On the morning of 28th April, the Royal Navy sloop, HMS Rose found herself in one of the most feared situations such a ship could face.
Isolated and becalmed, Danish gunboats supported by a of sloop of war were approaching. Experienced and aggressive adversaries, the Danes specialised in overwhelming vessels like the Rose.
Captain Mansell, commander of the Rose ordered his crew to action stations and to man the sweeps to attempt to row out of the dead calm. But Rose could not escape the closing gunboats who opened fire, hitting the hull and rigging. This onslaught continued for almost an hour without the Rose returning fire and all the time suffering more and more damage. Mansell kept his crew hidden and out of harm. Only when the gunboats were within grapeshot range was the order given by Mansell to open fire with all available weapons, from cannon to small arms.
The desperate close fought battle raged for another hour before the Danes gradually withdrew from the action and the withering close range fire of the Rose.
Rose managed to sink one gunboat, captured another and caused considerable damage to others. Though HMS Rose suffered substantial damage herself in the battle, only five of Mansell's crew were wounded.

Private commission.

EDITION: 100 signed giclée prints.
SIZE: Dimensions are approximate and include a signed border.
PRICE: Includes UK postage.