A preliminary engagement of the Battle of Tampere, notable for the post-battle execution of 70–100 Red prisoners and widely circulated photographs of those killings.
Key Facts
- Date
- 16 March 1918
- Conflict
- Finnish Civil War
- Executed prisoners (Reds)
- 70–100 persons
- Location (modern municipality)
- Jämsä, Finland
- Relation to larger battle
- One of first operations of the Battle of Tampere
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Finnish Civil War pitted the government-backed White forces against the socialist Red Guards beginning in January 1918. By mid-March, White commanders were advancing toward Tampere, the principal Red stronghold, and a series of coordinated operations in the surrounding region was launched between 15 and 18 March to secure approaches to the city.
On 16 March 1918, White and Red forces clashed at the village of Länkipohja. The Whites prevailed and accepted the surrender of Red combatants. The battle was one of several simultaneous engagements at Kuru, Ruovesi, and Vilppula that together constituted the opening moves of the broader Battle of Tampere.
Following the White victory, between 70 and 100 Red prisoners who had capitulated were executed. At least one of these executions was photographed, and the resulting images became among the most widely recognised photographs of the Finnish Civil War, documenting the brutal treatment of prisoners during the conflict.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent