Battle of Saltholm facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Saltholm
Part of the Gunboat War
Briggen Turbulent tages af danske kanonbåde den 9. juni 1808, Unknown author
Date 9 June 1808 Location Off Saltholm, Øresund Strait Result Dano-Norwegian victory
Belligerents
Denmark–Norway	United Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Johan Krieger	George Wood
Strength
21 gunboats 7 mortar boats	3 brigs 1 bomb ketch
Casualties and losses
Unknown	1 brig captured 12-13 merchant ships captured

The Battle of Saltholm happened on June 9, 1808. It was part of the Gunboat War. During this battle, ships from Denmark and Norway attacked a group of British ships. This fight took place near the island of Saltholm. Saltholm is in the Øresund Strait, close to Copenhagen.

What Happened at Saltholm?

A large group of 70 British merchant ships was sailing. These ships carried goods for trade. They left Malmö Roads, which is a safe place for ships. Three Royal Navy warships were protecting them. These warships were called brigs. There was also one bomb vessel.

British Ships in the Convoy

The three brigs were HMS Turbulent, Piercer, and HMS Charger. Each brig had several guns. The bomb vessel was HMS Thunder. Bomb vessels were special ships that could fire large bombs.

Danish and Norwegian Attack Force

The Danish and Norwegian forces gathered many small ships. They had 21 gunboats. Gunboats are small ships with one or two cannons. They also had seven mortar boats. Mortar boats could fire shells in a high arc.

The Battle Begins

The Danish and Norwegian ships launched their attack. The battle was very quick. It was over in about 20 minutes.

Turbulent Fights Back

The brig Turbulent was at the back of the British convoy. Lieutenant George Wood was its commander. Turbulent and Thunder fought against the attackers. The other British ships tried to get away.

Calm Winds Help the Attackers

It was very calm, with almost no wind. This made it hard for the British sailing ships to escape. The Danish and Norwegian gunboats could row quickly. They rowed right up to many British merchant ships. They then boarded and captured them.

Outcome of the Battle

Turbulent fought bravely. But its masts were eventually broken. This forced the ship to surrender. Its strong fight helped most of the merchant ships escape. The Danish and Norwegian forces captured 12 or 13 merchant ships. They also captured the brig Turbulent. The bomb vessel Thunder managed to get away, but it was damaged.

After the Battle

Lieutenant Wood, the commander of Turbulent, was later cleared of any wrongdoing. He was not blamed for losing his ship.

Even though Danish gunboats were active, this was a big loss for the British. The capture of 12 ships made merchants in northern England upset. They protested against the Royal Navy in Hull.