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The Battle of Pai-t'ou-tzu (Pinyin: Baitouzi) was a battle where Chinese forces battled against the invading Russian army in the Boxer Rebellion.
A settlement of Russians existed close to the village, which lay close to Liaoyang. It was garrisoned by 204 Russian troops under a Colonel Mishchenko. When hostilities began, the Chinese advanced a guarantee of safe passage in exchange for his retreat to south of Liaoyang, it was declined, and instead Mishchenko called for more Russian troops to reinforce his position.[1]
During the ensuing battle, Chinese guns bombarded the Russian right and front flanks, resulting in 14 Russian deaths and 5 wounded. From long range, fired at high angles, Chinese artillery hit their marks, but when at close range, artillery shells missed. Chinese infantry armed with rifles advanced, crawling under the artillery fire towards the Russian defense perimeter of 350 feet square. When the Russians stopped for meal, the Chinese responded by renewed attack. Chinese forces alternated between advance and retreat, and ultimately decided to retreat to Liaoyang.[2]
The Chinese destroyed the Russian unit under Mishchenko, burning the Russian barracks amid the ruins, and decapitated the dead bodies of the Russian troops. Decapitated Russian bodies surrounded the remains of the barracks. After mutilation, the Chinese sliced opened the bellies and cut crosses into the chests of the bodies. Dead horses littered the area, only dogs remained, presumably satiated with human flesh. The gory results of the battle were discovered by five Russians sent to find Colonel Mishchenko, since he was ordered to assist other Russian forces.[3]