Battle of Orford Ness (1704)

The Battle of Orford Ness was a naval battle fought between a southbound Swedish convoy escorted by the Swedish warship Öland and an English squadron of eight ships of the line and a frigate off the coast of Orford Ness on 27 July 1704 (Julian calendar). The English squadron followed the Swedish convoy for a long time, and, when caught up with it, demanded a salute due to Psilander being in English waters. The Swedish commander Gustaf von Psilander, under strict orders from his king not to, refused (in order to avoid damaging his nation's honor). A four-hour battle ensued, with the heavily damaged Öland being captured alongside the convoyed merchant ships. The Swedish Board of Admiralty and Board of Trade refused to demand for his release or support Psilander while he was in captivity, but Charles XII was of a different opinion and successfully demanded the release of the warship and crew. Psilander, his crew, and the convoyed ships were later released and returned to Sweden. However, Öland later sank north of Denmark while homebound.[1]

Battle of Orford Ness
Part of the Great Northern War
ÖLANDS strid vid Orfordness 28 juli 1704, Albert Berg
Date 27 July 1704 (Julian Calendar) 28 July 1704 (Swedish style) 7 August 1704 (Gregorian Calendar) Location English Channel, North Sea 52°02′46″N 1°44′38″E Result English Victory
Belligerents
England	Swedish Empire
Commanders and leaders
William Whetstone	Gustaf von Psilander
Strength
8 ships of the line 1 frigate	1 ship of the line
Casualties and losses
100 killed and wounded	53 killed and wounded 1 ship of the line captured

References

1. Liljegren, Bengt (2002). "Kaptenen som vägrade stryka flagg." Populärhistorisk Tidskrift 3: pp. 38-44.