Memory of the lake battle: commemoration for Danish marine soldiers in Büsum
Memory of the lake battle: commemoration for Danish marine soldiers in Büsum
The commemoration on the 210th anniversary of the Seeflacht in front of Büsum was an atmospheric event that reminded numerous participants in historical events. Organized by the Kulturwarft support association under the chairmanship of Anton Bingert, the ceremony took place at the monument to the fallen and wounded Danish marines. Around 50 guests, including Mayor Hans-Jürgen Lütje and Mayor Gerd Gehrts, took part in this significant occasion.
The honor of speaking in the name of the Danish Ministry of Defense was given to Henry Bohm from Bredstedt, who resigned a wreath on behalf of the Forsvars Minister Krigsgravtilsyn. The Marine-Cameradschaft Heide, represented by its chairman Kurt-Ewald Finke and Oliver Kumbartzky, also resigned, which underlined the importance of this commemoration.
historical framework of the lake battle
The sea battle, which occurred in early September 1813, has its origins in a strategic plan for Danes. These had left 13 cannon boats to water to support the continental lock against England and prevent the Schleich trade. Under the command of Prime Minister Martin Klaumann, seven of these boats and another Schaluppe Büsum reached the course for Glückstadt.
On September 3, however, British forces intervened with a superiority of 10 cannon boats and four armed barges. The attack started at 11:00 a.m., and despite the violent gun fight, which lasted many hours, the Danes were finally able to push the British back in the event of severe losses. Nevertheless, the Danish marine had to accept the loss of seven fallen soldiers and 16 wounded, which underlines the cruelty and the seriousness of the fight.
The fallen soldiers were buried with military honor near today's lighthouse. A Danish memorial still reminds of the fallen sailors. Interestingly, the monument was transferred to today's cemetery on Bahnhofstrasse in 1912 after the Tonnenhof Büsum was created and the lighthouse was rebuilt.
The memory is preserved
The memorial and the surrounding soldiers' graves are groomed by soldiers and reservists from Denmark, Austria and Germany. Pastor Christian Verwold held the memorial and prayer, which was also supplemented by the solemn character of the ceremony by spiritual elements. The grief and respect that was expressed that day were of great importance for both those present and the story.
Part of the remains of the battle is still visible: some cannon balls used during the argument are walled into the base of the molen fire on the anchorage. These stone memories testify to the historical aggression, which the port of Büsum experienced during the naval battle, and add another dimension of history to the place. The memory of this battle remains alive, not only through the celebrations, but also through the constant care and memory of the fallen soldiers.