Capture of the French Folly Fort

23°6′48″N 113°16′53″E / 23.11333°N 113.28139°E / 23.11333; 113.28139Result British victoryBelligerents  United Kingdom Qing ChinaCommanders and leaders Michael Seymour Ye MingchenStrength 2 steamers
14 small boats1 23 junks[1]Casualties and losses 1 killed
4 wounded[2] unknown
1 fort captured 1 Comprising 2 launchers, 2 barges, 3 pinnaces, 6 cutters, and 1 gig[2]
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Second Opium War

The Capture of the French Folly Fort by British forces in China occurred on 6 November 1856 during the Second Opium War. The British dispersed 23 Chinese war junks and captured the French Folly fort in the Pearl River near the city of Canton (Guangzhou) in Guangdong province. The battle lasted nearly an hour. The British consul Harry Parkes described the Chinese as putting up "a very hot resistance" and the engagement as "exceeding creditable to the bravery not only of our men, but of the Chinese also."[1]

Gallery

  • Map of the battle
    Map of the battle
  • End of the action, showing the explosion of the junks
    End of the action, showing the explosion of the junks
  • Barracouta and a pinnace from the Calcutta engaging junks
    Barracouta and a pinnace from the Calcutta engaging junks
  • A battle at French Folly Fort by a Chinese painter
    A battle at French Folly Fort by a Chinese painter

Citations and references

Citations

  1. ^ a b Papers 1857, p. 64
  2. ^ a b Bulletins 1859, pp. 99–100

References

  • Bulletins and Other State Intelligence for the Year 1857. Part 1. London: Harrison and Sons. 1859.
  • Papers Relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton. London: Harrison and Sons. 1857.