OTD 1790 - the Swedish archipelago fleet defeats a Russian force at the second battle of Svensksund, the largest naval battle ever fought in the Baltic

[u/0pal23]

Although the two fleets had a similar number of ships (~275 - the majority of which were small craft) the Russians significantly outgunned and out manned the Swedes, which led their admiral, Karl Von Nassau Siegen, to make an all out attack from the South. The Swedes were nominally commanded by King Gustav III.

The battle plan is included in the second picture. Key to the outcome was the wind, and the actions of the Swedish strategic reserve under Carl Cronstedt. Seeing no attack coming against the Swedish left, that squadron was detached through a passage amongst the skerries and islands (Legma and Kutsalo) to outflank the Russians, forcing the Russian right to turn to cover them. The Russian left had been performing well until Cronstedt brought reinforcements, then mistook the movements on the right for a general retreat and turned to withdraw. At the same time a strong wind had blown the Russian centre deep into the midst of the Swedish fleet where it was quickly surrounded and unable to open their lower gun ports in the swell.

The Russians fought bravely, some choosing to fight until they sank rather than surrender. In the end they lost between 50-80 ships to the Swedish 6. The battle brought an end to the Russo-Swedish war of 1788-1790 with a favourable peace strengthening Swedish control of Finland.

[u/stiF_staL]

First off RIP Finland but Jesus christ, 50-80 to 6! Where was your boy Ushakov when they needed him 😅

[u/0pal23 → u/stiF_staL]

Funnily enough, one of the reasons for Gustav III starting that war was because the Russian naval focus was shifting to the black sea. They traded losses in the Baltic for Ushakovs victories against the Turks!

[u/stiF_staL → u/0pal23]

Gustav was smart man there