Parker retained two second rates and six third rates in the northern reserve while Nelson took twelve nominal ships of the line into the southern channel. Three of Nelson's ships grounded, so only nine reached the attack. The force included 64-gun ships and two smaller fourth rates rather than an overwhelming concentration of Britain's newest capital ships. Seven bomb vessels supplied the main coercive leverage, supported by frigates and smaller craft. The squadron also included fire ships, which appear here as an unusual addition rather than the decisive arm. Bringing the bomb vessels within range of Copenhagen could turn a limited tactical success into direct political pressure on the Danish government.
Notable Point · 44:00-48:36
A limited British squadron with a coercive mission
Britain relied on a limited attacking squadron whose bomb vessels could turn tactical success into direct pressure on Copenhagen.