Johan August Sandels

Who was Johan August Sandels?

Count Johan August Sandels was a Swedish soldier and politician, being appointed Governor of Norway 1818 and Field Marshal in 1824. He also served as acting Over-Governor of Stockholm in 1815.

Sandels was born in Stockholm. In the Finnish War on October 27th, 1808 he led the Swedish troops to victory against the Russian forces, at the Battle at Virta Bridge. His subordinate officers were Colonel Fahlander, Major Malm and Major Joachim Zachris Duncker.

These events and others in the Finnish War were later retold in a series of epic poems by Johan Ludvig Runeberg. Runeberg's poem tells a story of Sandels having a feast while the enemy mounts a premature attack. Sandels continues his meal and is accused of cowardice, after which he raises and rides to the battle, drives back the enemy and is praised by his men.

Sandels is also a beer brewed by Olvi since 1971. Humorous stories about Colonel Sandels are printed on the back label.

He received some award for his services in form of a donation lands in the then Swedish Pomerania.