Sun Kaihua

Sun Kaihua (died 1893) was a military student of Hunan, who joined Bao Chao's army and fought bravely against the Taiping and Nien rebels, receiving many wounds. He was rapidly promoted until he became a Brigade General at Zhangzhou in Fujian in 1866. In 1878 he saw service against the Formosan savages, but he is best known for his repulse of the French at the Battle of Tamsui in 1884. For this he was made a noble of the 7th grade, and in 1886 became Commander-in-Chief in Fujian. Though a military officer he was exceedingly well-read, and he was a great favorite both with native and foreigners. Orders have been issued that his career is to be recorded in the history of the dynasty, and memorial temples are to be erected at the scenes of his chief exploits.