Liu Buchan

Liu Buchan (simplified Chinese: 刘步蟾; traditional Chinese: 劉步蟾; pinyin: Liú Bùchán; 1852 – 1895) was a Chinese naval officer during the First Sino-Japanese War. He 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. After his death and the ship being destroyed at the end of the war, he was raised to national hero status in modern China. At his death, Liu was commander of the fleet flagship, with the rank Admiral of the Right, and reserve Admiral of the Fleet. On 4 February, 1895, the Dingyuan was damaged in a surprise attack by Japanese torpedo boats. On 9 February 1895, the Japanese army took over the shore batteries, and fired upon the Dingyuan. Fearing that the naval base at Liugong Island would soon fall, and that the Dingyuan would fall into enemy hands, Liu ordered the scuttling of the Dingyuan. That same night, Liu killed himself by swallowing opium.