1st Chinese Regiment
| 1st Chinese Regiment (Weihaiwei Regiment) | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1898–1906 |
| Country | British Weihaiwei |
| Branch | British Army |
| Garrison/HQ | Matou, Weihaiwei |
| Engagements |
Gaselee Expedition Battle of Tientsin |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment |
Hamilton Bower |
| Notable commanders |
Hamilton Bower (1898 to 1907) Clarence Dalrymple Bruce (1902 to 1907) |
The 1st Chinese Regiment, or the Weihaiwei Regiment, was a British Army Regiment formed and disbanded in British Weihaiwei. The "First Chinese Regiment" which was praised for its performance, consisted of Chinese rank and file serving under British officers.
The 1st Chinese Regiment was created in 1898 from men of Shantung Province led by British officers and Colour Sergeants. Army Order No 2 of 1899 approved the raising of a Chinese regiment of 1,000 men. Major Hamilton Bower of the Indian Staff Corps was given the local rank of lieutenant colonel and appointed Commandant of the new regiment. British officers started to arrive in late 1898 and the regiment first appeared in the Army List, preceded by the Hong Kong Regiment (not to be confused with the later Royal Hong Kong Regiment), in January 1899.
The Regiment was highly regarded for its drill, military appearance and marksmanship.
By 1900 the Regiment consisted of 420 men organised into seven companies.
In its first action in March 1900, 420 men of the regiment led by Lt Col. Bower quelled a failed uprising in Chengfoo without bloodshed.
The Regiment sent 200 men in 4 companies led by Lt Col. Bower to serve in the Boxer Rebellion, arriving in Tientsen on 24 June 1900. The men of the regiment fought alongside United States Marines led by Smedley Butler. Two British captains and 21 Chinese NCOs and other ranks were killed, two majors, one colour sergeant and 15 Chinese NCOs and other ranks were wounded during this campaign.
The regiment was alerted to be deployed to Chemulpo in Korea but the movement did not eventuate.
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Wikipedia