It is clear that the Danish Auxiliary corps compromised the elite of the
XIII army corps. The
men were mainly young healthy Danes who had served several years in the Danish army and
had therefore been drilled and trained on a regular basis. Although they lacked real
combat
experience, their training had been tough and they were often forced to bivouac for as
long as
10 to 12 days in the field where they were only fed minimum rations. These long and
tiresome
exercises and the intense drilling had hardened the troops. The average soldier were
tough,
were able to march in a steady pace and were used to bivouac under the open sky as could
he live off minimum rations. Reports from the Danish war-archives says the following about
the Danish horsemen:
"The Danish cavalrist on his huge strong Jutlandian horse, which he loves and
cares for
himself, is highly trained in the use of a sabre, in the art of formation riding and
during the
camping he constantly displayed bravery and talent for recognisance and movement in rough
terrain. All these factors combined to inspire awe and fear among his enemies."
The quality of the officers were exceptional. Prince Frederik of Hessen, who commanded the
corps proved to be the right man at the right place and time. He quickly won the
admiration
and respect of the troops he led and respect from Davout, who had been doubtful of the
average Danish officers quality. The Prince displayed a cunning talent for leading troops
and
great courage when faced with the enemy. He became loved by the Danish troops, whom he
made a habit of always visiting when they were in their bivouacs. The Prince had excellent
helpers in the field. The Bardenfleth brothers, his chief of staff Jens Carl and Frederik
Løvenørn (Løveørn translates into "Lioneagle") who all displayed bravery and
talent during
the upcoming campaign.
L´Allemand (a young and very talented French general) were transferred to the Danish
corps
at the start of the campaign. He were soon placed in command of the vanguard.
Please note that Denmark had avoided conflict (on a larger scale anyway) since the
Napoleonic war started. Other nations such as France or Prussia had been at war for as
long
as 15 years at this point (or even longer). Their troops average quality had dropped
remarkably in this time and the troops serving these countries were young and poorly
trained.
Denmark who had stayed clear of the war had a fine army, well drilled and with excellent
officers.
As proof of the Danish quality Davout told Count Danneskjold-Løvendahl:
"As I now know the nature of your troops, I am just as pleased to bring them with
me in
battle as I would be to bring old French veterans"
(this was a huge compliment, as Davoult was a man who rarely
complimented anyone).
Other sources about the quality of the Danish troops can be found under the Engagement
section.