In 1896, the British Empire had demanded and obtained a 25 year lease on Wei-Hai-Wei, China.  Needing an able man to oversee their operations, eventually it was decided to give Major General Lord Bumblethwaite to the residency.  It was an important step for the Empire, who desired some sort of hold in China so as to compete with the other major world powers, including Russian, Japan, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and the United States, all of which had substantial colonial holdings in China.  It was also an important step for Lord Bumblethwaite, who, though he had served well in many campaigns since 1850 when he was but a ADC, was looking to settle down into a "cushy civil service job."
 
Along with Bumblethwaite came a 50 men to guard the residency.  These were troops hand-picked by Bumblethwaite, many of whom had served with him in the recent campaigns in India.
 
 
<<  The residency troops turn out for morning muster.
 
 
Besides these were numerous household servants and secretaries, and, of course, the good lady, Eunice V. Bumblethwaite.  Although it was never mentioned to her face, the men had suspicions that the "V." stood for "Vircingetorix."  (Those in the know suspected that the Lord had married for anything but love...)
 
Things were going well for the old Major General.  He was enjoying the transition from military to civilian life, and he had developed a passion for the local quisine.
 
One day, on June 9, 1900, he and Lady Bumblethwaite decided to go out for a walk and talk in the early morning air.  Accompanying them were an escort of eight troopers led by Sergeant-Major McDuff.  Like the rest of the British garrison, they were decked out in their red home service uniforms for Lady Bumblethwaite's birthday.
 
 
<<  Lady Bumbletwhaite:  "I say dear, look at those colorful fellows back there.  They must have come to parade in honor of my birthday!"

<<  Lord Bumblethwaite:  "Mmmm.  Perhaps, M'dear.  Perhaps..."
 
 
Lady Bumblethwaite was quite excited at the prospect of a parade in her honor, but the Major General had some sneaking suspicions.  His military instinct, although dormant for four years, was warning him that something was amiss...
 
Meanwhile, across town, a contingent of US Marines, who had arrived the night before, were preparing to leave to reinforce the garrison at Peking.  With them was Ambassador Roberts, who's goal was to help mediate the differences between the Chinese government and the foreign powers.
 
Captain Smythe, with orders to reinforce the residency troops, was heading into town with a contingent of Royal Navy Marines, having arrived at the railroad station some two miles away at dawn.  He was just coming into town when the trouble began...
 
Click here for Part 2 of the Incident at Wei-Hai-Wei!