Post by 575 on Feb 11, 2023 14:41:35 GMT
August 5, 1914 around 0800am Denmark and its North Atlantic and West Indies possessions are ISOT to February 1, 1864 just as Prussian and Austrian troops begin crossing the Eider into Slesvig to execute the decision of the German Confederation to incorporate Slesvig and Holsten because of the Danish inability to govern the Duchies as stipulated i.e. making for the equal representation of the Duchies in Government.
Denmark of 1914 didn't include the Duchy of Slesvig which following 1864 had been incorporated into Prussia; this makes for the Danish army of 1864 being in place in southern Slesvig along the Eider river. The Army numbering 3 Infantry and 1 weak Cavalry Divisions.
Danish Army of 1914 consisted of four Divisions in two General Commands;
one in Sjaelland of three Infantry Divisions, one in Jutland of one Infantry Division.
The Danish Navy amounted to more than 100 units big and small – old and new. Sailingships as well as coal fired ones. Rounding it all out the Royal Yacht as well as a few very old vessels such as Tranport Boat which in time of War would come in Operational Control of the General Staff.
Opposing forces consists of 2 Prussian Corps and 1 Austrian.
Prussian 1. Corps of 6. and 13. Divisions with double the normal Artillery of a Corps as the two Divisions were drawn from two Corps uniting the total support troops.
Prussian Guards Corps of one reinforced Guards Division.
Austrian Corps of four Brigades.
Immediate naval assets – Prussian - two steam powered Corvettes of 28 and 17 guns, eighteen steam powered Gunboats as well as a number of other steamships.
Denmark of August 5, 1914 ISOT to February 1, 1864.
This TL is about the ISOT of Denmark of August 5, 1914 to February 1, 1864 on the outbreak of the Second Schleswig War. The German Confederation's execution by Prussia and Austria of occupying the Duchy of Holstein have taken place since January 17, 1864.
In this ISOT all of Denmark as well as its North Atlantic possessions and the West Indies are moved back in time.
An important aspect; Denmark of 1914 had its border with Germany at the old border of the Duchy of Slesvig thus OTL the Danish army had been mobilized and moved its 44,000 troops into Slesvig. The Army constituting three Infantry Divisions and a Cavalry Division would be there when Denmark of 1914 arrives!
*****
1864 to 1914 the short OTL version:
1864 the major German states Prussia and Austria decided to execute the decision of the German Confederation that Denmark in violation of the London Treaty of 1851 had violated the rights of representation of the Germans living in the Duchies of Slesvig (Schleswig) and Holsten (Holstein) as well as tying the Duchies too close to the Kingdom of Denmark by the new constitution of 1863. Thus the Confederation were in its right to demand the secession of the Duchies from the King of Denmark who was their Duke.
In a short war in which the Germans outnumbered the Danes both numerically and technically Denmark managed to reject an offer to partition Slesvig by referendum in a Danish and a German part as Denmark diluted by victory in the war of 1848-50 believed themselves able to defeat the Germans or at least rely on the Great Powers to aid them. None of this happened due to the general perception of Denmark violating the London Treaty.
At the negotiations at Prague France had an article inserted - §5 that made it possible to return Slesvig to Denmark by referendum. This was later abolished in the late 1870's.
Another article - §19 made it possible for some peoples living in Slesvig to opt for Danish Citizenship; the time limit being 1870. This article was to make for frequent Danish-Prussian/German friction as those opting for Danish Citizenship declined serving with the Prussian Army were getting deported from Slesvig.
Thus the foreign policy of Denmark in the period until 1918 was of keeping neutrality friendly to Germany in the hope of one day regaining Slesvig.
That neutrality ought to be defended and thus mobilization of a force of a five Division Army centred on Sjaelland with the fortress of Copenhagen was maintained along a strong Navy of smaller units suited for Coastal Water's mainly Torpedoboats, Submarines and small Armoured Artillery Ships.
Come 1918 and the fall of German Empire the pent up energies of Danish political spectrum was released in a storm on the Social-Liberal Government that had kept the helm during the war years and now wavered on how much of Slesvig Denmark should ask for!
*****
The outbreak of war on August 1, 1914 had seen the smaller neutral states, among these Denmark partly mobilize.
As early as 1913 a major call-up had been made to train reserves in the possible advent of a major war. Of the forces taking part in Army fall manoeuvres was a couple of Aircraft that would scout for the enemy. It was a success.
Another success was the lifting of 50.000 troops being mobilized from various parts of the country and brought into position on Sjaelland within eight hours! The regular train traffic didn't suffer much delay.
The manoeuvres were of great interest to Berlin.
Even if ruled by a Minority Government of Social-Liberals as it was coined, who saw military means as outdated as Neanderthal man, it still realized the importance of a strong military being the means to be able to stay out of conflict.
The major reason for any Government to stay out of conflict which might involve Germany was the dim possibility of regaining the during 1864 lost Sønderjylland/Nord-Schleswig some way or another possibly if Germany wouldn't notice the presence of Denmark and be pleased with its actions (if noticed!).
As almost any other state of the era Denmark was procuring its own weapons; Krag-Jørgensen Bolt Action Rifles of Norwegian design but locally manufactured with a five round magazine that had to be loaded individually plus a sixth round in the chamber. It may seem cumbersome but the advantage of the the loading was that you didn't open the block and could literally just throw all five rounds into the magazine and then close whereupon the rounds would be adjusted automatically!
Generally the magazine were considered an emergency advantage as most firing were intended as single shot and then reloading into the chamber preserving the magazine rounds for the assault.
Madsen M1896/1903 Light Machinegun; a Brengun looking weapon with a 25/30/40 round magazine firing 400 rounds a minute.
Each Cavalry Troop or Infantry Battalion had a Section of three Lmg's.
Backing the Field Army was a number of locally set up Volunteer Units/Korps. Some of the Volunteer Units had a much higher ratio of Lmg's as they would procure the guns themselves!
Usually a Volunteer Unit could muster 4-6 Light Machineguns but one - Corps Westenholz of Copenhagen - numbered 50 all mounted on Motorcycles!
It was the Worlds first Motorcycle Machinegun Battalion.
The Navy had its own M1896 Automatic Rifle; a predecessor of the Light Machinegun and to be used as such at Navy Fortifications.
Handgrenades were a recent procurement; a stick type Grenade, a Rifle Grenade and a Grenade that would be launched from a special Mortar were all procured. Of the latter only eight were procured for a Volunteers Unit.
Pistols for the Officers were bought in Belgium from Bergmann.
Artillery were mainly bought in Germany from Krupp or Bofors in Sweden though some French Artillery were also on the order book.
75mm M1902 and the older 90mm M1876 Gun were the stock of the Artillery of the Mobile Field Army. These were organized in Batteries of four Guns; all horse-drawn.
New fast firing 75 and 120mm Guns were being locally produced; however main parts had to be imported from Bofors or older Guns used for parts and only about a total of 40 had been produced on the ewe of war. These fast firing guns were designed for Fortress use.
The Fortress of Copenhagen really decided the procurement or refurbishing of Artillery for the Army though during WWI it was assumed that Fortress Artillery would be used to support the Army in Trenches. However the Artillery Arm were really not a mobile arm per se even if some of it during WWI were converted to a more mobile role.
With a range of 5,000 meters of the 90mm and 10,000 of the 75mm the Danish Artillery of 1914 were outdated. But when ISOT to 1864 it became state of the art!
As an aside the Navy Works – Orlogs Værftet – also produced Flyingboats.
At the outbreak of war the Navy only had two operational but these would be put to use as Reconnaissance and Artillery Spotting units. During the war the Navy Works would build quite a number of these flimsy wood, fabric and pianowire contraptions propelled by locally manufactured engines.
The Army had two land based Aircraft in its inventory. It wasn't able to build any itself at this time and had to rely on what's procurable.
Apart from Military Aviation a small number of Aviators had roamed the skies above Denmark notably Robert Svendsen, Alfred Nervø and J. Ellehammer. The latter building his own Aircraft Engines.
Denmark initially mobilized the Navy and Coastal Fortifications manned by the Army. The Army was partially mobilized to a total of 58,000 of which only some 10,000 were present in Jutland. The rationale being that only one objective could be effectively defended; that objective would be the Capital of the Nation.
By August 5 the mobilization was complete with units moving to their areas of operation. Three Divisions and eight Volunteer Units on Sjaelland and one Division and 10 Volunteer Units in Jutland.
The Navy had formed one Command at Sea as early as July 31; anticipating the worst.
The Navy adhered to the Jeune Ecole thus total Navy units amounted to
five Coastal Armoured Ships,
four old Cruisers,
thirty-seven Torpedoboats these were the principal surface combatants;
eight Submarines;
ten Gunboats,
three Armoured Schooners and
one screw-Schooner the secondary surface combatants;
four Fishery Inspection Ships that would patrol North Atlantic waters and
thirty-six Mineships that could double as Transports as well as two Transports. Rounding it all out the Royal Yacht as well as a few very old vessels.
For its tasks to perform during WWI it was well suited. Given 1864 it would be deadly to almost anybody; at least it could outrun if not outgun everybody.
Trucks and cars
Since the invention of the internal combustion engine Danish peoples had had an interest in it building Cars or rather engine driven contraptions.
The first car – Hammelvognen - had been built by 1888. By 1914 private owned Cars, Trucks and Taxies were not uncommon sights in Towns, Cities and the Countryside.
The local manufacturers of Trucks were Thrige and Anglo-Dane; even if production numbers were modest and engines mostly foreign they did manage to keep up production during the war years.
Statistics yearbook of 1914 numbers 3.079 Cars and Buses, 351 Trucks and 5.248 Motorcycles. Of the Trucks 264 were operated in Copenhagen.
Industry
Every Town or City had essentially the works needed to run modern society; Mill, Electricity Works, Smithy or small Metal Working Industry, Cement or Brick Works, Glass Works etc. Everything in place to meet the needs of the locals.
Even 43 Gunsmiths operated throughout the Country. One might suspect this a sign of lack of infrastructure but that wasn't the case; even if roads was scarce totalling no more than 7,000 km of mainroads and 36,000 km of secondary roads the Railroad Network accounted for 3,848 km of track transporting more than 33 mio. passengers annually. Towns not linked to the main road network were linked by railroad.
The heavy industries were located in a few places like Copenhagen, Odense in Funen, Randers and Aarhus in Eastern Jutland.
August 5, 1914 to February 1, 1864
During the early morning a Navy unit present in the Langeland Baelt – the southern part of the Great Baelt - observed some German ships laying mines. Moving towards the Germans to investigate the matter the Sky suddenly darkened then turned a bright red then green, silver and blue only then in a few seconds open to a dark Winter Sky; weather worsening and ice floating in the sea!
What had happened?
At the same time the same experience was shared by all Danes; no one knew what was going on. Some thought it the end of the World or the coming of war. Some saw a religious upheaval others the opposite. Quite a number - believers or not went to Church to gain strength and confidence.
Following the experience most felt relieved when the surroundings looked the same and they weren't dead; at least not to their own perception.
Soon however things was to change somewhat dramatic.
Receiving the report of the Navy Ship in the Langeland Baelt the Minister of Defence Peter Munch relayed the information to Government and PM Zahle.
Slowly information began to filter through from other Military units requesting Winter Equipment urgently as Temperatures were falling swiftly from almost +30 Celcius to below 0 Celcius!
Though small provisions had been made mostly to secure a supply of Coal and Oil nobody had expected this sort of thing.
Peoples preparing for a day off at the beach suddenly found themselves scouring through the attic for Winter clothing and calling at the General Store for Coal or other forms of solid fuel for the stove and oven.
Commanding General Gørtz called up his General Commands at Jutland and Sjaelland to gather information and alerting them.
Fearing the worst Gørtz also called up the Ammunition Arsenal ordering more small arms ammunition as an emergency might call for desperate means; was this some kind of new super-weapon being tried out by one of the major powers – Germans or French... or Russians. Nobody really knew what was going on in Russia! Even if the dowager Tsarina was Danish by birth – Dagmar/Maria Feodorovna.
Another possible was Nikolae Tesla doing some kind of unknown wonders. You just never knew.
Denmark possessed 28 mio rifle rounds; of these 5 mio weren't assembled yet that was what Gørtz ordered but he also ordered more. The shortage was critical as most Nations had a store of 500-1000 rounds for each Rifle Denmark only possessed 350 rounds for each Rifle. A total of 80.000 Rifles were in use or store.
The most troubling report had arrived from the land border – the border fence had disappeared! Gone! And so had the German Landstorm men manning the defences. Even the defences had gone.
Some confused Farmer had asked the Danish Troops why they weren't on the border with Holstein now the Prussians and Austrians as well as German Confederation Troops had moved into the Duchies; the Duchies!
Such nonsense. Nobody in his right mind had been calling Slesvig or Holsten the Duchies for the past fifty years!
Perhaps by some stroke of genius the Soldier had asked the Farmer the year and time of this freezing day and had gotten the answer of Monday February 1. 1864!
Utter nonsense.
Very well then, issue of Winter Equipment to all hands. Damn it, what is going on???
The Commanding Admiral Kofoed-Hansen had troubles of his own.
All ships at sea were reporting lots of Sea Ice dropping Temperatures and increasing winds. Oh, and they all demanded going to port to resupply with Winter Equipment lest their crews freeze to death!
Himself watching ice form on the inner windowpanes the Admiral could only call his Staff and order Winter Equipment be brought from Stores to Holmen, Copenhagen Navy Base for issue to all units.
Both the Commanding General and his counter part of the Navy called their Minister Peter Munch asking for council as soon as possible in this situation.
Munch himself being asked to a meeting of Ministers at Zahles Office at Noon would need as much information as possible and readily agreed to meet his Commanders. An oddity in itself as the man being a Social-Liberal detested the Military.
At the Ministry of Justice the same kind of reports were pouring in. Police Districts were relaying reports from all over the country of drastic change in Weather and weird peoples addressing Police Officers on the Border; apparently peoples living in Prussian Schleswig-Holstein.
Denmark of 1914 didn't include the Duchy of Slesvig which following 1864 had been incorporated into Prussia; this makes for the Danish army of 1864 being in place in southern Slesvig along the Eider river. The Army numbering 3 Infantry and 1 weak Cavalry Divisions.
Danish Army of 1914 consisted of four Divisions in two General Commands;
one in Sjaelland of three Infantry Divisions, one in Jutland of one Infantry Division.
The Danish Navy amounted to more than 100 units big and small – old and new. Sailingships as well as coal fired ones. Rounding it all out the Royal Yacht as well as a few very old vessels such as Tranport Boat which in time of War would come in Operational Control of the General Staff.
Opposing forces consists of 2 Prussian Corps and 1 Austrian.
Prussian 1. Corps of 6. and 13. Divisions with double the normal Artillery of a Corps as the two Divisions were drawn from two Corps uniting the total support troops.
Prussian Guards Corps of one reinforced Guards Division.
Austrian Corps of four Brigades.
Immediate naval assets – Prussian - two steam powered Corvettes of 28 and 17 guns, eighteen steam powered Gunboats as well as a number of other steamships.
Denmark of August 5, 1914 ISOT to February 1, 1864.
This TL is about the ISOT of Denmark of August 5, 1914 to February 1, 1864 on the outbreak of the Second Schleswig War. The German Confederation's execution by Prussia and Austria of occupying the Duchy of Holstein have taken place since January 17, 1864.
In this ISOT all of Denmark as well as its North Atlantic possessions and the West Indies are moved back in time.
An important aspect; Denmark of 1914 had its border with Germany at the old border of the Duchy of Slesvig thus OTL the Danish army had been mobilized and moved its 44,000 troops into Slesvig. The Army constituting three Infantry Divisions and a Cavalry Division would be there when Denmark of 1914 arrives!
*****
1864 to 1914 the short OTL version:
1864 the major German states Prussia and Austria decided to execute the decision of the German Confederation that Denmark in violation of the London Treaty of 1851 had violated the rights of representation of the Germans living in the Duchies of Slesvig (Schleswig) and Holsten (Holstein) as well as tying the Duchies too close to the Kingdom of Denmark by the new constitution of 1863. Thus the Confederation were in its right to demand the secession of the Duchies from the King of Denmark who was their Duke.
In a short war in which the Germans outnumbered the Danes both numerically and technically Denmark managed to reject an offer to partition Slesvig by referendum in a Danish and a German part as Denmark diluted by victory in the war of 1848-50 believed themselves able to defeat the Germans or at least rely on the Great Powers to aid them. None of this happened due to the general perception of Denmark violating the London Treaty.
At the negotiations at Prague France had an article inserted - §5 that made it possible to return Slesvig to Denmark by referendum. This was later abolished in the late 1870's.
Another article - §19 made it possible for some peoples living in Slesvig to opt for Danish Citizenship; the time limit being 1870. This article was to make for frequent Danish-Prussian/German friction as those opting for Danish Citizenship declined serving with the Prussian Army were getting deported from Slesvig.
Thus the foreign policy of Denmark in the period until 1918 was of keeping neutrality friendly to Germany in the hope of one day regaining Slesvig.
That neutrality ought to be defended and thus mobilization of a force of a five Division Army centred on Sjaelland with the fortress of Copenhagen was maintained along a strong Navy of smaller units suited for Coastal Water's mainly Torpedoboats, Submarines and small Armoured Artillery Ships.
Come 1918 and the fall of German Empire the pent up energies of Danish political spectrum was released in a storm on the Social-Liberal Government that had kept the helm during the war years and now wavered on how much of Slesvig Denmark should ask for!
*****
The outbreak of war on August 1, 1914 had seen the smaller neutral states, among these Denmark partly mobilize.
As early as 1913 a major call-up had been made to train reserves in the possible advent of a major war. Of the forces taking part in Army fall manoeuvres was a couple of Aircraft that would scout for the enemy. It was a success.
Another success was the lifting of 50.000 troops being mobilized from various parts of the country and brought into position on Sjaelland within eight hours! The regular train traffic didn't suffer much delay.
The manoeuvres were of great interest to Berlin.
Even if ruled by a Minority Government of Social-Liberals as it was coined, who saw military means as outdated as Neanderthal man, it still realized the importance of a strong military being the means to be able to stay out of conflict.
The major reason for any Government to stay out of conflict which might involve Germany was the dim possibility of regaining the during 1864 lost Sønderjylland/Nord-Schleswig some way or another possibly if Germany wouldn't notice the presence of Denmark and be pleased with its actions (if noticed!).
As almost any other state of the era Denmark was procuring its own weapons; Krag-Jørgensen Bolt Action Rifles of Norwegian design but locally manufactured with a five round magazine that had to be loaded individually plus a sixth round in the chamber. It may seem cumbersome but the advantage of the the loading was that you didn't open the block and could literally just throw all five rounds into the magazine and then close whereupon the rounds would be adjusted automatically!
Generally the magazine were considered an emergency advantage as most firing were intended as single shot and then reloading into the chamber preserving the magazine rounds for the assault.
Madsen M1896/1903 Light Machinegun; a Brengun looking weapon with a 25/30/40 round magazine firing 400 rounds a minute.
Each Cavalry Troop or Infantry Battalion had a Section of three Lmg's.
Backing the Field Army was a number of locally set up Volunteer Units/Korps. Some of the Volunteer Units had a much higher ratio of Lmg's as they would procure the guns themselves!
Usually a Volunteer Unit could muster 4-6 Light Machineguns but one - Corps Westenholz of Copenhagen - numbered 50 all mounted on Motorcycles!
It was the Worlds first Motorcycle Machinegun Battalion.
The Navy had its own M1896 Automatic Rifle; a predecessor of the Light Machinegun and to be used as such at Navy Fortifications.
Handgrenades were a recent procurement; a stick type Grenade, a Rifle Grenade and a Grenade that would be launched from a special Mortar were all procured. Of the latter only eight were procured for a Volunteers Unit.
Pistols for the Officers were bought in Belgium from Bergmann.
Artillery were mainly bought in Germany from Krupp or Bofors in Sweden though some French Artillery were also on the order book.
75mm M1902 and the older 90mm M1876 Gun were the stock of the Artillery of the Mobile Field Army. These were organized in Batteries of four Guns; all horse-drawn.
New fast firing 75 and 120mm Guns were being locally produced; however main parts had to be imported from Bofors or older Guns used for parts and only about a total of 40 had been produced on the ewe of war. These fast firing guns were designed for Fortress use.
The Fortress of Copenhagen really decided the procurement or refurbishing of Artillery for the Army though during WWI it was assumed that Fortress Artillery would be used to support the Army in Trenches. However the Artillery Arm were really not a mobile arm per se even if some of it during WWI were converted to a more mobile role.
With a range of 5,000 meters of the 90mm and 10,000 of the 75mm the Danish Artillery of 1914 were outdated. But when ISOT to 1864 it became state of the art!
As an aside the Navy Works – Orlogs Værftet – also produced Flyingboats.
At the outbreak of war the Navy only had two operational but these would be put to use as Reconnaissance and Artillery Spotting units. During the war the Navy Works would build quite a number of these flimsy wood, fabric and pianowire contraptions propelled by locally manufactured engines.
The Army had two land based Aircraft in its inventory. It wasn't able to build any itself at this time and had to rely on what's procurable.
Apart from Military Aviation a small number of Aviators had roamed the skies above Denmark notably Robert Svendsen, Alfred Nervø and J. Ellehammer. The latter building his own Aircraft Engines.
Denmark initially mobilized the Navy and Coastal Fortifications manned by the Army. The Army was partially mobilized to a total of 58,000 of which only some 10,000 were present in Jutland. The rationale being that only one objective could be effectively defended; that objective would be the Capital of the Nation.
By August 5 the mobilization was complete with units moving to their areas of operation. Three Divisions and eight Volunteer Units on Sjaelland and one Division and 10 Volunteer Units in Jutland.
The Navy had formed one Command at Sea as early as July 31; anticipating the worst.
The Navy adhered to the Jeune Ecole thus total Navy units amounted to
five Coastal Armoured Ships,
four old Cruisers,
thirty-seven Torpedoboats these were the principal surface combatants;
eight Submarines;
ten Gunboats,
three Armoured Schooners and
one screw-Schooner the secondary surface combatants;
four Fishery Inspection Ships that would patrol North Atlantic waters and
thirty-six Mineships that could double as Transports as well as two Transports. Rounding it all out the Royal Yacht as well as a few very old vessels.
For its tasks to perform during WWI it was well suited. Given 1864 it would be deadly to almost anybody; at least it could outrun if not outgun everybody.
Trucks and cars
Since the invention of the internal combustion engine Danish peoples had had an interest in it building Cars or rather engine driven contraptions.
The first car – Hammelvognen - had been built by 1888. By 1914 private owned Cars, Trucks and Taxies were not uncommon sights in Towns, Cities and the Countryside.
The local manufacturers of Trucks were Thrige and Anglo-Dane; even if production numbers were modest and engines mostly foreign they did manage to keep up production during the war years.
Statistics yearbook of 1914 numbers 3.079 Cars and Buses, 351 Trucks and 5.248 Motorcycles. Of the Trucks 264 were operated in Copenhagen.
Industry
Every Town or City had essentially the works needed to run modern society; Mill, Electricity Works, Smithy or small Metal Working Industry, Cement or Brick Works, Glass Works etc. Everything in place to meet the needs of the locals.
Even 43 Gunsmiths operated throughout the Country. One might suspect this a sign of lack of infrastructure but that wasn't the case; even if roads was scarce totalling no more than 7,000 km of mainroads and 36,000 km of secondary roads the Railroad Network accounted for 3,848 km of track transporting more than 33 mio. passengers annually. Towns not linked to the main road network were linked by railroad.
The heavy industries were located in a few places like Copenhagen, Odense in Funen, Randers and Aarhus in Eastern Jutland.
August 5, 1914 to February 1, 1864
During the early morning a Navy unit present in the Langeland Baelt – the southern part of the Great Baelt - observed some German ships laying mines. Moving towards the Germans to investigate the matter the Sky suddenly darkened then turned a bright red then green, silver and blue only then in a few seconds open to a dark Winter Sky; weather worsening and ice floating in the sea!
What had happened?
At the same time the same experience was shared by all Danes; no one knew what was going on. Some thought it the end of the World or the coming of war. Some saw a religious upheaval others the opposite. Quite a number - believers or not went to Church to gain strength and confidence.
Following the experience most felt relieved when the surroundings looked the same and they weren't dead; at least not to their own perception.
Soon however things was to change somewhat dramatic.
Receiving the report of the Navy Ship in the Langeland Baelt the Minister of Defence Peter Munch relayed the information to Government and PM Zahle.
Slowly information began to filter through from other Military units requesting Winter Equipment urgently as Temperatures were falling swiftly from almost +30 Celcius to below 0 Celcius!
Though small provisions had been made mostly to secure a supply of Coal and Oil nobody had expected this sort of thing.
Peoples preparing for a day off at the beach suddenly found themselves scouring through the attic for Winter clothing and calling at the General Store for Coal or other forms of solid fuel for the stove and oven.
Commanding General Gørtz called up his General Commands at Jutland and Sjaelland to gather information and alerting them.
Fearing the worst Gørtz also called up the Ammunition Arsenal ordering more small arms ammunition as an emergency might call for desperate means; was this some kind of new super-weapon being tried out by one of the major powers – Germans or French... or Russians. Nobody really knew what was going on in Russia! Even if the dowager Tsarina was Danish by birth – Dagmar/Maria Feodorovna.
Another possible was Nikolae Tesla doing some kind of unknown wonders. You just never knew.
Denmark possessed 28 mio rifle rounds; of these 5 mio weren't assembled yet that was what Gørtz ordered but he also ordered more. The shortage was critical as most Nations had a store of 500-1000 rounds for each Rifle Denmark only possessed 350 rounds for each Rifle. A total of 80.000 Rifles were in use or store.
The most troubling report had arrived from the land border – the border fence had disappeared! Gone! And so had the German Landstorm men manning the defences. Even the defences had gone.
Some confused Farmer had asked the Danish Troops why they weren't on the border with Holstein now the Prussians and Austrians as well as German Confederation Troops had moved into the Duchies; the Duchies!
Such nonsense. Nobody in his right mind had been calling Slesvig or Holsten the Duchies for the past fifty years!
Perhaps by some stroke of genius the Soldier had asked the Farmer the year and time of this freezing day and had gotten the answer of Monday February 1. 1864!
Utter nonsense.
Very well then, issue of Winter Equipment to all hands. Damn it, what is going on???
The Commanding Admiral Kofoed-Hansen had troubles of his own.
All ships at sea were reporting lots of Sea Ice dropping Temperatures and increasing winds. Oh, and they all demanded going to port to resupply with Winter Equipment lest their crews freeze to death!
Himself watching ice form on the inner windowpanes the Admiral could only call his Staff and order Winter Equipment be brought from Stores to Holmen, Copenhagen Navy Base for issue to all units.
Both the Commanding General and his counter part of the Navy called their Minister Peter Munch asking for council as soon as possible in this situation.
Munch himself being asked to a meeting of Ministers at Zahles Office at Noon would need as much information as possible and readily agreed to meet his Commanders. An oddity in itself as the man being a Social-Liberal detested the Military.
At the Ministry of Justice the same kind of reports were pouring in. Police Districts were relaying reports from all over the country of drastic change in Weather and weird peoples addressing Police Officers on the Border; apparently peoples living in Prussian Schleswig-Holstein.
They seemed to be of the opinion that they were living in the Duchy of Slesvig and fearing the advance of Prussian, Austrian and German Confederation Troops apparently poised to move into Slesvig today! What was going on?
Cabinet meeting
At Noon the Cabinet met at the PMs Office; Zahle PM as well as Minister of Justice at the head of the table, Scavenius Minister of Foreign Affairs to his right, Munch on the left, Minister of Finances Brandes, Minister of the Interior Rode, Minister of Church and Education Keiser-Nielsen, Minister of Public Works and Trade Hassing-Jørgensen and Minister of Agriculture Pedersen.
Due to the seriousness of the situation General Gørtz and Admiral Kofoed-Hansen as well as Commissioner of Copenhagen Police Pedersen were waiting in the ante-room for the call.
Munch, Rode and Zahle had the same story from their Departments. Apparently a lot of peoples not right in the head had populated north Slesvig since yesterday claiming the date to be February 1, 1864; the Prussians, Austrians and German Confederation troops on the souhtern doorstep of Slesvig! By the way the Border fence had disappeared.
Keiser-Nielsen had had the good sense of getting in touch with the Meteorological Institute asking for data and reasons for the change of weather; no solid answer were obtainable. There was no data other than what could be seen and felt but the Institute were checking up on its various stations all over the country to get into the picture. Cables would be sent to the Faeroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland to obtain more data.
The Swedish and Norwegian Institutes had been called up on the Phone but strangely there was no connection. Odd as communications had worked as late as yesterday.
At this Hassing-Jørgensen made a note to check up with telecommunications.
Pedersen were an echo of his Ministry and its premium addressees – the farmers! He complained that the sudden change of climate would ruin the harvest. Something urgent had to be done.
By now the men in the ante-room were called on to participate in the proceedings. Their expertise were needed the Politicians were fearing.
Pedersen and Gørtz both volunteered to send off units to Slesvig to investigate what was going on and why the Border fence had disappeared.
Prussian authorities had to be contacted to re-establish proper border markings so nobody be in doubt as to where the Border ran. This could cause anarchy! Or the Prussians might think Denmark was pondering the impossible – snatch the Duchies away.
Listening to his counterparts Kofoed-Hansen despite the Weather agreed to send off two ships to enter Flensburg and Tønning ports to gather information and make contact with proper Prussian Authorities.
The lack of Telephone communications out of Denmark was the greatest puzzle to all.
To investigate this Pedersen, Gørtz and Kofoed-Hansen all proposed to send Cables to neighbouring countries.
Before this could be effected a messenger entered the room leaving a Cable note to Zahle.
Clearing his throat the PM rose and exclaimed “General de Meza has notified the Government that the Prussian forces have crossed the Eider river! Danish and Prussian troops have been skirmishing. Withdrawing towards the Dannevirke. Date February 1, 1864!”
Silence!
Then everybody spoke.
Gørtz rose thundering “if the Prussians have crossed the border I'll order the Army off to defend the country – Kofoed-Hansen are your Transports ready. We have to move two Divisions off to southern Jutland ports!”
At this Scavenius voiced “if this is 1864 then the King is also Duke of Slesvig and Holsten” - Munch the historian entered “but technically our Denmark doesn't include the Duchy of Slesvig or Holsten and Lauenburg so we won't be obliged to defend anything.”
Now Kofoed-Hansen spoke “since time immemorial Slesvig have been part of Denmark and an important part. If this part of Denmark is attacked then the Navy will do its utmost to defend it” and he looked at each member of the cabinet sternly.
Another round of everybody speaking.
Suddenly I.C. Christensen -“the Fox”- Venstre (liberal) party leader and Mogens Frijs leader of the Free Conservatives entered the room. The cabinet looked shocked.
Christensen was quick to speak “the Motherland is in danger attacked by the German states. We must act in unison to repel the invaders and secure the Danish Nation in this dire hour. I offer you the support of the Liberals and the Free Conservatives but I need your assurances of sending the Army to Slesvig and the Navy to attack the Prussian Navy located between Stralsund and Swinemünde; a flotilla of Torpedoboats should be able to deal with it. But first we must pay a visit to his Majesty!”
Zahle rose and looked friendly “my dear I.C. please allow us the privacy of Counsel before I commit myself and the cabinet.”
“Also the Farmers need aid and Government intervention to get through this sudden burst of Winter ruining the Crops.. We'll be in the ante-room; Pedersen, Gørtz, Kofoed-Hansen will you join us!” Christensen didn't want a reply it was an invitation you didn't reject and all three followed Christensen and Frijs into the ante-room.
“Damn; we don't know what is going on so how does the Fox know?” Zahle inquired. To himself Zahle sighed; having the Fox in his camp was much better than not. He didn't like the man but neither did he like the prospect of being a war-leader. Actually much less the latter.
To himself Zahle already made notes; the Fox would replace Munch at the Ministry of Defence and Frijs Scavenius at the foreign office. He needed someone offensive at the MoD and now he could get rid of Scavenius; the man was the bureaucrat par excellence and a hopeless realist. He didn't want that in this situation. He would need somebody with tact and Aristocratic stature; Frijs would be the man for the job.
Nobody had a clue as to what was going on or what to do. Discussions took place; Scavenius and Munch didn't want a war but everybody else felt the Spirit of '48 in their soul even if their Academic training utterly rejected it.
Zahle appeared in the doorway to the ante-room; Christensen looked cunning Frijs relaxed. They knew power was coming their way.
“Lets pay a visit to his Majesty” Zahle uttered.
Preparations for War
Later in the day War- and Naval-Ministry Offices were busy. Plans were drawn up and orders issued. As Gørtz had had the toughness displayed at the Cabinet meeting wear off the execution was effected by Chief-of-Staff General Berthelsen. Being the real engine of the Army Berthelsen set about moving the Army into high gear.
The General Command of Jutland was ordered to march off for Slesvig to augment the 1864 Army in situ.
The march to Kolding would be by train; then a foot march to Aabenraa where the train would be boarded once again to complete the march to the Holstein border. As many Buses as available would be commandeered to ease the march from Kolding as everybody on the Command knew his history of 1864 and the need to keep up the pace.
Not all troops would go by this route. As many as possible would board Schooners and make the journey by Sea though mostly troops from Sjaelland would be transported in this fashion.
Those Sjaelland troops would need to move as units and having only been mobilized would need time to pack up march to port and then travel by Ship. That would mean at least two days on the march.
Communications from Copenhagen would be kept by Phone and Cable to Kolding and Cable into Slesvig. Fortunately the Cable Network had begun building 1853 and Slesvig had been part of the Network.
The Network made for transfer of orders and reports from Copenhagen to Slesvig and vice versa. It also made for the 1864 Commander de Meza to be notified of his new superior General Tuxen of the Jutland General Command. Being far away on duty de Meza couldn't do anything about it but wondered what was going on back home.
To deal with the small Prussian Navy Kofoed-Hansen dispatched the cruiser Valkyrien ten Torpedoboats and a Squadron of four Submarines – just in case. The major Prussian ships two steam powered Corvettes of 28 and 17 guns were known to have been at Swinemünde in 1864 the other units of eighteen Steamgunboats and seven Steamships were to be at Stralsund.
Two Torpedoboats and two Submarines were sent to deal with the Corvettes at Swinemünde; the Cruiser Valkyrien, eight Torpedoboats and two Submarines to Stralsund.
The Squadron arrived late in the dark of night and began to scout the Ports for the enemy. It took several hours but at day-break the work was finished and the Squadron ready for the attack.
Around the country Farmers were busy salvaging whats salvable of their crops. Most would be used for fodder in days to come to ease the strain of having no crop to sell though a lot would have to be ditched.
Soon Farmers Organizations would be heard demanding reparations and Government intervention.
At Noon the Cabinet met at the PMs Office; Zahle PM as well as Minister of Justice at the head of the table, Scavenius Minister of Foreign Affairs to his right, Munch on the left, Minister of Finances Brandes, Minister of the Interior Rode, Minister of Church and Education Keiser-Nielsen, Minister of Public Works and Trade Hassing-Jørgensen and Minister of Agriculture Pedersen.
Due to the seriousness of the situation General Gørtz and Admiral Kofoed-Hansen as well as Commissioner of Copenhagen Police Pedersen were waiting in the ante-room for the call.
Munch, Rode and Zahle had the same story from their Departments. Apparently a lot of peoples not right in the head had populated north Slesvig since yesterday claiming the date to be February 1, 1864; the Prussians, Austrians and German Confederation troops on the souhtern doorstep of Slesvig! By the way the Border fence had disappeared.
Keiser-Nielsen had had the good sense of getting in touch with the Meteorological Institute asking for data and reasons for the change of weather; no solid answer were obtainable. There was no data other than what could be seen and felt but the Institute were checking up on its various stations all over the country to get into the picture. Cables would be sent to the Faeroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland to obtain more data.
The Swedish and Norwegian Institutes had been called up on the Phone but strangely there was no connection. Odd as communications had worked as late as yesterday.
At this Hassing-Jørgensen made a note to check up with telecommunications.
Pedersen were an echo of his Ministry and its premium addressees – the farmers! He complained that the sudden change of climate would ruin the harvest. Something urgent had to be done.
By now the men in the ante-room were called on to participate in the proceedings. Their expertise were needed the Politicians were fearing.
Pedersen and Gørtz both volunteered to send off units to Slesvig to investigate what was going on and why the Border fence had disappeared.
Prussian authorities had to be contacted to re-establish proper border markings so nobody be in doubt as to where the Border ran. This could cause anarchy! Or the Prussians might think Denmark was pondering the impossible – snatch the Duchies away.
Listening to his counterparts Kofoed-Hansen despite the Weather agreed to send off two ships to enter Flensburg and Tønning ports to gather information and make contact with proper Prussian Authorities.
The lack of Telephone communications out of Denmark was the greatest puzzle to all.
To investigate this Pedersen, Gørtz and Kofoed-Hansen all proposed to send Cables to neighbouring countries.
Before this could be effected a messenger entered the room leaving a Cable note to Zahle.
Clearing his throat the PM rose and exclaimed “General de Meza has notified the Government that the Prussian forces have crossed the Eider river! Danish and Prussian troops have been skirmishing. Withdrawing towards the Dannevirke. Date February 1, 1864!”
Silence!
Then everybody spoke.
Gørtz rose thundering “if the Prussians have crossed the border I'll order the Army off to defend the country – Kofoed-Hansen are your Transports ready. We have to move two Divisions off to southern Jutland ports!”
At this Scavenius voiced “if this is 1864 then the King is also Duke of Slesvig and Holsten” - Munch the historian entered “but technically our Denmark doesn't include the Duchy of Slesvig or Holsten and Lauenburg so we won't be obliged to defend anything.”
Now Kofoed-Hansen spoke “since time immemorial Slesvig have been part of Denmark and an important part. If this part of Denmark is attacked then the Navy will do its utmost to defend it” and he looked at each member of the cabinet sternly.
Another round of everybody speaking.
Suddenly I.C. Christensen -“the Fox”- Venstre (liberal) party leader and Mogens Frijs leader of the Free Conservatives entered the room. The cabinet looked shocked.
Christensen was quick to speak “the Motherland is in danger attacked by the German states. We must act in unison to repel the invaders and secure the Danish Nation in this dire hour. I offer you the support of the Liberals and the Free Conservatives but I need your assurances of sending the Army to Slesvig and the Navy to attack the Prussian Navy located between Stralsund and Swinemünde; a flotilla of Torpedoboats should be able to deal with it. But first we must pay a visit to his Majesty!”
Zahle rose and looked friendly “my dear I.C. please allow us the privacy of Counsel before I commit myself and the cabinet.”
“Also the Farmers need aid and Government intervention to get through this sudden burst of Winter ruining the Crops.. We'll be in the ante-room; Pedersen, Gørtz, Kofoed-Hansen will you join us!” Christensen didn't want a reply it was an invitation you didn't reject and all three followed Christensen and Frijs into the ante-room.
“Damn; we don't know what is going on so how does the Fox know?” Zahle inquired. To himself Zahle sighed; having the Fox in his camp was much better than not. He didn't like the man but neither did he like the prospect of being a war-leader. Actually much less the latter.
To himself Zahle already made notes; the Fox would replace Munch at the Ministry of Defence and Frijs Scavenius at the foreign office. He needed someone offensive at the MoD and now he could get rid of Scavenius; the man was the bureaucrat par excellence and a hopeless realist. He didn't want that in this situation. He would need somebody with tact and Aristocratic stature; Frijs would be the man for the job.
Nobody had a clue as to what was going on or what to do. Discussions took place; Scavenius and Munch didn't want a war but everybody else felt the Spirit of '48 in their soul even if their Academic training utterly rejected it.
Zahle appeared in the doorway to the ante-room; Christensen looked cunning Frijs relaxed. They knew power was coming their way.
“Lets pay a visit to his Majesty” Zahle uttered.
Preparations for War
Later in the day War- and Naval-Ministry Offices were busy. Plans were drawn up and orders issued. As Gørtz had had the toughness displayed at the Cabinet meeting wear off the execution was effected by Chief-of-Staff General Berthelsen. Being the real engine of the Army Berthelsen set about moving the Army into high gear.
The General Command of Jutland was ordered to march off for Slesvig to augment the 1864 Army in situ.
The march to Kolding would be by train; then a foot march to Aabenraa where the train would be boarded once again to complete the march to the Holstein border. As many Buses as available would be commandeered to ease the march from Kolding as everybody on the Command knew his history of 1864 and the need to keep up the pace.
Not all troops would go by this route. As many as possible would board Schooners and make the journey by Sea though mostly troops from Sjaelland would be transported in this fashion.
Those Sjaelland troops would need to move as units and having only been mobilized would need time to pack up march to port and then travel by Ship. That would mean at least two days on the march.
Communications from Copenhagen would be kept by Phone and Cable to Kolding and Cable into Slesvig. Fortunately the Cable Network had begun building 1853 and Slesvig had been part of the Network.
The Network made for transfer of orders and reports from Copenhagen to Slesvig and vice versa. It also made for the 1864 Commander de Meza to be notified of his new superior General Tuxen of the Jutland General Command. Being far away on duty de Meza couldn't do anything about it but wondered what was going on back home.
To deal with the small Prussian Navy Kofoed-Hansen dispatched the cruiser Valkyrien ten Torpedoboats and a Squadron of four Submarines – just in case. The major Prussian ships two steam powered Corvettes of 28 and 17 guns were known to have been at Swinemünde in 1864 the other units of eighteen Steamgunboats and seven Steamships were to be at Stralsund.
Two Torpedoboats and two Submarines were sent to deal with the Corvettes at Swinemünde; the Cruiser Valkyrien, eight Torpedoboats and two Submarines to Stralsund.
The Squadron arrived late in the dark of night and began to scout the Ports for the enemy. It took several hours but at day-break the work was finished and the Squadron ready for the attack.
Around the country Farmers were busy salvaging whats salvable of their crops. Most would be used for fodder in days to come to ease the strain of having no crop to sell though a lot would have to be ditched.
Soon Farmers Organizations would be heard demanding reparations and Government intervention.
February 2, 1864:
Navy operations
At daybreak the Danish ships opened fire on the Prussian squadrons at Stralsund and Swinemünde. At Swinemünde the Torpedoboats not wanting to waste precious Torpedoes had sunk the two ships by Gunfire from their 75mm Guns.
At Stralsund Commander Konow also decided on Gunfire to sink the Prussian ships; Valkyrien used its Searchlights to turn Winter night into day and the Cruiser as well as the Torpedoboats soon had sunk the Prussian ships though it was noted that a couple of Steamgunboats were absent from their moorings.
Leaving the burning and sinking wreckage Konow reported the actions to Kofoed-Hansen at Navy Command. Aboard the Valkyrien one Officer had the sense to have brought a Camera along and shoot a few photos of the Prussian ships before and after the attack.
Later in the morning a Torpedoboat dispatched for Flensburg on moving into the fiord meets the armoured Schooner Esbern Snare that along the screw-Schooner Thor the day before had been countering the Prussian advance at the bottom of Eckernførde Fiord with their Guns.
It was a surprise to both parties but both flying the Dannebrog prevented them from shelling each other.
Thor had been making off for Nyborg in Fynen for light repairs its arrival later in the day making for some confusion at port.
Arriving at Flensborg Port the Torpedoboat Commander contacted the local Navy and Army Commanders to clear any obstacles to the arrival of the main body of the 1. General Command 2. and 3. Divisions during the upcoming days.
Another Torpedoboat having left Esbjerg the evening before were slowly navigating up towards the mouth of the Elbe turning towards the mouth of the Eider at which point a boat was launched to go the final stretch up that river to Tønning for contacting the local Commander and getting information on the situation.
Both Torpedoboats were keeping in touch with Navy Command at Copenhagen by wireless telegraph forwarding information to Aadmiral Kofoed-Hansen.
Skirmish at Mysunde, Schleswig
The Prussians had been on the march since crossing the Eider yesterday only halting west of Eckernførde fiord.
At 1030am the Prussian 11. brigade of the 1. corps commanded by Prince Friedrich Karl arrived on Langsø preparing for the attack on Mysunde by the ford crucial to the defences of the main Danish position at Dannevirke.
Having marched by train and bicycle all night from their homes in Vejle just north of the land border Vejle Amt(County) Volunteer machinegun unit arrived at Mysunde reporting to the artillery commander captain Hertel and then being sent forward to the trenches.
The uniforms of the 1914 troops didn't look too outlandish to the 1864 troops; the jacket only had one row of buttons but basically the uniforms were identical though the Volunteers looked more like mounted troops. (as always getting peoples to volunteer was eased by flashy uniforms!)
Only the weapons made a stir and then the Madsen M1903 light machinegun; now that was something to behold.
Being of battalion and platoon size the units soon mingled and everything worked fine.
Following the initial skirmishing as the Prussian's closed in on Mysunde the Danes of 1. company, 1. battalion, 18. regiment and a troop of dragoons were driven back towards the trenches defending the town and ford.
Being able to see the enemy some of the Danish twenty artillery pieces were to open fire on the advancing Prussian troops though the morning fog obscured the major part of the area and thus limited the effectiveness of the Danish guns.
As the Prussian's advanced to assault the Danish positions the machinegunners opened fire cutting down the Prussian's.
The effectiveness of the machineguns were a most pleasant sight for the 1864 Danish troops. Though it was rather shocking.
The Prussian's called back the assault troops reforming for another go. Even if losses were substantial it was to be expected. Clearly Danish musket fire was intense and accurate though such wouldn't stop the advance!
The second Prussian assault unleashed about half an hour later was also stopped dead in its tracks by machinegun fire.
As the assault was stopped another was made on another part of the Danish trenches but the lightweight Madsen guns were easy to move around the trenches to counter the Prussian assaults.
Once more the Prussian's were stopped.
At this time 1. battalion, 3. regiment had arrived as a reinforcement to the Danes but they were kept in reserve along the already present 2. battalion of the same regiment.
By now 6. Prussian division commander Albrecht Gustaf von Manstein had arrived on the scene directing his artillery and more troops into battle.
As von Manstein had artillery moved up on the Danish trenches to support the next assault Danish reinforcements also arrived in the form of a 1914 infantry battalion and a battery of four 90mm guns commanded by captain Bardenfleth. Pensioned off two years before he was probably the most versatile battery commander of the antiquated 90mm guns.
Bardenfleth had his battery move into position on the northern bank of the Slie fiord and a field phone cable laid across it to the forward trenches for his artillery observer.
Around 1pm the Prussian artillery barrage opened with 64 guns. The fog still hindered effective fire but houses in Mysunde town began burning.
From across the Slie Bardenfleth's battery took part in the battle by directions from one of its officers detached to the forward trenches.
Slowly Bardenfleth's guns began making themselves felt on the Prussian side mostly because of the weather that obstructed counter battery fire limiting it to firing at the flashes of enemy guns observed.
As this dawned upon the Danes the 1864 artillery was ordered to only fire at point blank range to conceal itself and minimize casualties while Bardenfleth's battery in its secure position would fire indirect on the spotted Prussian batteries.
The effect of Bardenfleth's battery began to make itself felt on the Prussians as their artillery got hit by counter-battery fire and couldn't respond as they couldn't see their opponents muzzle-flashes.
Frustrated von Manstein had his artillery move in closer on the Danish positions only to take casualties from machinegun fire.
Taking advantage of the almost point blank fire of their guns the Prussian infantry tried to assault the trenches for the fourth time but once again they were driven back. The machineguns and so it seemed to the 1864 troops virtually instant on call artillery were essential in this.
By 2pm Prussian losses were mounting into the unacceptable and von Manstein decided to call off the attack. Prussia didn't have unlimited resources for the operation as military service were highly unpopular in a country that hadn't seen a war since 1815! Because of this situation not all reserves had been called up for the operation against Denmark.
A Prussian officer approached the Danish trenches calling for a cease-fire. As the 1864 battalion commander apparently were about to accept this the 1914 officers looked surprised but decided not to make an issue of it.
At 3pm the Prussians withdrew into the fog. The Danes sensed victory but unfortunately the senior officers present made no decisions as to follow up by pursuing the retreating Prussians.
Generals Vogt commander 2. brigade and Gerlach commander 1. division both present at Mysunde but weary from the fighting during which they had been in the trenches and thus lost command of the situation; 3. brigade was some km's north of Mysunde but stayed off the action thus having no influence on events.
The Prussians made it off but left 25 officers and almost 500 enlisted on the battlefield as well as ten guns.
Danish losses amounted to 4 officers and 45 enlisted.
An important observation was that the Prussians had probably fired something like 1000 rounds of artillery ammunition but generally their aim was too high even if firing at point blank range so they tended to overshoot their targets.
After action
At the Danish Army HQ Slesvig general Julius de Meza was in the middle of an argument with commander 2. General Command Jutland general August Tuxen.
Both being cold cynical realist's definitely didn't like their counterparts and it became the ordeal of Army chief-of-staff general Berthelsen convincing de Meza of his being subordinate to Tuxen.
Berthelsen sensed that even if de Meza had seemed to give in to his orders and subordinate himself to Tuxen problems might still arise in the days to come. In order to avoid the mess of command seen at Mysunde clear lines of command and responsibilities had to be established and Berthelsen decided to get royal orders for de Meza.
Bypassing everyone except I.C. Christensen Bethelsen got his royal approval of orders and had them sent by cable to de Meza as well as Tuxen and the original sent off by courier. Now that would have been taken care of.
During the evening Tuxen were entertaining de Meza at headquarters 2. General Command. They spend dinner ironing out differences and agree on command and responsibilities.
Tuxen knowing full well the history of 1864 campaign briefed de Meza on the events of the upcoming day much to de Meza's surprise.
The Austrian corps of four brigades would attack the Danish advanced pickets south of the Dannevirke in order to test the Danes and advance the front line to Dannevirke itself.
To counter this Tuxen had his artillery deployed to cover the area occupied by Danish pickets and field phone cables laid to have forward observers direct shelling.
The four 1914 batteries were situated close to their 1864 counterparts to gain maximum advantage of the forward observers. Tuxen also had some of the volunteer machinegun units as well as some cavalry squadrons moved into the picket line to boost defences with automatic fire.
Depending on enemy dispositions the Austrians might get intelligence from their Prussian allies and use this to reinforce the advance guard unfolding a major attack though if lucky the Prussians would hold their defeat to themselves or would give the Austrians inadequate intel. That would be unveiled in the morning.
Tuxen agreed with de Meza that the Dannevirke line weren't ideal for the national defence even if the 1914 troops poured in; 3. division with its full artillery regiment was a most needed reinforcement.
The regiment consisted of two battalions each of four batteries of four guns for a total of 32 guns adding to the 16 guns of 2. General Command and de Meza's more than 60.
But the main body of the division wouldn't arrive until the next day.
Of greater importance it seemed from today's action would be the volunteer units with machine guns of which corps Westenholz with 50 should serve to stiffen the line against any German/Austrian breakthroughs.
One major reason for Tuxen's keeping with the Dannevirke line was the railway running just behind it east-west from Slesvig on the Slie to Husum and the port of Tønning in the west. From Husum a line ran north to Aabenraa.
Tuxen had to depend on the railway for resupplying his troops; supplies would be carried by ship to Aabenraa, Flensburg or Tønning and moved by train to Dannevirke. It just had to be; for the moment that was.
Tuxen was of the opinion that his modern troops and arms would be sufficient to hold the forward pickets and thus repel the Austrian assault of the morning. To maximize troops in the forward picket line the morning change of pickets should be advanced one hour and all the units should stay in line and alert to receive the Austrian attack.
De Meza was somewhat surprised at Tuxen's plan but then a demonstration of the Madsen machinegun had convinced him of the superiority of it to his own espingnol and even more the tactical flexibility of it. Though the flexibility of the 1914 troops were a bit beyond his trust in his troops and their training not up to it.
To a major extend this also applied to Tuxen even if he didn't say so as he knew the limitations of his subordinates abilities of combat command. Time and practice would serve to improve this even if that meant unavoidable losses and wrong decisions being made.
The main worry of Tuxen was the ammunition consumption of Bardenfleth's battery that in about two hours of action had used 300 rounds of the 600 it had carried into battle. The artillery resupplying hadn't been ready until after the battle and should be a major concern of the days to come.
Another reason for sticking with the Dannevirke line at the moment.
It was not really the time to think of it but should he be able to defeat the invaders the only route of advance would be along the railway going from Slesvig to Rendsburg on the border with Holsten. Anyway that would be his ultimate objective in that it would liberate Slesvig but not take him into the German Confederation; that would be a political decision which he was not able or keen to make. It would all depend on which party be in cabinet at the time he'd reach Rendsburg.
What Tuxen didn't remember at the moment was that the retreating regiments of 2. division the day before had demolished the railway tunnel at Oxlev/Owschlag and torn up part of the tracks. At least he didn't think of it but he had read it sometime.
Navy operations
At daybreak the Danish ships opened fire on the Prussian squadrons at Stralsund and Swinemünde. At Swinemünde the Torpedoboats not wanting to waste precious Torpedoes had sunk the two ships by Gunfire from their 75mm Guns.
At Stralsund Commander Konow also decided on Gunfire to sink the Prussian ships; Valkyrien used its Searchlights to turn Winter night into day and the Cruiser as well as the Torpedoboats soon had sunk the Prussian ships though it was noted that a couple of Steamgunboats were absent from their moorings.
Leaving the burning and sinking wreckage Konow reported the actions to Kofoed-Hansen at Navy Command. Aboard the Valkyrien one Officer had the sense to have brought a Camera along and shoot a few photos of the Prussian ships before and after the attack.
Later in the morning a Torpedoboat dispatched for Flensburg on moving into the fiord meets the armoured Schooner Esbern Snare that along the screw-Schooner Thor the day before had been countering the Prussian advance at the bottom of Eckernførde Fiord with their Guns.
It was a surprise to both parties but both flying the Dannebrog prevented them from shelling each other.
Thor had been making off for Nyborg in Fynen for light repairs its arrival later in the day making for some confusion at port.
Arriving at Flensborg Port the Torpedoboat Commander contacted the local Navy and Army Commanders to clear any obstacles to the arrival of the main body of the 1. General Command 2. and 3. Divisions during the upcoming days.
Another Torpedoboat having left Esbjerg the evening before were slowly navigating up towards the mouth of the Elbe turning towards the mouth of the Eider at which point a boat was launched to go the final stretch up that river to Tønning for contacting the local Commander and getting information on the situation.
Both Torpedoboats were keeping in touch with Navy Command at Copenhagen by wireless telegraph forwarding information to Aadmiral Kofoed-Hansen.
Skirmish at Mysunde, Schleswig
The Prussians had been on the march since crossing the Eider yesterday only halting west of Eckernførde fiord.
At 1030am the Prussian 11. brigade of the 1. corps commanded by Prince Friedrich Karl arrived on Langsø preparing for the attack on Mysunde by the ford crucial to the defences of the main Danish position at Dannevirke.
Having marched by train and bicycle all night from their homes in Vejle just north of the land border Vejle Amt(County) Volunteer machinegun unit arrived at Mysunde reporting to the artillery commander captain Hertel and then being sent forward to the trenches.
The uniforms of the 1914 troops didn't look too outlandish to the 1864 troops; the jacket only had one row of buttons but basically the uniforms were identical though the Volunteers looked more like mounted troops. (as always getting peoples to volunteer was eased by flashy uniforms!)
Only the weapons made a stir and then the Madsen M1903 light machinegun; now that was something to behold.
Being of battalion and platoon size the units soon mingled and everything worked fine.
Following the initial skirmishing as the Prussian's closed in on Mysunde the Danes of 1. company, 1. battalion, 18. regiment and a troop of dragoons were driven back towards the trenches defending the town and ford.
Being able to see the enemy some of the Danish twenty artillery pieces were to open fire on the advancing Prussian troops though the morning fog obscured the major part of the area and thus limited the effectiveness of the Danish guns.
As the Prussian's advanced to assault the Danish positions the machinegunners opened fire cutting down the Prussian's.
The effectiveness of the machineguns were a most pleasant sight for the 1864 Danish troops. Though it was rather shocking.
The Prussian's called back the assault troops reforming for another go. Even if losses were substantial it was to be expected. Clearly Danish musket fire was intense and accurate though such wouldn't stop the advance!
The second Prussian assault unleashed about half an hour later was also stopped dead in its tracks by machinegun fire.
As the assault was stopped another was made on another part of the Danish trenches but the lightweight Madsen guns were easy to move around the trenches to counter the Prussian assaults.
Once more the Prussian's were stopped.
At this time 1. battalion, 3. regiment had arrived as a reinforcement to the Danes but they were kept in reserve along the already present 2. battalion of the same regiment.
By now 6. Prussian division commander Albrecht Gustaf von Manstein had arrived on the scene directing his artillery and more troops into battle.
As von Manstein had artillery moved up on the Danish trenches to support the next assault Danish reinforcements also arrived in the form of a 1914 infantry battalion and a battery of four 90mm guns commanded by captain Bardenfleth. Pensioned off two years before he was probably the most versatile battery commander of the antiquated 90mm guns.
Bardenfleth had his battery move into position on the northern bank of the Slie fiord and a field phone cable laid across it to the forward trenches for his artillery observer.
Around 1pm the Prussian artillery barrage opened with 64 guns. The fog still hindered effective fire but houses in Mysunde town began burning.
From across the Slie Bardenfleth's battery took part in the battle by directions from one of its officers detached to the forward trenches.
Slowly Bardenfleth's guns began making themselves felt on the Prussian side mostly because of the weather that obstructed counter battery fire limiting it to firing at the flashes of enemy guns observed.
As this dawned upon the Danes the 1864 artillery was ordered to only fire at point blank range to conceal itself and minimize casualties while Bardenfleth's battery in its secure position would fire indirect on the spotted Prussian batteries.
The effect of Bardenfleth's battery began to make itself felt on the Prussians as their artillery got hit by counter-battery fire and couldn't respond as they couldn't see their opponents muzzle-flashes.
Frustrated von Manstein had his artillery move in closer on the Danish positions only to take casualties from machinegun fire.
Taking advantage of the almost point blank fire of their guns the Prussian infantry tried to assault the trenches for the fourth time but once again they were driven back. The machineguns and so it seemed to the 1864 troops virtually instant on call artillery were essential in this.
By 2pm Prussian losses were mounting into the unacceptable and von Manstein decided to call off the attack. Prussia didn't have unlimited resources for the operation as military service were highly unpopular in a country that hadn't seen a war since 1815! Because of this situation not all reserves had been called up for the operation against Denmark.
A Prussian officer approached the Danish trenches calling for a cease-fire. As the 1864 battalion commander apparently were about to accept this the 1914 officers looked surprised but decided not to make an issue of it.
At 3pm the Prussians withdrew into the fog. The Danes sensed victory but unfortunately the senior officers present made no decisions as to follow up by pursuing the retreating Prussians.
Generals Vogt commander 2. brigade and Gerlach commander 1. division both present at Mysunde but weary from the fighting during which they had been in the trenches and thus lost command of the situation; 3. brigade was some km's north of Mysunde but stayed off the action thus having no influence on events.
The Prussians made it off but left 25 officers and almost 500 enlisted on the battlefield as well as ten guns.
Danish losses amounted to 4 officers and 45 enlisted.
An important observation was that the Prussians had probably fired something like 1000 rounds of artillery ammunition but generally their aim was too high even if firing at point blank range so they tended to overshoot their targets.
After action
At the Danish Army HQ Slesvig general Julius de Meza was in the middle of an argument with commander 2. General Command Jutland general August Tuxen.
Both being cold cynical realist's definitely didn't like their counterparts and it became the ordeal of Army chief-of-staff general Berthelsen convincing de Meza of his being subordinate to Tuxen.
Berthelsen sensed that even if de Meza had seemed to give in to his orders and subordinate himself to Tuxen problems might still arise in the days to come. In order to avoid the mess of command seen at Mysunde clear lines of command and responsibilities had to be established and Berthelsen decided to get royal orders for de Meza.
Bypassing everyone except I.C. Christensen Bethelsen got his royal approval of orders and had them sent by cable to de Meza as well as Tuxen and the original sent off by courier. Now that would have been taken care of.
During the evening Tuxen were entertaining de Meza at headquarters 2. General Command. They spend dinner ironing out differences and agree on command and responsibilities.
Tuxen knowing full well the history of 1864 campaign briefed de Meza on the events of the upcoming day much to de Meza's surprise.
The Austrian corps of four brigades would attack the Danish advanced pickets south of the Dannevirke in order to test the Danes and advance the front line to Dannevirke itself.
To counter this Tuxen had his artillery deployed to cover the area occupied by Danish pickets and field phone cables laid to have forward observers direct shelling.
The four 1914 batteries were situated close to their 1864 counterparts to gain maximum advantage of the forward observers. Tuxen also had some of the volunteer machinegun units as well as some cavalry squadrons moved into the picket line to boost defences with automatic fire.
Depending on enemy dispositions the Austrians might get intelligence from their Prussian allies and use this to reinforce the advance guard unfolding a major attack though if lucky the Prussians would hold their defeat to themselves or would give the Austrians inadequate intel. That would be unveiled in the morning.
Tuxen agreed with de Meza that the Dannevirke line weren't ideal for the national defence even if the 1914 troops poured in; 3. division with its full artillery regiment was a most needed reinforcement.
The regiment consisted of two battalions each of four batteries of four guns for a total of 32 guns adding to the 16 guns of 2. General Command and de Meza's more than 60.
But the main body of the division wouldn't arrive until the next day.
Of greater importance it seemed from today's action would be the volunteer units with machine guns of which corps Westenholz with 50 should serve to stiffen the line against any German/Austrian breakthroughs.
One major reason for Tuxen's keeping with the Dannevirke line was the railway running just behind it east-west from Slesvig on the Slie to Husum and the port of Tønning in the west. From Husum a line ran north to Aabenraa.
Tuxen had to depend on the railway for resupplying his troops; supplies would be carried by ship to Aabenraa, Flensburg or Tønning and moved by train to Dannevirke. It just had to be; for the moment that was.
Tuxen was of the opinion that his modern troops and arms would be sufficient to hold the forward pickets and thus repel the Austrian assault of the morning. To maximize troops in the forward picket line the morning change of pickets should be advanced one hour and all the units should stay in line and alert to receive the Austrian attack.
De Meza was somewhat surprised at Tuxen's plan but then a demonstration of the Madsen machinegun had convinced him of the superiority of it to his own espingnol and even more the tactical flexibility of it. Though the flexibility of the 1914 troops were a bit beyond his trust in his troops and their training not up to it.
To a major extend this also applied to Tuxen even if he didn't say so as he knew the limitations of his subordinates abilities of combat command. Time and practice would serve to improve this even if that meant unavoidable losses and wrong decisions being made.
The main worry of Tuxen was the ammunition consumption of Bardenfleth's battery that in about two hours of action had used 300 rounds of the 600 it had carried into battle. The artillery resupplying hadn't been ready until after the battle and should be a major concern of the days to come.
Another reason for sticking with the Dannevirke line at the moment.
It was not really the time to think of it but should he be able to defeat the invaders the only route of advance would be along the railway going from Slesvig to Rendsburg on the border with Holsten. Anyway that would be his ultimate objective in that it would liberate Slesvig but not take him into the German Confederation; that would be a political decision which he was not able or keen to make. It would all depend on which party be in cabinet at the time he'd reach Rendsburg.
What Tuxen didn't remember at the moment was that the retreating regiments of 2. division the day before had demolished the railway tunnel at Oxlev/Owschlag and torn up part of the tracks. At least he didn't think of it but he had read it sometime.
Copenhagen
Early in the morning PM Zahle felt he couldn't postpone meeting the foreign ambassadors any longer; he sent messages to all asking them to show up at Christiansborg Castle – the parliament - because he wanted to brief them on the situation from the Danish point of view.
As the morning moved towards lunch time the various ministers made their appearance at Christiansborg where they were met by Zahle and Frijs; most relayed their attempts at contacting their national capitals which usually if contact had been possible had made for much confusion as the minister suddenly had been seen to change.
The German minister count Brockdorff-Rantzau had been in some doubts as to who he'd contact but had then decided upon the Prussian government; just as with everybody else this had made for confusion and his short message of another Denmark and remarkable weaponry were not believed.
At the meeting Brockdorff-Rantzau was just as much at pains to react to the situation as everybody else. Close to nobody had experienced anything untowards during the last two days and the change to Denmark had not been noticed which made it even harder for governments to accept the changes now presented by ministers they didn't even knew of.
Every minister was asked by Zahle to assure their government of the will of Denmark to live peacefully with her neighbouring countries but the actual situation had had her respond to attack by resorting to arms.
The ministers were also notified of the change of government in Denmark which had also been relayed to a small number of neighbouring governments by Danish officials during the day.
Zahle and Frijs then bid the ministers farewell reassuring them of the good intentions of Denmark and promising an open door to Frijs when they felt in need.
During the evening the cabinet headed by Zahle but in reality Christensen, Minister of Defence, met discussing the situation.
Kofoed-Hansen's short technical report of the sinking of the Prussian Navy were received and his plans to dispatch another cruiser to watch the Prussian ports weren't questioned.
Another squadron of torpedoboats and submarines would be posted to Esbjerg augmenting those units already there and to deal with any Prussian shipping in the area and wait for Austrian naval reinforcements.
Patrols would be kept in the Baltic and North Sea.
Gørtz were agitated recounting the actions at Mysunde which earned him stern gazes from the intellectual ministers. Gørtz simply didn't have the ability of Kofoed-Hansen of getting to the point and staying on subject. Christensen didn't mind and managed to interfere taking over the report.
General Tuxen had been asserted in command in Slesvig by royal order – at this the cabinet looked confused – but Christensen brushed them off by stating it had been necessary and the King being the supreme commander. Of course the ministers knew this they just didn't like it.
Several of the ministers reported of their staff having been in contact by cable with Scandinavian or other European counterparts. All were somewhat confused at the names of Danish cabinet different from the last communications but seemed to accept some change of cabinet had been necessary due to circumstances. This was in contrast to the experiences of the foreign ministers but Zahle felt relieved.
There had been some angry letters to newspapers calling for the return of summer and general pleas of help with heating fuel for housing but the public were besides that rather calm or so it seemed except the Farmers Organizations which were very vocal in demanding a government relief fund to get their members through the crisis.
Most probably the sudden winter served to keep peoples at home leaving protesters or doomsday prophets to assemblies at various indoor places such as sports arenas and the like.
It certainly served to keep the city quiet which might otherwise have experienced riots of some kind; perhaps like New Years Eve 1900!
The Socialdemocratic leader Stauning had made an appearance at Zahles office demanding what's going on in the country.
Zahle had spent almost an hour trying to tell Stauning without saying anything but promising an explanation at parliament.
Zahle had done so late in the day asking for complete discretion of the members of Parliament – both chambers so as not to frighten the public. Zahle promised that necessary information would be disseminated to those in need of it.
All agreed to this and the rest of the meeting proceeded calmly.
Christensen had recounted the military aspect to the delight of the Conservatives – both parties; but Stauning had then asked why Christinsen had taken the speakers stand on behalf of government.
Zahle then had to explain the changes in cabinet which made Stauning look like on fire. The rest of the meeting had been spent calming Stauning who told everybody he was the voice of Danish workers who would go on general strike would he so order.
Opråb
Zahle exhaled deeply. That was another hurdle passed. Now they only had to tell the peoples of the country. That might prove difficult. On the other hand word had already slipped out by troops calling home telling of redeployment and that sort of grapevine. The military actions had to be revealed though.
Perhaps the King could be enrolled. He was after all formal commander and regarded himself a general.
Christensen loved it. An official press release signed by his majesty. That should convince the peoples of the seriousness of the situation.
The next hour would be spend drawing up a press release and then take it to the King.
And then he would have to talk to Stauning. The man was furious. Damn.
Zahle sketched a brief Call-out (Opråb) as he headed it;
Call-out to the peoples of Denmark
Yesterday something in-explainable happened to our country. By some unknown force we were all transported back in time to February 1, 1864 as Prussia and Austria were poised to attack our country.
The Army and Navy have been brought to the test of defending the country which we will do as victims of aggression.
At this time the Navy will be engaging the Prussian Navy in the Baltic to deter it from attacking Danish shipping and the General Command of Jutland have been ordered to reinforce the Army in Slesvig to withstand the Prussian/Austrian aggression.
A change of Cabinet have been made to secure the Danish peoples and our country as well as strengthen us to endure the hard times ahead; mr. I.C. Christensen of the Venstre have replaced P. Munch as minister of defence and Count Frijs have replaced E. Scavenius as foreign minister. Other changes of government should be expected as the needs of the day become clear to Your government.
Calm and order must be kept and loyal behaviour shown; all within a position of authority.
The Government have decided that all goods be rationed to keep reserves in this sudden change of season; petroleum and other fuels prices will be regulated by the government to meet the needs of all as will the prices on rationed goods.
C. Th. Zahle, PM
In these of our country serious circumstances I ask all in city or countryside to show an absolute correct and dignified behaviour to make Us come through these uncertain times.
God save all of you. God save Denmark.
Christian R.
Amalienborg August 6. 1914
Zahle had the call-out carried to the various newspapers for publication.
The public response was overwhelming; at least in Copenhagen. A spontaneous demonstration illuminated by torches walked to the palace square hailing the King and armed forces. The Guards were given flowers and everybody cheered.
Journalists would capture the moment in photography.
The essentials – the shift in time and its repercussions eluded everybody until some baffled Swedish ferry skipper entered the illuminated festive town to investigate what's going on; and get some answers to his questions about what happened to Danish merchant and Navy shipping. It all looked so strange. Well some of it.
And what's those funny street lights; where's the gas lights gone?
Then he was almost run over by an electric tram rattling through the street filled with joyous Danes celebrating; the Swedish skipper shook his head and then went to his ferry and sailed for Sweden.
The tram would later be described to the astonished listeners as a steel dragon its belly filled with peoples moving along on skirts with glowing eyes; emitting green and blue sparks from the back and making terrible noises. Some tale but who would believe in him?
Cabinet meeting
In this great hour of public celebrating victory the cabinet convened for a serious session.
The military action had been left to the generals and admiral Kofoed-Hansen but general Bertelsen had raised the issue of lack of raw materials for ammunition manufacture as well as coal and petroleum for the Navy ships.
This was grabbed by Minister of Agriculture Pedersen who complained about the lacking harvest; the cereal plants withered in the winter cold destroying any prospect of a harvest as well as seeds for 1915.
Rather quickly the talks turned onto establishing a Ministry of Procurement of raw and other strategic materials which Hassing-Jørgensen Minister of Public Works and Trade thought would be his domain but I.C. Christensen had somebody else in mind; H.N. Andersen industrial magnate head of East Asiatic Company.
Zahle had already sidetracked Scavenius; now he was to let big money and his ideological adversary into cabinet!
But then he knew Andersen had connections; useful connections and these were needed in this hour. Nobody had yet made the connection of winter arriving just before harvest; it ruins the farmers and empty the coffers of state. He hated it but he had to admit Andersen.
“How are we going to get the exchange for the needed raw materials and other needed things like seed” Zahle asked I.C. Christensen “of course we have the merchant fleet but where is it these days and will our money be accepted?”
“You sent messages yesterday to neighbouring governments of the change of government in this country due to the extraordinary situation” Christensen said “now Frijs will talk to those governments and propose a few Danish goods the sale of which should ensure our necessary supplies.”
“Arms licenses and warships! - those two things never go out of demand and we are able to supply something never seen before. Remember how eager the Russians were ten years ago when they brought the Madsen guns... don't you think the British and French will be just as willing to buy it as well as licences for rifles and cannon. Or the Austrians for that matter? Remember most armies still uses muskets; breech loading cannon are all new. And we also know how to make smoke free gunpowder. I think we will be well off soon” he finished with a smile.
Munch rose blushing with anger. “Are you suggesting we sell killing machines to everybody in wanting?”
“No” Christensen replied “only to possible allies – please remember the cost to feed the peoples through the next half year and wage a war against the aggression. We didn't choose either.”
Munch opened his mouth but then sat down.
“However” Christensen continued “we have one important consideration to attend to before making contact to outside governments – the King!”
Everybody looked puzzled at Christensen what was he hinting at?
Christensen liking the silence and attention he got; was about to open his mouth when Munch the history professor broke in “but of course; the King of 1864 Christian 9 died 1906 and was succeeded by his son Frederick 8. Now his son Christian 10 our King didn't succeed until 1912! Damn it – you do have a point.”
Munch certainly didn't like admitting anything to the favour of Christensen but he had to. “Queen Alexandra of Britain won't understand what's happened to her father in the short timespan since her wedding to the Prince of Wales last year, err, 1863.”
“Or what's become of her brother Prince Frederick our former King. As will the King of Greece her brother demand to know. Also her sisters Dagmar and Thyra have disappeared but her younger brother Prince Valdemar is still alive but much older then her!” Christensen continued “What do we tell the world? When was the funeral?”
“There's no precedent” Munch said “everybody in Denmark know of the history of the past 50 years but to the outside world it never happened. The right way to do it would be to tell the truth”...lots of grumbling and comments...”but of course it wouldn't work just as it would be impossible to convince anybody what's happened here since yesterday. Well I hardly believe it myself, or rather I don't understand it. Belief is a matter of faith of which I don't adhere to!”
For the next twenty minutes everybody talked trying to convince themselves and the others of what to do.
Finally Christensen as the talk subsided uttered “we have to have the King write the Princess of Wales as well as her Majesty the Queen of Britain, the King of Greece, the Emperor of France, the Tsar of Russia and the King of Sweden-Norway telling them of changes having taken place within the Kingdom since yesterday of these the demise of the royal family – damn it will be difficult to write his aunt and uncle he wasn't even born till 1870!...no matter what he writes that will be our story to the world.”
Zahle and Frijs would approach the King asking for his writing the necessary letters.
Afterwards they said they'd never seen him so troubled but he had bidden them goodbye and stating the letters would be ready by tomorrow!
That being taken care off and everyone glad he wasn't going to write those letters talks turned to necessary procurements. H.N. Andersen would be asked formally tomorrow to enter government and set things in motion.
Early in the morning PM Zahle felt he couldn't postpone meeting the foreign ambassadors any longer; he sent messages to all asking them to show up at Christiansborg Castle – the parliament - because he wanted to brief them on the situation from the Danish point of view.
As the morning moved towards lunch time the various ministers made their appearance at Christiansborg where they were met by Zahle and Frijs; most relayed their attempts at contacting their national capitals which usually if contact had been possible had made for much confusion as the minister suddenly had been seen to change.
The German minister count Brockdorff-Rantzau had been in some doubts as to who he'd contact but had then decided upon the Prussian government; just as with everybody else this had made for confusion and his short message of another Denmark and remarkable weaponry were not believed.
At the meeting Brockdorff-Rantzau was just as much at pains to react to the situation as everybody else. Close to nobody had experienced anything untowards during the last two days and the change to Denmark had not been noticed which made it even harder for governments to accept the changes now presented by ministers they didn't even knew of.
Every minister was asked by Zahle to assure their government of the will of Denmark to live peacefully with her neighbouring countries but the actual situation had had her respond to attack by resorting to arms.
The ministers were also notified of the change of government in Denmark which had also been relayed to a small number of neighbouring governments by Danish officials during the day.
Zahle and Frijs then bid the ministers farewell reassuring them of the good intentions of Denmark and promising an open door to Frijs when they felt in need.
During the evening the cabinet headed by Zahle but in reality Christensen, Minister of Defence, met discussing the situation.
Kofoed-Hansen's short technical report of the sinking of the Prussian Navy were received and his plans to dispatch another cruiser to watch the Prussian ports weren't questioned.
Another squadron of torpedoboats and submarines would be posted to Esbjerg augmenting those units already there and to deal with any Prussian shipping in the area and wait for Austrian naval reinforcements.
Patrols would be kept in the Baltic and North Sea.
Gørtz were agitated recounting the actions at Mysunde which earned him stern gazes from the intellectual ministers. Gørtz simply didn't have the ability of Kofoed-Hansen of getting to the point and staying on subject. Christensen didn't mind and managed to interfere taking over the report.
General Tuxen had been asserted in command in Slesvig by royal order – at this the cabinet looked confused – but Christensen brushed them off by stating it had been necessary and the King being the supreme commander. Of course the ministers knew this they just didn't like it.
Several of the ministers reported of their staff having been in contact by cable with Scandinavian or other European counterparts. All were somewhat confused at the names of Danish cabinet different from the last communications but seemed to accept some change of cabinet had been necessary due to circumstances. This was in contrast to the experiences of the foreign ministers but Zahle felt relieved.
There had been some angry letters to newspapers calling for the return of summer and general pleas of help with heating fuel for housing but the public were besides that rather calm or so it seemed except the Farmers Organizations which were very vocal in demanding a government relief fund to get their members through the crisis.
Most probably the sudden winter served to keep peoples at home leaving protesters or doomsday prophets to assemblies at various indoor places such as sports arenas and the like.
It certainly served to keep the city quiet which might otherwise have experienced riots of some kind; perhaps like New Years Eve 1900!
The Socialdemocratic leader Stauning had made an appearance at Zahles office demanding what's going on in the country.
Zahle had spent almost an hour trying to tell Stauning without saying anything but promising an explanation at parliament.
Zahle had done so late in the day asking for complete discretion of the members of Parliament – both chambers so as not to frighten the public. Zahle promised that necessary information would be disseminated to those in need of it.
All agreed to this and the rest of the meeting proceeded calmly.
Christensen had recounted the military aspect to the delight of the Conservatives – both parties; but Stauning had then asked why Christinsen had taken the speakers stand on behalf of government.
Zahle then had to explain the changes in cabinet which made Stauning look like on fire. The rest of the meeting had been spent calming Stauning who told everybody he was the voice of Danish workers who would go on general strike would he so order.
Opråb
Zahle exhaled deeply. That was another hurdle passed. Now they only had to tell the peoples of the country. That might prove difficult. On the other hand word had already slipped out by troops calling home telling of redeployment and that sort of grapevine. The military actions had to be revealed though.
Perhaps the King could be enrolled. He was after all formal commander and regarded himself a general.
Christensen loved it. An official press release signed by his majesty. That should convince the peoples of the seriousness of the situation.
The next hour would be spend drawing up a press release and then take it to the King.
And then he would have to talk to Stauning. The man was furious. Damn.
Zahle sketched a brief Call-out (Opråb) as he headed it;
Call-out to the peoples of Denmark
Yesterday something in-explainable happened to our country. By some unknown force we were all transported back in time to February 1, 1864 as Prussia and Austria were poised to attack our country.
The Army and Navy have been brought to the test of defending the country which we will do as victims of aggression.
At this time the Navy will be engaging the Prussian Navy in the Baltic to deter it from attacking Danish shipping and the General Command of Jutland have been ordered to reinforce the Army in Slesvig to withstand the Prussian/Austrian aggression.
A change of Cabinet have been made to secure the Danish peoples and our country as well as strengthen us to endure the hard times ahead; mr. I.C. Christensen of the Venstre have replaced P. Munch as minister of defence and Count Frijs have replaced E. Scavenius as foreign minister. Other changes of government should be expected as the needs of the day become clear to Your government.
Calm and order must be kept and loyal behaviour shown; all within a position of authority.
The Government have decided that all goods be rationed to keep reserves in this sudden change of season; petroleum and other fuels prices will be regulated by the government to meet the needs of all as will the prices on rationed goods.
C. Th. Zahle, PM
In these of our country serious circumstances I ask all in city or countryside to show an absolute correct and dignified behaviour to make Us come through these uncertain times.
God save all of you. God save Denmark.
Christian R.
Amalienborg August 6. 1914
Zahle had the call-out carried to the various newspapers for publication.
The public response was overwhelming; at least in Copenhagen. A spontaneous demonstration illuminated by torches walked to the palace square hailing the King and armed forces. The Guards were given flowers and everybody cheered.
Journalists would capture the moment in photography.
The essentials – the shift in time and its repercussions eluded everybody until some baffled Swedish ferry skipper entered the illuminated festive town to investigate what's going on; and get some answers to his questions about what happened to Danish merchant and Navy shipping. It all looked so strange. Well some of it.
And what's those funny street lights; where's the gas lights gone?
Then he was almost run over by an electric tram rattling through the street filled with joyous Danes celebrating; the Swedish skipper shook his head and then went to his ferry and sailed for Sweden.
The tram would later be described to the astonished listeners as a steel dragon its belly filled with peoples moving along on skirts with glowing eyes; emitting green and blue sparks from the back and making terrible noises. Some tale but who would believe in him?
Cabinet meeting
In this great hour of public celebrating victory the cabinet convened for a serious session.
The military action had been left to the generals and admiral Kofoed-Hansen but general Bertelsen had raised the issue of lack of raw materials for ammunition manufacture as well as coal and petroleum for the Navy ships.
This was grabbed by Minister of Agriculture Pedersen who complained about the lacking harvest; the cereal plants withered in the winter cold destroying any prospect of a harvest as well as seeds for 1915.
Rather quickly the talks turned onto establishing a Ministry of Procurement of raw and other strategic materials which Hassing-Jørgensen Minister of Public Works and Trade thought would be his domain but I.C. Christensen had somebody else in mind; H.N. Andersen industrial magnate head of East Asiatic Company.
Zahle had already sidetracked Scavenius; now he was to let big money and his ideological adversary into cabinet!
But then he knew Andersen had connections; useful connections and these were needed in this hour. Nobody had yet made the connection of winter arriving just before harvest; it ruins the farmers and empty the coffers of state. He hated it but he had to admit Andersen.
“How are we going to get the exchange for the needed raw materials and other needed things like seed” Zahle asked I.C. Christensen “of course we have the merchant fleet but where is it these days and will our money be accepted?”
“You sent messages yesterday to neighbouring governments of the change of government in this country due to the extraordinary situation” Christensen said “now Frijs will talk to those governments and propose a few Danish goods the sale of which should ensure our necessary supplies.”
“Arms licenses and warships! - those two things never go out of demand and we are able to supply something never seen before. Remember how eager the Russians were ten years ago when they brought the Madsen guns... don't you think the British and French will be just as willing to buy it as well as licences for rifles and cannon. Or the Austrians for that matter? Remember most armies still uses muskets; breech loading cannon are all new. And we also know how to make smoke free gunpowder. I think we will be well off soon” he finished with a smile.
Munch rose blushing with anger. “Are you suggesting we sell killing machines to everybody in wanting?”
“No” Christensen replied “only to possible allies – please remember the cost to feed the peoples through the next half year and wage a war against the aggression. We didn't choose either.”
Munch opened his mouth but then sat down.
“However” Christensen continued “we have one important consideration to attend to before making contact to outside governments – the King!”
Everybody looked puzzled at Christensen what was he hinting at?
Christensen liking the silence and attention he got; was about to open his mouth when Munch the history professor broke in “but of course; the King of 1864 Christian 9 died 1906 and was succeeded by his son Frederick 8. Now his son Christian 10 our King didn't succeed until 1912! Damn it – you do have a point.”
Munch certainly didn't like admitting anything to the favour of Christensen but he had to. “Queen Alexandra of Britain won't understand what's happened to her father in the short timespan since her wedding to the Prince of Wales last year, err, 1863.”
“Or what's become of her brother Prince Frederick our former King. As will the King of Greece her brother demand to know. Also her sisters Dagmar and Thyra have disappeared but her younger brother Prince Valdemar is still alive but much older then her!” Christensen continued “What do we tell the world? When was the funeral?”
“There's no precedent” Munch said “everybody in Denmark know of the history of the past 50 years but to the outside world it never happened. The right way to do it would be to tell the truth”...lots of grumbling and comments...”but of course it wouldn't work just as it would be impossible to convince anybody what's happened here since yesterday. Well I hardly believe it myself, or rather I don't understand it. Belief is a matter of faith of which I don't adhere to!”
For the next twenty minutes everybody talked trying to convince themselves and the others of what to do.
Finally Christensen as the talk subsided uttered “we have to have the King write the Princess of Wales as well as her Majesty the Queen of Britain, the King of Greece, the Emperor of France, the Tsar of Russia and the King of Sweden-Norway telling them of changes having taken place within the Kingdom since yesterday of these the demise of the royal family – damn it will be difficult to write his aunt and uncle he wasn't even born till 1870!...no matter what he writes that will be our story to the world.”
Zahle and Frijs would approach the King asking for his writing the necessary letters.
Afterwards they said they'd never seen him so troubled but he had bidden them goodbye and stating the letters would be ready by tomorrow!
That being taken care off and everyone glad he wasn't going to write those letters talks turned to necessary procurements. H.N. Andersen would be asked formally tomorrow to enter government and set things in motion.
February 3, 1864; Austrians advance
Austrian general Gondrecourt had his men advance in the snowstorm that was blowing over the battlefield towards their objective of Kongshøj (Kings Hill) just east of Haddeby Nor south of Slesvig to the south of the Slie fiord.
The snow was a hindrance though not impossible to negotiate even if it limited the movement and effectiveness of his artillery. Worse was the terrain to be negotiated as the fields were bordered by thick brush close to being impossible to cross thus limiting access to narrow entries.
Gondrecourt hadn't gotten much information from Field Marshal Wrangel commander allied forces of the action yesterday except that the Danish defences of Mysunde had been staunch infantry supported by well led artillery. Gondrecourt had to do it on his own.
To his credit was the quality of troops, well trained with experiences of the recent war in Northern Italy and those experiences acted upon to create a better army. They knew how to behave on the battlefield; he'd show the arrogant Prussian!
Further west general Tomas was advancing towards Jagel on the western side of Haddeby Nor having the difficulties of Gondrecourt but kept pressing on.
The Danish forward pickets could see their Austrian counterparts or rather feel them early in the morning when they started sniping the Danish dug-ins. Soon Austrian columns began appearing supported by some inefficient artillery fire.
The volunteers sharing trenches with the 1864 troops were calmed by watching their comrades having to stand when they would load and fire their rifled muskets; that was some courage as they themselves were able to keep a low profile lying down when to load aim and fire their rifles and machineguns.
As the Austrians moved forward towards Danish positions the light machineguns and Danish artillery directed by field phone began making itself felt on the advancing columns.
The Austrian assault columns withered as soldiers were cut down by machinegun fire and shrapnel.
What really puzzled the Austrian officers wasn't the losses as such but the ability of the Danes to keep concealed and yet sustain a high rate of fire. As far as they knew only the Prussian's were issued breech-loading rifles; puzzling to say the least.
Another thing was Danish artillery surprisingly effective in the snowstorm keeping a very high rate of fire and really seen as the menace by the Austrians as it not only were quite accurate and quick firing but also able to pinpoint their own artillery and take it out of action.
As the morning wore on the attack was called off as losses began mounting at an alarming rate. Even by Austrian standards.
Contrary to Austrian expectations most of the dead and wounded had been hit by rifle fire even if the Danish artillery accounted for no small number.
The call off of the Austrian attack was a relief to Tuxen and a surprise to de Meza; Tuxen had seen the difficulties of resupplying the forward pickets with rifle ammunition for the machineguns but also the effectiveness of the artillery guided by field phone from forward trenches; something warmly advocated by his senior battery commander Bardenfleth following the success the day before.
The trail to the forward pickets had to be marked clearly to enable ammunition resupplying during battle to keep the machinegun teams from running out of ammunition which had almost happened today.
Generally resupply of rifle and artillery ammunition had to take precedent now with more probing or an all out assault by the enemy in a few days. And some Krag-Jørgensen rifles for the 1864 army wouldn't be a bad investment; those were fine infantry and deserving of the best equipment.
Some more artillery would be warmly welcome; his 108 tubes still compared badly to the enemies 160 even if he had the advantage of range and direction at least in a static battle. However soon the battles might turn to a more mobile kind which would increase the weight of the enemy guns.
Planning for tomorrow
As the snow once again covered the blooded fields Tuxen and de Meza met for planning the coming days; Tuxen expected the Germans/Austrians to reorganize their forces during the following day as had happened 1864.
He expected the losses to have been quite serious and some reassessment of the situation necessary. He at least would have done so. De Meza tended to share his view.
Then de Meza asked Tuxen to brief him on the actions of February 1864 which Tuxen did and doing so a daring plan formed in between the generals; the Danish force at Dannevirke had been left to the Austrian and Prussian Guards corps to deal with on February 5, while Prince Friedrich Carl's 1. Prussian corps had been making preparations for crossing the Slie at Arnæs or Kappel. Knowing that the Prince was undecided at any moment and with the resistance encountered in front of Dannevirke why should Field Marshal Wrangel deviate from the plan of encirclement of the Dannevirke by the Prince's corps?
It was a gamble surely. Wrangel just might change his mind but why press on a strong defence in the centre if you would be able to bag your opponent by a bold move perhaps even a double envelopment - a Cannae the wet dream of Moltke chief of Prussian General Staff - by having the Guards Division move to Hollingsted to envelop Dannevirke from the west too.
De Meza's 1. division would stay in the east covering the Slie fiord from any crossing attempts by 1. Prussian corps.
1864 Prince Friedrich Carl had assembled light shipping to make a crossing following the unsuccessful battle of Mysunde which had been cancelled by the Danish retreat. This time there was to be no retreat.
The Navy would have to patrol the coast closely to counter any attempts by Friedrich Carl though it would probably have trouble navigating the narrow fiord.
Admiral Kofoed-Hansen however would love this.
Tuxen wanted the Cavalry Division to cover the western part of the border area; the unit was a failure in 1864 really being a kind of anachronism.
Danish cavalry had never been able to give a good account of itself beyond the level of squadron so massing four regiments into a division and attaching a battery of artillery seem contrary to any sound approach.
De Meza agreed though he knew the division commander Hegermann-Lindencrone would resent it; but then Hegermann-Lindencrone never showed any initiative so what the heck.
Tuxen's order that the Cavalry Division in squadron formations aggressively reconnoitre the area in front of its position to verify the whereabouts of the enemy should be possible for the Division to carry out.
It might even establish the whereabouts of the Prussian Guards Division.
A couple of 1914 cavalry squadrons would be allocated to the division to stiffen its defensive capabilities around Hollingsted.
It was imperative to control the area north of the Reide and Trene rivers to safeguard the railway running behind the Dannevirke to Tønning.
De Meza would hold the centre with 2. and 3. divisions of the 1864 force; 2. division with the added responsibilities of reinforcing the Cavalry Division should the Prussian Guards assault Hollingsted.
Tuxen would move 2. and 3. divisions of the 1914 army east of Haddeby Nor during the night to assault Gondrecourt's brigade in the early hours.
The Jutland Brigade of 2. General Command would act as the reserve.
Tuxes objective was to defeat Gondrecourt's brigade and then advance to the bottom of Eckernförde fiord at Kokkendorf in the process passing Vindeby Nor. His orders on this part of the operation were somewhat unclear however which would be revealed during the operation.
The major objective would be trapping Prince Friedrich Carl's corps in the Svansø peninsular and have it surrender. That should serve to deter the Prussian's/Austrians from further operations having lost the majority of their army.
Tuxen did have some doubts as to the ability of his commanders and officers to carry out the operation but he had to appear to believe in it to make them believe in it.
Though before anything could be done he would have to utilize some of the 3000 work soldiers De Meza had in his army to prepare trails for movement of troops and supplies mostly much needed ammunition.
In return Tuxen would ask the general staff to procure apart from his own needs what he knew the 1864 army needed; tarpaulin for the troops to shelter under during the bad weather, sterile first aid packs, backpacks – just 10.000! and underwear as well as boots.
De Meza couldn't do anything but agree to that.
Tuxen was already having his depots of 2. General Command moved south from north Jutland but it wouldn't satisfy his army's needs; and certainly not this new enlarged army.
Tuxen's report to General command at Copenhagen would carry a short outline of the battle fought against the Austrians this day; his expectations and preparations for the next few days but most important a list of needed supplies.
At the top of this artillery - preferably the modernized 75mm guns procured by the Army works for the garrison of Copenhagen.
Those wouldn't be missed these days no way the Prussian's or any other 1864 power be able to attack Copenhagen with the Navy and 1. division present.
Second ammunition both rifle and artillery; Tuxen expected to soon run out of artillery shells as most was stored at Copenhagen fortress – he badly needed it on the battlefield. And his new plan would certainly be a drain on ammunition.
Third trained officers - junior and senior - to build the second corps/General Command and stiffen the ranks.
He was running way too low on officers and those he had wasn't good enough. Surely they knew how to train recruits but fight a war!
Fourth communications; he did have the telegraph operated by the Telegraph battalion and for the time being sufficient field phones but he could do with more.
Then there was the gap in the railway line from Aabenraa to the 1914 border.
Of course most supplies could be shipped in to connect to the Slesvig railway system but he very much would like to link up with mainland Jutland if nothing else than to have a back-door to slip out of if needs be – which he thought not except if the politicians would back down on the military operations to be carried out.
Tuxen didn't care where government would find the resources to meet his needs as long as they did find them and get it on the move.
His job for the moment was to win a war he had been thrown into with inadequate resources; now government had to provide the resources needed. A military man didn't have to meddle in politics just do his job - the politicians should do their job and leave him to his.
Satisfied with his cable Tuxen handed it to the telegraph officer and then had another glass of port in the company of de Meza.
Having briefed his divisional commanders Tuxen had them carry out orders to be ready for the assault at 7am February 4. 1864.
Austrian general Gondrecourt had his men advance in the snowstorm that was blowing over the battlefield towards their objective of Kongshøj (Kings Hill) just east of Haddeby Nor south of Slesvig to the south of the Slie fiord.
The snow was a hindrance though not impossible to negotiate even if it limited the movement and effectiveness of his artillery. Worse was the terrain to be negotiated as the fields were bordered by thick brush close to being impossible to cross thus limiting access to narrow entries.
Gondrecourt hadn't gotten much information from Field Marshal Wrangel commander allied forces of the action yesterday except that the Danish defences of Mysunde had been staunch infantry supported by well led artillery. Gondrecourt had to do it on his own.
To his credit was the quality of troops, well trained with experiences of the recent war in Northern Italy and those experiences acted upon to create a better army. They knew how to behave on the battlefield; he'd show the arrogant Prussian!
Further west general Tomas was advancing towards Jagel on the western side of Haddeby Nor having the difficulties of Gondrecourt but kept pressing on.
The Danish forward pickets could see their Austrian counterparts or rather feel them early in the morning when they started sniping the Danish dug-ins. Soon Austrian columns began appearing supported by some inefficient artillery fire.
The volunteers sharing trenches with the 1864 troops were calmed by watching their comrades having to stand when they would load and fire their rifled muskets; that was some courage as they themselves were able to keep a low profile lying down when to load aim and fire their rifles and machineguns.
As the Austrians moved forward towards Danish positions the light machineguns and Danish artillery directed by field phone began making itself felt on the advancing columns.
The Austrian assault columns withered as soldiers were cut down by machinegun fire and shrapnel.
What really puzzled the Austrian officers wasn't the losses as such but the ability of the Danes to keep concealed and yet sustain a high rate of fire. As far as they knew only the Prussian's were issued breech-loading rifles; puzzling to say the least.
Another thing was Danish artillery surprisingly effective in the snowstorm keeping a very high rate of fire and really seen as the menace by the Austrians as it not only were quite accurate and quick firing but also able to pinpoint their own artillery and take it out of action.
As the morning wore on the attack was called off as losses began mounting at an alarming rate. Even by Austrian standards.
Contrary to Austrian expectations most of the dead and wounded had been hit by rifle fire even if the Danish artillery accounted for no small number.
The call off of the Austrian attack was a relief to Tuxen and a surprise to de Meza; Tuxen had seen the difficulties of resupplying the forward pickets with rifle ammunition for the machineguns but also the effectiveness of the artillery guided by field phone from forward trenches; something warmly advocated by his senior battery commander Bardenfleth following the success the day before.
The trail to the forward pickets had to be marked clearly to enable ammunition resupplying during battle to keep the machinegun teams from running out of ammunition which had almost happened today.
Generally resupply of rifle and artillery ammunition had to take precedent now with more probing or an all out assault by the enemy in a few days. And some Krag-Jørgensen rifles for the 1864 army wouldn't be a bad investment; those were fine infantry and deserving of the best equipment.
Some more artillery would be warmly welcome; his 108 tubes still compared badly to the enemies 160 even if he had the advantage of range and direction at least in a static battle. However soon the battles might turn to a more mobile kind which would increase the weight of the enemy guns.
Planning for tomorrow
As the snow once again covered the blooded fields Tuxen and de Meza met for planning the coming days; Tuxen expected the Germans/Austrians to reorganize their forces during the following day as had happened 1864.
He expected the losses to have been quite serious and some reassessment of the situation necessary. He at least would have done so. De Meza tended to share his view.
Then de Meza asked Tuxen to brief him on the actions of February 1864 which Tuxen did and doing so a daring plan formed in between the generals; the Danish force at Dannevirke had been left to the Austrian and Prussian Guards corps to deal with on February 5, while Prince Friedrich Carl's 1. Prussian corps had been making preparations for crossing the Slie at Arnæs or Kappel. Knowing that the Prince was undecided at any moment and with the resistance encountered in front of Dannevirke why should Field Marshal Wrangel deviate from the plan of encirclement of the Dannevirke by the Prince's corps?
It was a gamble surely. Wrangel just might change his mind but why press on a strong defence in the centre if you would be able to bag your opponent by a bold move perhaps even a double envelopment - a Cannae the wet dream of Moltke chief of Prussian General Staff - by having the Guards Division move to Hollingsted to envelop Dannevirke from the west too.
De Meza's 1. division would stay in the east covering the Slie fiord from any crossing attempts by 1. Prussian corps.
1864 Prince Friedrich Carl had assembled light shipping to make a crossing following the unsuccessful battle of Mysunde which had been cancelled by the Danish retreat. This time there was to be no retreat.
The Navy would have to patrol the coast closely to counter any attempts by Friedrich Carl though it would probably have trouble navigating the narrow fiord.
Admiral Kofoed-Hansen however would love this.
Tuxen wanted the Cavalry Division to cover the western part of the border area; the unit was a failure in 1864 really being a kind of anachronism.
Danish cavalry had never been able to give a good account of itself beyond the level of squadron so massing four regiments into a division and attaching a battery of artillery seem contrary to any sound approach.
De Meza agreed though he knew the division commander Hegermann-Lindencrone would resent it; but then Hegermann-Lindencrone never showed any initiative so what the heck.
Tuxen's order that the Cavalry Division in squadron formations aggressively reconnoitre the area in front of its position to verify the whereabouts of the enemy should be possible for the Division to carry out.
It might even establish the whereabouts of the Prussian Guards Division.
A couple of 1914 cavalry squadrons would be allocated to the division to stiffen its defensive capabilities around Hollingsted.
It was imperative to control the area north of the Reide and Trene rivers to safeguard the railway running behind the Dannevirke to Tønning.
De Meza would hold the centre with 2. and 3. divisions of the 1864 force; 2. division with the added responsibilities of reinforcing the Cavalry Division should the Prussian Guards assault Hollingsted.
Tuxen would move 2. and 3. divisions of the 1914 army east of Haddeby Nor during the night to assault Gondrecourt's brigade in the early hours.
The Jutland Brigade of 2. General Command would act as the reserve.
Tuxes objective was to defeat Gondrecourt's brigade and then advance to the bottom of Eckernförde fiord at Kokkendorf in the process passing Vindeby Nor. His orders on this part of the operation were somewhat unclear however which would be revealed during the operation.
The major objective would be trapping Prince Friedrich Carl's corps in the Svansø peninsular and have it surrender. That should serve to deter the Prussian's/Austrians from further operations having lost the majority of their army.
Tuxen did have some doubts as to the ability of his commanders and officers to carry out the operation but he had to appear to believe in it to make them believe in it.
Though before anything could be done he would have to utilize some of the 3000 work soldiers De Meza had in his army to prepare trails for movement of troops and supplies mostly much needed ammunition.
In return Tuxen would ask the general staff to procure apart from his own needs what he knew the 1864 army needed; tarpaulin for the troops to shelter under during the bad weather, sterile first aid packs, backpacks – just 10.000! and underwear as well as boots.
De Meza couldn't do anything but agree to that.
Tuxen was already having his depots of 2. General Command moved south from north Jutland but it wouldn't satisfy his army's needs; and certainly not this new enlarged army.
Tuxen's report to General command at Copenhagen would carry a short outline of the battle fought against the Austrians this day; his expectations and preparations for the next few days but most important a list of needed supplies.
At the top of this artillery - preferably the modernized 75mm guns procured by the Army works for the garrison of Copenhagen.
Those wouldn't be missed these days no way the Prussian's or any other 1864 power be able to attack Copenhagen with the Navy and 1. division present.
Second ammunition both rifle and artillery; Tuxen expected to soon run out of artillery shells as most was stored at Copenhagen fortress – he badly needed it on the battlefield. And his new plan would certainly be a drain on ammunition.
Third trained officers - junior and senior - to build the second corps/General Command and stiffen the ranks.
He was running way too low on officers and those he had wasn't good enough. Surely they knew how to train recruits but fight a war!
Fourth communications; he did have the telegraph operated by the Telegraph battalion and for the time being sufficient field phones but he could do with more.
Then there was the gap in the railway line from Aabenraa to the 1914 border.
Of course most supplies could be shipped in to connect to the Slesvig railway system but he very much would like to link up with mainland Jutland if nothing else than to have a back-door to slip out of if needs be – which he thought not except if the politicians would back down on the military operations to be carried out.
Tuxen didn't care where government would find the resources to meet his needs as long as they did find them and get it on the move.
His job for the moment was to win a war he had been thrown into with inadequate resources; now government had to provide the resources needed. A military man didn't have to meddle in politics just do his job - the politicians should do their job and leave him to his.
Satisfied with his cable Tuxen handed it to the telegraph officer and then had another glass of port in the company of de Meza.
Having briefed his divisional commanders Tuxen had them carry out orders to be ready for the assault at 7am February 4. 1864.
Copenhagen cabinet meeting
H.N. Andersen had gotten the invitation to join cabinet the evening before; he almost didn't believe his eyes when he read the letter from Zahle.
Andersen was a successful - no thee successful industrialist of Denmark head of East Asiatic Company unknown protector of Siam and staunch conservative; what did Zahle want of him?
Though the counter signature of I.C. Christensen – the Fox – did make clouds spread. What was he up to? Seemed he had managed to elbow into cabinet damn shrewd guy.
That of course made things interesting but Andersen wouldn't sell himself unless to the highest bidder. What was they going to offer?
He would soon see for himself.
Zahle greeted Andersen at the cabinet meeting. The meetings were taking on an air of informality now the members met every day though the Social-Liberals did feel uneasy about the presence of I.C. Christensen and Frijs; H.N. Andersen didn't make that any better.
I.C. Christensen took over introducing Andersen to the cabinet and revealing the position offered.
Andersen asked about the situation and got a short review of the events of the past three days and the assessment of why everybody thought Denmark had happened to be suddenly in 1864 on the eve of Prussian/Austrian attack.
Briefed Andersen looked around the table - “I don't like you guys I'm not of your stock. Why do you want me? There is plenty of trained economists you could approach...”
Zahle looked sour.
Andersen continued “...so you want my knowledge and business expertise. But nothing in my world comes for free, guess you know that – eh?... Why not let Hassing-Jørgensen do the job? It's his area of responsibilities.”
I.C. Christensen looked at Andersen “Hassing-Jørgensen will soon have plenty to occupy his time. We need your expertise right now; Frijs knows his ways about foreign government and the ruling classes but our trade network has been severed and must as soon as possible be re-established. Your firm have connections in East Asia and most of Europe; we want you to use your knowledge to serve your country in this difficult time. We have been hidden from our world but we cannot and are not going to hide in this world...” Christensen looked Andersen straight in the eyes “I'm sure the King would know to reward you according to services done.”
For a second Andersen looked furious then it faded away. “All right I am working on reconnecting my trade network right now why shouldn't I do that for the Kingdom too; guess I'll be able to find a minute or two... what's on the agenda?”
“Raw materials to fuel the Army and Navy” Christensen said “copper, iron ore and other metals to make cartridges and steel. Nitrate to make gunpowder. Cereals to bring us through this winter and seeds to prepare for the next harvest. Coal. Kerosene. Diesel and gasoline. Besides that everything else we used to import to keep society running but the armed forces have priority.”
“What will you offer in return?” Andersen asked.
“Modern firearms and navy ships” Christensen replied.
“No! We're not going to sell out the crown jewels - not now that is” Andersen looked stern “we still have agricultural and industrial produce of a quality and quantity not known in 1864 to bargain with. That is going to be our immediate commodities. The goodies will be kept until we find the ally we'd be in need of and have to barter for real.”
“That'll be it then” Zahle said feeling much better at Andersens last remarks “you'll enter cabinet as Minister of Procurements. Good. Before we conclude this cabinet meeting I have something else to address.”
Even Christensen looked curious at this.
Zahle went to the door opened it to let in another visitor. The cigar maker. Stauning head of the Socialdemocratic party. The silence was so thick as to be felt.
“Mr. Stauning has agreed to a position as Minister without portfolio but with responsibilities for mobilization of workers needed. I am of the opinion that we'd need that as well as a good relationship with the working part of society.”
Stauning looked as if he was enjoying himself which he certainly was. Here, right here in the middle of cabinet together with H.N. Andersen and I.C. Christensen.
It was too good to be true; well almost.
Zahle had called upon him the evening before following the meeting at Parliament. Stauning had still been furious at not being consulted about such radical change of government but then Zahle had proposed something that had changed his mind altogether; a seat in government even without portfolio was more than he had dreamed about.
He had accepted of course. Any power was better than none.
H.N. Andersen looked at Stauning “what can you do?” he asked.
“I can call for a general strike or demonstrations you know that” Stauning replied “soon we'll run out of fuel and cereals. Hungry freezing workers will be angry workers. Do you want that?”
“No” Andersen knew when not to fight a battle. He did remember 1911; the statistics bureau had summed it up: more than 600.000 lost days of work! No - that wasn't something the country could afford at the moment. Stauning would have to stay in the boat.
At Navy staff admiral Kofoed-Hansen had two of his armoured artillery ships Herluf Trolle and Olfert Fischer leave Copenhagen Roads for the mouth of the Slie and Eckernförde fiord; the last place having an ominous name with the Danish Navy. Both ships were escorted by two torpedoboats.
Niels Ebbesen the armoured schooner of 1864 at Sønderborg would rendezvous with the force for Eckernförde.
February 4, 1864
Dannevirke preparing for battle
General Hegermann-Lindencrone was not satisfied with his task even if Tuxen and De Meza had taken quite some time to underline the importance of securing the railway during the briefing of the divisional commanders on the evening of February 3; Hegermann-Lindencrone had advocated a cavalry charge on the Austrians to pave the way in the morning for the infantry.
Both Tuxen and de Meza had politely told him that was not going to be the plan. Without saying they agreed the man being a living anachronism.
With divisional headquarters established during the night at Husum Hegermann-Lindencrone then ordered his squadrons a rest before the activities of the next day.
Fortunately field marshal Wrangel had ordered a days rest to have Prince Friedrich Carl prepare the crossing of the Slie. February 5. would see the Austrian corps attack the Dannevirke to pin the Danish army in place and allow for the Prussian corps to envelop the position. That would be the end of the fighting. To that everybody drank at the Field marshals table until late in the night.
General Tuxen had been busy all night urging his divisional commanders on to prepare the assault in the morning light.
2. and 3. division had actually managed to move into position; 3. division east of Haddeby Nor, 2. division still west of it due to the congestion of troops in the jump off position.
All of 2. artillery regiment were in position for the opening barrage; fieldphone cables having been laid during the night and tested.
The artillery of 2. division were all limbered ready at the front of the division to move out for advanced positions once the enemy line had been breached and 3. division would be on the advance towards Kokkendorf.
Resupplying the advancing units with ammunition had been given high priority by Tuxen to the extend that it had kept his eye from the inadequate planning by his divisional commanders which would play a negative role during the day.
Though the supply train had been taken care of and would fill its role during the day.
The return of frost during the night made the Supply Command end their worries of roads and trails being destroyed by their heavy supply carriages moving along them.
There had been some Austrian sniping during the night but it had been very sporadic and only answered in the same way not to give away Danish preparations.
Into the fire
At 7am 32 Danish 75mm guns opened up the artillery preparation directed by their forward observers.
As expected the first rounds fell wide off the mark but soon the observers had the guns ranged in on the Austrian positions with enemy artillery being the primary target.
Depriving the enemy of artillery support during battle was crucial to Tuxen.
As the artillery began firing for effect the battalions of 5. regiment jumped off advancing towards the Austrian positions.
Along the 5. regiment came the volunteer machinegunners of Corps Westenholz pinning the Austrians with automatic fire.
Following the initial shock the Austrians in good order withdrew a few thousand meters and then prepared to stop the advancing Danes.
At this moment the advance of 2. division across the bridge over Haddeby Nor managed to break the fieldphone lines to the forward observers.
That made for almost half an hours intensive infantry combat in which the Austrians had the advantage of their remaining guns firing canister at point blank range.
The experience severely shook the Danish troops and only the renewed artillery barrage of 2. artillery regiment saved the moment by silencing the Austrian guns.
Following the Austrian stance the renewed Danish assault by 7. regiment brought up to replace the shaken 5. regiment had Gondrecourt withdrawing south.
Gondrecourt's message of the withdrawal reached Field marshal Wrangel who passed it on to Prince Friedrich Carl ordering one of his brigades to turn around to face the Danish attack and stop it.
The Prince protested the order as it would mess up his preparations for the crossing of the Slie fiord but eventually detached one brigade from the 13. division along cavalry and artillery to move to Kokkendorf. Precious time was lost.
To secure the Danish flank 12. regiment of 2. division moved south to secure the high ground of Hüttener Berge as the rest of the division followed in the trail of 3. division moving east.
Captain Bardenfleth had been ordered to command the artillery supporting 12. regiment positions.
As the lead battalions reached Kokkendorf they were met by the Prussian's entrenching there. Lacking artillery support in the initial stage the Danes also dug in exchanging rifle fire with the Prussian's.
Being uneasy of his subordinates abilities to conduct the mobile battle from lack of satisfactory reports Tuxen himself went on to the battlefield to watch and possibly direct the progress.
As he moved on he generally liked what he saw even if there were shortcomings in places.
Though as he came closer to Kokkendorf he sensed something wrong.
Being told of Gondrecourt's spirited defence he urged his divisional commander move the artillery of 2. regiment up to shell Kokkendorf destroy the Prussian artillery and send troops round Vindeby Nor to trap Prince Friedrich Carl's corps in Svansø.
Having issued orders Tuxen aware he'd losing control of the overall situation began the trip back to his headquarters at Dannevirke.
As he was out of reach in a crucial hour the commander of 3. division was in doubt of his sending units north or south round Vindeby Nor and didn't do nothing until communications with Tuxen could be re-established.
The delay only served Wrangel getting information of the situation at Kokkendorf to realize the danger to Prince Friedrich Carl and order him to withdraw from his preparations to cross the Slie.
Tuxen realizing the inability of his subordinates to act independently hastily drew up a more detailed order of operations for his 3. division commander and had it sent forward by runner.
As 3. division finally began its move north around Vindeby Nor it ran into the retreating infantry of Prussian 13. division; the rest of Prince Friedrich Carl's corps still on the move having to cover 40 km from the mouth of the Slie to Eckernförde town.
As darkness fell Tuxen urged his 3. division commander to not let his troops settle in for the night but press on to keep the Prussian's from escaping.
Weary of battle and bad weather the Danish troops stopped and only repeated orders would get them to fire their arms during the night at perceived troops moving south in the dark.
Suffice to say this achieved close to nothing except alert the retreating Prussian's to the whereabouts of the Danish troops.
Naval support
The Navy's armoured artillery ships hadn't spotted any Prussian movement on the Slie and Tuxen arriving from Kokkendorf sent a cable for admiral Kofoed-Hansen asking for all available units to be moved to Eckerförde fiord to shell the Prussian's should they smell the trap and move off.
Kofoed-Hansen ordered the Herluf Trolle at the mouth of the Slie to move south to Eckerförde fiord to augment the force there and shell any Prussian attempt at withdrawal from Svansø.
The Olfert Fischer had already received its orders and were ranging in its guns on Eckernförde town; much to the consternation of the Prussian troops there. Nothing like this 24cm artillery shell detonation had been experienced before.
Really the ship should have gone into the inner harbour to shell the Langebro but caution and lack of intelligence on possible Prussian artillery on site kept the ship at a safe distance.
As dusk fell the artillery ship and its accompanying torpedoboats were able to make out the retreating Prussian column north of the harbour by the torches set up to mark the route and duly began to shell it. Soon the torches were extinguished or moved out of sight.
The Navy kept its watch of the Eckernförde though.
Advanced sciences
During the battle the medical service of the 2. General Command had its baptism of fire; among those drafted for service were the acclaimed surgeons Tage-Hansen and P.W. Heiberg. Many a soldier both Danish and enemy would praise their skills during the battle and following hostilities.
Adhering to the development of thesis by Semmelweis, Pasteur and Lister they kept their operating tables and patients as clean as possible to combat infections.
Those burned would experience skin transplants to heal their frightening wounds.
It was soon apparent to anyone that the mortality rate of the wounded on the Danish side of the front line were much lower than on the enemy side; most astonished were the Danish 1864 army that saw their wounded comrades recover.
Something close to never experienced before; usually a wound meant infections and ultimately death.
Berlin
The news from the front was disturbing to say the least. Bismarck could tell Roon, Minister of War and Molkte, Chief of the General Staff that he had been relayed that the minister to Copenhagen apparently had vanished being replace by some von Brockdorff-Rantzau nobody knew of.
Molkte was furious “why was I rejected as field commander” he said “look what's happened; if Wrangel the old fool hadn't been considered lucky this wouldn't have happened.”
“What happens if Prince Friedrich Carl's corps is trapped?” Bismarck would know.
“You know very well the implications” Molkte replied “in fact we'd lose two corps as we mobilized a division of each but took both corps assets for the expedition; it would be a serious blow to us and the new organization. And then of course having a member of the royal house prisoner of war...”
Bismarck didn't look pleased at all; the King wouldn't like it. The peoples wouldn't like it and neither would parliament. Damn. Why wouldn't these silly inferior Danes just bow to the inevitable and give up; why fight?
“Molkte you served with the Danish Army what make it do this?” Bismarck asked “how do we break them?”
“I don't know” Molkte answered “it should be a walkover. The Army's been neglected for ever. They haven't been upgrading their weapon systems due to the cost and their leadership was lost in the last war...” He paused and then “Wrangel is too old and the Prince Friedrich Carl's too indecisive and too weak willed. He should never have been given the corps command. Why don't royalty listen to experts!”
“That's why they are” Bismarck remarked “Molkte go up there and sort things out. We can't appear the junior partner in this. Damn it the Confederation would have us the laughing stock... I'll draw up the orders to Wrangel.”
“You keep our political back free” Roon said “we'll handle the military matters. I'll mobilize another corps for operations but I won't exaggerate the numbers called up; we can't fight a war and have domestic unrest at the same time. Or have the world know that a third of our Army is tied up defeating tiny Denmark!”
Lunch at Copenhagen
King Christian X had asked Zahle to join him for lunch. Arriving at the Palace Zahle was led to the small office of the majesty; Christian wore his generals uniform.
Why does he have to rub it in on me? Zahle figured I know he isn't too fond of my policies but lets keep it professionel.
“I have received the good news from the general staff” the King opened as he looked at a map of Slesvig “Tuxen is driving his troops towards Kokkendorf and Eckerförde to trap Prince Friedrich Carl's corps in Svansø. It will be a great victory indeed. I'll have a medal made to those troops taking part in it as well as a Navy medal, this is really something!”
Zahle felt ill at ease the King was really into his gung-ho general's attitude.
“When the battles won I'll go to Slesvig to accept the surrender of Prince Friedrich Carl and hand the Knights Great Cross to Tuxen” the King carried on “order of Dannebrog of course even if I'd really like to present an Elephant to him.”
“Now for the not so pleasant” the King continued “I have written my relatives and tried to explain them what's happened to us and their parents; it isn't easy you know!” Zahle shook his head and tried to look compassionate. “I posted the letters to be carried off but I also thought of writing the Tsar and the French Emperor; we usually keep good relations with Russia and the late Tsar was instrumental to the solving of the succession crisis you know.”
“I know sire” Zahle interrupted “but surely Frijs will contact the various foreign governments; your suggestions are sincere I know but please let Frijs take care of the foreign policy.”
The King looked at Zahle “hmm, right out of the bag, eh!... hrmpf, but you cannot hinder my visiting the troops to cheer them up and thank the wounded for their loyalty and good conduct.”
“That sire was never my intentions” Zahle said.
“Maybe you should go as well just like Monrad in 1864” the King carried on smiling slightly.
“Errr, I really believe in the present situation Your Majesty's appearance would be most appreciated by our troops and as long as we haven't been able to sort out what really have happened to our country I better stay in place at the political helm.”
“Very well” the King got up “it is as usual the task of King and government to pull the wagon together. Thank you for being my guest at lunch.”
Zahle hurried to his feet thanked the King for the invitation once again and hurried back to parliament; what had happened? Damn the man was far from his academic level but anyway he felt cheated; what did the King have up his sleeve?
H.N. Andersen had gotten the invitation to join cabinet the evening before; he almost didn't believe his eyes when he read the letter from Zahle.
Andersen was a successful - no thee successful industrialist of Denmark head of East Asiatic Company unknown protector of Siam and staunch conservative; what did Zahle want of him?
Though the counter signature of I.C. Christensen – the Fox – did make clouds spread. What was he up to? Seemed he had managed to elbow into cabinet damn shrewd guy.
That of course made things interesting but Andersen wouldn't sell himself unless to the highest bidder. What was they going to offer?
He would soon see for himself.
Zahle greeted Andersen at the cabinet meeting. The meetings were taking on an air of informality now the members met every day though the Social-Liberals did feel uneasy about the presence of I.C. Christensen and Frijs; H.N. Andersen didn't make that any better.
I.C. Christensen took over introducing Andersen to the cabinet and revealing the position offered.
Andersen asked about the situation and got a short review of the events of the past three days and the assessment of why everybody thought Denmark had happened to be suddenly in 1864 on the eve of Prussian/Austrian attack.
Briefed Andersen looked around the table - “I don't like you guys I'm not of your stock. Why do you want me? There is plenty of trained economists you could approach...”
Zahle looked sour.
Andersen continued “...so you want my knowledge and business expertise. But nothing in my world comes for free, guess you know that – eh?... Why not let Hassing-Jørgensen do the job? It's his area of responsibilities.”
I.C. Christensen looked at Andersen “Hassing-Jørgensen will soon have plenty to occupy his time. We need your expertise right now; Frijs knows his ways about foreign government and the ruling classes but our trade network has been severed and must as soon as possible be re-established. Your firm have connections in East Asia and most of Europe; we want you to use your knowledge to serve your country in this difficult time. We have been hidden from our world but we cannot and are not going to hide in this world...” Christensen looked Andersen straight in the eyes “I'm sure the King would know to reward you according to services done.”
For a second Andersen looked furious then it faded away. “All right I am working on reconnecting my trade network right now why shouldn't I do that for the Kingdom too; guess I'll be able to find a minute or two... what's on the agenda?”
“Raw materials to fuel the Army and Navy” Christensen said “copper, iron ore and other metals to make cartridges and steel. Nitrate to make gunpowder. Cereals to bring us through this winter and seeds to prepare for the next harvest. Coal. Kerosene. Diesel and gasoline. Besides that everything else we used to import to keep society running but the armed forces have priority.”
“What will you offer in return?” Andersen asked.
“Modern firearms and navy ships” Christensen replied.
“No! We're not going to sell out the crown jewels - not now that is” Andersen looked stern “we still have agricultural and industrial produce of a quality and quantity not known in 1864 to bargain with. That is going to be our immediate commodities. The goodies will be kept until we find the ally we'd be in need of and have to barter for real.”
“That'll be it then” Zahle said feeling much better at Andersens last remarks “you'll enter cabinet as Minister of Procurements. Good. Before we conclude this cabinet meeting I have something else to address.”
Even Christensen looked curious at this.
Zahle went to the door opened it to let in another visitor. The cigar maker. Stauning head of the Socialdemocratic party. The silence was so thick as to be felt.
“Mr. Stauning has agreed to a position as Minister without portfolio but with responsibilities for mobilization of workers needed. I am of the opinion that we'd need that as well as a good relationship with the working part of society.”
Stauning looked as if he was enjoying himself which he certainly was. Here, right here in the middle of cabinet together with H.N. Andersen and I.C. Christensen.
It was too good to be true; well almost.
Zahle had called upon him the evening before following the meeting at Parliament. Stauning had still been furious at not being consulted about such radical change of government but then Zahle had proposed something that had changed his mind altogether; a seat in government even without portfolio was more than he had dreamed about.
He had accepted of course. Any power was better than none.
H.N. Andersen looked at Stauning “what can you do?” he asked.
“I can call for a general strike or demonstrations you know that” Stauning replied “soon we'll run out of fuel and cereals. Hungry freezing workers will be angry workers. Do you want that?”
“No” Andersen knew when not to fight a battle. He did remember 1911; the statistics bureau had summed it up: more than 600.000 lost days of work! No - that wasn't something the country could afford at the moment. Stauning would have to stay in the boat.
At Navy staff admiral Kofoed-Hansen had two of his armoured artillery ships Herluf Trolle and Olfert Fischer leave Copenhagen Roads for the mouth of the Slie and Eckernförde fiord; the last place having an ominous name with the Danish Navy. Both ships were escorted by two torpedoboats.
Niels Ebbesen the armoured schooner of 1864 at Sønderborg would rendezvous with the force for Eckernförde.
February 4, 1864
Dannevirke preparing for battle
General Hegermann-Lindencrone was not satisfied with his task even if Tuxen and De Meza had taken quite some time to underline the importance of securing the railway during the briefing of the divisional commanders on the evening of February 3; Hegermann-Lindencrone had advocated a cavalry charge on the Austrians to pave the way in the morning for the infantry.
Both Tuxen and de Meza had politely told him that was not going to be the plan. Without saying they agreed the man being a living anachronism.
With divisional headquarters established during the night at Husum Hegermann-Lindencrone then ordered his squadrons a rest before the activities of the next day.
Fortunately field marshal Wrangel had ordered a days rest to have Prince Friedrich Carl prepare the crossing of the Slie. February 5. would see the Austrian corps attack the Dannevirke to pin the Danish army in place and allow for the Prussian corps to envelop the position. That would be the end of the fighting. To that everybody drank at the Field marshals table until late in the night.
General Tuxen had been busy all night urging his divisional commanders on to prepare the assault in the morning light.
2. and 3. division had actually managed to move into position; 3. division east of Haddeby Nor, 2. division still west of it due to the congestion of troops in the jump off position.
All of 2. artillery regiment were in position for the opening barrage; fieldphone cables having been laid during the night and tested.
The artillery of 2. division were all limbered ready at the front of the division to move out for advanced positions once the enemy line had been breached and 3. division would be on the advance towards Kokkendorf.
Resupplying the advancing units with ammunition had been given high priority by Tuxen to the extend that it had kept his eye from the inadequate planning by his divisional commanders which would play a negative role during the day.
Though the supply train had been taken care of and would fill its role during the day.
The return of frost during the night made the Supply Command end their worries of roads and trails being destroyed by their heavy supply carriages moving along them.
There had been some Austrian sniping during the night but it had been very sporadic and only answered in the same way not to give away Danish preparations.
Into the fire
At 7am 32 Danish 75mm guns opened up the artillery preparation directed by their forward observers.
As expected the first rounds fell wide off the mark but soon the observers had the guns ranged in on the Austrian positions with enemy artillery being the primary target.
Depriving the enemy of artillery support during battle was crucial to Tuxen.
As the artillery began firing for effect the battalions of 5. regiment jumped off advancing towards the Austrian positions.
Along the 5. regiment came the volunteer machinegunners of Corps Westenholz pinning the Austrians with automatic fire.
Following the initial shock the Austrians in good order withdrew a few thousand meters and then prepared to stop the advancing Danes.
At this moment the advance of 2. division across the bridge over Haddeby Nor managed to break the fieldphone lines to the forward observers.
That made for almost half an hours intensive infantry combat in which the Austrians had the advantage of their remaining guns firing canister at point blank range.
The experience severely shook the Danish troops and only the renewed artillery barrage of 2. artillery regiment saved the moment by silencing the Austrian guns.
Following the Austrian stance the renewed Danish assault by 7. regiment brought up to replace the shaken 5. regiment had Gondrecourt withdrawing south.
Gondrecourt's message of the withdrawal reached Field marshal Wrangel who passed it on to Prince Friedrich Carl ordering one of his brigades to turn around to face the Danish attack and stop it.
The Prince protested the order as it would mess up his preparations for the crossing of the Slie fiord but eventually detached one brigade from the 13. division along cavalry and artillery to move to Kokkendorf. Precious time was lost.
To secure the Danish flank 12. regiment of 2. division moved south to secure the high ground of Hüttener Berge as the rest of the division followed in the trail of 3. division moving east.
Captain Bardenfleth had been ordered to command the artillery supporting 12. regiment positions.
As the lead battalions reached Kokkendorf they were met by the Prussian's entrenching there. Lacking artillery support in the initial stage the Danes also dug in exchanging rifle fire with the Prussian's.
Being uneasy of his subordinates abilities to conduct the mobile battle from lack of satisfactory reports Tuxen himself went on to the battlefield to watch and possibly direct the progress.
As he moved on he generally liked what he saw even if there were shortcomings in places.
Though as he came closer to Kokkendorf he sensed something wrong.
Being told of Gondrecourt's spirited defence he urged his divisional commander move the artillery of 2. regiment up to shell Kokkendorf destroy the Prussian artillery and send troops round Vindeby Nor to trap Prince Friedrich Carl's corps in Svansø.
Having issued orders Tuxen aware he'd losing control of the overall situation began the trip back to his headquarters at Dannevirke.
As he was out of reach in a crucial hour the commander of 3. division was in doubt of his sending units north or south round Vindeby Nor and didn't do nothing until communications with Tuxen could be re-established.
The delay only served Wrangel getting information of the situation at Kokkendorf to realize the danger to Prince Friedrich Carl and order him to withdraw from his preparations to cross the Slie.
Tuxen realizing the inability of his subordinates to act independently hastily drew up a more detailed order of operations for his 3. division commander and had it sent forward by runner.
As 3. division finally began its move north around Vindeby Nor it ran into the retreating infantry of Prussian 13. division; the rest of Prince Friedrich Carl's corps still on the move having to cover 40 km from the mouth of the Slie to Eckernförde town.
As darkness fell Tuxen urged his 3. division commander to not let his troops settle in for the night but press on to keep the Prussian's from escaping.
Weary of battle and bad weather the Danish troops stopped and only repeated orders would get them to fire their arms during the night at perceived troops moving south in the dark.
Suffice to say this achieved close to nothing except alert the retreating Prussian's to the whereabouts of the Danish troops.
Naval support
The Navy's armoured artillery ships hadn't spotted any Prussian movement on the Slie and Tuxen arriving from Kokkendorf sent a cable for admiral Kofoed-Hansen asking for all available units to be moved to Eckerförde fiord to shell the Prussian's should they smell the trap and move off.
Kofoed-Hansen ordered the Herluf Trolle at the mouth of the Slie to move south to Eckerförde fiord to augment the force there and shell any Prussian attempt at withdrawal from Svansø.
The Olfert Fischer had already received its orders and were ranging in its guns on Eckernförde town; much to the consternation of the Prussian troops there. Nothing like this 24cm artillery shell detonation had been experienced before.
Really the ship should have gone into the inner harbour to shell the Langebro but caution and lack of intelligence on possible Prussian artillery on site kept the ship at a safe distance.
As dusk fell the artillery ship and its accompanying torpedoboats were able to make out the retreating Prussian column north of the harbour by the torches set up to mark the route and duly began to shell it. Soon the torches were extinguished or moved out of sight.
The Navy kept its watch of the Eckernförde though.
Advanced sciences
During the battle the medical service of the 2. General Command had its baptism of fire; among those drafted for service were the acclaimed surgeons Tage-Hansen and P.W. Heiberg. Many a soldier both Danish and enemy would praise their skills during the battle and following hostilities.
Adhering to the development of thesis by Semmelweis, Pasteur and Lister they kept their operating tables and patients as clean as possible to combat infections.
Those burned would experience skin transplants to heal their frightening wounds.
It was soon apparent to anyone that the mortality rate of the wounded on the Danish side of the front line were much lower than on the enemy side; most astonished were the Danish 1864 army that saw their wounded comrades recover.
Something close to never experienced before; usually a wound meant infections and ultimately death.
Berlin
The news from the front was disturbing to say the least. Bismarck could tell Roon, Minister of War and Molkte, Chief of the General Staff that he had been relayed that the minister to Copenhagen apparently had vanished being replace by some von Brockdorff-Rantzau nobody knew of.
Molkte was furious “why was I rejected as field commander” he said “look what's happened; if Wrangel the old fool hadn't been considered lucky this wouldn't have happened.”
“What happens if Prince Friedrich Carl's corps is trapped?” Bismarck would know.
“You know very well the implications” Molkte replied “in fact we'd lose two corps as we mobilized a division of each but took both corps assets for the expedition; it would be a serious blow to us and the new organization. And then of course having a member of the royal house prisoner of war...”
Bismarck didn't look pleased at all; the King wouldn't like it. The peoples wouldn't like it and neither would parliament. Damn. Why wouldn't these silly inferior Danes just bow to the inevitable and give up; why fight?
“Molkte you served with the Danish Army what make it do this?” Bismarck asked “how do we break them?”
“I don't know” Molkte answered “it should be a walkover. The Army's been neglected for ever. They haven't been upgrading their weapon systems due to the cost and their leadership was lost in the last war...” He paused and then “Wrangel is too old and the Prince Friedrich Carl's too indecisive and too weak willed. He should never have been given the corps command. Why don't royalty listen to experts!”
“That's why they are” Bismarck remarked “Molkte go up there and sort things out. We can't appear the junior partner in this. Damn it the Confederation would have us the laughing stock... I'll draw up the orders to Wrangel.”
“You keep our political back free” Roon said “we'll handle the military matters. I'll mobilize another corps for operations but I won't exaggerate the numbers called up; we can't fight a war and have domestic unrest at the same time. Or have the world know that a third of our Army is tied up defeating tiny Denmark!”
Lunch at Copenhagen
King Christian X had asked Zahle to join him for lunch. Arriving at the Palace Zahle was led to the small office of the majesty; Christian wore his generals uniform.
Why does he have to rub it in on me? Zahle figured I know he isn't too fond of my policies but lets keep it professionel.
“I have received the good news from the general staff” the King opened as he looked at a map of Slesvig “Tuxen is driving his troops towards Kokkendorf and Eckerförde to trap Prince Friedrich Carl's corps in Svansø. It will be a great victory indeed. I'll have a medal made to those troops taking part in it as well as a Navy medal, this is really something!”
Zahle felt ill at ease the King was really into his gung-ho general's attitude.
“When the battles won I'll go to Slesvig to accept the surrender of Prince Friedrich Carl and hand the Knights Great Cross to Tuxen” the King carried on “order of Dannebrog of course even if I'd really like to present an Elephant to him.”
“Now for the not so pleasant” the King continued “I have written my relatives and tried to explain them what's happened to us and their parents; it isn't easy you know!” Zahle shook his head and tried to look compassionate. “I posted the letters to be carried off but I also thought of writing the Tsar and the French Emperor; we usually keep good relations with Russia and the late Tsar was instrumental to the solving of the succession crisis you know.”
“I know sire” Zahle interrupted “but surely Frijs will contact the various foreign governments; your suggestions are sincere I know but please let Frijs take care of the foreign policy.”
The King looked at Zahle “hmm, right out of the bag, eh!... hrmpf, but you cannot hinder my visiting the troops to cheer them up and thank the wounded for their loyalty and good conduct.”
“That sire was never my intentions” Zahle said.
“Maybe you should go as well just like Monrad in 1864” the King carried on smiling slightly.
“Errr, I really believe in the present situation Your Majesty's appearance would be most appreciated by our troops and as long as we haven't been able to sort out what really have happened to our country I better stay in place at the political helm.”
“Very well” the King got up “it is as usual the task of King and government to pull the wagon together. Thank you for being my guest at lunch.”
Zahle hurried to his feet thanked the King for the invitation once again and hurried back to parliament; what had happened? Damn the man was far from his academic level but anyway he felt cheated; what did the King have up his sleeve?
February 5, 1864
Slesvig
Tuxen was furious. The offensive had been halted during the night contrary to his order. Now with day breaking and sky's clearing they should go on closing the hole the Prussian's were seeping through.
However this time he'd stay in headquarters and direct the battle; no more running around getting caught out of communications.
To this end the Telegraph battalion had been laying cables all night to connect Tuxen with 3. division headquarters; it actually worked!
Some young liuetenant had reminded him of the bridge at Eckernførde being the only escape of the Prussian corps; take it down and the Friedrich Carls corps would be trapped. Tuxen hurried a cable off to admiral Kofoed-Hansen at Copenhagen.
12. regiment occupying the Hüttener Berge were reporting increasing Austrian sniping possibly Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz were trying his hand at rejoining Tomas and Gondrecourt's brigades.
The regimental commander had been using the night to his advantage; the troops were digging in and communications upkept between companies and battalions.
The artillery batteries attached had also established their forward observers and Bardenfleth of course had had them work their asses off to be ready for the onslaught. Bardenfleth knew how to play his game; Gablenz would get a warm welcome.
Tuxen's problem was 3. division at Kokkendorf; he had sacked the commander during the night promoting the colonel of 8. regiment to replace him. Now he wanted the hole closed and Friedrich Carl's corps taken prisoner. That should end the campaign.
Perhaps his Majesty would arrive in time to take part in the surrender negotiations; that would really be a boost to morale. His Majesty's cable had been received late in the evening and he would possibly already be on his way.
As day broke to a sunny morning 3. division moved out of the night quarters resuming the attack towards Eckernförde.
Supported by 2. artillery regiment and the Navy ships the advance south of Vindeby Nor went smoothly only to grind down as the troops approached the road and soggy ground south out of Eckernförde. Here the Prussian troops of 13. division fought to keep the road open supported by a few field guns to let the corps withdraw.
The withdrawal during the night had been hampered by the random fire from the Danish warships and the cold had made it an ordeal to move on.
The artillery had been moved into position for the crossing of the Slie and had to move out of their positions packing up taking precious time.
As it was the cavalry and most of the infantry had made it to Eckernförde but the artillery train were slow moving.
The Prince Friedrich Carl had once again been indecisive about what to do and had delayed his moving out till early morning. Now he too was on the move.
All through the morning battle raged with the Danes slowly but surely squeezing the Prussian corridor closed which happened just after noon when the commander of the Olfert Fischer navigated his ship as far into the narrow waters as he dared getting the Langebro in range and shelling it with 24cm guns taking it down into the icy waters. Then the Olfert Fischer reversed out of the narrow channel as the Prussian artillery was frantically unlimbering and trying to get the range on the ship.
This time the destroying of the enemy artillery was given top priority prior to infantry assault to deprive the enemy of his most dreaded weapons; the Austrian lesson of the day before was fresh in everybody's mind.
A few Prussian troops managed get through to the bridgehead at the end of Langbro a few heroically going for the icy waters though with the first vanishing under the waters that stopped too. Meanwhile the corps headquarters and artillery train were captured along the brigade defending at Kokkendorf that had had it's flank turned in the Danish move round Vindeby Nor.
At the good news from 3. division and the Navy Tuxen felt relieved at last.
Now 2. division had to secure the flank holding off the Austrians and De Meza would have to watch the Prussian Guards division carefully.
It just might try its luck at Hollingsted to roll up his flank though the Volunteer units and few artillery officers with field phones detached should make for Hollingsted to hold.
Tuxen had to receive his Majesty but first a cable to government to report the success - and Tuxens intentions to advance to the Eider and the canal but no further and await orders.
The return of the King
Arriving at Army Headquarters king Christian X in full generals uniform were elated at the good news relayed by Tuxen; immediately the King took off his own Dannebrog Great Cross and put it on the chest of Tuxen who was baffled at the Kings action.
The two then separated as Tuxen still had a battle to attend to and the King wanted to visit De Meza as well as the troops and wounded thanking them for their devotion and effort.
Christian X was very aware of the importance of his arrival at the front in the long lost Duchy of Schleswig.
It hadn't seen its King since 1863 to the memory of those living in the Kingdom of Denmark; a group of journalist's were closely following the Kings every step as close as possible.
It would have been termed a scoop in the USA.
In Hüttener Berge area the Austrian attack unfolded but the artillery preceding the assault had achieved little against the Danish dug in troops.
As the Austrian troops jumped off they were cut down by machinegun and directed artillery fire.
The closed terrain also made for advantages to the attacker though and the Austrians crept slowly closer even in the face of mounting losses and generally lacking their own artillery support.
After three hours of his troops creeping forward Gablenz had enough of it. Now even he became worried of reported losses and assault units getting pinned down in the hilly forested terrain by rifle and artillery fire.
At this time Tuxen had the commander 3. division send a parliamentary to Prince Friedrich Carl to ask for his surrender.
Being informed of the Danish King being present the Prince agreed to surrender as his remaining troops in the pocket would face impossible odds continuing the fight.
Taken by car to the field of battle to be receiving the surrender King Christian of course allowed the Prince to keep his sabre and batman and took both along for the journey back to Copenhagen.
Pursuit
Detaching a regiment to take care of the surrendering troops Tuxen then had 3. division move south from Eckernförde towards the Ostsee Canal pushing the retreating units of Prince Friedrich Carl's corps on.
General Gerlach commander 1. division of the 1864 army was ordered to cross the Slie to assist in the disarmament of the Prussian troops and then move on south to force the Prussian's out of Slesvig.
As the Prussian's were retreating towards Kiel von Manstein commander 6. division made a halt at Gettorf to gather available troops and stop the Danish advance.
The dispersement factor of 1914 worked against the Prussian's; as von Manstein set up his defences the Danish 7. regiment and batteries of 2. artillery regiment advanced on Gettorf but squadrons of 2. cavalry regiment and battalions of 8. and 13. regiment were bypassing his position on parallel roads not far though but enough to make the Prussian's feel getting encircled.
Lacking artillery and getting heavily shelled von Manstein decided to abandon the position before the Danes would move in to assault or surround his position. He didn't want another surrender in the same day; if that was what was happening to the Prince Friedrich Carl.
Knowing full well that his retreat was being channelled by the bypassing Danish units von Manstein ordered his units on the march to the Ostsee Canal north of Kiel.
Almost forgetting about De Meza Tuxen received a cable that the general had heard of the successful operation at Eckernförde and had ordered his 2. and 3. division to move south.
Tuxen was rather shocked of this independent action of De Meza's but then the last part of De Meza's report of wanting to find and fix the Prussian Guards division had Tuxen relax somewhat.
Even if he didn't doubt the courage of De Meza and the 1864 army he did doubt its ability to meet the Prussians head on and sent a cable to De Meza reprimanding his action but ordering a halt to operations when the whereabouts of the Prussian Guards had been established.
Having the 1864 army attack the Prussian Guards would only make for unnecessary losses.
As the day waned Tuxen had reports of 3. division being on the north bank of the Ostsee Canal with the Prussian's withdrawing to the southern bank; 2. division was holding its position in the Hüttener Berge and De Meza had found the Prussian Guards but not attacked it.
Tuxen exhaled; it seemed like he'd met his objectives now the politicians had to do their job.
He then sat to write his report of today's actions and his perceived actions of the next day before having it sent by cable to Copenhagen.
He pointed to the losses of the day in infantry when fighting enemy infantry supported by artillery; though casualties had been numerous they wasn't yet alarming but it had a serious impact on the morale.
Notably on 5. regiment that had done the fighting against the Austrians and 7. regiment that had been in battle with the Prussians at Kokkendorf.
Tuxen needed more experienced officers to stiffen morale and make for better command control during battle but he also needed more artillery as the lack of it during battle had proved decisive.
Reverting to the old and tried organization of eight gun batteries instead of the present four gun batteries would be some much needed improvement. Preferably with an increase in guns to keep the number of batteries and not just halve the number total batteries as would probably be the political way of doing it.
General Staff Copenhagen
Receiving the cable of Tuxen the General Staff headed by Bertelsen decided to make some changes to Tuxen's command.
Major General Immanuel Lembcke commander of Copenhagen who had been asking for a command since 1907 was given the command of 2. General Command while Tuxen was elevated to Commander Troops Jutland.
A few officers of the General Staff Operations section were detailed to 2. General Command to boost its operational abilities among these the tactician captain O. Friis.
An increase in guns of the artillery batteries weren't impossible as the guns were available but for reasons of economy a four gun battery had been settled upon.
Now the additional guns would be taken from stores and crews called up to man them.
Also the rest of the 90mm guns were considered pulled out of stores but instead it was decided to supply all of the available ammunition to the existing batteries in Jutland.
As the stocks were limited and not to be resupplied this seemed the sensible ting to do. It would also be in line with Tuxen's earlier demand for more artillery shells. If Tuxen wanted the extra guns he would have them though until he requested such this would be the solution.
Knowing this would all be a drain on stocks Bertelsen began cultivating Gørtz before the next cabinet meeting later in the day for arguing that raw materials be procured.
The Press
The worker's daily “Socialdemokraten” the conservative “Berlingske” and the liberal “Politiken” each tried to beat the others to the interesting if not savvy or horrifying news of these exciting, intriguing and disturbing days.
Each paper had its correspondent in Slesvig trying to get news from the Army and its operations as well as reporting everyday occurrences from the city or its countryside when the Army was on the tight side; which Tuxen usually was.
In order to protect the necessary secrecy of operations which the conservative and usually the liberal paper understood but the worker's never did.
There was often rumours circulating among peoples of this or that small island or town having suddenly disappeared but when the reporter arrived it all came to a tell-tale. The newspapers found they'd thrive on it. The public's wish for information on the situation was seemingly insatiable and the newspapers soon led by the “Socialdemokraten” came to serve this course.
In their search for news of what's happened in the last days the newspapers also used correspondents in neighbouring cities like Stockholm, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna and Berlin. Even now and then a small news flash appeared from St. Petersburg.
Were the peoples there aware of what had happened in Denmark?
Did they care – usually didn't; who'd care about a small nation in the north not worth speaking about except in Berlin - where some would ask the journalists of the Danish war effort - though usually firm in the belief of the ability of Prussian (and Austrian) arms to ultimately reign supreme.
Usually though the government were able to rein in the worst excesses; as the days went by it proved increasingly difficult as the editors wanted to print so as to meet the demand of the owners to increase profit from increased sales.
In the end only the rationing of paper for newspapers served to button up the flood of articles on any subject related to the circumstances of the day in the Kingdom affecting its subjects.
Minister of the interior Rode could report at evening cabinet meeting that the newspapers had been reined in.
For the next day the big news would be the surrender of the Prussian Prince Friedrich Carl; the journalists at Slesvig had somehow managed to find their way to Eckernförde (Tuxen was trying to find out how that had happened) and photos of the surrender ceremony headed by his Majesty had been taken and was scheduled to appear in tomorrows edition. That was some headline which his Majesty of course didn't resent.
Slesvig
Tuxen was furious. The offensive had been halted during the night contrary to his order. Now with day breaking and sky's clearing they should go on closing the hole the Prussian's were seeping through.
However this time he'd stay in headquarters and direct the battle; no more running around getting caught out of communications.
To this end the Telegraph battalion had been laying cables all night to connect Tuxen with 3. division headquarters; it actually worked!
Some young liuetenant had reminded him of the bridge at Eckernførde being the only escape of the Prussian corps; take it down and the Friedrich Carls corps would be trapped. Tuxen hurried a cable off to admiral Kofoed-Hansen at Copenhagen.
12. regiment occupying the Hüttener Berge were reporting increasing Austrian sniping possibly Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz were trying his hand at rejoining Tomas and Gondrecourt's brigades.
The regimental commander had been using the night to his advantage; the troops were digging in and communications upkept between companies and battalions.
The artillery batteries attached had also established their forward observers and Bardenfleth of course had had them work their asses off to be ready for the onslaught. Bardenfleth knew how to play his game; Gablenz would get a warm welcome.
Tuxen's problem was 3. division at Kokkendorf; he had sacked the commander during the night promoting the colonel of 8. regiment to replace him. Now he wanted the hole closed and Friedrich Carl's corps taken prisoner. That should end the campaign.
Perhaps his Majesty would arrive in time to take part in the surrender negotiations; that would really be a boost to morale. His Majesty's cable had been received late in the evening and he would possibly already be on his way.
As day broke to a sunny morning 3. division moved out of the night quarters resuming the attack towards Eckernförde.
Supported by 2. artillery regiment and the Navy ships the advance south of Vindeby Nor went smoothly only to grind down as the troops approached the road and soggy ground south out of Eckernförde. Here the Prussian troops of 13. division fought to keep the road open supported by a few field guns to let the corps withdraw.
The withdrawal during the night had been hampered by the random fire from the Danish warships and the cold had made it an ordeal to move on.
The artillery had been moved into position for the crossing of the Slie and had to move out of their positions packing up taking precious time.
As it was the cavalry and most of the infantry had made it to Eckernförde but the artillery train were slow moving.
The Prince Friedrich Carl had once again been indecisive about what to do and had delayed his moving out till early morning. Now he too was on the move.
All through the morning battle raged with the Danes slowly but surely squeezing the Prussian corridor closed which happened just after noon when the commander of the Olfert Fischer navigated his ship as far into the narrow waters as he dared getting the Langebro in range and shelling it with 24cm guns taking it down into the icy waters. Then the Olfert Fischer reversed out of the narrow channel as the Prussian artillery was frantically unlimbering and trying to get the range on the ship.
This time the destroying of the enemy artillery was given top priority prior to infantry assault to deprive the enemy of his most dreaded weapons; the Austrian lesson of the day before was fresh in everybody's mind.
A few Prussian troops managed get through to the bridgehead at the end of Langbro a few heroically going for the icy waters though with the first vanishing under the waters that stopped too. Meanwhile the corps headquarters and artillery train were captured along the brigade defending at Kokkendorf that had had it's flank turned in the Danish move round Vindeby Nor.
At the good news from 3. division and the Navy Tuxen felt relieved at last.
Now 2. division had to secure the flank holding off the Austrians and De Meza would have to watch the Prussian Guards division carefully.
It just might try its luck at Hollingsted to roll up his flank though the Volunteer units and few artillery officers with field phones detached should make for Hollingsted to hold.
Tuxen had to receive his Majesty but first a cable to government to report the success - and Tuxens intentions to advance to the Eider and the canal but no further and await orders.
The return of the King
Arriving at Army Headquarters king Christian X in full generals uniform were elated at the good news relayed by Tuxen; immediately the King took off his own Dannebrog Great Cross and put it on the chest of Tuxen who was baffled at the Kings action.
The two then separated as Tuxen still had a battle to attend to and the King wanted to visit De Meza as well as the troops and wounded thanking them for their devotion and effort.
Christian X was very aware of the importance of his arrival at the front in the long lost Duchy of Schleswig.
It hadn't seen its King since 1863 to the memory of those living in the Kingdom of Denmark; a group of journalist's were closely following the Kings every step as close as possible.
It would have been termed a scoop in the USA.
In Hüttener Berge area the Austrian attack unfolded but the artillery preceding the assault had achieved little against the Danish dug in troops.
As the Austrian troops jumped off they were cut down by machinegun and directed artillery fire.
The closed terrain also made for advantages to the attacker though and the Austrians crept slowly closer even in the face of mounting losses and generally lacking their own artillery support.
After three hours of his troops creeping forward Gablenz had enough of it. Now even he became worried of reported losses and assault units getting pinned down in the hilly forested terrain by rifle and artillery fire.
At this time Tuxen had the commander 3. division send a parliamentary to Prince Friedrich Carl to ask for his surrender.
Being informed of the Danish King being present the Prince agreed to surrender as his remaining troops in the pocket would face impossible odds continuing the fight.
Taken by car to the field of battle to be receiving the surrender King Christian of course allowed the Prince to keep his sabre and batman and took both along for the journey back to Copenhagen.
Pursuit
Detaching a regiment to take care of the surrendering troops Tuxen then had 3. division move south from Eckernförde towards the Ostsee Canal pushing the retreating units of Prince Friedrich Carl's corps on.
General Gerlach commander 1. division of the 1864 army was ordered to cross the Slie to assist in the disarmament of the Prussian troops and then move on south to force the Prussian's out of Slesvig.
As the Prussian's were retreating towards Kiel von Manstein commander 6. division made a halt at Gettorf to gather available troops and stop the Danish advance.
The dispersement factor of 1914 worked against the Prussian's; as von Manstein set up his defences the Danish 7. regiment and batteries of 2. artillery regiment advanced on Gettorf but squadrons of 2. cavalry regiment and battalions of 8. and 13. regiment were bypassing his position on parallel roads not far though but enough to make the Prussian's feel getting encircled.
Lacking artillery and getting heavily shelled von Manstein decided to abandon the position before the Danes would move in to assault or surround his position. He didn't want another surrender in the same day; if that was what was happening to the Prince Friedrich Carl.
Knowing full well that his retreat was being channelled by the bypassing Danish units von Manstein ordered his units on the march to the Ostsee Canal north of Kiel.
Almost forgetting about De Meza Tuxen received a cable that the general had heard of the successful operation at Eckernförde and had ordered his 2. and 3. division to move south.
Tuxen was rather shocked of this independent action of De Meza's but then the last part of De Meza's report of wanting to find and fix the Prussian Guards division had Tuxen relax somewhat.
Even if he didn't doubt the courage of De Meza and the 1864 army he did doubt its ability to meet the Prussians head on and sent a cable to De Meza reprimanding his action but ordering a halt to operations when the whereabouts of the Prussian Guards had been established.
Having the 1864 army attack the Prussian Guards would only make for unnecessary losses.
As the day waned Tuxen had reports of 3. division being on the north bank of the Ostsee Canal with the Prussian's withdrawing to the southern bank; 2. division was holding its position in the Hüttener Berge and De Meza had found the Prussian Guards but not attacked it.
Tuxen exhaled; it seemed like he'd met his objectives now the politicians had to do their job.
He then sat to write his report of today's actions and his perceived actions of the next day before having it sent by cable to Copenhagen.
He pointed to the losses of the day in infantry when fighting enemy infantry supported by artillery; though casualties had been numerous they wasn't yet alarming but it had a serious impact on the morale.
Notably on 5. regiment that had done the fighting against the Austrians and 7. regiment that had been in battle with the Prussians at Kokkendorf.
Tuxen needed more experienced officers to stiffen morale and make for better command control during battle but he also needed more artillery as the lack of it during battle had proved decisive.
Reverting to the old and tried organization of eight gun batteries instead of the present four gun batteries would be some much needed improvement. Preferably with an increase in guns to keep the number of batteries and not just halve the number total batteries as would probably be the political way of doing it.
General Staff Copenhagen
Receiving the cable of Tuxen the General Staff headed by Bertelsen decided to make some changes to Tuxen's command.
Major General Immanuel Lembcke commander of Copenhagen who had been asking for a command since 1907 was given the command of 2. General Command while Tuxen was elevated to Commander Troops Jutland.
A few officers of the General Staff Operations section were detailed to 2. General Command to boost its operational abilities among these the tactician captain O. Friis.
An increase in guns of the artillery batteries weren't impossible as the guns were available but for reasons of economy a four gun battery had been settled upon.
Now the additional guns would be taken from stores and crews called up to man them.
Also the rest of the 90mm guns were considered pulled out of stores but instead it was decided to supply all of the available ammunition to the existing batteries in Jutland.
As the stocks were limited and not to be resupplied this seemed the sensible ting to do. It would also be in line with Tuxen's earlier demand for more artillery shells. If Tuxen wanted the extra guns he would have them though until he requested such this would be the solution.
Knowing this would all be a drain on stocks Bertelsen began cultivating Gørtz before the next cabinet meeting later in the day for arguing that raw materials be procured.
The Press
The worker's daily “Socialdemokraten” the conservative “Berlingske” and the liberal “Politiken” each tried to beat the others to the interesting if not savvy or horrifying news of these exciting, intriguing and disturbing days.
Each paper had its correspondent in Slesvig trying to get news from the Army and its operations as well as reporting everyday occurrences from the city or its countryside when the Army was on the tight side; which Tuxen usually was.
In order to protect the necessary secrecy of operations which the conservative and usually the liberal paper understood but the worker's never did.
There was often rumours circulating among peoples of this or that small island or town having suddenly disappeared but when the reporter arrived it all came to a tell-tale. The newspapers found they'd thrive on it. The public's wish for information on the situation was seemingly insatiable and the newspapers soon led by the “Socialdemokraten” came to serve this course.
In their search for news of what's happened in the last days the newspapers also used correspondents in neighbouring cities like Stockholm, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna and Berlin. Even now and then a small news flash appeared from St. Petersburg.
Were the peoples there aware of what had happened in Denmark?
Did they care – usually didn't; who'd care about a small nation in the north not worth speaking about except in Berlin - where some would ask the journalists of the Danish war effort - though usually firm in the belief of the ability of Prussian (and Austrian) arms to ultimately reign supreme.
Usually though the government were able to rein in the worst excesses; as the days went by it proved increasingly difficult as the editors wanted to print so as to meet the demand of the owners to increase profit from increased sales.
In the end only the rationing of paper for newspapers served to button up the flood of articles on any subject related to the circumstances of the day in the Kingdom affecting its subjects.
Minister of the interior Rode could report at evening cabinet meeting that the newspapers had been reined in.
For the next day the big news would be the surrender of the Prussian Prince Friedrich Carl; the journalists at Slesvig had somehow managed to find their way to Eckernförde (Tuxen was trying to find out how that had happened) and photos of the surrender ceremony headed by his Majesty had been taken and was scheduled to appear in tomorrows edition. That was some headline which his Majesty of course didn't resent.
February 6, 1864
von Molkte at Slesvig
“They are taking our artillery out of action with their long range well led artillery” Field marshal Wrangel told von Molkte who had just arrived at his headquarters “we have lost almost all of Prince Friedrich Carl's artillery about half the artillery of the Austrian corps but still have the Guards Division intact. The remains of the Prince's corps have retreated south of the Ostsee Canal – the Danes haven't tried to cross it.”
“Where is his royal highness?” von Molkte asked.
“We actually don't know. His headquarters and artillery were cut off from the withdrawal out of Svansø as the Danes took the Langebro down and I haven't heard of him since yesterday.”
“So we presume he's surrendering” von Molkte continued not asking a question “and thus our operational capabilities are severely curtailed for the moment. Committing the Guards Division to the attack seems to be futile as the major part of our Army have been defeated in battle. Von Roon is mobilizing another corps but until that arrives we have to fend for ourself. Have the confederation brigades move up the Ostsee Canal to create a reserve; pull the Guards south of the Eider and have Gablenz defend the Hüttener Berge. That way we preserve a foothold in Schleswig.”
The Danes
Tuxen at the same time were having a hard time keeping De Meza in rein as the 1864 Army found the time ripe for the total defeat of the enemy.
It was Tuxen's priority as it had been De Meza's in 1864 to keep his Army in one piece not risk it on some great adventure. He steadily refused any offensive action.
3. division would advance to the Ostsee Canal along its entire length and in the process reconnoitre the Jarnwith forest north of the Canal to ensure the land empty of enemies.
2. division would hold the centre on Hüttener Berge; the battle yesterday had shown the superiority of his troops firepower but he didn't believe in having his troops throw the Austrian's out of the area. That would make for a battle his troops weren't trained for. One thing to operate in open farm lands but in a closed terrain – he wouldn't risk it.
The Jutland brigade would serve as his reserve but 6. regiment had been detached from 2. division to probe west between the Austrian left and the Prussian Guards Division; De Meza had found it yesterday but if he could manoeuvre so as to make its position impossible and thus force a withdrawal!
At most his troops should fight a defensive battle should the Guards decide to fight its way out.
Before he could order 6. regiment off De Meza sent a telegram informing him of the withdrawal of the Prussian Guards; relieved Tuxen allowed De Meza to pursue the withdrawing troops but not interfere with its manoeuvres. He didn't want to provoke an unnecessary battle.
The battle didn't materialize as De Meza kept his troops on a tight leash not permitting any heroic deeds! The Prussian Guards moved south of the Eider and stayed there much to De Meza's and Tuxen's relief.
Now only the Austrian's were still having troops in Slesvig. Politically the preferable position.
Copenhagen Berlin Paris London St. Petersburg; the gathering of a storm
The news of Prince Friedrich Carl's surrender was followed by joy and celebrating turning into limited rioting in Copenhagen and disappointment and riots in Berlin.
The photograph of Prince Friedrich Carl handing his sword to King Christian X was the most humiliating experience to the Prussian's ever.
Napoleon III in Paris was ecstatic and pondering if he could enrol the Danes as an ally against the Prussian's. Now he might have the war he had longed for and might get his hand on the Rhineland!
Her Majesty's government discussed what this might bring about of change on the continent.
Tsar Alexander II and his wife encouraged their eldest son Nicholas to go to Copenhagen to seek out a bride.
At Berlin Bismarck had to face the liberal majority of parliament which once again would ask King William I to realize that Bismarck's talk of iron and blood had been just talk now being paid for in Prussian blood!
Now the man wanted another two corps mobilized to make for a third of the Army sent to Denmark and already a sixth of it lost!
The Austrian's didn't pass the moment to delve at their troops being the only ones on Schleswig soil! And suggesting the Prussian's that it might be necessary to call up a Corps of the Confederation Army – just in case.
The last was flatly rejected by Bismarck who declared the Prussian Army fully capable of the job and that sufficient forces would be mobilizad.
As the storm raged over Europe I.C. Christensen realized that he might make a ball rolling by shoving a slight push; now he just had to find that ball. But then it could be dangerous as Scavenius wasted no time in pointing out.
Already though the ball was rolling; at the Diet in Frankfurt Austria had no problems in rallying the German states and question the motives of Prussia. A plan for the future of Schleswig and Holstein were necessary to continue the war with Denmark. Bismarck had to make public Prussia's standing on the matter!
Count Frijs were ordered by Zahle to leave for Frankfurt to get negotiations going; Denmark would agree to a referendum in Slesvig to determine the border. This seemed the only choice to Zahle.
Before Frijs could pack his bags the cat was out of it. Somebody had leaked Zahle's proposal to the conservatives; I.C. Christensen of course - who in this way would also gain control of the liberal party by being able to defy the plan and ask for incorporating all of Slesvig.
Zahle knew a storm would descend on him the next day at Parliament.
von Molkte at Slesvig
“They are taking our artillery out of action with their long range well led artillery” Field marshal Wrangel told von Molkte who had just arrived at his headquarters “we have lost almost all of Prince Friedrich Carl's artillery about half the artillery of the Austrian corps but still have the Guards Division intact. The remains of the Prince's corps have retreated south of the Ostsee Canal – the Danes haven't tried to cross it.”
“Where is his royal highness?” von Molkte asked.
“We actually don't know. His headquarters and artillery were cut off from the withdrawal out of Svansø as the Danes took the Langebro down and I haven't heard of him since yesterday.”
“So we presume he's surrendering” von Molkte continued not asking a question “and thus our operational capabilities are severely curtailed for the moment. Committing the Guards Division to the attack seems to be futile as the major part of our Army have been defeated in battle. Von Roon is mobilizing another corps but until that arrives we have to fend for ourself. Have the confederation brigades move up the Ostsee Canal to create a reserve; pull the Guards south of the Eider and have Gablenz defend the Hüttener Berge. That way we preserve a foothold in Schleswig.”
The Danes
Tuxen at the same time were having a hard time keeping De Meza in rein as the 1864 Army found the time ripe for the total defeat of the enemy.
It was Tuxen's priority as it had been De Meza's in 1864 to keep his Army in one piece not risk it on some great adventure. He steadily refused any offensive action.
3. division would advance to the Ostsee Canal along its entire length and in the process reconnoitre the Jarnwith forest north of the Canal to ensure the land empty of enemies.
2. division would hold the centre on Hüttener Berge; the battle yesterday had shown the superiority of his troops firepower but he didn't believe in having his troops throw the Austrian's out of the area. That would make for a battle his troops weren't trained for. One thing to operate in open farm lands but in a closed terrain – he wouldn't risk it.
The Jutland brigade would serve as his reserve but 6. regiment had been detached from 2. division to probe west between the Austrian left and the Prussian Guards Division; De Meza had found it yesterday but if he could manoeuvre so as to make its position impossible and thus force a withdrawal!
At most his troops should fight a defensive battle should the Guards decide to fight its way out.
Before he could order 6. regiment off De Meza sent a telegram informing him of the withdrawal of the Prussian Guards; relieved Tuxen allowed De Meza to pursue the withdrawing troops but not interfere with its manoeuvres. He didn't want to provoke an unnecessary battle.
The battle didn't materialize as De Meza kept his troops on a tight leash not permitting any heroic deeds! The Prussian Guards moved south of the Eider and stayed there much to De Meza's and Tuxen's relief.
Now only the Austrian's were still having troops in Slesvig. Politically the preferable position.
Copenhagen Berlin Paris London St. Petersburg; the gathering of a storm
The news of Prince Friedrich Carl's surrender was followed by joy and celebrating turning into limited rioting in Copenhagen and disappointment and riots in Berlin.
The photograph of Prince Friedrich Carl handing his sword to King Christian X was the most humiliating experience to the Prussian's ever.
Napoleon III in Paris was ecstatic and pondering if he could enrol the Danes as an ally against the Prussian's. Now he might have the war he had longed for and might get his hand on the Rhineland!
Her Majesty's government discussed what this might bring about of change on the continent.
Tsar Alexander II and his wife encouraged their eldest son Nicholas to go to Copenhagen to seek out a bride.
At Berlin Bismarck had to face the liberal majority of parliament which once again would ask King William I to realize that Bismarck's talk of iron and blood had been just talk now being paid for in Prussian blood!
Now the man wanted another two corps mobilized to make for a third of the Army sent to Denmark and already a sixth of it lost!
The Austrian's didn't pass the moment to delve at their troops being the only ones on Schleswig soil! And suggesting the Prussian's that it might be necessary to call up a Corps of the Confederation Army – just in case.
The last was flatly rejected by Bismarck who declared the Prussian Army fully capable of the job and that sufficient forces would be mobilizad.
As the storm raged over Europe I.C. Christensen realized that he might make a ball rolling by shoving a slight push; now he just had to find that ball. But then it could be dangerous as Scavenius wasted no time in pointing out.
Already though the ball was rolling; at the Diet in Frankfurt Austria had no problems in rallying the German states and question the motives of Prussia. A plan for the future of Schleswig and Holstein were necessary to continue the war with Denmark. Bismarck had to make public Prussia's standing on the matter!
Count Frijs were ordered by Zahle to leave for Frankfurt to get negotiations going; Denmark would agree to a referendum in Slesvig to determine the border. This seemed the only choice to Zahle.
Before Frijs could pack his bags the cat was out of it. Somebody had leaked Zahle's proposal to the conservatives; I.C. Christensen of course - who in this way would also gain control of the liberal party by being able to defy the plan and ask for incorporating all of Slesvig.
Zahle knew a storm would descend on him the next day at Parliament.
February 7, 1864
Slesvig holding the line
Tuxen had his troops move up on north bank of the Eider river and the Ostsee Canal only in the centre did the Austrians make for a bulge into Danish territory or so a lot of his troops felt.
It all seemed too good to be true and being the cynical Tuxen didn't expect it to be true.
The cable yesterday from the General Staff had been the reassurance he needed; now he could only await the arrival of Lembcke and his staff as well as the reinforcements of artillery and ammunition.
Given a week or two he might prepare to hold off the next assault though he would then have to give serious consideration to cutting off the Austrians in the Hüttener Berge to force them out.
He would put Lembcke to plan this right ahead.
Molkte was told from Berlin that Roon hadn't yet begun mobilization so he would have to hold the line with what he got; fortunately the Danes didn't seem to be going on the offensive. Perhaps they were wondering what was brewing too; the news from Berlin weren't good. Bismarck was wanted to vacate the seat of government but the King hadn't decided yet.
Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz had announced his arrival at headquarters later in the day probably the confederation wanted to take over operations with the Austrian at the helm.
Perhaps he shouldn't have left the Danish Army; then he probably would have been much better off today.
He shrugged his shoulders.
Copenhagen Parliament session
Zahle looked around Parliament.
The Conservatives and Liberals were surely warmed up; it had been a day of heated discussion.
Stauning hadn't had his position with cabinet proclaimed and seemed neutral today; he was sitting this one out. Well Zahle wasn't the one to blame him.
Soon somebody would proclaim it. It didn't matter; Stauning would just say that he had turned the proposition down. That would save him.
H.N. Andersen in government had definitely made for a stir in the Conservative and Liberal ranks; now that had been unexpected.
Discussions seemed to fade somewhat but what was happening?
Stauning took to the podium and announced his supporting the government. It actually took the steam out of the opposition which already were in retreat.
Stauning talked about the necessity of sticking together in these darken days; of solidarity with your fellow man and of his party being peaceful.
This day however a possibility had shown itself of having the wrong of 1864 undone; Danes living under Prussian yoke could be and should be welcome in Denmark.
He strongly suggested supporting the government. Then he left the podium.
Zahle had weathered the storm for now.
Berlin
It took King William quite some time to get himself together; he should have followed his instincts and not made Bismarck chancellor. Now he was in the thick of it.
His cousin had been captured by the Danes who had also sunk his Navy; and the armoured ship ordered in Britain wasn't complete yet and probably the British wouldn't let it sail now that's war had broken our.
The Austrian's were the only part of the Confederation Army to still have a foothold on Danish territory.
For the moment he would let Bismarck keep the helm but he would be ready to kick him out should this debacle go any worse. He wouldn't accept another corps lost. The French newspapers were already ridiculing the Prussian handling of the affair.
Receiving word from the King Bismarck immediately had Roon call up troops for sending off another corps.
Slesvig holding the line
Tuxen had his troops move up on north bank of the Eider river and the Ostsee Canal only in the centre did the Austrians make for a bulge into Danish territory or so a lot of his troops felt.
It all seemed too good to be true and being the cynical Tuxen didn't expect it to be true.
The cable yesterday from the General Staff had been the reassurance he needed; now he could only await the arrival of Lembcke and his staff as well as the reinforcements of artillery and ammunition.
Given a week or two he might prepare to hold off the next assault though he would then have to give serious consideration to cutting off the Austrians in the Hüttener Berge to force them out.
He would put Lembcke to plan this right ahead.
Molkte was told from Berlin that Roon hadn't yet begun mobilization so he would have to hold the line with what he got; fortunately the Danes didn't seem to be going on the offensive. Perhaps they were wondering what was brewing too; the news from Berlin weren't good. Bismarck was wanted to vacate the seat of government but the King hadn't decided yet.
Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz had announced his arrival at headquarters later in the day probably the confederation wanted to take over operations with the Austrian at the helm.
Perhaps he shouldn't have left the Danish Army; then he probably would have been much better off today.
He shrugged his shoulders.
Copenhagen Parliament session
Zahle looked around Parliament.
The Conservatives and Liberals were surely warmed up; it had been a day of heated discussion.
Stauning hadn't had his position with cabinet proclaimed and seemed neutral today; he was sitting this one out. Well Zahle wasn't the one to blame him.
Soon somebody would proclaim it. It didn't matter; Stauning would just say that he had turned the proposition down. That would save him.
H.N. Andersen in government had definitely made for a stir in the Conservative and Liberal ranks; now that had been unexpected.
Discussions seemed to fade somewhat but what was happening?
Stauning took to the podium and announced his supporting the government. It actually took the steam out of the opposition which already were in retreat.
Stauning talked about the necessity of sticking together in these darken days; of solidarity with your fellow man and of his party being peaceful.
This day however a possibility had shown itself of having the wrong of 1864 undone; Danes living under Prussian yoke could be and should be welcome in Denmark.
He strongly suggested supporting the government. Then he left the podium.
Zahle had weathered the storm for now.
Berlin
It took King William quite some time to get himself together; he should have followed his instincts and not made Bismarck chancellor. Now he was in the thick of it.
His cousin had been captured by the Danes who had also sunk his Navy; and the armoured ship ordered in Britain wasn't complete yet and probably the British wouldn't let it sail now that's war had broken our.
The Austrian's were the only part of the Confederation Army to still have a foothold on Danish territory.
For the moment he would let Bismarck keep the helm but he would be ready to kick him out should this debacle go any worse. He wouldn't accept another corps lost. The French newspapers were already ridiculing the Prussian handling of the affair.
Receiving word from the King Bismarck immediately had Roon call up troops for sending off another corps.
February 8.-21. 1864
The Prussians
Bismarck had been able to fend off the Austrians and the Confederation but it hadn't been easy. Prussian stature had certainly taken a serious blow due to Prince Friedrich Carls surrender.
The marginal political victory had also served to help push Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz out of supreme command on the battlefield and secure von Molkte in the position; at least for the moment.
The really annoying thing during the second week had been the Danes suddenly launching an offensive south of the Hüttener Berge threatening to cut off the Austrians and forcing Gablenz to withdraw out of Slesvig.
It was a blow to the coalition but it certainly helped Prussian stature within the Confederation.
It looked like the Danes had gotten their act together and had fought a very methodical battle never exposing their infantry to fight unsupported; only advance when supported by artillery which seemed to be more numerous than ever.
Now the Danes seemed to be entrenched on the northern bank of the Eider river and the Ostsee Canal; crossing it would probably be a bloody affair and turning it impossible with the Danish Navy commanding the seas.
The Austrian's had been willing to sent a squadron of their Adriatic Fleet to the North Sea to counter the Danish Navy but it would be still be some time for it to mobilize and arrive.
Molkte were finishing preparations for crossing the river-canal line having a new corps mobilized and brought up which also made for his already present infantry and cavalry formations to be reorganized into a full corps formation.
The Danes
On the northern side of the water barrier Tuxen had been following the German build up. It was troublesome but now his Army was much better supplied.
The artillery had been brought up to strength eight guns a battery and ammunition stores replenished.
The 1864 Army had had its artillery complement reinforced by the addition of the guns of the surrendered Prussian corps now making it much more effective. All along the river-canal line forward artillery observers were in position and a second line prepared behind it should a German breakthrough be achieved.
Before he had been able to man the entirety of the line he had had to push the Austrian's out of Hüttener Berge.
However the 1914 Army had taken a serious blow to morale during the fighting on the 4. and 5.; the 5. and 7. regiments had been badly shaken during the intensive infantry fighting during the time their artillery had not been able to support them.
To remove the Austrian presence in Hüttener Berge Tuxen had turned to De Meza and his 1864 Army rightly assuming that army might have some tougher outlook towards offensive operations.
De Meza was all activity given the opportunity; he detailed his 2. and 3. division to the operation those of his troops that hadn't really had a blooding yet.
Supported by his new artillery as well as a generous amount of 1914 artillery, all directed by observers via fieldphones, as well as machineguns De Meza declared himself and troops to be ready within two days!
Tuxen delayed the attack for another four days to have Bardenfleth drill the battery commanders to their task.
To this end a firing range had been set up west of Esbjerg on Skallingen where batteries would be lodged and drilled in what became known as Bardenfleth's Bootcamp.
A place mostly dreaded by artillery officers as this was the place they were literally kicked through their duties to make them up to the task.
The arrangement worked though as the artillery barrage when attack was sounded did what it was supposed to do.
With the two divisions moving in a pincer to cut the Austrian's off from their communications Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz rightly guessed what was brewing and pulled his troops out before the Danes were going too well.
Gablenz wanted to preserve his force for the next battle and wasn't criticised of his dispositions. Even Bismarck didn't utter much as the Austrians by had been dethroned from its political standing in the German Confederation.
Following the successful operation Tuxen settled down to prepare his Army for the future.
Units were drilled, reinforcements worked into their positions and Bardenfleth kicked ass.
Along the Eider river and Ostsee Canal a continues line of parallels were dug to provide cover for the troops; kilometre of kilometre of cable were drawn to link up batteries with forward observers and rear headquarters.
Also Tuxen didn't have to send cables; he could use the newly installed telephone!
He had even been told that a Poulsen apparatus (wireless radio) might be available soon; that would make him able to have instant contact with the Navy units in the area.
Mobilizing society
The DSB (Danish State Railways) had begun constructing a line connecting the existing railnet in Jutland to that at Aabenraa to facilitate movement of supplies and reinforcements.
Manpower was plentiful with the sudden winter disrupting normal state of work and trade making for seasonal unemployment occurring; even the call-up of troops didn't disrupt this.
Stauning had been energetic in mobilizing unemployed workers for the national effort by using the trade unions network which served to tighten his control of the Socialdemocratic Party.
The local town and city factories were also being mobilized by minister H. N. Andersen to contribute to the war effort turning out ammunition and needed equipment for the Army but also for the general running of society; to make for electricity to run the saltpetre production at the Ammunition Arsenal north of Frederikshavn the power works of the city were run to solely producing for the Arsenal. Much to the regret of the citizens but then “we all had to bring sacrifices”.
Deals were struck in Britain for import of coal on an exchange of agricultural production and shipping engines produced by Burmeister & Wain. In Sweden-Norway for steel and big artillery tubes in exchange of the Bessemer process and a license for Krag-Jørgensen rifles. In the USA oil could be procured at a reasonable price with exchange of shipping engines and medicine as well as surgical knowledge to the help of the US Army medical service.
The real sales item however was wireless telegraphy! It really made admirals drool.
The numerous contacts all over the world of the East Asiatic Company had been scrutinized by his company staff to disclose who to approach in 1864 and Andersen had called upon former PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Deuntzer to draw upon his knowledge.
Andersen had also been able to draw upon the contacts of the King and along Foreign Minister Frijs they were able to piece together the puzzle.
Making trade connections wasn't difficult; trying to make the peoples of 1864 understand what had happened to Denmark was.
So usually Andersen didn't and left this bit to count Frijs and Christian X.
A new strange land
The capture of Prince Friedrich Carl made for a much unexpected bonus as he had the right connections in the 1864 royal network; those connections wanted to know about the Prince and his health and whereabouts which made Friedrich Carl busy writing letters telling of what a fine man King Christian X were and the wonders he saw in Denmark.
Indirectly this added to the position of King Christian and count Frijs' antique style made it possible for the trio to establish connections. It was never fully understood to outsiders what made it happen but it did.
The Prince saw so much that he never dreamed of in Denmark; cars, modern ships, aircraft, vacuum cleaners, general electricity availability and a new approach to medicine and surgery.
The many small industrial works was a surprise as was even more the emancipated workers and the self-assuredness of the women.
Freedom of press, freedom of speech and political opinion seemed incredible even if it should have been impossible. And society did work in spite of it!
The Prince looked and looked and being shaken in his beliefs in the state of society he remembered from his previous life.
At the moment nothing much happened but in London, Paris and St. Petersburg as well as Vienna it made an impression that the Danes wanted to negotiate.
In the corridors of power whispers went on seeking to establish the position of the various powers in relation to the situation in Slesvig; surely Prussia was rejecting any giving in at this moment as was the German Confederation except Austria that felt like perhaps ready for compromise.
At the end of the second week the new Prussian corps were moving into positions on the Ostsee Canal and Gablenz had had his artillery replenished and reinforced; now was the time to show the Danes what the two Great Powers could do.
North Atlantic area and Danish West Indies
The director of Greenland Daugaard-Jensen hadn't noticed anything untowards on August 5, except that winter suddenly appeared following a strange phenomena of Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights.
Nobody really attributed anything to the strange Northern Lights except that it shouldn't occur during summer when the sun was supposed to shine all day and night; so yes actually rather queer - but all changed along the weather. Going from a sunny day to freezing arctic winter in less than a day with temperatures dropping 50C in less than five hours was really something to be noticed.
Quite a number of fishermen were missing and the major preoccupation of everyone was when they would be back; if they would be back.
Communications with the rest of the Kingdom was immediately severed as winter set in but that wasn't uncommon.
Quite a number of Danish and foreign ships were in port loading or unloading; that commenced and a few tried in the days to come to get away. Few succeeded some sunk but the majority turned back to port in Greenland.
As winter had arrived the hunters dug out the sleigh and went to fetch the dogs and then waited for ice to pack so that it would be possible to go into the great white waste to search for the missing fishermen.
Iceland also experienced the odd Northern Lights and then arrival of winter. The attitude was quite like in Greenland only larger ships would be made ready to put to sea to search for missing fishermen.
It was an annoyance and hay would be missing for the horses but that could be remedied by sending ship to Britain Norway or Denmark; somebody began collecting orders for needed goods to come through the winter.
The Faeroe Islands had much the Icelandic experience though missing the Northern Lights but peoples generally referred to the freak lightning that day when in lack of an explanation.
Searches were organized for missing fishermen and sheep gathered for winter quarters. Orders for the needed goods to use during winter were also collected here.
Danish West Indies had rumours of pending hurricane due to the strange lights seen on August 5. The day though ended without the arrival of a hurricane and life went back to normal.
Only during the days to come did visiting ships crews act strange when confronted with large steamships or cars. Also the traffic of merchantmen did change from large steamships going for the Panama canal to local schooner's like those that had always served the area; quite strange actually.
The crews also told tales of CSA blockade runners and cruisers taking USA merchantmen as prizes or just burning them to deny their cargo for the USA.
If the isles had landed in the middle of an ongoing war naval protection would be urgently needed.
A cable to Copenhagen cleared the situation; the isles had been transported back in time to 1864! And the motherland was at war with Prussia and Austria.
A war ship was promised to be sent off to ensure Danish territorial rights but the war had be to given first priority.
The Prussians
Bismarck had been able to fend off the Austrians and the Confederation but it hadn't been easy. Prussian stature had certainly taken a serious blow due to Prince Friedrich Carls surrender.
The marginal political victory had also served to help push Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz out of supreme command on the battlefield and secure von Molkte in the position; at least for the moment.
The really annoying thing during the second week had been the Danes suddenly launching an offensive south of the Hüttener Berge threatening to cut off the Austrians and forcing Gablenz to withdraw out of Slesvig.
It was a blow to the coalition but it certainly helped Prussian stature within the Confederation.
It looked like the Danes had gotten their act together and had fought a very methodical battle never exposing their infantry to fight unsupported; only advance when supported by artillery which seemed to be more numerous than ever.
Now the Danes seemed to be entrenched on the northern bank of the Eider river and the Ostsee Canal; crossing it would probably be a bloody affair and turning it impossible with the Danish Navy commanding the seas.
The Austrian's had been willing to sent a squadron of their Adriatic Fleet to the North Sea to counter the Danish Navy but it would be still be some time for it to mobilize and arrive.
Molkte were finishing preparations for crossing the river-canal line having a new corps mobilized and brought up which also made for his already present infantry and cavalry formations to be reorganized into a full corps formation.
The Danes
On the northern side of the water barrier Tuxen had been following the German build up. It was troublesome but now his Army was much better supplied.
The artillery had been brought up to strength eight guns a battery and ammunition stores replenished.
The 1864 Army had had its artillery complement reinforced by the addition of the guns of the surrendered Prussian corps now making it much more effective. All along the river-canal line forward artillery observers were in position and a second line prepared behind it should a German breakthrough be achieved.
Before he had been able to man the entirety of the line he had had to push the Austrian's out of Hüttener Berge.
However the 1914 Army had taken a serious blow to morale during the fighting on the 4. and 5.; the 5. and 7. regiments had been badly shaken during the intensive infantry fighting during the time their artillery had not been able to support them.
To remove the Austrian presence in Hüttener Berge Tuxen had turned to De Meza and his 1864 Army rightly assuming that army might have some tougher outlook towards offensive operations.
De Meza was all activity given the opportunity; he detailed his 2. and 3. division to the operation those of his troops that hadn't really had a blooding yet.
Supported by his new artillery as well as a generous amount of 1914 artillery, all directed by observers via fieldphones, as well as machineguns De Meza declared himself and troops to be ready within two days!
Tuxen delayed the attack for another four days to have Bardenfleth drill the battery commanders to their task.
To this end a firing range had been set up west of Esbjerg on Skallingen where batteries would be lodged and drilled in what became known as Bardenfleth's Bootcamp.
A place mostly dreaded by artillery officers as this was the place they were literally kicked through their duties to make them up to the task.
The arrangement worked though as the artillery barrage when attack was sounded did what it was supposed to do.
With the two divisions moving in a pincer to cut the Austrian's off from their communications Field marshal lieutenant Gablenz rightly guessed what was brewing and pulled his troops out before the Danes were going too well.
Gablenz wanted to preserve his force for the next battle and wasn't criticised of his dispositions. Even Bismarck didn't utter much as the Austrians by had been dethroned from its political standing in the German Confederation.
Following the successful operation Tuxen settled down to prepare his Army for the future.
Units were drilled, reinforcements worked into their positions and Bardenfleth kicked ass.
Along the Eider river and Ostsee Canal a continues line of parallels were dug to provide cover for the troops; kilometre of kilometre of cable were drawn to link up batteries with forward observers and rear headquarters.
Also Tuxen didn't have to send cables; he could use the newly installed telephone!
He had even been told that a Poulsen apparatus (wireless radio) might be available soon; that would make him able to have instant contact with the Navy units in the area.
Mobilizing society
The DSB (Danish State Railways) had begun constructing a line connecting the existing railnet in Jutland to that at Aabenraa to facilitate movement of supplies and reinforcements.
Manpower was plentiful with the sudden winter disrupting normal state of work and trade making for seasonal unemployment occurring; even the call-up of troops didn't disrupt this.
Stauning had been energetic in mobilizing unemployed workers for the national effort by using the trade unions network which served to tighten his control of the Socialdemocratic Party.
The local town and city factories were also being mobilized by minister H. N. Andersen to contribute to the war effort turning out ammunition and needed equipment for the Army but also for the general running of society; to make for electricity to run the saltpetre production at the Ammunition Arsenal north of Frederikshavn the power works of the city were run to solely producing for the Arsenal. Much to the regret of the citizens but then “we all had to bring sacrifices”.
Deals were struck in Britain for import of coal on an exchange of agricultural production and shipping engines produced by Burmeister & Wain. In Sweden-Norway for steel and big artillery tubes in exchange of the Bessemer process and a license for Krag-Jørgensen rifles. In the USA oil could be procured at a reasonable price with exchange of shipping engines and medicine as well as surgical knowledge to the help of the US Army medical service.
The real sales item however was wireless telegraphy! It really made admirals drool.
The numerous contacts all over the world of the East Asiatic Company had been scrutinized by his company staff to disclose who to approach in 1864 and Andersen had called upon former PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Deuntzer to draw upon his knowledge.
Andersen had also been able to draw upon the contacts of the King and along Foreign Minister Frijs they were able to piece together the puzzle.
Making trade connections wasn't difficult; trying to make the peoples of 1864 understand what had happened to Denmark was.
So usually Andersen didn't and left this bit to count Frijs and Christian X.
A new strange land
The capture of Prince Friedrich Carl made for a much unexpected bonus as he had the right connections in the 1864 royal network; those connections wanted to know about the Prince and his health and whereabouts which made Friedrich Carl busy writing letters telling of what a fine man King Christian X were and the wonders he saw in Denmark.
Indirectly this added to the position of King Christian and count Frijs' antique style made it possible for the trio to establish connections. It was never fully understood to outsiders what made it happen but it did.
The Prince saw so much that he never dreamed of in Denmark; cars, modern ships, aircraft, vacuum cleaners, general electricity availability and a new approach to medicine and surgery.
The many small industrial works was a surprise as was even more the emancipated workers and the self-assuredness of the women.
Freedom of press, freedom of speech and political opinion seemed incredible even if it should have been impossible. And society did work in spite of it!
The Prince looked and looked and being shaken in his beliefs in the state of society he remembered from his previous life.
At the moment nothing much happened but in London, Paris and St. Petersburg as well as Vienna it made an impression that the Danes wanted to negotiate.
In the corridors of power whispers went on seeking to establish the position of the various powers in relation to the situation in Slesvig; surely Prussia was rejecting any giving in at this moment as was the German Confederation except Austria that felt like perhaps ready for compromise.
At the end of the second week the new Prussian corps were moving into positions on the Ostsee Canal and Gablenz had had his artillery replenished and reinforced; now was the time to show the Danes what the two Great Powers could do.
North Atlantic area and Danish West Indies
The director of Greenland Daugaard-Jensen hadn't noticed anything untowards on August 5, except that winter suddenly appeared following a strange phenomena of Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights.
Nobody really attributed anything to the strange Northern Lights except that it shouldn't occur during summer when the sun was supposed to shine all day and night; so yes actually rather queer - but all changed along the weather. Going from a sunny day to freezing arctic winter in less than a day with temperatures dropping 50C in less than five hours was really something to be noticed.
Quite a number of fishermen were missing and the major preoccupation of everyone was when they would be back; if they would be back.
Communications with the rest of the Kingdom was immediately severed as winter set in but that wasn't uncommon.
Quite a number of Danish and foreign ships were in port loading or unloading; that commenced and a few tried in the days to come to get away. Few succeeded some sunk but the majority turned back to port in Greenland.
As winter had arrived the hunters dug out the sleigh and went to fetch the dogs and then waited for ice to pack so that it would be possible to go into the great white waste to search for the missing fishermen.
Iceland also experienced the odd Northern Lights and then arrival of winter. The attitude was quite like in Greenland only larger ships would be made ready to put to sea to search for missing fishermen.
It was an annoyance and hay would be missing for the horses but that could be remedied by sending ship to Britain Norway or Denmark; somebody began collecting orders for needed goods to come through the winter.
The Faeroe Islands had much the Icelandic experience though missing the Northern Lights but peoples generally referred to the freak lightning that day when in lack of an explanation.
Searches were organized for missing fishermen and sheep gathered for winter quarters. Orders for the needed goods to use during winter were also collected here.
Danish West Indies had rumours of pending hurricane due to the strange lights seen on August 5. The day though ended without the arrival of a hurricane and life went back to normal.
Only during the days to come did visiting ships crews act strange when confronted with large steamships or cars. Also the traffic of merchantmen did change from large steamships going for the Panama canal to local schooner's like those that had always served the area; quite strange actually.
The crews also told tales of CSA blockade runners and cruisers taking USA merchantmen as prizes or just burning them to deny their cargo for the USA.
If the isles had landed in the middle of an ongoing war naval protection would be urgently needed.
A cable to Copenhagen cleared the situation; the isles had been transported back in time to 1864! And the motherland was at war with Prussia and Austria.
A war ship was promised to be sent off to ensure Danish territorial rights but the war had be to given first priority.
February 22, 1864
Slesvig
Von Molkte had been using his time with great care. Parallels and emplacements had been dug to move the artillery up to support the infantry crossing the Ostsee Canal; he had the advantage of the railway running right into his depot area and used it.
Problem was as fast as he could dig in and move the artillery up the Danes would fire a barrage and demolish emplacement and gun.
It was quite frustrating; von Molkte hadn't yet figured out how they did it and the strength of the barrage was impressive.
Quite difficult to work out but the Danes must have brought at least 300 artillery pieces into action on the Ostsee Canal; in fact Tuxen had 160 modern guns and De Meza about 100 ranging from Napoleonic to 1864 modern.
Von Molkte wasn't far off the mark but he had only experienced part of the Danish artillery in action.
Boats and rafts had been prepared to build narrow bridges along the six locks at Rendsburg, Kluvensiek, Königsförde, Rathmannsdorf, Knoop and Holtenau for the infantry to cross the almost 16m wide canal.
Von Molkte had decided to go by break of dawn; do it later and the Danish artillery would wreck havoc on the crossings; do it in the night and his men would fall in the canal or fall to friendly fire and confusion reign.
Artillery would move up during the night for the emplacements and so would the infantry.
07.26am
At the break of dawn the Prussian guns opened up providing covering fire for the infantry frantically pushing boats and rafts into the canal at the locks to make for bridges.
Initially surprised the Danes quickly reacted and soon the roar of artillery shells flying through the air was heard over the rattling of the machineguns and rifle fire. At Holtenau the Danish armoured ships fired 24cm shells at the crossing attempt wrecking the lock in the process.
Only at Rendsburg did the crossing meet with some success but soon the Danish artillery had wrecked the bridges and the lock and trapped the infantry that had already crossed the canal.
Calling back the troops von Molkte sat down to write a cable to Bismarck; it didn't seem possible to cross the canal/river without a substantial increase in artillery. Losses in men had been slight but serious in materiel; almost all the guns moved up to the canal had been damaged and had to be pulled out for repairs.
The damaged locks had served to lower the water in places but that only served to make future crossings more difficult as the banks had become steeper.
An officer was sent forward to arrange for the bodies to be salvaged from the canal waters.
Both in Rendburg and at Kiel were fires started by the artillery barrage which kept the Prussians busy for the rest of the day; the Danes promised not to fire at the fire-brigade or other firefighters.
8.00am
Tuxen was relieved. The enemy assault had been totally defeated; the artillery and machineguns had done their job.
He was actually rather amazed at the effect of the weapons but he held that to himself. By now he was sure the line would hold but perhaps some light might help in the days or rather nights to come?
Maybe he could talk the Navy into moving some searchlights in; whatever to minimize losses and prevent the enemy from getting across the canal/river.
Ammunition consumption had been considerable but then new ammunition was beginning to pour in which did a lot to replenish the stocks.
He had received the full stock of 90mm ammunition for the old field guns when those were emptied the guns would be pensioned off. It was only four batteries for a total of 32 guns but Tuxen would miss them; for the time being though the ammunition was plentiful.
Von Molkte shrug his shoulders; the losses had been almost a thousand killed wounded and captured – the last mainly in the Rendsburg area where the first wave had made it across the canal before the pontoon bridges had been shattered by artillery.
The losses could be sustained; much worse was the damage to Prussian stature.
He would have another go when what could had been salvaged and new material brought forward; in the evening before night fall. That might off set the Danish artillery.
Problem would of course be lack of artillery support but he would have his artillery commanders work out distances for indirect firing on the Danish lines. It wouldn't be optimal and not much experience had been made in this field of artillery mainly because of the difficulties involved and the lack of range of guns; 2500m was quite short for this type of action but he had to try it.
He correctly figured that Danish artillery by some unknown device or contraption had been able to increase range and to signal from an observation spot the impact to the batteries.
The Danes still had to fire spotting rounds like his own artillery so it wasn't a super-weapon as his men thought just somehow the Danes had been able to solve the problems of indirect fire to something close to perfection.
The reports of the days of Kokkendorf seemed to indicate von Molkte that their system wasn't perfect and they certainly didn't like to operate unsupported.
If he could just get sufficient numbers of troops across the Canal then he might get the Danes on the run and then he would be directing the outcome of battle.
Copenhagen cabinet meeting
The news from Slesvig was almost too good to be true; once again the Germans had been defeated.
At the evening cabinet meeting Zahle told his ministers that there might be a small crack in the German wall; Austria might be willing to discuss a solution to end fighting.
He would carry on the diplomatic offensive to get the Great Powers into calling a peace conference most preferably in London so that the Danish delegation would be able to arrive by ship.
Modern ship of course and with their own cars as transportation. It would be some gamble but it might pay off by signalling the Powers that Denmark was something special.
Zahle told the cabinet that the Danish position would be recognition of status quo by the Powers but with an open mind to suggestions. What the kind of these suggestions could be he didn't speak and refused to do so pointing to that the composition of cabinet already had betrayed him. I.C. Christensen looked completely innocent at this.
General Tuxen was of the opinion that the last German assault hadn't been the last to be heard of the enemy and had requested Navy searchlights to be moved into the battle area to await a night crossing of the Canal. The Navy had been ordered to supply the necessary materiel.
The Navy had also been ordered to ready the cruiser Valkyrien for an expedition into the West Indies; apparently CSA raiders were active and a threat to Danish merchantmen. This would not be tolerated. Surely the situation of the recent days had made for a different Danish outlook; sending off a gunboat wasn't regular Danish politics.
An inspection ship would be sent off to re-establish communications with the North Atlantic territories. Personnel of the Great Nordic Telegraph Company for establishing wireless telegraphy in the Faeroe Islands and Iceland would be aboard the ship.
H.N. Andersen reported that supplies of metals, coal, oil and artillery tubes was about to be received; deals had been made in Britain, Sweden-Norway and the USA. The markets of Europe was being searched for cereals and seeds for the upcoming spring.
Following the meeting Zahle had Scavenius and Munch stay for another meeting. Zahle wanted them to head the Danish delegation when it would depart which both agreed to.
Zahle then told them that their top bar would be all of Slesvig for Denmark – the status quo; the lowest a referendum held in all of the Duchy.
In the last case any municipality with more than 50% Danish vote should go to Denmark though with room for manoeuvres so that no such would be left an island in a hostile sea.
The Duke of Augustenburg should be the Danish choice as head of state of Holstein; this was approved by the King.
The King had asked and Zahle approved that if all of Slesvig should go to Denmark then it should be stipulated that the Duchy was abolished and it would enter as an Amt (County) of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The island of Fehmern would be a tradeable item if need be. Heligoland would be kept within the Kingdom as it commanded the approach to the Elbe mouth.
No leaks would occur this time!
The Royal Theatre
The evening show was to be a ballet by Bournonville and the King and Queen was to attend it as usual.
The opening was to be a new piece of ballet called The Flash; performed by a single female dancer the lighting and music was the essentials the dancer as such the secondary.
The piece began with military music changing into a strange abrupt tune as flashes of light lit the ceiling the dancer appeared at the centre of the stage being elevated from below the floor.
Slowly rising she seemed like looking up towards the sky then terrified she would turn her head down and then look up once more before beginning to explore the scene.
With ever shifting lights it was hard to see but actually the dancer was NUDE!
A murmur began on the floor rising through the room to the balcony with shouts of disbelief and uttering of “oh my”, “its a scandal” and such.
As the piece came to an end a sword and a weigh came down from the sky to the dancer now about to turn into justitia but then she shied away from it once again looking to the strange lights in the sky.
As the curtain fell the shouts increased and peoples got up shaking fist's at the scene; then the curtain rose once again and the dancer stood in the dark partially lit now blindfolded!
That apparently was too much; the audience exploded in fury of shouting and shuffling about but then a steady applause could be heard from above.
As the applause kept going, only one or two persons though, the audiences slowly lowered their voices and looking up stared open-mouthed at the King and Queen.
In a moment the audiences were quiet and now the sobs of a blindfolded dancer could be heard.
“Be calm my dear” the King was heard. “Thank you for this extraordinary daring performance in these extraordinary times.”
King Christian turned to the audiences “under our calm exterior worry and uncertainty is battling sanity and belief. I have no idea what happened on August 5, but I only know I am now living in 1864 fighting the war of my grandfathers.” Pause. “Nobody among the peoples I have spoken to can explain what I and my country have experienced; anyone's guess is as good as mine.”
Turning to the dancer “my dear take off the blindfold and look into this brave new world you're facing like all of us. We together will face what is coming and you my dear by your performance show us that it is what we have to.”
At this the audience exploded in applause the scene darkened only as the applause went on to just light up the face streamed by tears of the dancer as an appearance. Three calls she was given and then the scene remained dark curtains closed and lights came on again. The doors were opened and the audience streamed to the bar to drink and discuss the piece.
The bells had to be sounded many times to call the audience back to the major show.
February 23, 1864
Berlin
King William looked anxiously at Roon and Bismarck; his Army shattered, his reputation damaged all because of one tiny nation refusing the inevitable!
Bismarck was smiling broadly.
William simply didn't understand the man; how could anyone smile in this dire hour. He opened his mouth to say something but was beaten to it by Bismarck's high pitched lecturing voice “I'm going to Frankfurt to address the German states!”
Just that! William was sputtering.
“I will demand asking the Germans of the Duchies' their preference – to be Germans or to be Danes! That will off-set the Austrians who will demand the status quo ante with the Danes withdrawing their illegal constitution which to any German will be intolerable” Bismarck continued “the Confederation will love it and vote against Austria. We will eventually win the war and hegemony over Germany in Frankfurt!”
He then got up and left the room before either man present could ask any question.
Slesvig
Von Molkte received Bismarck's cable: continue build-up for another go at the Danes. Do it when ready. We will look the persistent partner. Tell Gablenz not to worry. Solution soon at hand.
Bismarck.
Von Molkte looked at the paper; politicians!
February 24, 1864
Frankfurt
Bismarck entered the Confederation and proceeded to speak - “as all Germans I want my fellow Germans to be part of the German Nation. Denmark is denying Germans their right to self determination. Prussia is banging its head on the Danish door and will continue doing so until a solution is found; only a solution making our German brothers members of the German Nation will be acceptable to Prussia. By the blood and iron of Prussia and of the Confederation, vote or negotiations; it doesn't matter. What matters is that Germans are allowed into the German Nation.”
The Austrian representative still shaken from the appearance of Bismarck himself referred to the decision of the Confederation to enforce the Treaty of London on Denmark and that Austria was doing by her actions precisely that.
Negotiations would always be an option.
There was no doubt Bismarck's speech had rocked the Germans. The talk of this reactionary Prussian offering self determination to the Germans of the duchies was too good to be true. It could end the war that right now looked to be ground to a halt and make for new members of the Confederation to oppose the two major powers. It was a chance too good to miss.
It was adopted by the majority vote calling for Prussia, Austria as well as the Confederation to demand a Great Powers conference at London to settle the issue.
Slesvig
Von Molkte had been using his time with great care. Parallels and emplacements had been dug to move the artillery up to support the infantry crossing the Ostsee Canal; he had the advantage of the railway running right into his depot area and used it.
Problem was as fast as he could dig in and move the artillery up the Danes would fire a barrage and demolish emplacement and gun.
It was quite frustrating; von Molkte hadn't yet figured out how they did it and the strength of the barrage was impressive.
Quite difficult to work out but the Danes must have brought at least 300 artillery pieces into action on the Ostsee Canal; in fact Tuxen had 160 modern guns and De Meza about 100 ranging from Napoleonic to 1864 modern.
Von Molkte wasn't far off the mark but he had only experienced part of the Danish artillery in action.
Boats and rafts had been prepared to build narrow bridges along the six locks at Rendsburg, Kluvensiek, Königsförde, Rathmannsdorf, Knoop and Holtenau for the infantry to cross the almost 16m wide canal.
Von Molkte had decided to go by break of dawn; do it later and the Danish artillery would wreck havoc on the crossings; do it in the night and his men would fall in the canal or fall to friendly fire and confusion reign.
Artillery would move up during the night for the emplacements and so would the infantry.
07.26am
At the break of dawn the Prussian guns opened up providing covering fire for the infantry frantically pushing boats and rafts into the canal at the locks to make for bridges.
Initially surprised the Danes quickly reacted and soon the roar of artillery shells flying through the air was heard over the rattling of the machineguns and rifle fire. At Holtenau the Danish armoured ships fired 24cm shells at the crossing attempt wrecking the lock in the process.
Only at Rendsburg did the crossing meet with some success but soon the Danish artillery had wrecked the bridges and the lock and trapped the infantry that had already crossed the canal.
Calling back the troops von Molkte sat down to write a cable to Bismarck; it didn't seem possible to cross the canal/river without a substantial increase in artillery. Losses in men had been slight but serious in materiel; almost all the guns moved up to the canal had been damaged and had to be pulled out for repairs.
The damaged locks had served to lower the water in places but that only served to make future crossings more difficult as the banks had become steeper.
An officer was sent forward to arrange for the bodies to be salvaged from the canal waters.
Both in Rendburg and at Kiel were fires started by the artillery barrage which kept the Prussians busy for the rest of the day; the Danes promised not to fire at the fire-brigade or other firefighters.
8.00am
Tuxen was relieved. The enemy assault had been totally defeated; the artillery and machineguns had done their job.
He was actually rather amazed at the effect of the weapons but he held that to himself. By now he was sure the line would hold but perhaps some light might help in the days or rather nights to come?
Maybe he could talk the Navy into moving some searchlights in; whatever to minimize losses and prevent the enemy from getting across the canal/river.
Ammunition consumption had been considerable but then new ammunition was beginning to pour in which did a lot to replenish the stocks.
He had received the full stock of 90mm ammunition for the old field guns when those were emptied the guns would be pensioned off. It was only four batteries for a total of 32 guns but Tuxen would miss them; for the time being though the ammunition was plentiful.
Von Molkte shrug his shoulders; the losses had been almost a thousand killed wounded and captured – the last mainly in the Rendsburg area where the first wave had made it across the canal before the pontoon bridges had been shattered by artillery.
The losses could be sustained; much worse was the damage to Prussian stature.
He would have another go when what could had been salvaged and new material brought forward; in the evening before night fall. That might off set the Danish artillery.
Problem would of course be lack of artillery support but he would have his artillery commanders work out distances for indirect firing on the Danish lines. It wouldn't be optimal and not much experience had been made in this field of artillery mainly because of the difficulties involved and the lack of range of guns; 2500m was quite short for this type of action but he had to try it.
He correctly figured that Danish artillery by some unknown device or contraption had been able to increase range and to signal from an observation spot the impact to the batteries.
The Danes still had to fire spotting rounds like his own artillery so it wasn't a super-weapon as his men thought just somehow the Danes had been able to solve the problems of indirect fire to something close to perfection.
The reports of the days of Kokkendorf seemed to indicate von Molkte that their system wasn't perfect and they certainly didn't like to operate unsupported.
If he could just get sufficient numbers of troops across the Canal then he might get the Danes on the run and then he would be directing the outcome of battle.
Copenhagen cabinet meeting
The news from Slesvig was almost too good to be true; once again the Germans had been defeated.
At the evening cabinet meeting Zahle told his ministers that there might be a small crack in the German wall; Austria might be willing to discuss a solution to end fighting.
He would carry on the diplomatic offensive to get the Great Powers into calling a peace conference most preferably in London so that the Danish delegation would be able to arrive by ship.
Modern ship of course and with their own cars as transportation. It would be some gamble but it might pay off by signalling the Powers that Denmark was something special.
Zahle told the cabinet that the Danish position would be recognition of status quo by the Powers but with an open mind to suggestions. What the kind of these suggestions could be he didn't speak and refused to do so pointing to that the composition of cabinet already had betrayed him. I.C. Christensen looked completely innocent at this.
General Tuxen was of the opinion that the last German assault hadn't been the last to be heard of the enemy and had requested Navy searchlights to be moved into the battle area to await a night crossing of the Canal. The Navy had been ordered to supply the necessary materiel.
The Navy had also been ordered to ready the cruiser Valkyrien for an expedition into the West Indies; apparently CSA raiders were active and a threat to Danish merchantmen. This would not be tolerated. Surely the situation of the recent days had made for a different Danish outlook; sending off a gunboat wasn't regular Danish politics.
An inspection ship would be sent off to re-establish communications with the North Atlantic territories. Personnel of the Great Nordic Telegraph Company for establishing wireless telegraphy in the Faeroe Islands and Iceland would be aboard the ship.
H.N. Andersen reported that supplies of metals, coal, oil and artillery tubes was about to be received; deals had been made in Britain, Sweden-Norway and the USA. The markets of Europe was being searched for cereals and seeds for the upcoming spring.
Following the meeting Zahle had Scavenius and Munch stay for another meeting. Zahle wanted them to head the Danish delegation when it would depart which both agreed to.
Zahle then told them that their top bar would be all of Slesvig for Denmark – the status quo; the lowest a referendum held in all of the Duchy.
In the last case any municipality with more than 50% Danish vote should go to Denmark though with room for manoeuvres so that no such would be left an island in a hostile sea.
The Duke of Augustenburg should be the Danish choice as head of state of Holstein; this was approved by the King.
The King had asked and Zahle approved that if all of Slesvig should go to Denmark then it should be stipulated that the Duchy was abolished and it would enter as an Amt (County) of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The island of Fehmern would be a tradeable item if need be. Heligoland would be kept within the Kingdom as it commanded the approach to the Elbe mouth.
No leaks would occur this time!
The Royal Theatre
The evening show was to be a ballet by Bournonville and the King and Queen was to attend it as usual.
The opening was to be a new piece of ballet called The Flash; performed by a single female dancer the lighting and music was the essentials the dancer as such the secondary.
The piece began with military music changing into a strange abrupt tune as flashes of light lit the ceiling the dancer appeared at the centre of the stage being elevated from below the floor.
Slowly rising she seemed like looking up towards the sky then terrified she would turn her head down and then look up once more before beginning to explore the scene.
With ever shifting lights it was hard to see but actually the dancer was NUDE!
A murmur began on the floor rising through the room to the balcony with shouts of disbelief and uttering of “oh my”, “its a scandal” and such.
As the piece came to an end a sword and a weigh came down from the sky to the dancer now about to turn into justitia but then she shied away from it once again looking to the strange lights in the sky.
As the curtain fell the shouts increased and peoples got up shaking fist's at the scene; then the curtain rose once again and the dancer stood in the dark partially lit now blindfolded!
That apparently was too much; the audience exploded in fury of shouting and shuffling about but then a steady applause could be heard from above.
As the applause kept going, only one or two persons though, the audiences slowly lowered their voices and looking up stared open-mouthed at the King and Queen.
In a moment the audiences were quiet and now the sobs of a blindfolded dancer could be heard.
“Be calm my dear” the King was heard. “Thank you for this extraordinary daring performance in these extraordinary times.”
King Christian turned to the audiences “under our calm exterior worry and uncertainty is battling sanity and belief. I have no idea what happened on August 5, but I only know I am now living in 1864 fighting the war of my grandfathers.” Pause. “Nobody among the peoples I have spoken to can explain what I and my country have experienced; anyone's guess is as good as mine.”
Turning to the dancer “my dear take off the blindfold and look into this brave new world you're facing like all of us. We together will face what is coming and you my dear by your performance show us that it is what we have to.”
At this the audience exploded in applause the scene darkened only as the applause went on to just light up the face streamed by tears of the dancer as an appearance. Three calls she was given and then the scene remained dark curtains closed and lights came on again. The doors were opened and the audience streamed to the bar to drink and discuss the piece.
The bells had to be sounded many times to call the audience back to the major show.
February 23, 1864
Berlin
King William looked anxiously at Roon and Bismarck; his Army shattered, his reputation damaged all because of one tiny nation refusing the inevitable!
Bismarck was smiling broadly.
William simply didn't understand the man; how could anyone smile in this dire hour. He opened his mouth to say something but was beaten to it by Bismarck's high pitched lecturing voice “I'm going to Frankfurt to address the German states!”
Just that! William was sputtering.
“I will demand asking the Germans of the Duchies' their preference – to be Germans or to be Danes! That will off-set the Austrians who will demand the status quo ante with the Danes withdrawing their illegal constitution which to any German will be intolerable” Bismarck continued “the Confederation will love it and vote against Austria. We will eventually win the war and hegemony over Germany in Frankfurt!”
He then got up and left the room before either man present could ask any question.
Slesvig
Von Molkte received Bismarck's cable: continue build-up for another go at the Danes. Do it when ready. We will look the persistent partner. Tell Gablenz not to worry. Solution soon at hand.
Bismarck.
Von Molkte looked at the paper; politicians!
February 24, 1864
Frankfurt
Bismarck entered the Confederation and proceeded to speak - “as all Germans I want my fellow Germans to be part of the German Nation. Denmark is denying Germans their right to self determination. Prussia is banging its head on the Danish door and will continue doing so until a solution is found; only a solution making our German brothers members of the German Nation will be acceptable to Prussia. By the blood and iron of Prussia and of the Confederation, vote or negotiations; it doesn't matter. What matters is that Germans are allowed into the German Nation.”
The Austrian representative still shaken from the appearance of Bismarck himself referred to the decision of the Confederation to enforce the Treaty of London on Denmark and that Austria was doing by her actions precisely that.
Negotiations would always be an option.
There was no doubt Bismarck's speech had rocked the Germans. The talk of this reactionary Prussian offering self determination to the Germans of the duchies was too good to be true. It could end the war that right now looked to be ground to a halt and make for new members of the Confederation to oppose the two major powers. It was a chance too good to miss.
It was adopted by the majority vote calling for Prussia, Austria as well as the Confederation to demand a Great Powers conference at London to settle the issue.
February 29, 1864
London
As the parties assembled in London the German proposal had already been discussed at the European capitals. Austria that a few weeks before had looked open to negotiations at any rate now seemed the reluctant part. Prussia and the German Confederation the one willing to compromise on status quo by referendum in the disputed lands.
The Danes looked indifferent though the British knew that Bismarck's proposal to the Confederation had shocked them; or rather the majority of the Danish political spectrum.
There was heated discussions going on in Denmark about what to do. The Conservatives and Liberals were gung-ho demanding the war continued and all of Slesvig at any cost incorporated with the Kingdom.
Sane heads argued that this would alienate Denmark at the conference making sure a protracted war which might wear down the Danish Army.
Tuxen rightly assessed that the Army had no problems holding the Eider-Ostsee Canal line but it would only be a matter of time before von Molkte would be able to pierce it and that would eventually force the Danes into a mobile war the Army was badly prepared to fight; experience already showed this.
The Danish delegation true to Zahle's instructions were going to play tough initially depending on the mood of the Great Powers which Scavenius was to probe before negotiations began. Then of course it would accept the Prussian proposal; as Zahle, Scavenius and Munch agreed it had to. It would be the only thing freeing its back from Germany.
Zahle knew it was much needed; without the war society would go through a much worse test as it would have the time to consider what had happened on August 5, 1914. He was confident he could bring it through but he needed a free hand.
Copenhagen
The ship had been painted tropical white with yellow superstructure during early August in anticipation of partaking in the opening of the Panama Canal; the new paint was flaking in the cold.
Valkyrien was ready to go to the West Indies.
First however it would pay a visit to Britain and France and then go to the USA to pave the way for post war negotiations on commerce and gather intelligence on the whereabouts of the CSA raiders.
Its captain had orders not to seek confrontation but to save lives wherever possible; should it be challenged by a CSA ship admiral Kofoed-Hansen had instructed that it had the right of self defence and right of defending any Danish merchantmen challenged by CSA ships.
And he expected the captain to act in the best tradition of the Navy!
The event the week before at the Royal Theatre had spawned off a host of art exhibitions; odd paintings, weird sculpture, readings of mysterious poetry all accompanied by a cacophony of “music”.
Everybody discussed the events it seemed like they were almost as important as the peace conference. Indeed they were as it made for artists to put the until now by war and winter suppressed emotions of the weird happenings of August 5, 1914 turned February 1, 1864.
Peoples wanted an explanation that nobody could give; this seemed only to fuel the need at the moment.
March 1, 1864
London
As the talks began it soon became evident to the negotiators that something had changed in Denmark seriously since just a month ago.
The King had gone, society had changed, something had happened that had thoroughly transformed the country and made incredible discoveries possible; the warship the Danish delegation had arrived upon had never been seen before and it carried the most odd but wonderful machines called cars, motorcycles, electric vacuum cleaners but the most fantastic was the so called hydroplane!
A mechanical contraption that could run on water and then take to the air; it was almost unbelievable even to those having witnessed it. Basically this was the fulfillment of mans ancient dream of flight.
Now the Danish delegation had opened presenting the Danish point of view demanding a solution based on status quo so that the duchy of Slesvig would become part of the Kingdom of Denmark; a violation of the Treaty of London but this was a reforging of the situation by arms and the Danes had managed to throw the invaders off Slesvig soil.
The German Confederation and Prussia's delegates rejected the Danish view pointing to the nation of the peoples living within the duchy. Not all of them Danish those German should be allowed to choose their fate by secret ballot. All duly supervised by inspection of the Great Powers Britain, France and Russia.
The Austrian delegation demanded the repeal of the October constitution which to their astonishment had happened a long time ago so the Danish claimed!
It had the Austrians loose their footing for some time as they pondered the Danish constitutional document presented to them. Of course the document was contested as it was dated far into the future of time though the Danes claimed it to be legal and still demanded a settlement on status quo.
The still bewildered Austrians then demanded a break until the next day making them able to consult their government for instructions.
During the evening which was spent at the theatre the German/Prussian delegates moved in on the Danes and soon had their assumptions verified; the Danes would willingly settle the issue on a referendum. No question about it but they wanted the Austrians off their back.
The Germans/Prussians promised to take care of the Austrians.
March 2, 1864
London
At the opening of the talks the Prussians supported by the British, French and Russians demanded the status quo the basis of the talks. The Austrians meekly protested claiming the Danish constitutional document a forgery but soon realized they were on their own.
As the day wore on the Austrians continued their rejection and thus obstructed the days work.
Copenhagen
Zahle was pleased by the news from London which he relayed to parliament in the evening to take the steam off the Conservative and Liberal opposition.
Showing the stubbornness of the Austrians which to many before the talks had seemed the agreeable of the opponents the opposition for the time being was fended off and of course had to support the government in its efforts in London though still demanding a settlement on the basis of status quo.
Zahle was pleased to be able to tell the opposition that was exactly his instructions to the Danish delegation.
March 3 – 5, 1864
London
It took two more days before the Austrians caved in. Then the Danes took another day before they gave in too and accepted the German Confederation – Prussian demand of a partition of the duchy of Slesvig by public referendum.
The next week was used drawing up the treaty documents and negotiating the procedure for carrying through the referendum.
March 5, 1864
Copenhagen
Zahle broke the news to an anxious parliament. The Conservative and Liberal opposition was furious. The government had given in to the Germans in this time of decisive victory; precious lives had been sacrificed for nothing. It went on for the major part of an hour.
Then Stauning took to the podium offering the government his full support and rejecting the narrow-mindedness and wishful thinking of the opposition; to gain future security a settlement that would please one German power and off set the other would be far better than one that would make them both remain enemies of Denmark!
Possibly the inter-German squabble on the division of the spoils would happen soon which Denmark could be observing from a secure position.
The strong position of the time the Eider-Ostsee Canal line would be abandoned but then the Army would be given means to repel attacks in the future. The Socialdemocratic party would work to this end.
Staunings speech only served to further fuel the opposition making for I.C. Christensen to abandon his post with the cabinet as he felt his political life endangered. H.N. Andersen though decided to stay on which astonished everybody.
Andersen despised most of the politicians but Stauning seemed different; at least he was ready to support sane government and thus support Andersen's economic endeavours. In support of country and Andersen!
At the end of the nights debate Zahle declared that elections would be held within six months; though he retained the right to set the final date. It pleased but also threw the opposition off its feet as it would be precious short time to run a campaign and nobody was sure of the reaction of the constituency.
March 12, 1864
With the announcement of the conference at London of the referendum being held in Slesvig in three zones in the timespan of June 15 – 22, 1864 Zahle fixed the date for the elections for July 26.
That would give the uptimers of Denmark some time to digest the events and welcome the long lost daughter (Slesvig) back to the Kingdom. It would also make for time to set up basic administration in Slesvig Amt to make the new citizens able to vote at elections and get to know the new world of the Kingdom they enter.
Now Zahle and the cabinet had a million other things to attend to; continue the transition into 1864 world economy, demobilize the 1864 Army and find jobs and housing for its men quite a number of them possibly soon to find that their position in the Kingdom had changed radically! They could have died in 1864 or in the 50 years in between 1864 and 1914. They might meet their older self! Their families might not recognize them or have died in the meantime. Their economic foundation vanished in the sea of time.
A multitude of options were open all leading to a large number of men possibly having to be resettled somewhere in the new Kingdom or its overseas possessions.
Actually a large number of ex-soldiers would come in handy in the West Indies as the 1915 unrest might still occur and the Valkyrie might become involved in the American Civil War on the US side.
Some should be offered commissions and positions with the Army, Navy or West Indies Gendarmerie to counter this.
What about the others? More than 30.000 men had to be resettled. Some might be so in Slesvig but that wouldn't surely absorb all. Possibly a number might get absorbed into the growing industry – if it would continue growing.
At this Stauning brought forward a suggestion. Keeping in mind that Denmark wouldn't be able to restrict the inventions of tomorrow indefinitely and as some already had been used to barter for needed goods why not share it with the world?
Stauning suggested having a worlds fair at Copenhagen 1865.
All Danish firms should be asked to put up a show of their products for the rest of the world to see and buy!
Generally goods sold should be done so by the establishing of daughter companies in the buyers nation with Danish operators going along to initiate and maintain production. It would boost economy, make lots of new jobs, ease the demobilization of the 1864 Army and create lots of new opportunities.
Ideally no nation should be barred from visiting the fair and firms encouraged to sell to bidders.
Some might of course object to sell to Germans or Prussians or Austrians but that wasn't really the business of government to decide. It should be left to the firms.
Special consideration had to be taken regarding arms sales. That ought to be kept for only the invited and restricted to a closed down area somewhere in western Jutland; somewhere out of sight.
Britain, Russia, USA, Sweden-Norway was the obvious to be invited with France and Italy as well as Spain the second.
Some German states could too and it should be considered if the major German states should so or which one if any!
Stauning wouldn't be the judge on this and would leave that to Zahle and the Social-Liberals.
Stauning wouldn't as already said in parliament reject an increased defence budget. Ideally like when he would plan a strike or such the Army and Navy should be asked to file in proposals and plans for the next say five years.
The documents should contain terms of service, security assessment, materiel needed, needed infrastructure etc. but also detailed plans of war!
The recent months and a half had shown a hostile world and with this outcome of the war nobody knew what would happen tomorrow. Better plan for tomorrow than rely on hope.
Berlin
The Prussian King greeted Bismarck on his great diplomatic victory only the King didn't like the humiliating of Austria.
“It had to happen” Bismarck uttered. “We can't all win. My task was to see Prussia come out victorious and so I did. Now we have the Germans in our hands. It will soon be time to kick Austria out of the German Confederation.”
At this the King looked frightened. “Surely the humiliating of Austria would be enough” the King said.
“No” Bismarck looked satisfied “we now have the opportunity to get the reins of Northern Germany. It will be time to once again contest the Austrian command of the Confederation Army. Prussia must be given command of all forces north of the river Main. Austria will not accept this but then we'll turn to the German states. They'll demand it be done.”
“I can't do so to Austria” the King said.
“If not then find somebody else to run government or ask parliament who they want in charge!” Bismarck said, turned around on his heel and marched out of the room.
Outside the crowds was cheering and celebrating. Some change since a month ago when rioters had to be checked by military units. Oh they know who should be in charge of government; it would only be a day or so before the King would recall him to ask his continued running of government. Bismarck looked satisfied.
March 20, 1864
Cruising westwards for the West Indies main port of Charlotte Amalie the Valkyrien sighted two ships which she was approaching fast.
Closing in the officers on the bridge were able to make out the ships a steamship flying the Confederate Jack and a Danish sailing ship apparently being searched by the Confederate ship.
Commander Konow of Valkyrien decided to investigate matters and had the engine speed up to close in.
By now the crew of the Danish ship could be seen making for the boat their ship set on fire. Sailors of the Confederate ship also made for their boat.
As Konow closed in on the scene the Confederate ship had its boat hoisted aboard and making off; Konow proceeded to rescue the Danish crew. By now the name of the Confederate ship was readable “Florida”.
Addressing the rescued Danish crew the officers reported to Konow that the ship was a Confederate raider of which usually one were about in these waters. They would inspect ships for contraband cargo and if so burn them but setting the crew free as soon as possible. The arrival of Valkyrien had had the Florida hurry off.
Ordering temporary quarters for the Danish crew Konow had his ship pursue the Florida.
With little difficulties Valkyrien gained on the Confederate ship its maximum of 9,5 knots when under steam was no match for the cruising speed of 10 knots of Valkyrien and a top speed of 17 knots.
As distances apparently became of worry to the captain of the Florida a shot was fired at Valkyrien.
As if on manoeuvres Konow had his gunners train the 15cm guns on the Florida and then fire a single warning shot before the bow of the wooden steamship. This didn't stop the Florida; instead several shots were fired from her at Valkyrien.
By now the gunnery officer of Valkyrien had the port side 15cm guns trained on the Florida and receiving orders let off the first salvo which fell too short.
This was followed by more shots from the Florida and then the second salvo of the 15cm guns which this time straddled the Florida.
The effect of the three 15cm shells on the wooden ship were devastating. It seemed to just blow up in a cloud of splinters, masts, funnels, planking, boats and fountains of water. As the debris fell down the outline of the Florida could still be seen in the water but it was sinking rapidly; sailors trying to get off the wreck.
Konow amid cheers of his crew and that of the rescued had the boats hoisted down to rescue the Confederate sailors.
It seemed a lieutenant Hoole was the sole surviving officer and it befell him to report to commander Konow. Awestruck the Confederate crew were locked up in a stores room and kept under guard.
Konow then resumed his voyage to Charlotte Amalie. On the way he sent a cable of his encounter to admiral Kofoed-Hansen at Copenhagen.
The reply was short; Don't initiate any more wars – go to Charlotte Amalie – defend the Danish colours.
Signed
Kofoed-Hansen.
March 25, 1864
The news of the sinking of CSS Florida had travelled the world accompanied by a photograph of the exploding raider taken by the ever present Danish Navy officer with his camera.
Richmond, CSA
In Richmond CSA President Jefferson Davies held meetings with his cabinet on the sudden turn of events that had occurred. The question was if to declare war on Denmark or avoid supplying the North with an ally.
The state of the Danish Navy was detailed by Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory to the best of his knowledge; as he remarked Denmark was an active player in the armoured ships field having bought the Rolf Krake and the Danmark that had been built on the Clyde to CSA demands but had ended up in Denmark due to the British refusal of letting the Republic get the ship but also for the Danes to avoid the Prussians buying it.
Apart from these ships the Danes seemed to have been very interested in buying other CSA ordered ships in Britain and France primarily to deny their sale to Prussia but of late these efforts had been stopped for no apparent reason.
An indication to why would be the arrival of the Danish negotiating group in Britain aboard the Peder Skram in late February; a newly commissioned warship of a kind never before seen.
As to Mallory's reports received from Britain and France something had happened in Denmark at the time of her war with the German states but nobody was really sure of what.
There had been indications that Danish ships had travelled to the North to apparently establish trade agreements though the purpose was unclear except that the Danes were very interested it seemed in buying Kerosene! It looked as they might have a lot of lamps to lighten. At this everybody laughed.
Mallory finally warned against declaring war on Denmark simply to avoid going into the great unknown.
Secretary of the Treasury Christopher Memminger reported that he only knew the Danes was eager to buy kerosene as related by the Secretary of the Navy and that they had offered machinery and medical supplies and knowledge in return.
Apparently the North thought it a good deal and had signed a purely commercial treaty of trade between the two nations. Nothing out of the ordinary really. Memminger couldn't find anything adverse to a declaration of war on a minor European power whose sole presence in the Western Hemisphere was the small colony in the West Indies; that colony usually guarded by a single armed schooner or such.
Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin strongly advocated NOT declaring war on Denmark. Not out of fear of said state joining the war as an ally of the North but for not alienating the South from the European states that the CSA still tried to enlist as allies or at least keep positive towards their case.
At the end of the meeting Jefferson Davies thanked his cabinet on their offering of advice and decided to postpone his decision until the next day as the public sentiment demanded action and retaliation.
White House, Washington D.C., USA
President Lincoln looked at his Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles “Seems like our Danish friends have proven themselves in naval warfare!”
“Indeed Mr. President” Welles replied.
“Now how do we get the knowledge from the Danes to build such vessels or enlist them on our side in the fight?” Lincoln continued.
“I of course visited the Danish warship Valkyrien when it entered New York before going to the West Indies; a marvellous ship indeed! A protected Cruiser the Danish commander Konow called it” Welles continued. “The Danes wanted to know of the activities of the rebel raiders but also explore the possibilities of post war trade contracts.”
“Post war will come” Lincoln continued “right now we have a war to run. Could we accelerate the Danish will to trade now in items that would strengthen our war efforts? Would they be able to supply us such?”
Welles answered “The Danes have been very eager for the past year or two to buy armoured ships both to strengthen their Navy but also to deny such ships coming into the hands of Prussia before their war. Now with this war concluded they of course may not be so interested any more and the ships of their own seems to me that they don't need to. The Danes have been in search of allies during the time preceding war but they have shown themselves capable of defeating two major opponents. We still don't know how they did it but their offer of wireless telegraphy for our Navy ships indicate to me that they must have made a great leap forward in many scientific fields in the past few years without getting the attention of anybody or being able to keep their advances secret to everybody.”
Welles made a breif pause “Whatever they are deserving of attention! Important to know is that rumour have it that Valkyrien engaged the Florida at a distance of more than three miles! Some feat of marksmanship... to answer your question Mr. President indeed they would be able to supply us means of war their actions reveals that much and their supply of wireless telegraphy proves it only we have to rebuild those ships not fitted out with machinery to make use of it; getting them to do so we have to find out.”
“Then do so now” Lincoln ended the conversation.
March 26, 1864
Copenhagen
Soon winter would end its reign and spring rule with warmer weather and a return to normal though Zahle knew normal wouldn't occur until next year!
All he had to do right now was ride the nationalist wave while fending off the Conservatives and Liberals and keep the Socialdemocrats in the stables; though he knew it would be tough.
Unemployment soared as the country stepped down from the war footing with local industry going back to normal.
Surely a small increase was happening as the Army needed an enlarged supply of ammunitions; the war had emptied the stocks. Also the ongoing building of the railway line from Kolding to Aabenraa consumed a fair amount of hands.
Had the Germans been able to cross the Eider river – Ostsee canal the game would have been up. The Army needed other materials too like the Valdemar Poulsen wireless and more field phones. And concrete – lots of concrete.
Tuxen and Berthelsen had argued for a line of fortifications across the new land border and on the Sli fiord; of course they had gotten what they asked. It wasn't going to ruin the economy. Other things might do that!
Tuxen had also been promoted to full general and replaced Gørtz as commander of the Army.
To arm the new forts the Army and Navy had initiated a programme of new rapid fire artillery. The deal with Sweden to supply steel had made it possible to keep building new 12cm and 15cm artillery for both services.
The change in strategic position had made for the fortifications of Copenhagen to be dismantled and the new artillery be moved to Jutland or taken over by the Navy.
Quite a number of old ships needed new artillery. The action in the Caribbean had shown the advantage enjoyed at the moment but admiral Kofoed-Hansen argued that the artillery of his ships be modernized as their fire control systems.
Kofoed-Hansen also wanted to reactivate the old artillery ship Ivar Huitfeld by giving it new engines and artillery to make for a second large cruiser; this was the kind of ship needed now the admiral argued and would fit in nicely with Valkyrien and the half size Gejser and Hejmdal.
That would satisfy the admiral for the moment but he also wanted to finish the building artillery ship in the Navy Works by turning it into a fifth cruiser.
Zahle shrugged - that would be possible too but then the admiral had aired that he had further plans.
Zahle really needed a new defence policy.
It would all go down well with the public. Zahle was riding the wave of popularity; he had won the war and ensured the homecoming of the lost province – nobody could ask any more. He had been the one to deliver what had been the want of 50 years.
The bad thing was when the dust settled; unemployment rising and wages being dumped.
Because of this making for hard days for the workers being out of job but also for the farmers as their harvest had been destroyed and now they had to empty the coffers to buy seeds for the next. Already some farmers were going broke.
In time both the Socialdemocrat Party and the Liberals would be alienated.
What mattered now was keeping the ship afloat.
Richmond, Virginia
President Jefferson Davies at the cabinet meeting made short order of the Denmark issue; he wouldn't consider declaring war on any European country. The counter effects would be most unwanted and to the detriment of his country.
The Confederate Navy was to avoid ships under Danish flag like the plague and most especially keep well off Danish warships.
Washington D.C.
Naval secretary Gideon Welles contacted the Danish trade delegation in New York to gather information on tradeable war materiel.
The Danish answer to the inquiry was that Danish government would follow the other European powers regarding the selling of war materiel but that it wouldn't be held responsible for the activities of Danish firms and asked the US government to contact institutions such as Madsen rifle works.
Gideon Welles was a happy man taking the information to the president.
As the US messenger left the Danish trade delegation its head immediately saw to that a cable was send to Madsen rifle works warning them of an US order being in the works. The head of delegation ended his cable by assuring the Madsen firm of his services in the future.
March 27 – June 22, 1864
The Danes had been enthusiastic about the referendum and everybody seemed to have been keeping their eyes shut to the other serious problems.
The need to sow the fields had eased the unemployment slightly as no Poles had been allowed into the country this year to do the job; it wasn't necessary.
Danish wages were so low as not seen in a decade.
Madsen rifle works had been looking for skilled workers for the gun smithy; the orders were pouring in from the USA.
A thousand rifles and ten light machine guns along 10.000 rounds were shipped off each month.
The US need were a bottomless hole and Madsen were already in the process of establishing a factory in Pittsburg along a hydroelectric plant for making Norway saltpetre for the needed ammunition works.
Surely skilled Danish workers were shipped overseas for getting the plant up and running but it didn't cure unemployment.
The rifle factory was a private venture thus outside government control but the ammunition works was a carefully engineered division of the Ammunition Arsenal cleverly changed into a Madsen division to stop anybody tracing anything.
Zahle didn't like it though but felt it necessary as it did provide jobs and income for the faltering state finances.
Private enterprise doing good was good but the state was in need of cash.
Other private enterprises were doing good too; the Great Nordic Telegraph was negotiating laying cables or setting up wireless telegraphy in Britain, France and Russia. Soon Austria and Germany would follow.
Great Nordic Telegraph was also able to provide the means for indirect artillery fire – field phones complete with a field central shiftboard and batteries to power it.
What it couldn't provide was the know-how to make it work with artillery but soon Danish artillery officers out of business would be available on the market; quite a number of these soon found a job with the US Army or some major European.
East Asiatic Company was doing just fine. H.N. Andersen was in the business of procuring kerosene and benzene as well as coal, hardwood and spices.
He had entered with the Great Nordic Telegraph for establishing coaling stations around the world for the new steamships entering service. Mostly he would buy coaling rights at existing places but enlarge them in anticipation of the times to be; and the need of modern steamships.
Valdemar Poulsen were working frantically to ease out bugs of his wireless products but already the Army procurements was a great start as was the launching of a cheap wireless set for the general public to tap into Danish Broadcasting Service – the only one in the world available at the moment.
Burmeister & Wain shipbuilders and engine works were busy as never before. Some would argue that Stauning was losing all his constituency in Copenhagen to the Communists due to their being employed there!
It wasn't all true though Burmeister & Wain was busy enlarging their works to keep up with the orders pouring in; most being private shipowners wanting to catch up with the new era but also governments ordering one off engines and armoured ships and then settling for licence building.
The firm was however building a large wharf and engine works in Russia much to the consternation of Sweden-Norway! With free enterprise ruling the day and some mostly Conservatives saw Russia as the bulwark against instability.
Burmeister & Wain was also in the internal combustion engine engineering business.
The maintenance of existing cars and trucks demanded new engines and spare parts something nobody else was able to procure except Thomas Thrige works; it was engineering truck engines on a reverse engineering programme to keep its truck and bus building running.
It couldn't satisfy market needs even if that market had shrunk dramatically for the past few months but everybody longed for the sunny days of August 1914 and sometime in the future they would return.
Some minor engineering firms were slowly growing to fill niches; Fisker & Nielsen had had a flowering business supplying Europe with vacuum-cleaners when the outbreak of war ended it. Now the market might reappear and so the firm was slowly gearing up production.
Ellehammer being the first man in Denmark to take off a heavier than air machine a few years before was having his energies harnessed by H.N. Andersen who had bought his small workshop and his expertise to build aircraft, auto and motorcycle engines.
Ellehammer was an inspired but unstable engineer and inventor and his business needed a strong hand. H.N. Andersen had decided to provide that hand expecting to rule the world market waiting for the output.
The Navy needed engines for its flying boats as did the Army for its aircraft and H.N. Andersen would ensure they got what they wanted.
Also the Army needed motorcycles and the public was yearning for replacements cars, engines and spare parts.
Ellehammer works could supply that if properly led; if not it would slowly fall apart as Ellehammer himself would fly off from this to that never finishing anything.
Seeing the efforts put into the Ellehammer works another motorcycle producer to be – Nielsen – would secure funds for his own production from the government as Zahle could see his minister soon dominating the market.
H.N. Andersen didn't mind as competition would serve to all doing their best and in the end he would buy the best product for himself!
Even if industry seemed to be doing well its workers weren't and to this Stauning directed his energies. Slowly however he came into conflict with Zahle as the latter wanted economy to recover but didn't share Staunings feelings for the worker's cause.
Even if they didn't share views Stauning thought Zahle the lesser evil and remained his supporter in parliament.
June 23, 1864
Slesvig
The referendum was decided by the most narrow margin 50,1 % voting for Denmark in the central zone. The northern zone had been a sure Danish vote by 85 %. The southern zone was clearly German by a 95 % vote.
The publication of the referendum made the Danes send in their administrative units to the two zones and Prussia keeping their presence in the southern as well as in Lauenburg.
Austria had since the peace talks kept their troops in Holstein along the Confederate contingent.
There was much rejoicing in the Northern part of Slesvig and in the Kingdom of Denmark but in Frankfurt the conflict between Prussia and Austria began on the division of the spoils.
Bismarck were keen to ride the German wave and demand Prussian control of Confederation troops north of the river Main and in the process saw to that Lauenburg was effectively incorporated into Prussia while preparing the same fate for Holstein.
For the time being von Roon warned Bismarck of offensive action; true Krupp works was working to replace the artillery lost during the war and was keenly studying the captured Danish rifles and single machinegun to retro-engineer them for Prussian use.
Though that was still some time in the future. The cartridges being the main problem.
June 24 – July 27, 1864
The area the least affected by the economic crisis was the newly won Slesvig! It had come through the times due to its unimpeded local economy in contrast to the Kingdom. Now Slesvig was seen as the area that by industrial development would help drag the Kingdom out of its present misery.
Internal matters was the prime objective of Zahle as Munch had assured him that Bismarck would be occupied with getting the Austrians out of Germany and then ensure Prussian hegemony.
Bismarck wouldn't be dangerous if not provoked or perceiving a threat. The last would be difficult to assess now with so much change and a defence force ready to act would probably not be a bad thing.
Prime amongst those internal matters were woman emancipation and along this a revision of the ballot system granting vote to each and everybody above the age of 25! Even household staff would be granted the right of voting; the horror of civilized world...!
Notably driving this change was of course the Socialdemocratic Party as Stauning perceived this as granting vote to his many workers who were not able to do so at the time but more importantly by the Conservative Party that had been downtrodden for so long by the Liberals. It would prove pay-back time!
It seemed the Prussians were frantically rebuilding its Army's potential while launching rhetoric against Austria in Frankfurt. Though when the situation seemed to heat Bismarck would surely cool it; he wasn't ready for war yet but would soon be so.
What was making admiral Kofoed-Hansen slightly nervous was the arrival of Prussia's new armoured ships in Baltic ports. It seemed the Prussians were eagerly buying anything floating and armoured which was a detriment to CSA efforts to get their ships on order in Britain and France off the wharfs.
It wasn't as much the ships themselves that set off the admiral; his Navy would easily handle those if they were to close on Danish shores. The intent was his concern. Prussia really didn't need those ships except for a showdown with Denmark!
Munch was the one to calm the admiral. The Prussians had bought the ships before i.e. in the other time-line but they hadn't used them against Denmark and nothing at the moment indicated this.
At this the admiral was able to entangle Munch in his own argument citing his “ difficult to assess now with so much change”.
Admiral Kofoed-Hansen demanded the rebuilding programme of his Navy put to work as well as finishing the laid down new coastal artillery ship Niels Iuel as a cruiser. Funds would also have to be allocated to supply fuel, coal and ammunition for keeping an increased state of readiness.
Munch was sullen but Zahle promised the admiral to take his demand to cabinet. He really didn't think it would be a problem; state finance though was a problem as would disappointed workers soon be too.
July 27, 1864
Election day had been a day of mixed blessings for Zahle. His party had kept its 31 seats but the Socialdemocrats of Stauning had gained seven making for a total of 39 which made it the equal of the Liberals 40. The Conservatives managed only 4.
The change of ballot system had made for a demonstration of 20.000 women at the Amalienborg Palace to mark the voting right – not to thank not to cheer but to hail the realization of the rights of women and individuals.
Though when appearing the King was hailed by many of the assembled in the Palace square!
Zahle was uneasy as what to do now.
He could of course continue the partnership with Stauning but creaks was showing over wages plummeting and bad state economics. Stauning wouldn't agree to a financing of the state by large scale exports of armaments but that was the deal by now as Zahle perceived the situation.
He would then have to lean towards the Liberals and the Conservatives but they still criticised his decision on the Slesvig partition by referendum and showed no signs of conciliation.
Anyway it would be Stauning again but he knew it wouldn't last. Stauning wanted increased income tax to finance the state which no one else accepted.
Staunings idea of a Worlds Fair might be the thing to boost exports of industrial produce and knowledge which prompted a talk with Munch.
Zahle wanted to know what they could do with their knowledge of the next 50 years of history and world development.
Munch was sceptical of trying to use it much; already the various nations had had their ambassadors to Copenhagen changed as they didn't understand what had happened and wanted some of their own in office.
Those replaced had either come back to live in Denmark and their own time, abandoned the state service and tried to carve out a living in their own country or placed in a mental institution; actually the latter was quite a number.
1864 didn't seem to take too well to news of the future Munch concluded.
He had pondered sending information to the USA of the Civil War but Copenhagen University library was very scarce on American subjects mostly having broad works or mainly British works with periphery coverage of America.
Munch didn't see it as viable to try selling uptime information in that part of the world. Europe would be another matter though as works were plentiful, mostly in French and German though so that would be the areas to work in.
On the other hand things were already changing in Germany as Prussia was licking its wounds; the German peoples were jubilant about the addition of rump Schleswig and Holstein to the Confederation which made Frankfurt a boiling kettle of Grossdeutschland or Kleindeutschland fractions with Bismarck being the man of the day fishing the unruly waters.
It did seem to Munch that Bismarck was lacking military muscle as he was mostly in the oratorical phase. Munch believed the pity performance of Prussian military kept the Princes from joining his cause 100%.
An early 1866 didn't seem to be in the cards at this moment though he was sure it would happen the moment the Prussian Army had rebuilt its morale; equipment seemed to be no problem. And then there was the reluctant population of the Rhineland Province who didn't like the Prussian adventures.
Munch advised to go with the Worlds Fair; enjoy the benefits of a modern society that would make the innovative centre of the world and serve to fill the coffers. Patience would be the key at the moment.
Berlin
Bismarck was lecturing in his high-pitched voice that the Germans was about ready for the showdown with Austria; the referendum had surely hit the nail in any German hearth.
He had been right; even if the war had been lost Germany had been won.
Now he needed the Prussian Army to flex its muscle.
New artillery pieces were being turned out by Krupp of Essen as was new rifles and cartridges.
The machineguns though was making for a head-ache. Not that it wasn't reproduce-able – it was but the engineers wanted to improve on the design to make it better. The Army also had its reservations; it was deemed too complicated for field use prone to mechanical failure.
No matter though. The Army would be given new arms now; it needed to call up its manpower.
At this both von Roon and von Molkte shook their heads.
The Army was in a bad state morally; it knew it had taken a beating by the Danes. Nothing unexpected though as the Danes were known to be a tough lot but much worse than expected!
National service commitment was at an all time low Roon added. There was widespread dissent about future service or service at all. Time would be needed to rebuild the reputation of the Army. The perception was that the dark shadow of the Napoleonic wars hadn't been lifted by the recent experiences.
Bismarck looked sullen but the King seemed rather pleased - “I have told you of the wonders Prince Friedrich Carl have reported of his stay in Denmark; it is folly to fight such a nation.”
“I know” Bismarck sighed “but Austria isn't such a nation and we need to pursue our success with the German peoples and act!”
“The peoples, the peoples” the King cried “they want freedom and all other useless socialist demands... I want the call of the Princes of Germany – that I will answer!” The King looked mightily pleased.
Bismarck frowned “I'll continue working in Frankfurt” and marched out the door.
July 28 – December 31, 1864
Stauning had been the schoolmaster to Zahle when asked to continue supporting the Social-Liberals government post elections.
Stauning had his price of course; no more state sponsored arms deals – the Ammunitions Arsenal had to cut down its activities to Danish needs only which anyway was far beyond pre August 5, 1914 with the increased demands of Army and Navy.
Stauning agreed to be living in a potential hostile environment which of course needed proper addressing but the Army and Navy seemed capable of doing so.
Defence spending would be no problem to Stauning.
What private firms did was morally objectionable to Stauning but he knew he couldn't do much about it at the time.
A raise in workers income were needed which would also serve to an increased value of taxation. Here he was at odds with Zahle as the Liberals would object if not benefited by low wages to make farming profitable. The lack of a years harvest was still the major ghost.
In the end Stauning and Zahle agreed to disagree but cooperate.
Planning of the Worlds Fair 1865 began taking shape as both men thought it the miracle to save economy and change the world they had come to live in; but from different perspectives.
Zahle wanted free trade democracy and peace; Stauning socialism and peace. Once again they were at loggerheads but planning continued.
US Civil War
The uptime impact on the Civil War were at first very localized as the (Western) Iron Brigade issued new breechlock rifles and machineguns took very light losses during the Battle of the Wilderness May 5-7, 1864 but inflicted far greater losses on their opponents.
The impact were not decisive at this point but general Grant did notice that his Danish advisors seemed to be worth their money.
Things did become obvious though at the battle of North Anna/Jerico Mills on May 23, 1864 when the Iron Brigade was instrumental in totally defeating the attack of Confederate general Willcox by almost annihilating Thomas' brigade by rifle and machinegun fire.
Late in the day Cutler's division would cut the Virginian Central Rail Road by its presence.
The final blow to the Confederate cause came at the Assault on Petersburg June 10-15, 1864 where forward observers directing artillery by field phones supported the infantry in their assault on the Confederate trenches.
At Petersburgh the tactics of fire and movement would be born in the mind of a company commander realizing the potential of the machinegun in suppressing enemy troops making room for his own troops to manoeuvre.
New weapons and new tactics made Beauregard's defences of Petersburg breakdown on June 15.
In the evening Union troops would enter the city.
The next months saw an increase in Union Army effectiveness the Confederate Army were unable to match. The arrival of new batteries of long range directed artillery with hugely increased destructive ability literally buried Lee's defenders of Richmond and made it possible for Union troops to enter the city in October, 1864.
The termination of hostilities in the USA made it possible for Lincoln to apply heavy pressure on France to pull out its troops of Mexico.
For a moment Napoleon III considered war with the USA but the military advice to the Emperor was to respect the USA armed forces equipped with the superior Danish weapons.
At this Napoleon accepted to withdraw his troops by the beginning of 1865.
National and International affairs
In the Baltic Russia once again became suspicious of its neighbours as Sweden-Norway launched its first armoured ship in December 1864 which would be armed with the new Danish 21cm fast firing main gun and 75mm fast firing secondary armament.
One thing a Denmark that was oriented towards the south and overseas but a potential hostile Sweden-Norway with modern arms and possible lust for Finland seemed very dangerous.
The launching of the Thordön (Thunder) also made for a stir in Copenhagen. Not that it was unknown to be building but the political implications hadn't been considered in detail.
Zahle felt remorse for having armed Sweden-Norway for a possible revanché with Russia over Finland but it had served to cover his back.
The rest of 1864 was the scene of much social unrest in Denmark as strikes and lock-outs hit society. Both parties were staunchly entrenched with the conflict taking on proportions of 1911.
Just as workers and police were fighting in the streets so were Stauning and I.C. Christensen at Parliament.
Though come new years ewe 1864 the conflict were showing signs of loosening up with effects of increased foreign trade and exports of knowledge soared making for industry in need of shipping off skilled craftsmen and administrative personnel for running overseas associate businesses as well as increasing salaries due to an increasing lack of skilled labour.
If government didn't want to disperse the knowledge of the future Stauning had no qualms doing so.
Realizing the upcoming First International at London on September 28, 1864 Stauning worked hard to become a part of it and mobilize the German workers to participate.
The stories told by demobilized Prussian soldiers and prince Friederich Karls experiences of captivity aided greatly in this respect; even if the Germans were loathsome of the mean Danes that were suppressing their countrymen they were genuinely curious as to how the small country up north could defeat two European major powers.
There was no lack of listeners when Danish Socialdemocratic Party members and workers unionist's were travelling German lands.
Staunings long term objective was to move the International to Copenhagen to control the workers and counter the influence of Marx.
Arriving in Britain Stauning was the talk of the town at least among the working class; the stories of the dock yard workers that had seen the Danish wonders earlier in the year ran like wildfire; everybody wanted to hear the man and what it was all about.
Not only the British workers unionist's but also the French and Italian workers as well as the anarchist's were quite curious even if they - the anarchist's that is - were ready anytime to denounce the wonders of Denmark as a bourgeoisie and nobility hoax.
It was just too tempting to not go and listen.
The First International was a great triumph of Stauning's as he was able by demonstrating the advances of Danish workers by their Socialdemocratic Party into being a major party of Parliament to solidly counter Marx's position.
Though keeping the French and Italians at conference proved a major obstacle but served to unite Stauning and Marx in their shared position against anarchism as they were just as rejective of the Socialdemocratic Party as of anything else in this world.
The greatest triumph of Stauning was the accept of his invitation for conference at Copenhagen next year at the time of the Worlds Fair; the Copenhagen Conference would open on May 1, 1865!
One rock did manage to stiffen society during the last part of year – the King. Christian X would every morning tour Copenhagen on his horse. The sight of the King riding his horse through the city streets unaccompanied was a reassuring sight to the peoples.
The King of course had joined the march into Slesvig following the referendum; it had been a triumph in the north somewhat less so in the south. Generally though the population of Slesvig had hailed their King/Duke as he rode through the lands taking them in possession. The ride had been recounted in the major newspapers as well as on radio.
There had been some - notably among the workers and intellectuals that was pondering and arguing the abolition of royalty following the altered situation and reality or just the political view reinforced by events. The ascent of white-collared workers into the bourgeoisie was a major contribution to counter these views.
As nobody of influential stature would take up the gauntlet and challenge royalty the sentiment died out of public life but continued to live under society's apparently smooth surface.
Austria was also working to ready its Army for the next war that was looming in the distance.
A few Kragh-Jørgensen rifles had been picked up in Schleswig as had a Madsen machinegun. Both were sent to Bohemia to get copied at the Skoda works.
The Madsen Rifle Works had been contacted for a manufacturing license but it had been turned down; apparently the Danes didn't want to deal with former enemies at the time being. Then Defence Minister Munch had been asked but he replied that government weren't able to interfere with private enterprise.
The Skoda works were told to get going.
Late in November a fire was recorded to have taken place at 16 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore in which the proprietor Maggie Branson and some of her friends among these John Wilkes Booth and Samuel Arnold perished. There was also a number of unidentified dead at the site.
Making a fortune on canned foods by lowering the manufacturing cost of cans by import of machinery from Denmark Michael O'Laughlen - who had been on a business trip to Denmark during November - would become a well known lobbyist for leniency in the administration of the occupied southern states.
1865
Denmark
Returning from London following his successful participation of the First International Zahle and Stauning fell out. Zahle felt betrayed as he could clearly see the intentions of Stauning's that could fire off the worst street battles Copenhagen had ever witnessed during May.
Stauning however promised to calm his (HIS!!!) workers! Zahle sat dumbfaced... HIS workers!
Stauning smiled – yes his workers. He would be able to call a general strike or revolution if he wanted to but right now he wanted neither. He wanted the Worlds Fair and his workers conference a success which Zahle could read on his face to be the truth.
If Zahle would be able to rein in the Liberals and their vicious campaign on the workers to keep wages ridiculously low Stauning would tighten the leash on the workers!
Stauning didn't mind fighting I.C. Christensen at Parliament but he surely would like Zahle to make his position clear as Stauning had during the war-crisis.
Zahle did get it; of course he did. It was pay-back time. Damn whatever you do it will backlash on yourself sooner or later; but he would do it his way.
The Worlds Fair was scheduled to open at Copenhagen on May 1, 1865. The weather were usually fine at this time of year and it was thought to be pulled off as early as possible to possibly sidetrack political developments in Europe and America.
Economy was slowly recovering during the first half of the year. The harvest had been average but it would suffice. The agricultural sector would recover.
Industry was booming. The first cruiser was being readied for turn over to the US Navy by Burmeister & Wain. Now the Civil War had ended no problems existed for the USA to procure weapons in Europe i.e. Denmark.
Showing up at parliament Zahle took the speakers platform announcing a new state fiscal act; the state was in a terrible economic position.
The Ammunition Arsenal was doing good but the state still suffered from the recession caused by the event last year, the failed harvest and need to buy grain and seed to carry the population through the sudden winter.
Everybody had to tighten the belt; farmers and workers had take their fair share of the burden - now private enterprise had to contribute too - companies were to have their tax rate increased.
There was much mumbling and some expressions of surprise and anger but Zahle ended his speech by inviting every political party leader for negotiations on the state fiscal; nobody wanted to be left out on this.
It was no easy round of negotiations but in the end Zahle did come out with an acceptable new fiscal; Stauning got his the Liberals got theirs and everybody was generally quite happy that the Conservatives now had to pull the wagon.
I.C. Christensen had sensed change in the political landscape and readily agreed to support Zahles proposal; of course the Liberal party supported the industry the local industry that is.
Big industry was the domain of the Conservatives and Christensen didn't mind showing the Conservatives to the edge or perhaps over it.
Zahle noticed this with some satisfaction as it made Stauning uneasy.
Germany
New Years Ewe had seen quite some celebrating in Germany hailing the new members entering the Confederation.
It had pleased Bismarck as had the information that the Army seemed to recover its morale with the memories of defeat slowly fading.
Bismarck felt firm ground under his feet and in Frankfurt demanded the control by Prussia of all Confederation forces north of the river Main; a suggestion promptly rejected by Austria.
That was what Bismarck wanted and he immediately rejected the idea of Grossdeutschland as viable; Austria would not fit in.
Behind the scenes Bismarck had had Duke Friedrich August of Augustenborg demand the withdrawal of Austrian troops from his lands which Austria by rejecting had raised a public storm in Germany.
Cleverly manipulating both parties Bismarck had the Germans demand Austrian withdrawal and the Princes so too out of fear of public sentiment, socialist agitation as expressed by German socialist leaders taking part in the First International and Austrian arbitrary action.
Prussian annexation of Lauenburg wasn't brought up.
Bismarck had Molkte draw up plans for the invasion of Austria.
Then the French Emperor humiliated by the events in Mexico where his protégé Maximilian had been executed threw a spanner in the works by announcing that he would support the faltering finances of King Willem of the Netherlands by trading a vast sum for Luxembourg.
Bismarck riding the German wave was dumbfounded; going ahead with the war on Austria would be folly in this situation as a roar against the French developed in the German press. Going to war against France seemed just outright crazy.
King William was falling apart; the two had a protracted argument in which Bismarck threatened resignation if not having his way.
In the end Bismarck had to give in as von Roon and von Molkte supported the King; there would be no fighting the French! That would have to be solved in another way.
Salvation came from an unexpected corner; Britain.
Britain let Napoleon III know that France buying the territory of Luxembourg would not be to the satisfaction of Britain.
A conference was held at London where Bismarck was at his best claiming not being able to control the German peoples from doing justice by themselves.
During conference articles kept popping up in German newspapers demanding the seizure of Luxembourg as a German country as well as scolding Austria of her treatment of Holstein. No one in Germany was in doubt that it was the work of Bismarck's.
The conference ended with Bismarck having Luxembourg incorporated in the German Confederation by paying off King Willem.
Once again Napoleon III had been left humiliated.
Just as the conference ended Bismarck entered Frankfurt demanding the cooperation of the German Princes stating that only by standing united could outside threats be repelled. The representatives agreed to Bismarck's statement.
The Princes were absent.
Denmark
Stauning had problems of his own. He was undisputed leader of the Socialdemocratic Party of Denmark soon to become an international socialist figurehead but the Danish workers were slowly splitting up into dark- and white-collared workers.
The white-collared figured the Socialdemocratic Party was no longer their party due to their position of a more administrative kind and was looking for political affiliation.
Stauning sensed it and began pondering what to do. Clearly it might mean a split of party if he took a too socialist attitude at conference but he would have to think it over.
Cabinet had problems in integrating the downtimer Army of 1864 into society. Quite a number had settled in Slesvig which did a lot to solve the problem.
Some were moving overseas to the North Atlantic territories or the West Indies or the USA.
However a large number were drifting into Copenhagen and the larger provincial cities and making for problems as they were uncomfortable wherever they went. Crime was usually associated with these elements. More police and gendarmes were needed Parliament decided.
London
As the parties assembled in London the German proposal had already been discussed at the European capitals. Austria that a few weeks before had looked open to negotiations at any rate now seemed the reluctant part. Prussia and the German Confederation the one willing to compromise on status quo by referendum in the disputed lands.
The Danes looked indifferent though the British knew that Bismarck's proposal to the Confederation had shocked them; or rather the majority of the Danish political spectrum.
There was heated discussions going on in Denmark about what to do. The Conservatives and Liberals were gung-ho demanding the war continued and all of Slesvig at any cost incorporated with the Kingdom.
Sane heads argued that this would alienate Denmark at the conference making sure a protracted war which might wear down the Danish Army.
Tuxen rightly assessed that the Army had no problems holding the Eider-Ostsee Canal line but it would only be a matter of time before von Molkte would be able to pierce it and that would eventually force the Danes into a mobile war the Army was badly prepared to fight; experience already showed this.
The Danish delegation true to Zahle's instructions were going to play tough initially depending on the mood of the Great Powers which Scavenius was to probe before negotiations began. Then of course it would accept the Prussian proposal; as Zahle, Scavenius and Munch agreed it had to. It would be the only thing freeing its back from Germany.
Zahle knew it was much needed; without the war society would go through a much worse test as it would have the time to consider what had happened on August 5, 1914. He was confident he could bring it through but he needed a free hand.
Copenhagen
The ship had been painted tropical white with yellow superstructure during early August in anticipation of partaking in the opening of the Panama Canal; the new paint was flaking in the cold.
Valkyrien was ready to go to the West Indies.
First however it would pay a visit to Britain and France and then go to the USA to pave the way for post war negotiations on commerce and gather intelligence on the whereabouts of the CSA raiders.
Its captain had orders not to seek confrontation but to save lives wherever possible; should it be challenged by a CSA ship admiral Kofoed-Hansen had instructed that it had the right of self defence and right of defending any Danish merchantmen challenged by CSA ships.
And he expected the captain to act in the best tradition of the Navy!
The event the week before at the Royal Theatre had spawned off a host of art exhibitions; odd paintings, weird sculpture, readings of mysterious poetry all accompanied by a cacophony of “music”.
Everybody discussed the events it seemed like they were almost as important as the peace conference. Indeed they were as it made for artists to put the until now by war and winter suppressed emotions of the weird happenings of August 5, 1914 turned February 1, 1864.
Peoples wanted an explanation that nobody could give; this seemed only to fuel the need at the moment.
March 1, 1864
London
As the talks began it soon became evident to the negotiators that something had changed in Denmark seriously since just a month ago.
The King had gone, society had changed, something had happened that had thoroughly transformed the country and made incredible discoveries possible; the warship the Danish delegation had arrived upon had never been seen before and it carried the most odd but wonderful machines called cars, motorcycles, electric vacuum cleaners but the most fantastic was the so called hydroplane!
A mechanical contraption that could run on water and then take to the air; it was almost unbelievable even to those having witnessed it. Basically this was the fulfillment of mans ancient dream of flight.
Now the Danish delegation had opened presenting the Danish point of view demanding a solution based on status quo so that the duchy of Slesvig would become part of the Kingdom of Denmark; a violation of the Treaty of London but this was a reforging of the situation by arms and the Danes had managed to throw the invaders off Slesvig soil.
The German Confederation and Prussia's delegates rejected the Danish view pointing to the nation of the peoples living within the duchy. Not all of them Danish those German should be allowed to choose their fate by secret ballot. All duly supervised by inspection of the Great Powers Britain, France and Russia.
The Austrian delegation demanded the repeal of the October constitution which to their astonishment had happened a long time ago so the Danish claimed!
It had the Austrians loose their footing for some time as they pondered the Danish constitutional document presented to them. Of course the document was contested as it was dated far into the future of time though the Danes claimed it to be legal and still demanded a settlement on status quo.
The still bewildered Austrians then demanded a break until the next day making them able to consult their government for instructions.
During the evening which was spent at the theatre the German/Prussian delegates moved in on the Danes and soon had their assumptions verified; the Danes would willingly settle the issue on a referendum. No question about it but they wanted the Austrians off their back.
The Germans/Prussians promised to take care of the Austrians.
March 2, 1864
London
At the opening of the talks the Prussians supported by the British, French and Russians demanded the status quo the basis of the talks. The Austrians meekly protested claiming the Danish constitutional document a forgery but soon realized they were on their own.
As the day wore on the Austrians continued their rejection and thus obstructed the days work.
Copenhagen
Zahle was pleased by the news from London which he relayed to parliament in the evening to take the steam off the Conservative and Liberal opposition.
Showing the stubbornness of the Austrians which to many before the talks had seemed the agreeable of the opponents the opposition for the time being was fended off and of course had to support the government in its efforts in London though still demanding a settlement on the basis of status quo.
Zahle was pleased to be able to tell the opposition that was exactly his instructions to the Danish delegation.
March 3 – 5, 1864
London
It took two more days before the Austrians caved in. Then the Danes took another day before they gave in too and accepted the German Confederation – Prussian demand of a partition of the duchy of Slesvig by public referendum.
The next week was used drawing up the treaty documents and negotiating the procedure for carrying through the referendum.
March 5, 1864
Copenhagen
Zahle broke the news to an anxious parliament. The Conservative and Liberal opposition was furious. The government had given in to the Germans in this time of decisive victory; precious lives had been sacrificed for nothing. It went on for the major part of an hour.
Then Stauning took to the podium offering the government his full support and rejecting the narrow-mindedness and wishful thinking of the opposition; to gain future security a settlement that would please one German power and off set the other would be far better than one that would make them both remain enemies of Denmark!
Possibly the inter-German squabble on the division of the spoils would happen soon which Denmark could be observing from a secure position.
The strong position of the time the Eider-Ostsee Canal line would be abandoned but then the Army would be given means to repel attacks in the future. The Socialdemocratic party would work to this end.
Staunings speech only served to further fuel the opposition making for I.C. Christensen to abandon his post with the cabinet as he felt his political life endangered. H.N. Andersen though decided to stay on which astonished everybody.
Andersen despised most of the politicians but Stauning seemed different; at least he was ready to support sane government and thus support Andersen's economic endeavours. In support of country and Andersen!
At the end of the nights debate Zahle declared that elections would be held within six months; though he retained the right to set the final date. It pleased but also threw the opposition off its feet as it would be precious short time to run a campaign and nobody was sure of the reaction of the constituency.
March 12, 1864
With the announcement of the conference at London of the referendum being held in Slesvig in three zones in the timespan of June 15 – 22, 1864 Zahle fixed the date for the elections for July 26.
That would give the uptimers of Denmark some time to digest the events and welcome the long lost daughter (Slesvig) back to the Kingdom. It would also make for time to set up basic administration in Slesvig Amt to make the new citizens able to vote at elections and get to know the new world of the Kingdom they enter.
Now Zahle and the cabinet had a million other things to attend to; continue the transition into 1864 world economy, demobilize the 1864 Army and find jobs and housing for its men quite a number of them possibly soon to find that their position in the Kingdom had changed radically! They could have died in 1864 or in the 50 years in between 1864 and 1914. They might meet their older self! Their families might not recognize them or have died in the meantime. Their economic foundation vanished in the sea of time.
A multitude of options were open all leading to a large number of men possibly having to be resettled somewhere in the new Kingdom or its overseas possessions.
Actually a large number of ex-soldiers would come in handy in the West Indies as the 1915 unrest might still occur and the Valkyrie might become involved in the American Civil War on the US side.
Some should be offered commissions and positions with the Army, Navy or West Indies Gendarmerie to counter this.
What about the others? More than 30.000 men had to be resettled. Some might be so in Slesvig but that wouldn't surely absorb all. Possibly a number might get absorbed into the growing industry – if it would continue growing.
At this Stauning brought forward a suggestion. Keeping in mind that Denmark wouldn't be able to restrict the inventions of tomorrow indefinitely and as some already had been used to barter for needed goods why not share it with the world?
Stauning suggested having a worlds fair at Copenhagen 1865.
All Danish firms should be asked to put up a show of their products for the rest of the world to see and buy!
Generally goods sold should be done so by the establishing of daughter companies in the buyers nation with Danish operators going along to initiate and maintain production. It would boost economy, make lots of new jobs, ease the demobilization of the 1864 Army and create lots of new opportunities.
Ideally no nation should be barred from visiting the fair and firms encouraged to sell to bidders.
Some might of course object to sell to Germans or Prussians or Austrians but that wasn't really the business of government to decide. It should be left to the firms.
Special consideration had to be taken regarding arms sales. That ought to be kept for only the invited and restricted to a closed down area somewhere in western Jutland; somewhere out of sight.
Britain, Russia, USA, Sweden-Norway was the obvious to be invited with France and Italy as well as Spain the second.
Some German states could too and it should be considered if the major German states should so or which one if any!
Stauning wouldn't be the judge on this and would leave that to Zahle and the Social-Liberals.
Stauning wouldn't as already said in parliament reject an increased defence budget. Ideally like when he would plan a strike or such the Army and Navy should be asked to file in proposals and plans for the next say five years.
The documents should contain terms of service, security assessment, materiel needed, needed infrastructure etc. but also detailed plans of war!
The recent months and a half had shown a hostile world and with this outcome of the war nobody knew what would happen tomorrow. Better plan for tomorrow than rely on hope.
Berlin
The Prussian King greeted Bismarck on his great diplomatic victory only the King didn't like the humiliating of Austria.
“It had to happen” Bismarck uttered. “We can't all win. My task was to see Prussia come out victorious and so I did. Now we have the Germans in our hands. It will soon be time to kick Austria out of the German Confederation.”
At this the King looked frightened. “Surely the humiliating of Austria would be enough” the King said.
“No” Bismarck looked satisfied “we now have the opportunity to get the reins of Northern Germany. It will be time to once again contest the Austrian command of the Confederation Army. Prussia must be given command of all forces north of the river Main. Austria will not accept this but then we'll turn to the German states. They'll demand it be done.”
“I can't do so to Austria” the King said.
“If not then find somebody else to run government or ask parliament who they want in charge!” Bismarck said, turned around on his heel and marched out of the room.
Outside the crowds was cheering and celebrating. Some change since a month ago when rioters had to be checked by military units. Oh they know who should be in charge of government; it would only be a day or so before the King would recall him to ask his continued running of government. Bismarck looked satisfied.
March 20, 1864
Cruising westwards for the West Indies main port of Charlotte Amalie the Valkyrien sighted two ships which she was approaching fast.
Closing in the officers on the bridge were able to make out the ships a steamship flying the Confederate Jack and a Danish sailing ship apparently being searched by the Confederate ship.
Commander Konow of Valkyrien decided to investigate matters and had the engine speed up to close in.
By now the crew of the Danish ship could be seen making for the boat their ship set on fire. Sailors of the Confederate ship also made for their boat.
As Konow closed in on the scene the Confederate ship had its boat hoisted aboard and making off; Konow proceeded to rescue the Danish crew. By now the name of the Confederate ship was readable “Florida”.
Addressing the rescued Danish crew the officers reported to Konow that the ship was a Confederate raider of which usually one were about in these waters. They would inspect ships for contraband cargo and if so burn them but setting the crew free as soon as possible. The arrival of Valkyrien had had the Florida hurry off.
Ordering temporary quarters for the Danish crew Konow had his ship pursue the Florida.
With little difficulties Valkyrien gained on the Confederate ship its maximum of 9,5 knots when under steam was no match for the cruising speed of 10 knots of Valkyrien and a top speed of 17 knots.
As distances apparently became of worry to the captain of the Florida a shot was fired at Valkyrien.
As if on manoeuvres Konow had his gunners train the 15cm guns on the Florida and then fire a single warning shot before the bow of the wooden steamship. This didn't stop the Florida; instead several shots were fired from her at Valkyrien.
By now the gunnery officer of Valkyrien had the port side 15cm guns trained on the Florida and receiving orders let off the first salvo which fell too short.
This was followed by more shots from the Florida and then the second salvo of the 15cm guns which this time straddled the Florida.
The effect of the three 15cm shells on the wooden ship were devastating. It seemed to just blow up in a cloud of splinters, masts, funnels, planking, boats and fountains of water. As the debris fell down the outline of the Florida could still be seen in the water but it was sinking rapidly; sailors trying to get off the wreck.
Konow amid cheers of his crew and that of the rescued had the boats hoisted down to rescue the Confederate sailors.
It seemed a lieutenant Hoole was the sole surviving officer and it befell him to report to commander Konow. Awestruck the Confederate crew were locked up in a stores room and kept under guard.
Konow then resumed his voyage to Charlotte Amalie. On the way he sent a cable of his encounter to admiral Kofoed-Hansen at Copenhagen.
The reply was short; Don't initiate any more wars – go to Charlotte Amalie – defend the Danish colours.
Signed
Kofoed-Hansen.
March 25, 1864
The news of the sinking of CSS Florida had travelled the world accompanied by a photograph of the exploding raider taken by the ever present Danish Navy officer with his camera.
Richmond, CSA
In Richmond CSA President Jefferson Davies held meetings with his cabinet on the sudden turn of events that had occurred. The question was if to declare war on Denmark or avoid supplying the North with an ally.
The state of the Danish Navy was detailed by Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory to the best of his knowledge; as he remarked Denmark was an active player in the armoured ships field having bought the Rolf Krake and the Danmark that had been built on the Clyde to CSA demands but had ended up in Denmark due to the British refusal of letting the Republic get the ship but also for the Danes to avoid the Prussians buying it.
Apart from these ships the Danes seemed to have been very interested in buying other CSA ordered ships in Britain and France primarily to deny their sale to Prussia but of late these efforts had been stopped for no apparent reason.
An indication to why would be the arrival of the Danish negotiating group in Britain aboard the Peder Skram in late February; a newly commissioned warship of a kind never before seen.
As to Mallory's reports received from Britain and France something had happened in Denmark at the time of her war with the German states but nobody was really sure of what.
There had been indications that Danish ships had travelled to the North to apparently establish trade agreements though the purpose was unclear except that the Danes were very interested it seemed in buying Kerosene! It looked as they might have a lot of lamps to lighten. At this everybody laughed.
Mallory finally warned against declaring war on Denmark simply to avoid going into the great unknown.
Secretary of the Treasury Christopher Memminger reported that he only knew the Danes was eager to buy kerosene as related by the Secretary of the Navy and that they had offered machinery and medical supplies and knowledge in return.
Apparently the North thought it a good deal and had signed a purely commercial treaty of trade between the two nations. Nothing out of the ordinary really. Memminger couldn't find anything adverse to a declaration of war on a minor European power whose sole presence in the Western Hemisphere was the small colony in the West Indies; that colony usually guarded by a single armed schooner or such.
Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin strongly advocated NOT declaring war on Denmark. Not out of fear of said state joining the war as an ally of the North but for not alienating the South from the European states that the CSA still tried to enlist as allies or at least keep positive towards their case.
At the end of the meeting Jefferson Davies thanked his cabinet on their offering of advice and decided to postpone his decision until the next day as the public sentiment demanded action and retaliation.
White House, Washington D.C., USA
President Lincoln looked at his Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles “Seems like our Danish friends have proven themselves in naval warfare!”
“Indeed Mr. President” Welles replied.
“Now how do we get the knowledge from the Danes to build such vessels or enlist them on our side in the fight?” Lincoln continued.
“I of course visited the Danish warship Valkyrien when it entered New York before going to the West Indies; a marvellous ship indeed! A protected Cruiser the Danish commander Konow called it” Welles continued. “The Danes wanted to know of the activities of the rebel raiders but also explore the possibilities of post war trade contracts.”
“Post war will come” Lincoln continued “right now we have a war to run. Could we accelerate the Danish will to trade now in items that would strengthen our war efforts? Would they be able to supply us such?”
Welles answered “The Danes have been very eager for the past year or two to buy armoured ships both to strengthen their Navy but also to deny such ships coming into the hands of Prussia before their war. Now with this war concluded they of course may not be so interested any more and the ships of their own seems to me that they don't need to. The Danes have been in search of allies during the time preceding war but they have shown themselves capable of defeating two major opponents. We still don't know how they did it but their offer of wireless telegraphy for our Navy ships indicate to me that they must have made a great leap forward in many scientific fields in the past few years without getting the attention of anybody or being able to keep their advances secret to everybody.”
Welles made a breif pause “Whatever they are deserving of attention! Important to know is that rumour have it that Valkyrien engaged the Florida at a distance of more than three miles! Some feat of marksmanship... to answer your question Mr. President indeed they would be able to supply us means of war their actions reveals that much and their supply of wireless telegraphy proves it only we have to rebuild those ships not fitted out with machinery to make use of it; getting them to do so we have to find out.”
“Then do so now” Lincoln ended the conversation.
March 26, 1864
Copenhagen
Soon winter would end its reign and spring rule with warmer weather and a return to normal though Zahle knew normal wouldn't occur until next year!
All he had to do right now was ride the nationalist wave while fending off the Conservatives and Liberals and keep the Socialdemocrats in the stables; though he knew it would be tough.
Unemployment soared as the country stepped down from the war footing with local industry going back to normal.
Surely a small increase was happening as the Army needed an enlarged supply of ammunitions; the war had emptied the stocks. Also the ongoing building of the railway line from Kolding to Aabenraa consumed a fair amount of hands.
Had the Germans been able to cross the Eider river – Ostsee canal the game would have been up. The Army needed other materials too like the Valdemar Poulsen wireless and more field phones. And concrete – lots of concrete.
Tuxen and Berthelsen had argued for a line of fortifications across the new land border and on the Sli fiord; of course they had gotten what they asked. It wasn't going to ruin the economy. Other things might do that!
Tuxen had also been promoted to full general and replaced Gørtz as commander of the Army.
To arm the new forts the Army and Navy had initiated a programme of new rapid fire artillery. The deal with Sweden to supply steel had made it possible to keep building new 12cm and 15cm artillery for both services.
The change in strategic position had made for the fortifications of Copenhagen to be dismantled and the new artillery be moved to Jutland or taken over by the Navy.
Quite a number of old ships needed new artillery. The action in the Caribbean had shown the advantage enjoyed at the moment but admiral Kofoed-Hansen argued that the artillery of his ships be modernized as their fire control systems.
Kofoed-Hansen also wanted to reactivate the old artillery ship Ivar Huitfeld by giving it new engines and artillery to make for a second large cruiser; this was the kind of ship needed now the admiral argued and would fit in nicely with Valkyrien and the half size Gejser and Hejmdal.
That would satisfy the admiral for the moment but he also wanted to finish the building artillery ship in the Navy Works by turning it into a fifth cruiser.
Zahle shrugged - that would be possible too but then the admiral had aired that he had further plans.
Zahle really needed a new defence policy.
It would all go down well with the public. Zahle was riding the wave of popularity; he had won the war and ensured the homecoming of the lost province – nobody could ask any more. He had been the one to deliver what had been the want of 50 years.
The bad thing was when the dust settled; unemployment rising and wages being dumped.
Because of this making for hard days for the workers being out of job but also for the farmers as their harvest had been destroyed and now they had to empty the coffers to buy seeds for the next. Already some farmers were going broke.
In time both the Socialdemocrat Party and the Liberals would be alienated.
What mattered now was keeping the ship afloat.
Richmond, Virginia
President Jefferson Davies at the cabinet meeting made short order of the Denmark issue; he wouldn't consider declaring war on any European country. The counter effects would be most unwanted and to the detriment of his country.
The Confederate Navy was to avoid ships under Danish flag like the plague and most especially keep well off Danish warships.
Washington D.C.
Naval secretary Gideon Welles contacted the Danish trade delegation in New York to gather information on tradeable war materiel.
The Danish answer to the inquiry was that Danish government would follow the other European powers regarding the selling of war materiel but that it wouldn't be held responsible for the activities of Danish firms and asked the US government to contact institutions such as Madsen rifle works.
Gideon Welles was a happy man taking the information to the president.
As the US messenger left the Danish trade delegation its head immediately saw to that a cable was send to Madsen rifle works warning them of an US order being in the works. The head of delegation ended his cable by assuring the Madsen firm of his services in the future.
March 27 – June 22, 1864
The Danes had been enthusiastic about the referendum and everybody seemed to have been keeping their eyes shut to the other serious problems.
The need to sow the fields had eased the unemployment slightly as no Poles had been allowed into the country this year to do the job; it wasn't necessary.
Danish wages were so low as not seen in a decade.
Madsen rifle works had been looking for skilled workers for the gun smithy; the orders were pouring in from the USA.
A thousand rifles and ten light machine guns along 10.000 rounds were shipped off each month.
The US need were a bottomless hole and Madsen were already in the process of establishing a factory in Pittsburg along a hydroelectric plant for making Norway saltpetre for the needed ammunition works.
Surely skilled Danish workers were shipped overseas for getting the plant up and running but it didn't cure unemployment.
The rifle factory was a private venture thus outside government control but the ammunition works was a carefully engineered division of the Ammunition Arsenal cleverly changed into a Madsen division to stop anybody tracing anything.
Zahle didn't like it though but felt it necessary as it did provide jobs and income for the faltering state finances.
Private enterprise doing good was good but the state was in need of cash.
Other private enterprises were doing good too; the Great Nordic Telegraph was negotiating laying cables or setting up wireless telegraphy in Britain, France and Russia. Soon Austria and Germany would follow.
Great Nordic Telegraph was also able to provide the means for indirect artillery fire – field phones complete with a field central shiftboard and batteries to power it.
What it couldn't provide was the know-how to make it work with artillery but soon Danish artillery officers out of business would be available on the market; quite a number of these soon found a job with the US Army or some major European.
East Asiatic Company was doing just fine. H.N. Andersen was in the business of procuring kerosene and benzene as well as coal, hardwood and spices.
He had entered with the Great Nordic Telegraph for establishing coaling stations around the world for the new steamships entering service. Mostly he would buy coaling rights at existing places but enlarge them in anticipation of the times to be; and the need of modern steamships.
Valdemar Poulsen were working frantically to ease out bugs of his wireless products but already the Army procurements was a great start as was the launching of a cheap wireless set for the general public to tap into Danish Broadcasting Service – the only one in the world available at the moment.
Burmeister & Wain shipbuilders and engine works were busy as never before. Some would argue that Stauning was losing all his constituency in Copenhagen to the Communists due to their being employed there!
It wasn't all true though Burmeister & Wain was busy enlarging their works to keep up with the orders pouring in; most being private shipowners wanting to catch up with the new era but also governments ordering one off engines and armoured ships and then settling for licence building.
The firm was however building a large wharf and engine works in Russia much to the consternation of Sweden-Norway! With free enterprise ruling the day and some mostly Conservatives saw Russia as the bulwark against instability.
Burmeister & Wain was also in the internal combustion engine engineering business.
The maintenance of existing cars and trucks demanded new engines and spare parts something nobody else was able to procure except Thomas Thrige works; it was engineering truck engines on a reverse engineering programme to keep its truck and bus building running.
It couldn't satisfy market needs even if that market had shrunk dramatically for the past few months but everybody longed for the sunny days of August 1914 and sometime in the future they would return.
Some minor engineering firms were slowly growing to fill niches; Fisker & Nielsen had had a flowering business supplying Europe with vacuum-cleaners when the outbreak of war ended it. Now the market might reappear and so the firm was slowly gearing up production.
Ellehammer being the first man in Denmark to take off a heavier than air machine a few years before was having his energies harnessed by H.N. Andersen who had bought his small workshop and his expertise to build aircraft, auto and motorcycle engines.
Ellehammer was an inspired but unstable engineer and inventor and his business needed a strong hand. H.N. Andersen had decided to provide that hand expecting to rule the world market waiting for the output.
The Navy needed engines for its flying boats as did the Army for its aircraft and H.N. Andersen would ensure they got what they wanted.
Also the Army needed motorcycles and the public was yearning for replacements cars, engines and spare parts.
Ellehammer works could supply that if properly led; if not it would slowly fall apart as Ellehammer himself would fly off from this to that never finishing anything.
Seeing the efforts put into the Ellehammer works another motorcycle producer to be – Nielsen – would secure funds for his own production from the government as Zahle could see his minister soon dominating the market.
H.N. Andersen didn't mind as competition would serve to all doing their best and in the end he would buy the best product for himself!
Even if industry seemed to be doing well its workers weren't and to this Stauning directed his energies. Slowly however he came into conflict with Zahle as the latter wanted economy to recover but didn't share Staunings feelings for the worker's cause.
Even if they didn't share views Stauning thought Zahle the lesser evil and remained his supporter in parliament.
June 23, 1864
Slesvig
The referendum was decided by the most narrow margin 50,1 % voting for Denmark in the central zone. The northern zone had been a sure Danish vote by 85 %. The southern zone was clearly German by a 95 % vote.
The publication of the referendum made the Danes send in their administrative units to the two zones and Prussia keeping their presence in the southern as well as in Lauenburg.
Austria had since the peace talks kept their troops in Holstein along the Confederate contingent.
There was much rejoicing in the Northern part of Slesvig and in the Kingdom of Denmark but in Frankfurt the conflict between Prussia and Austria began on the division of the spoils.
Bismarck were keen to ride the German wave and demand Prussian control of Confederation troops north of the river Main and in the process saw to that Lauenburg was effectively incorporated into Prussia while preparing the same fate for Holstein.
For the time being von Roon warned Bismarck of offensive action; true Krupp works was working to replace the artillery lost during the war and was keenly studying the captured Danish rifles and single machinegun to retro-engineer them for Prussian use.
Though that was still some time in the future. The cartridges being the main problem.
June 24 – July 27, 1864
The area the least affected by the economic crisis was the newly won Slesvig! It had come through the times due to its unimpeded local economy in contrast to the Kingdom. Now Slesvig was seen as the area that by industrial development would help drag the Kingdom out of its present misery.
Internal matters was the prime objective of Zahle as Munch had assured him that Bismarck would be occupied with getting the Austrians out of Germany and then ensure Prussian hegemony.
Bismarck wouldn't be dangerous if not provoked or perceiving a threat. The last would be difficult to assess now with so much change and a defence force ready to act would probably not be a bad thing.
Prime amongst those internal matters were woman emancipation and along this a revision of the ballot system granting vote to each and everybody above the age of 25! Even household staff would be granted the right of voting; the horror of civilized world...!
Notably driving this change was of course the Socialdemocratic Party as Stauning perceived this as granting vote to his many workers who were not able to do so at the time but more importantly by the Conservative Party that had been downtrodden for so long by the Liberals. It would prove pay-back time!
It seemed the Prussians were frantically rebuilding its Army's potential while launching rhetoric against Austria in Frankfurt. Though when the situation seemed to heat Bismarck would surely cool it; he wasn't ready for war yet but would soon be so.
What was making admiral Kofoed-Hansen slightly nervous was the arrival of Prussia's new armoured ships in Baltic ports. It seemed the Prussians were eagerly buying anything floating and armoured which was a detriment to CSA efforts to get their ships on order in Britain and France off the wharfs.
It wasn't as much the ships themselves that set off the admiral; his Navy would easily handle those if they were to close on Danish shores. The intent was his concern. Prussia really didn't need those ships except for a showdown with Denmark!
Munch was the one to calm the admiral. The Prussians had bought the ships before i.e. in the other time-line but they hadn't used them against Denmark and nothing at the moment indicated this.
At this the admiral was able to entangle Munch in his own argument citing his “ difficult to assess now with so much change”.
Admiral Kofoed-Hansen demanded the rebuilding programme of his Navy put to work as well as finishing the laid down new coastal artillery ship Niels Iuel as a cruiser. Funds would also have to be allocated to supply fuel, coal and ammunition for keeping an increased state of readiness.
Munch was sullen but Zahle promised the admiral to take his demand to cabinet. He really didn't think it would be a problem; state finance though was a problem as would disappointed workers soon be too.
July 27, 1864
Election day had been a day of mixed blessings for Zahle. His party had kept its 31 seats but the Socialdemocrats of Stauning had gained seven making for a total of 39 which made it the equal of the Liberals 40. The Conservatives managed only 4.
The change of ballot system had made for a demonstration of 20.000 women at the Amalienborg Palace to mark the voting right – not to thank not to cheer but to hail the realization of the rights of women and individuals.
Though when appearing the King was hailed by many of the assembled in the Palace square!
Zahle was uneasy as what to do now.
He could of course continue the partnership with Stauning but creaks was showing over wages plummeting and bad state economics. Stauning wouldn't agree to a financing of the state by large scale exports of armaments but that was the deal by now as Zahle perceived the situation.
He would then have to lean towards the Liberals and the Conservatives but they still criticised his decision on the Slesvig partition by referendum and showed no signs of conciliation.
Anyway it would be Stauning again but he knew it wouldn't last. Stauning wanted increased income tax to finance the state which no one else accepted.
Staunings idea of a Worlds Fair might be the thing to boost exports of industrial produce and knowledge which prompted a talk with Munch.
Zahle wanted to know what they could do with their knowledge of the next 50 years of history and world development.
Munch was sceptical of trying to use it much; already the various nations had had their ambassadors to Copenhagen changed as they didn't understand what had happened and wanted some of their own in office.
Those replaced had either come back to live in Denmark and their own time, abandoned the state service and tried to carve out a living in their own country or placed in a mental institution; actually the latter was quite a number.
1864 didn't seem to take too well to news of the future Munch concluded.
He had pondered sending information to the USA of the Civil War but Copenhagen University library was very scarce on American subjects mostly having broad works or mainly British works with periphery coverage of America.
Munch didn't see it as viable to try selling uptime information in that part of the world. Europe would be another matter though as works were plentiful, mostly in French and German though so that would be the areas to work in.
On the other hand things were already changing in Germany as Prussia was licking its wounds; the German peoples were jubilant about the addition of rump Schleswig and Holstein to the Confederation which made Frankfurt a boiling kettle of Grossdeutschland or Kleindeutschland fractions with Bismarck being the man of the day fishing the unruly waters.
It did seem to Munch that Bismarck was lacking military muscle as he was mostly in the oratorical phase. Munch believed the pity performance of Prussian military kept the Princes from joining his cause 100%.
An early 1866 didn't seem to be in the cards at this moment though he was sure it would happen the moment the Prussian Army had rebuilt its morale; equipment seemed to be no problem. And then there was the reluctant population of the Rhineland Province who didn't like the Prussian adventures.
Munch advised to go with the Worlds Fair; enjoy the benefits of a modern society that would make the innovative centre of the world and serve to fill the coffers. Patience would be the key at the moment.
Berlin
Bismarck was lecturing in his high-pitched voice that the Germans was about ready for the showdown with Austria; the referendum had surely hit the nail in any German hearth.
He had been right; even if the war had been lost Germany had been won.
Now he needed the Prussian Army to flex its muscle.
New artillery pieces were being turned out by Krupp of Essen as was new rifles and cartridges.
The machineguns though was making for a head-ache. Not that it wasn't reproduce-able – it was but the engineers wanted to improve on the design to make it better. The Army also had its reservations; it was deemed too complicated for field use prone to mechanical failure.
No matter though. The Army would be given new arms now; it needed to call up its manpower.
At this both von Roon and von Molkte shook their heads.
The Army was in a bad state morally; it knew it had taken a beating by the Danes. Nothing unexpected though as the Danes were known to be a tough lot but much worse than expected!
National service commitment was at an all time low Roon added. There was widespread dissent about future service or service at all. Time would be needed to rebuild the reputation of the Army. The perception was that the dark shadow of the Napoleonic wars hadn't been lifted by the recent experiences.
Bismarck looked sullen but the King seemed rather pleased - “I have told you of the wonders Prince Friedrich Carl have reported of his stay in Denmark; it is folly to fight such a nation.”
“I know” Bismarck sighed “but Austria isn't such a nation and we need to pursue our success with the German peoples and act!”
“The peoples, the peoples” the King cried “they want freedom and all other useless socialist demands... I want the call of the Princes of Germany – that I will answer!” The King looked mightily pleased.
Bismarck frowned “I'll continue working in Frankfurt” and marched out the door.
July 28 – December 31, 1864
Stauning had been the schoolmaster to Zahle when asked to continue supporting the Social-Liberals government post elections.
Stauning had his price of course; no more state sponsored arms deals – the Ammunitions Arsenal had to cut down its activities to Danish needs only which anyway was far beyond pre August 5, 1914 with the increased demands of Army and Navy.
Stauning agreed to be living in a potential hostile environment which of course needed proper addressing but the Army and Navy seemed capable of doing so.
Defence spending would be no problem to Stauning.
What private firms did was morally objectionable to Stauning but he knew he couldn't do much about it at the time.
A raise in workers income were needed which would also serve to an increased value of taxation. Here he was at odds with Zahle as the Liberals would object if not benefited by low wages to make farming profitable. The lack of a years harvest was still the major ghost.
In the end Stauning and Zahle agreed to disagree but cooperate.
Planning of the Worlds Fair 1865 began taking shape as both men thought it the miracle to save economy and change the world they had come to live in; but from different perspectives.
Zahle wanted free trade democracy and peace; Stauning socialism and peace. Once again they were at loggerheads but planning continued.
US Civil War
The uptime impact on the Civil War were at first very localized as the (Western) Iron Brigade issued new breechlock rifles and machineguns took very light losses during the Battle of the Wilderness May 5-7, 1864 but inflicted far greater losses on their opponents.
The impact were not decisive at this point but general Grant did notice that his Danish advisors seemed to be worth their money.
Things did become obvious though at the battle of North Anna/Jerico Mills on May 23, 1864 when the Iron Brigade was instrumental in totally defeating the attack of Confederate general Willcox by almost annihilating Thomas' brigade by rifle and machinegun fire.
Late in the day Cutler's division would cut the Virginian Central Rail Road by its presence.
The final blow to the Confederate cause came at the Assault on Petersburg June 10-15, 1864 where forward observers directing artillery by field phones supported the infantry in their assault on the Confederate trenches.
At Petersburgh the tactics of fire and movement would be born in the mind of a company commander realizing the potential of the machinegun in suppressing enemy troops making room for his own troops to manoeuvre.
New weapons and new tactics made Beauregard's defences of Petersburg breakdown on June 15.
In the evening Union troops would enter the city.
The next months saw an increase in Union Army effectiveness the Confederate Army were unable to match. The arrival of new batteries of long range directed artillery with hugely increased destructive ability literally buried Lee's defenders of Richmond and made it possible for Union troops to enter the city in October, 1864.
The termination of hostilities in the USA made it possible for Lincoln to apply heavy pressure on France to pull out its troops of Mexico.
For a moment Napoleon III considered war with the USA but the military advice to the Emperor was to respect the USA armed forces equipped with the superior Danish weapons.
At this Napoleon accepted to withdraw his troops by the beginning of 1865.
National and International affairs
In the Baltic Russia once again became suspicious of its neighbours as Sweden-Norway launched its first armoured ship in December 1864 which would be armed with the new Danish 21cm fast firing main gun and 75mm fast firing secondary armament.
One thing a Denmark that was oriented towards the south and overseas but a potential hostile Sweden-Norway with modern arms and possible lust for Finland seemed very dangerous.
The launching of the Thordön (Thunder) also made for a stir in Copenhagen. Not that it was unknown to be building but the political implications hadn't been considered in detail.
Zahle felt remorse for having armed Sweden-Norway for a possible revanché with Russia over Finland but it had served to cover his back.
The rest of 1864 was the scene of much social unrest in Denmark as strikes and lock-outs hit society. Both parties were staunchly entrenched with the conflict taking on proportions of 1911.
Just as workers and police were fighting in the streets so were Stauning and I.C. Christensen at Parliament.
Though come new years ewe 1864 the conflict were showing signs of loosening up with effects of increased foreign trade and exports of knowledge soared making for industry in need of shipping off skilled craftsmen and administrative personnel for running overseas associate businesses as well as increasing salaries due to an increasing lack of skilled labour.
If government didn't want to disperse the knowledge of the future Stauning had no qualms doing so.
Realizing the upcoming First International at London on September 28, 1864 Stauning worked hard to become a part of it and mobilize the German workers to participate.
The stories told by demobilized Prussian soldiers and prince Friederich Karls experiences of captivity aided greatly in this respect; even if the Germans were loathsome of the mean Danes that were suppressing their countrymen they were genuinely curious as to how the small country up north could defeat two European major powers.
There was no lack of listeners when Danish Socialdemocratic Party members and workers unionist's were travelling German lands.
Staunings long term objective was to move the International to Copenhagen to control the workers and counter the influence of Marx.
Arriving in Britain Stauning was the talk of the town at least among the working class; the stories of the dock yard workers that had seen the Danish wonders earlier in the year ran like wildfire; everybody wanted to hear the man and what it was all about.
Not only the British workers unionist's but also the French and Italian workers as well as the anarchist's were quite curious even if they - the anarchist's that is - were ready anytime to denounce the wonders of Denmark as a bourgeoisie and nobility hoax.
It was just too tempting to not go and listen.
The First International was a great triumph of Stauning's as he was able by demonstrating the advances of Danish workers by their Socialdemocratic Party into being a major party of Parliament to solidly counter Marx's position.
Though keeping the French and Italians at conference proved a major obstacle but served to unite Stauning and Marx in their shared position against anarchism as they were just as rejective of the Socialdemocratic Party as of anything else in this world.
The greatest triumph of Stauning was the accept of his invitation for conference at Copenhagen next year at the time of the Worlds Fair; the Copenhagen Conference would open on May 1, 1865!
One rock did manage to stiffen society during the last part of year – the King. Christian X would every morning tour Copenhagen on his horse. The sight of the King riding his horse through the city streets unaccompanied was a reassuring sight to the peoples.
The King of course had joined the march into Slesvig following the referendum; it had been a triumph in the north somewhat less so in the south. Generally though the population of Slesvig had hailed their King/Duke as he rode through the lands taking them in possession. The ride had been recounted in the major newspapers as well as on radio.
There had been some - notably among the workers and intellectuals that was pondering and arguing the abolition of royalty following the altered situation and reality or just the political view reinforced by events. The ascent of white-collared workers into the bourgeoisie was a major contribution to counter these views.
As nobody of influential stature would take up the gauntlet and challenge royalty the sentiment died out of public life but continued to live under society's apparently smooth surface.
Austria was also working to ready its Army for the next war that was looming in the distance.
A few Kragh-Jørgensen rifles had been picked up in Schleswig as had a Madsen machinegun. Both were sent to Bohemia to get copied at the Skoda works.
The Madsen Rifle Works had been contacted for a manufacturing license but it had been turned down; apparently the Danes didn't want to deal with former enemies at the time being. Then Defence Minister Munch had been asked but he replied that government weren't able to interfere with private enterprise.
The Skoda works were told to get going.
Late in November a fire was recorded to have taken place at 16 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore in which the proprietor Maggie Branson and some of her friends among these John Wilkes Booth and Samuel Arnold perished. There was also a number of unidentified dead at the site.
Making a fortune on canned foods by lowering the manufacturing cost of cans by import of machinery from Denmark Michael O'Laughlen - who had been on a business trip to Denmark during November - would become a well known lobbyist for leniency in the administration of the occupied southern states.
1865
Denmark
Returning from London following his successful participation of the First International Zahle and Stauning fell out. Zahle felt betrayed as he could clearly see the intentions of Stauning's that could fire off the worst street battles Copenhagen had ever witnessed during May.
Stauning however promised to calm his (HIS!!!) workers! Zahle sat dumbfaced... HIS workers!
Stauning smiled – yes his workers. He would be able to call a general strike or revolution if he wanted to but right now he wanted neither. He wanted the Worlds Fair and his workers conference a success which Zahle could read on his face to be the truth.
If Zahle would be able to rein in the Liberals and their vicious campaign on the workers to keep wages ridiculously low Stauning would tighten the leash on the workers!
Stauning didn't mind fighting I.C. Christensen at Parliament but he surely would like Zahle to make his position clear as Stauning had during the war-crisis.
Zahle did get it; of course he did. It was pay-back time. Damn whatever you do it will backlash on yourself sooner or later; but he would do it his way.
The Worlds Fair was scheduled to open at Copenhagen on May 1, 1865. The weather were usually fine at this time of year and it was thought to be pulled off as early as possible to possibly sidetrack political developments in Europe and America.
Economy was slowly recovering during the first half of the year. The harvest had been average but it would suffice. The agricultural sector would recover.
Industry was booming. The first cruiser was being readied for turn over to the US Navy by Burmeister & Wain. Now the Civil War had ended no problems existed for the USA to procure weapons in Europe i.e. Denmark.
Showing up at parliament Zahle took the speakers platform announcing a new state fiscal act; the state was in a terrible economic position.
The Ammunition Arsenal was doing good but the state still suffered from the recession caused by the event last year, the failed harvest and need to buy grain and seed to carry the population through the sudden winter.
Everybody had to tighten the belt; farmers and workers had take their fair share of the burden - now private enterprise had to contribute too - companies were to have their tax rate increased.
There was much mumbling and some expressions of surprise and anger but Zahle ended his speech by inviting every political party leader for negotiations on the state fiscal; nobody wanted to be left out on this.
It was no easy round of negotiations but in the end Zahle did come out with an acceptable new fiscal; Stauning got his the Liberals got theirs and everybody was generally quite happy that the Conservatives now had to pull the wagon.
I.C. Christensen had sensed change in the political landscape and readily agreed to support Zahles proposal; of course the Liberal party supported the industry the local industry that is.
Big industry was the domain of the Conservatives and Christensen didn't mind showing the Conservatives to the edge or perhaps over it.
Zahle noticed this with some satisfaction as it made Stauning uneasy.
Germany
New Years Ewe had seen quite some celebrating in Germany hailing the new members entering the Confederation.
It had pleased Bismarck as had the information that the Army seemed to recover its morale with the memories of defeat slowly fading.
Bismarck felt firm ground under his feet and in Frankfurt demanded the control by Prussia of all Confederation forces north of the river Main; a suggestion promptly rejected by Austria.
That was what Bismarck wanted and he immediately rejected the idea of Grossdeutschland as viable; Austria would not fit in.
Behind the scenes Bismarck had had Duke Friedrich August of Augustenborg demand the withdrawal of Austrian troops from his lands which Austria by rejecting had raised a public storm in Germany.
Cleverly manipulating both parties Bismarck had the Germans demand Austrian withdrawal and the Princes so too out of fear of public sentiment, socialist agitation as expressed by German socialist leaders taking part in the First International and Austrian arbitrary action.
Prussian annexation of Lauenburg wasn't brought up.
Bismarck had Molkte draw up plans for the invasion of Austria.
Then the French Emperor humiliated by the events in Mexico where his protégé Maximilian had been executed threw a spanner in the works by announcing that he would support the faltering finances of King Willem of the Netherlands by trading a vast sum for Luxembourg.
Bismarck riding the German wave was dumbfounded; going ahead with the war on Austria would be folly in this situation as a roar against the French developed in the German press. Going to war against France seemed just outright crazy.
King William was falling apart; the two had a protracted argument in which Bismarck threatened resignation if not having his way.
In the end Bismarck had to give in as von Roon and von Molkte supported the King; there would be no fighting the French! That would have to be solved in another way.
Salvation came from an unexpected corner; Britain.
Britain let Napoleon III know that France buying the territory of Luxembourg would not be to the satisfaction of Britain.
A conference was held at London where Bismarck was at his best claiming not being able to control the German peoples from doing justice by themselves.
During conference articles kept popping up in German newspapers demanding the seizure of Luxembourg as a German country as well as scolding Austria of her treatment of Holstein. No one in Germany was in doubt that it was the work of Bismarck's.
The conference ended with Bismarck having Luxembourg incorporated in the German Confederation by paying off King Willem.
Once again Napoleon III had been left humiliated.
Just as the conference ended Bismarck entered Frankfurt demanding the cooperation of the German Princes stating that only by standing united could outside threats be repelled. The representatives agreed to Bismarck's statement.
The Princes were absent.
Denmark
Stauning had problems of his own. He was undisputed leader of the Socialdemocratic Party of Denmark soon to become an international socialist figurehead but the Danish workers were slowly splitting up into dark- and white-collared workers.
The white-collared figured the Socialdemocratic Party was no longer their party due to their position of a more administrative kind and was looking for political affiliation.
Stauning sensed it and began pondering what to do. Clearly it might mean a split of party if he took a too socialist attitude at conference but he would have to think it over.
Cabinet had problems in integrating the downtimer Army of 1864 into society. Quite a number had settled in Slesvig which did a lot to solve the problem.
Some were moving overseas to the North Atlantic territories or the West Indies or the USA.
However a large number were drifting into Copenhagen and the larger provincial cities and making for problems as they were uncomfortable wherever they went. Crime was usually associated with these elements. More police and gendarmes were needed Parliament decided.