After the formal end of the First World War in November 1918, the German Imperial Army which occupied Estonia was withdrawing from Estonia and other occupied territories. The Russian Bolshevik troops invaded the newly formed country of Estonia in Narva.[3]
Bolshevik troops advanced across the Narva River on November 22, but were repelled by German troops.[4][5] The Battle of Narva was part of the Soviet westward offensive of 1918-1919.
The Battle
On November 22, Bolshevik forces unsuccessfully attempted to capture Narva. On November 25, Finland agreed to provide weapons and ammunition to Estonia.[6] On November 28, Bolshevik forces were ordered to advance into Narva from Kingisepp.[4][7]
Battle of Keldrimäe
The first clashes began near the town of Jaanilinn (now Ivangorod) on November 28, between around 900 German troops and 2,800 Red Army soldiers. Bridges on the Narva River were destroyed by the Germans.[5]
Battle of Joala
Файл:Joala lahing 6.jpgA monument which reads "The Battle of Joala was fought here on Nov. 28, 1918."
The Battle of Joala took place in Joala, Narva, when Bolshevik troops crossed the Narva River and attacked German artillery batteries. The Bolsheviks had the goal of destroying railway and telegraph communication. Estonian and German troops defended Narva until the Bolshevik forces were repelled. Jaan Sihver was killed in the battle.[8] Red Army troops made preparations to cross the Narva river in boats. Germans and Estonians made successful efforts to repel the Red Army troops.[9][10]
Capture of Narva
A detachment of 500 Bolshevik soldiers were deployed from the Bolshevik cruiser Oleg and other Bolshevik destroyers in Narva-Jõesuu. German troops retreated west, and, fearing encirclement, Estonian troops retreated west. German troops destroyed a railway which lead into Narva.[4][9] The Red Army captured Narva and Jaanilinn later on November 28 and 29, 1918.[6]
The Red Army captured Narva and Jaanilinn on November 28 and 29, 1918, starting the Estonian War of Independence.[6] Bolsheviks established the Commune of the Working People of Estonia (Estonian: Eesti Töörahva Kommuuna) on November 29, 1918, in Bolshevik-occupied territories in Estonia.[11] The Red Army continued to advance towards Tallinn in December 1918. Germans withdrew from Estonia[8]
