Battle of Hyvinkää

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Battle of Hyvinkää

The Battle of Hyvinkää was fought during the Finnish Civil War from 19 to 21 April 1918 in Hyvinkää, Finland. German forces of about 3,000 soldiers from the Baltic Sea Division attacked the town, which was held by Finnish Reds (roughly 300–500 fighters). The Reds had strong defensive positions along the Hanko railway in Hyvinkäänkylä and fought fiercely in the station area.

The Germans attacked from three directions: toward Klaukkala and Nurmijärvi via the Hanko railway, along the Tuusula road, and along the Main Railway. They used artillery and an armored train. German commanders included Major General Konrad Wolf, with key units led by Major Godert von Reden. Reds were defended by local Red Guards and troops from nearby areas.

After days of fighting, the Germans broke through and Hyvinkää fell in the late afternoon of April 21. The Reds withdrew toward the station area and then to safety with their families. In the battle and its immediate aftermath, about 21 German soldiers were killed and around 50 Reds were killed. Two civilians also died from artillery fire.

In May, Whites carried out executions of Reds in the area, with around 150 Reds killed. The Germans then moved on to Riihimäki later that day.

A monument to the German dead was later unveiled opposite Hyvinkää railway station in 1921.