Summary
The Conquest of Kalmar (Swedish: Erövringen av Kalmar) took place on 27 May 1523, during the Swedish War of Liberation (1521-1523). In the beginning of 1523, Kalmar and Stockholm remained as the only real Danish strongholds in Sweden. The situation in Kalmar was tense, with many German Landsknechte mercenaries in Danish hire stationed in the city. They were under orders that, if the city were to be attacked, they should kill all burghers of Swedish origin, burn the city and castle, retreat, and regroup in Visby, Gotland.
| Conquest of Kalmar | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Swedish War of Liberation | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Sweden | |||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
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Arvid Västgöte Peder Hansson | |||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| At least two Fähnlein of German mercenaries | German mercenaries | ||||||||
When this order became known in the city, the inhabitants quickly made contact with the commanders of the besieging Swedish forces, Arvid Västgöte and Peder Hansson. An agreement was made that the burghers would leave the northern city gate open on the night before 27 May. This was done, and the attack began. Before dawn, the city was in Swedish hands. Eight days later Kalmar Castle surrendered as well, and Arvid Västgöte continued on to cleanse Öland of Danish troops.
References edit
- Sundberg, Ulf (1998). "Befrielsekriget 1521-1523". Svenskt Militärhistoriskt Bibliotek (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 16 September 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.