The HMS Hornet, a 17-gun sloop of the Royal Navy, played a crucial role in the capture of Canton (modern-day Guangzhou) during the Second Opium War (1856–1860). Built in 1854 as part of the Royal Navy’s Cruizer-class sloops, the Hornet was equipped with a combination of sails and steam power, allowing it to operate effectively in coastal and riverine environments. This versatility made it an indispensable asset during Britain’s naval operations in China.
In December 1857, British and French forces launched a joint assault on Canton, one of China’s most important cities. The operation was part of a broader campaign to pressure the Qing dynasty into complying with demands for expanded trade rights, the legalization of the opium trade, and the opening of additional ports to foreign powers. Commanded by Commander Charles Codrington Forsyth, the Hornet was tasked with patrolling the Pearl River, ensuring the safe passage of allied forces and supplies while neutralizing Chinese defenses along the riverbanks.
The campaign to capture Canton began on December 28, 1857, with an allied fleet advancing toward the city. The HMS Hornet was instrumental in the bombardment of Chinese fortifications, leveraging its mobility and firepower to support ground troops. Its shallow draft enabled it to navigate the Pearl River’s intricate waterways, positioning itself strategically to engage Qing defenses effectively. The ship’s firepower disrupted Chinese positions, clearing a path for the landing of British and French forces.
By December 29, the allied troops had breached Canton’s walls, and the city was fully occupied by January 5, 1858. The coordinated efforts of naval and ground forces, supported by the Hornet and other ships, overwhelmed Chinese resistance. The capture of Canton was a critical victory, solidifying British and French dominance in southern China and setting the stage for further campaigns.
The HMS Hornet’s contribution to the operation extended beyond its role in combat. It also served as a logistical platform, providing communications and resupply for allied forces operating inland. The ship’s crew demonstrated exceptional discipline and skill under fire, exemplifying the Royal Navy’s professionalism during the Victorian era. The success of the Canton campaign underscored the importance of naval power in 19th-century imperial conflicts, where control of waterways and coastal cities was essential for military and political objectives.
The capture of Canton had far-reaching implications for the Qing dynasty. It exposed the vulnerability of China’s defenses and forced the Qing court to negotiate with the Western powers. The subsequent signing of the Treaty of Tientsin in 1858 granted Britain and France significant concessions, including the opening of additional treaty ports and the legalization of opium imports. These terms deepened the economic and social disruptions already caused by the Opium Wars, contributing to internal unrest and weakening Qing Authority.
The HMS Hornet continued to serve in the East Indies and China Station following the campaign sailing to and from the UK through Singapore and other ports. Its involvement in the Second Opium War exemplifies the critical role of naval ships in shaping the course of history during the age of empire, highlighting the interplay of military power, diplomacy, and economic interests in the 19th century. Because of their positions in weather observations scarce regions, weather observed and recorded onboard are invaluable for modern climate research.
The logbooks recorded on these ships are not only historically important but offer us a rare window into past climate. We are using logbooks like these to reconstruct historical climate of SE Asia and Far East through a citizen-science project called the Monsoon Voyages (https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/p-teleti/monsoon-voyages). We are asking for help to transcribe weather observations recorded in 19th Century Royal Navy ships’ logbooks such as HMS Hornet. Please help us save climate history and past climate being lost to time.
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