This group of photos is the image of Weihua Yong Camp in Weihai, Shandong in 1901. The photographer is Ruxton
The British Huayong Camp was originally a local Chinese mercenary stationed in Weihai British Concession. The planning of this force began in 1898, and it was formally formed in 1899. Weihaiwei is located in Weihai, Shandong Province today. It was originally Shiluo. It was set up in the 31st year of Hongwu (1398) of the Ming Dynasty; Wei”, It is called Weihaiwei
In November 1898, the British Army Department first recruited professional sergeants such as interpreters and buglers from Hong Kong and Shanghai, and then began to formally establish the British Chinese Regiment in Weihai Wei, which is what the Chinese call the “Chinese Regiment”; Huayunying&rdquo
到 1900年5月,“华勇营”人数已达六百多,兵士年龄均在二十三至二十五岁之间。该部队编制齐全,设置长枪连、机枪连、炮队和骑兵队,以及乐队、译员、卫生队。该团由包耳上校(Colonel Bower)任团长,尉级以上军官均从英国正规军中调任,全团配置精良装备,清一色的马丁尼·亨利式来复枪,甚至还有当时最先进的马克西姆机枪,这在当时的西方正规军中,亦未能成建制装备,可见英国对该支雇佣军期许之高。
“华勇营”成立后,历经鏖战,为英国立功,部队也不断壮大。至1901年庚子事件结束后,全团已扩展至12个连,共1200人。华勇营成立后,先被用来镇压当地的抗英斗争。义和团运动爆发后,“华勇营”被正式纳入英军建制,并换上了英国陆军军装,随八国联军参加攻击并占领天津、北京的战争。
1900年7月14日,“华勇营”协同日军敢死队,终于攻破天津城墙。到1900年8月15日晨,“华勇营”终于开进了前门。在自己的首都,“华勇营”进行的最后一场战斗是将大炮拖上城墙,协同美军攻击紫禁城,得到美军的欢呼。
“华勇营”成军后,镇压了威海当地的抗英活动,又作为英军主力参与了八国联军对华作战,战力强大,军事表现出色。但在当时及以后的中国人看来,“华勇营”士兵身为中国人,却加入侵略军,又对同胞作战。他们之存在,自然被视为中国人的耻辱。1906年6月,成立八年的“华勇营”正式解散,部分士兵转往南非、香港当警察,部分士兵留在当地充任巡捕或加入中国军队。威海卫还存有当年“华勇营”的旧址。