Francis Garnier attacked outside Hanoi by Black Flag forces

Background. Francis Garnier, a French naval officer, arrived in Hanoi in November 1873 to resolve a diplomatic crisis involving French trader Jean Dupuis. Acting without orders, he attempted to conquer Tonkin. The Vietnamese government responded by enlisting the Black Flag Army, a mercenary group originally from Guangxi, to oppose the French incursion. This set the stage for a violent confrontation outside the Hanoi Citadel.

The Engagement. On 21 December 1873, Liu Yongfu led approximately 600 Black Flag soldiers toward the west gate of the Hanoi Citadel. Garnier and three men launched a bayonet charge against the approaching force. Garnier stumbled in a watercourse during the attack and was speared to death. The engagement marked a significant defeat for the French force, ending their series of victories in the region.

Aftermath. Despite Garnier's death, the Black Flag attempt to retake Hanoi failed, and the French retained control of the greater part of the Red River Delta. However, the French government disapproved of the unauthorized conquest. Lieutenant Paul Philastre was sent to remove Garnier's men from occupied cities and repatriate them to Saigon in February 1874.