The East Surrey Regiment

The Taku Forts Jug

In 1860, a British Force of some 10,000 men was dispatched to China to enforce a Treaty made a few years earlier. The 31^st, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel F Spence, as part of this force, were landed at Hong Kong on 23^rd April. In July, it was decided to attack and capture the Taku Forts the guns of which had been the cause of a serious naval defeat in 1859.

On 21^st August, the British captured the Forts after a gallant resistance. Later, a detachment of the Regiment was subsequently stationed there and it was the officers of this detachment who purchased and presented to the Regiment the Taku Forts Jug. The Garrison of Tienstin was to become well known to both battalions of The Queen’s between the wars.

It is inscribed: -
“Presented to the Officers 31^st Regiment by the detachment of that Corps stationed at the South Taku Forts, China, during the winter 1860-1861”

The undermentioned officers were members of the Garrison at Tienstin.