Landings at Chusan - China 1841

1st October 1841

The second capture of Chusan occurred on 1 October 1841 during the First Opium War when British forces captured the city of Dinghai, capital of the Chusan (Zhoushan) islands off the east Chinese coast.

The fortified city of Dinghai, with a population of 30,000, was defended by the Chinese under the command of Keo. After a brief one-sided seaborne operation involving the 55th Foot, the city fell to the far superior British forces which captured 100 iron guns, 36 brass cannon, and 540 gingalls (heavy muskets or light guns mounted on swivels) for the loss of 2 British killed and 28 wounded. [1]

Chusan - Storms delayed their arrival until 25th September. The Chinese were busy strengthening the defences of Ting-Hai on the South-West side of the island. This was a walled town two miles in circumference and one mile from the shore. There was a raised bank to guard against inundations, on which was a battery with 80 guns, but very badly constructed.

Attack on the heights of Chusan - Painted by William Joy from a drawing by Capt. Crawford. Engraved by Henry Papprill.

The Pagoda Hill batteries were close to the landing place; opposite to it were two small islands, one called Trumbull, which proved very useful on which to mount guns for the attack on Pagoda kill. On the Western side were steep hills called the Forty-Nine Hills, commanding the flank of the battery wall; here were fortified camps and two strong forts not yet manned. This point was selected for the landing place.

On 29th fire was opened on the camp and destroyed the temporary buildings; on 30th a small battery was completed by the RA on Trumbull or Melville Island.

The General Orders issued on 29th September, 1841, said:

“It may be necessary to recapture Chusan. Be prepared to land in light Marching Order.

Left Column - Lieutenant Colonel Craigie.

Madras Artillery. 4 Howitzers, 2 Mortars.

Madras Sappers and Miners.

55th Regiment

18th Royal Irish.

With two days' cooked provisions.

Right Column - Lieutenant Colonel Morris.

Madras Artillery. 2 guns.

Madras Sappers

49th Regiment

Royal Marines 11

R. Seaman Battalion.

With one day's cooked provisions.

On Trumbull Island.

Royal Artillery

Madras Sappers

Scaling Ladders, Powder Bags, and Planks for crossing canale to be provided”

On 1st October, Wellesley, Cruiser, and Columbine covered the landing; the Madras Artillery with 8 guns, the Sappers, 18th, 55th, and Madras Volunteers landed at the West end of the wall; the 55th advanced up the heights which were steep and rugged.

The Chinese made a stronger defence, but the heights, encampment and a stand of Colours were captured. The troops also dealt with a long line of batteries along the coast.

Second taking of Chusan, China, Oct 1 1841 - Edward H Cree [National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London]

The 18th, the Marines, and the Artillery were resisted with courage. The Royal Marines had landed and formed up at noon and moved off in support of the Royal Irish advancing to attack the strong position of the Joss House in the suburbs of the city; they joined the Royal Irish at the Joss House Fort, the enemy retreating from it. At sunset by orders of Admiral Sir William Parker the battalion re-embarked in the Sesostris, lying off the hills to await further orders,

Field State of Royal Marines landing at Chusan, 1 October 1841.

Wellesley - Captain Ellis, 2 Subalterns, 4 Sergeants, 2 Fifers, 89 Rank and File.

Blenheim - Captain Whitcomb, 2 Subalterns., 3 Sergeants., 2 Fifers, 78 Rank and File.

Columbine - 1 Sergeant, 1 Fifer, 12 Rank and File.

Cruiser - 1 Sergeant, 1 Fifer, 13 Rank and File

Lieutenant Farmar, Adjutant. Sergeant Fairwsather - Sergeant-Major. The Subalterns were White and Farmar (Wellesley), Whiting and Ussher (Blenheim). but as none arrived the men were conveyed to their own ships.

Two Companies of the 55th were placed to prevent the Chinese gaining the South gate of the town; they were joined by the 49th and the outer defences were abandoned by the Chinese. The guns and rocket battery were brought up to the hills on the North-West which commanded the town.

The Chinese escaped by the North' and East gates, the 55th having gained the walls of Ting-Hai and the 18th being on Pagoda Hill.

The importance of the island was due to its situation at the mouth of the Yang-Tse-Kiang. [2]

Related Royal Marines 'Dits':

1. RMLI attack on Nantow China 1858

2. Captain Lewis ST Halliday - Victoria Cross - 24th June 1900 – Boxer Rebellion China

Further Reading/ references:

[1] Wikipedia - Capture of Chusan (1841)

[2] Blumberg - History of the Royal Marines 1837 - 1914