background
On the day before the incident, that is,1897165438+10 13, the German Far East Fleet, which is usually stationed in Wusongkou, Shanghai, appeared in the open sea south of Qingdao. On the previous165438+1October 7th, Kaiser Wilhelm II 1859- 194 1) retaliated against China for "deciding to start immediately". Late that night, he telegraphed Major General Otto von Didericus 1843- 19 18, commander of the Far East Fleet, to make him ready. 10, the German ship set sail for Jiaozhou Bay.
The fleet led by Dietrich (formerly translated as Dillis or Dillis) consists of five warships, namely the 4,300-ton S.M.S. Prinzess Wilhelm, the 5,200-ton S.M.S. Cormoran and the 7650.
In fact, the German fleet appeared at 4: 00 pm in 13, and was discovered by the observation post of the Qing army. At this time, Gaoyuan Zhang (1841-1913) is said to be playing mahjong with his subordinates. It is reported that he has sent someone to the German ship to ask about the purpose of his visit. Dietrich appointed adjutant Captain Amon to lead two officers and translators ashore to visit Gaoyuan Zhang. After getting the answer "I'll take a break and leave soon", Zhang was relieved. In order to show friendship and make full use of the friendship of the landlord, Zhang said that he would host a banquet in honor of Dietrich at the yamen, but the German side politely declined. Previously, Russian fleets often came to make temporary berths in winter, but Germany has always been "friendly" to China, showing unusual "justice" in the "triple intervention" incident. Many factors may have blinded Gaoyuan Zhang who participated in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895. His slackness and carelessness directly led to his confrontation and game with the Germans the next day. ...
process
The German fleet had enough time to deploy before the occupation after dark. The "Emperor" and "Princess William" stayed at the outer anchorage near Little Qingdao, ready to shell the coastal generals' yamen, barracks and batteries to prevent resistance. Cormorants are flying into Jiaozhou Bay, moored near horseshoe reef, ready to seize the armory of Baoxiao Island and outflank it from behind.
1897165438+10/4 According to the old calendar, it is October 20th of the 23rd year of Guangxu. At dawn, "Cormorant" put down a few boats, and more than 0/00 Germans on board took advantage of the morning fog to occupy the Houhai barracks of the Qing army and the powder magazine not far away. Dietrich received the news of the cormorant's success and ordered the fleet to land. Just as 720 German soldiers landed on the west side of the trestle, it happened that the Qing garrison was doing morning exercises. There was an incredible scene when the two armies met. Green camp personnel who are conducting exercises are unprepared for the heavily armed Germans, scrambling to say hello to them. Some people are complacent because they can speak two sentences of German. ...
Immediately after the Germans landed, they divided their troops to seize the commanding heights and coastal fortresses according to the pre-arranged plan, surrounded the company commanders' yamen and barracks around the country, and cut off the links between the battalions. Gaoyuan Zhang's reaction at this time, because there is no official detailed explanation, so opinions vary. At about 1 1 in the morning, the German army sent a note to the Qing army, limiting it to retreat to Nvgukou and Laoshan before 3 pm, and only carrying rifles within 48 hours. After that, it will be treated as an enemy. At this time, under the influence of everyone, Zhang considered resistance, only to find that there were no bullets in the gun and the arsenal had already been controlled by the Germans. But Gaoyuan Zhang once personally met Dietrich and said, "Without the official documents of his country, it is difficult to leave". But Dietrich insisted that the Germans must take over the defense at 3 pm. Shandong Governor (1830- 1900) and Beiyang Minister (1830- 1908) said: "Yuan wanted to fight, was afraid of war, wanted to quit his post, and thought twice, but had to temporarily withdraw his team from Qingdao.
result
At noon 12: 30, the flag of Gaoyuan Zhang's company commander fell from the flagpole in front of the yamen. At 2: 30 pm, German ships anchored in Qingdao Bay fired 2 1 salute to celebrate the victory of this occupation. Half an hour later, the tricolor flag of the German navy rose with three cheers to the German emperor. And Gaoyuan Zhang also retreated to Sifang village at this time.
Dietrich announced the occupation of Jiaozhou Bay and all nearby islands and lands in the lobby of Yamen, and said that if China people dared to make trouble, they would be severely punished. At the same time, a new interim government was established. Later, the Germans also sent a small team to the nearest Jimo county, but before the Germans arrived, the Qing army stationed at the station fled. Subsequently, this unit continued to advance to Jiaozhou, chasing the defeated Qing army and forcibly stationing troops in Jiaozhou.