Battle of Hjortby

## Combatants

Einvaldi Empire
State of Walterstan

## Commanders

Emperor William I Peter Wilhelm II Wellington-Schwarzenberg

Suomi Ikuisesti

## Strength

Medium Army (Unknown Size)
Large Army (Unknown Size)

## Casualties

Unknown
Unknown (Heavy Casualties)

The Battle of Hjortby, a pivotal engagement during the Great Winter War, occurred between the Einvaldi Empire and the invading forces of the State of Walterstan. The battle, which took place from March 29 to April 23, 8 ATP, unfolded as a result of a surprise Walterstani attack on the unprepared Einvaldi Empire. The battle is remembered for its high casualties on both sides and for ultimately shifting the tide of the war in favour of Einvaldi.

#### **Prelude**

In the wake of the surprise attack, the Imperial government and military forces of the Einvaldi Empire, led by Emperor William and his cousin Peter Wilhelm Wellington-Schwarzenberg, hastily retreated from Siberkeld and the capital, Germania, to the fortified city of Hjortby. Emperor William had initially remained in Germania, but with the Imperial Guard defending the palace, he managed to evacuate his family, guard, and valuable Whitaker Family riches and heirlooms to Hjortby. In a strategic move, the Emperor also disabled all industry in Germania to deny resources to the Walterstani forces.

#### **Leadership and Defence**

Emperor William assumed command of the Imperial Armed Forces upon reaching Hjortby, joining forces with Peter Wellington-Schwarzenberg. Their partnership and leadership played a crucial role in the subsequent events. The battle officially commenced on March 29, 8 ATP and stretched on for nearly a month.

#### **Initial Engagements**

The Walterstani forces launched a massive assault on the heart of Hjortby but were met with fierce resistance from the 1st Hjortby Mountaineers Division, under the command of Captain Scottarius Malus. Captain Malus also held the position of local governor, adding a layer of civic leadership to the city's defence. As the Walterstani forces pressed forward, they found themselves encircled by the First Imperial Guard Division, commanded by Emperor William, and the British-Czech Legion, led by Peter Wellington-Schwarzenberg.

#### **Siege and Counter-Offensive**

Following the failed assault on the city centre, the remaining Walterstani forces regrouped outside Hjortby and attempted a siege. This siege was thwarted by a combination of factors. The British-Czech Legion and the Imperial Navy of Einvaldi, both under Peter Wellington-Schwarzenberg's command, prevented naval invasions from the north. Meanwhile, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Siberkeld Infantry Divisions held the line in the south and even launched limited counter-attacks, pushing the Walterstani forces across the Hjortby River.

The Imperial Guard, meanwhile, launched multiple special forces operations aimed at encircling Walterstani units or disrupting their supply lines. These covert operations proved highly effective and resulted in the gradual disintegration of the Walterstani forces, either due to lack of supplies or their inability to retreat as they found themselves surrounded.

#### **Desperate Walterstani Gambit**

In a last-ditch effort, the Walterstani forces launched a final attack on Hjortby. They managed to break through the defenses of the British-Czech Legion in the north, capturing Mt. Klondike, and started a large forest fire in the White Forest to the northwest as a distraction. However, this desperate move ultimately backfired as their forces were encircled and besieged on Mt. Klondike. This decision was widely criticized within Walterstan's military, as it prevented the Walterstani forces from retreating and forming a defensive line south of the Hjortby River.