225 years after the Battle of Copenhagen, Danish maritime archaeologists believe they have found the wreck of the warship Dannebroge – one of the most famous vessels from the dramatic naval battle in 1801. The findings could provide new knowledge about both the battle and the people who were on board.
The ship Dannebroge was part of the Danish-Norwegian defense when British forces under Horatio Nelson attacked Copenhagen on April 2, 1801. During the fighting, the vessel was severely damaged, caught fire, and later exploded the same day. Archaeologists now believe the wreck has been found on the seabed in Kongedybet, in connection with surveys before the construction of Lynetteholm.
The identification is based on several factors. The dimensions of the ship timbers match historical drawings, and analyses of the wood point to the same period as the ship's construction in the 1770s. In addition, findings of cannons, ammunition, and other equipment that fit a large warship from this era have been made.
The find is special because it provides a new type of source for one of the most famous naval battles in Danish-Norwegian history. The Battle of the Copenhagen Roads is well-documented in written sources and contemporary accounts, but archaeological investigations of the battlefield itself have been very limited. Now, the wreck opens up the possibility of studying the event through physical evidence.
Among the items found are parts of uniforms, shoes, pipes, and weapons. The archaeologists have also found human remains. Historical records show that several of the crew members were never accounted for after the battle, and the finds can be linked to them.
At this time, Norway and Denmark were in a union, and the navy recruited crew from all over the kingdom. This means that it is highly probable that there were Norwegians on board the Dannebroge as well. Although we do not have exact numbers for this ship, we know that many sailors in the Danish-Norwegian navy came from Norwegian coastal areas. The officers were often Danish, while the crew was more broadly composed of both Danish and Norwegian sailors.
The casualty figures also provide a clear picture of how dramatic the event was. Of a crew of around 350–370 men, 53 died on board during the battle, and another three later died from their injuries. In addition, 19 people were reported missing. This means that at least 56 people lost their lives, and likely more if the missing also perished.
Read about the discovery at Viking Ship Museum.dk and at CNN.
