The China War 1860

After long trade difficulties with the Chinese, the British Government decided, early in 1860, to send an expedition to China, and a force of two divisions with a siege train, 11,000 strong, which included our 2nd Battalion under Lieutenant-Colonel F. R. Palmer, sailed from India under General Sir Hope Grant. At the request of Napoleon III, a French contingent of about 7,000 men joined the expedition. The British transports conveying the troops numbered 100, with seventy warships, all sailing vessels.

Taku Forts

Early in August the force arrived at the mouth of the Peiho River and proceeded to lay siege to the Taku forts guarding the entrance. On 14th August the 2nd Battalion led the attack over the river and captured the port of Tong Ku. The remaining forts were taken on 30th August. Except for a small engagement on 18th September, the Chinese did not seriously oppose the advance on PEKIN, which surrendered on 15th October. The Summer Palace was ordered to be burned. The wall surrounding it was four miles in length and the buildings contained a priceless collection of Chinese art, which was looted by the French. Three cloisonne enamel vases taken from the palace were brought home by the 2nd Battalion and are now in the Regimental Museum.

The peace treaty was signed on 24th October, the Chinese Government paying an indemnity of £2,700,000.

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