Battle of Kjølberg Bridge

The Battle of Kjølberg Bridge (Swedish: Slaget vid Kjølbergs bro) was fought 14 August 1814, during the Swedish–Norwegian war of 1814. The Swedish army had problems repairing the bridge due to constant fire from the Norwegian side of the river. It was then a small Swedish force of 75 men, consisting of jägers from the Bohuslän and Life Grenadier Regiments, passed over the river at a hidden point. Once over they waited for reinforcements but none came; but instead the order of attacking the vastly larger Norwegian force. The Colonel response to the attack order have been famous "It is unreasonable to attack with only 75 men when you face a whole regiment." "But such an order isn't given to me twice. March!" During cheers the Swedes rushed up the hill toward the mansion that was occupied with 600 men. The attack was surprising and decisive. As more Swedish troops crossed, the Norwegians quickly left the stand. This was the last battle fought during the Swedish–Norwegian War. The Convention of Moss, providing a cease fire agreement, was signed that same day.[3] [1]

Battle of Kjølberg Bridge
Part of the Swedish–Norwegian War of 1814

Plaque of the Battle of Kjølberg bridge August 14, 1814
Date14 August 1814
Location
Kjølberg bridge, north of Fredrikstad, Norway
Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Norway Sweden
Commanders and leaders
Unknown Gustav Fredrik Mörner
Strength
600[1] 75 engaged (supported by 4 battalions)[2]
Casualties and losses
30 killed
30 captured[2]		 3 killed
14 wounded[2]

The last shots were fired north of the bridge with the Norwegians in retreat.[4] [5]

See also

References
  1. Krigsarkivet, Armémuseum, Lars Henriksen, Ola Johnsgaard Moen, Martin Markelius
  2. Sveriges Sista Krig: Fälttåget mot Norge
  3. "200 years of peace (Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Industry)". Archived from the original on 2015-01-22. Retrieved 2015-01-22.
  4. Mörner, Carl Gustaf Hjalmar (Svenskt biografiskt handlexikon)
  5. Så gick det i slaget vid Kjölbergsbro ( Svenska Dagbladet)

Other sources
  • Nordlund, Karl (2007) The Swedish-Norwegian Union Crisis: A History with Documents (BiblioBazaar) ISBN 978-0554086934

(in Norwegian)

  • Angell, Henrik (1914) Syv-aars-krigen for 17. mai 1807-1814 (Kristiania: Aschehoug) ISBN 82-90520-23-9
  • Steen, Sverre (1989) 1814 (J. W. Cappelens Forlag A/S) ISBN 82-02-11935-9
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