The 1st Chinese Regiment in Weihaiwei: A British Colonial Experiment
Introduction
The 1st Chinese Regiment, also known as the Weihaiwei Regiment, was a unique military unit raised by the British in their leased territory of Weihaiwei (now Weihai) in China. Active from 1898 to 1906, this regiment consisted of Chinese enlisted men serving under British officers and NCOs. Its brief but significant history reflects the complexities of British imperial expansion in East Asia and the ambiguous position of Chinese subjects serving a foreign power.
History of the 1st Chinese Regiment
In 1898, Britain acquired a lease on Weihaiwei, primarily as a naval base for the Royal Navy's China Station, to counterbalance Russian and German influence in the region. While initially intended for military administration, the territory proved unsuitable for a major naval base or trading port. However, the need for a local defense force led to the formation of the 1st Chinese Regiment.
Major Hamilton Bower of the Indian Staff Corps was appointed as the first commanding officer. The regiment was formed from men of Shandong Province, and British officers and Colour Sergeants began to arrive in late 1898. By 1900, it had a strength of 420 men and eventually grew to over 1200 by 1902. The regiment gained a reputation for its drill, military appearance, and marksmanship.
The regiment's most notable engagement was during the Boxer Uprising in 1900. A detachment of 200 men, led by Lieutenant Colonel Bower, served with distinction in the relief of Tianjin. They fought alongside international forces, including US Marines, and were the only British Army regiment to be engaged in the final assault on Tianjin, earning praise for their performance. Despite initial objections from the Chinese government regarding Chinese subjects serving in a British regiment, and the inherent ambiguities of fighting against their own countrymen, the regiment proved its loyalty and effectiveness.
However, the regiment's existence was short-lived. In 1901, it was decided that Weihaiwei would not be developed as a major naval base, and administration was transferred from the War Office to the Colonial Office. This shift led to a gradual reduction in the regiment's size, and it was eventually disbanded on June 1, 1906, primarily due to financial considerations. Some soldiers were retained to form a permanent police force in the territory.
Why They Wore Turbans Like the Indian Regiments
The distinctive uniform of the 1st Chinese Regiment included a "black turban" for parade dress and a "straw wide-brimmed hat modeled on that worn by the Royal Navy" for ordinary duties and active service. The dark blue/grey tunic, breeches, and puttees, along with a red waist sash, completed their attire.
The adoption of the turban, a prominent feature of their parade uniform, is widely believed to have been influenced by British Indian Army regiments, particularly the Sikhs. British officers often served across different parts of the Empire, and there was a precedent for adapting successful military practices and uniform elements from one colonial context to another. The Sikhs, known for their martial prowess and distinctive turbans, were highly regarded by the British. It is likely that the British officers forming the 1st Chinese Regiment sought to evoke a similar sense of discipline, identity, and martiality among the Chinese conscripts by incorporating the turban into their uniform. This suggests a desire to imbue the new regiment with an image of professionalism and a connection to other successful British-trained colonial forces.