The Battle of Tangdao (November 16) and Battle of Caishi (November 26–27) on the Yangtze River, during the Jin–Song wars between the Jurchen Jin Dynasty and the Chinese Song Dynasty, result in two pivotal Song naval victories.
The Song military response had likely been stronger than Hailing had anticipated.
The paddlewheel ships of the Song navy can move more rapidly and outmaneuver the slower Jin ships.
The Song had kept their fleet hidden behind the island of Qibao Shan.
The ships were to depart the island once a scout on horseback announced the approach of the Jin ships by signaling a concealed flag atop the island's peak.
Once the flag was visible, the Song fleet had commenced their attack, leaving from around both sides of the island.
Song soldiers operate traction trebuchets that launch incendiary "thunderclap bombs" and other soft-cased explosives containing lime and sulfur, which create a noxious explosion when the casing breaks.
The Jin ships that managed to cross the river and reach the shore had been assaulted by Song soldiers waiting on the other side.
The Song had won a decisive victory, and Hailing is defeated again in another engagement the next day.
After burning his remaining ships, …
