The British visit of 1800 gave Copenhagen ample warning that rejecting later demands could bring another fleet. Older ships were cut down or left unused even though they might have reinforced the defence or blocked navigable approaches. The capital also lacked the prepared fortifications, trained reserves, and senior command arrangements needed to compensate for inferiority at sea. The overall commander would have had a safer position and a better view from a shore battery than from a ship exposed to concentrated fire.
Chapter · 1:29:42-1:35:35
Copenhagen's unprepared fleet and vulnerable command post
Denmark-Norway knew a British fleet was likely to return, yet left useful warships inactive and put the harbour defence commander aboard a vulnerable floating battery.