A Danish victory near Wismar in 1711 inflicted heavy Swedish losses, demonstrating Danish operational effectiveness during the Great Northern War.
Key Facts
- Date
- December 5, 1711
- Danish force strength
- 3,000 men
- Swedish force strength
- 2,500 men
- Swedish dead
- 478 killed
- Swedish captured
- 1,500 prisoners
- Danish casualties
- 300 killed and wounded
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Great Northern War, a Danish force of 3,000 men under Jørgen Rantzau established a blockade of the Swedish-held city of Wismar. The Swedish garrison, commanded by Martin von Schoultz, decided to mount a surprise attack against the Danish encampment positioned some distance away, dispatching 2,500 soldiers for the operation.
The Danish commander received advance warning of the approaching Swedish force and prepared a counter-response. The resulting engagement on December 5, 1711, near Wismar turned the intended Swedish surprise into a defeat, with 478 Swedes killed and 1,500 taken prisoner, against only 300 Danish killed and wounded.
The battle resulted in a decisive Danish victory, severely weakening the Swedish garrison at Wismar. The loss of nearly 2,000 men—killed or captured—out of the 2,500 committed significantly reduced Swedish capacity to defend the city and reinforced Danish control of the surrounding area during the ongoing conflict.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Jørgen Rantzau.
Side B
1 belligerent
Martin von Schoultz.