The Battle of Copenhagen

The most northerly telegraphs on the northern coast of Zealand had hardly been set up in March 1801, when the British fleet appeared in the Sound. We can track the approach

of the British ships in the journals of the telegraph managers. On 26 March, Nakkehoved Station reports southwards that the British fleet "is positioned half a mile to the north-east and north of

Nakkehoved, 52 ships in all". Thus, the people of Copenhagen received early warning of the imminent attack and had slightly longer to prepare for the battle.

The Battle of Copenhagen, 2 April 1801. Copper engraving by J.F. Clemens from a painting by C.A. Lorentzen. Post & Tele Museum.

In the middle of the picture, on the Kvintus Bastion , the optical telegraph can be seen in action. There is no indication in the journal of the Kvintus telegraph station

that the telegraph communicated with the ships during the actual battle. The picture reveals why not. Everything was shrouded in thick smoke.

But the telegraph did send greetings to the Danish ships in the days immediately preceding the battle wishing them good luck.