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The Battle of Anholt (March 27, 1811) proved a decisive British victory and led to many Danish casualties. A monument for the battle is located in Anholt village.
[edit] Strategic background to the battle
From 1808 to 1814, Anholt, a small Danish island off the coast of Jutland, was occupied by the British who sought to restore the function of the lighthouse to aid their navigation. During the Gunboat War, Denmark attempted to retake the island by force.
[edit] Naval tactical background
[edit] Falsen's Battle Plan
[edit] British Battle Plan
[edit] Battle
The battle of Anholt to place the 25th of March 1811. The Danish army had a greater fighting force than the British, but lack of intelligence led to a devastating defeat.
The 24th of March a Danish fleet of 10 gunboats and 1000 Danish marines took of from Gjerild beach in Jutland. The Danish fleet did not know that the English fort at Anholt, known as Fort York, was protected by frigates and that it had been reinforced with better artillery. The English force contained 380 marines. The Danes landed on the northern beach of Anholt early in the morning. They started walking towards fort York which was a bastion built in extension of the lighthouse. The Coordination of the battle plan did not work and the fighting ended in sporadic encounters. The Danish soldiers, became thirsty and tired. One last attack was launched 10.00 o'clock at Fort York by Major Melsted. With raised sword he ran, followed by a few brave men, towards the British force, but a British bullet ended his life and settled the battle. The Danes were not able to win the battle on account of bad planning. Caused by the limited amount of ships they did not bring their food supplies, and a great part of their artillery was also left behind. This would prove to be fatal.
[edit] Consequences
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
