Swedish victory at Vänersborg ended Norwegian offensive operations in the area during the Torstenson War of 1645.
Key Facts
- Conflict
- Torstenson War
- Norwegian losses (initial attack)
- 24 men
- Swedish losses (initial attack)
- 5 men
- Swedish garrison size
- 100 men
- Number of attacks repelled
- 3
- Dano-Norwegian commander
- Henrik Bielke
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Torstenson War between Sweden and Denmark-Norway, Norwegian forces under commander Henrik Bielke sought to press their advantage in the region around Vänersborg, which had already been burned to the ground in an attack the previous year, leaving Swedish positions vulnerable.
In 1645, Norwegian troops launched three successive attacks on Swedish fortifications at Vänersborg. A Swedish garrison of roughly one hundred men, led by Captain Alexander Hamilton, defended the position. The Norwegians suffered 24 casualties in the initial assault alone, while Swedish defenders lost only five men, including one corporal.
The Swedish garrison repelled all three Norwegian attacks, forcing Henrik Bielke and his forces to withdraw. The retreat of the Norwegian army was hastened by the arrival of additional Swedish troops under Lieutenant Colonel Per Lillie, marking the end of Norwegian offensive operations against Vänersborg for the duration of the Torstenson War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Alexander Hamilton, Per Lillie.
Side B
1 belligerent
Henrik Bielke.