Invasion of the Danish West Indies facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Invasion of the Danish West Indies
Part of the Napoleonic Wars
A painting of the Danish West Indies by Camille Pissarro
Date 22–25 December 1807 Location Danish West Indies Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom	Denmark–Norway
Commanders and leaders
Alexander Cochrane	Hans Lillienskjøld
Strength
5 ships of the line 7 frigates 7 sloops 1 schooner 2 brigs	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Irrelevant/Insignificant	Surrender of all forces

The British took over the Danish West Indies islands in December 1807. A British fleet captured St Thomas on December 22 and Santa Cruz on December 25. The Danish forces did not fight back, so no one was hurt. The British kept control of these islands, known as the Danish West Indies, until November 20, 1815. Then, Britain gave the islands back to Denmark.

Why the British Took Over the Islands

This event was part of a bigger conflict called the Napoleonic Wars. These wars involved many European countries. Britain was worried that Denmark–Norway might join forces with Napoleon, the leader of France.

Earlier British Takeover

During an earlier war, the French Revolutionary Wars, Denmark and other countries formed a group to protect their trade. Britain saw this as a threat. In 1801, Britain attacked Denmark in the First Battle of Copenhagen.

Around the same time, a British fleet arrived at St Thomas. The Danish leaders agreed to surrender without a fight. So, the British took control of the islands. This first occupation lasted until April 1802. Then, Britain returned the islands to Denmark.

War in the West Indies

When the Napoleonic Wars began in 1804, Britain started a big military effort in the West Indies. By 1810, Britain and its allies controlled almost all French, Dutch, and Danish colonies in the area.

Britain's fear of Denmark joining Napoleon grew stronger. In August 1807, Britain attacked Denmark again in the Second Battle of Copenhagen. This was to stop Denmark's navy from falling into Napoleon's hands.

In the West Indies, Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane was ready to invade the Danish colonies. He had been warned in September 1807 that war with Denmark was likely. By October, British ships began capturing Danish vessels at sea.

The Invasion of 1807

On December 15, 1807, a British ship named HMS Fawn arrived in Barbados. It brought news that Britain was officially at war with Denmark. Admiral Cochrane quickly prepared his fleet.

He sailed on his main ship, HMS Belleisle. Other ships in his group included Prince George, Northumberland, and Canada. Soldiers from the 70th and 90th Regiments of Foot also joined the expedition. General Henry Bowyer was in charge of the army troops.

The island of St Thomas surrendered on December 22. The island of St Croix surrendered on December 25. Since the Danes did not fight, the British took control without any bloodshed.