The Plunder of Nancowry (Danish: Plyndringen af Nancovryhavn) or the Battle of Nancowry (Danish: Slaget ved Nancovryhavn) was a British plunderer of the Danish colony at Nancowry Island (Ny Sjælland) in 1805.

Background

In 1756, the Danish flag was hoisted at the island of Great Nicobar (Ny Sjælland), and the colonial attempt also spread to Nancowry Island, however, these attempts already failed the next year. For the rest of the 18th century, Denmark would try to establish a colonial presence on the Nicobar Islands.

In 1801 hostilities broke out between Denmark–Norway and Great Britain, and these hostilities would spread to India. On 12 May Tranquebar would be occupied along with Serampore.

Plunder

Initially, the Danish Nicobar Islands (Frederiksnagore) were left out of the British occupation, and in 1802 a ship arrived with more supplies and men. However, Nancowry would not be spared completely from the war with Britain. In 1805, on the basis of the war between Denmark and Great Britain, a British captain named Blom would arrive at the habour of Nancowry. Together with his vessel, HMS Amboyna, Blom would dislodge the sentry and loot godowns and residences, before leaving the habour again.

Aftermath

In the following year, the Danes would revisit the island, and the Danish command would be re-established. In 1807, the islands would be left to themselves again because of the Gunboat War, and two years later, in 1809, the British would come to the island and transport the leftover garrison to Tranquebar.

See also

• British occupation of Serampore (1763) – 1763 siege and occupation of Serampore
• Battle of Copenhagen (1801) – Part of the War of the Second Coalition and the English Wars
• Battle of West Kay – 1801 naval battle between the United Kingdom and Denmark
• Austrian colonization of the Nicobar Islands