14 Facts About Liu Buchan

Liu Buchan was a Chinese naval officer during the First Sino-Japanese War.

Liu Buchan served in the Beiyang Fleet, the most prominent of China's naval units in the late Qing Dynasty, and is best remembered for his actions as commander of the fleet flagship, the Dingyuan, during the war.

At his death, Liu was commander of the fleet flagship, with the rank Admiral of the Right, and reserve Admiral of the Fleet.

Liu Buchan was born in the town of Houguan, in Fuzhou, China.

Liu Buchan's father died before he was born, and he was brought up by his mother.

In 1872, with the best results, Liu Buchan graduated in the first class of the Foochow Arsenal Naval School.

Liu Buchan served on the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet flagship HMS Hercules as a trainee first mate.

Liu Buchan returned to China in 1878 and was given command of the Zhenbei in the Beiyang Fleet.

Liu Buchan was sent to monitor construction and inspect the ships, and to assist in delivering the two warships back to China.

Liu Buchan participated in drawing up the Fleet's charter, and was promoted to the Right Wing command of Admiral.

When Fleet Admiral Ding Ruchang left his ship, Liu Buchan took down the fleet admiral flag and put up his admiral flag.

Liu Buchan pointed out that Japan was enthusiastically expanding its navy, and to keep up the Beiyang Fleet must adopt an annual program to add new ships.

Liu Buchan ordered the ship run aground and to continue firing as an artillery battery.

Liu Buchan is argued to have lacked adequate experience before he was appointed as the captain of Dingyuan and training and command were very bad under him.