'A view of Copenhagen with the British Forces taking possession under the command of Sir Home Popham and General Murray'

Line engraving published by J Ryland in London, from the Stationers Almanac, 1807 (c).

The Copenhagen expedition was undertaken to prevent the powerful Danish fleet from falling into French hands. Had this occurred the French could have used the fleet to support Napoleon's planned invasion of Britain. After landing on Zealand, British troops defeated weak Danish forces near the town of Køge, south of Copenhagen. Most of the Danish army was then defending the southern border against possible French attack. Copenhagen was soon encircled. The Danes rejected British demands to surrender, so the British fleet under Admiral Gambier, and the Army's land batteries, bombarded the city from 2-5 September. On 7 September 1807 the Danes surrendered both the city and the fleet.

Admiral Sir Home Riggs Popham served as captain of the fleet during the operation. General Sir George Murray, along with Major-General Sir Arthur Wellesley and General Sir William Cathcart, commanded the land forces at Copenhagen.