The Danish government refused so British troops landed at Vedbæk on 16 August and began an investment on Copenhagen.

Castenschiold's forces concentrated themselves around Roskilde and Lejre, while general Oxholm was sent south to activate the Søndre Sjællandske Landeværnsregiment.

In the meantime, the British headquarters at Copenhagen had become aware of the Danish militia's mobilization and on 27 August general Arthur Wellesley (later 1st Duke of Wellington) was ordered to locate and defeat it.

The eight 6-pound cannons and two 5.5-inch howitzers were served by Newhouse's battery of the Royal Horse Artillery and Sympher's half-battery of the King's German Legion.

[1] Castenschiold's force was made up of 7,000 infantry in 11 battalions, 150 cavalry in two squadrons, and 120 artillerists serving nine guns.