Second War of Schleswig Danevirke

the last military use of danevirke during second war of schleswig in 1864. due above-mentioned emotive nationalist symbolism, public opinion in denmark , danish military had expected coming battle take place here. after centuries of abandonment , decay, danevirke fortifications partially restored, strengthened, , equipped artillery installations in 1850 , 1861. in second war of schleswig, there skirmishing south of danevirke, ironically no battle took place here, danish commander in chief, general de meza, withdrew soldiers trenches @ dybbøl, owing unexpected threat of being outflanked. schlei , wetlands between danevirke , husum had frozen solid in hard winter, , territory south of danevirke had been conquered advancing german army. retreat came surprise austro-prussian army, , of danish army succeeded in completing evacuation. resulted, however, in abandonment of important pieces of heavy artillery, , remains matter of historical debate why railway flensburg never used evacuation. news of retreat came great shock danish public opinion had considered danevirke impregnable, , general de meza promptly relieved of command. danevirke has remained in german possession ever since.