Battle of Zealand Point: British naval victory over Denmark–Norway

Background. The Gunboat War (1807–1814) was a naval conflict between Denmark–Norway and Great Britain, supported by Sweden. The war's name derives from the Danish tactic of employing small gunboats against the materially superior Royal Navy. Hostilities broke out after the British attacked Copenhagen in 1807 to prevent the Danish fleet from falling into Napoleon's hands. Britain maintained control of Danish waters, escorting merchant convoys through the Sound and Great Belt.

Pre-Engagement Movements. The Dano-Norwegian ship of the line HDMS Prinds Christian Frederik was stationed in Kristiansand from August 1807, patrolling waters between Norway and Denmark where Britain had imposed a blockade. In February 1808, this ship pursued the British ship HMS Quebec into hiding. On 18 March 1808, the crew of HMS Stately cut passages through sea ice from a Swedish anchorage to allow Stately and Nassau to go to sea.

Outcome and Recognition. The British victory resulted in the loss of the Danish navy's last ship of the line. In 1847, the Admiralty awarded the Naval General Service Medal with clasps 'Stately 22 March 1808' and 'Nassau 22 March 1808' to surviving crew members of those vessels who chose to claim them, recognizing the specific engagement at Zealand Point.