Model of the Battle of Narva
The Estonian War Museum opened the model of the Battle of Narva in June 2005. The author of the model is Mr. Juri Kotchinev and the visitor is welcomed to pay a thorough look at the perfectly shaped maquette in the Armour Room.
At the second half of the XVII century the Swedish Kingdom was at the height of its power. Poland, Denmark and Russia were against such a division of power and at the end of the century an advantageous situation arose: relationships between Poland and Russia improved and in 1699 the Polish King, the czar of Russia and the King of Denmark entered into a treaty against Sweden. The 15 year-old Carl XII of Sweden now stood alone.
The Northern War broke out in February 1700. In autumn the Russian army arrived at Narva and in the second half of October Peter I went on a massive attack. At first they enjoyed success but when the young king of Sweden had beaten the enemy under Rakvere, he brought his troops to Narva. The Swedish army had to face an army three times greater: 10,500 against 30,000 Russian troops. But for reasons unknown czar Peter I left his army and instead Duke de Croy became Commander-in-Chief.
The Battle of Narva began on November 19. A sudden snowstorm arose from the back of the Swedes directly into the faces of the Russians. The Russians were forced to retreat; many of them fell into the Narva River and drowned. The Russian high command, made of foreigners, surrendered to the Swedes and went over to their side.
Though the victory under Narva was significant, the Swedes discontinued their campaign. The Swedish army left Estonian territory in 1701 and military actions were carried over to Latvia and Lithuania.
| Armies | |
|---|---|
| Sweden | Russian |
| Commanders-in-Chief | |
| King Carl XII | Field Marshal Charles Eugène de Croy |
| Troops | |
| app. 10 500 | app. 30 000 |
| Losses | |
| 660 KIA | app 15 000 KIA; 12,000 POW |