Admiral Juel facts for kids
HMS Sappho capturing the Danish brig Admiral Jawl
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Denmark |
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| Name | Christine Henriette |
| Owner | Jens Lind & partners of Copenhagen |
| Builder | France |
| Acquired | By purchase September 1807 |
| Renamed | Admiral Juel (1807) |
| Captured | 2 March 1808 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 160 (bm) |
| Sail plan | Brig |
| Complement | 83 |
| Armament |
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The privateer brig Admiral Juel was a famous Danish ship. She was the second largest privateer in Denmark-Norway during the Gunboat War. This war was fought between Denmark and Britain. In 1808, the British Royal Navy captured her in a big fight between single ships.
Contents
Denmark's War with Britain
Why Denmark Used Privateers
In 1807, Britain attacked Copenhagen. This attack left Denmark with very few warships. Denmark needed a way to keep fighting Britain at sea. So, the Danish government decided to use privateers.
Privateers were private ships. They were given special permission to attack enemy merchant ships. This permission was called a "letter of marque." Danish shipping companies gave suitable ships to the state. These ships were then armed and prepared for their new role as privateers.
Privateers were important for Denmark. They forced British merchant ships to travel in groups called convoys. Convoys needed warships to protect them. This meant fewer British warships were available for other battles against Denmark.
About the Admiral Juel
Who Was Admiral Juel?
The ship Admiral Juel was named after Niels Juel. He was a famous Danish admiral from the 1600s. It's important to know that this privateer ship was not part of the official Royal Danish Navy. However, later naval ships were named Niels Juel.
The Ship's History
In September 1807, a businessman named Jens Lind and his partners bought a French-built merchant ship. Her original name was Christine Henriette. They gave her to the Danish state. The ship was then changed into a privateer. She was armed with 28 cannons and had a crew of 91. After her refit, she was renamed Admiral Juel.
At 170 tons, Admiral Juel was the second largest privateer in the entire Danish fleet.
Key Events of the Admiral Juel
Captain Jørgen Jørgensen Takes Command
On December 4, 1807, Jørgen Jørgensen became the captain of the refitted Admiral Juel. He met with Crown Prince Frederik. Jørgensen was given his letter of marque. He promised to follow the rules for privateering. He was chosen because he was a skilled sailor and had experience from traveling internationally.
Early Successes
Captain Jørgensen was eager to sail. Even though it was early in the season, he had his crew break through the ice in the harbor. This allowed the Admiral Juel to sail out. Privateers were not expected so early in the year. Because of this, Admiral Juel quickly captured three ships. She brought them back to Copenhagen, where everyone was very happy.
- Sally of London, an English merchant ship
- Flyvefisken, a Swedish fishing boat
- Spring, of Danzig, a Prussian merchant ship
Winter ice soon covered the harbors again. Admiral Juel could not sail until February.
The Capture of Admiral Juel
In February, Admiral Juel sailed into the North Sea. She did not find many ships at first. Then, off the coast of Yorkshire, she met two British warships. These were HMS Sappho and Clio.
When Sappho challenged Admiral Juel, Captain Jørgensen first raised British colors. But when Sappho fired a warning shot and ordered them to stop, Admiral Juel fired back. She then raised the Danish flag.
The two ships fought closely for about half an hour. Admiral Juel's sails, masts, and ropes were badly damaged. Two of her crew members were killed. Finally, Admiral Juel surrendered to Sappho.
Captain Jørgensen and his crew were taken to Yarmouth prison. They became prisoners-of-war on March 4, 1808.
Awards and Recognition
Years later, in 1849, the British Admiralty gave out the Naval General Service Medal. This medal had a special clasp that said "Sappho 2 March 1808." It was given to surviving sailors from HMS Sappho who were part of the capture of Admiral Juel.
