Expedition to Canton
The Expedition to Canton was a British punitive expedition that captured the forts along the Pearl River, Guangdong province, China, on 2–3 April 1847. Beginning at the Humen Strait, the British captured the forts leading up to the city of Canton. The operation was in response to British subjects being attacked by the Chinese near Canton. Hong Kong Governor John Davis demanded redress from Chinese Commissioner Keying.
Unsatisfied with his reply, Davis ordered Major-General George D'Aguilar, the commander-in-chief of British forces in China, to seize the forts approaching Canton and to prepare for an attack on the city to force reparations on the spot. The forts were captured, but Canton was spared after Keying agreed to punish the culprits and to allow entry into the city.
Operations
On the afternoon of 1 April 1847, D'Aguilar received communication from Davis with orders to proceed to Canton with force. At midnight, the following forces were embarked:- HMS Vulture – 427 troops, Royal [Irish Regiment (1684–1922)|18th Royal Irish Regiment]
- HMS Espiegle – 149 troops, 42nd Regiment Madras Native Infantry
- East India Company steamer Pluto – 280 troops, 42nd Regiment
- Hired armed steamer Corsair – 110 troops, 18th Regiment
- Hired lorcha No. 1 – Armed as a gunboat, detachment of Royal Artillery with ordnance stores
- Hired lorcha No. 2 – Detachment of Royal Sappers and Miners with tools, scaling ladders, and other materials
- Anunghoy Island – 208
- North Wangtong Island – 150
- South Wangtong Island – 109
- Pachow Fort – 64
- Wookongtap Fort – 41
- Napier's Island – 49
- Whampoa Creek – 65