Battle of Chapu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Chapu
Part of the First Opium War
Map of the battle of Chapu
Date 18 May 1842 Location Zhapu, Zhejiang, China Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom British East India Company	Qing dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Hugh Gough William Parker Nicholas Tomlinson  †	Changxi chapoo
Strength
8 ships 2,220 land troops	8,000–10,000
Casualties and losses
13 killed 52 wounded	5,000–6,500 14 junks captured

The Battle of Chapu was a big fight during the First Opium War. It happened on May 18, 1842. British forces fought against the Qing dynasty army in a place called Chapu. Today, this place is known as Zhapu in China. It's on the northern side of Hangzhou Bay.

The Battle of Chapu

Before the attack, the British commander, Major General Hugh Gough, split his soldiers into three groups. There was a group of foot soldiers (infantry) on the left and another on the right. The cannons (artillery) were in the middle.

General Gough went with the right group. They landed first on May 16. The other soldiers moved around to the back of the enemy. This cut off the Qing army's way to Zhapu. At the same time, British ships started shooting at the city's defenses.

General Gough said that the enemy was totally surprised. They were only ready for an attack from the front. The Qing soldiers started to run away. But about 300 special soldiers, called Tartar troops, took over a small Chinese temple. They fought very bravely and did not give up easily.

It took many attacks to capture this temple. Both sides lost soldiers. Finally, the temple was taken. After all the city gates were captured, the British took control of Chapu. The British lost one of their best leaders, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Tomlinson. He was killed while leading his soldiers to break through the defenses.

What Happened After

The British did not stay in Zhapu for long. They took the city's weapons and destroyed its military storage areas. Then, they moved on to attack Wusong.

Hailing, a Manchu commander, heard about Chapu's surrender on June 18. When the fighting stopped, a Chinese official named Yilibu returned sixteen British soldiers. These soldiers had been captured by the Chinese. Yilibu did this because General Gough had been kind. Gough had released Chinese soldiers captured at Chapu.

Gallery

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  Engagement at the joss house

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  Joss House, Chapoo. Death of Col. Tomlinson

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  Close of the attack on Chapu