Lars Bache facts for kids
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Lars Bache (born February 10, 1771 – died July 26, 1809) was a brave Danish ferryman and privateer from Helsingør. He was the grandfather of the famous painter Otto Bache.
Early Life and Family
Lars Bache was born in Helsingør, a town in Denmark. His father, Niels Bache, was also a ferryman. Sadly, Lars's father passed away when Lars was young. His mother, Johanne Gregersdatter, later married another ferryman named Niels Nielsen Leth. Lars grew up learning about the sea and boats from his family.
A Heroic Rescue at Sea
Lars Bache followed in his father's footsteps and became a ferryman in Helsingør. He was known for his courage. On November 3, 1801, a big storm hit the waters near Copenhagen. A ship from Flensburg capsized, and its crew was in great danger. Lars Bache, along with five other men, bravely went out into the storm. They managed to rescue the entire crew!
A wealthy merchant named Hans Staal Hagen had offered a reward of 100 Danish rigsdaler to anyone who could save the sailors. But Lars Bache refused the money. He asked for the reward to be given to the rescued crew members instead. He famously said he "did not save people for money." This act of kindness and bravery made him an instant hero. The king gave him a special medal called Pro meritis. A merchant society gave him a silver cup. Even famous poets like Adam Oehlenschläger wrote poems about him.
Becoming a Privateer
Lars Bache continued to show his bravery. In 1807, during the Battle of Copenhagen, he risked his life to deliver important messages from Kronborg to Copenhagen. Later that year, on November 10, he received a special permission called a "letter of mark." This allowed him to become a privateer.
A privateer was like a private ship captain who was allowed by their government to attack enemy ships during wartime. Lars used his ferry boat, which he renamed Makrelen (The Mackerel), for this purpose. With his skilled crew, he carried out daring missions. He caused a lot of trouble for enemy ships, becoming very well-known for his bold actions.
His Legacy and Family
Lars Bache married Anne Margrethe Bache in 1795. They lived in Helsingør, where Lars bought a house in 1801.
Sadly, Lars Bache's life ended too soon. On July 26, 1809, his privateer boat, Makrelen, was caught in a terrible storm off Stevns. The boat sank, and the entire crew, including Lars, drowned. His body was found a few days later and he was buried at Lyderslev Cemetery.
Lars's wife, Anne Margrethe, later moved to Copenhagen. Their eldest son, Niels, wrote about his childhood memories with his brave father. Niels was the father of the famous painter Otto Bache and also a school director named Niels Bache. To honor Lars Bache, an epitaph (a special plaque or monument) was placed in Lyderslev Church in 1901. It was painted by his grandson, Otto Bache. There is also a memorial stone for him in Helsingør Cemetery.
