The Shanghai Defence Force was a tri-service military formation established by the British Government to protect European nationals and their property in Shanghai from Chinese nationalist forces during a period of tension in 1927.
In January 1927 the British Concession in Hankou was invaded by nationalist forces undertaking their Northern Expedition which sought to unify China.
Following a request from the Commander-in-Chief, China Station the Shanghai Defence Force was established under the leadership of Major-General John Duncan later that month amidst concerns that British lives and properties were at risk during the unrest in China at the time.
[1] King's College was requisitioned to be the quarters and hospital for the Shanghai Defence Force from February to December 1927.
[2] Royal Air Force China Command at Hong Kong was established to administer Royal Air Force units in the region.