After General Yang's forces captured British officers and concentrated artillery ashore, negotiations failed and the Royal Navy attempted a forced rescue. The British camouflaged and armored SS Kiawo, then crewed her with sailors from Cockchafer, Despatch, Scarab, Mantis, and other gunboats. The boarding party recovered the hostages under fire while Widgeon and Cockchafer exchanged fire with Chinese troops and lost officers before withdrawing. The hostages were saved, but the merchant ships remained behind, Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed, property was destroyed, and coercive presence had become open combat.
Notable Point · 27:14-30:30
Wanhsien rescue attempt becomes a firefight
A camouflaged merchant ship, naval boarding party, and covering gunboats turn the Wanhsien hostage rescue into a costly river battle.