Dannebroge - A naval warship in Køge Bay

Dannebroge was launched in 1692 and was equipped with more than 80 guns, most of them bronze. The name was given to the ship after the Order of the Dannebrog established by King Christian V in 1671. At first, the ship was the pride of the Danish navy. But as the fleet was expanded with an increasing number of newly built vessels, it began to take on a more modest role.

On the morning of 4 October the Danish fleet was anchored just inside Køge Bay. They were waiting for transport ships to take allied Russian soldiers to Zealand. When Swedish warships approached Køge, the Danes initially thought it was the fleet of transport ships they had been waiting for. When they realised their mistake, a flurry of activity erupted on the Danish ships. Dannebroge was anchored closest to the approaching Swedish ships and commenced the battle. But when she started shooting, the ship was ignited by sparks from the guns. After a few hours, the fire reached the gunpowder stores and the ship blew up. Only nine men survived.

Salvage operations from the wreckage started as early as 1714. But the ship was badly damaged by the fire and most of its guns had been destroyed. Ten tonnes of bronze pieces were removed and reused in the manufacture of new guns.

In 1978, the wreck was rediscovered. In connection with the investigations, a sketch was made of the remains of this once proud warship.