BATTLE OF KUHLAN
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Mention was made yesterday of the old publications which contain references to Hongkong, and from which extracts have been given. Another book of considerable interest, which comes within this category, is J. M. Tronson's personal narrative of the time he served on H.M.S. Barracouta in China waters, from 1854 to 1856. There is much about the Chinese pirates of those days, and a vivid account is given of an expedition against these freebooters which was fitted out at Hongkong, and in which the Barracouta participated.
The reference is to Kuhlan, then a notorious pirate stronghold, on the notorious island of Tylo, to the south-west of Hongkong, in the group so appropriately named the Ladrones by early Portuguese navigators.
We in Hongkong have a particular interest in the Kuhlan pirates, as a monument was erected in Wanchai many years ago (see 10.8.33) to the memory of British and American naval men who lost their lives in an expedition against those cut-throats on August 4, 1855. This monument, in the form of an obelisk, was only a month ago (September, 1934) moved from Wanchai to a more dignified position opposite the Police Recreation Club in Happy Valley.
Tronson's narrative, as it happens, while not dealing with that particular engagement, shows us that the Kuhlan pirates had long been a menace, and had a year previously been the object of a punitive expedition in which Britons, Americans, Portuguese and Chinese participated.
We find that the Chilian ship Caldera, bound for Australia, when off the island of Tylo, in October 1854, had been dismasted by a typhoon, and while in a helpless state was attacked by pirates. The Chinese boarded the vessel from three junks, captured her, and after ransacking the ship set her on fire. The narrative states that they captured a French lady, Madame Fanny Loviot, whom they subjected to harsh treatment; but she was rescued soon afterwards by some of the crew of H.M.S. Spartan, under the command of Lieutenant Palliser and Mr. Sarratt. The gallant little band having gained their object, set fire to the pirate village and retired, after being exposed to the fire of a strong fort and about fifty junks.
Captain Rooney, of the Caldera, after being exposed to many dangers, had managed to get to Hongkong, via Macao, and returned in a week's time with the naval relief party.
The following month, a combined expedition set out for Kuhlan, and I cannot do better than quote Tronson's account of the affair:
"On the 11th November (1854) the Barracouta with two Imperial (Chinese) Junks left Hongkong, to join the expedition sent against the stronghold of Kuhlan, in the island of Tylo. We met H.M.S. Spartan, and got an armed boat from her, and anchored at night near our destination. Next morning at daylight we weighed anchor, and soon joined the expedition, consisting of H.M.S. Encounter and Styx, the United States' steamer Queen, and the Peninsular and Oriental Company's river steamers Canton and Forbes, with the Winchester's launch in tow; a very important force. The small steamers of light draught were necessary, owing to the shallowness of the bays, and the imperfect surveys of the island and soundings about Tylo.
"On passing the isle of Cowcock, we descried three junks making all sail towards land, endeavouring to escape, their guilty conscience hurrying them. Faster faster! Overboard went the guns one after another: anything to lighten them. Three boats were sent in chase, from the Spartan and Barracouta, with the Winchester's launch. Before the boats reached them, the pirates had taken to the water, and were now scampering up the hills; occasionally taking a rest and a last look at their junks and booty, all speedily committed to the flames.
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