China: British troops disembarking at a bridge over the Grand Canal, Battle of Chinkiang, First Opium War, 1832. By Thomas Allom

The Battle of Chinkiang (Zhenjiang, Jiangsu) was fought between British and Chinese forces in Chinkiang, China, on 21 July 1842 during the First Opium War. It was the last major battle of the war. The British capture of this stronghold allowed them to proceed forward to Nanking.

This print was based on an eye witness sketch made by a naval captain at the time of the siege in 1842. The Grand Canal has a picturesque bridge connecting the suburbs with the main gate of the fortress on the left. Marines and seamen are disembarking to scale the walls while the 3rd Brigade are firing at the Manchu defenders on the parapets. Figures can also be seen formed up on the bridge, ready to storm in.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

ORIENTALISM