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The Battle of the Taku Forts (otherwise known as the storming of the Taku Forts) took place during the Second Opium War in 1860.

7 Victoria Crosses were awarded, including to the youngest recipient ever.

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This story, which is the 2nd of two episodes on this Opium War, tells the story of those VC recipients as well as the storming of the Taku Forts in 1860, the 

British (and French) occupation Beijing and their  forcing the Chinese to sign a peace treaty, which still impacts China’s view of the west to this day.

Along the way you will also hear how the Emperor of China’s Summer Palace was burned to the ground by the British, including the future General Charles Gordon (Gordon of Khartoum). You will also learn how the future General Sir Garnet Wolseley narrowly missed being beheaded by the Chinese, and how Private John Moyse was beheaded and became a Victorian legend.

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