[NTW AAR] Frederick VI rise to power:

[Christian Goth]

NTW AAR: Frederick VI rise to power:

The Danish King: Frederik VI (1768-1839)

The Danish queen: Marie Sophie Frederikke (1767-1852)

The kings mistress: Frederikke Dannemand (1790-1862)

Introduction:

As we enter the Napoleonic age Denmark-Norway is trying to stay neutral in Europe. Since entering the Armed Neutrality Treaty of 1797 in company with Russia, Sweden, herself and Prussia, she had stayed neutral and her people had experienced a great period of peace under the rule of Christian VI 1730-1746, Frederick V 1746-1766 and Christian VII 1766-1808, which was ruling the kingdom of Denmark-Norway at present .
Denmark wasn't involved in any major wars, since the Great Northern War 1700-1720, trade and prosperity was her main objective. Only in 1788 were Denmark involved in a war, the Russo-Swedish War 1788-1790 between Russia and Sweden. Because of her treaty obligation to Russia Denmark had to declare war on Sweden, which was declared in august 1788. However in July 1789 peace was signed at the intervention of Prussia and Great Britain between Denmark-Norway and Sweden.
Frederick VI had been ruling Denmark since 1784 in the council of state. His father Christian VII was at that time, so disturbed by mental illness, that he couldn't rule the country as a king is supposed to do. So there for Frederick had to seize power peacefully, before others took the opportunity. Formally Christian VII was still king and still signed all documents and treaties, but they were solely negotiated by the council of state. Sometimes the king could refuse to sign the document, with no apparent reason, the ministers would then just wait a few days and then ask the king to sign what they called a "new" document, and it was then signed, as the king couldn't remember the outburst where he refused to do so.
This brings us to 1801 where the Danish capital Copenhagen was attacked by British forces. The Danes were up against the British might of her fleet. Many Copenhagen volunteers which had non or little navel experience fought for Denmark-Norway against overwhelming odds that day. Though Denmark lost the battle it could have had a entirely different outcome if the fighting had continued, as the British naval force was seriously damaged, some ships run aground and others drifting in range of the Danish fortress guns. Lord Nelson who was in command of part of the British fleet, threatened to set fire on the captured floating batteries, burning and drowning the Danish wounded soldiers and volunteers on them. Though the guns on the Danish fortresses hadn't been silenced and the Danish naval reserve, which was bigger than the British reserve, wasn't committed yet at that time it was over. This was too much for Frederick, the Danish crown prince at that time, so he signed a ceasefire with Nelson, and so the British had threatened themselves to a victory. Later Lord Nelson admitted that this battle was the hardest that he ever fought.

As this wasn't really a declaration of war no further actions was taken after this battle and peace remained, though great protest against this action was shown in London, things remained quiet until 1807 where the British bombed Copenhagen and stole most of the Danish fleet. Ships in the Caribbean and in Norway wasn't stolen though. At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark declared bankruptcy in 1813 and at the peace agreement in Kiel in 1814, the price for staying on the map was that Norway was to be ceded to Sweden in exchange for the Swedish possessions in Pomerania. The treaty of Kiel did never come to pass though as Pomerania passed to Prussia instead. Shortly after Norway went to war with Sweden, not accepting the Swedish king as their ruler - This took place in history though, maybe it won't this time around.

Napoleon Total War:

Playing as: Denmark-Norway.
Difficulty: Hard/Hard
Mods: Napoleon All In One Mod: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=340125 - DEK: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=353359 - New load screens: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=349536
(Because of the mods installed the Danish king Christian VII don't die accordingly to history in 1808, when will be revealed in the story) - (In the battle reports i'll be using historical names on Danish units and ships in Frederick VI's army and navy from 1796-1814)

And so it begins..

Part 1:

The year is now 1805, we're in early January.
Christian VII is king and the state council consists of five ministers:
Styrbjørn Blach - Lord Chief Minister.
Lennart Olrik - Lord Treasurer.
Frede Ernest - Lord Chief Justice.
Kjeld Madsen - Lord Minister for War.
Rolf Lillesoe - Lord Minister of the Admiralty.
At present trade treaties with England and Prussia is signed. No alliances is signed.

Frederick VI and the state council starts it's work immediately. Focus is placed on Prussia as England is at war with France and Napoleon. Their navy is occupied in the English channel against French plans to invade. A proposal of trade and alliance is sent to Mecklenburg. Danish diplomats reveal plans to invade Hannover if the Prussians takes it from France, and then Denmark needs the support of Mecklenburg when the great Prussian army is unleashed. The same proposal of alliance is sent to The Electorate of Hesse-Kassel. Frederick don't want to publicly ally with France, the battle of Copenhagen in 1801 is still fresh in his memory, and the Danish fleet isn't strong enough to defend against a British invasion just yet.
Both proposals are turned down though, and at the same time Mecklenburg is threatening to reveal this to Prussia. Their trade relations with Prussia, and accordingly income, is great indeed, and the Danish diplomat have learned of Prussian talks of an alliance while he visited the capital of Schwerin in Mecklenburg. This would greatly threaten Schleswig-Holstein which was united in 1773 to be ruled by Christian VII. It was no secret that Prussia had always wanted this area so they could move their merchant fleet from the north sea to avoid the Sound toll. By taking Hannover, Denmark would gain Hamburg too and close this possibility for Prussia.
Troubles were brewing on the horizon though with the way Mecklenburg was acting. Kjeld Madsen declaring that the best defence would be an attack and that the Danish army was ready didn't make matters better. The council was divided and Frederick knew that he was taking a great chance going to war with Mecklenburg. Lennart Olrik was greatly opposed to the idea, he proclaimed that Danish infrastructure wasn't ready for a full scale war with Mecklenburg, and certainly not if Prussia intervened with her army and navy, blocking all Danish trade at sea and land. Rolf Lillesoe had to agree on this, the merchant navy and the main Danish war navy wasn't ready to face such a foe. Styrbjørn Blach was all for it though, his main concern being the new fragile unity of Schleswig-Holstein which was finally accepted by most European courts, even England. If Denmark was to look weak now then this might be the signal to certain people in Norway to talk about independence. Frede Ernest wasn't paying much attention on the matter as he was studying new French laws which he took a great interest in, also called the Napoleonic Code from 1804.

Frederick rested the matter for a few weeks. In the mean while letters between him and contacts in Spain, England, France, Russia and smaller countries was exchanged. Frederick wanted to know what consequence a conflict between Prussia and Denmark would have on the other European courts. He had his answer. France wouldn't support Denmark at the time being. They were busy in Italy and in the Germanic Rhine states. Spain was busy all around the world with her colonies and had no interest helping Denmark-Norway in a war. Similar answers were given from other countries, the english contacts even reported that England would might intervene as they wanted Prussia as an ally against Napoleon and they couldn't afford Prussia being made weaker by war between Prussia and Denmark.
The odds were against Denmark, she would be alone if war was to be declared. Frederick made up his mind though. In early August a diplomat carrying a declaration of war was received in Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg. Before this diplomat travelled to Mecklenburg the army was made ready and the navy set sail for the Baltic sea. At the same morning that Mecklenburg received the document the Danish First Army Korps under Malte Kaustrop were already positioned at the border in Schleswig-Holstein.
Awaiting the situation Frederick VI commands Kaustrop to stay put in a defensible position. Now he will see how good his information was from his contacts. A few days passes, only small skirmishes over the Mecklenburg border takes place, disrupting trade and information lines from the Mecklenburg front, greatly attention is given not to attack Prussian merchants either on land or at sea.

Kaustrop learns from interrogated enemy officers that they're laughing at the Danish king in Schwerin. Clearly the Mecklenburg high command isn't aware of the great Danish army which stands at the border, they think they have a whole month to prepare for war against Denmark. Now is the time to act! Frederick orders Kaustrop to advance his army all the way to Schwerin and capture the capital before a message of the situation reaches Prussia.

The siege of Schwerin: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...34949510609026

The charge of the 3rd Division of Slesvigske Infanteriregiment at the battle of Schwerin, near Brüsewitz, 1805

Schwerin has been taken and the Mecklenburg's crushed: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...31710218261538

Stavanger is being upgraded to prepare to support the coming naval warfare around the British isles if England decides to act on this. France have offered Denmark new battlefield tactics on land in the form of Fire and advance tactics for infantry, and Diamond formation tactics for the cavalry and a load of gold to declare war on England. This is an excellent offer, but as erverything seems quiet at the European courts Frederick will use this temporary peace to consolidate his power and newly gained territory.
At the same time the Trading ports of Wismar and Aalborg is greatly adding to the Danish Treasury. Ivory from Cameroon fetches a great prize. Cotton from America in Savannah is being used to make new and better uniforms, and a Second Army Korps is being planned to be ready for an invasion of Sweden, just as soon as Danish diplomats have convinced Austria and Prussia not to intervene on behalf of Sweden. The royal Crown Prince himself will be leading this invasion himself if it succeeds. This isn't expected to take place in the near future though, maybe in a year or two. Denmark-Norway should lay low and build up her navy now. For once the state council is in complete agreement.
Trade companies have been formed in the kingdom of Naples and in the kingdom of Sicily, if they only knew that this new income will be used to make the life hard on their allies I don't think they would have made the trade treaties, Italian fools, only thinking on the profit.
Tobacco from Baltimore raises the spirits both in the army and among the population. Together with this boom in the Danish economy the cabinet of Danish ministers is enjoying themselves too, adding a important judge to their ranks to do most of their work and getting the company of a famous courtesan and two mistresses, even one well connected in high places. But before the army and cabinet will stink of wine and ass the plan to invade Sweden is to be pushed ahead of schedule, and there is the possible war with England to consider too. Let them have their fun now, they'll need it for the hard times ahead.

"A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights." - Napoleon Bonaparte

1805 is ending. By now Denmark have signed yet a trade treaty with the Ottoman empire, for this they wanted insights into classical economics and in return they gave plans on Army Corps Organization, this will now make it possible to administer and supply two Danish army Corps's at the same time. Two Courts of justice have been requested in Copenhagen and in Christiania, at the same time a great arsenal was commissioned to supply both army Corps's with enough ammunition and artillery to defend the two fronts if it'll be needed.
National census is being researched as the Danish cabinet wants to know exactly what funds in taxes is available if the British fleet destroys the Danish merchant navy en route from America and Africa.
As we reach December in 1805 and Christmas is knocking on the door, a diplomat from the Batavian republic arrives by ship. He offers Denmark yet a trade agreement, and as a gift a small load of gold is added. This now allow us to secretly supply France with much needed goods as the British Lord Nelson have nearly all French ports blockaded, and French contacts have expressed promises of great rewards from Napoleon himself if it can be carried out, not officially that is of course.
In late December a 4th Danish merchant navy consisting of two Frigates armed with 38 cannons each, one Indiaman armed with 58 cannons and three Merchantmen armed with 12 cannons each set out to establish trade in the Mediterranean sea, leading this navy is Jens Andersen, his objectives is much needed spice or coffee which will bring in a good income, being a newly trained and inexperience navel officer this is a great honor to receive.
No new challenges either on land or sea have been found yet and Denmark prepares to enter 1806 with almost two full army corps's and two big Orlogsmænd/Lineships being built. The famous Danish naval commander Olfert Fischer will join the navy when these ships are launched from Stavanger. The king is sadly ill though, but the cabinet and the royal doctors hopes for a full recovery. Crown Prince Frederick is worried as he steps into the great dining hall to celebrate Christmas without his father, what will the year 1806 bring, more war or continued peace and prosperity. He hopes for the last, his mind still fresh with the sight of the dead and wounded returning from Mecklenburg.

War isn't a pretty sight.

[LuckyLewis]

Hello Christian Goth, I read this earlier and forgot to leave a comment you see!

An excellent read, nicely planned, easy to follow and a very nice slide show of that battle to go along with it. I liked the part about secretly supplying the French in order to avoid the Royal Navy.

Keep it up!

[Christian Goth]

Part 2:

The king is dead, long live the king. The year is 1806, in early January Christian VII dies, his son Frederick VI sits on the Danish Throne.

A few days after his coronation, diplomats from France and The Ottoman Empire arrives, canceling the trade treaties between Denmark and their countries. They're uncertain of the new king and his plans. Will he remain a trustfully ally and support Napoleon either in the dark or openly, or will he join the Coalition.

As the foreign diplomats is sent on a journey to the newly conquered Mecklenburg to view the spoils of war and the Danish First Army Korps accompanied by Lennart Olrik, Frederick VI start his work as the new regent of Denmark. He takes his father's work for peace into consideration, but also the long history of grievances with Sweden and the relations with The German People, the nosy Habsburgs, The Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 and The Hanseatic League which so long made Danish trade difficult. It is time that all this comes to an end, the Danes will be the rulers of the north now, and with an alliance with France this might be possible. Styrbjørn Blach warns Frederick though, that he must be sure of the other major powers in Europe before such a step is taken, Denmark isn't strong enough for a war on two fronts. Maybe Frederick should have sent Blach to Mecklenburg with the foreign diplomats and not Olrik, at least he can shut him up with a kings reason.

The alliances with France continues and trade is re-established, trade is also re-established with The Ottoman Empire, but Frederick VI isn't interested in a campaign in the east yet, and certainly not naval engagements when a merchant navy have just been dispatched, so an alliance isn't continued. This puts Rolf Lillesoe at rest and he leaves the council to travel to Stavanger to oversee the building of the two new great warships with the newest technology the world has to offer.
Danish diplomats is sent to Oldenburg to make an alliance if Prussia should cross the Danish borderline at Holstein or invade Mecklenburg. Kjeld Madsen travels with them to inspect the Oldenburg's army and with a gift in the form of new conscript reforms, this will greatly enhance the man power which is available to recruitment in Oldenburg.

Frederick VI joins his newly created second Danish Army Korps. Diplomats is sent to Sweden with a declaration of war. Time and time again Sweden, England, Russia, Prussia and the Dutch Republic had complained about the Sound toll, it will all come to an end when the gates of Stockholm is broken, then Denmark will fully control trade in and out of the Baltic Sea.

In early June 1806 Frederick VI marches into Sweden. Of course Sweden would not accept Danish forces on Swedish ground. The Danes didn't have to look long for the enemy.

The battle of Malmö: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264808632941839/BattleOfMalmo?authkey=Gv1sRgCIzP_avl_vqFIg#slideshow/5471280632527834370

Late July 1806, a new trade route to Recife in America is established, it is the only way in which Denmark can trade with Portugal as their harbors in Europe don't allow more trade at the moment.
Lennart Olrik is desperately trying to establish trade with Spain because of the fall of the Batavian Republic by the hands of Prussia. Bruxelles have also been captured by Prussia, Denmark was right to have high respect for the Prussian great army commanded by Blücher.

Frederick VI is busy going through the recruitment infrastructure in Copenhagen, he doesn't have time for his wife's company, not even his children, he isn't satisfied with the current state of affairs. One rainy night in early October Kjeld Madsen is hastily summoned to Kronborg, his coach nearly ending in a ditch because of the speed on the muddy roads. This reminds Madsen that he needs to have a chat with Styrbjørn Blach to put money aside on the budget to improve the roads for his soldiers to march on. In a dark room in Kronborg the Danish king Frederick is waiting on Madsen, he is furious with the state of things and commands plans to be made for building a new Drill School to train his troops and make room for his new Generalstab, around noon the next morning Madsen is finally allowed to return to his home to get some rest.

Resupplying and replenishing the second army corps around Copenhagen takes more time than planned, Frederick isn't pleased with his officers lack in spirit, they should be joyful now that Denmark is finally getting even at Sweden. One morning in early October while Frederick is inspecting two newly raised Divisions and two new gun Batteries from Holstein an exhausted hussar arrives from the front in Sweden carrying a blood soaked message. The Swedish forces have broken through the front in the north and is marching on Norway, heading directly for Christiania, brushing all Danish militia resistance aside.

Shocked by the news the council gathers immediately at Amalienborg. A newly trained officer, Steffan Gimsing is summoned and given command of a quickly raised mounted and mobile force consisting of a mixture of the newly created mounted artillery from Holstein and three Squadrons of cavalry, two Divisions of hastily raised mobile light infantry is to accompany him also. Christiania must not fall! He is to take his force on a forced march and reach Christiania before it is too late. Steffan is a young and courageous officer of Norwegian birth so he knows what's on stake and he drives his men forward in such a manner they pray for the devil to command them instead, but they reach Christiania in time, just as the Swedish army corps is starting to bombard the city in the morning.

The battle of Christiania: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...70079995362354

The battle is won, with high casualties, but there is no time to waste. The wounded must be left in the care and protection of the militia at Christiania, Steffan is requested to join Fredericks second Danish Army Korps at Malmö in no more than three days. They're marching on the Swedish capital, hopefully ending this war before winter.

[Christian Goth]

Part 3:

October is soon at an end and the campaign against Sweden goes well. Word travels fast in these regions though, and Sweden haven't underestimated Denmark-Norway, already attacked twice they have now sent word to their ally Russia, the giant bear sleeping in the east.
An envoy from Russia meets Frederick on campaign in Sweden at Nybro forests one foggy morning, he carefully watches the Norwegian artillery men at work as they torch every sawmill and supply depot they come across, angry of the Swedish attack on their capital Christiania. A declaration of war is then handed to the Danish king and the envoy then disappears down the muddy road through the Swedish great thick forests. News had reached the Russian tsar of the Danish act of aggression towards Sweden, realizing this might mean a Danish victory and the inlet to the Baltic sea completely controlled by Denmark, he is forced to chose between the lesser of two evils and then joins the Swedish war effort against the Kingdom of Denmark. Prussia looks on from the sideline, expressing her concern on this new northern war, but does nothing.

England has invaded France at the coast of Brest, taking Rennes from the French. Their newly gained territory on the European heartland isn't to last long though. As it is made clear to the population that the British haven't arrived to liberate them from Napoleon and reinstate the French Monarchy they rebel against the British. Defeating them in the streets of Rennes and driving them back to the coast of Brest where they board their navy and return back to England in disgrace. The Duchy of Brittany declares independence shortly after, and Frederick writes a letter to Styrbjørn Blach from his camp tent, instructing him to welcome Brittany among the courts of Europe with an envoy of diplomats.

Frederick continues to march on Stockholm, on his way to the Swedish capital the road is suddenly blocked by a small Swedish company. Frederick looks at the fortified position ahead, either this Swedish lieutenant is a fool or a really brave man. Instead of charging the position he knows that he'll have need for every last soldier to take Stockholm so yet again he lines up for battle. Making sure his cavalry commanders knows his plan and doesn't charge ahead and gets themselves killed, he goes through the battle plan thoroughly before he sends them off to the Left flank.

Battle of Sweden: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...37877944435842

The enemy company is swept aside, no survivors escaped to warn the garrison at Stockholm of the approaching Danish army. Fredericks Generalstab advices him to make camp for the night away from Stockholm, the men don't have the strength to fight the Swedish outposts today and lay siege on the city, and there's no news of Steffan Gimsing yet, and neither have the reinforcements from Copenhagen arrived as requested. This must be ended before winter sets in so the army can have proper quarters and shelter from the cold weather, it will take twice as long to break Sweden if the Swedish army is allowed to resupply and relief forces from Russia arrives.

He sends out runners/ordonnanser to try and find the Danish reinforcements and get them here as soon as possible. The Danish navy set sail for Stockholm to cut off a possible Swedish relief force from Finland, or a Russian one. At home Kjeld Madsen is entrusted with the work of expanding the fortress of Tre Kroner and other defensive positions, this war is still in the balance, if Russian forces arrive, the Danish second Army Korps may yet be beaten back to Malmö. At Madsen's side the experienced Generalmajor Lasson is commissioned as the commandant of Copenhagen, taking care of the defense of the Capital. He is known for his aggressive attacks with infantry and while leading a Regiment of Norwegian soldiers in the Russo-Swedish war he lost an eye. As reinforcements were sent to Frederick, a small force was sent to Mecklenburg to General Kaustrop too, if the Russians would try to come up through Denmark this way. Newly trained Divisions from Fyn and Oldenburg is ready to join the fight.

In Europe the French grand Armée is sweeping through Austria, Vienna is captured and a large battle outside Bruxelles against Prussia ends with it falling on French hands again. If France were to ask for an alliance again Denmark would accept this time, the will and power of the Coalition is fading.

On the morning the next day, even before Frederick is awake, small skirmishes along the outposts in front of the Danish camp site erupts into a Swedish march on the second Danish Army Korps. The Swedish army marched out of Stockholm at night and now stands before the Danish force. Frederick's Generalstab begs him to withdraw towards Malmö and await the arrival of Steffan Gimsing with the reinforcements from Copenhagen.

"What!? A Danish king running from Gustav IV's toy soldiers thinking themselves better than my Danish army, you must be mad sir, i would never hear the end of it. Send out the light dragons and the light infantry on reconnaissance. Line up the infantry and the artillery, we stand and fight today gentlemen" - "And someone bring me some breakfast, I can't think on an empty stomach!"

And so it was, that a small unknown Swedish town named Södertälje were to become famous. The battle of Södertälje had begun.

To be continued..

[Spartan262]

Interesting story. +REP

[Christian Goth]

Hello Christian Goth, I read this earlier and forgot to leave a comment you see!

An excellent read, nicely planned, easy to follow and a very nice slide show of that battle to go along with it. I liked the part about secretly supplying the French in order to avoid the Royal Navy.

Keep it up!

Thanks, and the same to you, quite awesome AAR you're writing yourself - Liberation. Is nearly half way through reading it so far. Great pictures.

Interesting story. +REP

Thanks

[LuckyLewis]

ooo, nice little cliff hanger with the battle of Södertälje hehe.

Keep it up, very enjoyable update.

[Christian Goth]

Part 4:

The battle of Södertälje: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...31634778471730

The air wasn't filled with the scent of pine trees any longer. It had been corrupted by the smell of death, everything around him smelled of gun powder, it was as if his throat was covered with it, no wine or cough could remove the taste. Fredericks mind is cleared as he hears a scream, the sound of if makes the hairs on Fredericks neck rise and a chilling feeling runs down his spine, he knows this man!

Coming to his senses he stumbles towards the opening in his tent, knocking over a chair and a small table on his way out. He rips the canvas aside, he hears the scream once again, he looks around to decide on a route among all the tents, and runs down a narrow path with tents closely raised on each side. Where is it coming from he thinks, as he looks back over his shoulder while hastily continuing down the path, he bumps into a soldier before he has the chance to turn his head, the incident nearly pushed him off his feet. The soldier grabs his arm hard, preventing him from falling "Watch where you're going you fool". Frederick stares at the soldier, it's a grenadier from Oldenburg, there's 4 of them. What huge soldiers, tall as an oak tree and strong as an ox, suddenly the look on the grenadiers faces change from surprised, to a sight of awe and fright, the 4 grenadiers kneels, and the one who prevented Frederick from falling begs for forgiveness as he bows his head. Frederick is confused by now, where is the screams coming from! The sound of the horrified scream sounds again, it shakes Frederick back to reality, he quickly continues down the path, past the grenadiers where he then reaches his destination.

He's standing outside one of the army surgeons tents, a pile of bloody clothes is laying next to him. Two Danish infantry men walks past him carrying a stretcher with a soldier on it, he is dead, both his legs is missing. Frederick continues inside, looks around and as frozen in stone he sees where the screams is coming from. In the middle of the tent a line of tables is arranged, at the far right a surgeon is working on a soldier, removing his right leg which is no more than a bloody pulp of flesh and bones.
Suddenly the soldier turns his head, looking directly at Frederick he screams in agony as the surgeon cuts through the bone, he temporarily loses consciousness. "No it can't be..." Frederick says, but no words escape his lips. Laying on the table in front of him is colonel Johannes Engelsted, Frederick's most experienced cavalry officer and a dear friend to the king since 1784 where he took over his father's place in the state council. He have learned so much about military tactics and strategy from this man, and even today at Södertälje he had carried out Engelsted's idea of attacking with cavalry on both flanks at the same time. Engelsted comes to his senses again, as he sees Frederick a tear falls from his left eye.

His Squadron of Fynske light dragons had charged the Swedish rearguard as they retreated back to Stockholm, but as they were about to hit the enemy Division with a full charge, a Swedish Howitzer battery opned up on their own soldiers. Engelsted was caught in the blast as one of the grenades exploded in mid air, tearing his right arm off at the elbow and a piece of shrapnel hit him in the head on his right side. His second in command was killed instantly as the blast released the man of his head. Engelsted's trusted steed was almost cut in half by the blast and the shrapnel that followed, as it embedded in the side of the horse it tore through Engelsted's right leg also.

The surgeon stepped back as Frederick grabbed Engelsted's hand "Don't you worry my friend, I'll accompany you back to Copenhagen where i'll arrange for the best care for you personally". Frederick looks up, his eyes meets those of the surgeons, the surgeon looks down at the ground "I'm sorry my king, there is nothing more I can do, I'm truly sorry, if only..." Frederick interrupts him "No, I will not hear any such talk, fetch my personal physician and surgeon, NOW DAMN IT". As the surgeon sends somebody to fetch the kings doctor, Engelsted grabs the kings shoulder "My dear king.... Knowing the poor state in which I am in, and the pain i have endured because of it, I would gladly have made that charge one more time.... You are safe my king, that is my only concern" Frederick's grip tightens around Engelsted's left wrist "Fight!, you fight this you hear, my surgeon will soon be here". Engelsted twitches in pain, he looks towards the sky and then at Frederick "My king, may god bless you for your effort on the field of battle today..... I've done my duty........ For Denmark"
Johannes Engelsted's chest sank and he expired one last time. A single tear rolls down his left cheek. He is dead.

Frederick looks around, he's searching for the way from which he entered, the tent is spinning, the stench of blood and death is too much, he needs some fresh air. On his way out his surgeon finally arrives, he pushes him out of the way.

Frederick takes a fresh breath of air as he leans towards one of the poles at the entrance to the tent. Outside row after row of wounded Danish soldiers is laying in the high autumn grass on stretchers, soon the king is recognized and they begin to cheer "Long live the king, Long live Frederick VI". Frederick feels sick, even in death they salute him. A group of soldiers from Holstein gathers around and join the cheers.
Frederick walks back to his tent in despair of losing one of his best officers, as he walks he passes soldiers busy preparing food or repairing their uniforms, some cleaning their muskets, they all look so happy, why... He passes a line of coffins, waiting to be picked up and buried. Two Swedish soldiers pass by him, guarded by two Danish soldiers. They're carrying a little boy, blond hair, covered in blood but with a peacefull look in his eyes, a drummer from the looks of his uniform. They carefully place him in a open coffin and then nails the lid shut.

Frederick looks at the sky and closes his eyes "God forgive me, what have I done"

While the Danish king is busy in Sweden Rolf Lillesoe has arrived in Stavanger overseeing the building of two more great Orlogsmænd to the Danish Navy. With him he has drawings of Top Gallants, recently acquired by Danish scholars at an great convention for science which Napoleon was hosting in the newly conquered Vienna, what a great city. The frigate Skjold and the carronade frigate Alsen has been launched also to safe keep the Norwegian ports. Because of all this work, and his wife being busy all the time with the smallest excuse to hold a feast at his honor, minding emptying his coffers at the same time, he have been forced to hire a Governess to look after his children.

Kjeld Madsen is living life a little too joyfully back home at Copenhagen, among other expenses hiring a playwright to write songs and screenplays about the brave militia of Copenhagen. As Frederick dispatches most of his cavalry to rest in Sjælland for the winter he makes sure to tell an officer which can't hold his tongue, that this will might have consequences for Madsen. This soon gets Madsen to his senses and he remembers how the army can be a safe place from women searching for fathers to their children, he hires a crimper to add to the manpower for coming campaigns.

Lennart Olrik sends a runner over Store Bælt to Malmö with a small sloop with a report to Frederick that Jens Andersen, the Admiral for the 4th Danish merchant navy, has arrived to Algiers where he has established trade relations with the locals, and that the first ships loaded with Spice is en route through the English channel. Their cargo will soon be stockpiled into the large warehouses at the harbor of Copenhagen and the finest samples will be brought to the royal palace to enjoy.

In Sweden the cold weather in December is beginning to hit the Danish army. After sending most of his cavalry to Sjælland Frederick moves on towards Stockholm, his heart filled with hate towards his Scandinavian brothers, he will take the city if it is the last thing he does. Frederick destroys the last remnant of the defeated Swedish army at the second battle of Sweden.

Battle of Sweden II: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...99163104231650

Steffan Gimsing joins the siege at Stockholm with his exhausted mounted corps of cavalry and light infantry. Fighting the common Swedish population as he advanced to help Frederick resulted in him arriving two days late and there for not being able to assist at the battle of Södertälje. The news of the battle saddens him though as he lost many good friends too that day.

Evening sets over the cold fields outside Stockholm. Gimsing stands outside Fredericks tent, taking a piss, he can see the Swedish militia on the walls of the capital, walking their watch rounds with lanterns lit all kind of places along the fortress wall. He turns and enters Fredericks tent. Tonight all officers is assembled, this is not only a dinner with good food and wine, tactics on how to seize the city is all that everybody talks about. Frederick isn't at the table, he stands over at the map with some senior officers discussing strategy. Gimsing is sure that Stockholm is on Danish hands before the end of 1806, he looks forward to celebrate new year in front of a warm fireplace in the Royal Palace of Gustav IV.

[LuckyLewis]

Wow! Lots of drama in that update! I particulary liked this bit:

Frederick takes a fresh breath of air as he leans towards one of the poles at the entrance to the tent. Outside row after row of wounded Danish soldiers is laying in the high autumn grass on stretchers, soon the king is recognized and they begin to cheer "Long live the king, Long live Frederick VI". Frederick feels sick, even in death they salute him. A group of soldiers from Holstein gathers around and join the cheers.
Frederick walks back to his tent in despair of losing one of his best officers, as he walks he passes soldiers busy preparing food or repairing their uniforms, some cleaning their muskets, they all look so happy, why... He passes a line of coffins, waiting to be picked up and buried. Two Swedish soldiers pass by him, guarded by two Danish soldiers. They're carrying a little boy, blond hair, covered in blood but with a peacefull look in his eyes, a drummer from the looks of his uniform. They carefully place him in a open coffin and then nails the lid shut.

Frederick looks at the sky and closes his eyes "God forgive me, what have I done"

I thought it was very well written!

[Christian Goth]

Part 5:

It's the morning of the 25th of December. Just before 6 am Frederick dispatched an envoy of trusted officers off to the coast outside the besieged Stockholm. Here they met with Olfert Fischer on the beach and were brought on board the Orlogsmand Kalmar, here they were to sail under a white flag and into the harbor of Stockholm. They would be supported by a captured Swedish ship of the line, also sailing under a white flag, named Svenska Lejon, renamed Svenske Løve by the Danish admiralty.

This was however not the best of Fredericks ideas, as the Swedish commandant of Stockholm took offense in bringing terms with a former Swedish vessel and he refused to go on board Kalmar to sign the peaceful hand over of Stockholm to Frederick king of Denmark, and leave on a few Swedish merchant ships, sailing his regular troops to Finland and disband his militia.

When news of the rejected offer arrived to Frederick he was furious. It looked like he would have to lay siege on Stockholm after all, not being able to rest his troops in proper winter quarters. Preparations was made, the Swedish outposts was beaten back to the fortress and Frederick ordered half his force to start collecting food at all nearby hamlets and towns. Gimsing was ordered to deploy his force outside the enemy fortress and start to setup an defended artillery position, Frederick would deploy his artillery the 27th and a long bombardment would be started, and the storming of the fortress be carried out 2 weeks later when reinforcements had arrived from Copenhagen.

Circumstances demanded for another plan though as Gimsing's newly established position were attacked within two hours as the enemy sallied out from their defended position. As Gimsing's force consisted of horse drawn artillery, cavalry and light infantry he could easily out manoeuvre the Swedish attackers, but he wasn't able to beat them head on, so he had to withdraw. A message of the situation was sent to Frederick. He quickly recalled his army sent on collecting duty and assembled to march out and meet the Swedish army, which mostly consisted of militia. He successfully caught up with them at the outskirts of Stockholm where he blocked their path around noon.

The commandant of Stockholm leads his militia forward

Battle of Stockholm: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...82710907191362

Fredericks plan had proven to be a success, the last army between him and Stockholm was destroyed and he didn't even have to storm the small fortress protecting the city. The losses from Södertälje was forgotten by his soldiers, after Stockholm they nicknamed him Hannibal. After centuries of tensions between Denmark-Norway and Sweden Frederick VI had finally done what all his forefathers dreamed of during, capturing Stockholm and forcing Sweden to her knees. It would only be a matter of time before Frederick could add King of Sweden to his titles too.

So as Gimsing had foreseen New year's evening was celebrated at the Swedish king's Royal Palace, and news of Stockholm's capture had reached the state council in Copenhagen too, this was truly a time to celebrate.
As 1807 starts Frederick doesn't waste any time. Civilian and military engineers from Copenhagen is hurried to Stockholm by ship. He writes Kjeld Madsen that he's setting up his winter quarter in Stockholm and asks him to prepare a load of supplies to him. Large warehouses have been abandoned untouched in Stockholm, but Frederick still needs certain supplies.

A Swedish General named Jokum Langvardt joins the ranks of officers waiting on a commission. Experienced in battle, but not greatly, this man have special knowledge about the area of Sweden, he has a feel for the northern terrain as he tells Frederick when he introduces himself. He knows where and when to engage the enemy. He could be useful if Russia were to land an invasion army at Sweden, so he allow him to join his Generalstab.

Styrbjørn Blach sends a report concerning foreign matters. The kingdom of Saxony have fallen to France, in his letter he expresses his concern to Frederick, that France yet again have destroyed a monarchy. The man is right though, this disturbs Frederick greatly. Can Napoleon be trusted or will he try to force his ideas of the revolution down over the Danish kingdom too? Because of this mistrust a trade agreement with Austria was signed, officially Frederick was supporting France, but through trade with Austria French troops was occupied in southern Europe, not in the north. In Bavaria, the city of Munich have been captured by a large Russian army, the French garrison was massacred when the walls fell at the might of powerful Russian unicorns. In eastern Austria a revolt have taken place, since Vienna was taken by Napoleon some time ago, it is clearly that the old Austrian Empire is crumbling. Diplomates isn't sent to The newly established Principality of Wallachia though, Frederick is sure that these barbarians can't create and maintain their own state, and if they succeed in that they'll surely be overrun by Russia, being easy prey, to a hungry bear which have been disturbed in its winter hibernation.

In Copenhagen and Malmö trade is already booming, the fortress of Tre kroner has been finished in Copenhagen and a artillery train of 4 batteries have been ordered to be completed in early april, a third Army Corps is in the making. Olfert Fischer docks with the Danish navy at Malmö and have orders from the king to start construction of one Kinafarer and a Orlogsbrig. At the same time Steffan arrives from Sweden to Sjælland to rest his troops and with a wagon train with the spoils of war from Stockholm, this including many beautiful art collections and statues which is to be placed at Amalienborg.

At Stockholm the engineers have arrived in early January and work on expanding the facilities of state have begun. A Court of Justice is being build, law and order is important with these Swedes, until it is build a large quantity of troops is necessary in the city, the destroyed sawmills at nybro is being rebuild, idleness is the root to all evil, so jobs is needed, beside the wood from the Swedish forests will be a blessing at all the Danish shipyards. Military engineers is stretched thin all over Stockholm. Erecting a new Drill School, A Great Arsenal and expanding the small fortress at Malmö to a small star fort, to repel Russian attempts to invade, or Swedish wishes to regain their former capital. At the same time statues is ordered to being build all over the kingdom to remember those who fell and gave their lives for Denmark-Norway and the union of Scandinavia, taking Finland will only be a matter of time.

[Christian Goth]

Part 6:

Only a matter of time, well Frederick soon saw he overestimated the Danish Army and Navy. He had been forced to travel to Copenhagen and sit down at the end of the table in the council to get anything done. Lennart Olrik was complaining about the financial situation, too much of the budget was going to maintain the Army as it was, and now Frederick wanted to expand it with a whole new 3rd Army Corps. Kjeld Madsen sat quiet and said nothing, Frederick was sure Olrik had silenced him with something, blackmail certainly, Frederick used to have his support in everything concerning the Army!
Rolf Lillesoe wasn't against Fredericks plan, but he was asking for alittle time to prepare the navy and that the navy would be expanded if it was maintain its efficacy in Danish and foreign waters. It were to protect the inlet to the Baltic sea from the North sea, but at the same time it needed to patrol the Gulf of Finland and spy the Finnish coast of Russian and Swedish movements, and be prepared to engage a enemy Navy sailing under a Russian flag. Adding to all this Frederick was demanding ships for an invasion of Finland too, it couldn't be done, Rolf said and slammed his hand in the table. Not without the risk of Frederick's supply line being cut off by the Russian Navy and him being captured by combined Swedish and Russian forces. Losing two Army Corps's in Finland would leave no troops ready to defend newly conquered Sweden, Kjeld Madsen suddenly pointed out.

Frederick realized he was wrong, and thanked god for such good advisors at his council. And so he backed down from his demands and halted the invasion of Finland, rested the army properly and resupplied his artillery. Mean while he spend the time with his wife, his children and his mistress, he had missed them and he knew that also he needed some rest.

Now that Frederick was home again he was close to all the things going on in Copenhagen, and he soon got up to date with everything. While he had been away campaigning in Sweden, the Lord Treasurer, Lennart Olrik, had been busy buying jewelry to his mistress, not with his own money though, no he had lend them from the treasury without asking for permission or keeping a record, so when Frederick looked through the books with assistants, he soon discovered something was wrong. Though this wasn't all of it, word was going around of things that wasn't suppose to leave the doors at the council, all since Olrik got a new mistress.

An armed escort of the Royal Guard was sent to Lennart Olriks estate, at the head on a white strong horse, Frederick was leading them. When they arrived at Olrik's country estate he was hosting a grand ball, Frederick had been invited but he had turned the invitation down, because he was going through the finances, not to the knowledge of Olrik of course.
"You know your orders Captain, carry them out" Screams from frightened women was heard inside the grand hall where Frederick stood and waited, he was overlooking the beautiful garden outside the entrance, wondering if he had paid for it, or Olrik himself. Three Guards came out, dragging Olrik at his neck. "What in the name of god is going on, I demand you stop this immediately, I'm the Lord Treasurer of Denmark, I'll see to it that you are...." Olrik's vile tone went quiet when he saw the back of his king standing outside the entrance. He wasn't the slightest minute unaware of what this was about.

The Guards threw Olrik down to his knees. "My lord, we have arrested the traitor, what's your orders" the Captain of the Royale Guard asked, Frederick turned, raised his head and looked down at Olrik, then he leaned down towards Olrik and said in a loud voice "My dear man, do you take me for a complete fool". The guests from the ball was gathering at the stairs in front of the entrance, looking curiously on what was going on.
"My lord I beg of you, it was her, I can't help myself..." Frederick grabbed Olrik at his throat and dragged him to his feet, looking him straight in the eyes almost nose to nose with him. "You sir, will count yourself lucky that you served me well when my father was alive, for that you'll keep your life". Frederick pushed him away, two Guards grabbed the chained prisoner so he didn't fell. "So you can't help yourself you say, well how fortunate then that I'm in need of a new governor at Island, maybe the cold northern air and the smell of sheep will clear your mind". Olrik didn't look happy at all to hear this news, but at least the rat kept his life, he went down on his knees: "Oh thank you my lord, you are surely great my king". "Guards, take the prisoner away before I change my mind, and be quick about it, he's not to leave his cabin before the ship is docked at Island". The king looked at the gathered guests at the stairs, they bowed before him, while being afraid of what was next to happen. "I wish you all a good evening at the ball, here at my newly acquired estate, I myself will retire for the night" And so Frederick and his Royal Guard went home to Amalienborg.


At early April things was beginning to take form. Organizing the artillery into Grand Batteries had been developed and there for a Ordnance board was needed in Copenhagen, as builders started the work Gimsing was sent to Stockholm to organize the two Army Corps's and have a look on the new Swedish drill school in Stockholm, new friendly recruits was needed to replace those that wasn't going to return from this summer campaign in Finland. Carrying Gimsing to Stockholm was three Orlogsmænd, Flyvende Fisk, Danmark and Staabraf, three newly build ships to add to Olfert Fischers Navy in the Baltic Sea.
When Lennart Olrik left on a ship bound for Island his replacement Flemming Tommen, the new Lord Treasurer was at his first meeting in the council, getting up to date with plans and what was expected of him. His first job was to approve the building of a Military Academy in Mecklenburg, which he did of course, not wanting to disappoint his king, knowing what happened to his predecessor.

In late may all preparations was ready for an invasion of Finland, no sightings of a Russian navy in the Gulf of Finland had made Rolf Lillesoe approve of the plan and he sent new orders to Olfert Fischer to oversee the transfer of Danish troops to the Finnish coast of Sweden. Frederick had left Copenhagen and had joined his Army Corps at Stockholm, here he linked up with Gimsings Army Corps which was going to support Frederick on his advance, this was thought to be a short campaign so time wasn't spent on managing supplies.

Back in Copenhagen Styrbjørn Blach was in a hard position. Should he send word to his king and tell him that the newly appointed Flemming Tommen had been caught stealing of the treasury. Since Lennart Olrik was caught new rules had been approved to keep an eye on such things, Tommen being a very lazy person didn't take time to read these and so he was caught too. Blach being a good friend to Frederick had seen the disappointment of this on his kings face, so he decided to throw Tommen in jail and with the help of the rest of the council appoint a new Lord Treasurer, he was taking a chance, but with the risk of this incident postponing the campaign, he didn't think it was a good idea to inform the king.

The new Lord Treasurer was to be Falk Hammer, a highly educated intellectual from Norway which had been living in Copenhagen for the last 10 years, being a professor at the university of Copenhagen he was a popular man among the nobility and was something of an stallholder, knowing which goods and resources Denmark had and realizing how to use them best without some being wasted.

Denmark was now ready for the coming military campaign, The Danish Navy was waiting outside Stockholm where the troops was already embarking on their transports. The invasion of Finland and the downfall of Sweden had begun.

At the same time news had arrived to Copenhagen of a large amount of troops being massed at Berlin, this knowlegde was unknown to Frederick though, he was on a ship, sailing to Finland. Was these troops going to be used for a Prussian summer offensive against Napoleon, or had the plans to free Mecklenburg been set in motion to liberate the German people from Danish rule?

[LuckyLewis]

Hey Christian Goth, your last two updates here have been excellent. Very impressed. Those pictures are great too, and you seem have found a good balance between in-game pictures and artistic work. Not to forget your writing though, that is always very impressive and beautifully done.

[Christian Goth]

Hey Christian Goth, your last two updates here have been excellent. Very impressed. Those pictures are great too, and you seem have found a good balance between in-game pictures and artistic work. Not to forget your writing though, that is always very impressive and beautifully done.

I thank you for your kind words sir. Always good with some feedback from people

I hope you all read the battlereports too, and please give feedback. In my next AAR with Spain i'll probably change that part abit, getting better tools to take more intense pictures and editing them to remove the user panel and so on, but it'll do for now, need to finish this AAR first as it is my first and gather experience from this.

Need to look up the programs people use for this kind of work too and get use to them

[LuckyLewis]

I thank you for your kind words sir. Always good with some feedback from people

I hope you all read the battlereports too, and please give feedback. In my next AAR with Spain i'll probably change that part abit, getting better tools to take more intense pictures and editing them to remove the user panel and so on, but it'll do for now, need to finish this AAR first as it is my first and gather experience from this.

Need to look up the programs people use for this kind of work too and get use to them

I look forward to next one. I don't think we have a Spain AAR here yet. Will you wait for the Peninsular campaign to be released for the Spanish Campaign? As for what programs people use, I only use paint to crop my pictures, although occasionally I edit them, and I write my updates on word as I don't like the small space provided when posting on the forums. Once done, I just copy it from word to here.

[Christian Goth]

Part 7:

While the Danish Navy had left the coast at Stockholm, protecting the transports loaded with fresh, resupplied and rested troops to the summer offensive of 1807, the large build up of Prussian Forces had marched to Hannover and further south. Not more than a week later The kingdom of Hessen was liberated from french occupation.

Frederick used the time on the sea to study the maps of Finland and receiving nearly daily reports from the ships patrolling the Finnish coastline of enemy movement. He decided to land his Army Corps at the Finnish town called Rauma, from here he could form a place to resupply and receive fresh troops if a siege was necessary. 57 miles to the south Turka (Aabo) was filled with Swedish militia, the remains of the Swedish army and most of the Swedish nobility with their king, Gustav IV.

At home in Copenhagen Styrbjørn Blach have been busy with receiving foreign diplomats, news of the Danish conquest of Stockholm have spread like wild fire through Europe and the news is mostly welcomed, not in the east though. A visit from the Papal state resulted in a military alliance between our two great nations, and a envoy from Portugal ensures Denmark an ally on the Spanish peninsula in the form of a military alliance with Portugal. For this deal they merely asked for knowledge on a few navel designs and a better hospital organization for their Army. Maybe their Navy would be useful if Great Britain were to cause troubles for the Danish trade overseas. Danish diplomats returned from Spain with a sad look on their face, yet again Danish diplomacy had failed in this great country, they simply wouldn't sign a military alliance with Denmark, even the prospect of receiving great knowledge and money couldn't make them reconsider the deal, the trade relations evolved every time the Danes came to visit though.

Blach had also received a report saying that Frede Ernst was in the company of the sister to Lennart Olriks mistress, this needed to be dealt with quickly. Ernst was still able to perform his duties in the Danish council and his duty in domestic affairs wasn't damaged, but once in a while some secrets wasn't kept, for now Blach had to live with it until Frederick returned from Finland, two new ministers at such a short time would damage Denmark's stand in Europe, it was enough that the gossip was already taking a toll on Ernsts reputation at the court, with stories of him and the two sisters in bed together. Blach tried to lead the Nobilities attention elsewhere with ordering a new Court of Appeals to be built in Copenhagen and let Ernst manage the affair, maybe that would gain him some respect until this matter could be resolved.

In Late July a Danish Kinafarer docked at Copenhagen. They had shortly been docked at the French port of Le Havre, here they had seen something they never thought would be possible. A ship driven by steam and not sails being launched. It was the first of its kind in all Europe. Rolf Lillesoe was in awe of the French Navy, he was convinced that this new technology had to be acquired by Denmark at whatever the cost, this would turn the tide on British navel dominance in the North sea, actually in all Europe, even in the Mediterranean sea, trade could be expanded then. Rolf Lillesoe rushed to prepare a ship to set sail for the French port of Le Havre, he couldn't wait to see this beauty of modern engineering. All though this was highly unheard of that a minister of the navy leaving his place in war time, this was maybe the right time to do it, the Danish treasury reported that nearly all income was spent on maintaining the three Army Corpses. Something needed to be done, if the British declared war and sunk only a small part of the Danish Merchant Navy things wouldn't look so good.

At the 8th of August Frederick and Gimsing landed at the coast near Rauma. The Danish Navy went into bombardment position in case the town didn't surrender to the Danish light infantry which was sent to capture it. The town mayor welcomed the Danish light troops and offered them plenty food and beer, so much that the rest of the Army envied them when they marched through the town on their way to lay siege to Aabo. As the landing was secure Olfert Fischer decided to block the way out of the Gulf of Finland if any Russian warships or merchant ships tried to escape the Danish blockade which was now in effect.

The Captain of the small frigate Skjold, Ulf Sørensen was relieved of his command, as an incident concerning two British merchantmen leaving a Russian port arose where they were ordered by Sørensen to halt and allow the Danish crew to search their cargo. They had refused to do so, and a short firefight followed. 1 Danish sailor was killed and 3 injured, while the British loses was far worse, 9 dead and 13 injured and considerable damage was inflicted on one of the Merchantmen, so bad that she wasn't able to carry on and sank not far from the Russian coast. This was a diplomatic crisis and could at best mean that the British would see this as an act of war. Frederick had no choice than to have Sørensen court marshaled and condemned to death to satisfy the two British gentlemen commanding the British Merchant Ships. They were then promised free passage from Stockholm and out to the North Sea, escorted on their way by a Danish Orlogsbrig of course, for their own safety as Frederick put it.

After this had been dealt with Frederick continued his march towards the Swedish town of Aabo, in such a paste that Gimsings Army Corps couldn't keep up. Frederick wasn't concerned about the Swedish forces at Aabo, he had reports telling him that they were heavily fortified inside the city itself so why should he expect an ambush. On the 14th of August he could just see the church tower in Aabo on the horizon, in front of him were only one last dense forest which he needed to move through to get as fast as possible to lay siege on the enemy.

At the crack of dawn his left flank of light infantry was caught off guard by Swedish Line infantry and they began to fall back, as time went on reports of two Swedish Army Corpses in the vicinity began to come in. Frederick had to make a stand, he was surrounded on two sides and a hastily retreat back towards Rauma and Gimsing would cost him his artillery which would have to be left behind, if that fell into the hands of the Swedish king he could defend Aabo long enough until an Russian relief force showed up.

The battle of Aabo: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...43569955395698

The battle had been won, but what a fierce Swedish attack, they came at him like at the battle of Södertälje, again they had inflicted heavy casualties on his Army, mainly on his cavalry yet again. His army was exhausted after the battle so they couldn't follow the remaining retreating Swedish Corps which fled down to the coast outside Aabo, he had to rest his cavalry and place them in reserve until reinforcements from Stockholm arrived, his ability to maneuver quickly on the battlefield was crippled.

A runner was sent to find Gimsings Corps and give him new orders, now he had to lay siege to Aabo, Fredericks Corps was too battered and tired to start fighting the Swedish outposts at the outskirts of the city. Gimsing saw his chance for glory, now he would show how a Norwegian General fought. A Swedish nobleman arrived under a white flag to Gimsings tent, he was instructed to ask for peace and the complete surrender of all Swedish forces on land and sea. Apparently the Swedish nobility had rebelled against Gustav IV when news of the defeat outside Aabo had arrived, they have had enough. So in exchange for keeping Finland they would deliver the Swedish king to Gimsing. But as a man that supported the monarchy this riot appalled Gimsing and he would hear of no such thing, the Swedish king was after all royalty and should be treated there by. The Swedish gentleman was run out of camp by Danish soldiers, the peace offer was ripped in shreds and thrown on the fire, Gimsing was angry, what a way to treat a king. He wasn't fond of the alliance with France either, he would be damned before he would fight alongside with bony and his soldiers! As night fell his Army Corps had laid a strong defensive ring around the city of Aabo, the Swedish forces was encircled within.

For two days Frederick chased the remnants of the Swedish Army Corps around the country side, denying him a chance for a battle as they fled from the slow Danish Line infantry. At the morning of the 16th of August it became clear that the Swedish troops had stolen two ships in Helsinki and was on their way to help defend Aabo from Gimsing. To avoid this a large group of men was sent down to the beachs to lit fires to get the attention of the Danish Navy that was blockading the Russian port of Reval and raiding the Merchant route from St. Petersburg. At the same time a runner was dispatched with a message of this to Gimsing, his orders were to attack the city immediately and take it by force even if he had to lay waste to it, the Swedish nation had to fall today.

The siege of Aabo: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...80908135320658

The brave last stand of the 3rd Division of Slesvigske Jægerkorps at the siege of Aabo 1807 - May god rest their souls in peace.

The 6th Division of Holstenske Infanteriregiment advance into Aabo.

The 5th Division of Fynske Infanteriregiment finish off the last remaining resistance in Aabo.

The kingdom of Sweden was no more. As Olfert Fischer caught up with the two Swedish ships transporting troops they ran down their colors and surrendered, not daring to fend off against four ships of the line. This was the last Swedish troops remaining in Finland, the war with Sweden was now over. Gimsings troops had searched all over Aabo for Gustav IV but he was nowhere to be found, later Frederick learned that he had fled on a fishing boat to Moscow, what a coward!

Repairs on the city was started right away, the church went undamaged through the whole battle so Gimsing set up his HQ there until the town hall had been repaired. A work team consisting of former Swedish soldiers was sent to the forests of Lathi to construct logging camps, wood would be needed to build fortifications and to repair the town, and later the wood would supply the Danish dry-docks.
Back in Copenhagen the news arrived of the Swedish defeat and celebrations was held all over Denmark, the great news was overshadowed by critics though, Denmark was still at war with one of the greatest Empires in Europe, Russia. How would they react to the new treat on their border and the Danish control of the Gulf of Finland, so far the growling bear had done nothing besides supporting Sweden with weapons and goods, Denmark hadn't seen the full force of all the Russians yet.

In Copenhagen such concerns wasn't on the mind of the nobility, such thoughts was for the rabble on the streets. No, they were busy buying new land in Sweden and Finland and expanding their business to these new lands. This was a cleaver move from Falk Hammer, the new Lord treasurer, to earn some extra money to fill the royal coffers. He also had the pleasure to inform Frederick about a new trade agreement with the Duchy of Brittany, Styrbjørn Blach warned Hammer that Great Britain and France might be offended by this, but he told Blach that everything was in control and that he knew what he was doing.

Blach didn't really have time to stick his nose in Hammer's business, he was busy together with Kjeld Madsen on finalizing the new Military alliance with Spain. They had expressed their desire to form such an agreement after they heard of the defeat of the Swedish king before the Armies of the Danish king Frederick VI, they were now finally convinced that Frederick was supporting Napoleon with all his heart, removing an enemy of France from the European map and weakening the coalition.

One morning as Frederick, Fischer and Gimsing was enjoying their breakfast at the newly repaired town hall of Aabo a man was presented in front of them, Frederick noticed his fancy uniform with all kind of details in white silk, whispering to Gimsing that he thought that the gentleman was a very smart peacock indeed.
The man laid a heavy document on the table and presented himself as chief secretary of diplomats in all of Russia, so apparently the Russians meant business sending someone like him.
He was carrying a peace offering to the Danish king. Denmark was allowed to keep Sweden and Stockholm in its possession, but Finland had to be granted independence, and all Swedish captured ships should be split between Frederick and the Russian Tsar. Frederick looked at the diplomat and at the paper again, then laughed and looked at the diplomat again which by now had a disgusted look on his face. "Should I, the king of Denmark by god's grace, grant the Finnish people independence, just so that they can be invaded by Russian forces after we have left, no no sir you must be mistaking Denmark with former Poland." He laughs again. "And why should I share the captured Swedish Navy whom Danish sailors have given their lives to capture, only so that Russian fat Merchants can man them, and gain trade through the Baltic sea and in the colonies in America to support the Tsar's medieval reign over his millions of serfs. Never! You tell your Tsar that he'll have to fight for such illusions and dreams to come true" This last reply didn't satisfy the Russian diplomat at all, he looked furious. "My lord, I'm then forced to tell you that 200.000 Russians is waiting to invade Finland from St. Petersburg and that a Russian Navy of 25 great warships is docked at Staraya, ready to leave and engage your Navy blockading Reval." The diplomat smiled as Frederick looked at Gimsing and Fischer with concern. Then Fredericks expression changed and he laughed again. "Oh how it saddens me to ruin your fun sir, and to report to you that a young Danish captain of mine at the 10th of August landed at the coast near St. Petersburg. Here he scouted the outskirts of the city and reported back to me that no troop activity at all, outside or within the city was present, your city is undefended sir. So I would gladly fight your 200.000 imaginary Russians myself with this silver fork.". This was more than the Russian diplomat could handle, he tore the document in two and threw it on the floor and left the hall in anger. Gimsing leaned over the table towards Frederick "My lord, what if the Russians indeed have 200.000 troops ready near the border". "Then I hope you have a strong stomach because then we'll have to sail to Stockholm again my friend" Frederick said and emptied his glass of wine.

As a force of garrison troops was left behind Frederick began the march along the Finnish coast and down towards St. Petersburg, as his Army Corps marched through Helsinki they were cheered on by the population, they didn't need to fear a Russian invasion now that the Danish king himself was here. Frederick already had a plan brewing inside his head, if he could just cut off Russian access to the Baltic sea altogether victory would be his, and he would at last gain some much needed heavy industry in Vilnius in Lithuania, it was a better plan than to invade Prussia in Cleves to get access to such industry. He was beginning to doubt his rejection to the Russian diplomat though, he could have made peace with the Russians and invaded Great Britain instead, what glory and rewards. Napoleon would certainly let him rule his country like he wanted then for removing such a great enemy, maybe it wasn't too late to catch the Russian diplomat and suggest a new agreement.

Frederick hesitated, what about those dreams he were having at night, where his father tells him to press on towards Russia and conquer a certain region. The city of Riga in Estonia & Livonia and rebuild this region with modern architecture and great monuments, the region needed to be on Danish hands. It was here that the Danish flag Dannebrog fell from the sky from God himself at the battle of Lyndanisse in June 15 1219. He took a handful of cold water and sprayed it on his face and looked in the mirror, maybe he was just going crazy like his father?

[Christian Goth]

I look forward to next one. I don't think we have a Spain AAR here yet. Will you wait for the Peninsular campaign to be released for the Spanish Campaign? As for what programs people use, I only use paint to crop my pictures, although occasionally I edit them, and I write my updates on word as I don't like the small space provided when posting on the forums. Once done, I just copy it from word to here.

I'll wait for the new Peninsular campaign if i'm going to make it, i'll have to finish this one first though, i'm not counting on Frederick dying just yet

I use ReaJPEG to convert the pictures, paint is just as good now you mention it, to edit the pictures i use Picasa 3, but only because i don't have a copy of photoshop sadly enough I do my writing in Microsoft word 2007, and add pictures here before i submit it. Works fine for me, but i want to take the time editing the pictures properly the next time

[Christian Goth]

Part 8:

It's the 12th of September 1807, two Danish Army Corpses is marching on the Russian City St. Petersburg. Near Thessaloniki three Ottoman Army Corpses is invading The Austrian Empire on the Balkans, threatening their new capital at Zagreb in Croatia.

Kjeld Madsen has appointed Graf von der Schulenberg to new Garrison commandant at Copenhagen. Generalmajor Lasson have been given an active command leading the fourth established Danish Army Corps, mostly raised with newly trained Divisions from Norway and elite Divisions from Copenhagen. The council have considered taking the war to the coalitions allies in the Mediterranean Sea in Italy, these plans are stopped as a message arrives from Frederick, he's asking for reinforcements for his campaign in Russia. He has rejected peace with the Tsar and plans to invade and take the regions with access to the Baltic Sea, effectively cutting off Russian access to trade in the north. Styrbjørn Blach is nervous for the future, he would rather see Frederick consolidate his conquered territory and strengthen the unified Scandinavia through trade and building projects of state and culture. In late September Lasson set sail for Estonia, the campaign Madsen thought about in Italy is off the table. Apparently Frederick have declared that a holy crusade against Russia were to be carried out, to reestablish the old Danish kingdom in Estonia, Blach shakes his head as he sees the ships carrying Lasson's Corps disappear on the horizon to the east, and worries if he'll ever return.

In early October Kjeld Madsen, together with Falk Hammer, starts the construction of a Army Staff College in Copenhagen, to reform the whole Danish Army HQ, it'll be needed now that most of the Danish Army is on campaign far away in Russia. At the same time foreign news tells that a French attack on the Prussian capital have failed, the French army was massacred not far outside of Berlin, no pardon to a single man. The newly established Kingdom of Hessen is destroyed again by a French army, this time the whole royal family was captured and sent to prison to deny any further attempts to rebel against The French Empire. A British invasion force landed at Calais and shortly after Reims was overwhelmed and captured, a large column of refugees has been reported fleeing towards the French border.

The 22th of October a trade agreement with Portugal was signed, the Danish diplomats warned the Portuguese government at the same time, that a British navy on course to Spain carrying an invasion force had been seen, the war could be on its way for the Iberian peninsula. When Stockholm was seized so was the effective Swedish network of spies, which had joined Denmark, and now had been reorganized. The first Danish spy, Jesper Nerhus was sent on a mission to Hannover, and bring in intelligence of the situation near the Prussian and French border, the state council was interested in knowing who was winning and if the French had redrawn its forces to recapture Reims which was still on British hands.

The 25th of October Frederick landed at the coast near St. Petersburg, here he took the small Russian town of Pulkovo at the Pulkovo heights, a natural defensive position located near St. Petersburg. Here he could create and hold his position until Gimsing was safe across the Gulf of Finland with his forces.

Frederick had been forced to make this dangerous maneuver because the Russian fleet, based at Staraya wouldn't meet the Danish navy on the open sea, so a landing at the closets place outside St. Petersburg was too dangerous, besides no intelligence had been collected yet, he didn't know where the Russian army was concentrated. At Pulkovo he could at least defend himself on this excellent chain of hills and engage on his terms. Winter was fast approaching though, he had to seize the city before the first snow fell.

At the morning on the 4th of November Kjeld Madsen was interviewing Harm Rriis, a highly recommended and newly trained officer who entered the Danish Generalstab this month and was now eagerly awaiting a commission. Madsen soon found out though that this young man had been caught by the ideas of the French revolution, he showed too much consideration for the men under his command at the barracks on Fyn under his training, this could evolve into a dangerous situation if the man was given an active command. Madsen gave the young man a letter, it was addressed to the Spanish commandant at Madrid, in it he explained the nature of this young commander and that no consequences would be taken if he was to be given an active command near the Spanish border to the British Gibraltar which was being attacked by a Spanish Army Corps. Here Rriis could serve at the front and survive god willingly. Rriis was glad when Madsen gave him his first mission, to help and assist the Spanish Army with knowledge from the Danish Army in their war against the British, he left the Danish Army HQ immediately and took the first ship set for Spain at once.

The Prussian region of Cleves was captured by combined French forces and the remains of the Dutch fighting for France to regain their country from the Prussians, Napoleon had promised them that he would recapture Amsterdam and give them their independence if they fought for him. The officer reporting this also gave Styrbjørn Blach a letter from Rolf Lillesoe, he had arrived at Le Havre and had many new interesting things to report, among them was the news of a French Rocket ship that had been launched, the first of its kind in the whole world. France was really creating marvelous things, their engineering skills was admired by all Danish naval officers.

On the eastern front Steffan Gimsing was defending the town of Pulkovo and the surrounding hills, news had reached Frederick that Generalmajor Lasson was on his way with reinforcements. Frederick had marched down from the Pulkovo Heights and laid siege on St. Petersburg, he was hesitating to march into the city before intelligence had been collected on how the Russian people would greet him and where the Russian army were. Was the Russian Tsar totally unaware that a Danish army had landed at their great city, and why wasn't the Russian navy attacking, what was going on?

[Christian Goth]

Part 9:

The 25th November Frederick decided he had collected enough intelligence and orders his officers to advance on St. Petersburg. The cool winter air was blowing over the battle field as he arrived to overlook it followed by his Generalstab, he tightens his coat around his neck and deploys his troops.

Charge of the 5th Division of Slesvigske Infanteriregiment at the Siege of St. Petersburg 1807

Siege of St. Petersburg: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...55278166769730

At the morning of the 1st December Frederick wakes up in St. Petersburg. Outside the snow is falling from the sky and the temperature is dropping fast. The soldiers of his Army Corps is busy all around the city improving its defenses with the help of some of the population. Most of the Russians have taken shelter in churches and large warehouses, at the siege Fredericks artillery unfortunately destroyed a large number of housing to the population. Especially the workers and the peasants is unhappy. The Russian nobility have been pleased with the plans to plan and construct a Grand opera house, bringing European culture to these desolate and primitive lands. St. Petersburg was an okay winter quarter though, it had all the necessary facilities to hold out during the winter, large warehouses and stocks had been abandoned by the Russian Army, at the request of their king some officers and soldiers had distributed food to the poor part of the population, this gesture was probably the only thing keeping them from rebelling against the Danish occupation. Frederick didn't know these Russians, he would dedicate some of the time during this winter to try and get on their good side, he would need the support if he was going to win this war.

Military engineers begin to expand the military facilities in St. Petersburg at once the same morning. A new Drill school, a Great arsenal and the good will of the Russian workers, would help the supply of munitions and to repair some damaged artillery. A small detachment of cavalry was sent to capture Staraya, the Russian naval base in this region. The fast attack by the Hussars supported by Dragons from Holstein resulted in the fall of the town. They soon overwhelmed the Russian harbor garrison and was able to turn the stationary cannons at the Russian Navy at the harbor, their losses was great but most of the Russians managed to flee and escape out to sea.

Dannebrog fires a full broadside at the battle of Staraya, Ladoga 1807

Battle of Staraya, Ladoga: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...77243167598866

Blaahejren explodes at the battle of Staraya, Ladoga 1807

Once out in the Gulf of Finland they were soon intercepted by Olfert Fischer and the Danish Navy. They engaged the Russian Navy immediately though the wind wasn't in Fischer's favor he won the battle. 5 Danish ships had been lost and others damaged, but not much, the remaining fleet was able to sail back to Staraya where the damage would be repaired. With the destruction of the Russian navy the Danish kingdom ruled the Baltic Sea. And was more, Fischer had captured 5 frigates and 1 brig from the enemy and brought them back to the dry docks for repairs, they would soon sail under Dannebrog and serve Frederick VI. As a snow storm approaches Steffan Gimsing is sent to the town of Narva to capture it and fortify his position there until further notice, Frederick will dig in and rest his army until the fleet has been repaired.

At the 10th December Generalmajor Lasson lands with his Army Corps at Liepãja. The harbor garrioson here expanding the dockyard with several dry-docks is defeated and Lasson orders the dry-docks burnt before he will march on. His objective is the city of Mitau in Courland. He is to capture and hold the city and establish contact with Frederick, and later link up with the two Danish Army Corps's fighting in northern Russia.

In late December Olfert Fischer is satisfied with the condition of his navy and he reports to Frederick that he await new orders. His new orders will be to set sail for the last major Russian harbor with access to the Baltic Sea, Reval. Here he'll engage and capture the Russian merchant navy, I prefer it intact Frederick adds to Fischer on his way out of the door.
Gimsing is given new orders, to advance from Narva and march on the Russian city of Riga in Estonia. Frederick decided to give the honor of capturing the city to a Norwegian General, strengthening the bond between Norway and Denmark.

As Gimsing appears on the outskirts of the city he is met by locals who cheer him on as a liberator. Sadly they only represent a small part of the population in this region, the Russians aren't happy to see Gimsing at all. Though Gimsings officers feel uncomfortable as they march into the town towards the city hall, Gimsing insists they're not to engage any pockets of resistance, his orders are to capture the city intact and to establish a diplomatic relationship with the nobility here. Frederick has great plans for this city. The city is spared from any fighting, for now. The town mayor surrenders to the Danish Army and Dannebrog is raised over the city. Gimsing begins to charm the inhabitants at once, offering local deals between him and the population to serve the Kingdom of Denmark. Military engineers begin construction of a great hall of Appeals and the expansion of the local logging camps. This will create jobs and opportunities for the Russians and then they will surely accept their new ruler, or so Frederick thinks at least. When news of the capture of Riga and the region of Estonia reaches Frederick he is overwhelmed by joy, finally the Kingdom of Denmark is restored and Scandinavia is united. This will be his last campaign in Europe, maybe he could focus on expanding colonies in Asia and Africa now. The job would be laid on the shoulders of his Generals of course, he couldn't leave his kingdom now when it was at its peak of power and prestige. Besides he had heard horrifying stories of the tribes in Africa, supposedly they eat their enemies alive, no such barbarians was best left to the Danish army to handle at the point of a saber or with the edge of a musket.
In Courland Lasson carry on with his invasion and march on Mitau. As he marches through Kuldiga a colonel of the light infantry informs him that they're taking fire from the local church in the town, other units report that the towns many taverns and public houses is barricaded and is refusing the Danish soldiers access with threats of opening fire on them. Three Danish soldiers is already dead and two wounded, he have had enough, he orders his artillery in position and line up his Infantry. Soon the town is ablaze, the population fleeing and their property plundered. Such is the prize of resisting their liberators, Lasson says to one of his officers in his Staff as they march on to Mitau.

News soon reach the Russian militia of the massacre in Kuldiga, though heavily outnumbered and no artillery they attack Lasson's Army Corps in rage over what he has done, many soldiers in the militia had family in Kuldiga. The roads in Courland was poor and was soon so muddy that Lasson's men couldn't march on them, this lead to the unfavorable position in the following battle.

Battle of Mitau: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...95812028748562

Lasson admitted that the Russians did put up a good fight, but they were no real threat to his trained Divisions, strong cavalry and powerful artillery, truth was that they were stamped in the ground by his cavalry. His light infantry had managed to capture the forest and in here they sprung a great ambush on the Russians which annihilated much of their forces and made the rest of the battle seem like child's play. Once the city was captured a group of nobles was imprisoned when they came forward asking Lasson to establish the Duchy of Courland once again, he would hear no such thing, this region belonged to the Kingdom of Denmark now. He soon send a workforce of Russian prisoners to start rebuilding the dockyard at Liepãja and in the city the barracks was repaired as the commandant of the city have ordered it burnt to the ground as reports of an Danish invasion force was received. He was of course arrested and shot for his deed by orders of Lasson. Not all Russians would be as lucky as those in St. Petersburg it seemed.

At Luga forests a Russian spy is caught by the same mounted force that took Staraya at the 21th December, he tried to set fire on the main lumber warehouse and disrupt the wood used to improve the fortifications at St. Petersburg, but three hussars discovered him in the last minute, he manage to wound one of them, before a hussar ran his saber through the spy's heart. The same day a great battle outside the coast of Spain near the harbor of La Coruña between France and Great Britain resulted in a French victory, nearly destroying the British naval force, they escaped with a ship of the line and most of their transports carrying their invasion army.

In Copenhagen they were getting ready for Christmas at the morning of the 23th of December, when an envoy of Prussian diplomats arrived. The tension among Danish merchants and Prussian nobles had been getting worse since Frederick crossed the Baltic Sea and destroyed the Swedish kingdom. The Danish invasion of Russia had been even worse received in Prussia by their king Friedrich Wilhelm III and the nobility, they were urging their king to intervene on behalf of Russia. The war between Russia and Denmark had only been declared because of the Russian obligation to Sweden, they had no claims on Denmark, so when Frederick VI denied peace with Russia and invaded their country he stepped over the line, so to speak. He had none legitimate claims on Russia, and at all European courts the Danish king was compared to Napoleon Bonaparte. Now the Prussian diplomats was demanding that the Danish Army made peace with Russia, gave all conquered regions back and paid a huge compensation to the Russian Tsar, if not a state of war would exist between Denmark and Prussia, starting the 1st January 1808.

Styrbjørn Blach didn't know what to do, as he invited the Prussian diplomats on a tour around Amalienborg he called for a meeting at the state council at once, of course Rolf Lillesoe and Frederick couldn't participate and vote on the matter, but everybody else was present. Blach informed the council of the situation, everybody was shocked by the news, Falk Hammer was afraid of the financial situation. Denmark had gained great wealth seizing the new Russian regions, but if Prussia declared war, then Great Britain might join them and the Danish merchant fleet would be in jeopardy, and there by the whole Danish economy supporting their three Army Corps's in Russia. Frede Ernst was worried about the Danish nobilities reaction on the matter, and the common man in Denmark, this could mean unrest in all regions, Sweden might rebel, and Holstein could use the situation to declare independence and ally with Prussia, everything was fine in Finland though, here Frederick was loved for freeing them of both the Russian and Swedish treat. Kjeld Madsen was walking up and down the floor, mumbling all kind of military information which didn't make sense on the matter. Blach grabbed him and slapped him, getting him to his senses again. He insisted that Denmark couldn't wage war with France against the whole coalition when Frederick was in Northern Russia with the Army, he wasn't even close to Moscow and the Tsar was furious at Frederick for invading his country, so an agreeable peace in the east wasn't an option, they would have to agree on Prussia's terms before the Tsar would come to the table and discuss peace. Things was looking bad indeed. Blach knew he would decide the whole fate of the united Scandinavia and the newly established regions in Estonia with his choice.

At noon the Prussian diplomats returned and awaited an answer. Blach received them at the south balcony at Amalienborg. The Royal guards watch shift was starting as he called them over. "Gentlemen of the kingdom of Prussia, I'm very sorry to inform you, that the decision of the state council which have been hurried upon us which such haste, without the knowledge of our king, has forced us to deny your request" It was clearly that this wasn't the answer that the diplomats was expecting, one of the gentlemen even dropped his walking stick hearing the news. "My dear Blach this news saddens me with all my heart, but I'm then forced to deliver this declaration of war to you at once, and inform you that because of Prussia's intervention a state of war will exist between our two great nations as of the morning of the 1st of January 1808 at 08:00 Am.". Blach accepted the document with a heavy heart. "Thank you sir, I hope we'll meet again under more joyful circumstances, until I see you again". "This is a sad time for Europe sir, I take my leave". Both Gentlemen made a gesture towards each other, and the Prussian diplomats left Amalienborg. Blach stood at the balcony still, leaning towards the hard stone edge, then looking up at the sky. "God save us"

Preparations started immediately. With such short notice it would be hard to mobilize more troops and volunteers. A national draft was forced through within the next two days. The time had come where all citizens of Denmark was called upon to help her in her darkest hour of need - New troops would be ready in about two months. Frede Ernst dispatched new orders to Jesper Nerhus at Hannover where he had infiltrated the town of Luneburg to spy on French and Prussian movements. In Copenhagen General Graf von der Schulenberg was given an active command over a hastily raised small fifth Army Corps, he was to march to Hamburg at once and fortify the bridge crossing near the city and defend it against all attempts to cross it, as he left not a single Division remained in the Danish Capital.

As the year 1807 comes to its end the Prussian Garrison HQ is celebrating new year at Hannover, the Prussians are sure of victory against Denmark and France as they have recently destroyed two French Army Corps's. Jesper Nerhus have infiltrated Hannover this evening and is sitting just outside the palace in the garden. He's on a important mission for Frede Ernst. Suddenly the door opens and a officer walks out. It's the Prussian General Johann von Thielmann, he walks over to the edge of the stairs, near a row of Greek columns to take a breath of air, unaware to the General Nerhus is hiding in the shadows of these huge columns, a minute later Thielmann is lying on the ground with his throat slit. As Nerhus jumps over the wall of the palace and mount his black steed, he hears a woman screaming, he smiles - his mission is complete.

[Iutland]

Nice update and interesting naval action description. Awesome action screenshots +Rep

iutland

[Christian Goth]

Part: 10

As Denmark-Norway entered the new year 1808 war was now existing between Denmark and Prussia, word of this was on its way to Frederick but as he enjoyed the new year in St. Petersburg he thought his kingdom was complete and peace would soon be signed with Russia. Prussia had intervene in the war between Russia and Denmark because of Fredericks fast invasion into Russia, quickly seizing three regions from the Russian Tsar. It was the 1st January but at the border in Mecklenburg everything was quiet, Malte Kaustrop's Army Corps was ready at the bridge crossing if any Prussian attempts to liberate Mecklenburg would be carried out.

In the Baltic Sea Olfert Fischer was enjoying his teamwork with Danish forces on land. As a small force of Danish infantry seized Reval and its harbor, the Russian Merchant fleet fled out to sea just as their navy at Staraya did. Fischer ordered a course to intercept the Russians, it was important that they didn't reach the Prussian harbor of Kolberg.

Battle of Reval: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...44241685017218

At the battle Fischer had been helped by a small Danish merchant navy commanded by Valdemar Adriansen, an unknown Danish captain. He joined Fischer at Reval when he docked his navy there to make repairs to his ships. For his commitment in the battle of Reval this captain was given command of the three captured Russian Merchantmen and of the two smallest frigates in Fischer's navy, this way he could now sail to Copenhagen and be part of the 6th Danish Merchant navy and set a course for the Mediterranean Sea and make his fortune there.

In Copenhagen Styrbjørn Blach gets an disturbing report from Jesper Nerhus. Nerhus reports that in Berlin 4 Squadrons of cavalry and 6 Divisions of infantry is being trained and is soon ready to march on the Danish border, their aim is Schwerin and to liberate the German-speaking part of the region from Danish rule. The state council takes immediate action. There is no time to get the accept from the king to attack. Kjeld Madsen draws up a daring plan to attack the Prussian capital, this will not be looked upon with favor in the European courts, but with the Danish armies busy in Russia something drastic must be done.

"The best defense is a good offense" Kjeld Madsen stated at the state council meeting the 2nd January.

The voting was unanimous and new marching orders was sent to Malte Kaustrop at the border at once.

Kaustrop doesn't stay idle for a couple of days when he receives his new orders the 4th January. He orders a complete assembly of the army, the established defense at the bridge is handed over to the garrison of Schwerin, and then the Danish first Army Corps march over the bridge and into Prussia - The war has begun. On his way to Berlin Kaustrop enters the town of Pritzwalk, the inhabitants isn't pleased to see the Danish soldiers at all and resist in any way they can, throwing stones and some townsfolk even dared to fortify themselves in a house and shoot at the Danish Divisions as they marched through the city. With 13 casualties being reported Kaustrop have had enough, he orders torches to be lit and the house burned to the ground with the Germans still inside. With the fire raging in the town the soldiers soon begin to plunder and raid the rest of the town, Kaustrop doesn't care, this is war, so he does nothing to stop the brutal advance of his men.
Outside the burning town of Pritzwalk he orders a Division of Danish light infantry to march with speed towards the town of Magdeburg and torch the great university in the town, even with force if this is necessary. The first Army Corps will keep advancing on Berlin. At the Danish Army HQ outside Berlin, Kaustrop get reports that the fort protecting the road into Berlin is only manned by Prussian militia, a few gun Batteries and a few musketeer Divisions. The plans for a long siege is pushed off the table, he calls his Generalstab together and plans a direct attack at the break of dawn on the Prussian fortress, he have to move quickly before reinforcement is sent to relieve the city. Its late in the evening when the plan is done, now he'll try to get some rest before the battle tomorrow.

Siege of Berlin: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...38171604061170

The Prussian garrison have surrendered and the Danish casualties is filled with new men from Mecklenburg, ready to do their part for Denmark-Norway. Army engineers begin at once to repair the fortress and Kaustrop's Genertalstab soon gets volunteers to repair important buildings of state to create law and order again in this great city. A part of the German population was cooperating with the new Danish rule, they realized that the horror stories of the Danish invasion into Mecklenburg wasn't true, that all Germans were treated worse than dogs by the Danish army. Sadly this fast invasion into Prussia didn't catch the Prussian king on the bed, neither the Prussian ministers are present in the capital. Kaustrop learns that they're at Königsberg in Eastern Prussia, planning an invasion of the Danish regions taken in Russia. Well at least Denmark had dealt a hard blow to the Prussians this day so Kaustrop was satisfied with his men's performance in the battle.

Back in Copenhagen Styrbjørn Blach's nerves have eased up a little, he was worried what would have happened if this attack on the enemy capital had gone wrong. He continues his other work and start to write his daily report to Frederick telling him of news around the world. Near the coast of Brest the remains of an British invasion fleet had been destroyed by a French navy, not a single British sailor or soldier survived. The city of Dresden in Saxony and Thuringia was captured by a French Army Corps, sustaining heavy casualties as they fought the defending Prussians from house to house until the Town hall was destroyed by cannon fire. In the east the city of Belgrade in the Balkans was overrun by three Ottoman Army Corps's, the Austrian defenders didn't have a chance to resist their attack. The region of Silesia was recaptured by Prussian forces from France. The French battered Army Corps defending the city was shattered as the strong Divisions from Prussia advanced. Beside these news nothing else had changed, the capture of Berlin was of course a very important part of the report, Blach was sure that Frederick would award them with great gifts when he returned from Russia.

In late January refugees began arriving at the gates of Berlin. They reported that the town of Küstrin had been raided by Prussian forces even though the town inhabitants had never cooperated with Denmark, not before now that is, because now they wanted revenge and Kaustrop was glad to offer it. In the evening guards was called to the palace in Berlin, a Prussian spy named Martin Lange had tried to assassinate Kaustrop while he was enjoying his dinner, unfortunately the spy knew the corridors of the palace better than the new Danish guards so he escaped the grip of justice. Surely it would only be a matter of time before he would try something again so the guards were doubled. Kaustrop also wanted to make the remaining Prussian nobility aware of the possibilities in working for the kingdom of Denmark, to please them he started the construction of a members club in Magdeburg.

Rolf Lillesoe had arrived home from France onboard a French steamship which visited the harbor in Copenhagen, Lillesoe had arranged for this small visit so that the Danish engineers could study the wonder at close hand instead of only reading about it. He also send new orders to Olfert Fischer, he was to set sail for the last major Prussian harbor of Kolberg and establish an effective blockade outside the harbor, stopping and searching all merchant ships.

After the successful siege at Berlin Graf von der Schulenberg is ordered to move from Hamburg and advance on Hannover. Outside the city of Hannover his Army Corps is met by three noble men under a white flag. They're ready to surrender the city to Schulenberg if he can promise the population in Hannover isn't plundered or hurt in any ways by the presence of the Danish army, and they insist that they're allowed to raise four Division of militia under the command of the mayor in the city. They tell that their population are very discontent with the Prussian king. He has ordered their garrison troops to Brandenburg, leaving the region unable to defend against the French and now the Danish forces too. Schulenberg agrees to these conditions, and so he marches into Hannover unopposed. With the Danish border expanded to that of Oldenburg a new trade agreement is signed, they're now able to receive and sell more goods now that the border is open again.

In Berlin all the repairs are coming along just fine, fortifications inside the city is being established also, mostly to control the angry inhabitants in case they take the fight to the streets. The former garrison force from Hannover has moved into Brandenburg and is now threatening the bridge crossing into Mecklenburg, cutting off reinforcements to Berlin. Malte Kaustrop has to react to this threat. He moves his entire Army Corps out off Berlin, it's a dangerous move as the only force holding the angry mob in check in the city is loyal militia forces. He engages the Prussian Army Corps outside of the raided town of Pritzwalk.

Battle of Pritzwalk: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...41146750393234

Although Kaustrop's position haven't been the best when the Prussians attacked he managed to maneuver his troops into a better position and the enemy had been beaten effectively off the field of battle. A few cavalry men had escaped the battle though, and was terrorizing the population in Mecklenburg. So Kaustrop instructed the Mayor of Schwerin, to wait on a Squadron of Dragons he would send to aid in the destruction or capture of these villains, but of course the mayor thought he could gain glory for himself. He ordered his militia to attack. Sadly they were routed and many lives was lost because of his stupidity.

Skirmish at Schwerin: http://picasaweb.google.dk/107031264...27995229870194

Things were beginning to quiet down in Brandenburg, but back in Copenhagen they knew that the war had just begun, they haven't seen the strong experienced troops from east Prussia yet, the Prussians were sure to start a spring offensive soon, and in Russia enemy Army Corps's were marching on Estonia and massing at Novgorod. Steffan Gimsing leads his Army Corps out of Riga to spare the population of Russian cannonballs hitting the city, he takes up a denfensive position on some hills located in the Russian wasteland.