In July 1838 war between Denmark and Germany was declared. Following an invasion of all of Jutland it appeared that Germany would occupy all of Denmark, defeating the Danish at the Siege of Kiel and the Battle of Dybbøl. Admiral Nugent’s forces were separated, surrounding the entrance of the Great Belt. On the morning of 19 April, Nugent regrouped with his right flank and entered German controlled waters. The German navy, a band of navies from several former German states was just recently reformed by Prince Adalbert. If not for his naval experience the German navy would never have gotten afloat. Under his command a large force was ordered off the coast of Jutland to provide support for the German land forces.