The Danish army

It is a reasonable assumption that King Valdemar’s army was around 2,500 strong. But it may also have been considerably larger or smaller. Presumably, they were divided into cavalry, infantry and crossbowmen. The majority were warriors with modern equipment.

The king’s retinue included his son Kristoffer, a number of Danish knights and Eric II, Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg. The army would likely have consisted partly of German soldiers, considering Valdemar’s relation to the Duke.

The Danish had several years’ experience of battles including 1359 and 1360 in Skåne and Blekinge. And they came straight from Öland after a successful attack on the island. One source states that 500 Öland farmers were killed. Morale among the troops would have been high following the victory. Experience meant both officers and privates were well-prepared for the battles.