The Emperor of China disregarded the stipulations of treaties, and issued a mandate for the extermination of the English who dared thus to insult his coasts and capture his towns, offering, at the same time, immense rewards for the heads of the British commanders, and even a large sum for the head of a private soldier. His decrees were responded to by depriving him of a greater extent of territory; and on the 22nd of August the ROYAL IRISH sailed on an expedition against the island and city of Amoy, situate in a fine gulf in the province of Fokien, the great tea district of China. On the 25th of August the fleet arrived before Amoy, which was defended by five hundred pieces of cannon and a numerous force; but nothing could withstand the combined efforts of the British naval and land force. On the following day the works were bombarded two hours. The ROYAL IRISH landed about three o'clock, with little opposition, and escaladed a castellated wall with great gallantry. They were speedily within the works, and afterwards charged up a precipitous gorge in the face of two posts of defence, and rushing forward with great gallantry, the Chinese and Tartar soldiers fled in dismay, after firing a few shots. The regiment remained on the heights above the city during the night; and on the following morning the troops advanced towards the wall. No resistance was made, the advance of the EIGHTEENTH escaladed the walls,—opened the gates,—and the city was taken possession of. The small island of Koolangsoo was captured on the preceding day. The loss of the regiment was limited to two men wounded.
On the 5th of September, the regiment sailed with the expedition for the recapture of Chusan, which island had been given up in consequence of the stipulations of the first treaty. The place was found more strongly fortified than before, and a resolute stand was made by the Chinese; but British skill and valour prevailed. The EIGHTEENTH landed on the 1st of October, stormed the enemy's works with great gallantry, under Lieut.-Colonel Adams, and occupied the Joss-house hill, Captain Francis Wigston particularly distinguishing himself at the head of the grenadier company of the regiment. The ROYAL IRISH afterwards entered the city of Ting-hae-hien at the western gate, and the British colours were speedily planted in triumph on the walls. The regiment had one serjeant and six rank and file wounded on this occasion.
On the following day the regiment traversed the island to Tsin-kong, and afterwards proceeded to Sahoo; but returned to Ting-hae-hien on the 4th of October, and on the 6th embarked with the expedition against the city of Chinhae, the military depôt of the province, situate on the mainland opposite Chusan, and surrounded by a wall of extraordinary height and thickness. The troops landed on the 10th of October, advanced through a difficult country towards the city, and stormed the works covering the approach to the place, overthrowing all opposition. "The EIGHTEENTH charged up a deep gorge to the left, and broke through the central encampment, carrying everything before them."[32] The city was captured, and in it was an extensive arsenal, and cannon foundry, with military stores. The EIGHTEENTH crossed the river and entered the city on the same evening: their loss was one man killed and three wounded.
From Chinhae the ROYAL IRISH proceeded up the river on the 13th of October, against the fortified city of Ningpo, where no resistance was met with. The troops landed and formed on the ramparts, the band of the EIGHTEENTH playing "God save the Queen," and they took possession of the second city in the province of Che-Keang, containing a population of three hundred thousand souls. The regiment was afterwards stationed in the city of Ningpo some time; and the Chinese having garrisoned several forts up the river, the flank companies embarked on the 27th of December, with an expedition to dislodge the Chinese and Tartar soldiers from their posts, but the enemy fled without waiting to be attacked, and the companies returned to Ningpo.
1842
The flank companies proceeded to You-You on the 10th of January, 1842, and were engaged in routing the enemy, and destroying their encampment the day following.
During the first three months of the year 1842, four companies of the regiment were stationed at the city of Ningpo, under Major Nicholas R. Tomlinson, and five companies at Koolangsoo, under Major Jeremiah Cowper.
On the 10th of March a numerous army of Tartars and Chinese made a sudden attack upon Ningpo, escalading the walls, and forcing some of the gates, with great spirit, and the few British forces in garrison were enveloped by crowds of assailants; but the bravery of the British was conspicuous, and they triumphed over their numerous opponents. A guard of the regiment, consisting of Lieutenant Anthony W. S. F. Armstrong, one serjeant, and twenty-three rank and file, stationed at the West-gate, being attacked by large numbers, behaved steadily, and gallantly drove the enemy back, capturing two banners, the bearers of which had been shot at the gate: the spirited behaviour of Lieutenant Armstrong was commended in the public despatches.
Five days afterwards, the EIGHTEENTH embarked from Ningpo, and sailed up the river to attack the enemy's posts. On the 15th of March they were engaged at Tsekee, and the heights of Segaon, which were captured; and the ROYAL IRISH also took part in forcing the Chankee-pass: they returned to Ningpo on the 17th of March.
Three companies of the EIGHTEENTH were withdrawn from Koolangsoo at the end of March, and proceeded in a steam-vessel to Ningpo, to reinforce the garrison: in April two companies proceeded from Ningpo to Chinhae. One company was afterwards withdrawn from Chinhae and five from Ningpo, to take part in the expedition against the fortified city of Chapoo, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Tomlinson. A landing was effected on the 18th of May; British prowess was again conspicuous, and the EIGHTEENTH were distinguished for their heroic bearing at the attack and capture of this place, on which occasion Lieut.-Colonel Nicholas R. Tomlinson fell at the head of the regiment, "in full career of renown, honoured by the corps, and lamented by all."[33]