Vasnæs Battery

An old military battery by the Little Belt

At the narrowest point in the Little Belt, a military battery was built in the 1800s, which played a role in the wars of 1808, 1848-50, and 1864.

In 1807, batteries were built at the Little Belt, which were to keep English ships out of the Little Belt. Partly in Fredericia opposite Strib, partly at Vejrmose on the Jutland side opposite Vasnæs on the Funen side.

Vasnæs Battery was equipped with palisades and equipped with 12-pound cannons (ie 6 kg iron bullets) and 20-pound howitzers (cannons for firing artillery shells). The battery included an ammonia shed, guard house and barracks house.

Wars 1848-50
In the war of 1848-50, the battery was made battle-ready under the name "Store Hindsgavl Battery" as part of the battery line that was laid on the Hindsgavl Peninsula. From here, the enemy troops on the Jutland side were shelled.

War 1864
During the war in 1864, the west coast of Funen was heavily fortified. From Røjle to Fønsskov, a system of trenches and cannon positions was built, and out of the water, sea mines were laid.
Vasnæs Battery was expanded to a height of 3 meters, and the parapet was reinforced with a rampart curve (arrow curve filled with gravel). The equipment was three 12-pound rifled cannons (for grenades) and three 18-pound cannons (for bullets).
Vasnæs Battery was protected in 1971 and restored in 1999.

Source: Middelfart Museum / Middelfart Municipality

<< Go back

---