Granhamn

an island in the southern group of the Aland Islands, in the vicinity of which a sea battle took place between the Russian and Swedish fleets on July 27 (Aug. 7), 1720. during the Northern War of 1700–21.

On July 26, on orders from Peter I, a galley fleet commanded by General M. M. Golitsyn (61 galleys and 29 boats, with 52 guns) arrived at the Åland Islands, intending to destroy the Swedish squadron of Vice Admiral Siöblad (one battleship, four frigates, and nine smaller ships, with 156 guns), which had advanced that far. On July 27 the Russian fleet moved towards Granhamn to take an advantageous position in the skerries but was attacked by the Swedes and turned back into the sound. When the Swedish ships drew into the shallow-water area, the Russians counterattacked and boarded four frigates, while the remaining Swedish ships retreated. The Swedish losses were 103 dead and 407 taken prisoner; the Russian casualties were 82 dead and 203 wounded. The victory at Granhamn hastened the conclusion of the Treaty of Nystadt of 1721.