The Swedish archipelago fleet faced roughly 12,000 Russians with about 5,000 men and tried to compensate by obstructing the channels. Gustav III disliked the defensive concept and did not provide enough support, while critical passages were left open on the mistaken belief that they were unnavigable. The first Russian attack was beaten back with losses, but the next assault broke through. Sweden then had to conduct a costly fighting withdrawal under pressure. Both fleets also drew advice from the Knights Hospitaller, whose expertise lay in inshore waters and galley operations.
Chapter · 3:04:12-3:08:12
Incomplete defenses doom Sweden at the first Svensksund
Sweden's plan to seal the narrow approaches was under-resourced and unfinished, allowing a larger Russian force to break through and turn withdrawal into defeat.