I Fiendens Vald: Noregs Handtering av Krigsfangar under Den Store Nordiske Krig 1709-1720

Abstract

This master’s thesis investigates the treatment of Swedish prisoners of war during the great northern war 1709-1720 in Norway. Swedish POWs in Norway during the great northern war is almost an unexamined topic. Historiography about the war mentions that prisoners were taken but says little to nothing about what happened to the prisoners afterwards. Research on the topic is neither collected nor systematized.

The aim of this master ́s thesis is to take a closer look at what happened to the Swedish prisoners after they were taken into Norwegian captivity. This research is mainly based on qualitative analysis of source material, and to a small extent quantitative analysis. Comparing norms for treatment of POWs and analysing sources that show the treatment the prisoners were subjected to, reveals that there was not always a correspondence between theory and practice.

International law, -customs and Christian V ́s articles of war of 1683 formed the framework for the treatment of the Swedish prisoners in Norway during the war. In addition to the articles, directives were issued to regulate the treatment of prisoners as circumstances changed. My findings show that the norms were often not- or only partially followed and that the violators of the law nevertheless got away with a lighter punishment.

Analysis of source material revealed that all swedes were regarded as the enemy, and although the theory had begun to mark a distinction between combatants and non-combatants, all swedes were in practice considered and treated like POWs. The prisoners were first placed in fortresses and detention centers before they were distributed in the country and had to work for subsistence. The prisoners were exchanged several times during the war and with the peace treaty of Frederiksborg in 1720 everyone was to be set free.

In conclusion the research indicates that the Swedish POWs were treated well in captivity. Based on sources that shows that the prisoners were given food and clothing, were treated like other workers in service and on the low death rates during captivity. There were nevertheless some exceptions and sources that speak for harsh conditions in captivity.