Born in 1849 (Qing Daoguang twenty-ninth year) on October 4 (the eighteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar) in Panyu County, Guangdong Province, Long Guiwei Township (today's Guangzhou Haizhu District) (Long Guiwei Street). His father, Deng Huanzhuang, specialized in the tea business and had opened the Xiangfa Yuan Tea House in Guangzhou, Tianjin, Shanghai, Han, Hong Kong and Qinhuangdao, etc., and started to build the Deng Family Ancestral Hall. Because Deng Huanzhuang and his wife Guo suffered from the darkness of the world and the suffering of war, earnestly hoped that the Deng family prosperity, they gave their only son named Deng Yongchang; However, the family business is not easy to prosper, can not be separated from the situation and the fate of the country's environment, so the understanding of the Deng Huanzhuang will be renamed Deng Shichang son, the word Zhengqing. [2]
1860 (Qing Xianfeng ten years old) 11 years old
Deng Shichang from childhood qualification clever, diligent and studious, in his hometown with excellent results in elementary school. Deng Huanzhuang felt that no matter whether he wanted his son to succeed his own career or to engage in other endeavors in the future, it was necessary to learn foreign languages, and then learn advanced foreign scientific knowledge. This was shocking at a time when English was regarded as a "barbarian language". When he brought Shichang to Shanghai, he first let him enter a church school to learn English and arithmetic from Europeans. Shichang accepted the new knowledge ability is very strong, academic progress is very fast, in a very short time, can and foreign teachers dialogue, and can read the original English and American books. The foreign teachers appreciated him and liked him very much as a bright and intelligent student.
In 1867 (the sixth year of the Tongzhi reign), at the age of 18
Shen Baozhen became the Minister of the Mawei Shipyard in Fuzhou, and at the same time, he opened the manufacturing class of the former academy and the driving class of the latter academy. The school began to enroll students, mainly for the Fujian local qualifications of intelligent, proficient students under 16 years of age, and then due to the lack of students, the enrollment has been extended to Guangdong, Hong Kong, and will be relaxed to the age of 20 years of age and above. When Deng Shichang learned of this news, he immediately reported to his father and asked to apply for the examination. His enlightened father agreed to his request without hesitation. Deng Shichang returned to Guangzhou, took the examination, the results were excellent, and successfully enrolled in the driving profession. At that time, the majority of the students who took the examination were from poor families, followed by foreign-influenced families and children of merchants and students of foreign academies. Applicants must fill in the three generations of names, occupations, and the experience of the bailiff's merits and fame of the bailiff to fill in the bow tie, and to take the ganjie of their fathers and brothers and themselves.
1871 (qing tongzhi ten years old) 22 years old
pilot students in addition to learning english, mathematics, but also study nautical astronomy, navigation theory and geography, after five years of classroom learning after graduation. Deng Shichang from the army after the "first" return to his hometown in Guangzhou to visit his family.
1873 (Qing dynasty Tongzhi 12 years) 24 years old
The classroom education is only the first step in naval education. To become a qualified naval officer, one needs to go through practice on a practice ship. Soon, Deng Shichang and other students boarded the "Jianwei" practice ship, began their long-desired sea voyage. The voyage, has reached Xiamen, Hong Kong, Singapore, Penang, lasted four months. The sea and the sky, sometimes days without seeing the mountains, sometimes the islands haunting, yarn intertwined. Practice ship to undergo various tests. On the way there, the ship was piloted by an instructor, while the cadets followed the diary, measured the position of the sun and the constellations, and practiced the operation of various instruments. On the return voyage, the cadets took turns piloting the ship, and the instructor carefully checked the logbook. After two years of shipboard training, they graduated.
1874 (13th year of the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty) at the age of 25
Deng Shichang studied in the School of Shipbuilding for five years, since the beginning, to study, self-improvement, all subjects are listed in the assessment of excellence. "Where the wind and waves, yarn, astronomy, geography, surveying, computing, line array of laws, and Chinese and foreign negotiation examples, all study proficient" Especially in the "Jianwei" with the training ship to the South China Sea internship, demonstrated the actual driving, management of the ship very high quality and skills, won the praise of foreign teachers. The foreign teacher's praise. In addition, he was older than his classmates and was more stable and sophisticated. Because of this, Shen Baozhen thought highly of him and praised him as one of the "most skillful young men" in the school, and in February, he was rewarded by Shen Baozhen, the Minister of Boat Administration, with the fifth grade of military service, and was appointed as the first officer of the transport ship "Chenhang". Officers trained by the school began to command warships, which is a major event in the history of Chinese military education, and it opened up a precedent for institutional education.
1875 (first year of Guangxu) at the age of 26
when the Japanese invasion forces peeped Taiwan, Penghu, Keelung passes, as "Haidong Yun" gunboat stewardship, patrol the sea port, was promoted to a thousand general.
1877 (Guangxu three years) at the age of 28
February, acting as the "Yangwu" cruiser first mate. March, Fuzhou Shipping Bureau for the first time to send students to study in the United Kingdom and France, according to Deng Shichang all-round qualities and performance, can be selected to study in the ranks of the ocean, only because of the shortage of talented people with the ship, so he let him! It was only because of the shortage of ship-carrying talents that he was allowed to train in the stormy sea at home. Things in people, although Deng Shichang did not formally go abroad to study, but he as a good admiral of the Navy, the quality is outstanding, so Li Hongzhang and others sent him abroad several times to receive the new ship. Deng Shichang in the process of going abroad to receive the ship, seize the opportunity to learn, make up for the lack of further study abroad.
In 1878 (Guangxu four years), at the age of 29
Because of the smaller tonnage and weaker firepower of "Haidongyun", Shen Baozhen transferred Deng Shichang to be the manager of "Zhenwei" gunboat which was equipped with five front and rear rifled cannons in February and acted as the agent of "Yangwu" gunboat. In February, Shen Baozhen transferred Deng Shichang to be the chief of the gunboat "Zhenwei" equipped with five front and rear guns, and acted as the chief of the fast ship "Yangwu", and was ordered to guard the fortresses of Penghu and Keelung. Later, he was recommended to be the guardian of the fortresses of Penghu and Keelung, and was given the title of "Chief of Department". He was resolute and decisive in the execution of guard duty, and used the troops in a proper way, which suppressed the arrogance of the Japanese invasion army.
1880 (Guangxu six years old) 31 years old
Early in the year, as the "Flying Thunder" mosquito gunboat management. Li Hongzhang for the development of the Beiyang Navy, sent Ma Jianzhong to visit, recruiting sailors. Ma Jianzhong ordered to go to Fujian, heard the praises of all parties to Deng Shichang, and to Deng Shichang with the "Flying Thunder" mosquito gunboat to see with their own eyes saw the management of the ship in order, well-trained soldiers, discipline, but also many times with Deng Shichang talk to the Ma Jianzhong, to which Ma Jianzhong gave a very high evaluation. Ma Jianzhong examined, reported to Li Hongzhang, and recommended Deng Shichang, said he was "familiar with the management of driving matters, not easy to get in the division of talent. Li Hongzhang is also a generation of talent, summer of the same year, Deng Shichang transferred to the Beiyang Navy, as "Zhennan" mosquito gunboat management. In July, "Zhendong", "Zhenxi", "Zhennan", "Zhenbei" four ships cruising the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, "Zhennan". "Zhennan" ship touched the reef, Deng Shichang calm command, immediately out of danger, but after the accident and was dismissed;[3] at the end of the same year, the Beiyang naval division in the United Kingdom ordered the "super brave", "Yangwei "two cruisers completed, Ding Ruchang naval officers and men of more than 200 people went to the United Kingdom to receive the ship, Deng Shichang accompanied.
1881 (Guangxu seven years old) 32 years old
Deng Shichang very much cherish the opportunity to go to the United Kingdom to take over the ship, because, after his graduation from the Fuzhou Shipbuilding Academy, subject to the lack of the need for the initial construction of the sailor with a tube, began to take the ship, failed to study in Europe for further education. This time to the United Kingdom to take over the ship, he studied hard to make up for it. He used various opportunities to travel to Britain's famous industrial cities, saw the magnificent scene of machine production; he traveled to the British Navy's main bases, ports, saw a variety of giant warships, and appreciate the world's most powerful navy is what it looks like; he studied the British Royal Navy rules and regulations and the method of training, saw the Beiyang fleet in the training and management of the huge gap; he studied the history of the development of the British Navy. studied the history of the development of the British Navy, especially looking carefully for the secret of dominating the sea for more than a century. He traveled to Greenwich and visited the Royal Naval College. This former royal palace is now the temple of the world's navies. The Ship's History Gallery, with its model iron ships, three-masted sailing ships, and old single-decked wooden ships, distilled the history of man's conquest of the seas and the fierce battles fought on them. On the walls of the cloisters, he saw oil paintings of British admirals, most notably Nelson, who had defeated Napoleon's fleet several times and annihilated the French combined fleet, winning the Battle of Cape Trafalgar. He also made a special trip to London's Trafalgar Square (commonly known as Dove Square), admired the admiral Nelson's tall and realistic sculpture. He carefully examined the western naval situation, attentively study foreign advanced military technology and experience, these military equipment and training methods carefully to study, take their strengths, for their own use. 1881 August 17, "super brave", "Yang Wei" from the British On August 17, 1881, "Chaoyong" and "Yangwei" set sail from the port of Newcastle, England, and began the long voyage from England to China. This was the first time that the Chinese Navy sailed the North Atlantic Ocean - Mediterranean Sea - Suez Canal - Indian Ocean - Western Pacific Ocean. -West Pacific Ocean, through the countries along the way, know that China also has a navy, are firing salutes, which greatly expanded China's international influence. The Qing Dynasty sailors for the first time to foreign countries to receive the ship, sent to operate the ship management belt is undoubtedly the entire sailor in the most outstanding. Lin Taizeng maneuver "super brave" ship, Deng Shichang maneuver "Yangwei" ship. "Super brave", "Yang Wei" two ships on the way back to the country experienced thrilling twists and turns. First, the two ships were separated in the Mediterranean Sea, "Yang Wei" due to the lack of coal and drifted at sea for two days and nights, "Chao Yong" was informed to look for help. When passing through the Suez Canal, the propeller of the "Super Brave" was damaged by a reef and was repaired before continuing the voyage. To October 15, the two ships finally reached Hong Kong, lasting 61 days. After that, sailed into the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau, docking repair. After refurbishment in Shanghai, "super brave", "Yang Wei" on November 22, arrived in Tianjin Dagu port. Deng Shichang because of the ship was awarded by the Qing court "Bo Yong Batulu" brave name, rewarded with a plume, to the Secretary of the complement, and was appointed as "Yang Wei" ship management. The ocean, he not only expanded his horizons, due to study, increased knowledge, "more detailed practice sea tactics", and the biggest gain is a major change in ideological understanding.
1882 (Guangxu eight years) 33 years old
Summer, North Korea, domestic disorder, when Li Hongzhang's mother died of illness, back to Hefei mourning, worrying, the Department of Zhili Governor Zhang Jingda Gong Shushu sound, played the transfer of Zhejiang Governor Wu Changqing rate of the division of the eastern ferry, ordered to be transported to the warships of Deng Shichang. Deng Shichang driving "Yangwei" ship drum wheel sailing, rapid and unusual, and went to the North Korean Incheon estuary, more than the Japanese warships first to a day. Than the Japanese ship carrying soldiers, our army has been from Incheon formation, into the Korean capital for completion. Japanese soldiers arrived after the fight for the door shall not enter and stop. Deng Shichang rate ship to aid North Korea, thwarted the Japanese invasion of North Korea plan, supplemented by the promotion of guerrillas, rewarded "Bo Yong Batulu" Yong number.
1887 (thirteenth year of Guangxu) 38 years old
Spring, Li Hongzhang sent Deng Shichang led a team to the United Kingdom and Germany to receive the Qing government to the United Kingdom and Germany to order the construction of the "Zhiyuan ship", "Jingyuan ship", "by far", "to far" four cruisers. Has been the second time abroad to take the ship with the ship Deng Shichang, at this time has been recognized as a "Western superbly deep", "good at training" naval experts. Ship voyage training is a mandatory course for naval officers and soldiers, especially to the deep sea and ocean to wrestle. Deng Shichang believes that the ship is actually rare best voyage training, so in the ship on the way back to China, and actively organize the navy seriously sea training. Deng Shichang on the way back due to overwork, fever and cold. But he was very strict with himself, as a steward, no matter under what circumstances, he had to take full responsibility for the safety of the whole ship, and had to stick to his post. So, he held up his weak body, step by step difficult to go up to the bridge, "help the sick to monitor the ship". Not only that, he also led the ship's officers and men along the route to carry out a variety of non-stop drills, "all day to change the formation must be several times". Drill content and subjects, is entirely possible in actual combat, in line with the needs of the battle, and the requirements of formalization: "sometimes or manipulate the fire risk, sometimes or manipulate the water risk, sometimes or for the preparation of the attack, sometimes or for the attack of the enemy plan, all hanging flags to pass the order." In Deng Shichang to set an example of motivation, the ship's generals "all enthusiastic and energetic, no wrong mixed Zhanghuang-like". Guangxu thirteen years (1887) in July, the Beiyang Navy in Britain and Germany ordered the cruiser "Zhiyuan", "Jingyuan" and armored ships "Jingyuan", "Laiyuan" were completed. Deng Shichang to the battalion affairs department vice admiral and the identity of the "Zhiyuan" ship management belt, to participate in the belt. On the way through the wind and waves, the other ships sailors died of many diseases, but "Zhiyuan" ship because Deng Shichang measures properly, care for soldiers, no deaths. Guangxu fourteen years in the spring, arrived in Dagu. in July, Deng rate ship from Ding Ruchang suppression of Taiwan Lujiawang uprising. After returning to the General Officer to the name of the simple release, plus the title of Governor. In August, the north yang fleet formally into the army, divided into left, right, center, after four armies, Deng Shichang awarded the center army in the battalion vice admiral, still charge "Zhiyuan" tube with. [3] Returned to China at the end of the same year. Because of the success of the ship, promoted Vice Admiral, was added to the rank of General Officer, also served as "Zhiyuan" ship management. Deng Shichang and this ship with the end.
1888 (Guangxu fourteen) 39 years old
Taiwan, the back of the mountain Shengpan, from time to time out of the nuisance, the official army to fight the failure, the ferocity of the flame more blazing. Fujian Governor Sun Kaihua army to investigate, Li Hongzhang electric diabolical (xí) Shichang, accompanied by Beiyang Governor Ding Ruchang to Taiwan to help fight. Shichang by driving "Zhiyuan" ship to Taiwan Bei (pí) South area. However, the army has been fighting hard for months, although there are repeatedly captured and chopped, there are deep bonfires (gōu) dense, difficult to penetrate. And Shichang driving ship sailed to the place attached to the sea, send gun bombardment attack, is to get land and water, painfully suppressed wash, folded the towers, will be Lu Jiawang, Dazhuang, etc. Fans lair attacked, by the birth of Fan all flat. By order of the Generalissimo to the name of the simple release, and add the title of Governor. Deng Shichang 17 years after the "second" back to Guangzhou to visit his hometown, this time failed to see his father, because the old man has died a few years ago. At that time, he received the funeral report, but the military service in the body, can not go home to mourn. When he returned home, he cried himself to sleep, and when he woke up, he wrote a tearful tribute to his father and regarded his failure to see him as a "lifelong great sorrow".
1889 (Guangxu 15) 40 years old
February 20, Li Hongzhang played in the Beiyang Navy, the new midshipmen in the battalion Vice Admiral, please Deng Shichang on loan to fill in, as the "Zhiyuan" ship management.
1891 (Guangxu 17 years) at the age of 42
Li Hongzhang came to Weihai review of the Beiyang Navy, which is the "Beiyang Navy Charter" formulated after the first review. Deng Shichang usually train troops, absolutely not allowed to engage in flowery. The distance of the enemy ship shall be determined on the spot, and in the high-speed movement of the enemy and us. To Deng Shichang training, was authorized to reward the "Gerza Batulu" brave number, and give three generations of a product sealing ceremony [3].
1892 (Guangxu 18 years) at the age of 43
Deng Shichang "third" and last time to return to his hometown in Guangzhou to visit his family.
1894 (Guangxu 20 years) 45 years old
Deng Shichang said: "people who do not die, but I hope that the death of the right thing to do". September 17 in the Yellow Sea, the sea battle of Dadonggou, Deng Shichang commanded the "Zhiyuan" ship fought bravely, and then in the Japanese ships under siege, "Zhiyuan" ship. Under the siege of Japanese ships, "Zhiyuan" was injured in many places, the ship was on fire and the hull was tilted. Deng Shichang encouraged the whole ship officers and men said: "my generation from the army to defend the country, early put life and death outside of the world, today's matter, there is death only!" "Japanese ship specializing in Yoshino, Gou Shen this ship, enough to take its gas and things", resolutely driving the ship at full speed into the Japanese main ship "Yoshino" on the starboard side of the ship, determined to die with the enemy. Seeing this, the Japanese officers and men were shocked and concentrated their artillery fire on "Zhiyuan", unfortunately, a shell hit the torpedo tube of "Zhiyuan", and the torpedo inside the tube exploded leading to the sinking of "Zhiyuan". The ship sank. Deng Shichang fell into the sea, his entourage to lifebuoy rescue, but he refused, and said: "I am determined to kill the enemy to serve the country, now die in the sea, righteousness, why seek life for! The dog "sun" also swam to its side, mouth to save his arm, Deng Shichang vowed to survive with the warship ****, resolutely pressed the dog's head into the water, he also sank with the waves, and the ship's officers and men with more than 250 people martyred.