Son-Tai (Tongking War).
This fortress, defended by a garrison of 25,000 Chinese, including 10,000 "Black Flags," under Lin Yung Ku, was attacked by the French, under Admiral Courbet, with 7 river gun-boats and force of 7,000 men, December 14, 1883. On this day the outer defences were carried, and the garrison driven into the citadel. During the night the French were surprised by a sortie, which however they repulsed, after severe fighting. On the 16th they stormed the citadel, losing in the three days 92 officers and 318 men killed and wounded. The Chinese lost about 1,000.