Danish artillery – Lund 1676

Danish artillery unit in action 

The Scanian War saw the birth of Danish field artillery as an independent service.

The artillery was considered a ”Royal regiment”, which leaves its trace on their uniforms, carrying a ”C” for king Christian V on the upper left sleeve. The uniforms changes a few times during the war, but according to the rolls at the time of Lund, many would have been grey with red cuffs and lining.

A mix of 12 pds, 10 pds & 3 pds were used to form the batteries, for sieges mortars et.c would be brought forward. Infantry regiments had two of the lighter and more mobile 3 pds attached, adding to the firepower and punch of the battle line.

A Danish field piece from Christian V's era

At Lund the artillery played a significant role in the centre of the battle, were most infantry was also placed. Effectiveness was not only measured in physical damage, but also in the artillery’s effect as a weapon of terror. The demoralizing effect on troops forced to stand still and endure a cannonade, seeing whole rows of their comrades being mowed down, certainly was tangible. 

A normal ”cure” for this kind of waiting would be a steadying look into the liquor bottles, and perhaps a comforting prayer as the deadly iron balls howled past them. As a hint of the odds facing the courageous “Gå På” drilled Swedes, it is estimated that they had rolled up around 8-10 guns, the Danes as much as 50.

The powder keg dangerously close to the action

Though exact numbers are not possible to define, it is certain that the heavy firepower concentrated on the infantry added a considerable number to the butcher’s bill. Some of the bitterest hand-to-hand combat was also fought out over possession of the guns.  As the battle raged back and forth, units like the Swedish Västgöta-Dals regiment stood out along with their Foot Guard.

I’m waiting for permission to post some really nice battlefield maps, showing the troop movements and the different sequences of the battle. Hopefully I’ll be able to follow up on this shortly with post giving you a clearer overview.

All figures are Warefare Miniatures.

Thanks for reading.