti The Kymmenegårds rifles are stationed at Kymmenegård / Högfors
25 september The entire swedish army is pulled out
of the Russian Finland
20 oktober The
rifles are a part of the left division.
1789
27 may Kymmenegårds
company is mentioned as posted along the coastal road. There are no
further
references to this unit.
As a part
of the Kraemers
jägarkår:
28
June The corps are sent across the river to take control of Walkiala
14 July
The corps is a part of the force that are sent to Kaipias. On the 15th
they engage the defending
Russians, but the defence is too strong and the expected reinforcement
from Liikala doesn't
show up, so the attackers are forced to retreat to Kouvala.
17 July
Facing the main Russian army, the corps are pulled back to Werälä on the
other side of the river
21 July
When the Russian forces crosses the river at Werälä, the corps are pulled
back towards Ummeljoki.
When
the reinforcements shows up, the corps can retake the old positions in
Werälä.
August
There are rumours about a Russian attack across the river at Anjala, so
the corps are sent there
to strengthen the defence. They will be stationed here for the rest of the
campaign.
30 October The corps belongs to the central
division and takes winter quarters at Artsjö and Elimä
1790
6 may
The battalion accompanies a battalion of the Kronobergs regiment in the
defence of the bridge
in
Nappo.
9 may
An additional Russian force crosses the river at Ummeljokki. These forces
the units by the bridge
to
withdraw to Keltis and later Ninimäki.
This is the last
note Mankell has on this small unit. It's possible that the unit were
merged into one of the larger units at Ninimäki, and that the personnel
participated in the battle of Keltis with their new unit. If anyone knows,
please enlighten me.
|
|
Kajana bataljon, Kajana
jägarbataljon, Kajana brigad
(The Kajana battalion, the Kajana jaeger battalion and
the Kajana brigade) |
|
Uniform:
Gray jackets with blue turn backs, piping and collar.
Long pants. No info regarding the looks of the hats.
Colour
A colour was introduced in 1799 but its appearance is
unknown. The drawings below are jut there to tickle your imagination...
The
population of the eastern parts of the province of Österbotten had as
early as 1680 agreed to raise 150 men to defend their home area. This unit
is often referred to as the Kajana border- and lantwehr company. In April
1788 the king Gustav III decided to agree to a proposal from the governor
in the Uleåborg county, suggesting that the Kajana border- and lantwehr
company should be expanded to a battalion of 300 men. The battalion was to
be subordinated to the Österbottens regemente. Very soon an agreement was
reached with the peasantry in the area. They agreed to allot 94 men in
Paltamo, 120 men in Sotkano and 93 men in Hyrynsalmi, a total of 307 men.
Alongside the allotted battalion a
lantwehr
of 300 men was to be recruited.
In the summer of 1789 another
agreement was reached with the peasantry in Kuusamo and the Kemijärvi area
to form a "ski rifle company". The company was to have 3 drummers, 47
soldiers and 54 rifle men, in all 107 men. From the autumn of 1789 the
units in the northern and eastern Österbotten is referred to as the Kajana
infantry battalion and the Kajana Jaeger battalion.
The battalions had three
companies each, and then there were the more loosely attached Kuusamo
company up in the far north. It is however pointed out by Aminoff that
this was more a administrative way of describing the situation. The
jaegers were never organised in a battalion, and he also points out that
the "jaegers" designation were rather misleading on a pure lantwehr unit.
The raising of these poorly
trained units was not in vain. The mere fact that they existed had a
cooling effect on the Russian activities in these areas. No major Russian
activities were reported during any of the three war seasons. The only
reports regards some minor raids on border postings.
In spring 1790 the Kajana brigade
marched south. The brigade vas formed by Kajana infantry battalion, the
newly formed Uleåborgs light infantry regiment (see
auxiliary units) and a small artillery detachment of eight 3 pounders.
The prospect of having the border undefended caused some major disturbance
in the Kajana area, and there were reports of mutiny in the Sotkamo company. The
situation was calmed down when the Jaeger battalion and the Kuusamo
company were ordered to stay behind. At first the brigade headed to
Karelia to reinforce the Karelian brigade. The march continued to Savolax
and finally ended by the main army at Kymmene. There are no reports of
that the brigade was ever engaged in any battles.
In 1799 the battalion was reduced
to 150 allotted riflemen and the lantwehr was cancelled. The battalion now
held 172 numbers, 157 in Kajana and 15 in the Kemijärvi area.
|
|
|
Norra och Södra Skånska
roteringsregementet ( The Northern and Southern Scanian infantry regiments) |
|
The loss of Finland in 1809 left the
Swedish army desperately low on units and manpower. Up til now the former
Danish province of Scania had only carried the burden of two cavalry
regiments, but now they were considered loyal enough to also be able to
provide two infantry regiments.
Colours:
In 1813 the two regiments each received
four colours that had originally been produced for the Adlercreutz enlisted
regiment in Finland. The colours was never delivered, instead they was
modified for the two new units. The small shield, held by the the lion, was
painted yellow and blue and carried the Scanian red head of a griffon (the
same pattern as on the standard of the Southern Scanian cavalry regiment.)
Both regiments carried identical colours.

|
|
Wasa regemente (The Wasa
regiment) |
| The population growth in
Finland allowed the army to raise the allotted units by nearly 2 000 men.
When the war of 1808-09 started the work had just begun, but the only
substantial effect was the 800 men that had just been recruited for the new
Wasa regiment. However the men was not yet trained and no officers was
assigned yet.
Colour:
It is not likely that any colour had been designed for
this unit, but just to tickle your imagination I will present two of my
personal ideas...

|
Allotted cavalry
Enlisted units
Auxiliary units
|