Copenhagen's narrow channels should have exposed an attacking fleet to concentrated fire from prepared shore positions. Land batteries could mount guns free from many shipboard constraints and use heated shot against wooden hulls. British mortar vessels countered that advantage with specialist weapons supervised by Royal Artillery officers alongside naval gunners. With a deep pool of mathematical and gunnery expertise focused on only one or two mortars, these ships could deliver unusually accurate bombardment. Their fire pushed back the defences and helped Nelson's force close with and capture Danish ships.
Notable Point · 8:11-10:42
Narrow waters, shore guns, and mortar ships
The 1801 battle shows how narrow channels and shore batteries favoured a prepared defender, while specialist British mortar ships helped open the way for Nelson.