Yangtze Patrol: American Naval Forces in China
A Selected, Partially-Annotated Bibliography

Abbey, Phil. Kemp Tolley – Muse of the Yangtze River Rats. Geocities.Com. 29 April 1998. Online. Available: 10 August 1998.

Rear Admiral Kemp Tolley, U.S.N. retired, is the author of Yangtze Patrol, to-date the most comprehensive publication on the history and activities of that unit. This web page details a short biographical sketch of Tolley, a man who spent twenty-five years abroad or at sea and experienced a widely varied and unique naval career including missions in China and Russia.

______. Treaty Ports & Extraterritoriality in 1920s China. Geocities.Com. 5 May 1998. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

Ambitious description of the historical and legal circumstances which developed into the principle of extraterritoriality that the Yangtze Patrol helped enforce and protect. Includes an extract from the Treaty of Wangsia, 1844, which established extraterritoriality for American citizens. Contains a complete list of all treaty ports, their location and date of opening.

______. USS Asheville (PG-21) (1920-1942). Geocities.Com. 11 August 1998. 10 Online. Available: August 1998.

The Asheville had extensive service in China and was one of the few surface ships to be sunk with all hands lost during World War II.

______. USS Isabel (PY-10). Geocities.Com. 27 April 1998. Online. Available: 20 July 1998.

“… Isabel sailed for the Far East 21 August 1921 to join the famous Yangtze Patrol (YANGPAT). … During the tumultuous 5 years that followed in China, Isabel served as a member of the Patrol and as its flagship (COMYANG) based in Hankow, charged with protecting American commerce from pirates and American nationals from the danger of constant civil war. Based at Shanghai, Isabel spent the high water period on the river at Hankow, returning to the coast in summer.” From the source document.

The information at this site is based on information from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

______. USS Tutuila I (PR-4). Geocities.Com. 6 April 1998. Online. Available: 10 August 1998.

“In 1937, the complexion of life for the Yangtze gunboats changed. The undeclared Sino-Japanese War began in July and spread to the Yangtze valley in August and September. Japanese river operations effectively bottled up the river for neutral gunboats and their proximity to war zones produced incidents such as the sinking of the Panay (PR-6) by Japanese aircraft on 12 December 1937. On 3 August 1938, Tutuila followed Luzon (PR-7) up the river to Chunking, as the YangPat flagship carried the American Ambassador, Nelson T. Johnson, to that river port.” From the source document.

The information at this site is based on information from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

______. Yangtze Patrol. Geocities.Com. 15 July 1998. Online. Available: 10 August 1998.

“In 1900, the so-called Boxer rebellion hit northern China. Several hundred foreigners, mostly missionaries living in small towns, and approximately 50,000 Chinese Christians were murdered …

“Following this incident the United States Navy organized the South China Patrol, based at Hong Kong, and the Yangtze Patrol, based at Shanghai and later Hankow. …” From the source document.

Bushini, J. Boxer Rebellion. Small Planet Communications. 20 July 1998. Online. Available: 29 July 1998.

Short history of the events precipitating China’s Boxer Rebellion in 1900 and the resulting expansion of the “Open Door” policy in which the Yangtze Patrol became intimately involved.

China Marine Association. China Marine Association. Fort Worth, Texas: Star-Telegram Online Services. 12 January 1998. Online. Available: 10 August 1998.

“Prior to World War II, the Marines were stationed in North China on numerous occasions to protect American business interests and missionaries. They were first sent in while Admiral Perry was in Japan watching over American interests. The Marines moved into Shanghai in 1854 following occupation of foreign trading settlements in and around Shanghai. The American Mission grounds were threatened by the Imperial Chinese Army which was engaged in fighting the Revolutionary forces of T'ien Wang. The mission of the Marines was to protect American personnel and property. In 1856 the Marines were sent into Canton and again into Shanghai. Over the next 40 years they were periodically sent into China for the purpose of protecting American interests.

"The Boxer Rebellion in 1900 set the stage for the Marines to be in North China for the next forty years. In 1905, the Marines returned to Peking after the Boxer Rebellion had been brought under control. The Marines were sent to Shanghai in 1911, 1912, 1913, 1922, 1925, and remained during the period 1927 to 1934. Their mission was again to protect American business and missionary interests. On November 10, 1941 the Marines were ordered out of China and left for the Philippines." From the site page.

Clancey, Patrick. Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1940-1945: Patrol Craft. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina Sunsite. 26 March 1998. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

Includes a list of river gunboats with commissioning dates and dates of loss or final disposition. Also includes specifications of their design including dislacement, speed and armament.

Clancey, Patrick. Sinking of Panay, 12 December 1937. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina Sunsite. 23 March 1998. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

The sinking of the Panay by the Japanese represents the end of the Yangtze Patrol and the beginning of World War II. This web site is taken from pages 16-18 of The Rising Sun in the Pacific, volume three of Samuel Eliot Morison’s History of United States Naval Operations in World War II.

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Quincy, Massachusetts: United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum. 20 June 1998. Online. Available: 10 August 1998.

This is the electronic version of the foremost reference to US naval vessels. The print version consists of eight volumes and provides histories of virtually every US naval vessel. This online version, as of August 1998 contained approximately 2,500 ship histories, but volunteers add more records on a continuous basis. Several vessels assigned to the Yangtze Patrol are already included.

Fahey, John Edward. Mail Gaurd, China, and Fleet Marine Force (1926 through 1940). San Diego, California: University of San Diego. 29 October 1996. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

Activities and involvements of the Fourth Marine Regiment between the World Wars, including China.

Fifteenth Infantry Regiment. Fifteenth Infantry – History. Fort Benning, Georgia: Fifteenth Infantry. 29 December 1997. Online. Available: 10 August 1998.

“On 16 August 1900 most of the regiment was in Tientsin, China, for service against the Boxer Rebellion. .... In September 1902, the regiment sailed for Monterey, California, where it built the current Presidio. … In November 1911 … the 2nd Battalion returned to Tientsin, China, as part of the international peace-keeping mission designed to protect civilians during the Chinese Revolution. The remainder of the regiment followed in 1912. Much of the 15th Infantry’s tradition comes from the 26 years in China. The dragon on the regimental crest and pidgin English motto "Can Do" symbolize the China service. During World War I, the regiment was often close to combat in China.” From the source.

Fourth Marines in China, 1927-1941. San Diego, California: University of San Diego. 16 April, 1996. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

“[Describes] the role the Fourth marines played while assigned to duty in China during the unstable years leading up to World War II. The unit was assigned to duty in Shanghai from 1927 to 1941 and was involved in the security of Americans there … small detachments from the units were used as guards aboard ships of the Yangtze Rapid Steamship Company.” From the source.

Garcia, C. Sand Pebbles - A Tribute. 30 August 1998. Online. Available: 5 September 1998.

A site dedicated to fans of the “Sand Pebbles” motion picture which portrayed a fictional Yangtze Patrol gunboat, the San Pablo, and its crew in China circa 1926.

Guy, John W. Role of the United States Marines During the Relief of Peking, The Boxer Rebellion – 1900. San Diego, California: University of San Diego. 29 October 1996. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

“At the end of the nineteenth century anti-foreign feeling in China was strong and stemmed from two main causes. One was the conduct of the foreigners, which was often deplorable and always open to misconstruction; the other was the policy of the Manchu Dynasty, which was deluded and out of date. The Dowager Empress, Tzu Hsi, encouraged anti-foreign sentiment which was fully shared by her subjects; hatred for the West was widespread throughout China. …

“… Thus as 1900 dawned, China was swept by a movement known as "Yao rebels" who believed that they had been made invulnerable by sorcery and incantation. Screaming mobs, determined to kill every Westerner, were egged on by the Yao society whose title, "The Fist of Righteous Amity" was translated by Americans and English into 'Boxers."

“... Consequently, the foreign legations in Peking telegraphed for help, and the Asiatic squadrons of the great powers raised steam and set course for North China. …The first United States ship to reach Taku Bar, the Yellow Sea roadstead 40 miles down-river from Tientsin, was the USS Newark, a cruiser which anchored on 27 May. The Newark carried a double strength complement of Marines.

“… the American column, traveling in junks towed by a commandeered steam tug, finally reached Tientsin at 2300 that night where the foreign colony had been waiting for them with a brass band. Among the welcomers was a 25 year old American mining engineer, Mr. Herbert Hoover, …

“ …The first foreign troops to arrive, the Marines and sailors were billeted in Temperance Hall, dedicated to a cause the futility of which has never been more often underscored than on the China station.” From the source document.

Naval Historical Center. Casualties: U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Killed and Wounded in Wars, Conflicts and Hostile Incidents. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 27 July 1998. Online. Available: 3August 1998.

Chronologically documents Navy and Marine Corps casualties (KIA and WIA) in even minor military incidents from 1775 to the present. Many actions in China are included.

______. China Relief Expedition 1900-1901. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 7 August 1996. Online. Available: 28 July 1998.

Brief description of Navy and Marine activities during the Boxer Rebellion.

______. China Relief Expedition Medal. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 13 June 1998. Online. Available: 28 July 1998.

Picture and brief description of the medal awarded to participants in the naval actions and shore activities of 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion.

______. China Service 1937-1939,1945-1957. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 7 August 1996. Online. Available: 3 August 1998.

Short description of circumstances resulting in American military activity in China immediately preceding and after World War II.

______. China Service Medal. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 21 June, 1998. Online. Available: 28 July 1998.

Displays a color picture of China Service Medal and states the conditions under which it was awarded to Marine and Navy personnel who served in China from 7 July 1937 to 7 September 1939.

______. Instances of Use of United States Forces Abroad, 1798-1993. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 12 September 1997. Online. Available: 3 August 1998.

Chronological list of 234 instances in which United States forces functioned abroad in “other than normal peacetime purposes.” Includes China actions.

______. Navy Expeditionary Medal [and] Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 1 June 1998. Online. Available: 3August 1998.

Shows color pictures of the Medals and states the conditions under which they were awarded to Marine and Navy personnel. Includes a list of “Authorized Expeditions” including thirteen in China between 1894 and 1925.

______. Navy Medal of Honor: Boxer Rebellion 1900. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 14 April, 1997. Online. Available: 3 August 1998.

Names and ranks of Navy Medal of Honor recipients during Boxer Rebellion, including date of the action and the vessel or unit involved.

______. Online Library of Selected Images. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 5 February, 1998. Online. Available: 3 August 1998.

At viewing date had digital images only of the Spanish-American War but other actions as well as other categories including “ships” and “people” are in the planning stages.

______. Reunions, Veterans Organizations. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 1 July 1998. Online. Available: 3 August 1998.

Alphabetic list of names, postal addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of organizations for naval veterans including the Patrol Craft Sailors Association, Tin Can Sailors and US Asiatic Fleet Four-Stack Destroyers.

______. Yangtze Service 1926-1927, 1930-1932. Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy. 15 July 1996. Online. Available: 28 July 1998.

Brief description of Yangtze Service activities during the turbulence of the twenties and the floods of the early thirties.

Sand Pebbles. Los Angeles, California: American Film Institute. 13 February 1998. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

Includes a synopsis of the movie that is based on Richard McKenna’s novel of the same name. “The main element … to this story, about an American gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River in China in 1926, was a theme that reflected the political climate of the mid-1960s.”

Tales of Old Shanghai. Shanghai, China: Eastern Web Services. 24 July, 1998. Online. Available: 7 August 1998.

“This site attempts to give a feel for the world of Old Shanghai…. Old Shanghai was a very special time and place. The city was run by foreigners but was not a colony, most residents were Chinese but it was not ruled by China. It was the greatest city of Asia, completely eclipsing Hong Kong and Tokyo. It was one of the most cosmopolitan places that ever existed, full of growth and speculation, of rogues and adventurers, of color and life, and of poverty and death.

“Old Shanghai was the worst and the best of everything. It was the "Whore of Asia" and also the "Paris of the East". It was a "paradise for adventurers". Over the decades, it was a haven to millions of people, both Chinese and non-Chinese, who sought refuge there from the wars and the poverty that surrounded it.

“The city had a such a bad reputation in certain quarters that it gave rise to the verb "to be Shanghai-ed", which meant to be drugged and shipped off to sea as a sailor, a reflection of the problem ship's captains often had when they arrived in Shanghai in putting together enough of a crew to set sail again.” From the source document.

This fascinating web site also includes selections from newspapers and magazines, mostly from the 1930s and 1940s, such as the “China Journal,” “North-China Daily News,” and “Fortune.”

U.S. Naval Institute Photographic Collection. Annapolis, Maryland: U.S. Naval Institute. 25 March 1998. Online. Available: 3 August 1998.

Brief description of the 450,000 images in the USNI Photo Archives and directions on how to purchase copies.

USS Augusta (CA-31). USS Augusta Association. 22 June 1998. Online. Available 10 August 1998.

“On November 9th, 1933, … [Augusta] dropped her hook in Whangpoo, off the Bund in Shanghai, China, and in colorful ceremonies, proudly hoisted the four star flag of Admiral F.B. Uptam, Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet.

“The year 1937 brought the "Augie Maru" - now six years old - her baptism of fire. August of that year found her back in China station, with the "China Incident" in full swing and the inter-national situation tense. On "Bloody Saturday", the 14th of August, she moored off the Bund of Shanghai after bucking a typhoon at high speed enroute from Tsingtao. She was hardly secured to her mooring buoy in the Whangpoo when two bombs fell close alongside. Fortunately, no one was killed. During the following hectic week the air was full of screaming Jap shells falling in Shanghai until, on the afternoon of August 20th, a stray shell exploded on the Augusta, killing one seaman and wounding 17 others.

“ … But all was not work. While swinging at her mooring off the Bund, her crew competed in the vast sports program of the Asiatic Fleet, which the Navy encouraged to keep it's [sic] men fit. Competition was keen and the standards high. In 1935, 1936, and 1937 she had won the coveted "Iron Man" - the trophy for all around excellence in Athletics. In 1940, at gala ceremonies held on the Quarter Deck, she was presented with the Admiral Anderson Swimming Trophy, the Admiral Washington Wrestling Cup - for the fourth straight year - and as a finale, Admiral Hart, then in Command of the Asiatic Fleet, presented the famous "Iron Man" to Captain Magruder for the "Augie's" fourth win in seven years.” From the source document.

The Augusta witnessed and participated in many historic events. Churchill and President Roosevelt met aboard her and President Truman sailed on her to the Potsdam Conference. Admirals King and Nimitz both commanded her at various stages in their careers.

United Sates Navy Yangtze Patrol & South China Patrol – A Brief Historical Chronology & Description of Ships Assigned. Geocities.Com. 22 July 1998. Online. Available: 6 August 1998

Exceptionally thorough chronology of American naval presence in China from 1784 to post World War II with an emphasis on the Yangtze/South China Patrol period. Also includes description and characteristics of the ships involved, plus photos and maps.