Surrender of Tranquebar (1808)

The Surrender of Tranquebar (Danish: Overgivelsen af Trankebar) or the Capture of Tranquebar (Danish: Overtagelsen af Trankebar) was a surrender of the capital of Danish India, Tranquebar, in 1808 to the British East India Company as a result of the English Wars. The capital would surrender almost immediately after the arrival of a British force.

Surrender of Tranquebar
Part of the English Wars

Tranquebar, by former governor, Peter Anker
Date12 February 1808
Location11°1′45″N 79°50′58″E / 11.02917°N 79.84944°E / 11.02917; 79.84944
Result British victory
Territorial
changes
Tranquebar occupied by the British
Belligerents
 United Kingdom  Denmark-Norway
Commanders and leaders
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland James Watson
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Thomas Caulfield
Denmark–Norway Peter Hermanson Surrendered
Units involved
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 14th Foot Regiment
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland EIC's artillery
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland HMS Russell
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland HMS Monmouth
Denmark–Norway Dansborg garrison
Denmark–Norway HDMS Nancy
Denmark–Norway HDMS Charlotte
Denmark–Norway HDMS Sophia
Strength
8 merchantmen
2 ships
74 cannons
3 ships
Casualties and losses
None None

Background

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In 1801, hostilities between Denmark–Norway spread to their colonial holdings, including India. On 12 May 1801, Tranquebar, the capital of Danish India, surrendered to the British under Richard Wellesley.[1] Similar events would happen to Serampore and the Danish West Indies, however, hostilities ended after the Treaty of Amiens, where it was decided Britain was to embark from the Danish possessions in 1802.[2][1]

Surrender

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In early 1808, hostilities broke out again, and as a response, the British sent HMS Russell and HMS Monmouth with a detachment of the 14th Regiment of Foot and 74 cannons to Tranquebar.[1][3] Upon anchoring off Tranquebar on 12 February 1808,[1] the British recommended the Danish governor, Peter Hermanson,[4] to surrender, which he quickly did.[1][3] At 10 PM, articles of capitulation were signed, between Colonel James Watson and Captain Thomas Caulfield, on behalf of the British, and Governor Hermanson on behalf of the Danish.[4][3]

Aftermath

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Tranquebar and the other Danish possesions in India would be occupied by Britain until 1815, however, the damage on the trade would never recover, and in 1845 Denmark sold its Indian holdings to Britain for 1.125.000 Danish Rigsdaler.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Liisberg 2020.
  2. ^ Glover 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Gold 2014.
  4. ^ a b Larsen 1940, p. 76.
  5. ^ "Tranquebar, 1620-1845". danmarkshistorien.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 2024-06-21.

Works cited

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