The Invasion of Gotland (Danish: Erobringen af Gotland/Gulland[a]) (Swedish: Erövringen av Gotland) was a Danish sea-borne invasion of the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, led by admiral Niels Juel during the Scanian War. The invasion took place from 28 April to 1 May 1676.
A Danish squadron of 16 warships, led by Niels Juel, were originally to be sent from Copenhagen to Gotland, but when the squadron left the port on 28th of March, it could only count eight Liners, five Frigates, three smaller ships, two Burners and two Galiots with an additional 628 guns.[6]
On the 22th of April, they intercepted two Swedish warships between Bornholm and Hanö, they burned the ships, yet also took over the ships.[6][clarification needed] After Juel had received intelligence, which indicated the island could be conquered, his squadron landed near Visby which was defended by 600 men.[7]
Action
Col. Barthold landed his troops, with coverage of his ships cannon fire, near Visby.[7] The Swedish governor concentrated his troop at the Danish landing place, but they suffered greatly by the cannon fire.[6] Barthold met only weak resistance, thanks to the important help of the cannons, whereby the Swedish troops retreated back to Visby.[citation needed]
Some Gotlanders, which had 30 years prior had been a part of Denmark, were celebrating the invasion, and helped them open the Visby city gates by horses.[7][2] This meant further retreatment to Visborg by the Swedes. Juel, had Rear admiral, Peter Morsing, to fire at Visborg with the three ships of Gylden-løve, Delmenhorst and Havfruen. Yet on the same day the Swedish commander of Visborg capitulated.[2]
Aftermath
Eight days after the conquest, Niels Juel became governor of Gotland, while major Bilenberg were commander at Visborg with 529 men. A Danish battalion were also established in the beginning of June 1676,[6] and three companies with 600 men each, were conscripted among the islands population[8]
^In Danish and Swedish, "tl" became "ll", and this gave the island the name Gulland in the Danish period.
Today's Swedish name for the island, Gotland, comes from Low German.