The Anglo–Swedish skirmish refers to an incident where the Swedish ship ''Livland'', commanded by Per Olofsson refused to salute two English ships, respectively the ''Burlington'' and the ''Siren''. His refusal led to a skirmish and the subsequent damaging of the ''Livland''
Skirmish
On the way towards Portugal with a delayed convoy, Captain Per Olofsson of the ''Livland'' encountered the two English ships, the ''Burlington'' and the ''Siren''. The English ships ordered the ''Livland'' to strike its mizzen sail, even though he had already, according to international practice, fired Swedish recognition signals, namely two cannon shots.
Olofsson promptly refused to do so, and drank the king's toast in wine with his officers while the ''Livland'' prepared for battle.
Olofsson also made a promise with his officers to fight until the last man.
After a short but intense battle, during which several Swedes were killed and wounded, the ''Livland'' gave up and was taken into
Plymouth
Plymouth ( ) is a port city status in the United Kingdom, city and unitary authority in Devon, South West England. It is located on Devon's south coast between the rivers River Plym, Plym and River Tamar, Tamar, about southwest of Exeter and ...
.
Aftermath
After some time, the ''Livland'' was freed. However, the captain, Per Olofsson, was accused in front of the Swedish
Admiralty court
Admiralty courts, also known as maritime courts, are courts exercising jurisdiction over all admiralty law, maritime contracts, torts, injuries, and offenses.
United Kingdom England and Wales
Scotland
The Scottish court's earliest records, ...
for giving his ship up. Initially, he was sentenced to death, but he was later pardoned by
Charles XII
Charles XII, sometimes Carl XII () or Carolus Rex (17 June 1682 – 30 November 1718 Old Style and New Style dates, O.S.), was King of Sweden from 1697 to 1718. He belonged to the House of Palatinate-Zweibrücken, a branch line of the House of ...
.
See also
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References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Anglo-Swedish skirmish (1695)
Naval battles involving Sweden
Naval battles involving England
Conflicts in 1695