Formosa Campaign: The Fomosa Monthly - July 1895

 By Mat Toy

FORMOSAN HORSE SURGES NORTH,  7 July 1895

Along the East Coast they came, thousands of horsemen riding for the Republic of Formosa. Flying the flag of the Yung Ying Army. Brushing aside minimal Japanese scouts the tidal wave of cavalry pushed north on the orders of Glorious General Jiang Shou-Zu Commander of the Yung Ying Armies of Formosa. Unstoppable until they reached the walls of Kei Lang the counter attack made powerful headway to isolate the occupied City, preventing all transport in and out of the landward gates of the City. A great contrast to the fumbling retreats of June as undertaken by the hapless Green Flag Army.

TAM SUI HOLDS, 8 July 1895

On the moonless night of the 8th July Japanese forces made a concerted effort to storm Tam Sui. Under cover of darkness naval units closed the range to several miles offshore and chosen sappers laid mines in the walls of the courageous old City. Simultaneously mines were fired and cannons both on and offshore opened fire on the City. 

Chaos reined as shells exploded through-out the City. The mines had blasted large holes at several points around the City and Japanese troops stormed the openings. However, the dark night was not to the benefit of the Japanese and supporting artillery was poorly aimed. Fighting was fierce in all of the breaches but supporting naval and land-based fire could not support accurately enough and many civilian buildings were set alight as both Formosan and Japanese troops fought hand to hand all night. 

By mornings light the Japanese assault was exhausted and though the invaders had secured some sections of wall and gatehouses they had failed to penetrate off those tenuous footholds. The Formosan heavy guns remained active through out the night and as dawn broke the Japanese fleet had to move away to open the range and avoid heavy damage.

FALL OF SIN TEK, 8 July 1895 

Another City has fallen bloodlessly to the Japanese. As soon as a powerful Japanese land army appeared before the gates of the City, the leading townsfolk opened the gates and welcomed in the men of Nippon. With no Formosan forces visible the City happily lowered the Tiger flag of the new Republic and soon the Rising Sun was fluttering over the town hall. 

GREAT POWERS PRESSURE JAPAN, July 1895 

Negotiations continue in Japan to amend the peace treaty signed between Japan and China concluding their recent war. The Treaty of Shimonoseki concluded the Sino Japanese War by China relinquishing control of Korea and handing Formosa and the Liaodong Peninsula to Japan. Russian, French and German delegations are insistent that the transfer of ownership of Port Arthur on the Liaodong Peninsula is unacceptable. Japan has been offered a financial settlement instead of the transfer of ownership and pressure is building that they just accept this outcome. 

Russia has also raised the issue of Formosa and is seeking guarantees of independence for the new Republic if the Japanese cannot secure the island quickly. There is concern that continued fighting on the island could damage lucrative trade in the East China Seas. 

HEAD HUNTING ALIVE AND WELL, 5 July 1895 

A party of Japanese supply coolies heading west from Ke Lang was ambushed early in the morning and put to the sword by wild hilltribesmen. Whilst passing through wooded terrain the supply convoy and its handful of guards was ambushed and though some escaped, eight were beheaded. Such head-hunting activity has not been seen in this lowland area for many years, but perhaps this is the way it is to be now Japan rules these parts? 

TAM SUI IS OVERWHELMED, 9 July 1895 

Explosions around the City of Tam Sui heralded the expected Japanese assault in the early morning light. Using mountain guns firing over open sites and fanatical house to house assaults the Japanese mercilessly pressed into the City. 

The defenders of the City fought over every house and resisted with barricades, firepower and hand to hand combat. The fighting was intense and fires sprang up and raged uncontrolled as whole districts were levelled. The Japanese wave was unstoppable and after two hours the Cities defenders were in flight. Many escaped but many injured, dying and surrounded were captured. Amongst the dead were foreign residents, killed in their flattened homes. The rising sun flies over a chastened City. 

INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS IN THE MOUNTAINS, 12 July 1895

Foreign dignitaries and ambassadors met in the heartlands of Formosa to meet the President and discuss how the Worlds Powers could support the fledgeling Republic. Tang Jingson chaired a conference of politicians and men of wisdom gathered from China, France, Germany, the USA and Russia to assess how the Republic could be freed from the Japanese Aggressors. It was heartwarming to see so much good will offered to the new Republic and we expect big actions soon. 

THE PRESIDENT FLEES, 15 July 1895 

On the morning of the last day of the vibrant international conference held in the fresh mountain air of central Formosa our beloved President could not be found. Foreign dignitaries looked puzzled as Tan Jinsong seems to have fled the island leaving on a cryptic letter on the desk of his rooms. The note advised: “I am a tea pot, I am a tea pot, I need a pint of brew-dog, lets get out!” All quite troubling! 

CIVIL WAR IN FORMOSA, July 1895 

Following the flight of the President fighting broke out on the streets of Paw-Li. Local hilltribe militias overpowered Green Flag troops and ejected them from the City. Though the disarming of the 3000 or so Green Flag troops was relatively bloodless, some lives were lost and some Green Flag officers resisted the Hilltribesmen. By the end of one night all Green Flag troops had left the City and trudged wearily southwards to join their fellows.

FIRST BATTLE OF HENG CHUN, 22 July 1895 

Having swept much before them in the north, the Japanese swung their invasion southwards in mid July. A major force of Imperial Guard Division troops was enshipped at Tam Sui and slipped silently southwards. They landed from the night of the 19th in the very south of Formosa and built a force of some 6000 a few kilometres from the City. Gunnery from the battlecruisers supporting soon overwhelmed the shore batteries of the City and the Japanese prepared to attack. Unfortunately for them they had landed in the hornets nest of Black Flag Chinese nationalist resistance. A major army of Black Flag fanatics held the City and a second army was rapidly converging on the position from the north. 

As the Japanese began their assault they realised they were caught in a hot position between the coastal forts, the City garrison and the advancing northern army of the enemy. What started as an attack became a frenzied defence in heavily wooded country. Pressed on all sides the Japanese commenced a fighting retreat back to the beaches and escape to their ships. After a days fighting many Chinese and Japanese lay dead and almost 2000 Japanese troops were captured, including many modern artillery batteries. A major reverse for the invaders. 

FALL OF HENG CHUN, 1 August 1895

Uncowed by their defeat the Japanese fleet headed north and landed troops to the north of Tai Nan. The Japanese dug in and drew Black Flag forces north to face this new threat. Their confidence buoyed by expectation of reinforcements form Japan. 

Those reinforcements arrived at Heng Chun on 2 August in the shape of the 2nd Infantry Division under Lieutenant General Nogi. His forces disembarked more easily this time, uninterrupted by the now silenced coastal batteries and immediately marched to assault Heng Chun. The assault was bloody as the defenders were now using deployed machine guns in many parts of the city Walls. Initial charges at the City gates were defeated by well placed machine guns, but in the end Japanese numbers and bravery told. 

The City was captured and all defenders killed or captured. The Japanese were overjoyed to release almost 1000 prisoners form the Imperial Guards Division, but of their small arms or the beloved modern guns, nothing could be found.

Friday Night Games: Formosa Campaign - 2nd Battle of Heng Chun

Played on the evening of Friday 12th July, this was one of Mat's Formosan Campaign Games which saw the sneaky Japanese return to the port and city if Heng Chun, with a fresh Division under the command of Phil San.

The game was in teeny tiny 6mm scale, with Mat as umpire, using his own rules and with Mike W & Phil playing the Japanese and with Mike N, playing the Formosan defenders assisted by Dave and Steve. We had a camero appearance form Graham, before he was called away on urgent matters!

The battlefield, Japanese entering rmo bottom of the table
and the Formosans defending the city and lands around.

Unsurprisingly, Phil employed 'edge of world' tactics to successfully attack and seize the city of Hung Chen, with his vetran division, fresh from the boats as they arrived from Korea. As such the initial deployment of the troops was on the centre and right tiles of the table and the army attacked along the flank, to the right of the river.

In an audacious move the Japanese blew the bridge on their left flank to secure themselves form any potential flanking attack and began a Naval bombardment of the outer city defences.

A revisit to the Buddish Temple at Heng Chun

Ultimately the Japanese took the city, after several assaults that were ablely defended by the Formosan Black Army units. Eventually, however, the encircling Japanese units eventually reached sections of  the walls that were not defended and they surged into the city.

The walled city of Heng Chun

The Umpire reports that the Japanese took quite heavy casualties, but in taking the city they have released 1,000 captive Imperial Guards and captured about 2,000 enemy.

Japanese troops poor accross the bridge to attack the City Gates,
only to be surprise by infernal French Machine guns

Part of the problem the Japanese faced was the enemy had unexpectedly been supplied with machine guns by the French. By good fortune  the Japanese Naval force that landed the Infantry, Artilery & Cavalry were able to impounded the French freighter and crew, who supplied said MGs.

The encircement begins

The  Japanese will no doubt will exploit this diplomatic gaff by the French at the highest levels, to gain leverage with ongoing international treaty negotiations.

By the time the Japanese had encircled the city,
it was all over for the formosan defenders, which surrendered en masse.

Friday Night Games: Formosa Campaign - Battle of Heng Chun

Friday 17th May saw the fighting of another battle in Mat's Formosan Campaign. The game was hosted at Rupert's and 6mn figures and rules supplied by Mat. Mike W & Phil played the Japanese whilst Steve, Rupert, Mike N & Dave commanded the Formosan

Elements of the Japanesr Imperial Guard lended some 10km north of  Heng Chung and marched south to conduct a raid in strength to take out the defensive batteries some 3km north of the City.

An initial strong bombardment of the fortifications knocked out one of the two defensive batteries and the second battery wss neutralised relatively quickly there after.

Port facilities near Heng Chung,
were quickly apprpriated by the Japanese forces

Nearby Temple at Heng Chung

Coastal Battery at Heng Chung,
with elements of the Japanaese Navy offshore

A view of the battlefield,
with the walled city of Heng Chung uin the disatnce

As assaults on the now defined battery were being prepared, a Formosan relief column arrive from the north, presumeably originating from eth ecntral city of Tai-Pai, consisting of fanatical 'Black Flag' units.

As they marched on to the table, much to the surprise of the Japanese, the were in turn quickly surprised by one of the assault columns taking cover on the woods to the Formosan's immediate right.

In the ensuing firefight, the lead Firmosan unit broke and ran, but a second fuselage from ghe Japanese failed to score any hits and allowed the Formosans to slowly turn and engage their enemy on the flank

The resulting struggle carried on throughout the rest of the game, despite domd Japanese successes, weight of numbers told and gge Japanese where gradually pushed back go the beaches north of the fort and fge safety of the Jaosbese fleet that controlled the area.

Close up of the city of Heng Chung,
with rice fields in the foreground

Japanese Imperial Guards deployed at start of the game

and from another angle

Japanese command and field artillery deployed on a hill
overlooking the Heng Chung coastal batteries

Close-up of the Japanes forces

Meanwhile the second Japanese assault column executed their orders effectively, reaching the fort and assaulting the wall.

After a bit of a struggle the Japanese took the fort, after ghe hilarious sacrifice of the assault columns commander who fell on reaching the top of the walls.

The defending Formosan battalion was captured and upon leaving the fort the Japanese forces blew the forts magazine.

Action unfolds - Formosan Back Flag units advance south (right to left)  down either side of the road.
Japanese forces deployed in the treeline, at top of photo have fired on the Formosan flank, breaking one unit, other units start to deploy against them.
At bottom of photo can be seen Formosan units advancing through rocks and trees towards the Temple complex.

Formosan units finally burst out of the city to advance along the road to attack Japanese troops

Other Imperisl Guards units had a struggle to escape the table as a Formosan column burst forth from the city at unexpected speed, nor displayed by any other unit earlier in the game.

Despite Phil's command shooting out the head of this column the wangled a dice roll to save their morale, enabling them to press further forwards.

As the umpire called a day on the fighting  a number of Japanese units were in danger of capture.

A strategic success for the Formosans it was a costly tactical success for the Japanese yo eliminate the fort.

The bigger picture of the Formosan counter attack emerging from Heng Chung

Formosans push the Japanese artillery and ciommand units off their hill

Japanes forces pinned by Formosan units emerging from Heng Chung and Mike N's
Black Flag units arriving form the north.

The 'meat-grinder' of the battle raged most of the eveneing with the Japanese gradually giving ground as they slipped west to the landing beaches

Japanese Assault Column No.2, successfully takes the Heng Chung Battery,
capturing the entire garrison

Japanese Imperial Guard command, successfully leads the break out units heading for the Heng Chung beach head.

Even at this 6mm scale we can see the embarrassment on the commander's face!

Friday Night Games - Formosan Campaign, the Relief of Ke Lang

Photos by Steve, Words by Mat, with additioanl material from Mike W.

Friday 9th May saw the playing out of a battle in Mat Toy's ongoing Formosa Campaign. An Imperial Japanese force of combined infantry & cavalry were marching on Ke Lang to relieve a seige that was being enforced by a largely mounted rebel Formosan force.

The Japanese relief force marching to Ke Lang engaged with a major Formosan cavalry army on the relatively open undulating land to the west of the besieged City.

Marching in column the three battalions of Japanese Imperial Guard foot were guarded professionally by 7 squadrons of cavalry to the front, flanks and rear. As the column advanced towards a small town nestled between low hills two of the lead cavalry squadrons dismounted to provide fire cover to flanks as lead squadron advanced on the town, this revealed Formosan Heavy horse in large numbers on both flanks obscured by the topography.

The Formosan commander ordered a full attack and 2000 mixed heavy and light horse converged on the lead Japanese elements who were caught mainly on foot. Luckily for the Japanese the bulk of the Formosan horse was cautious to advance too quickly and stout musketry by dismounted squadron on the left flank kept the chargers at bay. However more bold elements of the Chinese horse caught the advanced squadron of Jap horse in the rear as they tried to retreat back to the protection of the infantry. A rolling melee developed to the front and right flank where Formosan numbers started to tell and the Japanese were pushed back.

On the left, where good carbine fire had held off the initial charge, the Japanese mounted up just in time to be hit by a second charge. Stiff fighting held the line for a few minutes before again the Japanese horse were outnumbered and collapsed.

The delay caused to the Formosans by the outnumbered Jap cavalry and the Chinese initial caution allowed the Jap infantry to form lines and start a steady rifle fire on the sweeping ranks of Formosan horse. Japanese reserve squadrons were thrown into the melees as Formosan militia foot appeared on high ground to the right flank and exchanged long range fire with the Japanese .

By now the Japanese horse was in full flight. Two squadrons annihilated and three others routing. Seeing a well formed infantry defence the Formosans disengaged, taking steady rifle fire as they rode from the scene.

The Chinese undoubtedly had the better of the cavalry fight and left many dead Japanese on the field. But, the Japanese relief column remained in the field and can continue its advance to Ke Lang.

Overall, enough for both sides to claim some sort of victory!

Formosa Campaign Latest - July Update

 JAPAN CAPTURES TAI PAK - 12 June 1895 

 

Moving rapidly from their capture of Ke Lang the Japanese have moved to secure the island of Formosa in strict agreement with the Terms of the Treaty of Shiminosecki and their agreement with the Qing Empire. A column was despatched on the 10th of June to secure the capital Tai Pak. This was achieved with little bloodshed despite the resistance of a gaggle of local militia who held the main city gate house for a few hours before being chased out by a ripple of artillery fire. 

MAKE MERIT BY RESISTING THE INVADER 

Senior priests of both the Buddhist and Taoist faiths have proclaimed that 1895 is a great year for making merit. A vision of the Bodhisatva Ebok was seen in the temples of Tai Nan proclaiming that all Formosans who resist the Japanese invader can expect to earn extra merit for their brave endeavours. 

THE HERO OF TAI PAK - 12 June 1895 

Though the City of Tai Pak fell easily to the Japanese forces a cameo fought around the main gate house perhaps provided evidence of the stiffening of Formosan resistance in the weeks to come. Japanese scouts in advance of the main body of advancing troops identified thatthe City was held by Hakka militia forces in small numbers. The scouting cavalry saw an opportunity to take the main gates of the City. A lively skirmish broke out at the main city gate as an able Lieutenant boldly scaled the walls assisted by two troopers at dusk. Slipping into the gatehouse they encountered a well armed militia, led by one Lan Ming Wa. Close hand to hand fighting within the gatehouse resulted in the Lieutenants death in personal combat with Lan. The remaining Japanese scaling team escape with their lives and brought up a mountain battery to demolish the gates with a few well aimed rounds of explosive shot. After some spirited sniping by the militia and a degree of unrest the City fell to the advance elements of the Imperial Guards, but Lan Ming Wa escaped with the bulk of the militia forces. 

TAM SUI HOLDS FIRM -16 June 1895 

Local Hakka Militia leader Fan Tran-Mai paraded his troops in Tam Sui today. Adored by his many men Fan spoke boldly of the bravery of the Hakka people and the solid history of resistance of the City Walls. Recalling the failed French invasion of the 1880s Fan taunted the recent Japanese invaders and boasted that he looks forward to their attempts to take the City and the many Japanese dead that will soon bleach in the sun on the planes beyond the City. His words were applauded by the thronging Formosan crowd and also watched from an honoured guest dias by dozens of US, UK and Russian citizens of the busy trading port. 

GREAT POWERS PUSH FOR CHANGES - May 1895 

The peace treaty signed between Japan and China remains a point of contention in World politics. The Treaty of Shimonoseki concluded the Sino Japanese War by China relinquishing control of Korea and handing Formosa and the Liaodong Peninsula to Japan. Russian, French and German delegations are now negotiating directly between the Qing and Japanese Governments to amend the treaty. They are particularly concerned that the transfer of ownership of Port Arthur on the Liaodong Peninsula gives Japan an unwarranted power over the Yellow Sea. This along with their occupation of Formosa worries the Great Powers and they seek a fundamental renegotiation of the treaty. 

CONFUCIUS CORNER 

A monthly note of relevant contemplation Without a block the cannon is silent Defenders stand sad and sore But a clink of silver in the right pocket Will restore the fiery cannons to life once more 

TAM SUI BESEIGED - 20 June 1895 

Japanese forces invested the City on 20th June. Surrounding the City to the landward and with a strong fleet off the coast the Japanese fired ranging shots into the City to the reply of emplaced guns who returned fire with ferocity. On the evening of the 21st a mine was exploded against the east wall. Though there was little material effect on the strong walls the citizens knew well that the explosion heralded the coming storm and all defenders stood to their weapons. The Japanese offered generous terms of surrender to the City but at this time the Cities defenders still fly the flag of the Republic of Formosa bravely and await the future with courage and trepidation. 

FALL OF TIENG-LICK - 27 June 1895 

A large force of Japanese infantry arrived before the peaceful City of Tieng-Lick on the 26th June. The bustling City had been demilitarised by Republican forces some weeks earlier and the leading citizens of the City were keen to avoid bloodshed. The Japanese Commander General Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa offered generous terms and security of all rights for the citizens of the City. The gates were opened and Japanese forces entered the City in full accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Shimonosecki. 

THE STRANGE CASE OF THE PHANTOM PRESIDENT - 27 June 1895 

Left: Tang Jinsong, Right: Another person 

A curious incident occurred as the Imperial Japanese Guard Division took possession of the City of Tieng Lick. Scouting forces screening the main body of troops reported seeing a finely dressed Qing Dignitary being escorted by a troop of horse in the vicinity of the City. Consulting their deck of cards identifying enemy VIPs the scouts believed this person to be none other than Tang Jinsong, the president of the rebel Republic. Dressed in the fine silks of a Qing Governor the identification seemed secure. But, what was he doing galloping around northern Formosa accompanied by a troop of heavy horsemen? With the peaceful surrender of the City a search was mounted by Japanese cavalry forces to find the elusive President. Within a few hours and after a brief cavalry scuffle the character was apprehended. Sure enough he looked like Tang Jinsong and his body guard fought hard to protect him, but surely he could not be the President. The dishevelled Phantom President made a sad sight when paraded before General Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa in chains. Tang Jinsong is an honoured and educated ex-Qing official able to speak multiple languages, but this fellow seemed only able to string a few simple sentences together in Han Chinese. He cowered obsequiously and seemed most interested in the Japanese coolies shoulder harnesses. Who is this man?.

Formosa Campaign Latest - June Update

 

DECLARATION OF REPUBLIC OF FORMOSA - May 1885 

At a lavish ceremony the formation of the new Republic was announced today. To great jubilation from a supportive public the Republic heralds a great age of wealth and independence for the industrious peoples of this happy island. Our new President: Tang Jinsong spoke eloquently of the opportunities available to us as a fresh new nation. His well chosen wise words filled the hall with poetic visions of a proud free future for our fresh nation, ripe with hope and optimism and without an enemy in the World. 

LOCAL GUIDES FOR RENT 

• New to the country? 

• Lacking reliable maps? 

Fear not, your local guides are here. Contact our manager: Wi Go Far and we can supply all your needs! 

JAPAN INVADES - 29 May 1895 

On an overcast night across the long sandy beaches of northern Formosa fishermen were awoken from their restful contemplation to see a flotilla of naval vessels drifting offshore. Throughout the night lighters brought Japanese forces onto the beach and by morning light a sizeable force had secured a beach-head and established blockades on all nearby roads. Through out the ensuing several days more and more men and material was ferried to the coast and under the watchful guns of a strong fleet the foreigners established a strong position only 5 miles from the bustling port of Ke Lang. 

GREAT POWERS CRY FOWL - May 1895 

The peace treaty signed between Japan and China is raising eyebrows around the World. The Treaty of Shimonoseki concluded the Sino Japanese War by China relinquishing control of Korea and handing Formosa and Liaodong Peninsula to Japan. Russia, France and Germany are concerned that the transfer of ownership of Port Arthur on the Liaodong Peninsula advances Japanese power to a dangerous extent in the Region. Delegations have been sent to the Japanese Government to press for a fundamental renegotiation of the treaty. 

SURRENDER OF KE LANG - 4 June 1895 

On the evening of the 3 June the Qing commander of the garrison at Ke Lang sent a courier to the Japanese forces encamped nearby. He offered the complete surrender of the important City in exchange for the opportunity for the troops to leave and be returned to mainland China. The City was handed to Japanese forces the next day and one of the strongest and well armed fortresses of the new Republic fell to the invader without a shot being fired. Local people watched the entry of the Japanese with sullen faces, their disappointment being harder to take as fires raged through storehouses along the harbourside where both foreign and local businesses operated. However, foreign traders within the City greeted the Japanese with some relief as they quickly quelled fires and peacefully took possession of the City. 

HAKKA MILITIA SUPPORT PATROLS IN NORTHERN FORMOSA - June 1895 

Hakka militia took to the streets to support the restoration and maintenance of law and order in Northern Formosa after a recent outbreak of looting. Well armed forces were to be seen on the streets in Tai Pak and Tam Sui. Local leader Xi Fan asserted that no foreign invaders or brigand looters would get this far into the country without paying a heavy price for their impudence. 

US FORCES PROTECT INTERESTS IN TAM SUI - June 1895 

As unrest broke out in Tam Sui fires were lit in warehouse areas of the City. Mobs brought disorder and the strong locally based trader community from the United States, Russia and the UK feared for their lives and property. The US gunboat “Monocacy” currently visiting the harbour placed a small party of marines ashore who secured US and other foreign owned warehouses and assisted local people extinguishing the flames in nearby properties. 

Posters reproduced below as seen on hoardings around Ke Lang, having been pasted up in the night before Japanese forces entered the City: