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Richard Sharpe and the Expedition to Denmark 1807: A Historical Account

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Sharpe's Prey: Richard Sharpe and the Expedition to Denmark, 1807

by Bernard Cornwell

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4231 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	354 pages

The British military expedition to Denmark in 1807 was a significant event in the Napoleonic Wars. Led by Admiral James Gambier and Lieutenant-General William Cathcart, the expedition's objective was to capture the Danish fleet and prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte. Richard Sharpe, a fictional character created by Bernard Cornwell, was featured in the expedition as a rifleman.

Background:

In 1807, Denmark was a neutral country in the Napoleonic Wars. However, Napoleon was keen on forming an alliance with Denmark and gaining access to its powerful navy. Fearing a possible alliance between Denmark and France, the British government decided to launch an expedition to seize the Danish fleet.

The expeditionary force consisted of approximately 27,000 soldiers and sailors, including 12,000 troops under Cathcart and 15,000 sailors under Gambier. The force was supported by a powerful fleet of warships, including ships of the line, frigates, and bomb vessels.

The Expedition:

The expedition departed from England in July 1807 and arrived off the coast of Denmark in August. The British force landed near Copenhagen, the Danish capital, and quickly established a beachhead. They were met with some resistance from the Danish army, but the British managed to push forward and lay siege to the city.

The siege lasted for several weeks, during which time the British bombarded Copenhagen heavily. The bombardment caused significant damage to the city and led to the deaths of many civilians. Finally, on September 7, the Danish government surrendered.

As part of the surrender agreement, the Danish fleet was handed over to the British. The British also seized a large quantity of naval stores and supplies. In total, the British captured over 120 Danish warships, including 18 ships of the line.

Aftermath:

The expedition to Denmark was a success for the British. They achieved their objective of securing the Danish fleet and preventing it from falling into the hands of Napoleon. However, the expedition was also controversial due to the heavy bombardment of Copenhagen and the loss of civilian lives.

The expedition also had long-term consequences for Anglo-Danish relations. Denmark was deeply resentful of the British attack, and the two countries remained estranged for many years. The expedition also contributed to the formation of a continental alliance against Britain, which ultimately led to the Napoleonic Wars.

Richard Sharpe:

Richard Sharpe is a fictional character created by Bernard Cornwell. Sharpe is a British rifleman who served in the Napoleonic Wars. He was featured in a series of historical novels and television adaptations.

In the novel "Sharpe's Siege," Cornwell depicts Sharpe as a participant in the expedition to Denmark. Sharpe is depicted as a brave and resourceful soldier who plays a key role in the British victory. While the character of Sharpe is fictional, his inclusion in the novel helps to bring the historical events to life.

:

The expedition to Denmark in 1807 was a significant event in the Napoleonic Wars. The expedition achieved its objective of securing the Danish fleet, but it also led to controversy and had long-term consequences for Anglo-Danish relations. The expedition is also notable for the inclusion of Richard Sharpe, a fictional character who helps to bring the historical events to life.

References:

Cornwell, Bernard. Sharpe's Siege. HarperCollins, 1988.
Fry, Michael. The Copenhagen Expedition of 1807: Britain's Most Controversial Invasion. Pen and Sword History, 2014.
McCann, Timothy J. British Diplomacy and the Danish Attack, 1807. Springer, 2016.

Sharpe's Prey: Richard Sharpe and the Expedition to Denmark, 1807

by Bernard Cornwell

4.6 out of 5