Battle of Marstrand facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Marstrand
Part of the Scanian War
Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve at Marstrand
Date 6–23 July 1677 Location Marstrand, Sweden 57°53′8.768″N 11°34′51.190″E / 57.88576889°N 11.58088611°E / 57.88576889; 11.58088611 Result Dano-Norwegian victory
Belligerents
Swedish Empire	Denmark-Norway
Commanders and leaders
Anders Sinclair	Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve
Strength
600	1,600 - 3,000

The Battle of Marstrand was an important event during the Scanian War. It happened in July 1677, when forces from Denmark-Norway attacked and captured the Swedish harbor town of Marstrand. This victory gave Denmark-Norway a valuable port that didn't freeze in winter.

What Led to the Battle?

In January 1677, Swedish forces took control of a strong point in Strömstad. After a very cold winter, no major military actions took place until June.

Then, Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, a Danish-Norwegian general, sent 2,000 soldiers. These troops, led by General Hans Løvenhjelm, crossed the border into Bohuslän. Their goal was to take back Strömstad, which they did. After that, Løvenhjelm's forces moved towards Uddevalla.

At the same time, Gyldenløve sent a large group of soldiers by ship towards Marstrand. Danish records say there were 1,600 men, while Swedish records suggest 3,000. On July 6, Gyldenløve's forces landed on Koön, an island next to Marstrand. They then started to attack the town.

How the Battle Unfolded

Carlsten fortress during the Danish siege, 1677, with Hedvigsholm, Malepert, and Gustafsberg.

Marstrand was protected by the strong Carlsten fortress. It also had three smaller strongholds: Malepert, Gustafsborg, and Hedvigsholm. Malepert was on the east side of the northern harbor entrance. Gustafsborg was by the southern harbor entrance. Hedvigsholm was on a small island in the harbor.

About 600 Swedish defenders protected Marstrand. They were led by Commander Anders Sinclair. When the Danish forces demanded that he give up the fortress, Sinclair famously replied that there was no fortress to give up. He added that if the enemy wanted to visit, they would get a "fine welcoming party."

The Danes first attacked Hedvigsholm. The Swedish defenders fought bravely for several days. But on July 20, they were forced to leave Hedvigsholm and retreat to Carlsten fortress. Malepert had already been captured by the Danes on July 13. Gustafsberg was also abandoned by the Swedes soon after.

With all its smaller outposts gone, Carlsten fortress was left alone. The Danish forces then heavily bombed Carlsten from all sides. Finally, on July 23, the fortress surrendered. The Swedish commander and his men were allowed to leave and go to Värmland.

What Happened After the Battle?

After taking Carlsten, Gyldenløve left a strong group of soldiers in Marstrand. These troops were led by Løvenhjelm and were meant to defend the town. Gyldenløve then returned to Norway.

By capturing Marstrand, Denmark gained a safe harbor that did not freeze in winter. This was very helpful for Denmark. It also made it easier for the Danes to block ships from entering or leaving Gothenburg, a major Swedish city.

However, Løvenhjelm and his men soon faced a threat from approaching Swedish forces. In August, they decided to leave Marstrand and retreat to Strömstad.