The Treaty of Tientsin in June 1858 seemed to have brought peace, with success for the western powers (not just European, also American, Russian and Japanese) and humiliation for China. Fundamentally it was all about trade, with the treaty opening up more ports to foreign traders, allowing them to use the rivers to trade inland, and granting the British a monopoly in the opium trade.
Namtow was a port, protected by a fort, on the eastern bank of the estuary of the Pearl (or Zhujiang) River, with a hinterland that provided much of Hong Kong’s workforce. Servants, merchants, shopkeepers and artisans all commuted regularly between the mainland and Hong Kong island. This factor became significant from the British point of view in the second week of July when those living on the mainland failed to return to Hong Kong, and those Chinese living on the island left. The belief was that this withdrawal of labour was the result of an order from the local Chinese authorities, and Hong Kong was faced with disaster, as all the island’s food supplies depended upon the mainland. Moreover it raised some bitter memories for the British.
Some eighteen months earlier, in late 1856, the Chinese governor in Canton had instructed all Chinese working for Europeans to return to their homes, on pain of death. The command cannot have been obeyed totally, as in January 1857 the colony was still being provided with bread baked by Chinese. Unfortunately for the European population one day’s baking was enhanced by the addition of arsenic to the dough. Fortunately for them it was so diluted in the process that no-one died immediately, although a number were permanently affected, including Maria, the wife of Sir John Bowring, Governor of Hong Kong. Bowring was a man of impeccable liberal credentials, a man who had supported reform in both Britain and Hong Kong, but the poisoned bread understandably soured him, and when the threat reappeared he was willing to take firm action.
By the third week of July 1858 most Chinese residents of Hong Kong had left the colony. No supplies were coming from the mainland, markets had no provisions, shops were closed, all Chinese merchants and shopkeepers had withdrawn, and European merchants were raising concerns about running their businesses without workers. An extraordinary meeting was held on the 29th July, and came to a resolution; the colony would act with force should the Chinese authorities not allow people back and resume supplies.
The districts from where the menaces emanate …… are threatened with the retributive vengeance of the British Government
Over the following weeks the proclamation was delivered to the various Chinese towns around Hong Kong, although it must be assumed that by the 9th August, when the gunboat HMS Starling approached Namtow, every Chinese official within a hundred miles would have been aware of the resolution. The Starling was flying a “flag of truce”, but given that neither side trusted each other an inch it is not surprising that the Chinese in Namtow ignored the white flag and opened fire, forcing the ship to withdraw. In British eyes this was an insult and a humiliation. Retribution would have to be sought.
At nine in the morning on August 11th British forces landed in a suburb to the south-east of the city and advanced in two parallel lines. On the seaward road an advance party of a naval brigade under Captain Slight of HMS Sanspareil fought its way towards the fort, taking casualties from attacks down the intersecting streets. Further inland another force, mainly of the 59th Foot under Major Romer, advanced, pausing whenever shade was available, “the heat being fearful”. Royal Marines and the 12th Madras Native Infantry were kept in reserve.
By one o’clock troops were in position, the assault ladders were ready, and the attack began. Three ladders were laid and the first men up were the officers: Captain Slight, Commander Saumarez of HMS Cormorant and Captain William Francis Lambert. As all the British troops, including those in reserve, poured over after them the battle did not last long. By two o’clock the fort was in the attackers’ hands, and its destruction began. Both it and the surrounding city were razed, showing the Chinese that the British could not be treated with disdain. [1]
History of the Royal Marines 1837-1914 HE Blumberg:
In August another expedition was sent to the walled town of Nantow (Namtow). They proceeded by water in gunboats and landed at 11 am on the 10th, to the South-East of the City, the covering party being provided by the Naval Brigade.
This entailed an advance through a populous suburb. The advance was made in two parallel
columns; 40 officers and 489 Naval Brigade formed the outer column; 3 officers and 64 men RA, 3 officers and 22 men RE, 5 officers and 104 men the 104th Regiment, 2 officers and 100 men 12th Madras NI, 5 officers and 140 men RMLI forming the inner column.
The RMLI under Captain Foote were in reserve.
They moved along the canal in great heat under constant fire from the right flank.
After reconnaissance, at 1 pm the ladders were placed and the Naval Brigade stormed the walls, covered by the 59th and 12th NI, whilst the RM covered the right flank.
During the escalade of the walls the force under Colonel Graham was attacked by several hundred Braves who were most gallantly repulsed by Brevet Major Foote and the Royal Marines though not without loss.
The wall was gained and the enemy fled; the gate was blown in and then after burning the city they returned to Canton the following morning.
Unfortunately three officers were killed by the accidental discharge of the seamen's rifles.
The Royal Marines lost 8 wounded, one mortally. On 23rd August Lieutenant Colonel Walsh was invalided, and on 1st October Colonel Lemon assumed command of the 1st RMLI. [2]
The Marine mortally wounded my well have been Edward Farnham who joined up at 18 in 1854 in Yeovil and died on 28th August 1858 in China, if not him it is probable that he was involved in the actions above. (reproduced by kind permission of his family.
Related Royal Marines 'Dits':
Further reading/ references:
[1] Britain's Small Forgotten Wars - Storming of Namtow, China, 1858
[2] History of the Royal Marines 1837-1914 HE Blumberg - RM History Resources
Comentários