Together with Matti Laurila d.ä. Nordensvan led the White Army's attacks on Filpula and Lyly. On February 4, 1918, Nordensvan and his troops took over the church village of Ruovesi and on February 5, 1918, at the Battle of Paarlammi, they managed to repel the red offensive to take over Ruovesi. Nordensvan led the defense of Filpula on February 7, 1918, after which he was given group leader for the Väärinmaja group. In March 1918, Nordensvan became commander of the Hämeenlinna Group II Manninen battalion and took part in the Battle of Tampere. Nordensvan was promoted to Jägarkapten on March 3, 1918.