The British striking force, Parker's reserve, and the Danish ships and batteries near the capital reveal a closer balance than the battle's outcome might suggest. Bomb vessels mattered because their mortars could fire over the British line into the town and defences, unlike ordinary broadside ships. Denmark possessed additional ships and a heavily armed battery that could have narrowed the gap if its available strength had been organized differently. Britain therefore retained leverage even if the strongest northern Danish positions proved difficult to carry directly.
Notable Point · 1:36:01-1:41:29
The forces at Copenhagen and the role of bomb vessels
Nelson's striking squadron was substantial but limited, while bomb vessels gave Britain a way to threaten Copenhagen beyond the anchored Danish line.