In the Finnish War (1808–1809) on 27 October 1808, he led the Swedish troops to victory against the Russian forces, at the Battle of Koljonvirta.

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.

[3] Media related to Johan August Sandels at Wikimedia Commons This article about a Swedish politician is a stub.