83
14
6. Capture of Native City of Tientsin.
The first step to be taken towards the relief of Peking was the capture of the native city of Tientsin. This was effected by an International Force on the 13th and 14th July, composed as follows:-
French
Japanese...
Ainericans
British Austrians
Total
900
1,500
900
800 (300 naval ratings).
30
4,130
The force used was almost entirely a military one.
7. The Advance to Peking.
During July, the Allied military commanders discussed plans for the advance to Peking. It was generally agreed that a second reverse would do incalculable harm and could not be risked. The British commander (General Gaselee) seems to have been for some time the only advocate of rapid action, but by the 3rd August all had agreed to co-operate.
The advance commenced on the 5th August, the international force being composed as follows :-
Japanese Russians
British
Americans
French
Germans
...
1
Austrians and Italians
Total
Men. Guns.
10,000 24
4,000
16
...
3,000
12
2,000
6
800
12
200
Nil
100
Nil
20,100
70
Note. At this stage, the British China Expeditionary Force was organised in 4 Infantry Brigades (2 from India, 2 from home) and 1 Cavalry Brigade, plus ancillary units and L. of C. troops. In round numbers it amounted to 19,000 men, but the Cavalry Brigade and the 3rd and 4th Infantry Brigades were not despatched until August 1900, and of the first two Infantry Brigades, the 2nd was sent to Shanghai.
Peking was relieved after considerable fighting on 14th August. More fighting took place inside the City after the relief, but by the 16th August, 1900, the Chinese troops had all melted away.
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Various minor expeditions were launched from Peking in the Autumn, and hostilities were not at an end until 7th September, 1901.
8. Summary of the Total Military Contingents sent to China during Operations.
Japan U.S.A.
...
13,000
5,000 (10,000 more never reached
China.)
France
Germany
Italy
Great Britain Russia
Total
:
:
18,000
20,000
2,000
21,000
15,000 (plus Amur district troops.)
94,000
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