Swedish archipelago forces narrowed Russian movement until the Björkösund passage became the only practical approach. Three divisions totaling forty-two gunboats then held the channel from late evening until ordered back before the Vyborg breakout. Russian attackers lost hundreds of men and several vessels without forcing passage. The engagement shows how small craft, local geography, and disciplined divisional command could offset Russian mass.
Notable Point · 1:47:05-1:49:00
Björkösund makes a narrow channel defensible
Forty-two Swedish gunboats hold a narrow approach through the night and impose heavy losses before withdrawing on orders.