Battle of Chinhai facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Chinhai
Part of the First Opium War
Taking of Chinhai at the mouth of the Ningpo River, showing HMS Rattlesnake (centre)
Date 10 October 1841 Location Zhenhai, Zhejiang, China Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom British East India Company	Qing China
Commanders and leaders
Viscount Gough	Commissioner Yukien General Yu Pu-yun
Strength
10 ships 2,098	8,000–9,000 157+ guns
Casualties and losses
3 killed 16 wounded	several hundred casualties 157 guns captured

The Battle of Chinhai (Chinese: 鎮海之戰) was an important fight during the First Opium War. It happened on October 10, 1841, in Chinhai, a city in China's Zhejiang province. British forces fought against Chinese soldiers. The Chinese army included special soldiers called Bannermen, who were from the Manchu and Mongol groups.

What Was the Battle of Chinhai?

The Battle of Chinhai was a key event in the First Opium War. This war was fought between Great Britain and China. The battle took place in the city of Chinhai, which was important because of its location.

Who Fought in the Battle?

On one side were the British forces. These included soldiers from the United Kingdom and the East India Company. Their main leader was Viscount Gough. They had about 2,000 soldiers and 10 ships.

On the other side were the Chinese forces. These soldiers belonged to the Qing Empire. Their leaders were Commissioner Yukien and General Yu Pu-yun. The Chinese army was much larger, with 8,000 to 9,000 soldiers and over 150 guns.

Why Was Chinhai Important?

Chinhai was a very important city because it was located at the mouth of the Ningpo River. This river led to the larger city of Ningpo. The British wanted to capture Chinhai to open the way to Ningpo.

What Happened During the Battle?

The battle happened on October 10, 1841. The British attacked Chinhai with their ships and soldiers. Despite being outnumbered, the British forces won the battle. They captured the city and many of the Chinese guns.

What Was the Result?

The British victory at Chinhai was quick and decisive. They had very few losses, with only 3 soldiers killed and 16 wounded. The Chinese forces suffered many more casualties, with several hundred killed or wounded. After taking Chinhai, the British were able to move on and capture Ningpo without any further fighting just three days later, on October 13.

Gallery

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  Map of the battle

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  British rowboat at Chinhai

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  Close of the engagement