Raid on Ruhnu (1917)

The Raid on Ruhnu, also sometimes referred to as the Occupation of Ruhnu, was a military operation conducted by German forces during World War I in November 1917. Ruhnu is a small island located in the Gulf of Riga, historically inhabited by a Swedish-speaking population and, at the time, part of the Governorate of Livonia within the Russian Empire.

The strategic importance of Ruhnu stemmed from its location, which allowed for control of maritime traffic in the Gulf of Riga and provided a potential observation post. Following the German capture of the larger islands of Saaremaa (Ösel), Hiiumaa (Dagö), and Muhu (Moon) during Operation Albion, Ruhnu became a logical next target.

The German operation involved a relatively small detachment of troops, often described as a landing party, supported by naval vessels. The raid encountered minimal resistance as the island was lightly defended. The German forces quickly secured control of Ruhnu.

The occupation of Ruhnu by German forces lasted until the end of World War I in November 1918. After the war, Ruhnu was initially claimed by both Latvia and Estonia. A Latvian administration was established briefly. However, in 1919, the islanders voted in a referendum to join Estonia, and Estonian control was subsequently recognized internationally. The German occupation thus represented an interim period in Ruhnu's transition from being part of the Russian Empire to becoming part of an independent Estonia.