Military Actions
of Denmark in the 1800s

Chronology of the Danish-German War of 1864

by Rudy Scott Nelson


FEB 1: Prusso-Austrian Alliance declares War on Denmark for violating the 1850 Treaty
FEB 2: Prussians attack Danish fortifications at Mysunde. The Prussians are replused despite having a vast superiority in numbers.
FEB 3: Austrian Brigade probes Danish outposts in front of Dannevirke. Several are repulsed but Austrians eventually capture Kongshoj.
FEB 6: Danes conduct aa fighting withdrawal from Dannevirke. Danish 7th Brigade defeats a larger pursuing Austrian force at Sankelmark. Though the proper strategic move, the Danish War Minister relieves the Danish Commander.
FEB 17: Prussians capture the Danish outpost at Broagerland near Dybbol
FEB 18: Prussians probe Danish outpost line guarding Dybbol
FEB 18: Cavalry skirmish north of Kolding. 2 Austrian Cavalry squadrons reconing the area engage a Danish Cavalry division which is currently at half strength, about four squadrons. Austrian troops occupy Kolding.
FEB 22: Skirmish at Sundeved. One of a series of skirmishes between Prussian advanced units and the Danish outposts in front of Dybbol.
FEB 29: Skirmish at Vorbasse. Elements of the Danish 5th Squadron / 3rd Dragoon regiment drive off two Austrian Hussar Squadrons.

MAR 5: Prussians probe Danish outpost line guarding Dybbol
MAR 6: Danish Foot Guards, two companies w/ corvette "Dagmar", conduct amphibious raids along the Holsten coast.
MAR 8: Battle of Vejle. Bitter engagement in and around the town between an Austrian Corps and the defending Danish 4th Division.
MAR 8: Prussians capture several Danish outposts in the Elbo valley
MAR 13: Prussians probe Danish outpost line guarding Dybbol
MAR 14: Prussians probe Danish outpost line guarding Dybbol
MAR 17: Rugen Blockade. A naval engagement between the Danish frigate Sjhelland and two Prussian warships. The Prussians are forced to return to port.
MAR 17: Battle of Ragebol. Danish sortie to recapture outposts including Ragebol leads to a general reinforcement by both sides. Prussians not only repluse the sortie but are also able to capture most of the remaining outposts in front of Dybbol.
MAR 18 to APR 18 Prussian artillery conduct a bombardment of the Dybbol defenses.

APR 18: Prussians launch a massive assault on the Dybbol with 37,000 troops. The Danes are defending with almost 11,000 men, including four Infantry brigades, the Foot Guard battalion and the artillery elements. The Prussians carry the positions with losses of 1,200 men while inflicting 4,000 Danish casualties including prisoners.

MAY 9: Battle of Helgoland . Danish ships Frigates Niels Juel and Jylland and Corvette Hejmdal defeat a Austrian squadron including two frigates "Schwarzenberg" and two other small ships.

JUN 29: Battle of Als. Two Prussian Divisions consisting of over 24,000 men conduct a naval landing and defeat 12,000 Danes. Over 3,000 Danes were lost.

JUL 3: Skirmish at Lundby. A Danish company assaults an outpost garrison. The Prussians armed with breech-loading rifles issue three volleys in the time it take the Danes to charge several hundred meters. The Danes halt the charge 30 meters from the outpost after suffering over 75% casualties.

More 19th Century Danish Wars


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© Copyright 2000 by Rudy Scott Nelson
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