Tracey Mission facts for kids

The Tracey Mission was a group of navy experts from the Royal Navy (Britain's navy) who went to Japan between 1867 and 1868. This mission happened just before a big change in Japan called the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Japan's old government, the Shogunate, asked for this mission. They wanted help to make their own navy stronger. Specifically, the mission was asked to organize and manage a navy school in Tsukiji, Tokyo.

Who Led the Mission?

The Tracey Mission was led by Commander Sir Richard Tracey. He later became an Admiral. Several other officers and navy experts joined him. Commander Tracey had a lot of experience in navy operations. He had served as a junior officer on a ship called HMS Euryalus. He also took part in important battles like the Bombardment of Kagoshima in August 1863 and the attack on Shimonoseki in September 1864.

Why the Mission Ended Early

The Tracey Mission could hardly begin its work in Japan. This was because the Boshin War started. This was a civil war in Japan. Because of this war, the mission had to go back to England. Other countries had promised to stay neutral, meaning they would not get involved in the conflict.