Wachtmeister was supposed to intercept a Russian-bound squadron and combine with Swedish ships from Gothenburg. Charles XII failed to pass the necessary instructions to Stockholm, so the rendezvous came too late and the Danish-Norwegian force found Wachtmeister alone. The Swedish ships included powerful third rates, but a two-to-one numerical disadvantage and groundings in fog turned maneuver into catastrophe. Five ships were captured, another was scuttled, more than 1,600 men became prisoners, and the enemy lost no ships, making failed coordination more decisive than nominal gun quality.
Chapter · 27:38-30:09
A missed rendezvous destroys the Swedish squadron at Fehmarn
Charles XII's incomplete orders prevent two Swedish squadrons from joining, leaving Wachtmeister outnumbered and almost entirely captured.