An inshore squadron attacks the artillery route

Tordenskjold's orders produced a Baltic inshore squadron built around galleys and gunboats, with frigates in support rather than at its center. Its operational purpose was to break the floating supply route carrying Swedish artillery from cargo ships toward Charles XII's army. The cargo ships had to unload onto a floating bridge before the guns continued by road to Swedish headquarters, creating a vulnerable transshipment point. The squadron reached Dynekilen just as the guns were being unloaded, when the valuable siege train was at its most exposed. Tordenskjold concentrated roughly 900 men against a Swedish force that was larger overall but scattered around an inadequately defended logistics hub. The composition and timing show how small craft could create strategic effect when matched closely to confined waters and a precise objective.