5
The Nordic War 1700

In the beginning of the 1700s Sweden is again at war. Our marine defense is weak and the shipping industry is weakened during long periods of time. In 1710, several merchants were asked if they would be interested in privateering. Seven years later, king Karl XII authorized a privateering regiment under Lars Gathenhielms command. The hijacking becomes increasingly bothersome for Sweden’s opponents, and the Danish king Fredrik IV therefore tasks commander Peder Tordenskiold with orchestrating an attack on Gothenburg, which has become the hub for Swedish privateers. The new naval base at Nya Varvet is also ordered destroyed. The 2nd of may 1717 Tordenskiolds squadrons are gathered at Vinga, and as the day turns to night he starts his advances on Gothenburg using smaller battleships. Under the lead of commander Gustav Gadde, the cannons at Nya Älvsborg are fired, and guards stationed by the shore attack the Danish. Additionally, Sweden is defending with four anchored frigates carrying 40 cannons from across the river, close to Nya Varvet. The attack carries on throughout the night, until 8 am the morning after. Tordenskiold is licking his wounds and rethinks his strategy. He now attempts to block the river towards Gothenburg city. However, only two weeks later he is defeated and sails towards Norway. Commander Gustav Gadde was successful in defending Nya Älvsborg and is therefore celebrated as one of King Karl XLLs bravest officers.