“Avkræfted paa lange sygeleye.” That’s what’s inscribed on the Schrødersees monument. What does it mean? It means “Weakened by long illness.” This monument honors a man who defied weakness. It defied death itself.
The Schrødersees monument stands as a tribute to Captain Johan Chr. Schrødersee. He was a hero of the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. The monument is on the eastern corner of Batterie Sixtus. It was erected in 1804.
Schrødersee was born on October 15, 1754. During the battle, Captain Thura of the ship “Indfødsretten” fell. Schrødersee volunteered to take command. He was reportedly hit by a bullet as he boarded the ship. It happened the moment he reached the rope ladder.
The Schrødersees monument is made of sandstone. It’s shaped like a shattered undermast of a ship of the line. The base is made of Nexø sandstone. The upper part is made of Cottastein.
The inscription reads “Weakened / by long illness // inflamed / by a glimpse of / Denmark’s Fredrik / with the prince’s acclaim / consecrated // before I. C. Schrødersee / from this place // acquainted with warrior’s death / the fairest / for his own fatherland / in meeting // the 2nd of April 1801”.
Crown Prince Frederick VI was present during the battle. He and his staff were near this very spot. Schrødersee was recovering from an illness but joined the prince. He immediately volunteered to replace the fallen Captain Thurah. His courage inspired everyone that day.
The Schrødersees monument is not just stone. It is a story etched in stone. It tells of duty, sacrifice and love for one’s country. It reminds us that even in weakness, heroism can ignite. Consider Schrødersee’s final act. He chose duty over his ailing body. This monument immortalizes a fleeting moment of bravery. It is a reminder that true strength lies not just in physical prowess. It lies in the will to serve.