BATTLE // April 28, 1918
Battle of Syrjäntaka
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Battle of Syrjäntaka, fought on 28–29 April 1918 in Tuulos between the German Baltic Sea Division and Finnish Red Guards, was one of only two engagements the Germans lost during their month-long campaign in Finland, the other being the preceding action at Hauho. Thousands of Red refugees fleeing east forced a passage through a small German blocking unit at a highway crossing in the village of Syrjäntaka, breaking through after hours of fighting. The engagement and its predecessor stand as the last Red victories of the 1918 Finnish Civil War. Despite the tactical success, the battle had no effect on the outcome of the war: the Red fighters who broke through were captured within days, and neither side gained a durable advantage from the action.
Tactics
Thousands of Red Guard refugees, fleeing east, encountered a small German unit blocking a highway crossing in the village of Syrjäntaka. After hours of desperate fighting, the Reds managed to break through the blocking position and continue their withdrawal.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Finnish Reds4,000–5,000medium
Commanders (1)
German Empire
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Related
6 sibling battles · 4 factions