Naval battle fought between Denmark-Norway and Britain in 1812 on the southern coast of Norway, effectively concluding the Gunboat War in Britain's favour and putting Denmark-Norway out of the war
The battle destroyed Denmark-Norway's last major warship, effectively ending the Gunboat War in Britain's favour.
Key Facts
- Date
- 6 July 1812
- Dano-Norwegian killed
- 133 personnel
- Dano-Norwegian wounded
- 87 personnel
- British killed
- 9 personnel
- British wounded
- 26 personnel
- British squadron composition
- 1 ship of the line and 3 brig-sloops
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Gunboat War between Britain and Denmark-Norway, a British squadron under James Stewart located the Dano-Norwegian frigate Najaden sheltering off the southern Norwegian coast near Lyngør. The frigate represented one of Denmark-Norway's last significant naval assets, making her a prime target for British forces seeking to neutralise enemy naval capability.
On 6 July 1812, the British squadron of one ship of the line and three brig-sloops engaged and destroyed the frigate Najaden in a fierce battle off Lyngør. Najaden's captain Hans Peter Holm was wounded but survived; however, 133 of his crew were killed and 87 wounded, against only 9 British killed and 26 wounded.
The destruction of Najaden eliminated Denmark-Norway's last major warship, ending any meaningful Dano-Norwegian naval resistance. This outcome effectively concluded the Gunboat War in Britain's favour and removed Denmark-Norway as a naval threat for the remainder of the conflict.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
James Stewart.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hans Peter Holm.