Battle of Anholt

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Battle of Anholt

The Battle of Anholt happened from March 25 to 27, 1811, during the Gunboat War between Britain and Denmark-Norway, as part of the broader Napoleonic Wars. Britain wanted to keep control of the Danish island of Anholt and restore its lighthouse and harbor facilities. The island lay off the coast of Jutland.

British forces were led by James Wilkes Maurice, and the Danish defense was commanded by Jørgen Conrad de Falsen (who was taken prisoner later) with Major Ketil Melstedt among the Danish leaders. The British garrison at Fort Yorke consisted of about 380 Royal Marines and some sailors, supported by two Royal Navy ships. The Danes landed about 1,000 troops with 18 gunboats and two troop ships to try to recapture Anholt.

In a night landing on March 26, the Danes moved to outflank the British positions on the northern part of the island. Maurice advanced with about 200 infantry and a battery of howitzers to meet them, while the British ships Tartar and Sheldrake moved to support, though shoals and currents kept them from playing a decisive role early on.

The fighting continued into the night. The Danes attacked Fort Yorke at about 10 p.m., but Major Melstedt was killed and the assault failed largely because the Danish army lacked supplies and proper artillery, and their plans were poorly coordinated.

British casualties were light: about 2 killed and 30 wounded. The Danish force suffered heavier losses, with many killed and most of their troops captured, along with a number of officers and sailors. The British also captured several Danish gunboats and troop transports.

After the victory, Britain remained in control of Anholt, keeping it as a base and lighthouse area until the Treaty of Kiel in 1814. A monument on the island honors the battle, and swords were awarded to senior officers in the aftermath. The action was later recognized with a Naval General Service Medal bar for Anholt. In 2011, a new memorial was unveiled to commemorate those who died.