The Repatriation of Spanish Troops from Denmark, 1808: The British Government, Logistics, and Maritime Supremacy

Following the Spanish revolts of 1808 against French occupation of their country, Spanish regiments that had previously fought for Napoleon in northern Europe became anxious to return to their homeland to support the uprising. The British government, very much aware of the military and political utility of removing this force from Scandinavia, prepared and executed an operation to remove the soldiers from Denmark and carry them back to Spain. This article outlines how this remarkable operation was managed and conducted, studying the political, administrative, and logistical elements, before moving on to consider its wider implications, both for Britain and for the war in Spain.