Battles of the Sino-French War
1884–1885 · 2 battles covered, in date order. Click a battle on the map for its summary.
Battle (size: ships engaged)
French movement
Routes are approximate.
1884
23 August 1884 · Mawei anchorage, Min River
Battle of FuzhouDecisive French victory
Courbet's squadron had been allowed into the Min River while talks went on, and anchored beside the Fujian Fleet. When talks broke down he attacked at close range. French torpedo boats crippled the flagship Yangwu, and gunfire sank or burned most of the Chinese ships within an hour or so. Over the next days the French shelled the navy yard and fought their way back down the river past the forts.
10
vs
11 (9 lost)
1885
14 February 1885 · Shipu Bay, Zhejiang
Battle of ShipuFrench victory
Courbet chased a Nanyang Fleet squadron coming to relieve Formosa. Three of its cruisers got away south; two older ships took refuge in Shipu Bay. That night two launches from Bayard crept into the bay and exploded spar torpedoes against the frigate Yuyuan, which sank. The sloop Chengqing also went down in the confusion.
3
vs
5 (2 lost)