Throughout history there have been several battles over control of the Taku Forts in China
In 1860, an Anglo-French force gathered at Hong Kong and then carried out a landing at Pei Tang on August 1, and a successful assault on the Taku Forts on August 21 after which Hospital Apprentice Andrew Fitzgibbon of the Indian Medical Establishment became the youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross at the age of 15 years and 3 months.
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On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Lieutenant Lenon, with Lieutenant Robert Montresor Rogers and Private John McDougall of the 44th Foot, displayed great gallantry in the ditches and entering the North Taku Fort by an embrasure during the assault.
Li was impressed with the necessity of strengthening the empire, and while Viceroy of Zhili he raised a large well-drilled and well-armed force, and spent vast sums both in fortifying Port Arthur and the Taku forts and in increasing the navy.