China
After Rear-Admiral Frederick Maitland died in November 1839, Commodore Bremer served as commander-in-chief of British forces in the First Anglo-Chinese War until he was replaced by Rear-Admiral George Elliot in July 1840. After Elliot's return home, Bremer again assumed the post from November 1840 until the arrival of Sir William Parker in August 1841. Bremer commanded the capture of Chusan (5–6 July 1840), Second Battle of Chuenpee (7 January 1841), Battle of the Bogue (23–26 February 1841), Battle of First Bar (27 February 1841), Battle of Whampoa (2 March 1841), and Battle of Canton (18 March 1841).
After Plenipotentiary Charles Elliot declared the cession of Hong Kong Island to the United Kingdom on 20 January 1841, Bremer reported on 26 January that he "proceeded to Hong Kong, and took formal possession of the island in Her Majesty's name, and hoisted the colours on it, with the usual salutes and ceremonies." This area became known as Possession Point. On 1 February, he issued a joint proclamation with Elliot to the inhabitants, declaring the island British territory. On 24 August, he left China aboard the Atlanta with Elliot. For his services, Bremer received a vote of thanks from both houses of parliament, and on 29 July 1841, he was made a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath (KCB).
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