“The King is down – the king is down”. The yell is shouted from all sides. The command ship TREFOLDIGHEDEN has been hit by a broadside, and the king was taken down by splinters of the exploding ship. The Swedish fleet feels that victory is secured.
That was the situation 362 years ago in the middle of the battle of Kolberger Heide. The Swedish naval force was preparing an invasion of Zealand, and it was up to the Royal Danish Navy to save the day.
This afternoon history repeated itself, when the old sea battle was reconstructed during “Under sails for 1000 Years”.
Four large wooden ships, 300 cannon rounds and more than 30 charges of dynamite added atmosphere, drama and meter high columns of water.
The Danish king Christian IV was hurt. The ships deck around him was filled with dead sailors, but that day in July happiness smiled on Denmark and the Danish fleet.
Steffen Møller and the Drum Major of
the Naval Band
Photo: Martin Pedersen, RDN |
That was also the case in Odense today. After a short break in the battle the King got on his feet. Amplified by the director of “under Sail for 1000 Years”, Steffen Møller, the brave King yelled out:
- I am still alive - Though I am hurt, you must consider the treats to our nation and FIGHT!
The words had instant effect. The Danish marines fought with renewed courage and in a short while the Swedes was forced to retreat.
The quay in Odense was filled with
people who had come to see the epic
battle repeated.
Photo: Martin Pedersen, RDN |
Today’s edition of the battle the victory was marked by The Danish Naval Band who played the hymn “Kong Christian Stod ved hoejen mast”. The first verse of the hymn was inspired by the 67 year old Kings behaviour during the battle.
The quay in Odense was filled with people who had come to see the epic battle repeated.
The four ships were equipped with replicas of old naval cannons and sailors dressed in 1640´s fashion. The outcome of the battle was as expected. Denmark prevailed with a 2-0 victory.
When the Swedish ships had left the port Steffen Møller ended the arrangement by leading three cheers for the Royal Danish Navy - now and then.
Additional photos