|
k'.'. |
ff^IfSH |
■ |
1 |
|||
|
1 |
<; ji
" .'t:n,'<j^tV,'<
WAR DEPARTMENT . . OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF
SECOND I MILITARY INFORMATION i DIVISION
GENERAL STAFF No. 11
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
JULY 1, 1907
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1907
62706
WAR DEPARTMENT
Documont No. 300 Office of llie Chief of t>taf
■■tl.
^
^.^
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
LANDING OF THE FIRST JAPANESE ARMY.
The rupture of diplomatic relations l)y Japan on February 6, 1904, was coincident with the dispatch of the first expedi- tion to the theater of operations. On this date Vice-Admiral Togo left Sasebo with a fleet of 7 battle ships, 18 cruisers, a flotilla of destroyers and one of torpedo boats, conveying the transports Tairen, Otaru, and Ileijo, carrying troops belong- ing to the Twelfth Division.
The squadron rendezvoused off Mokpo (southern Korea) on the next day, and from that point Togo sent Rear-Admiral UryU; with 4 cruisers and a torpedo-boat flotilla, to convoy the transports to Chemulpo, the port of Seoul, and sailed for Port Arthur with the remainder of the fleet.
Admiral Uryu arrived at Chemulpo on February 8, and all the troops were safely landed. On the next day Uryu en- gaged the Russian cruiser Varyag and gunboat Korietz which had been lying in Chemulpo Harbor, and which, after an en- gagement of about one hour, returned to the harbor, where they were destroyed by their commanders the same evening. On the night of February 8 Togo sent a torpedo-boat flotilla against the Russian fleet at Port Arthur and succeeded in inflicting such damage that the Japanese evidently con- cluded they could continue the transportation of troops to the theater of war.
By February 15, 12 transports, carrying about 3,000 horses and 14,000 troops, were loaded at Nagasaki and sailed to rein- force the troops landed at Chemulpo.
The First Japanese Army, of which the force landed at Chemulpo on February 8 was the advance guard, was com- manded by General Kuroki, with General Fujii as chief of stafT. It consisted of the Second, Twelfth, and Imperial
3
4 • EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Guards Divisions,'^ comnmnded, respectively, by Lieutenant- Generals Nishi, Inoiij^e, and Hasegawa. The two brigades of the Second Division were commanded Ijy Major-Generals Matsunaga and Okasaki; of the Twelfth, by Kigoshi and Sasaki; of the Guards, by Asada and Watanabe. At the crossing of the Yalu the artillery included also twenty 12 cm. howitzers.
Primarily the Japanese intended to land the First Army at Sun Chong on the baj^^ of the same name, in the extreme southeast of Korea, about halfway between Masampo and MokjDo, and march thence to Seoul, and preparations were in progress with that end in view. Their success at Port Arthur and Chemulpo, however, allowed the use of Chemulpo and practically advanced their campaign one month.
The main portion of the command landed at Chenuilpo on February 8, proceeded to Seoul, the capital of Korea, mov- ing principally by rail, and reinforced the Japanese garrison of 250 men stationed there. This not only gave the Japa- nese a great political advantage in Korea, but was the begin- ning of General Kuroki's advance by the main highway leading to the Yalu.
The landing of troops and supplies was pushed at Clie- nmlpo, but the harbor is not favorable for rapid work. For example, the Fourteenth Regiment arrived on February 18 and its landing was not completed until the 21st.
On February 14 two companies were sent, one to Fusan and one to Gensan, the latter by marching from Seoul. One company of the Fourteenth Regiment was sent by steamer to Waichu, whence it marched to Phyangyang, arriving Feb- ruary 20. The northern advance of General Kuroki may be said to begin with the movement of the latter company. The advance by land began with the divisional cavalry and Fourteenth Regiment under Major-General Sasaki on Feb- ruary 22.
«Each Japanese division contained normally four regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, one of artillery, and the various detachments of technical troops, making a total of about 14,000 effectives and G,000 noneffectives. The regiriKMit of cavalry, that of artillery, and the battalion of engineer troops have the same numerical designation as the division of which they form a part.
EPITOME OF THE EUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 5
On March 5 Major-General Yamani, of the Japanese engi- neerSj arrived with several officers and 300 engineer troops, for the purpose of constructing the Seoul-Wiju Railway.
A Japanese detachment of 6 squadrons and 1 battahon landed at Chinampo on March 13 and marched to Anju.
The Twelfth Division started north from Phyangyang on March 21, the head of the Guards Division, two battalions, with General Kuroki, arriving from Chinampo, where it had landed, about noon of that day. They were followed by the remainder of the division under Lieutenant-General Hase- gawa.
On March 29 the entire Second Division had completed its landing at Chinampo, thus raising the force moving north- ward to about 45,000 men. The Guards and Second Division had begun embarking at Ujina, the port of Hiroshima, on March 8.
The occupation of Phyangyang allowed troops and supplies to be landed at Chinampo, about 40 miles distant by a road free from difficult grades. This was a saving of 120 miles over the route previously used via Seoul. Profiting by high tides, supplies were towed up the river in sampans and landetl at Mankundai, only 7 miles from Phyangyang. Chinampo had the further advantage of a direct road to Anju, saving from 10 to 15 per cent of the distance via Phyangyang.
Speaking of the manner of advance an eyewitness says:
The advance movement of the Japanese troops reseml)les the coaling of a ship by small baskets at Nagasaki; rarely does a larger unit than a bat- talion move at one time.
Moving north from Phyangyang to Anju the Twelfth Divi- sion moved on the S3^unch3'en road; the Guards, on the Syunan road; the Second Division, along the seashore.
A company of Japanese infantry, from the Guards Divi- sion, with some cavalry, came into conflict with a body of about 600 Russian cavalry south of Chengju, March 28. Four Japanese, including an officer, were killed and 12 wounded. The detachment occupied Chengju the same day.
The skirmish began at 11.50 a. m., near the south gate of the town where the Japanese cavalry was fired upon. They then rode around to the north gate while the infantry attacked the south e:ate.
6 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
The Russians, from the First Chita Regiment, commanded l)y Colonel Pavlov, withdrew toward Wiju. This regiment and the First Verkhne-Udinsk formed the Cossack brigade, commanded by Major-General Mishchenko, which reconnoi- tered the Japanese approach.
On April 4 the Japanese advance guard reached and occu- pied Wiju, the opposing cavalry having crossed to the right bank of the Yalu on the preceding day.
On April 10 and 12 small detachments of Russians attempted to cross the Yalu below Wiju, but failed in both cases after sharp skirmishes.
In the meantime Kuroki concentrated his army at and near Anju and, on April 7, moved on Wiju, leaving small infantry garrisons at Chinampo and Phyangyang. Supplies were landed from the sea at the mouth of the Chyongchyen River, Usiho, and on the Chiulsan Peninsula, thus materially reliev- ing the demands upon the single road over which the army was moving.
Major-General Sasaki, with a covering detachment of 3 battalions, 1 squadron, 2 mountain batteries, and accom- panying service troops, was held at Phyangyang until the rear of the army left Anju. The detachment then marched on Chongsung, where it arrived al)out the same date as the main body arrived at Wiju, April 20.
The twenty 12 cm. howitzers landed at Ihoaphu about April 10 and reached Wiju on the 26th.
The occupation of Wiju again brought relief to the line of communications back through Anju, Phyangyang to Chi- nampo. It allowed troops and supplies to be landed in the estuary of the Yalu, as at Yongampo.
This shortening of the line of communications was of incalculable benefit, for, across a large river not fordable below Suikouchen (8 miles above Wiju), a not inconsider- able force faced the First Japanese Army.
This Russian force, called the Eastern Detachment, based on Liaoyang, with secondary base at Fenghuangcheng, con- sisted at first of 8 battalions, 32 sotnias, and 38 guns. On April 22 Lieutenant-General Zasulich arrived and took com- mand of the reenforced Eastern Detachment, w^hich then contained about 25,000 effectives, and was reorganized as fol- lows: The main body consisted of the Ninth, Tenth, Elev-
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 7
entli, Twelfth, and Twenty-fourth East Siberian Rifie Regiments, the First, Second, and Third Batteries of the Third East Siberian Artillery Brigade, the Second and Third Batteries of the Sixth "East Siberian Artillery Brigade, and 1 machine gun company (18 battalions, 40 guns, and 8 ma- chine guns), and held the right banks of the Ai and Yalu rivers in the region opposite Wiju,
The left flank detachment consisted of the Argunsk and the Ussuri Cossack regiments and 1 mountain battery (12 sotnias and 8 guns) under command of Colonel Trukhin, and covered the left flank and the road leading to Kuantien and Saimachi.
The right flank detachment consisted of Major-General Mishchenko's Cossack brigade reenforced by the Twenty- first East Siberian Rifle Regiment, the First Battery of the vSixth East Siberian Artillery Brigade, and 1 Transbaikal horse battery (3 battalions, 12 sotnias, and 14 guns), and was charged with reconnoitering the coast ^rom the mouth of the Yalu to Takushan.
THE BATTLE AT YALU RIVER.
(Plate I.)
On the morning of April 26 one battalion of the Guards, crossing by pontoon ferry, drove the Russian outpost from and occupied the island of Kyurito.
On the same morning work was begun on a bridge across the first branch of the river near Wiju. The work was in- terrupted by the Russian artillery from Conical Hill and a point farther south. The bridge, 237 meters long, and con- structed of piles, junks, and other local material, was finall}^ completed on the 27th. On the 27th a bridge was con- structed at "a," opposite the southern wall of Wiju. It also was of improvised material, and about 80 meters long.
On the 26th also a small bridge, 30 meters long, was con- structed at "b;" the small bridge just above "b" was constructed on the 28th. On the night of the 27th the two small bridges at "c, " 108 and 113 meters long, were con- structed.
In the meantime a Japanese river flotilla of 2 torpedo boats, 2 gunboats, and 4 armed launches came up the Yalu on April 25, was fired upon by the Russians, and retired to
8 EPITOME OF THE RXTSPO-.TAPANESE WAR.
Y()n<,^aiiipo. On the 26lli it retuniod witli a large ninnber of junks loaded with bridge material and made a demonstra- tion against Antung. The Japanese claim this demonstra- tion caused the Russians to send their reserves to Tientzu, thus materially weakening their forces facing the intended crossing.
It is to be noted that the main road from the Yalu to Fenghuangcheng starts from Antung and passes through Tientzu. The roads from Chiuliencheng and from Chingkou join at Hamatan and reach the Antung-Fenghuangcheng road at a point about 2 miles north of Tientzu.
On the night of April 28 the Twelfth Division, except one battalion, 1 squadron, and 1 mountain batter}^, left at Chong- sung, concentrated near Suikouchen, and began building a bridge the next morning. A regiment of infantry began crossing by pontoons about noon of the 29th, but was met by the fire of 2 companies, 3 sotnias, and 2 mountain guns from Colonel Trukhin's force. One battalion, however, suc- ceeded in crossing, and covered the bridge building and the further crossing. The bridge, 265 meters long, was com- pleted at 3 a. m. on the 30th, and the main body of the Twelfth Division crossed and moved to the west against Hushan.
In the meantime the Russian detachment which had re- sisted the crossing at Suikouchen fell back, the sotnias going to Hsiulun, about 30 miles north of Wiju, where they were joined the same day by the remainder of Colonel Trukhin's command, which had marched there by order of Lieu tenant- General Zasulich to cover the road leading to Kuantien.
On April 29, under cover of the fire of the battery near Potiehtun, a Russian detachment crossed the Ai River near that village and drove a battalion, some cavalry, and some mountain guns from the Guards, which had occupied the Litzuyen Valley and Tiger Hill on the preceding day, back to Kyurito Island. The Russian detachment was then checked by the fire of the Guards artillery from near Wiju.
At 9 a. m., on April 30, two battalions of the Guards artil- lery and the twenty 12 cm. howitzers began firing on the Russian trenches at Conical Hill. The Russian battery there replied until 11 a. m. and then ceased firing. The
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAE. 9
remaining- battalion of the Guards artillery took up a position on Kyurito Island, and the advance guard of the Twelfth Division attacked and forced back across the Ai River the Russian detachment at Litzuyen. By noon the main body of the Twelfth Division was in position about 2 miles east of and facing the Ai River.
A battalion of the Guards occupied Tiger Hill and the con- struction of the bridges at P, Q, and R (237, 310, and 90 meters long, respectively) was begun. The bridges were ready for use about 8 p. m.
At daybreak of May 1 the Twelfth Division was close to and facing the Ai River, its artillery being near Litzuyen, its right near Shalankou; a detachment was moving from Sha- lankou- toward the Chingkou ford (this detachment took no part in the battle proper, not crossing the Ai until the Rus- sians at Chingkou ford had been driven away) . The Second Division was southwest of Tiger Hill. The Guards Division occupied a line from Tiger Hill north to Litzuyen, having followed the ^Second Division to Tiger Hill from its point of concentration. The reserve, 2 regiments of infantry, less 1 battalion each, and 2 of cavalry, was on Kyurito Island.
The Russian troops holding the right bank of the Ai River were commanded by Major-General Kashtalinski, and were distributed as follows:
At and near Chiuliencheng were the Twelfth Regiment, 1 battalion of the Eleventh Regiment, the Second Battery of the Third Brigade, and the machine-gun company.
At and near Potiehtun were 2 battalions of the Twenty- second Regiment and 6 guns of the Third Battery of the Sixth Brigade.
At Chingkou were one battalion of the Twenty-second Regiment and 2 guns of the Third Battery of the Sixth Brigade.
The remainder of the troops commanded by General Zasulich was ilistributed as follows:
At and near Antung were the Tenth and Twenty-fourth Regiments and the Second Battery of the Sixth Brigade.
At Tientzu, as general reserve, were the Ninth Regiment, two battalions of the Eleventh Regiment and the Third Battery of the Third Artillery Brigade.
10 EPITOME OK 11 IK lilTSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
The riii;lit (lank detachment, under Major-General Mish- chenko, was guarding the coast from the mouth of the Yahi to Takuslian.
The main body of the left flank detachment, under Colonel Trukliin, was at Hsiulun, guarding the road to Kuantien, with lesser detachments from the mouth of the Anping River, just above Suikouchen, to a point about 30 miles farther upstream.
At 5.20 a. m., on May 1, the Japanese opened fire on the right flank of the Chiuliencheng position from the 12 cm. howitzers. A little later the artillery of the Second Division, from west of Wiju, and that of the Twelfth Division, from near Litzuyen, opened fire. At 7 a. m. the 6 Russian guns northeast of Makou began firing on the Guards artillery.
At 7.30 a. m. the Japanese infantry moved forward. As it approached and was fording the Ai River it came under the fire of the Russian infantry and machine guns, and suffered considerable loss. The Russian artillery had ceased fu'ing. The Twelfth Division made the more rapid progress in the series of attacks delivered from the base of the hills on the right bank of the Ai River, and the two battalions of the Russian Twenty-se.-ond Regiment holding the Potiehtun position were the first to give way. Their withdrawal was disorderly, the greater portion going toward Chingkou and thus exposing the left flank of the Chiuliencheng position. The battery took up a second position at ''V," but having no infantry support and having lost heavily in men and horses, the 6 guns were abandoned to the Japanese. Shortly before noon Major-General Kigoshi's brigade, the right of Twelfth Division, drove back the battalion of the Twenty- second Regiment holding the Chingkou ford, and followed the retreating Russians toward Laofankou. At the same time the Japanese infantry resumed the assault on the left flank of the Chiuliencheng position, being aided by the artillery on Chukoutai Island. The troops holding the Chiuliencheng position then withdrew to the position at " Y" under cover of the fire of the machine gun company and that of the Second Battery of the Sixth Brigade, which had arrived from near Antung. The Ja]:)anese reserve arr-ved at Conical HiJl, the Second Division was dhected on Antung,
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. H
the Guards and reserve continued moving toward the Russian position at ''Y" and toward Hamatan.
Hearing of the retreat of the battahon from Chingkou ford and the renewal of the Japanese advance near Chiulien- cheng, Lieutenant-General ZasuUch decided about noon to retreat to Fengliuangcheng. Two battahons of the Eleventh Regiment and the Third Battery of the Third Brigade were sent from the reserve to a position, designated by Major- General Kashtalinski, to the east of Hamatan. The two battalions took up positions facing east and north, but, find- ing the ground of such nature as to render artillery fire im- practicable, Major-General Kashtalinski ordered the battery to withdraw.
By 1.45 p. m. the Japanese had pressed the Twelfth Regi- ment, the battalion of the Eleventh Regiment, and the ma- chine-gun company back on the position at Hamatan. The Third Battery of the Third Brigade, which was endeavoring to carry out the order to withdraw, came under a cross fire at close range and was compelled to cease its withdrawal and take up a position. The machine-gun company took up a position and for a time held the Japanese back from this battery. In doing this the machine-gun company lost all of its horses and about half of its personnel. The Second Bat- tery of the Sixth Brigade, which had aided in covering the withdrawal from the Chiuliencheng position, found its loss in horses so great as to prevent withtlrawal of the guns from the position at "Y".
The Twelfth Regiment withdrew through the Hamatan position, wdiich the Eleventh Regiment continued to hold for two hours more, thus facilitating the withdrawal of the Rus- sians from the vicinity of Antung. In the meantime Major- General Kigoshi's brigade, moving from Chingkou, had a severe skirmish south of Laofankou, and 2 guns took up a position at " Z." Tiie left of the Twelfth Division had moved from the Potiehtun position toward Hamatan.
At 4 p. m. the remnants of the Eleventh Regiment began to withdraw toward Fengliuangcheng, being assisted in cut- ting their way through by the fire of a battalion of the Tenth Regiment, sent from the reserve to hill 522 northwest of Hamatan.
12 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
The Japanese reported a loss of 5 oflicers and 218 men killed and 33 ollieers and TSO men wounded, and the capture of '2'2 iield <i;uns, 19 artillery ammunition wa-ijjons, 1,417 shells, 8 machine guns, 8 machine-gun wagons, 37,300 machine-gun cartridges, 1,021 rifles, 51 small-arms ammmiition wagons, 353,005 rounds of small-arms ammunition, 63 horses, various minor articles, including some taken at Fenghuangcheng, and 18 oflicers and 613 men as prisoners.
Lieut(Mi ant-General Zasulicli reported a loss on April 30 and May 1 of 70 officers and 2,324 men killed, wounded, and taken prisoners. Major-Generai Kashtalinski was among tlie wounded.
Another Russian report gives 28 oflicers and 564 men killed, 38 oflicers and 1,081 men wounded, and 6 ofFicers and 679 men missing.
Tlie Russians retreated on Fenghuangcheng and were fol- lowed by tlie Japanese First Army. On May 6 there were cavalry skirmislies nortlieast of Fenghuangclieng, wliich was tliat day occupied by a detacliment of Japanese infantry. This advance was accompanied by extensive reconnaissance, Kuantien being occupied by a Japanese detacliment on May 5, while on the 11th occurred a skirmish with a force from the Chita Regiment of Mishchenko's brigade, withdrawing westward.
On May 10 a detachment of Cossacks attacked Anju, hav- ing come down the Cliosan-Anju road, but, after a skirmish lasting the greater part of the day and until the morning of the 11th, the attacking force was driven off by reenforce- ments arriving from Kasan. Had this attack been made just prior to General Kuroki's crossing of the Yalu and more vigorously pushed, it would undoubtedly have caused the Japanese commander considerable apprehension or even have delayed the crossing; but, as it turned out, tlie Japanese army had crossed the river and was no longer tied to its line of communications back through Anju, since reenforcements and supplies were now landed near the nioutli of the Yalu.
An advance be3^ond Fenghuangcheng was not undertaken until other troops had landed and could move in cooperation with the First Army.
EPITOME OF THE EUSSO- JAPANESE WAR. 13
LANDING OF THE SECOND JAPANESE ARMY.
On May 5, 1904, the Second Japanese Army, commanded by General Oku and consisting of the First, Third, and Fourth Divisions and the First Artillery Brigade, began landing troops of the Third Division a short distance south of Pit- sewo. On the 6th the First Division also began landing. On the 7th the place of disembarkation was shifted to a point about 7 miles southwest of Pitsewo. The landing was prac- tically completed on the 13th. Lieutenant-Generals Fu- shimi, Oshimi, and Ogawa commanded the First, Third, and Fourth Divisions, respectively; Major-General Uchiyama, the artillery brigade.
This force had been in readiness for some time, the First Division having left Tokyo about March 19, and with the Third Division and First Artillery Brigade was ready for em- barkation from Hiroshima on April 18. The Fourth Divi- sion began embarking at Osaka on April 22. The transports containing the Second Army concentrated at Chinampo, where they remained until the after First Army had crossed the Yalu.
To protect the landing and the large fleet of transports car- r^dng the Second Army, Admiral Togo, in the early morning of May 3 made his third attempt to block Port Arthur, send- ing in eight vessels to be sunk in the channel for that purpose.
Two detachments were sent out from the Second Army on the 5th, one to Pitsewo, to cut the telegraph line running to Pulantien; the other, across the isthmus, to cut the railway and telegraph line at Pulantien ( Port Adams) , near the oppo- site coast. Both detachments succeeded. The Pulantien detachment arrived on the 6th, cut the railway and telegraph, and returned to rendezvous on the 7th. The cutting of the railway seems to have been confined to the destruction of a bridge.
On the afternoon of the 7th another detachment was sent out with the object of breaking the railway between Pulantien and Sanchilipu. On the 8th it cut the telegraph and rail- way near Lungkou, about 4 miles north of Sanchilipu, after a skirmish.
To gather information of the landing and guard the south- ern portion of the railway between Wafangtien and Chinchou,
14 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
there was sent to Wafangtien the Second Brigade of the Nintli East Siberian Rifles Division, tlie Second Trans})arkal Cossack Battery, and a squadron of cavalry, under command of Major-General Zikov.
Lieutenant-Colonel Spiridonov, with a platoon of the Fourth Trans-Amur Railway Battalion, repaired the railway bridge that had been destroyed on the 7th at Pulaiitien. This allowed a train load of ammunition to be taken to Port Arthur on May 10.
On May 12 another Japanese detachment cut the railway betw^cen Pulantien and Wafangtien, permanently suspending raihvay communication with Port Arthur.
On the 15th the greater part of the infantry of the Fourth Division and the Thirteenth Regiment of the Artillery Bri- gade moved to a position astride the railway and about mid- way between Pulantien and Chinchou. The First Division occupied a position astride the Pitzewo-Chinchou road and about 8 miles from Chinchou. The Third Division and army reserve occupied a position facing north on the hills south and east of Pulantien.
On the 16th there was a skirmish at Shisanlitai, north of Chinchou, where the troops of the Japanese First Division attacked a Russian force of 3 battalions and 8 guns. The Japanese drove the Russians back, losing 9 officers and 162 men killed and wounded, and the Fourth and First Divisions occupied Kiulichuang and hills to the north of Chengchiatun. The Russian force retreated on Chinchou, reporting the Jap- anese force at and near Sanchilipu to consist of 2 divisions and 6 batteries; the Japanese concluded that the Russian force in the vicinity of Chinchou and Nanshan, and com- manded by Lieutenant-General Fock, consisted of the whole of the Seventh East Siberian Rifle Division and apportion of the Fourth East Siberian Rifle Division, subsequently pla- cing the Russian force between 9,000 and 10,000 men. In this engagement the Russians lost 10 officers and 150 men killed and wounded.
On the 16th Rear- Admiral (the younger) Togo made a demonstration on the W' est coast of the peninsula, in the neigh- borhood of Kaiping, firing on some Russian troops near the coast. On the 17th he entered Chinchou Bay and fired on railway bridges and a military train.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
15
On May 19 the Fifth Japanese Division began its disem- barkation, which was completed on the 22d. The First Cav- ah'Y Brigade and the Eleventh Division arrived and disem- barked shortly after the Fifth Division.
BATTLE OF NANSHAN. (Plate II.)
On May 23 the Fourth, First, and Third Divisions, in the order named from right to left, concentrated in rear of the line Kiulichuang, Chengchiatun, Chaitzuho (southeast of Chengchiatun) , and spent the remainder of that day and all the next in reconnoitering the Russian position.
On the 25th the Russians observed the Japanese forces for six hours from a balloon. The Japanese artillery fired at the balloon, but were unable to hit it, giving as a reason that the sky was overcast and the color of the balloon blendetl with that of the clouds.
On the 25th the Japanese advanced to Lungwangmiao, Sanlichuang, Chengcliiatien, Wangchiatun, and that night small parties attacked Chinchou, which fell into their hands about 5.20 a. m. on the 26th. The attack was continued on the 26th, and, after a desperate struggle, Nanshan was occupied about 7 p. m., the Russians retiring toward Port Arthur."
Four Japanese vessels, the TsuJcushi, Ileiyen, Akagi, and Cliokai, accompanied by a torpedo-boat flotilla, took part in the battle from Chinchou Bay, firing on the western portion of the Russian position, especially the heights of Suchiatun and later those of Nankuanling, the Akagi and Cliokai being engaged throughout the day. The Russian gunboat Boher bombarded the Japanese left flank from Talienwan Bay on the 26th.
|
0 Japanese forces at Nanshan. |
|||
|
Division. | Infantry regiments. |
Cavalry |
regiments. |
Artillery regiments. |
|
1st 1st, 15th, 2d, 3d |
1st |
1st. |
|
|
3d . . 6th, 33d, 18th (34th) .. |
3d |
3d. |
|
|
4th... . . 8th, 37th, 9th, 38th .. . |
4th |
4th. |
|
|
13th, 14th, 15th. |
|||
The Thirty-fourth Infantry, 2 squadrons and 1 artillery battalion of the Third Division, and 1 battalion and 2 squadrons of the Fourth Division w^ere with the Fifth Division hold- ing the line from Pulantien to the Tasha River. The companies of the Fifth Engineer Battalion were present at Nanshan.
Combatant strength, 38,740; total strength, 53,740.
16 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
The eng{i^einent of the 25th was mainly an artillery duel. The 26th also opened with an artillery duel at about 5.30 a. ni. At 6 a. ni. the infantry of the Fourth Division ad- vanced west of Chinchou, the extreme right wading through the waters of the bay, reaching a line west of Liuchiatien about 8.30 a. ni. Then the infantry of the First Division moved forward and prolonged this line east through Liuchia- tien and then southeast. About 7.50 a. m. the infantry of the Tliird Division began moving forward and prolonged the line of the First Division, its own left resting near Liuchiakou. The Japanese artillery, which had obtained the mastery over the llussian artillery after firing about one hour, also advanced nearer to Nanshan. Two Russian field batteries retired to an elevation east of Nankuanling, from which they maintained a persistent fire on the Thirtl Division. In atldition the Russians strengthened their right, and, with the aid of the gunboat Boher, inflicted great loss on the left of the Third Division.
From 9 a. m. to 6 j). m., notwithstanding the Russian ar- tillery at Nanshan proper had ceased firing, repeated attacks of the Japanese infantry were repidsed by the Russian infan- try and machine-gun fire, and with the exception of small attacking parties the Japanese line remained practically sta- tionary at about 500 yards from the Russian trenches. About 6 p. m. the Fourth Division began moving forward, assisted by its artillery and the fire of the vessels in Chin- chou Bay. The Seventh Brigade advanced its extreme right so far as to practically turn the position. The Russians then began their withdrawal. The Fourth Division then reached the Russian position about 7.10 p. m. and was closely fol- lowed by the First and Third Divisions.
Not only was the Fourth Division aided by the fire of the vessels, but it was confronted by the weakest portion of the Russian position. The greater portion of the defensive works faced the east, northeast, and north.
General Oku reported casualties as follows: Officers, 21 killed and 100 wounded; noncommissioned officers, 5 killed and 12 wounded; privates, 713 killed and 5,343 wounded— a total of 739 killed and 5,455 wounded.
General Stoessel reported a loss of about 30 officers and 800 soldiers killed and wounded.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR, 17
General Oku reported the capture of about 68 cannon, 10 machine guns, an electric battery, 3 searchlights with dynamo, 50 mines, a quantity of rifles and ammunition; also that his army buried the bodies of 10 officers and 664 men of the Russians at Nanshan.
On the 27th the Japanese occupied Nankuanling. On the same day a detachment occupied Liushutun (the terminus of the Talienwan branch railway), securing 4 guns, some am- munition, and 45 freight cars. The Russians on the same da}^ evacuated Daln}', wliich was occupied by the Japanese on May 30.
On this latter day an engagem(;nt occurred at Lichiatun, 22 miles north of Pulantien, between the First Cavalry Bri- gade and a Cossack brigade under Major-General Simonov. On the 3d of June there was another skirmish near Chinchia- tun, and again on the 4th, south of Telissu at Chienshiatun. These skirmishes were between reconnaissance parties of the Japanese Fifth Division and its attached troops, holding the Pulantien-Tasha River line, on one hand, and the advance guard of General Stackelberg on the other, the latter having begun concentrating his troops from Yingkou and Kaiping to aid the Port Arthur garrison, the advance guard of 2 regi- ments of infantry, 2 regiments of cavalry and 8 guns arriving at Mauchialing, Telissu, and Wafangtien between May 28 and 31. The Japanese First Cavalry Brigade retired before this advance guard, arriving near Pitsewo June 6.
General Stackelberg had under his command the First and Ninth East Siberian Rifle Divisions with their accompanying First and Ninth East Siberian Artillery Brigades (First Siberian Corps), the Second Brigade (Glasko) of the Thirty- fifth Infantry Division with its accompanying half of the Thirty-fifth Artillery Brigade, the Ninth (Tobolsk) Siberian Infantry Regiment (from the Third Siberian Division), one brigade of the Siberian Cossack Division, the Ussuri Mounted Brigade (2 sotnias of Frontier Guards and the Primorski Dragoon Regiment), a Frontier Guard battery, the Second Trans-Baikal Cossack Battery, and the East Siberian Sapper Battalion; a total of 36 battalions, 20 sotnias and squadrons, and 98 guns, with a possible strength of 42,000 foot and 3,000 mounted men.
34520—07 2
18 EPTTOMK OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
BATTLE OF TELISSU OR WAFANGKOU.
(Plate III.)
On Juno 6 the troops already landed and still landing near Pitsewo were divided into two armies. The First Division, reenforced by the Ninth and Eleventh Divisions, became the Third Army, and later moved on and besieged Port Arthur. General Oku, with the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Divisions, the First Cavalry Brigade, and First Artillery Brigade, started north on June 13 from near Pulantien, the Third Division and artillery brigade (less one regiment) moving along the Tasha River, the Fifth Division along the railway line, the Fourth Division and Fourteenth Regiment (artillery brigade) along the Wuchiatun-Ssuchuankou-Tahoya road leading toward Fuchou, and the cavalry brigade along the Pitsewo-Hsiung- 3^ocheng road. The Sixth Division began landing at Pitsewo on June 13, and a portion arrived near Telissu during the battle, thus bringing the Japanese total to about 50,000 men and 180 guns.
The Third Division came into contact with the Russian advance guard, which had retired from Wafangtien, on the afternoon of June 14 and drove it back. The Russian guns northeast of Lungwangmiao then opened a fire that was replied to by the Third, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Japanese artillery regiments for about two hours. The first line of the Japanese Third Division, after some skirmishing, reached a line through heights 987, 962, the one northeast of and next to 962, and 1400. The advance guard of the Fifth Division took part in this engagement, advancing until its right rested on height 700 and its left on the Fuchou River.
General Oku ordered the Third Division to hold the line of its advance guard. The Fifth Division during the night was sent to occupy the hills west of Tayankou with orders to at- tack at dawn. The Fourth Division was at Nachialing; the troops of the Sixth Division that arrived were held in reserve. The First Cavalry Brigade was at the crossing of the Tasha River on the Pitsewo road.
To meet the Japanese advance. General Stackelberg had placed the Thirty-third and Thirty-sixth Rifle Regiments and 2 batteries on the heights north of Tafangshan, the Fourth and Third, in order named, 2 field batteries and 1 mountain
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 19
battery to the east of the railroad; the Thirty-fourth, the Thirty-fifth, and 2 batteries in reserve between TeHssu and the station; the brigade of the Thirty-fifth Division about 1 mile east of the station. When the Russian advance guard was driven back on the 14th, the First and Second Rifle Regi- ments prolonged the main Russian line to the east, the cavalry of the advance guard, under Major-General Simonov, retired to and took position at Lungkou.
Early in the morning of June 15, leaving the Fourth Regi- ment to hold about 2 miles of the line east of the railway, the First, Second, and Third Regiments moved forward against the Japanese left. The brigade of the Thirt3^-fifth Division, under Major-General Glasko, was to move by way of Ching- chiatun and make a flank attack in conjunction with this attack of the First Division, but, from not starting at a suffi- ciently early hour and from taking the wrong road either through inadvertence or the misinterpretation of an order, did not arrive on this part of the field until 11 a. m.
In the meantime the Japanese Fifth Division attacked the heights of Tafangshan and, at 6 a. m., the advance of the Fourth Division, from Nachialing, began forming for an attack on Lungkou. By 10 a. m. the Nineteenth Brigade, Fourth Division, had driven the Russian cavalry to north of Lungkou and was in position with its right connecting with the left of the Fifth Division near Wangchiatun, while the remainder of the division had taken position, facing north, south of Kaochiatun. About 10.30 a. m. General Stackel- berg sent the two reserve regiments, Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth, to attack the Japanese at Lungkou. The attack of the Japanese Fifth Division, aided by the fire of the artillery brigade and by the Nineteenth Brigade on the heights west of Wangchiatun, had progressed so far that the Russians began to withdraw from the heights of Tafangshan about 11 a. m.
By this time the attack of the Russian left had approached close to the Japanese right, and was now prolonged by the arrival of Major-General Glasko's brigade. The Japanese right was, however, after having a portion driven back to the height south of Sungchiatun, reinforced by troops from the general reserve, thus relieving the condition of the Third Division. The Japanese Third Cavalry Regiment, dis- mounted, was on the right of the Third Division and the
20 EPITOME OF THE KUSSO- JAPANESE WAR.
First Cavalry Brigade, also disiuuunted, attacked the ex- treme Russian left, but made little progress. The fight on tliis part of the field continued, the Japanese being again reinforced from the general reserve, until the order to retreat reached the Russian forces, about 3 p. m., although the Fourth Rifle Regiment, the riglit flank of which was exposed by the Russian witndrawal from the heights of Tafangshan, had given way before the attack of troops from the Third and Fifth Divisions, about 2 p. m. The Russian guns on the heights of Lungwangmiao had ceased firing about noon and were abandoned when this retreat occurred. During this period a Russian battalion made an attack on the height south of Sungchiatun and reached the Japanese line. Des- perate hand to hand fighting resulted, in which the Russian battalion was practically annihilated after the remnants had continued the struggle until nearly dark.
The Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth Rifle Regiments were unable to recapture Lungkou, but had succeeded in holding back the Japanese advance on that part of the field, and inflicted severe loss on the Nineteenth Brigade. The main body of the Fourth Division moved from Kaochiatun, drove the Russian cavalry still farther north and sent two com- panies and a battery to the heights east of Lungchiatun (about 8 miles northwest of Telissu), from where they were able to fire upon and severely injure a detachment of Rus- sian cavalry retiring by the Lungkao River road.
The retreat of the Russians was covered by the Tobolsk Regiment, which arrived at Telissu station by rail wliile the battle was in progress.
The Russians reported a loss of 18 officers killed, 85 wounded, and 10 missing, 459 men killed, 2,155 wounded, and 754 missing.
General Oku reported a loss of 7 officers and 210 men killed, and 43 officers and 903 men wounded. He reported also the capture of 300 prisoners, including 6 officers, a regi- mental flag, 16 field guns, 46 ammunition wagons, 953 rifles, 37,233 rounds of small-arm ammunition, 1,121 rounds of artfllery ammunition, 232 sappers and miners' tools, 1,110 barrels of cement, and other weapons, utensils, etc.
By June 21 Stackelberg had reached Kaiping (PI. IV), vd[th his rear guard at 'Senucheng, about 18 miles, farther
EPITOME OP THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 21
south, and in contact with the Japanese advance guard, wliich on that day occupied Hsiungyocheng.
General Oku began now to reconnoiter to the east with the intention of estabhshing communication with the Japa- nese Fourth Army, which had begun landing at Takushan on May 19 and had reconnoitered north toward the First Ai'my in the vicinity of Fenghuangcheng and northwest toward Kaiping.
On July 6 a portion of Oku's army attacked and drove back a regiment of Russian infantry on a mountain ridge about 2^ miles northeast of Ssufangtai and a second ridge about 2 1 miles north of the same place. At the same time the main force of the Japanese army pushed northward, the opposing cavalry falling back to line of the Erhtao River through Kinchiakou and Ilsiaolanchi, the Japanese left wing occupying the heights of Tsuichiatun.
Continuing the advance on July 7 the Japanese army by noon had reached a line extending from Tatzukou to the heights east of Tawanghaisai, the Russian rear guard slowly retiring northward, delaying the advance. The main Rus- sian force was north of the Kaiping River, its artillery being posted on the heights north of Kaiping and those to the w^est of Hsitai, its right wing resting on the heights of Haishansai, and a detachment of the left wing as far to the east as Iluahungkou.
On July 9 the Japanese cannonaded the Russians, who, about 8 a. m., withdrew their artillery to the heights of Shimen and Haishansai, the Japanese occupying the heights of Tapingtun, Tsaichiatun, and Tungshuangtingshan. About noon the Japanese attacked and carried the second Russian position, the artillery of the latter retiring to the heights of Hungchichang, Yaolingtzu, and Shinfotzu and covering the retreat. The Russian forces from Hungchichang and Yao- lingtzu concentrated near Tapingchuang on the 10th and subsequently retired to Tashihchiao, the junction of the Port Arthur-Li aoyang Railway with that running to Yingkou.
The Japanese casualties in the neighborhood of Kaiping on July 6 to 9 were 24 killed and 129 wounded; Major- General Koizuma, Major Iwasaki, Lieutenants Iwayama, Morita, and Taniguchi being among the wounded.
The Russian loss was light, not exceeding 200. The
22 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
engagemoiit was practically an artillery lig-lit on l)oth sides, General Stackelberg being unable to make a determined stand at Kaiping without ini])orilino; his line of communica- tions, which was threatened by the Takushan army.
The occupation of Kaiping and the country immediately to the north placed General Oku's army on the edge of the Liao Valley, opened the way to Yingkou and Newchwang, and facilitated his further advance to the north by allowing supplies to be received from the sea, thus shortening his line of communications.
OPERATIONS ON THE KUANTUNG PENINSULA.
(Plate V.)
On May 27, the day following the battle of Nanshan, a por- tion of Major-General Nakamura's (Second) Brigade, First Division,^ occupied Nankuanling, while the main force of the Second Army remained in the villages near Nanshan. The Russians burned the station of Sanshilipu and retired westward.
On the same day a detachment of Nakamura's brigade occupied Liushutun, capturing 4 guns with a quantity of ammunition for the same, 5 box and 40 open freight cars.
On May 29 and 30 General Nogi's army continued to advance westward, and on the latter day occupied a line extending from Antzushan to Taitzushan, the Russians occu- P3ang a line through Shuangtaikou and Antzuling.
On May 30 the Japanese occupied Dalny, which had been evacuated by the Russians, capturing about 300 open and 120 box cars, 50 lighters, 2,000 tons of coal and 20,000 railway ties. All the smaller railway bridges in the neighborhood had been destroyed as had also a portion of tlie larger pier, while three small vessels were found sunk near the entrance and the bay liberally sown with mines. The docks and smaller pier
were uninjured.
• ■ —
a The First Division was now being reenforced by the Eleventh Division, which began to land at Pitsewo on May 24, and was later reenforced by the IS^inth Division which landed at Dalny about June 15; also l^y the Seventh Division, the First and Fourth Kcbi Brigades, the Second P>rigade of field artillery, 7 battalions of siege artillery, a naval brigade and an engineer and artillery park; the whole forming the Third Army vinder General Nogi with Major-General Idichi as Chief of Staff.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 23
The occupation of Dalny was of great benefit to the Japa- nese, as it gave them an excellent harbor which, with Liu- shutiin, served as a base for the Third and Second Armies. There were at Dalny over 100 barracks, storehouses, etc., remaining in good condition. The removal of the mines that had been laid by the Russians cost the Japanese considerable time and labor. By the aid of a pilot who had been in the Russian service a fairway was found on June 6, up to which time 41 mines had been discovered and destroyed.
The Russians, holding Shuangtaikou and Fenshuiling in force, advanced their outposts to within 1,000 yards of the Japanese outposts and began to fortify the northeastern foot of the hill east of Shihshankou and the line of heights running north and south through Antzuling from Chengerhshan to east of Poshan.
On June 13 the Fifth and Twenty-eighth East Siberian Rifle Regiments made a vigorous reconnoissance from Chakou and Chuchuantzukou, that did not cease until dark.
On June 14 the Novih and two gunboats bombarded the Japanese left flank for about forty minutes from off Heishih- chiao. The Novik and 10 destroyers had issued from Port Arthur that morning and driven off the Third Destroyer Flotilla, Commander Tsuchiya, which had been bombarding the Russian right in the vicinity of Hsiaopingtao.
On June 18 a Russian flotilla appeared in the vicinity of Hsiaopingtao and began firing at the Japanese left flank, but was driven off by a Japanese squadron after an engagement of about thirty minutes.
On June 26 the Eleventh Division and the left of the First Division moved forward to occupy higher ground from which the Russians could observe Dalny, and which, if captured, would allow the Japanese to overlook the Russian positions.
The detachment of the First Division attacked and occupied the heights west and south of Pantao.
The Eleventh Division attacked in three detachments ; the right moving on the heights east of Lannichiao, the center on the heights called Kensan, or Sword Hill, by the Japanese, the left on Shuangtingshan.
The main resistance to this advance was at Kensan, held by one battalion with a number of machine and quick-firing guns, which was captured by the Forty-third Regiment only after a
24 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
stubborn fight lastinj^ until ii))()ut 5 ]>. ni. The Japanese captured two 6 cm. quick-nrinij; <jims aiul some 200 shells.
As a result of the advance, the Japanese first line extended from Antzushan through the heights about 1 kilometer west of Pantao, Kensan, and Shuangtingshan.
B}^ June 30 the Russians extended their defensive works in the neighborhood of Antzuling from the southern extrem- ity of the heights to the smnmit of Kabutosan, and had con- structed works on the heights north antl south of Wangchiatun. They also continued to strengthen the works at Shuang- taikou, where one or more searchlights had been installed.
On July 3 the Russians began a series of attacks that extended through three days. Shortly after noon two com- panies attacked in the direction of Kensan. About 4.30 p. m. these companies were reenforced and made an attack on Kensan, but were repulsed. About 5.20 p. m. 4 guns took up a position west of Tasliihtun and covered the with- drawal of the infantry. About 8.30 p. m. a battalion attacked from the direction of Taposhan, l)ut was repulsed by a counter attack. The Russian force in this vicinity consisted of about 2 battalions, 12 field and 2 machine guns.
A small force of infantry also advanced toward Laotaoshan at 6 a. m., and began skirmishing with the Japanese outposts, driving the latter back between 1 and 2 p. m. About 3.50 p. m. a small force began to advance along the valley north of Laotaoshan, but came under the fire of a Japanese battery and retired. About 6.30 p. m. a battalion deployed south of Laotaoshan and opened fire. A few minutes later 4 guns took up a position north of Laotaoshan and opened a telling fire on the left of that portion of the Japanese position. The Japanese artillery replied and the firing continued until after dark.
On July 4, at 5 a. m., a small force of Russian infantry drove back the Japanese patrols in and north of Wuchia- yingtzu. About 9 a. m. another force opened fire from a hill about 2,000 meters south of Chakou, while yet another force on a hill north of that village opened fire on the Japanese positions west of Pantao; this fire continuing during the day. South of these detachments was another Russian detach- ment throwing up trenches, about 1 ,500 meters southeast and east of Nanchakou.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 25
Between 1 and 12 a. in. a small force of Russians made an attaclv on Kensan. At 6 a. m. the attack was renewed on Kensan and the heights about 3,000 meters to the southeast, the attacking force being increased to about 1 battalion of infantry, assisted by the fire of a battery in the valley west of Wangchiatun. By 7 a. m. the attacking force, increased to about 3 battalions, had approached to within 800 meters. Several unsuccessful attempts to assault were made between that time and noon, at which time the attacking force had increased to 7 battalions, while 2 more battahons were attack- ing Kensan from the west. At 3.50 p. m. the Russian artil- lery increased its fire and the infantry again took up the assault with a force of about 10 battalions. So strong was the assault that the general reserve was sent forward and placed under the orders of the commander of the left wing (Eleventh Division), while 3 batteries of heavy guns, just arrived, were pushed forward to Pantao and two others to Huangnichuangtashantun. The heavy naval guns also par- ticipated in the fight on this part of the field, which continued during the night.
In the meantime heavy fighting had been going on still farther south. At 6 a. m. the Japanese artillery opened fire on the Russian positions on the north crest of Laotaoshan, to which tlie Russians, after attempting to reply with artil- lery fire, replied by advancing the infantry from these posi- tions in an attack on the Japanese line. At 11.30 a. m. the Japanese were compelled to send their reserves into the firing line. At 5 p. m. the Russian artillery on Laotaoshan again opened fire, which was joined in by a Russian vessel off Hsiaopingtao.
On the morning of July 5 the Russians made a couple of demonstrations against the Japanese in tlie neighborhood of Pantao. At 10.30 a. m. a company of Japanese infantry attempted to seize a small height southwest of Kensan, but was repulsed. Shortly after noon the Russians made a demonstration against Kensan.
At the end of the three days' fighting the Russians held a fortified line through Shuangtaikou, Antzuling, and the heights east of Lungwang River.
The Japanese held one line from near Antzushan to the crest of the heights northeast of Hanchiatun, to a point 2,000
26 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
meters southeast ol' Lannicliijio, and auotluu" from the hh^h (ground south of Lannichiao, via Kensan and Iluangnichuang- lashantun, to Shuangtingshan.
On July 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, and 22, there were small recon- naissances by the Russians. On July 10 the Japanese estab- lished on the heights east of Lannichiao a battery of 12 guns that had been captured at Nanshan, and a battery of 6 heavy naval guns about 1,500 meters west of Chuchuantzukou.
By July 23 the Ninth Division had completed its landing, begun by the main portion at Dalny about the 15th, and had joined the First and Eleventh Divisions, taking the center of the line. The First Kobi Brigade had landed and joined the First Division.
At 7.30 a. m., on July 26, the Japanese began a general attack in which the Russian artillery maintained the ascend- ancy. However, the Japanese infantry moved forward about noon, and at dark the First Division had advanced nearly to Yingchengtzu, the Ninth Division nearly to Pienshihpentzu, and the Eleventh Division nearly to Taposhan.
At 6 a. m., on the 27th, the Japanese artillery again opened fire, and the First and Ninth Divisions advanced on the salient, whose apex was Ojikeisan. The Russian fire was withheld until their opponents were within close range. A portion of the assaulting infantry was protected from frontal fire by the steepness of the ground, but was subjected to a severe flank fire from other portions of the Russian position and suffered severely. After repeated assaults a portion of the salient was captured about 3 p. m., but the Russians con- tinued to hold the remainder.
The attack of the Eleventh Division on the heights east of the mouth of Lungwang River was not only stubbornly resisted by the defenders, but the assailants were subjected to the fire of several Russian vessels near Lungwangtang. An assault was made about 5 p. m. but failed. Another assault was begun from three sides shortly after midnight and the hill carried about 5 a. m. on the 28th.
The attack of the First and Ninth Divisions was resumed at dawn of the 28th, and at 9 a. m. the Russians began to withdraw. By night the Japanese had occupied a line through Tungchanglingtzu and Yingkoshih, having captured 2 heavy, 3 field, and 3 machine guns.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 27
On July 30 the Japanese again advanced, the First Divi- sion southwest along the Port Arthur road, the Ninth toward Kantashan, the Eleventh toward Takushan. By 11 a. m. they occupied a line from the heights south of Tuchengtzu to those east of Takushan. Hsiaokushan and Takushan remained in tlie hands of the Russians, who, at other points, had withdrawn across the road leading through Licliiatun.
The Japanese estimate the Russian killed and wounded from July 26 to 30 at about 1,500. An unofRcial statement places the Japanese loss at 670 killed and 3,334 wounded, including 25 officers killed, one of which was a colonel of artillery, and 116 wounded, one of which was a colonel of infantry.
On August 1 and 2 the Russians bombarded the Japanese and made several attacks but did not succeed in recovering any ground.
On August 7 the Japanese began a bombardment of Taku- shan at 4 p. m. At 7.30 p. m. the Eleventh Division, during a high wind and heavy rain, attacked the heights, and at midnight succeeded in occupying the foothills of Takushan. On the morning of August 8 seven Russian vessels approached Yenchang and by a flanking fire greatly aided the Russian force. In the afternoon the Japanese artillery drove the vessels away and resumed the bombardment of the Russians remaining on Takushan. Toward evening the Japanese infantry again attacked and succeeded in occupying the summits about 8.30 p. m. The Japanese loss was about 1,400 killed and wounded.
Continuing the attack during the night, the Forty-third Regiment and part of the Twelfth occupied Hsiaokushan at 4.30 a. m. on August 9. Both Takushan and Hsiaokushan were severely bombarded by the Russians shortly after noon on the 9th, the vessels again appearing off Yenchang and taking part in the bombardment; at 1.30 p. m. a Russian battalion attacked the two heights. The engagement lasted until night and the Japanese sufi'ered severely, but succeeded in holding their positions. The Russian vessels w^ere finally driven into the harbor by some vessels from the blockading squadron.
During the day the Japanese naval battery bombarded
28 EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-.TAPANESE WAR.
Port Arthur and the luirl)()r, sinking one vessel and striking the Retvizan.
In the early morning of August 10 the Russians opened a severe fire from the forts south of Tungchikuanshan. Otherwise the 10th, 11th, and 12th passed with only the ordinary exchange of gun fire. On the 10th the Japanese again endeavored to reach the Russian battle ships in the western harbor with the fire of the naval battery, but did not succeed in striking any of the vessels.
On August 13 a Russian advance post set fire to and evacuated Wuchiafangtzu.
On August 14 the First Division attacked and succeeded in advancing to a line extending from Kantashan to the heights west of Suichiatun via the high ground north of Suichiatun. The attacking force was compelled to retire by the Russians, who were aided in their counter attack by the fire of their batteries on the heights between Hsiaotungkou and Nienpankou. The Japanese again approached during the night, and on the morning of the 15th again attacked and at 11a. m. succeeded in making a lodgment on these heights.
The conclusion of this attack left the Japanese in front of the land defenses proper of Port Arthur. These defenses, divided into eastern and western sectors by the valley through which the railway enters the town, consisted of per- manent masonry forts whose gorges were connected by the old Chinese Wall, temporary works constructed just prior to and during the siege, and connecting and advance trenches. The west sector followed an irregular crest, with an elevation of about 500 feet, around the new town and terminated on Laotielishan, the highest point in the vicinity, with an ele- vation of about 1,000 feet. The east sector encircled the old town at a distance of from 2 to 2h miles, running along an irregular crest, about 350 feet in elevation, within which was an elevation (Wangtai or Signal Hill) of about 800 feet. The permanent forts were polygonal in trace and had ditches with caponiers and galleries. The gap between the two sectors was covered by the fort on Paiyushan (Quail Hill).
Of the works most intimately connected with the siege the Sungshushan, Erhlungshan, North and East Tungchikuan- shan, Itzushan, and Antzushan forts were strong, permanent
EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-.TAPANESE WAR. 29
fortifications. The two Panlungshan forts, East and West, were semipermanent, redoubt-shaped fortifications. 203 Meter Hill and Akasakayama were semipermanent works, with two lines of advance trenches. Kuropatkin Fort was a strong fieldwork, with deep ditch; the Shuishihying lunettes were also provided with ditches, but not so deep. P., H., Kobu, and Hachimakiyama w^ere more in the natui;eyi^Y^ of semipermanent trenches with bombproofs. '^^^-^
On August 16 the Japanese sent, by Major Yamaoka, a note, under a flag of truce, demanding the surrender of Port Arthur and inclosing an offer to allow the noncombatants, such as women, children, priests, diplomats of neutral countries, and military attaches, to proceed to Port Dalny.
On August 17 the Russian refusal to surrender was sent to the Japanese. The offer to noncombatants was not accepted. . x , ,- , '
On the morning of August 19 the Japanese began a general attack. The First Division attacked and efi^ected a lodgment on 174 Meter Hill and Namakayama, where it was twice counter attacked in the afternoon and driven back. The Third Regiment carried one of the Shuishihying lunettes, but was unable to hold it. The Ninth and Eleventh Divi- sions, acting together, advanced and passed the night on a line from north of Wuchiafangtzu through the heights north of Wangchiatun to the western foot of Hsiaokushan.
On August 20 the First Division and First Kobi Brigade completed the occupation of 174 Meter Hill, the First and Fifteenth Regiments making the assault. The Ninth and Eleventh Divisions were unable to make any progress, not only on account of the Russian fire, but also because of the extensive wire entanglements in front of Panlungshan and North Tungchikuanshan. They did make some progress in the destruction of the entanglements. Troops of the Thirty- sixth Regiment entered Kuropatkin Fort after severe fighting, but were driven out shortly afterwards.
On August 21 troops of the Ninth Division, reenforced by the Fourth Kobi Brigade, charged East Panlungshan Fort in the early morning, but were repulsed. —Troops of the Eleventh Division at the same time charged North Tungchi- kuanshan Fort and succeeded in capturing an advanced work 200 meters farther to the southeast. They were subjected
30 KPTTOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
to sucli a sevoro lire from the neighborinii; forts tluit they were (liivcii IVoiii the advanced work about 9 a. in. The Russians made a counter attack north of Shuishihying, but were driven back.
The attack was continued on the 22d, At 9 a. m. the Sixth Bri<jade, Ninth Division, had captured a portion of East Panhm<i;shan Fort when they came under a severe fire from West Panlungshan Fort. Two companies, sent for- ward fi'om the reserve during the afternoon, assaulted and, after a severe fight, drove the Russians from the latter fort. This indirectly aided the troops attacking the east fort, from which the Russians were driven shortly afterwards. The Russians attacked both of these forts several times during tlie night, drove the Japanese down the slopes, and were in tiu-n driven back by the Japanese who succeeded in holding the })arapets and keeping the Russians in rear of the gorges.
On the 23d the Ninth and Eleventh Divisions made a night attack on the height (H) northwest of Wangtai, Wangtai and North Tungchikuanshan Fort. A portion of the Ninth Division succeeded in reaching the heights north- west of Wangtai. Tliis attack was met, about 11 p. m., by a strong sortie in the neighborhood of Panlungshan, in wliich the Russians drove back those Japanese who had crossed the Chinese Wall beliind the Panlungshan forts at the foot of Wangtai and passed beyond the line of forts. After severe fignting the sortie was repulsed, the Japanese retaining possession of the Panlungshan forts. Wliile tliis sortie was in progress troops of the First Division attacked Itzushan Fort, but were repulsed with heavy loss.
On August 24, in the early morning, the Ninth Division continued the attack on the height northwest of Wangtai, while the Eleventh Division attacked Wangtai and North Tungcliikuanshan forts. Both attacks failed and may be said to conclude the general attack, begun on August 19, wliich is said to have cost the Japanese over 15,000 in killed and wounded. "^* On August 28 the Russians began strengthening the Chinese Wall and the works in the neighborliood of Wangtai, mounting two heavy guns and bringing up field guns to fire on the two Paidungshan forts, now held by the Japanese.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAE. 31
On August 29 the Russians began firing with these heavy guns against the two Panlungshan, forts and, about lip. m., a small force made a sortie against the west fort, but was repulsed. (^'^ C^>' f..il^
On September 2 the First Division opened a heavy fire on Port Arthur with its field and naval guns. The Russians continued their daily bombardment of the two Panlungshan forts. They continued this bombardment on the next day and destro^^ed the greater part of the works the Japanese had constructed there. The bombardment was continued daily and was particularly violent on September 6, resulting in the demolition of the works that had been again con- structed by the Japanese.
Toward midnight of the 6th a small party of Russians made a sortie against the extreme right of the Japanese line, but was repulsed. Another small party made a determined sortie against the Japanese center and, although fuially driven back, completely demoralized the siege operations of the Japanese in that vicinity. (1^ ,^ jjJT' p'lr)
On September 8 the Russiahs directed a desultory fire against the Panlungshan forts and a more vigorous fire against the sapping operations, making several sorties against the same at night.
By September 9 the Japanese approaches had reached to witliin 50 meters of Kuropatkiii Fort and 300 to 400 meters of the two Tungchikuanshan forts. By the 11th of Sep- tember the Japanese approach had reached to ^^itllin 70 meters of the forts south of Shuishihying. These approaches were fired on daily by the Russian artillery.(^ -'^ OH 9'5'S j
On September 12 small parties of Russians made two sorties against the approach to North Tungchikuanshan Fort, but were repulsed. Other sorties were made as fol- lows: On September 13 near Shihcliiao; on the 15tli against the approaches to Kuropatkin, Shuishihying, and Hachi- makiyama (east of Erhlungshan) forts; on the 16th two against the approach to Kuropatkin Fort, and on the ISth against the approach to the Shuishihying forts. All these sorties were made by small parties consisting of fi'om 40 to 70 men, and toward the end the use of hand grenades by the / Jf
Russians began. (J^7 kUl.... pjX-^] ^^^^^^^.AiiJ^^*^-^
On September 19, about 2 p. m., the Japanese opened fire
32 KPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
with their siege and naval guns. Towaid the evening the fire was concentrated on Kuropatkin Fort, the Shuisliihy- ing hniettes, Namaka^^ania, and 20.'] Meter Hill. The attack was then begun and continued all night. Troops of the Ninth Division attacked Kuropatkin Fort while troops of the First Division and the First Kcjbi Brigade attacked the other j)oints mentioned. The Japanese; carried Kuro- patkin Fort at dawn of the 20th, the Shuishihying lunettes about noon, .and Naniakayania with its two works al)out 6.30 p. ni. At S p. m. one company effected a lodgment on the northwest slope of 203 Meter Hill and about midnight the southwest summit of the hill was carried. The fire from AntzLishan and Itzushan forts compelled the Japanese on Naniakayama to withdraw from the })lateau to the upper trench. (^^% Wf.Ki e^\^%^
The Russians reinforced their troops on 203 Meter Hill, and desperate fighting was continued until the evening of September 22, when the Japanese were compelled to with- draw from the hill, having lost about 2,500 killed and wounded." General Yamamota, commanding First Brigade, was among the killed. (^M ^\ ' ' ^■'^•^J
At about 8.30 p. m. on September 25 the Russians con- centrated a strong fire against the approach northeast of Erhlungshan Fort and a body of about 30, covered by the rifle fire of about 100 of their comrades, made a determined attack, the fight lasting for about thirty minutes and the opponents coming to hand to hand encounter. The Russian party left 20 killed before it retired. (^^'f' ' ^[^ p,(:,i
In the early morning of September 27 the Russians con- centrated a severe fire on the approach northeast of Erhlung- shan Fort and made two sorties against the same.
From September 28 the fire of the siege and naval guns was
directed daily against the Russian vessels in the harbor; the
fH \^ SPeresvid, Poltava, and Pobieda were struck several tinies^p
V^ (\>-v(a'\^'^ I'^n October 2 the Russians made a strong sortie against the
' ' Approaches to the Tungchikuanshan forts, which began about
7.30 p. m. and continued until after midnight, when the sortie
« From the 1st of June to the 30th of September the besieging army is said to have lost 23,500 killed and wounded, 20,000 from beriberi, and 5,000 from typhoid and dysentery.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 33
was repulsed. At the same time a battalion made a sortie against the right of the Japanese siege line, but retired after an engagement of about one hour.
On October 4 a party of Japanese attacked a Russian posi- tion south of Yenchang, dismantled a 47 mm. quick fire and a machine gun that had been harassing the working parties in the approaches, and returned to its position at the foot of Takushan. During the night ^^he Russians made several sorties against the approaches to Erhlungshan. (j;-| 2. ■■■ ^ ' \'' ti J
On October 7 the Japanese reported that in the bombard- ment they had maintained from the 1st to 7th with their siege and naval guns the siege guns hit the Pohieda once, the Retvizan four times, and the Poltava five times; also that several vessels were hit by the naval guns; that the crew of the Poltava was landed on the 6th, that of the Retvizan on the 7th. (u\% SL^' -U ^ f . 3 ? )
On the night of October 10 the Russians made several sorties against the two Panlungshan forts. They also con- tinued their nightly practice of throwing grenades into the approaches to Tungchikuanshan Fort. The grenades were first thrown by hand. Later the Russians made use of a wooden gun for the purpose and the Japanese resorted to the same expedient.
On the afternoon of October 1 1 nine Russian torpedo boats twice reconnoitered off Yenchang, exchanging fire with the Japanese torpedo boats and batteries, and retired to the harbor. (;il V^0-t^4. P» lUi i
At 7 p. m. on that day three companies of Japanese infantry captured the railway bridge south of Lungyen and intrenched at a point 200 meters farther to the front.
On October 12 to 15 the siege and naval guns continued firing at the vessels in the harbor and succeeded in setting the Peresviet on fire, causing the vessel,-4n- the opinion of the-. Jarpanese^, to lose her fighting capacity. On the night of the 12th the Russians threw over 50 grenades into the Japanese trenches. ii\f^ Sij^\X > \-^ ''i 3 J
On October 16, about 4.30 p. m., the Ninth Division attacked and captured the Russian trenches on the glacis of Erhlungshan and entered Hachimakiyama Fort (east of Erhlungshan Fort). The Russians retained possession of the gorge and converted it into a defensive work. The Japanese 34520—07 3
34 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
cai)lur(Ml 1 field gun, 1 small caliber gun 2 machine guns, j some rifles and a quantity of ammunition. L ^' '^ f ' ' P. -> ' /
In the early morning of October 1 7 a small force of Rus- sians made a sortie from 203 Meter Hill and threw grenades into the Japanese trenches. About the same time sorties were made in the direction of Ilachimakiyama and from Erhhmgshan.
For several days the Japtyiese kept up a desultory l)om- bardment covering their siege operations, which were obstructed by the Russians, who resorted to small sorties, hand grenades, and bombs thrown by wooden guns. By October 23 the approaches were within 50 meters of North Tungchikuanshan Fort; on the 24th they were within the same distance of Erhhmgshan Fort. On the 23d the Rus- sians, who had been countermining from North Tungchi- kuanshan Fort, blew up the head of the Japanese tunneled approach, t' *7 K^Jw f,\xO
On October 25 the Japanese naval guns sank a two-funnel three-mast ship in the harbor.
On the morning of October 26 the Japanese began with their siege and naval guns a heav}^ bombardment of the Sung- shushan, Erhhmgshan, and Tungchikuanshan forts. From 2 p. m. the bombardment was extended to the trenches on the glacis of Sungshushan and Erhlungshan forts and the trenches south of Hachimakiyama Fort. At 5 p. m. a force from the First Division attacked Sungshushan and a force from the Ninth Division attacked Erhlungshan and the trenches south of Hachimakiyama. The attacking forces occupied the trenches on the glacis of Sungshushan and Erhlungshan and those south of Hachimakiyama. The attack was then subjected to a severe fire from not only the batteries of the neighboring heights, but also from those of Taiyangkou, Mantoushan, Golden Hill, and Paiyushan. The Japanese reported that this bombardment inflicted no mate- rial loss on their army. During the attack the Russians exploded a large mine in the glacis of the Erhlungshan Fort, but the effect of the explosion was unimportant.^y" 0 '/ /■ y 2- ;
The Japanese continued their bombardment during the night and the Russians made several small sorties from Sung- shushan and Ehrlungshan forts.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 35
The bombardment of the Japanese on tlie 27th destroyed or severely injured 1 gun carriage, 3 large guns, and 2 machine guns in the Erhhingshan and Tungchikuanshan forts. On the 28th it caused the explosion of a magazine in North Tungchikuanshan and injured 2 guns in East Tungchikuan- shan Fort, and 2 in Itzushan. Fires were also started in Port Arthur. (^H^i Q H f. 1 O
During the night of the 28th the Japanese sappers and miners resumed their work against the counterscarp galler}^ in the eastern corner of North Tungchikuanshan Fort, against which they had exploded a mine the preceding night, and exploded two more mines, making a large breach and killing a dozen of the Russians who were occupying the gal- lery. They also exploded a mine at the head of their approach to Erhlungshan Fort and destroyed a portion of the counterscarp^^^'^ O VA ^ • ^d)
On October 29 a party of about 100 Russians made a sortie before daylight against the approach to Erhlungshan Fort. At the same time a similar party made a sortie against the tunneled passage to Sungshushan Fort and after a desperate struggle drove the Japanese out. About 2 p. m. the latter attacked and recovered the passage. «-5^ / K--'A,,, |-, | 7^6 y
On this day the naval guns were directed against Hsitai- yangkou, Antzushan, Itzushan, Paiyushan, and Sungshushan forts, blowing up the magazine at Hsitaiyangkou. They also fired on five mine-removing boats in West Harbor, causing fires to break out on two of them. _ '-iii' ^'
On October 30 the Japanese began a heav}^ bombardmentXr*^ in the early morning and at 1 p. m. began a general attack, Wi^&cl which was particularly directed against the Sungshushan, P, |7'8'^
Erhlungshan, and North Tungchikuanshan forts. Troops from the First and Ninth Divisions succeeded by sunset in occupying the glacis of the Sungshushan and North Tungchi- kuanshan forts and in destroying a number of side defenses.
A portion of the Ninth Division carried P. Fort (between Panlungshan and North Tungchikuanshan forts) at 2 p. m. and began to entrench. The Russians made a determined attack against these troops and drove them out about 10.30 p. m. The Japanese, personally led by Major-General Ichi- nohe, Sixth Brigade, Ninth Division, again attacked and re- captured the fort about 11 p. m., taking 3 guns, 2 macliine
36 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
guns, juul other spoils. The Japanese renamed th(^ fort Ichinohe.ti^ CfKZ'RiO
Troops from the Eleventh Division attacked the north and east forts of Tiingchikuanshan and the adjacent lieldworks, but were repulsed after having partly carried Kobuyama (an intrenched height north of East Tungchikuanshan Fort) and the trench on the glacis of the east fort.
On the 31st the Eleventh Division again charged North Tungchikuanshan Fort, but was repulsed.
On the night of the 31st the Russians made a small sortie against the extreme right of the Japanese line.
During the day the fire of the Japanese heavy and naval guns injured the Gilyak, sank two steamers in the harbor, and started a conflagration near the wharf. On November^ v 1 it sank two steamers, and on the 2d one(^C^( K.^^M^ H f %^- ^
On the 3d it started a conflagration near East Harbor, which lasted until the next morning, injured the guns in the gorge of North Tungchikuanshan Fort, and damaged the field work at H., northwest of Wangtai.
On the 6th it caused the explosion of a magazine at the Old Sungshushan Fort.
The month of November was by the Japanese devoted mostly to sapping and mining operations and bombard- ment of the Russian vessels in the harbor. The Russians resisted the sapping and mining operations by occasional sorties of small parties. The approaching exhaustion of their artillery ammunition caused a falling off in the action of this arm. and left the J^ianese artillery greater freedom of action, (^f Cfs--^ f.3t J
On November 17 the Japanese destroyed the counter- scarp galleries of Sungshushan Fort, and completed the occupation of its counterscarp on the next day. On the 19th a powder magazine near the arsenal was exploded by a Japanese shell. The Russians made a determined but unsuccessful sortie from Erhlungshan Fort. The Seventh Division, landed at Dalny the preceding day, began to arrive.
On November 20 the Japanese exploded three mines, blowing in the counterscarp and partly filling* the ditch of Erhlungshan Fort.
On November 21 the Japanese attempted an assault on North Tungchikuanshan Fort, which failed;. A counter attack of the garrison was repulsed, [j^ ^'^' P- ''^^ )
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 37
On November 23 troops of the Eleventh Division cap- tured the trench on the northern gLacis of East Tungchi- kuanshan Fort, but were driven out earl}^ in the morning of the 24th.
fOn the afternoon of November 26 the Japanese began a general attack on the Sungshushan, Erhhmgshan, and Timgchikuanshan forts. The storming parties were driven back, but the assault was continued. (^'^ 0-VA f « "^ ^ /
On the night of November 26 a force of about 2,500 men, drawn from all four divisions and commanded by Major- General Nakamura, made an unsuccessful assault on the works running southwest from Sungshushan Fort (Sungsliu- shan supporting fort). The attack was disclosed by the Russian searchlights and subjected to a heavy fire, which, however, did but little damage. This attack ceased about 2.30 a. m. on the 27th, after severe hand to hand fighting, and cost the Japanese nearly one-half of the attacking force.
The general attack, which was very desperate on the 26th and 27th, continued on a lesser scale until December 2, when a partial armistice was entered into on the eastern front for the recovery of the killed and wounded. (^^^> DH P S^)
The loss suffered by the Japanese has been estimated as high as 12,000 killed and wounded. Lieutenant-General Tsuchiya, commanding Eleventh Division, Major-General Saito, commanding the Fourteenth Brigade, Seventh Divi- sion, and Major-General Nakamura were among the wounded.
On November 28 troops of the First Division and the First Kobi Brigade began an attack on 203 Meter Hill and Akasakayama. Both sides resorted to hand grenades, in the use of which the Japanese were at a disadvantage, on account of the higher elevation of their opponents. In addition, the assault was subjected to fire from Sungshushan and failed at Akasakayama. A small party reached the crest of the southwest peak of 203 Meter Hill, was driven a short distance below the crest, and then succeeded in holding on until an approach could be constructed through which they could be reenforced.(5''\ |CvJ-w. i- ''^1 )
On November 30 the Japanese brought forward their wooden guns and began bombarding the summit. The force holding the advance on the southwest peak was reenforced by one company and advanced to near the crest where a high
S2706
38 EPITOME OP THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
wall of sand bags was constructed. 'I'hc P'irst Regiment attacked and finally occupied the Russian trenches on the slope of Akasakayama, but evacuated them shortly after- wartls on account of being fired on by their own artillery.
Troops from the Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth Regiments assaulted the northeast peak of 203 Meter Hill, carried the Russian trenches on the slope, and endeavored to reach the crest, but were driven back to the trenches. (>'^ ^wW\ f> l'^-)
On December 1 troops of the Seventh Division again assaulted 203 Meter Hill, one party passing over the crest of the southwest peak and clearing a portion of the summit, and were again repulsed. The Japanese holding the trenches on the slope of the northeast peak were also driven ou.ti^t^JS.^^'^-^^J
During December 2, 3, and 4 the Japanese restricted their action to bombarding the Russian positions and to con- structing an approach up the northeast peak of 203 Meter Hill. On the morning of the 5th the hre of the Japanese artillery was increased. About 3 p. m. eight battalions of the Seventh Division, under Major-General Saito, advanced against the northeast peak and. in conjunction with the reen- forced troops holding the crest of the southwest peak, carried all of 203 Meter Hill. ( J-"^ vf^^ ^. '^S)
The capture of 203 Meter Hill allowed the Japanese to bring on Akasakayama a plunging fire which, accompanied by demonstrations, caused the Russians to evacuate that height on December 6 and to withdraw from the trench leading toward Itzushan. It also gave an observation point covering both harbors and enabled the fire of the heavy siege and naval guns to be directed upon the Russian war ships in the harbor. On December 9 the Sevastopol anchored outside the harbor under shelter of Tiger's Tail Peninsula, but was subsequently torpedoed by the Japanese and sunk in deep water by her own commander. The other large vessels by that time had been crippled by the Japanese fire and scuttled by the Russians to protect them as much as possible from the Japanese fire. (^\> O V^ ^P. V'^'^")
On December 18", at 2.30 p. m., the Japanese exploded mines under the parapet of North Tungchikuanshan Fort. The Twenty - second Regiment then charged the fort, but halted in the crater. About 7.30 p. m. two companies of
EPITOME OF THE EUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 39
the Thirty-eighth Kobi Regiment entered through the breach, and by michiight the fort was completely occupied, the Japanese capturing five 87-mm. field guns, two 74-mi>i. quick- fire guns, two 24-mm. guns and 4 machine guns.'* (o H (jH li i '^ >J
On December 22, 23, and 24 the Japanese attacked and carried some small Russian positions near the northern arm of Pigeon Bay and thus advanced their right so that it ran from 203 Meter Hill through Luchiatun to Pigeon Bay.
On December 28, at 10 a. m., the Japanese exploded ' mines under the parapet of Erhlungshan Fort and an '' assaulting force from the Ninth Division reached the crater ..' ' and intrenched. At 4 p. m. the Nineteenth and Thirty-sixth ' 3/ Regiments resumed the assault and reached the interior of the fort. The remainder of the garrison was finally driven back from the defense of the gorge, and at 7.30 p. m. the Japanese had possession of the entire fort with its armament of 4 heavy guns, 7 guns of smaller caliber, thirty 37-mm. guns and 2 machine guns. The fighting during the capture of the fort was severe, the_ Japanese losing about 1,000 killed and wounded.((D^ VyU' p. ' ,'
On December 31 the Japanese exploded mines under the parapet of Sungshushan Fort, the explosion extending to the magazine. Troops from the First and Seventh Divisions then assaulted and drove out the remnants of the garrison, capturing with the fort and its armament 2 officers and 160 men who had been imprisoned in the galleries by the explo- sion. (^^^- )Wtw P 'i' )
On January 1, 1905, in the early morning, the Japanese drove the Russians from the new Panlungshan Fort and H. work. At 3 p. m. a small force of Japanese reached the summit of Wangtai, but was driven back by the Russians, v
who then set fire to the wooden structures of the work and withdrew. The Japanese again occupied the summit, losing some of their men through the explosion of the magazine or a Russian mine^^ *7 K\ct'vv\ P- \^^]
At 9 p. m. General Nogi received from General Stoessel a letter proposing to hold negotiations with reference to capitu- lation.
" It was in this fort that General Kondratchenko and 8 other officers were killed l)y a liursting shell on December 15.
40
KIMTOMK OF TTTE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Both belligerents appointed plcnipotenliaiics, who com- pleted their negotiations at 4.30 p. m. on January 2, and both armies suspended hostilities.
By the terms of the capitulation all Russian soldiers, marines, and civil oflicials of the garrison and harbor were made prisoners; all forts, batteries, vessels, mimitions, etc., were transferred to the Japanese in the condition in which they existed at noon on January 3, and all public property, such as buildings, munitions of war, etc., were to be left in position, pending arrangement for their transfer. Officers of the army and navy were permitted to retain their side arms, and, upon signing a parole not to take arms during the continuance of the war, return to Russia. Noncommis- sioned officers and privates were to be held as prisoners.
The organizations taking part in the defense of Port Arthur are shown in the following tables of prisoners trans- ferred :
LAND FORCES.
Organization.
January 5, 1905.
fith East Siberian Rifle Regiment
13th East Siberian Rifle Regiment
14tti East Siberian Rifle Regiment
15th East Siberian Rifle Regiment
16th East Siberian Rifle Regiment
January 6, 1905.
25th East Siberian Rifle Regiment
26th East Siberian Rifle Regiment •
27th East Siberian Rifle Regiment
28th East Siberian Rifle Regiment
7th Reserve Battalion
3d Reserve Battalion
10th Regiment Staff
11th and 12th East Siberian Regiments
4th Artillery Brigade
Garrison artillery
Kuantung garrison artillery
Gendarmes
January 7. 1.905.
Staff of General Stoessel
Staff of Kuantung commander-in-chief
Engineer Company
Telegraph Corps
Railway Corps
Cavalry
Field, post, and telegraph offices
Total land forces
Officers.
186
322
570
Men.
1 , 547
065
882
1,353
1.004
5, 451
1,432 1,420
2.178
1,505
282
308
66
195
901
113
2,783
24
11,207
39
15 269
60 155 177
23
738
17,396
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. NAVAL FORCES.
41
|
Organization. |
Officers. |
Men. |
|
Crew of — |
22 22 \l 16 31 15 12 4 fi 5 3 CO 59 10 |
446 |
|
510 |
||
|
Pallada |
208 |
|
|
607 |
||
|
311 |
||
|
507 |
||
|
259 |
||
|
99 |
||
|
52 |
||
|
124 |
||
|
Gilvak |
72 |
|
|
173 |
||
|
3 |
||
|
29 |
||
|
2,531 |
||
|
142 |
||
|
298 576 |
6,073 |
|
|
17,396 |
||
|
874 |
23, 469 |
|
In addition to the above there were about 3,000 noncom- batants transferred and about 16,000 sick in hospital. The total number of prisoners, including sick, wounded, and prisoners was given at 41,641.
Russian figures, not official, place the original garrison (including naval contingent) at 54,000; killed and died dur- ing the siege, 15,000; taken prisoners, 21,000, in addition to 18,000 sick, of whom 6,000 were wounded.
The composition of the Third Japanese Army, when com- pleted, was as follows:
|
Organization. |
Commander. |
Chief of staff. |
Bri- gade. |
Commander. |
Regiment. |
|
/Fushimi, Mat- \ sumura. Oseko Oshima II (Tsuchiya, tSamejima. |
Yoshino Ishigomo Adachi.. (Ishida \Saito |
J2d \lst.... fl3th . . tl4th .. Jfith... \18th.. 22d . . . 10th .. |
Nakamura Yamamo t a , Baba. Yoshido |
2d, .3d. 1st, 15th. 2Sth, 20th. 27th, 28th. 7th, 35th. 19th, 36th. 43d, 12th. 44th, 22d. |
|
|
7th Division |
|||||
|
9th Division |
Ichinohe Mayeta, Hi- rasa. Kamio Yamanaka . . . Takinu c h i , Oki. Tomogasu, Yakanachi. Nagata Kuroi |
||||
|
11th Division |
|||||
|
1st, 15th, |
|||||
|
16th. 8th, 9th, |
|||||
|
Artillery Brigade (72 guns). Naval Brigade (1,200 men). Fortress .\rtillery (3 regiments, 1 bat- talion, 2 groups). |
38th. |
||||
|
Teshima |
|||||
42 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
The First Regiment contained 6 field batteries; the Seventh, 2 field and 2 mountain })atteries; the Ninth, 6 mountain batteries; the Eleventh, G mountain batteries; the Second Artiller}' Brigade, 12 field batteries.
The total artillery used by the Japanese during the siege is estimated at —
(j-inch naval '. 4
4.7-inch naval 10
12-i)ounder naval 20
10.5 cm. Krui)p 4
Bronze guns (Russian ) 30
8.7 cm. (Russian) (>
Field guns. 120
Mountain guns 84
Total guns 278
28-cm. howitzers 18
15-cm. howitzers 16
12-cm. howitzers 28
Total howitzers 62
Mortars, al)out 160
The total effective strength at the time of the capitulation may be taken as about 75,000.
The Seventeenth Regiment, Eighth Division, was present at the capture of 203 Meter Hill.
Unofficial reports state that the Eighth (Osaka) Kobi Regiment, as punishment for misconduct on August 23, was withdrawn from the fighting contingent for work on the lines of communication.
General Nogi reported a list of spoils in which the follow- ing important items are found: 59 permanent forts and fortifications; 546 guns; 82,670 projectiles; 35,252 rifles; 2,266,800 rifle cartridges; 4 battle ships (not including the Sevastopol, which the Russians had sunk in deep water) comprising the Peresviet, Poltava, Pohieda, and Retvizan; 2 cruisers, comprising the Bayan and Pallada; 14 gunboats and destroyers; 10 steamers; 8 steam launches. All the vessels were sunk and in a more or less damaged condition. The battle ships, cruisers, and some of the smaller vessels were, however, subsequently floated V)y the Japanese.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 43
LANDING OF THE FOURTH JAPANESE ARMY.
On May 19 Rear-Admiral Hosoya, with the Fuso, Heiyen, Tsuhushi, Saiyen, and other vessels, convoyed transports con- taining troops of the Fourth Japanese Army to Takushan, and the debarkation began immediately, being unopposed.
At first this arm}' consisted of the Tenth Division under Lieutenant-General Kawamura, with Major-Generals Marui and Tojo as brigade commanders. Subsequently the Fifth Division was joined to the Tenth, forming the Fourth Army, commanded by General Nodzu.
Following two unimportant skirmishes, communication with the First Army was established shortly after landing, and the combined force began working to the west and northwest.
On June 8 a combined detachment from the two armies occupied Siuyen after a skirmish at Tahuling with Major- General Mishchenko's Cossack brigade, which retired to- ward Tomucheng. On June IS a reconnoitering detachment sent from Siuyen encountered a Russian detachment in the neighborhood of Chipanling. On June 23 there was a skir- mish at Hsienchiayu, on the road to Tashihchiao, and again on the heights north of Santaoho.
FENSHUILING.
(Plate VI.)
On June 26 the Takushan force advanced against the Rus- sians at Fenshuiling in three columns under Colonel Kamada and Major-Generals Asada and Marui. Asatla, with his brigade from the Guards Division, proceeded from Yang- pankou toward Fenshuiling; Kamada, from Tasangpoyu against the Russian right; Marui, from Tsiehkuanyin by a circuitous route against the Russian right rear. A force under Major-General Tojo was charged with protecting the rear of that under Marui. To do this, Tojo attacked the Russians who were occupying Shanghota and Tungchia- chuang with about 3 battalions, a battery of horse artillery, and 2 machine guns.
The fight lasted all day without advantage to either party, but during the night Tojo again attacked and carried the position, which he occupied and in which he was several
44 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
times attacked on the afternoon of the 271 h by tlie Russian force, which had received reenforcements.
General Marui reached Tsiehkuanyin on the night of the 26th, sent a detachment to attack the flank and rear of the Russians who were opposing Tojo, and with his main body advanced at 3 a. m. on the 27th to turn the Russian rear at Fenshuihng. This main body was opposed by two bat- tahons at Erhtaokou, but drove them back about 11a. m. and reached Santaokou.
]\Iajor-General Asada, after driving back a force of Russian infantry and cavalry near Wanchiapu on the 26th, passed the night to the south of Wafantien at the eastern foot of Fensluiiling. At 5 a. m. Asada's artillery began firing on the Russian fortifications, but the Russian artillery, well posted and skillfully handled, maintained the advantage. However, Kamada's force dislodged two companies of Rus- sian infantry from halfway up the Tihiungshan.
Asada then posted his guns at this latter place about 7 a. m. and opened fire on the Russian right. Kamada with his infantry then left Tihiungshan, moving against the Rus- sian flank and rear.
In the meantime the Fukaya regiment, detached by Asada, attacked at midnight of the 26th and drove two companies of Russian infantry from the heights west of Yangpankou at 7 a. m., and then moved toward the Russian left rear.
This brought the Japanese on three sides of the Russians, who began to withdraw toward Tomucheng about 8 a. m., and Asada's infantry moved forward and occupied the pass at 11.30 a. m.
Besides the pass itself the Japanese captured 88 prisoners, including 6 officers. They lost 75 in killed and wounded, including 1 officer, Major Oba, killed. The Russians lost about 200 men.
The capture of Fenshuiling gave to the Takushan army an entrance to the Liao Valley and placed it in a position to quickly cooperate with General Oku, moving up from the south on Kaiping, should such cooperation prove necessary. Such cooperation would, however, expose its right wing to the Russian force now assembled at Haicheng and Liaoyang, but for the operations of the Japanese First Army by which it gained possession of the Fenshui Mountains north of Fenshuiling.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 45
ADVANCE OF THE JAPANESE FIRST ARMY FROM FENG- HUANGCHENG.
In the advance from Fenghuangcheng the Japanese First Army marched in three columns, the Twelfth Division mov- ing on the Saimachi-Liaoyang road, the Second Division on the Lienshankuan-Liaoyang road, the Guards Division to the left of the Second Division and maintaining communi- cation with the Takushan army.
The Second Division, leaving Fenghuangcheng on June 24, reached Hsuliten the same day, Hanchiatai on the 25th, and Washosho on the 26th, remaining at the latter place until the 30th for the purpose of arranging an attack on the for- tified position at Bunsuling. The Russians, however, on June 27, evacuated Bunsuling and Lienshankuan, and on the 30th the Second Division continued to and occupied Lien- shankuan, the advance guard occupying Motienling with- out resistance. In this position roads were built, supplies brought up, and telegraph lines built connecting the different portions of the First Army.
Moving north on the Saimachi road, the Twelfth Division had a skirmish on the 27th of June with some infantry and cavalry coining from Saimachi. The Russian force at Sai- machi retired toward Pensihu and was followed by the Twelfth Division, which thus turned the Russian position at Bunsuling, while the Second Division was approaching it from the south. A detachment of the Twelfth Division moved to the left as far as the Lienshankuan-Liaoyang road, entering Lienshankuan and Motienling on June 29. The line of communications of the Twelfth Division was now Saimachi- Aiyangpienmen-Chongsung-Yalu.
The Third Division, East Siberian Rifles, occupying Lien- shankuan, had at Domonshi an outpost of 2,000 men and 6 guns, which withdrew on June 24.
On July 4, in the early morning and in a dense fog, two Russian battalions, one from the Tenth East Siberian Rifles and one from the Twenty-fourth, attacked the Japanese battalion of the Thirtieth Regiment at Motienlino-, drivino; the advance picket off the road by a flank attack and pene- trating the Japanese line. The attack was vigorously pushed, the opposing troops engaging in a hand to hand combat. Japanese reenforcements arrived, however, and the Russians were forced to retire toward Yanotzulinir with
46 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
a loss of 53 killed and about 40 wounded. The Japanese lost 19 men killed and 2 officers and 36 men wounded.
On July 5 some Cossacks attacked a Japanese detachment near North Fenshuilino; on the road from vSaimachi to Liao- yang, but failed to dislodge it and retreated northward after the skirmish.
On July 6 a detachment of Japanese dislodged a body of Cossacks from Hsienchang and occupied the town."
With the occupation of Kaiping by Oku, on July 9, the three Japanese armies were vmited on a front from Kaiping east to Fensliuiling, thence northeast through Motienling, with covering detachments of Kobi troops eastward at Sai- machi, Hsienchang, and Iluaijen.
The Russians were concentrated in the Liao Valley at Tashihchiao, Haicheng, Anping, and Liaoyang.
On July 6 Field Marshal Oyama left Tokyo to take active command of the Japanese Manchurian army. With him were General Kodama, Chief of Staff, and Major-Generals Fukushima and Inokuchi.
On July 9 the Takushan army sent a column toward Tangchi via the roads leading through Hsienchiayu and Tsiehkmmyin, the two detachments reaching the heights south of these places at 9 and 11 a. m., respectively. The Russians at Hsienchiayu resisted the attack throughout the day; those at Tsiehkuanyin, about two battalions and a bat- tery, retired from their position in the evening. On the morning of the 10th the Japanese drove the Russians from their position west of Hsienchiayu and continued to and occupied the second Russian position on the heights of Hsinchaikou.
On the 10th another force from the Takushan army, advancing from Fenshiuling toward Tomucheng, came into conflict with the Russians and was repidsed, reporting the Russian force south of Tomucheng to consist of about one division.
o These Cossack detachments belonged to the division of Lieutenant- General Rennenkampf, who was on the extreme left flank operating on the upper waters of the Taitzu River. Of the completed division the First Brigade, cc/mmanded by Major-General Grekov, was composed of the Second Verkhne-Udinsk and Second Chita Regiments, the Second Brigade, com- manded by Major-General Liubavin, was composed of the Second Nerchinsk and Second Argunsk Regiments.
EPITOME OF THE lUTSSO-.I Al^ANESE WAR. 47
SECOND ATTACK ON MOTIENLING.
(Plate VII.)
On July 17 IJcutoiiant-Oeueral Keller, with six repiiieuls of infantry from the Third and Sixth Siberian Divisions and the ninth European Division, a batter}^ of artillery and a small force of cavalr}^, attacked Motienling and vicinity held by the Second Japanese Division.
In the Japanese forces the Sixteenth Ref2:iment (less one battalion) was at and near Ilsiamatang, the Thirtieth Regi- ment at and near Motienling, the Fourth Regiment at and near Hsinkailing, the remainder of the division in reserve near Lienshankuan.
At 3 a. m. the Japanese advance post in front of Motienling was attacked and driven liack. By 5 a. m. the Russian line had reached the ridge west of Motienling and was engaged with the Thirtieth Regiment and one battery in position on the ridge east of Motienling. The Rus'sians reenforced their first line and continued the fight, making several attempts to turn the Japanese left. These attempts were met by send- ing some detachments to prolong the Japanese left. About 9 a. m. three companies from the Sixteenth Regiment from Hsiamatang reenforced the right of the Thirtieth Regiment and shortly afterwards the Russians in front of Motienling began withdrawing. The Japanese at Motienling, now reen- forced by one battalion of the Twenty-ninth Regiment and the greater portion of the Second Cavalry Regiment, followed a short distance, but coming under the fire of a Russian bat- tery from near Lichiaputzu ceased the pursuit about 2 p. m.
About 1 a. m. the outpost of the Japanese Fourth Regi- ment at Hsinkailing was attacked by two Russian battalions, one coming from the west and one from the north. The Japanese Fourth Regiment repulsed this attack and sent northward a detachment which at 1 p. m. was able to bring a long-range fire on the Russians retiring from Motienling.
The Japanese Sixteenth Regiment at Hsiamatang had outpost companies on the roads leading from that village to the west, the northwest, and the north. About 8 a. m. the company on the road leading to the west was attacked. Three companies of the Sixteenth Regiment, en route to assist the Thirtieth Regiment, joined this outpost company.
48 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
assisted in repulsing the Russians, and coutimuMl on to the assistance of the Thirtieth Keginieiit.
The outpost company on the road leading northwest from Hsiamatang, at Shakahoshi, was attacked about 8 a. m. by two Russian battalions and very severely handled, losing all its oihcers. The fighting continued at this point until about 4.50 p. m., the Japanese company being reenforced. by the outpost company from the road leading west and also from the reserve of the Sixteenth liegiment, which had been strengthened by one battalion of the Twenty-ninth Regiment, when the Russians retired.
The company on the road leading north to Hsihoyen was attacked about 11.30 a. m. by a Russian detachment of infantry and cavalry and driven back to near Hsiamatang where it was reenforced by one company of pioneers that had arrived from near Lienshankuan. The Russians withdrew from this attack about 12.30 p. m.
The Japanese reported their losses as 4 officers and 39 men killed ; 15 officers and 241 men wounded.
The Russians reported a loss for July 17 to 19 of 8 officers anil 215 men killed, 37 officers and 1,069 men wounded, and 2 officers and 224 men missing.
HSIHOYEN.
(Plate VIII.)
General Kuroki's right column (Twelfth Division) moved forward on the Saimachi-Hsihoyen-Anping road on July 18, sending an infantry detachment toward Hsiaotientzu (about 5 miles south of Chinghochen) , which was occupied by the Russians.
On arriving at Santaohotzu the column found that Hsihoyen was occupied by the Russians, commanded by General Herschelmann, and sent forward a battalion of the Forty-sixth Regiment to reconnoiter. This battalion encoun- tered at the river a force of about 2 battalions and 8 guns and was forced back a short distance after losing heavily.
About 6.30 p. m. the Japanese battalion was reenforced by the other two battalions of the Forty-sixth Regiment and two battalions of the Twenty-fourth Regiment and continued the fight until dark, and then, being unable to make any headway, bivouacked in position.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 49
The Russian left rested on the Hsi River, while the right rested on the heights, to the southwest of Hsihoyen, rising from 50 to 300 f(^et ahove the valley.
From the main body of the Japanese column at midnight on the 18th was sent the Forty-seventh Regiment to watch the road to Pensihu, and the Fourteenth Regiment through the hills to the south against the right of the Russian position. The artillery took up a position in the valley and opened fire at 5 a. m. on the 19th. To this lire the Russians replied with 32 guns. The duel, lasting until 9 a. m., seems to have resulted in favor of the Russians, as no further attempts were made in front until the Fourteenth Regiment made its way through the mountains and, in conjunction with a detachment of 6 companies of the Sixteenth Regiment, Second Division, sent from the neighborhood of Lienshan- kuan, attacked the Russian right about 3 p. m. The Rus- sians withdrew their artillery and presumably a considerable portion of their infantry.
The main Japanese force. Twenty-fourth and Forty-sixth Regiments, which was in position fronting the Russian right, took up the attack, assisted by the fire of its artillery from advanced positions. Both attacks met stubborn resistance. At 5.40 p. m. the main force carried one of the heights to the southwest of Hsihoyen and the attack of the two detach- ments approached close to the Hsihoyen-Anping road. The Russian rear guard retired and the Japanese occupied the position about 8 p. m.
The Russian force was reported by the Japanese to consist of the Thirty-fifth Infantry (4 battalions), Thirty-sixth Infantry (3 battalions), the Argunsk Regiment of Cossacks, and 32 guns.
The Japanese reported a loss of 2 officers and 70 men killed and 16 officers and 437 men wounded; also, that they buried 131 Russian dead on July 20, took 2 officers and 45 men prisoners, and captured 3 ammunition wagons, 300 rifles and a large quantity of clothing.
The Russian loss is included in that reported under the second attack on Motienling.
The detachment sent toward Hsiaotientzu encountered a battalion of infantry and about 1,000 cavalry at Chaochiapao, 34526—07 ±
50 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
5 miles south of Hsiaotientzu. After a skirmish of about four hours the llussians retired to the right bank of the Taitzu with a loss of 1 killed and 13 wounded. The Japanese lost 17 men wounded.
PANLING PASS.
On July 21 a Russian detachment, reconnoiterino; to the south, came into contact with a detachment of the Takushan army in the neighborhood of Panling Pass, and occupied the pass after a skirmish, in which they lost a captain killed and Lieutenant-Colonel Andreiev, commanding the detachment, and 3 soldiers wounded. The Japanese had 2 men killed. About noon on the next day the detachment was attacked from 'different directions and driven from the pass, which the Japanese occupied. The Japanese lost 1 officer and 8 men killed and 22 men wounded. The Russians lost 14 men killed, 3 captured, and about 30 wounded.
TASHIHCHIAO.
(Plate IX.)
On July 23 General Oku's army left its line of positions near Kaiping and advanced to the line Liuchiakou-Huaru- shan-Wutaishan, skirmishing with Russian detachments during the advance, particularly in front of the Japanese left. The Fifth Division was on the right, the Third in the center, the Fourth on the left, and the Sixth in reserve. Cavalry from botli armies was to the west of the railway.
The Russian "southern forces," commanded by Lieuten- ant-General Zarubaiev, contained the First, Second, and Fourth Siberian Corps and Major-General Mishchenko's Cossack brigade; a total of about 88 battalions, 32 squadrons, and 172 guns. The First and Fourth Siberian Corps occupied a position south of Tashihchiao, reaching from the railway, near Niuhsinshan, to the small stream flowing south past Tangchi. The Second Siberian Corps, at this time containing onl}^ the Fifth Division, was at Tomucheng. The Cossack brigade maintained connection between the two positions.
At dawn of the 24th the Fifth Division attacked in the direction of Taipinling. The Russian artillery, skillfully
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 51
placed and handl(>d, maintained a superiority over that of the Japanese.
The Third Division, adied l)y the fire of its artillery near Huarushan, advanced as far as the heights north of Sun- chiatun at 10 a. m., where it was stopped by the Russian artillery posted between Chingshihshan and Wangmatai. The Fourth Division then advanced from Wutaishan, its artillery taking a position near Tapinchuang and engaging in a duel with the Russian artillery near Wangmatai, but soon halted.
Orders were then sent for the Fifth Division to advance regardless of losses, but at sunset it had not succeeded in penetrating the Russian line. The Third Division succeeded in capturing one position, but was in turn driven back by a counter attack.
The artillery fire practically ceased on both sides at sunset, although the Russian artillery fired occasional shots as late as 9 p. m.
The commander of the Fifth Division obtained permission to make a night attack, and about 10 p. m. advanced the greater part of his infantry to near Taipinling and then cap- tured the Erhtaoling position. A second advance was made by the same body, occupying the Taipinling position about 3 a. m. The Third Division moved forward and occupied the heights near Shanlisitao shortly afterwards.
On the morning of the 25 th the artillery of the Third Divi- sion near Wolungkang opened fire, but received no reply. The infantry from that position then moved forward and occupied Cliingshihshan and was followed by the Fourth Division, which moved forward and occupied the line from Niuhsin- shan to Cliiataipu.
About 11 a. m. the Russian rear guard left Tashihchiao, which was occupied by the Japanese shortly afterwards.
The First Siberian Corps retired along the railway toward Haicheng. The Fourth Siberian Corps retired along the Erhtaoho road and aided the Second Siberian Corps at Tomu- cheng on July 3 1 .
Lieu tenant-General Zarubaiev reported that he had 18 battalions engaged and lost 4 officers and 141 men killed, 30 officers and 646 men wounded, and 3 officers and 107 men missing.
52 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
General Oku reported that the Japanese lost 12 officers and 136 men killed, and 47 officers and 848 men wounded.
Durmg the 25th a detachment of Ja})anese cavalry pro- ceeded to and occupied Yingkou, the Russian garrison having retired to the northeast.
TOMUCHENG.
(Plate IX.)
On July 30 the Takushan army occupied a line from the height west of Tafangshan through that north of Plsiapafan- kou to south of Kuchiaputzu and southwest of Yinglaoshan.
At dawn on the 31st the main body attacked the liussian position on the heights east of Sanchiaoshan, and the left wing attacked the positions on the heights north of East and West Yangshikou.
By 8 a. m. the Japanese left wdng had reached the heights northwest of West Yangshikou, where it was repulsed by the Russians at Erhtaokou. The Japanese left, reinforced by the arrival of the Fifth Division, which w^as detached from the second army after the battle of Tashihchiao, resumed the attack and drove back the Russians from Erhtaokou about 3 p. m., capturing 6 guns.
The main column was able to occupy the Russian positions on the heights west of Tapingling at 10.30 a. m., but w^as com- pelled to halt there by the fh-e of the Russian artillery at Changsankou and on the heights east of Hsiaofangshan. The Russians being reinforced, took the olTensive on tliis part of the field about 5 p. m., and drove the Japanese from the positions they had occupied on the heights west of Tapingling.
This counter attack had been ordered by General Zasulich to relieve the pressure on his extreme right, of which he was informed about 3.40 p. m.
During the night the Russians retired toward Haicheng, having lost, as reported by Zasulich, on the 30th and 31st, 29 officers and a little over 1,000 men killed and wounded. The Japanese reported a loss of 8 officers and 186 men killed, 24 officers and 642 men wounded, and the capture of 6 guns and 570 rounds of gun ammunition, 63 rifies, and various other articles. •
• EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 53
YUSHULINGTZU. (Plate VIII.)
On the night of July 'SO tlie two wings of the Japanese First Army moved forward against the Russian East Detach- ment. The Twelfth Division moved in two columns from the neighborhood Hsihoyen-Peichai, leaving the Kobi Brigade, commanded by Major-General Umezaw^a, in the Laomuling region to watch the Pensihu district. A detach- ment from the Second Division, and consisting of the Thir- tieth Infantry and one battalion of the Sixteenth, moved from Hsiamatang toward Yushulingtzu in cooperation with the Twelfth Division.
At dawn on the 31st the right column (Kigoshi's brigade) attacked the advanced Russian position, which was about 2,000 yards in advance of the main position on the heights of Lakouling, and carried the same about 8.50 a. m. It then advanced against the main position.
In the meantime the left column (Sasaki's brigade) came into conflict with a force of Russian infantry at Pienling about 6.35 a. m. and the Hsiamatang detachment attacked a Russian battalion at Niaomeihng and drove it back about 8 a. m. In the pursuit of this force the Hsiamatang detach- ment flanked the Russian force at Pienling and succeeded in obtaining a position from which it opened a galling fire, at distances from 200 to 1,000 yards, upon this force during its withdraw^al, inflicting severe loss.
In the afternoon the right column attacked the main Rus- sian position at Lakouling, but was repulsed.
At dawn on August 1 the Russians withdrew from the vicinity and the Twelfth Division advanced to Lakouling.
YANGTZULING.
(Plato VII.)
In the left wing of the Japanese First Army the Second Division, less the Hsiamatang detachment, operated on the Motienling-Anping road. The Guards Division was to the left of the Second, the two divisions moving in conjunction against the Russian position at Yangtzuling.
54 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
In ihc early morning of July 31 a detachment of iho Second Division drove in the Jdissian outpost on the heights east of Tawan and the infantry took up positions for the attack on the heights west of the Lang River. Two bat- teries took up a position nearChinchiaputzu, })ut th(> remain- der of the artillery did not succeed in taking up positions until about 11 a. m.
The Guards attacked from the direction of Makumentzu at dawn, sending detachments })y various passes to turn the Russian right. In addition to the opposing infantry the attack came imder the fire of four Russian batt(>ries posted on the summit of Yangtzuling and neigh])oring heights. Tlu^ Japanese artillery was unable to reply eifectively and the attack made no progress during the forenoon. The flanking detachments reached the heights west of Ilanchiaputzu.
At 10.15 a. m. one battery of the Second Division opened fii'e but was soon silenced.
Shortly after 2 p. m. the artillery of the Second Division opened fire on Tawan and the heights to its north and some infantry moved forward. A general artillery duel then ensued in which the Russian artillery, posted on the heights north and south of Yangtzuling, had the advantage.
Shortly after 4 p. m. infantry of both divisions attacked near Tawan and Makumentzu. On the right the attack passed beyond Tawan, otherwise but little progress was made. The attack ceased at sunset, the Russians withdrew during the night, and on the morning of August 1 the Jap- anese moved forward and occupied the Yangtzuling position.
The Russian force at Yushulingtzu comprised the Thirty- first and Thirty-fifth Divisions (later incorporated in the Tenth and Seventeenth Corps, respectively), one brigade of the Ninth Division (later incorporated in the Tenth Corps), and four batteries of artillery. The force at Yangtzuling comprised the Third and Sixth East Siberian Rifle Divisions (Third Siberian Corps), one brigade of the Ninth Division, and four batteries of artillery.
General Kuroki reported his loss in the two engagements as about 900 killed and wounded and the capture of 2 field guns, 500 or 600 rifles, a quantity of ammunition and mmor articles, and 8 officers and 149 men.
EPITOME OF THE KUSSO- JAPANESE WAR. 55
The Russians reported a loss of 10 officers and 349 men killed, 42 officers and 1,192 men wounded, and 2 officers and 219 men missing.
The Russian commander, Lieutenant-General Keller, was killed at Yangtzuling.
The front of the combined Japanese armies on August 1 was Tashihchiao-Tomucheng-Yangtzuling-Yushulingtzu.
OCCUPATION OF HAICHENG.
(Plato IX.)
On August 1 the Japanese Second Army moved forward along the railway from its positions near Tashihchiao, being opposed by some small rear guards.
The Russian artillery from northeast of Hulukou and from Hiachiaho opened fhe on the heads of the Japanese columns at Liangchiaputzu and Nanchinshan, while a horse battery, supported by cavalry, opened fire from Hungwasai. Some Japanese artillery replied from near Tungchiakou and Wen- chiakou and a column west of the railway, driving back the opposing infantry and cavalry, advanced and occupied Liu- chiaputzu and Lienshantun. The Russian rear guard then withdrew.
On August 2 the Japanese advanced, without serious oppo- sition, to the Pali River, and the Russians withdrew from Haicheng toward Anshantien. On the next day the Japa- nese occupied Haicheng.
With the conclusion of this advance the front of the Rus- sian forces at and in the vicinity of Liaoyang extended from Anshantien througli Lantzushan and the mountain range east of Anping to the Taitzu River.
The Japanese front extended from Haicheng through Tomucheng and Yangtzuling to Yushulingtzu.
On August 6 a Russian force bombarded and burned the village of Kenchuangtzu, driving back troops of the Japanese First Cavalry Brigade and its infantry supports and captur- ing some of the pack animals and some of the ovens in which food was being prepared. The Russians followed the Japa- nese to about 3 miles southeast of Kenchuangtzu and then withdrew.
56 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
OPERATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF LIAOYANG.
(Plate X.)
At the time of the Japanese advance on Liaoyang the Rus- sian forces in that vicinity were organized and stationed as follows:
. The southern group, Lieutenant-Ceneral Zaru>)aiov, at Anshantien: (/. 1st Siberian Corps
b. 2ii(I Silicriaii Corps (5th Division)
c. 4tli SilitTian Ciirps
d. Mounted Detachment
Total.
Battal- ions.
II. The eastern group, General Bilderling, containing:
a. In the position near Lantzushan the 3rd Siberian Corps
b. In the mountain range east of Anping the 10th Corps, f . On the right banli of the Taitzu under Major-General
Yanzhul
d. ileserve at and near Liaoyang
Total.
III. Army reserve:
a. In Liaoyang ,
In intrenched camp. .
b. In and near Mukden-
5th Siberian Corps. , Mukden garrison
Total.
IV. Flank detachments:
a. Pensihu
b. Weimngying
r. Near Chinghochen
d. At Tawan (on Liao River) .
Total
V. Lines of communications.
Anny total.
57
22.31,
Guns.
Sotnias.
264
160
3i
25i
6h 12 12
a Squadrons.
Of these the Russians report 128 battalions taking part in the battle, 49 battalions in reserve, 10 battalions guarding the flanks, 12 battalions in rear; joined during the battle, 16 battalions and 24 guns, belonging to the First European and First and Fifth Siberian Corps, making the total effective strength available for battle about 165,000.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 57
KUSSIAN UNITS AND COMMANDERS.
Corps.
1st Siberian. 2(1 Sihoriaii..
3d Sibt'daii. . 4tli Silieriaii. .'ith Silieriaii. 10th Army.. 17th Aniiv. .
Commander.
Stackelberg
Za.siilich
Ivanov
Zanibaiov
Dernbovski
Sluchovski
Bilderling
Division.
Commander.
(1st East Silierian Rifle
\9th East Siberian Rifle
5th East Siberian Rifle
2d Brigade, 17th Infantry Division.
j3d East Siberian Rifle
loth East Siberian Rifle
i2d Infantry
\3d Infantry
(.54th Infantry
\71st Infantry
J9th Infantry
\31st Infantry
(3d Infantrv
\35th Infantry
Gerngross.
K^ndratovich.
Alexiev.
Kashtalinski.
Danilov.
Revestan.
Kotsuvich.
Orlov.
Eck.
Hersehelniann.
Mau.
Volkov.
Dobrzhinski.
JA1\\NESE UNITS AND COMMANDERS.
|
Army. |
Commander. |
Division. |
Commander. |
|
Kuroki Oku Nodzn |
f Guards |
Hasegawa. Nishi. ■ |
|
|
2d |
|||
|
1st |
12th |
||
|
Inouye. U mezawa. |
|||
|
Kobi Brigade f3d |
|||
|
4th Oth |
Ogawa. Okubo. |
||
|
2d |
1st Cavalry Brigade 1st Artillery Brigade Two Kobi Brigades 5th 10th |
||
|
4th' |
.\kiyama. Uchiyama. Ueda. Kawamura. |
||
During the latter portion of the battle the artillery brigade was attached to the Fourth Army.
The total effectives taking part in the battle was about 140,000.
In moving on Anping the Japanese First Army operated in three columns against the Russian eastern group. The Guards moved by the main Fenghuangcheng-Erhtaoho road against the Lantzushan position; the Twelfth Division moved on the Saimachi-Hsihoyen- Anping road; the Second Division, in the center, operated via Tienshuitien and San- taoling against the Russian position through Tsuekou and Height 2070.
As the Japanese concentration against Tsuekou became apparent the Second Brigade of the Russian Thirty-first Infantry Division crossed from the right bank of the Taitzu River and the forces defending Anping were rearranged as follows: The "right fighting section," under General Hersch- elmann, had in the first line between Height 2070 and Miao-
58 EPITOME OF TFTE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
\[n<^ 16 battalions, 54 t!;iins, S sotnias, and 2 niountpcl dotach- ments; in rear of the riglit of tliis line was a reserve of about 10 battalions, with artiller}', under Major-deneral Kabinkin: in rear of the left was a reserve of a})out 5 l)attalions, with artillery, under Major-Gene ral Prince Orbeliani; south of Anpinf2; were two batteries, with a ))attali()n escort, arran<;ed to lire on the Tsuekou position should it ])e carried bv the Japanese.
Colonel Klembovski, with the One hundred and twenty- second (Tambov) Regiment, the Seventh Battery of the Thirty-first Artillery Brigade, and 2 sotnias, held the ])osition on Height 1911 (Hungshaling).
The general reserve, under Major-General Yasiliev, was in two groups; oile, of 4 battalions, at Anping, and the other, of 8 battalions and 50 guns, at Shunshuyantzu.
The Guards advanced on August 23, being opposed only by small patrols, and on the 24th occupied a line passing through Erhtaoho, the Second Brigade (Watanabe) on the right, the First Brigade (Asada) on the left; the Second and Twelfth Divisions moved forward on the afternoon of the 25th. At about 5.45 a. m. on the 25th the Guards artillery, from the height north of Takou, opened fire with one battery on the Russian line near Kofuintzu, and the infantry drove back the Russian outposts to the line Tahsintun-Tahsikou.
To meet the ccmcentration of the Japanese infantry near Takou the Russian line was prolonged from the height west of Kofuintzu through that north of Hsiaohsikou to near Pao- shukou. This echelon, containing 7h battalions, 13? sotnias, and 20 guns, was placed under the command of Major-Gen- eral Kashtalinski. To further strengthen the threatened right flank of the Lantzushan position two regiments of the Thirty-fifth Division, Seventeenth Corps, and 3 batteries were concentrated at Ilsiaoling during the night of the 25th; the One hundred and fortieth (Zaraisk) Regiment, same corps, 1 battery and 6 squadrons left Tsaofangtun at mid- night, moving via Weichiakou on Kofuintzu. General Bil- derling also shifted 2 regiments from the right to the left bank of the Taitzu, stationing the main body at the bridge at Hsiaotuntzu, and sending 3 battalions to Kinchiatunhsikou.
During the night of August 25 the Japanese Twelfth Divi- sion, Twenty-third Brigade (Kigoshi) on the right, the
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 59
Twoirtli Brigade (Sasaki) on the left, moved forward and attacked Ilungshaling and Chipanling. The attack of tlie left colinnn, made in conjunction with the Second Division, drove back the Russians occupying the hne from near Tsue- kou to Miaoling to the Hne Tsuekou-Sanchiatzii, l)ut the Russian force at Himgslialing successfully resisted the attack.
During this attack the Second Division also movecl for- ward, the Fifteenth Brigade (Okasaki) on the right, the Third Brigade (Matsunaga) on the left, and attacked the Rus- sian line, in advance of Tsuekou, running from Chipanling to Height 2070, and carried the greater part of the same by dawn. The Russian reserve, under Major-General Vasiliev, already en route to make a strong demonstration beyond Tsuekou, reenforced this part of the line, and severe fighting continued until about noon of August 26. The Russians occupied the line from Height 2070 to Yuchiakou and about 1.30 p. m. their artillery near Anping opened fire, thus assisting the troops that were being driven back from the position between Tsuekou and Sanchiatzu.
At 1.30 a. m. on August 26 Lieutenant-General Ivanov sent from Hsiaoling the 2 regiments of the Thirty-fifth Divi- sion, 2 batteries and 1 squadron to take up a position on the height north of Kofuintzu.
At 5.35 a. m. the Guards artillery, increased to 60 guns from the artillery of the Second Division, on a line from Ertaoho to the height north of Takou, opened fire on the Russian positions, especially on the heights west of Kofuintzu. The infantry of Asada's brigade which had driven in the Russian outposts, by noon had advanced to a line along the stream from Hsiaohsikou to the foot of the height south of Paoshukou, practically outflanking the Russian right. The Zaraisk Regiment, en route from Sanshantzu to Changchiaopu, on reaching a point about midway between these towns, learned of the situation. Its commander moved to Paoshukou and attacked down the valley. The Japanese line was driven out of the valley and by 2 p. m. the Zaraisk Regiment had occupied the bluffs just north of Tahsikou, where it remained controlling with its fire the valley about Tahsikou. During the forenoon the Twenty-ninth Kobi Regiment, then in the reserve of the Japanese First Army, was ordered to march to the assistance of the Guards Division.
60 EPITOME OE THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
vVt G a. m., Au(>;ust 26, the attack of the ri^lit colunin of tlie Japanese Twelfth DivisioMhad reached Ilungsluihng (called the Peikou position by the llussians). one mountain battery lir- in^ij for a short time from the height about 1 mile northeast of Ileij^u. Unsuccessful at first, the attack was repeated in the afternoon with increased severity, and by 6 p. m. the Tambov Reo^iment and two battalions sent to its assistance were com- pelled to withdraw with the loss of the 8 ();uns of the Thirty- first Artillery Brio;ade.
General Kuropatkin ordered that Peikou be retaken at any cost, but before the execution of this order was begun he ordered withdrawal from the Lantzushan-Anping positions, the second order reaching General Bilderling about midnight.
The Russians withdrew their main forces, leaving rear guards to delay the Japanese advance. By evening of the 27th the Japanese occupied a line from Hungshaling along the heights close to the right bank of the Tang River to Kofuintzu and then through the heights north of Tahsikou. The Russians remaining in the triangle formed by the Taitzu and Tang rivers retired across the latter over a military bridge, near Shuangmiaotzu, which they then destroyed, floating the pontoons down to the Taitzu River.
General Kuroki reported the capture of 8 guns, a quantity of ammunition, and various articles; also that his losses on the 26th and 27th were about 2,000.
General Kuropatkin reported that the battle was a serious one, and General Sakharov reported that the Russians had lost over 1,500; the greater portion of their losses occurred in the Tenth Corps.
On August 27 the Japanese Fourth and Second Armies reached a line extending from Shangshihchiaotzu to west of Sumatai, skirmishing with some Russian detachments during the advance, and prepared to attack the Anshantien position, held by the First, Second, and Fourth Siberian Corps. As a result of the progress of the fighting near Anping the Russians at Anshantien did not off"er serious resistance. In their withdrawal the Russians were followed closely by the Japa- nese columns, which by 10 a. m. on the 28th had advanced to a line through Tiaochuntai-Tashitou-Taokuantun and w^ere able to bring an artillery fire upon some Russian columns crossing the Sha River.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 61
During; the withdrawal 1 battery, 8 guns, of tlie First Siberian Corps, mired so badly that it was found impossible to remove it, even when using all available horses assisted by soldiers with ropes, and was abandoned to the Japanese.
On August 28 in the Japanese First Army the action of the Twelfth Division was confined to artillery fire with the opposing Russians on the right bank of the Taitzu and left bank of the Tang. The Second Division attacked and dis- placed the Russian rear guard from the heights north and west of Sanchiasai, Matsunaga's brigade continuing to Height 1701. The Guards advanced and, after some severe fighting, especially north of Wantsikou, occupied the line of heights through Ssufangtai-Sanshantzu.
On August 29 the Twelfth Division began preparations to cross to the right bank of the Taitzu ; the Second Division occu- pied Shihtsuitzu and Tasliihmenling; the Guards advanced to the heights south of Hsuchiakou and reconnoitered toward Yayuchi. In the Japanese Fourth Army the Tenth Divi- sion effected a junction w4th the left of the Guards Division near Weichiakou, drove the Russians from that locality, and advanced toward Mengchiafang ; the Fifth Division occupied a line from Laichiapu to Ileiniuchuang. The Japanese wSecond Army occupied the line of the Sha River with its right advanced to Heiniuchuang.
To meet the advance of the Japanese armies General Kuropatkin, on August 29, issued an order under which the various organizations under his command were to occupy the prepared positions and oppose a determined resistance to the further advance of the Japanese. The details of the occupation of positions were under corps commanders.
As a result of said order in the First Siberian Corps (Gen- eral Stackelberg), 9 battalions and 24 guns, under Major General Gerngross, held the line from Kuchiatzu to the Ilsiaoyangtzu-Shoushanpu road; 6 battalions and 24 guns, under Major-General Kondratovich, extended the line from that road to the Hsiaoyangtzu-Hsinlitun road; the Thirty- third Regiment was on the height of Fangchiatun; 9 bat- talions, under Major-General Zikov, were held as reserve at the village of Shoushanpu; 2 batteries were near Chuang- chiatun, facing west; 2 were w^est of the Mandarin road, north of the spur cut by that road from the ridge north of
62 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Hsiaoyangtzii ; 2 were in rear of the first dij) and 2 in lear of the second dip east of the Man(hirin road; 2 were in the saddle of the Fangchiatun-Nan])aHchuang road; Colonel Gurko, with 8 squadrons and sotnias, was at Nanpalichuang.
In the Third Siberian Corps (Lieu tenant-General Ivanov), G battalions and 16 guns, under Major-General Danilov, held the heights west and south of Tsaofangtun as far east as the Tsaofangtun-Weichiakou road, the artillery being on the north slope in rear of depressions, and 1 battalion holding an isolated peak in front of the main line ; 9 battalions, under Major-General Stolitzi, extended this line to across the Sui- changyu-Mengchiafang road. Thirty-two guns were placed on the northern slope of the line of low hills north of Tsao- fangtun, a position that gave a good field of fire on the low ground between the First and Third Siberian Corps ; 32 guns were placed on the northwestern slope of the spur that ter- minates at Suichangyu. The general reserve, 19 battalions and the 2 mountain batteries, under Major-General Kash- talinski, was at Tsaofangtun. The 6 sotnias, also, were at Tsaofangtun, ready to reconnoiter the gap between the First and Third Siberian Corps.
In the Tenth Corps (Lieu tenant-General Sluchevski) 8 battalions under Major-General Ilerschelmann, held the line from the left of the Third Siberian Corps to the Kaolingtzu- Wangpaotai road; Major-General A^asiliev, with 8 battalions, held the line from that road to Hsiaopu.
The 12 mortars were in the saddle over which the Kao- lingtzu-Yayuchi road passes; 32 guns were at Kaolingtzu; 32 were at Hsiaopu and on the line between that village and Yayuchi; 8 battalions and 24 guns were in reserve at Kao- lingtzu; 8 battalions were in reserve at Suichangyu.
In the army reserve Lieutenant-General Zasulich (Second Siberian Corps), with 16 battalions, 32 guns, 2 sotnias, and 1 sapper battalion, was between Ilsituchiaotzu and Tungpali- chuang, 4 of his battalions occupying a fortified position near Pachiakangtzu ; Lieutenant-General Zarubaiev (Fourth Siberian Corps), with 22 battalions, 32 guns, 6 sotnias, and 1 sapper battalion, was near Talingtzu; Major-General Sam- sonov, with 19 sotnias and 6 guns, was at Changchialintzu, within the line of forts; Major-General Maslov, commander
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 63
of the intrenched camp of Liaoyan*:;, liad 9 battahons, 32 o;uns, and 2 sotnias.
On the right flank Major-General Mishchenko, with 16 o;uni and 21 sotnias, was moving south on Wuluntai, with instruc- tions to connect with the detachment of 1 ])attahon, 12 guns, and 14 sotnias under Major-General Vhidimir Grekov at Hsiaopeiho.
The left flank was guarded by 18^ battalions, 74 guns, 13i squadrons and sotnias under General Bilderling. Of these forces, 2h battalions and 8 guns were in position at Hsikuan- tun; 4 battalions and 24 guns near Ilsiaowagotzu; 8 bat- talions and 36 guns were in position from the heights at San- wantzu to that at Tsofankou; 12 squadrons and sotnias were at Hsikuantun and Chuankufen; the Fifty-second Dragoon Regiment was reconnotiering the right bank of the Taitzu River above Kuantun.
Major-General Orlov, with 8 battalions, 16 guns, and 1 sotnia, was near Shahopu.
In the Japanese army at this time the orders were for the left of the First Army and the entire Fourth Army to attack the Russian line from the Wangpaotai-Kaolingtzu road to Heiniuchuang, and for the Second Army to attack the Shou- shanpu position. To comply with this order General Oku issued the following order:
1. The enemy is still holding his position on the heights of Shoushanpu and Hsinlitun. Our cavalry brigade has advanced to the vicinity of Wangerhtun.
2. The army will advance on the 30th against the line Shoushanpu- Fangchiatun, with a view to attacking the enemy.
3. The Third Division will leave the line of the Sha River at 5 a. m., August 30, will move east of the railway on the front TataitzAi-Heiniu- chuang, and advance against the southern and southeastern heights of Shou- shanpu. One regiment of the artillery brigade is attached to the Third Division.
4. The Sixth Division will leave the line of the Sha River at 5 a. m. in conjunction with the Third Division, marching between the railway and the road through Tayaotun, Tachuntzu, Likaipu, and Liuchiasanchiatzu.
5. The Fourth Division will leave the line of the Sha River at 6 a. m. and, marching by the western road, will assemble at Hsinglungtai.
6. The artillery brigade (less one regiment) is under the commander of the Sixth Division and will march closely behind the same. In case of being compelled by bad roads, it may march on the Mandarin road.
7. The foot artillery (34 guns and mortars) will march at 5 a. m. via the Mandarin road.
64 EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-JAPANESE WAK.
8. The infantry reserves (two Kobi brigades) will march at 5 a. m., follow- ing the railway, and assemble at Shaho village.
9. The commanding general will start along the railway at 5 a. m. and will be found at Shaho village.
In compliance with the above order the commander of the Third Division issued the following order:
1. The enemy is still holding his positions south of Shoiishaiipu and Ilsin- litun. The advance guard of our cavalry brigade is expected to reach the vicinity of Wangerhtun to-day. The army is to advance to-day to the line Shoushanpu-Fangchiatun, with a view to attacking the enemy. The Sixth Division is to leave the line of the Sha River at 5 a. m. and is expected to reach the line Liuchiasanchiatzu-Kuchiatzu, advancing on the roads west of the Mandarin road and to include the road through the villages of Tayao- tun, Tachuntzu, and Likaipu.
2. The Third Division will advance against the southern and eastern hills of Shoushanpu.
3. The Thirty-fourth Infantry Regiment, a section of cavalry, the Third Artillery Regiment (less one battalion), and one section of the Third Engi- neer Battalion will form the advance guard of the Seventeenth Brigade and will march on the southern hill of Shoushanpu via the Mandarin road.
4. The Sixth Infantry Regiment, one battalion of the Third Artillery Regiment, and one section of the Third Engineer Battalion will form the advance guard of the Sixth Brigade, will leave the line of the Sha River at 5.20 a. m. and march on the hill north of Hsiaoyangtzu via Yangchiaochuang and Heiniuchuang.
5. The troops forming the main body of the left column will start at 6 a.m., following the advance guard closely in the following order:
(a) Squadron of cavalry (less two sections); (6) division headquarters; (c) Eighteenth Infantry Regiment; (rf) headquarters and one company of the Engineer Battalion; (e) Thirteenth Artillery Regiment; (/) Thirty- third Infantry Regiment; (g) Ambulance Corps.
6. The division commander will be at the head of the main body of the left column.
About 5 a. m. on August 30 a small detachment from the Guards attacked the Russian line near Mengchiafang. The attack was followed by an exchange of artillery fire that con- tinued for about four hours. The Guards again opened a heavy artillery fire about 10 a. m. on the Mengchiafang- Yayuchi positions and moved the infantry forward to about 1,000 yards from the Russian line.
About 5.30 a. m. a battalion from the Tenth Division and Kobi brigade attacked the hill held by the Russians as an advance post in front of the Third Siberian Corps. A few minutes later a Japanese battery opened from near Kuchia- tzu, and the attack with increasing force was twice repeated
EPITOME OE THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 65
and the lull carried about G a. in. From the reserve oi" the Tlnrd Sil)erian Cor])s two battalions were sent to reenforce its right, which was now subjected to a very severe infantry fire from the line through the hill just carried by the Japa- nese. The Japanese artillery from south of Mengchiafang, near Weichiakou and Shihchiyotzu, also opened fire on this portion of the Russian line," and the infantry began advanc- ing down the valley from Shihchiyotzu toward Wichiakou.
At 7 a. m. General Kuropatkin ordered Lieutenant-General Zasulich to send 3 battalions to the reserve of the Third Sibe- rian Corps. Six battalions of the Tenth Corps also were sent to the reserve of the Third Siberian Corps, but a little later 4 of these battalions were returned to the Tenth Corps.
The attack down the valley toward Wichiakou was op- posed not only by the right of the Third Siberian Corps, but also by the force imder Major-General Putilov near Pachia- kangtzu, now consisting of 7h battalions, 55 guns, and 6 sot- nias. This attack was followed by several others against different })ortions of the front occupied by the Third Sibe- rian Corps. About 1 p m. tliese attacks ceased for a time, the artillery fu'e continuing. The fighting had been severe and the losses on both sides heavy. The only material ad- vantage on either side was the capture by the Japanese of the hill held as an advance post in front of the right of the Third Siberian Corps.
About 3.30 p. m. the Japanese again attacked, advancing against the western Yayuchi heights on both sides of the Tsaofangtun-Weichiakou road and on Pachiakangtzu. Some of the trenches occupied by the Eleventh Rifle Regiment on the left of the Third Siberian Corps were captured about 4.30 p. m. The Eleventh Regiment, assisted by a regiment from the reserve and the fire of the Russian artillery, assumed the offensive and drove the attacking party back to Hsu- chiakou. The attack of the riglit brigade of the Guards on the western height of Yayuchi was partly successful, but was halted by the arrival of 4 battalions sent from the reserve of the Tenth Corps to strengthen its right. About 7 p. m. the Japanese Thu-d Brigade made an attack on the height east of the Kaolingtzu-Wangpaotai road, which lasted until 10 p. m., causing 3 battalions to be sent from the reserve of the Tenth Corps to that portion of its front. 34526—07 5
66 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
During the alloi'iioou attack on (lie 'I'saoraiiutuii li(M<j;lits and Pachiakanji'lzu 2 battalions of Jviissians from the latter ])osition assumed the ofrensivc, advanciii<; as far as W^iciiia- koii.
On Aiio;ust 30, also, the ^Japanese Fifth Division, nioAnno; in conjunction with their vSecond Army, attacked the Shou- shanpu position. Contact with the Russians was first gained l)y troo])s of the Fifth Division in the vicinity of Tawan at dawn. About 6 a. m. the Japanese artillery opened fire from a line running generally from Heiniuchuang through Height 224 to Taputzu. The infantry of the Third Division, on reaching the line through Heiniuchuang and Tataitzu, was extended into the hills east of Heiniuchuang, joining the Fifth Division and occupying Hsiaoyangtzu about 10.45 a. m.
By 11 a. m. the Japanese Sixth Division had reached a line through Tachaochiatai and opened fire against the Rus- sian trenches at Mayetun and Kuchiatzu. At about the same time General Kurojiatkin received a report from Major-General Mishchenko saying he had found the villages of Wuluntai, Binmatun, and Baichialaoguawo occupied })y small detachments of Japanese. General Kuropatkin ordered that 2 battalions from the Fourth Siberian Corps and 8 sotnias from the Ural regiments be sent to General Mishchenko. Three battalions from the Second Siberian Corps were sent to the First Siberian Corps, and the Twelfth Siberian (Bar- naul) Regiment and 12 guns from the Fourth Siberian Corps were ordered to march to the line of the railway north of Kuchiatzu. A little later the Seventh (Krasnozhar) Regi- ment and 12 guns from the Fourth Siberian Corps were placed at the disposal of General Stackelberg and ordered to Hsi})alichuang.
About 2 p. m. the battery with the Jaf)anese cavalry reached a position near Wangerhtun that permitted a fire upon the rear of the Russian position at Shoiishanpu.
In the meantime one Kobi regiment was sent to reenforce the right of the Third Division, which, with the left of the Fifth Division, was operating against the height northeast of Hsiaoyangtzu, causing the 8 battalions and 2 batteries of the Second Siberian Corps to be sent from Tungpalichuang
EPITOME OF THE EUSSO- JAPANESE WAR. 67
to Iisi|)ulicliiuiiio;, %\liile '2 l)at lories were ])Iaced at the dis- posal of General Stackelherii; and sent to Fanii;('hiatun.
The Twelfth Sibeiian (Barnaul) Regiment reached Yiicliia- chantzii at 5.30 p. ni. The accompanying 12 guns took up a position along the railway and opened fire on Chuchiaputzu, Baichialaoguawo, and Ilsiaochmgtsuitzu. Assisted by the vSeventh (Ki-asnozhai ) Regiment, the Barnaul Regiment occupied Chuchiaputzu and stoj^ped the adviince ])arties of the left of the Japanese Sixth Division and of a column of 4 battalions from the Fourth Division which had prolonged the Japanese left. The rifle fire continued in the nvHirboi'hood of Chuchiaputzu until midnight, when the Russians in that vicinity appear to have retired to the railroad.
At nightfall Major-General Mishchenko retu-ed to Tan- chuangtzu.
At 4.25 p. m. General Oku was informed that the Russians had taken the offensive from the Tsaofangtun position, and was directed to drive the Russians from the Shoushanpu position as quickly as possible. Accoj-dingly, night attacks on that position were contemplated. The attack to the west of Shoushanpu was deferred because of the Russian offensive on that part of the field. The attack of the Third Division began to develop toward morning of August 31. Durmg the night the Japanese Tenth Division made a demonstration against the right flank of the Tsaofangtun position and small parties occupied Wichiakou, Minchialantzu, and Tassu.
During the night of the 30.th and on the 31st of August the Japanese Twelfth Division and the Fifteenth Brigade, Second Division, forded the Taitzu River in the neighborhood of Lientaowan and, with but little opposition, by 6 p. m. had occupied the heights extending from west of Kuantun to near Tsakou, the Twelfth Division on the right. At Goyo was constructed a pontoon bridge, by which artillery crossed during the night of the 31st.
Information of the crossing reached the commander of the Fifty-second Dragoon Regiment at 6.20 a. m. and General Kuropatkin at 11 a. m., the delay being said to have resulted from a break in the wires leading from the Seventeenth Corps to headquarters. In compliance with an order sent from General Kuropatkin's headquarters at 11.30 a. m.,
68 EPITOME OF TTTE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Lieutenant-Genera 1 Dobrzhinski, with 8^ battalions of the Seventeenth Corps, occupied a ])osition on the eastern slopes of Heitijlit 917, through Hsikuantun and Manjuyama, placing 16 guns near Hsikuantun and 32 east of Sahutun.
To guard the left of this position Major-General Orbeliani, with 2.\ battalions, 6 guns, and 16 sotnias, was sent to Yang- chiaputzu. The Fifty-second Dragoon Regiment had retired before the Twelfth Division to Choheiyentai.
In the meantime the Guards Kobi Brigade crossed the Taitzu River, surprised the sotnia at Weiningying, and advanced to Pensihu. General Liubavin, who had 6 sotnias and 4 guns at Pensihu, 1 sotnia at Weiningying, and 2 sotnias at Sanchiatzu, withdrew to Hsiaoshihchiaotzu, where he was joined the next day by the Two hundred and thir- teenth Orovaisk Regiment and 1 battery.
At 3.20 a. m. August 31 the Japanese attempted to break through along the Mengchiafang-Suichangyu road and at 5.30 a. m. made an attack against the right of the Tsaofangtun position that continued until about 8 a. m. From that time on the Third Siberian Corps was not subjected to any severe attack on the 31st, although several times subjected to a severe artillery fire and several lesser attacks in the afternoon. During the afternoon the Russians from the Pachiakangtzu position drove the Japanese out of Minchialantzu and Tassu.
In front of the Russian Tenth Corps all was quiet except a reconnaissance by a Russian regiment, which advanced as far as Chututai and was then ordered to return.
About. 3 a. m. the Japanese began an attack on the posi- tions of the First Siberian Corps that continued throughout the day with practically no interruptions. The right of the Third Division, in conjunction with the Fifth Division, attacked the height northeast of Hsiaoyangtzu. The Sixth Division renewed the attack on Mayetun, being assisted by the fire of a large number of guns. The Fourth Division was advancing through Chuchiaputzu, Hsiangohotzu, and Chougohotzu with an advance company as far as .Yuchia- chantzu. The First Cavalry Brigade was in the vicinity of Wangerhtun with a detachment at Shuitsuiyan.
In the early morning Major-General Mishchenko moved from Tanchuangtzu toward Wuluntai, his 2 battalions of the Tenth Siberian Regiment driving the Japanese out of
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 69
Shiiitsiiiyan. The 2 Russian batteries at Chuangchiatim were directed to fire against the Japanese to the west, and 7 battalions of the Fu'st Siberian Corps reserve were moved to Shoushanpii, leaving but 2 battalions in reserve at Fang- chiatun.
By noon the attack against the Shoushanpu position was general and very severe. Shortly after noon the Ja])anese captured some of the advance trenches near the Hsinlitun- Hsiaoyangtzu road and reached the crest of the elevation. Here they were subjected to artillery fire from east of Fang- chiatun in addition to the fire of the infantry they were attacking, and were driven back about 1.45 p. m. to the lower trenches.
About noon the Twelfth Siberian (Barnaul) Regiment and 1 battalion from the reserve drove the Japanese company out of Yuchiachantzu.
The Fu'st Siberian Corps was hard pressed throughout the day, being under a continuous fire of infantry and artillery, the fu-e of the latter being particularly severe from about 5 p. m. until after 7 p. m. and coming from all the Japanese artillery within range.
On receipt at 1 1 a. m. of the report of the Japanese crossing the Taitzu River, General Kuropatkin decided to withdraw to the main Liaoyang position and to concentrate the troops thus rendered available against the Japanese on the right bank. This decision was communicated to corps com- manders about noon, with instructions to defer the with- drawal until after nightfall. The withdrawal was rendered less difficult than it would otherwise have been by the fact that on both the 30th and 31st the trains were being sent to the right bank of the Taitzu River, while the railroad had been actively employed in the removal of stores and the evacuation of the wounded.
In the withdrawal the Eighty-fifth and Two hundred and Eighty-second Regiments, with 8 guns, under Major-General Eck, were to lead, going to Ertaokou (near Hsikuantun).
The Tenth Corps was to go to Sinchung, sending 2 battal- ions and 16 guns to occupy the position on the right bank of the Taitzu River near Muchang, and 8 battalions and 24 guns to the Liaoyang garrison.
70 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Tlie Tliird Siberian Cor])s, timing its withdrawal with that of tlie First Siberian Corps, so as to protect the left flank of the latter, was to concentrate along the north wall of Liao- yang, detaching 6 battalions and 16 guns to the Liaoyang garrison.
The Second and Fourth Siberian Corps were to join the Liaoyang garrison, to be commanded by Lieutenant-General Zarubaiev, thus raising the garrison to 64 battalions, 102 field guns, 22 heav;v^ guns, 24 mortars, 10 sotnias, and 2h bat- talions of sappers.
The First Siberian Corps and the force under Major- General Mishchenko were to withdraw entire to the right bank of the Taitzu River.
The Seventh (Krasnozhar) Siberian Regiment, with 2 additional battalions, was to hold its position near Yuchia- chantzu, covering the withdrawal of the First Siberian Corps and protecting the railroad station.
At 6 p. m. Major-General Samsonov was ordered to at once proceed to and occupy the Yentai mines, to reconnoiter southeast of the same and protect the left flank of the Seven- teenth Corps. A little later Major-General Orlov, ^ith his 12 battalions, 16 guns, and .3 sotnias, was ordered to proceed at daybreak on September 1 from Yentai Station to Hsiaota- lienkou, there to reconnoiter and attack the right flank of the Japanese, and to fall back toward the Yentai mines should he find the Japanese in superior strength.
The Russian withdrawal was carried out as ordered. The First Siberian Corps began its withdrawal at 9 p. m. and concluded about 3 a. m. on the morning of September 1, at which time the First Siberian Regiment withdrew under rifle fire from near Mayetun. The Third Siberian and Tenth Corps, leaving as rear guards the detachments that were to be sent to the Liaoyang garrison, withdrew without being molested. The wShoushanj^u position was occupied by the Japanese by dawn of September 1, and the Tsaofangtun position was occupied during the forenoon of the same day. The Japanese Second and Fourth Armies were then fronting the main line of defense south and west of Liaoyang.
This line consisted of strongly constructed field works, from 800 to 1,800 yards apart, connected by a network of shelter trenches, gun emplacements being in general back
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 71
of and op})()site the contor of the interval between field works. The line began at a point about three-fourths of a mile southeast of Ufa, ran west to the railway, turned sharply north and ran through Hsinerhchung to Fort No, 8 on the right bank of the Taitzu River. A second defensive line ran from the northwest corner of the city wall to the river.
Including the railway bridge and the one constructed at Ufa, 8 bridges crossed the Taitzu River within the main defensive line.
On the morning of September 1 the Russian forces were distributed as follows:
I. Seventeenth Corps: (a) Major-General Yanzhul, 8 bat- talions, 40 guns, and 2 squadrons, was holding the line from Sanwantzu to Tsofankou; (b) Lieutenant-General Dobr- zhinski, 16^ battalions, 96 guns, and 4J squadrons and sotnias, was holding a line from the spur southwest of Hsikuantun through that village to include Manjuyama; (c) Major- General Eck, with his unattached brigade of 7 battalions, 8 guns, and 2 sotnias stationed at Tutaokou and Chouchingtzu, acted as reserve to the corps; (d) Major-General Orbeliani, 2 battalions, 6 guns, and 12 squadrons, was at Choheiyentai with instructions to reconnoiter to the east and toward the Yentai mines, and to protect the left flank of the corps.
II. Tenth Corps: (a) Main body, 22 battalions, 58 field and 7 mountain guns, 12 mortars, and 4 sotnias, was at Fenshan, Shangwagotzu, and Shichotzu; (b) 8 battalions and 24 guns were in the Liaoyang garrison; (<^) 2 battalions and 16 guns held a portion of the Muchang position.
III. First Siberian Corps: (a) The First Division was at Liutsuichuang; (b) the Ninth Division was at Yingtsuishi; (c) Colonel Gurko, with his 9 squadrons and sotnias, was at Kaolichiang. The corps was nmch reduced in numbers. The Thirty-third Regiment was merged with the Thirty- fifth Regiment, bringing the strength of the latter up to 5 companies of 10 officers and 1,020 men. Eight fresh bat- talions joined the corps about this time.
IV. Third Siberian Corps : (a) 18 battalions, 48 guns, and 4 sotnias were at Chaochialing; (b) 6 battalions and 16 guns were with the Liaoyang garrison.
V. General Mishchenko, with 21 sotnias and 12 guns, was at Siaichiatun.
72 ErlTOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
VI. Major-General Orlov, with 12 battalions, 20 ^nns, and 2 sotnias, was on the branch railway near ILsiaotalienkou.
VII. Major-General Samsonov, with 6 <jiins and 19 sotnias, was at the Yentai mines.
VIII. Major-General Liubavin had 4 battalions, 12 guns, and 12 sotnias at Hsiaoshihchiaotzu and Shangpingtaitzu.
IX. Major-General Vladimir Grekov, with Ih battahons, 12 guns, and 4 sotnias, was on the right bank of the Taitzu between Liaoyang and Hsiaopeiho, his right connecting with Major-General Kossagovski's detachment at Tawan on the Liao River.
X. Lieu tenant-General Zarubaiev, with 58 battalions, 118 guns, 24 mortars, 10 sotnias, and 2h battalions of sappers, was in the Liaoyang defenses on the left bank of the Taitzu River.
Major-General Kondratovich, with 6 battalions, 8 guns, and 2 sotnias of the Liaoyang garrison, was on the right l)ank of the Taitzu River near Fort No. 8, with orders to assist Major-General Grekov in guarding the Taitzu below Liaoyang.
While the Liaoyang garrison and troops assignetl to pro- tect the flanks of the same were to hold back any direct advance of the Japanese Second and Fourth Armies the remainder of the Russian forces under immediate command of General Kuropatkin were to carry out the following plan:
The Seventeenth Corps was to liold the Hsikuantun posi- tion as a pivot; the Tenth Corps, First Siberian Corps, and the troops under Major-General Mishchenko were to advance on the front Sahutun-Hsiaotalienkou; Major-General Orlov was to move on Chuankufen, coordinating his movements with those of the First Siberian Corps; Major-General Samsonov w^as to move on the extreme left flank, reconnoitering toward Pensihu; 2 regiments of the First Corjis were to move from Mukden to Shahopu to take the ])<)sition vacated by Major- General Orlov. The Thii'd Sil)erian Corps was to act as reserve of this force.
The organizations taking part in this attack were to assemble on the 1st, the concentration was to take place on the 2d, and the attack was to be matle on the 3d of Septem- ber. The troops taking part were to aggregate 95 battalions, 60 sotnias and squadrons, and 342 guns, making a force of about 07,000 bavonets and 5,000 sabers.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 73
On Sopteniber 1 th(^ fJ{i])iUi('s(' Fifteenth Bripide, assisted l)y the TweH'th Division on its I'i^ht, began advancing against Manjuyama. At 6.30 a. in. iho Japanese artillery opened fire from the ridge east of (^huanknfen and the Russian advance ])osts retired from the ridge west of Chuankufen, which was occupied by the Japanese about S a. m. The exchange of artillery fire continued with but little inter- ruption throughout the day; the Japanese tiring from near Kuantun and Tsakou, the Russians firing from near Ilsi- kuantun, Yangchiatun, and Choheiyentai.
In the Russian position tlie Tenth (Novoingermanland) Regiment occupied Hsikuantun and the slopes southwest and northeast of the same; the One hundred and thirty- seventh (Niezhin) Regiment occupied Manjuyama; the One hundred and fortieth (Zaraisk) Regiment was on the left of the Niezhin Regiment, the One hundred and thirty-ninth (Morshansk) and One hundred and thirty-eighth (Bolkhov) Regiments were in reserve.
About 7 p. m. the Jaj^anese artillery increased its fire, and about 8 p. m. the Fifteenth Brigade, the Thirtieth Regiment on the right and the Sixteenth on the left, assaulted Man- juyama in front and on l)oth flanks. The companies of the Novoingermanlantl Regiment that were in Hsikuantun and on the slope to the northeast gave way and retreated to Sahutun, thus exposing the right flank of the Niezhin Regi- ment. The left of the latter regiment also gave way, but was brought back with the aid of two companies of the Bolkhov Regiment. The artillery with the Novoingerman- land Regiment retired to Tutaokou.
After a struggle of about one hour, the assault was repulsed and the Japanese artillery again began firing on Manjuyama. This was followed l)y a second assault, which again reached the crest but was driven back a short distance with the aid of 2 ])attalions of the Morshansk Regiment (^n the right of the Niezhin Regiment. The assault persisted and the Japanese finally occupied the crest about midnight, the opposing Rus- sians falling back to the line from Height 917 through Sahutun to Choheiyentai.
The Japanese Third Brigade, Second Division, began to arrive toward night of Se])teml)er 1, and 3 companies of
74 EriTOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
the T\v(Mi(y-niiitli lleojimcnt assisted in the capture of Manjuyania.
The Japanese Twelfth Division appears to have been placed on the defensive dnrino; September 1 by the Zaraisk Ileiz;iiiient and the threatened advance of the Russian forces to its noiih. Major-General Orlov l)y 4 ]). in. had posted 4 })attalions and 12 tjuns on the crest of the heii)i:hts l)etween the Yentai mines and Fanj^shen. The remaining 8 battalions and 8 guns were near the mines, as was also the command of Major-General Samsonov. Major-General Orbeliani was south of Fangshen, recomioitering to the east, and the Fifty-second Dragoon Regiment was on the heights north of Tapu.
A small party of Japanese was in Tapu, and the heights south of that village were held by a larger force, the Twelfth Brigade, Twelfth Division.
In the Pensihu region there was a desultory engagement between the cavalry of Major-General Liubavin and the Kobi Brigade of Major-General Umezawa. After the engagement Major-General Liubavin fell back to Shangpingtaitzu, where he was again joined by his 8 sotnias from Weiningying and Sanchiatzu, and by 4 battalions of infantry.
The Japanese Second Army advanced infantry and artil- lery to the line Yuchiachantzu-Wanpaoshan, and a battery of mortars from near Shoushanpu fired at the railroad station and the town during the afternoon.
Early on September 2 Major-General Orlov moved south along the Fangshen heights, and when northwest of Tapu came into contact with the right brigade (Shimamura) of the Japanese Twelfth Division. In a short time the Russians fell into confusion, lost heavily, and withdrew, a portion retir- ing west and the remainder taking up position farther north on the Fangshen heights. The Japanese continued their at- tack upon this latter portion, driving it also to the w est. By noon the Japanese Tw^elfth Division occupied the line of heights from near the mines to west of Tapu. Colonel Gurko with 7 squadrons, the advance guard of the First Siberian Corps, made a demonstration from Liulinkou against these heights, and 4 batteries of the First Siberian Corps, from near the same village, opened fire, while the infantry was pushed forward sufficiently to form a rallying point for the troops of Major-General Orlov. The latter was sent forward by
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 75
Lieutenant-Geiieral Stackclber^ to a*2:ain attack the Japanese with a battahoii of the T\\ o hiuidred and iifteeiith llegiinent that had assembled near Hsiao tahenkou. The First and Second East Siberian Rifle Re*i^inients also took part in this attack, which was repulsed with heavy loss. Major-Gcneral Orlov and one of his brigade commanders, Major-General Fomin, were wounded, and the command of the Fifty-fourth Infantry Division was given to Major-General Stolitzi.
^lajor-General Samsonov, from near the Yentai mines, had sent one of his Cossack regiments, at 1 1 .30 a. m., to aid IMajor- General Orlov. This regiment also withdrew, before the advancing Japanese, to the mines, where Major-General Sam- sonov was reenforced by Colonel Zapolski with 2 battalions and 4 guns from the First Siberian Corps. In withdrawing from the mines, about 6 p. m.. Colonel Zapolski took up a position near Sanchiatzu and Major-General Samsonov con- centrated his command at Kuchiatzu.
Toward evening a panic occurred in the troops of the Fifty- fourth Infantry Division, reassembled along the branch rail- way, as a result of which the greater portion reassembled during the night near the Yentai station on the main railway.
For the recapture of Manjuyama (called Niezhin Hill by the Russians) Lieutenant-General Dol>rzhinski directed that the Thirty-fifth Division, assisted by the brigade of Major- General Eck, should, after a sufficient preparation b}^ artil- lery fire, advance against the hill. At 8 a. m. 96 guns opened fire from east of Sahutun. In the first line from left to right there were 6 companies of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment, 1 battalion of the One hundred and thirty-ninth, then the One hundred and twenty-first, supported by the remaining 6 companies of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment. The One hundred and twenty-third Regiment acted as reserve to the attacking force.
The One hundred and twenty-first Regiment, about noon, reached the spur southwest of Hsikuantiin, driving back 6 companies of Japanese from the Fifteenth Brigade and Fourth Regiment that had advanced to this spur in the morning and which suffered severely from the Russian artillery fire during the withdrawal. The 6 companies of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment, supporting the One hundred and twenty-first, advanced to the left front along the foot of
76 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANERF. WAR.
Muiijuyaina, ciime under a cross fire of infantry aided by inacliine guns, and was forced back a short distance with heavy loss.
In the afternoon the troops assigned for the final assault on Manjuyama comprised, on the left flank, under Colonel Istomin, commanding the One hundred and thirty-seventh Regiment, 7 battalions drawn from three different regiments of the Tenth and Seventeenth Corps; in the center, under Major-General Vasiliev, 13 battalions drawn from both corps; on the right, 7 battalions under Major-General Eck. The artillery at Sahutun was increased, and the total number of guns taking part was finally raised to 152.
About 6 p. m. the Eighty-fifth Regiment had reached a point close to the southwestern slope of Manjuyama, still held l)y the Japanese Fifteenth Brigade with the Third Brigade in reserve. The Russian artillery fire ceased shortly before 7 p. m. (6 p. m. by the Japanese time), and the com- mand of Colonel Istomin assaulted the hill and made a lodg- ment on the crest where held by the left of the Japanese Thirtieth Regiment. The troops from the command of Major-General Vasiliev, following slightly in rear and to the right of those of Colonel Istomin, also made a lodgment on the crest where held by the right of the Japanese Sixteenth Regiment. The attacking Russians were forced back about 200 yards, where they continued firing. About 10.30 p. m. a slight advance was made against the Japanese Sixteenth Regiment by the troops of Major-General Vasiliev.
The assaulting Russians began withdrawing in small groups toward Sahutun, and reenforcements of 5 liattalions from the Seventeenth Corps and 2 from the Tenth Corps were sent forward. This force was attacked on its left flank, about 3 a. m. on September 3, by 2 battalions from the Japanese Third Brigade, and the entire Russian force fell back on Choheiyentai and Sahutun.
The Third Siberian Corps had moved to Changshutun, where it was held in reserve during September 2.
On the left bank of the Taitzu the Guards Division moved to Kouchingtzu, where it endeavored to force a crossing of the Taitzu with a view to attacking Hill 1057.
The JapaiK^se Fourth and Second Armies completed their deployment in front of the main Russian ]>osition south and
EPITOME OF TIIK. lil'SSo-.I AI'A XKSK \V.\K. 77
west of Liaoyan<!;; llic ai'lilk'iy boiiihardcd llu> [xjsitioii thr()U<i;lu)ut the (greater i)art of the day and the infantry (jrachially worked forward.
About noon a counter attack was nuuk' from the Kussian right by a bri<2;a(k> of infantry accom])anied ])y two batteries. The Japanese infantry nuule an unsuccessful attack in the niorninf]^ and another al)out sunset.
In tiie early niornin<i: of September 8 Lieutenant-GcTiei-al Stackelber^;, fearini:; his left was bein*:; turned by the Jajianese in the neighborhood of the Yentai mines, withdrew the First Siberian Corps a short distance to the southwest and took up a position with the left resting on the branch railway. General Kuropatkin then ordered the evacuation of Liaoyang.
In the Japanese First Army the Twelfth Division remaincnl in ])osition. The Second Division rearranged its troops, placing the Third Brigade on the right of the Fifteenth. The Guards Division, unable to force a crossing at Kouchingtzu, was ordered to leave three batteries with an infantry support at Shuangmiaotzu and to march with the remainder to army headquarters at Kuantun.
Tlie Russians continued to hold the heights southwest of Hsikuantun and their line in front of the Japanese First Army, and began the withdrawal of the troops holding Liaoyang.
In the Japanese Fourth and Second Armies the artillery, which had advanced closer to the Russian ]:)osition during the night, opened a heavy iire at dawn. The infantry reached a line that was generally about 300 yards from the Russian position and made a series of unsuccessful attacks throughout the clay. About 7 p. m. the Twentieth Brigade, Tenth Division, captured redoubt No. 2 (near Yuichuangmiao) and l)egan working forward against the gate in the city wall.
On this day the Russian storehouses in the vicinity of Liaoyang station were destroyed by fire.
On vSeptember 4 the Second Brigade (Watanabe) of the- Guards Division, which had been ordered to hasten forward, arrived at Kuantun. The fighting in that vicinity, however, had ceased, the Russians having withdrawn except from Hill 917, which was evacuated by them about 10 a.m. The Japanese First Army was ordered to pursue, but had made little progress when night came. The Guards Kobi Brigade
78 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
(Umezawa) had loft a small force at Slian«,q)iii^(aitzu to hold Major-General Liubavhi's detachinonl in clu^ck and with tlio main body had arriv(Ml at the Ycidai mines at 1 Y>. m. on Se])t(>mber 3. This brii^ad*^ moved noiih and, after a skirmish northwest of Sanehiat/Ai, oceii|)ied the hill east of Yumentzu a bold 6 p. m.
The Japanese Twelfth Division, in an endeavor to advance alonjj; the branch railway, came into contact about midnight with the First Siberian Cor])s near Ilsiaotalienkou and was repidsed after some hand to hand iifihting, with considerable loss on both sides. A Russian machine gun company took part in the engagement.
By 2 a. m. on September 4 troops from the Japanese Second Army had reached the railway station and occupied a portion of the walled city, where they assisted the troops of the Fourth Army in driving out the Russians, the street fighting continuing until about 10 a. m.
The remainder of the Russians retired across the Taitzu River, destroyed the military bridges, and burned the wood- work of the railway bridge.
On September 5 in the Japanese First Army the Guards Kobi Brigade remained in position on the hill east of Yumentzu, being opposed by the echelons of the First Siberian Corps in its withdrawal to the north on the Liu- fangtzu-Kushutzu road. The Twelfth Division reached a line through Talienkou, the Second Division advanced on Lotatai, the Guards Division remained in reserve.
In the Russian army on that date the First Siberian Corps was at Himgchiatien, the Second Siberian at Lantzukai, the Third Siberian at Huanshan, tlie Fourth Siberian at Wuli- kai, the Tenth at Shahopu, the Seventeenth at Shihliho. General Kuropatkin telegraphed that his army, proceeding northward, had extricated itself from the dangerous position in which its center and left flank had faced the Japanese on a narrow front.
The Japanese reported the following casualties for the battles at Liaoyang and its neighborhood :
First Army ! 4, 866
Second Army ' 7, 681
Fourth Army 4, 992
To^al 17, 539
EPITOME OF THK RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 79
Of tlioso casualties llierc were l.'!(i odiccrs killed aiul 494 wouinled.
The Russian General Stall" re])()rte(l 54 ollieers and 1,S1() men killed, 252 odicers and 10,811 men wounded, 5 officers and 1,212 men missinji;.
For the month of Au<2;ust (Au(:;ust 14 to S(>|)tember 13,' new style), 11)04, the Russian medical I'eports ^ave 01 olli- eers killed and 477 wounded, 2,243 men killed and 15,370 wounded, this exclusive of the losses at Port Arthur.
BATTLE OF SHA RIVER. (Plate XI.)
After the battle of Liao3'ang the Japanese occupied a general front through Yentai Station and the mmes, extendmg from the Hun River on the left eastward to Pensihu on the Taitzu River, the outposts being several miles farther north. The First Army was on the right and extended from the Yentai mmes to Pensihu. The Guards Kobi Brigade (IJmezawa) was in advance of the Pensihu district, which seems to have been held by weak detachments of service troops. The Guards Division was near Hsiaotalienkou, the Second Division near the Yentai coal mines, the Twelfth Division near Tapu. The Second Cavalry Brigade, under Major-General Prince Kanin, operated on the right.
The Fourth Army occupied the line from the Yentai mines to the railroad; the Second Army occupied the line to the west of the railroad. The First Cavalry Brigade, under Major-General Akiyama, was on the extreme left. A large portion of the divisional cavalry of the Japanese Second Army was under his command during the battle.
The general reserve consisted of 3 Kobi brigades and the Second Artillery Brigade, containing the Sixteenth, Seven- teenth, and Eighteenth Regiments.
The only severe engagement between the opposing forces during the remainder of September was m the neighborhood of Shangpingtaitzu, where the Japanese detachment was attacked on September 17 at noon by a mixed brigade coming from the direction of Fushun and Mukden. After a severe engagement, lasting until night, the Russian force withdrew.
On October 2, 1904, General Kuronatkin issued an order
80 KPTT(1ME OV 1'Ili; liUSSO-JAPANESK WAR.
ainioiiiicinsj; his iiiteiition Id lake llu^ ofrcnsivc. The troops at his iniiiKMliate disposal wore reported to consist of 2()1 })a1tahons (1S1,4()0 l)ayoiiets), li'A sqiuKh'ons and sotiiias, 864 t!;uns, '.V2 niachme ^iins, and 41 sap|)er coinpaiiies. 'I'he Jai)aiiese forces confront in<i; this army consisted ])riu"t ically of those or<i;anizations that had taken part in the battle of Luioyansi:, and which had aijani been raised to fnll streiiirlh, and a correspondinjj; lunnher of Kohi or<:;anizations. Tiie I*]iii;hth Division arrived diirinii; the battle, in which it appears to have taken part only as reserve, raising the total to fioni 1()4 to 170 battalions, 50 squadrons, 558 field and niountjiin guns, 10 siege guns, and 38 howitzers and mortars.
In the Russian Army the left wing, Eastern Detachment, was commanded by Tiieuten ant-General Stackellierg and con- sisted of the First, Second (Fifth Fast Siberian Ilillc Division and Two hundred and thirteenth Infantry Regiment), and Third Siberian Corps, one brigade of the Fourth Siberian Corps, and the Siberian C'Ossack Division (Major-General Samsonov); 73 battalions, 34 sotnias, 164 guns, 32 machine guns, and 10 sapper companies.
The right wing, Western Detaclunent, was connnanded b}^ General Bilderling (Lieutenant-General Volkov was tempo- rary commander of the Seventeenth Corps) and consisted of the Tenth and Seventeenth Army Corps; the Fifty-first and Fifty-second Dragoon Regiments; one-half of the Orenburg Cossack Division and the l^ral Cossack Brigade (Major- General Grekov); 04 battalions, 26 squadrons and sotnias, 224 guns, and 8 sapper companies.
Lieutenant-General Dembovski's detachment, containing the Two hundred and fifteenth. Two hundred and sixteenth, and Two hundred and Eighty-fourth Infantry Regmients, the Tw^enty-eighth Artillery Brigade, the Caucasus Cavalry Brigade, the First Argunsk Cossack Regiment, the Fourth Transbaikal Cossack Battery (12 battalions, 16 sotnias, 32 guns, and 2 sapper battalions) was on the right l)ank of the Hun and operated in conjunction with the Western Detach- ment in the later stages of the battle.
The Sixth Siberian Corps (Lieutenant-General vSobolev, 32 battalions, 8 sotnias, 96 guns, and 3 sapper companies) was between Tiehling and Mukden, and became a part of the Western Detachment in the later stages of the battle.
EPITOMK OF TIIK RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 81
Tlio tj;(MUM-al reserve consisted ol" the First, Army Corps and tlie Fourth Si})erian Corps (less one })ri<j;a(U') ; of) battalions, 6 sotnias, 2-30 guns, and 7 sa|)j)er companies.
Major-General Misheheidvo's Transbaikal Cossack Bri<.':a(h', containing 2;> sotnias and 8 guns, operated in front of the general reserve and connected the two wings in the early stages of the battle.
On the extreme right was the Liao River Detachment, commanded by Major-General Kossagovski and contaming the Two hundred and eighty-first Infantry Regiment, Fourth Siberian Infantry Regiment, Amur Cossack Regiment; 6 bat- talions, o sotnias, and 12 guns.
On the extreme left was Lieu tenant-General Rennenkampf with a mixed command (Eck, Pieterov, and Liubavin) con- sisting of troops from the Fifty -fourth and Seventy-first Infantry Divisions and the Second Brigade (Liubavin) of the Transbaikal Cossack Division; 14 battalions, 18 sotnias, 32 guns, and 1 sapper conij)any.
There was also a detachment under Colonel Madritov, still farther east, containing 1 liattalion and 6 sotnias, operating against Saimachi.
The effective strength of the Russian army was about 200,000; that of the Japanese, al)out 170,000.
The Russian plan was to move forward on the left, seize Pensihu, and then advance down tiie valley of the Taitzu against the Japanese prepared positions in the Yentai region. On the right General Bilderling was to advance along the Mandarin road and the railway toward Liaoyang. General Mishchenko was to maintain communications between the wings and was to be followed by the general reserve. In the Western Detachment each echelon was to intrench each position occupied.
The Russians advanced in several columns on a front reach- ing from west of the railway east to Fushun, and drove in the Japanese outposts after some skirmishing, in which the losses were slight on both sides. On October 6 they reoccupied Shaho station, and their railway troops restored the bridge over the Sha River the next day.
At dusk on October 7 Umezawa's brigade began to with- draw from the vicinity of Pienniulupu and arrived at Liu-
34526—07 6
82 EPITOME OP THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
shakou the next moniiiif;. Two companies were stationed at Tnmentziilino;, 3 battalions and 4 guns at Taling, and 1 regiment and 2 guns were sent to the range of heights sepa- rating Pensihu from the small river flowing into the Taitzu near Weiningying. Before the arrival of the latter detach- ment the advance guard of llennenkampf's force had driven back a Japanese outpost on the height west of Weiningying.
In the evening of October 8 the Twelfth Japanese Division was ordered to march (it was then near Wangkouyuling) farther east, and the division commander, Lieutenant- General Inouye, was placed in command of troops in the Pensihu district.
On October 9 one brigade of Eck's division and Liubavin's Cossack brigade of Rennenkampf's command crossed the Taitzu River at Weiningying, cut the communications of the troops at Pensihu and vicinity with their base at Hsihoyen, and intrenched. In the Eastern Detachment the Third Siberian Corps was at Kaotaitzu attacking the heights to the west; the First was at Hsiaoshihchiaotzu, with advance guards near Taling and Tumentzuling; the Second was at Pienniulupu. General Mishchenko was at Tapu; the Fourth Siberian Corps was at Haniutun, with advance guards at Mienhuapu .and Hsiaoliuhotzu. Lieutenant-General Zaru- baiev, with three-fourths of the Fourth Siberian Corps, was given command also of Mishchenko's troops and the left brigade of the Third Division (Lieutenant-General Mau), Tenth Corps, and began to intrench. Two regiments of the Fourth Siberian Corps intrenched east of Hanlashantzu, one south of Shangliuhotzu, and two southwest of Pachiatzu and Mienhuapu. General Man's brigade was in echelon back of the right flank of this line on the heights northwest of San- chiatzu, and General Mishchenko's brigade was sent to Mien- huapu to maintain communication with the Eastern Detach- ment. The First Army Corps was in the Erhtaokou region.
The advance troops of the Tenth Corps occupied Kushutzu and the hill to the west after a short skirmish. The main body was on the Shihli River. The Seventeenth Corps also was at the Shihli River to the west of the Mandarin road, advance troops occupying Wulitaitzu and Erh taitzu. General Grekov's division was in the neighborhood of Tatungshanpu. The Sixth Siberian Corps, which concentrated near Tasu-
EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-.JAPANESE WAR. 83
chiapu, Laisheng^pu, niul Tatai on tho 7tli, advanced about 2 versts and sent one briojade as advance o^nard to Ilsiao- shuluitzn. The First Brigade of the Fifty-fifth Division was occupying TiehHng and Mukden. Lieu tenant-General Dem- bovski was at Changtan.
In addition to the severe fighting near Pensihu on October 9, there were numerous skirmishes along the entire line of the opposing armies. On the night of the 9th the First Siberian Corps began the attack on Taling and Tumentziding, one lirigade on each pass.
On October 10 the severe fighting continued in the neigh- borhood of Pensihu. The Russians in a night attack assaulted and carried the height west of Weiningying and the one east of the road leading from Pensihu to Ilualienkou. They also continued the attack on Taling and Tumentzuling and opened an artillery fire on the Second Division, to which the Japanese artillery replied. Liubavin's brigade, from the south bank of the Taitzu, endeavored to cross and advance against the heights southwest of Pensihu. The Japanese Second Cavalry Brigade was ordered to March from Huiyao to Hsihoyen.
The Japanese Fourth and Second Armies began to advance, skirmishing with the opposing Russians. In the Fourth Army the Tenth Division occupied the heights east of Yumentzu; the left of the Fifth Division, in conjunction with the right of the Third Division, Second Army, attacked Wulitaitzu. The reserve division, of 3 Kobi brigades, was on the right of the Fifth Division. In the Second Army the left of the Third Division and right of the Sixth Division occupied Erhtaitzu,^ the left of the Sixth Division occupied Tatungshanpu. The Fourth Division, after some skirmish- ing, reached the vicinity of Yangchiachiantzu. The First Cavalry Brigade was at Chentanpu with a detachment at Heikoutai.
Of the Russian troops on this part of the field the Seven- teenth Corps withdrew its advanced troops from Erhtaitzu and Tatungshanpu to the line Shihliho-Entehniulu-Hsiao- tuntai, holding this line with the Third Division and keeping the Thirty-fifth Division in reserve near Liutunkou. Major- General Grekov's Cossack division was near Litajentun. Colonel Stakhovich, commanding the Fifty-second Dragoon
84 EPITOME OF THE EUSSO-.TAPANESE WAR.
Regiiiiont, who was reenforced several timos (liiriiii;' iho l)attle by detaclinients of infantry, connected the ri<j,hl of the Sev- enteenth Corps with the left of Grekov's division.
The movements of the Japanese on October 10 had fol- lowed an order, issued by Marshal Oyama at 10 p. m. on October 9, in which he said:
I shall attack the enemy before he completes his dephiynicnt and drive him back to the line Kangtolishan-Fengchiapu-Litajentun. Th(^ Twelfth Division and the Guards Kobi Brigade will advance on Hsiaoshihchiaot7>u, and the main body of the First Army on Fengchiapu as soon as Wulitaitzu, on the Mandarin road, has been captured by the Fourth Army. The latter will march on the morning of October 10 in the direction of Ninkuantun; the^Second Army against the line Panchiaopu-Litajentun. The latter will place strong reserves in rear of its right flank. The left wing will advance more rapidly than the right and undertake an enveloping movement.
On October 1 1 the Japanese in the forenoon recaptured the heights east of Pensihu and the one east of the road near Hualienkou. The Russians returned to the attack in this region and extended the severe fighting to the Taling and Tumentzuling regions, the First wSiberian Corps reenforcing its first line. The Second Siberian Corps was in reserve at Hsiaoshihchiaotzu .
There was ))ut little change in the relative positions of the Japanese First Army and the opposing Russians except on the extreme left of the former where the Fifteenth Brigade, moving in conjunction with the right of the Tenth Division, captured Temple Hill (also Sanchiatzu toward night) and repulsed the Russian counter attack made shortly after dark. The Tenth Division attacked Sankuaishihshan, held by a portion of the brigade of the Thirty-first Division under General Mau.
This reverse to the right flank of General Zaru})aiev's line caused a suspension of the intended attack by the Russian Tenth Corps on Kushutzu and the height about 1 mile farther west, out of which positions the advance guard of the Tenth Corps had been driven that morning. The Japanese Iiad begun to advance from these points and thus met the attack of the Tenth Corps. The One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment and two l)atteries of the Thirty-fifth Artillery Brigade had been sent to Shihliho to assist the Tenth Corps, permitting the latter to use its entire reserve in strength-
EPITOME OF TTTE KTTRSO-.I APANESF, WAR. 85
oiiinii- \]]o niiiiii line on llic .Sliilili River, and cxlcndini^ it towni'd tlic rig'lil of (iciuM'al Man's l)ngad(> at Yini^pan.
Jn th(^ f]a])an('se Second Ai-niy ihe \oU of tlie Tliird Division and the division I'eserve attacked the Kntehniulu section fi'oin 'Psaot.ait/Ti and Kji'htaitzii. T]\o iirst assault, about 2 ]). ]n., failed. \ second assault was made and the village captured al)out 5 j). m.; the assaulting troops, liaving l)een reenforc(Ml fioni the army i'eserv(^, also carried Hsiaolankou. The Sixth Division occupied Yangchiawan, from which C\)l- onel Stakhovich withdrew to l^MVontai, about noon and ihe Fourth l)i\'isi()n occupied Saiicliiatzu, with a detachment near Tatai where occurred a skirmish with a detachment of the Sixth Siberian CV^rps, the main force of which was now on the line Talientun-IIsiaosholuitzu. General Grekov's cavah"Y had withdrawn to the north and west to meet the movements of the Jai:>anese First Cavalry Brigafle.
During the night of OctolxM- 11 General Zarubaiev in- trenched his main line on the heights north of Shangliuhotzu and TIsiaoliuhotzu. The Seventeenth Corps commander, General Volkov, sent from his reserve the One hundred and thirty-ninth Kegiment and two l)attalions of the One hmidred and fortieth Regiment against Entehniulu. This force car- ried the village by a bayonet charge about 11 p. m., inflicting severe loss on the Japanese Thirty-third Kegiment. The Japanese intrenched near the eastern and southern outskirts of the village.
The Second Brigade of the Fifty-fifth Division, Sixth Sibe- rian Corps, was sent to I^iutunkou during the night and placed under the commander of the Seventeenth Corps, the reserve of which had been dej^leted by the detachment sent against Entehniulu.
Note. — The various movements that, liad taken place left the distrD^ution of troops on the Russian right flank as follows:
On the line Talientun-Hsiaosholuitzu was Ihe main force of the Sixth Sib'erian Corps.
Under Colonel Stakhovich, at Peiyentai, were the Fifty-second Dragoon Regiment, 2 battalions of the One hundred and fortieth Regiment, one-half battalion of the Eleventh Regiment, 1 battery of the Thirty-fifth Artillery Brigade, 2 guns of the Third Artillery Brigade, and a volunteer detachment from the Tenth Regiment.
General Grekov's cavalry prolonged the line to the west: through Peilintai, and the troops under Dembovski were at and near Changtan.
86 ■ EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
In the seclion Hsiaotantai-TunUii-Lantzukai were 1 battalion of the One hundred and thirty-seventh Regiment, 2 battalions of the Tenth Regi- ment, the Ninth Regiment, 0 companies of the Twelfth Regiment, and 2 batteries of the Third Artillery Brigade.
In Entehniulu was the One hundred and thirty-ninth Regiment. On the north bank of the Shihli River at this village and in Lunwanmiao were 2 battalions of the One hundred and fortieth Regiment and 1 Ijattalion of the Tenth Regiment.
Between Lunwanmiao and Shihliho were 1| battalions of the One hun- dred and thirty-eighth Regiment, 2 battalions of the Twelfth Regiment, and 2 batteries of the Third Artillery Brigade.
In Shihliho were 2^ battalions of the Eleventh Regiment, G companies of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment, 2 companies of the Twelfth Regiment, 3 batteries of the Thirly-flfth Artillery Brigade, and 2 batteries of the Third Artillery Brigade.
At Wulikai were 1 battalion of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regi- ment and 2 squadrons of the Fifty-first Dragoons.
In the Seventeenth Corps reserve at Liutunkou were 3 battalions of the One hundred and thirty-seventh Regiment, 4 batteries of the Thirty-fifth Artillery Brigade, and, after 10 a. m. on the 12th, the Second Brigade of the Fifty-fifth Infantry Division, Sixth Siberian Corps.
On October 12 the severe fighting continued with but httle change in the rehitive positions of the two combatants in the neighborhood of Pensihii, Tahng, and Tumentziihng. The Japanese Second Cavalry Brigade, with its niacliine-giin com- pany defeated Liubavin's infantry reserve near Taotingshan, and thus greatly aided the Japanese in the neighborhood of Pensihu, who up to this time had l)een hard pressed.
Beginning in the early morning the Guards Division car- ried the heights south, and later those north, of Pachiatzu. Colonel Kasa, with the Guards and Second Division cavalry regiments, was sent to Mienhuapu to protect the rear and right flank of the Guards from the troops of Mishchenko, who had fallen back to Sikoii.
In the Japanese Second Division the Third Brigade in the early morning completed the capture of vSanjoshishan and the entire division attacked the lieights of Ilsiaoliuhotzu and Shaotaku, the Fifteenth Brigade being directed against Rokoshan.
Tn the Japanese Fourth Army the Tenth Division and 3 Kobi brigades captured Sankuaishihshan in the early morn- ing, relieved the Thirtieth l^egiment. Second Division, at Nanshan, and made an unsuccessful night at tack on Shiroyama. In fi-oiit of the Russian Tenth Corps the Japanese confined
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 87
their efforts to an artillery fire. The Russian troops from Sankuaishihshan halted on the main line from the hill south of Hamatan to Tsaichiatun. The detachments of Yingpan and Takou retired to Shingchuang. By night the main posi- tion of the Tenth Corps was IIunpaoshan-Ninkuantun.
In the Japanese Secontl Army the right of the Third Divi- sion attacked Shihliho and Wulikai station at daybreak; the left of the Third Division and right of the Sixth Division at- tacked Entehniulu; the left of the Sixth Division attacked Tuntai. The Fourth Division, reenforced from the army reserve, operated against the detachment of Colonel Stakho- vich at Peiyentai and, in conjunction with the First Cavalry Brigade, against the cavalry of General Grekov farther west.
The jvttack of the Third and Sixth Divisions made little progress until about 10 a. m. The Fourth Division had gained ground so as to attack Peiyentai from the south and west, and this enabled the left of the Sixth Division to ad- vance to the junction of the two streams north of Hsiaotuntai. Utilizing the valley of the creek coming from Chengchia, the Sixth Division continued its advance and captured Lantzukai and the 16 guns of the First and Second Batteries of the Third Artillery Brigade shortly before noon. Two unsuc- cessful attempts were made by the Russians to recapture the guns. The first attempt was made by the troops of the Lan- tzukai-Tuntai section; the second was made about 12.30 p. m. by the Two hundred and nineteenth Regiment from Cheng- chia and 1 battalion of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment from Wulikai. In repulsing these attacks the Sixth Division was aided by a reserve brigade which arrived from the Second Army reserve and crossed the Shihli River at Tuntai to move on Liutiinkou. This brigade was brought to a stand on the right bank of the river and bivouacked near Tuntai.
In the meantime the Third Division had made two unsuc- cessful assaults on Shihliho and Entehniulu, the first about noon, the .second about 2.30 p. m.
At 3.50 p. m. General Volkov issued an order directing his troops to hold their positions until dark and then to retire. The Thirty-fifth Division was to occupy the line Panchiaopu- Chengchia, its left connecting with the Tenth Corps, the Tliird Division in reserve at Shulingtzu; the brigade of the
88 EPITOME OF TTTE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Fift^-fifth Division to extond the Ymo from Chengchia toward Hunlinpii; the detachment of Colonel Stakhovich to hold liiinlinpu and connect with the main body of the Sixth Siberian Corps. The progress of the battle, however, pre- vented the execution of this order. The capture of Lant- zukai facilitated the operations of the Japanese Third Divi- sion, which by sunset had carried Panchiaopu and Wulikai. The right of this division, in conjunction with the left of the Fifth Division, captured 4 guns of the Russian Third Artiller}" Brigade west of Shihliho during the afternoon. The disaster to the Seventeenth Corps caused the Tenth Corps to with- draw during the night from the Hunpaoshan-Ninkuantun position.
The Japanese Fourth Division drove the detaciiment of Colonel Stakhovich from Peiyentai and occupied that village about 4 p. m. A Russian detachment from the Sixth Siberian Corps, coming from Wangchuangtzu, attacked the Japanese at Tapingchuang and Litajentun, compelling the Japanese to reenforce the troops at the latter village by a de- tachment from the First Cavalry Brigade.
On October 13 the Japanese in the Pensihu. region found that the Russians in their front had retired during the night, Rennenkamp's command having withdrawn up the valley of the Taitzu, the Third Siberian Corps to Lichiawoping en route to Kaotvding. Matsunaga's brigade. Second Division, attacked Chaohsienling, to which point it had marched the preceding night, and where it was in turn attacked by the Russians and hard pressed imtil the arrival of reen- forcements. In the Guards Division the right brigade penetrated to the height south of Maerhshanputzu. Here it was attacked by a detachment of the Second Siberian Corjis, advancing by way of Maerhshanputzu, and by a detachment from the left of the Fourth Siberian Corps, the main force of which was attacking the left Ijrigade of the Guards Division on the southern portion of Maerhshan. Aportion of the latter attack penetrated the interval between the two brigades, but was brought to a stand by the Fourth Guards Infantry, then in the division reserve, which succeeded in holding the small hill southwest of Houchiatunnankou.
Colonel Kasa's detaciiment and the Third Regiment, Guards Division, occupying the heights from east of Nankou
EPTTOMK OF TIIK RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 89
to west of Sikoii, repulsed a Russian attack IVoin Wail(»uslian. The Japanese l^'il'tli Division, less one regiment, was sent from Knsluitzu to Saneliiatzu and ))lace(l nnder the eom- niander ol" tlu^ First Army. The Fifteenth Brigade, Second Division, carritMl the heights of Ilokoshan and Shiroyama and then the ridge from Shiroyama to Yangehenehai, wher(> it repulsed a night attack.
This night attack covered the witiidrawal of the Fourth Siberian Corj)s to the right bank of the Slia Kiver. The Thirty-seventh Division, First Army Corps, liad been placed in the line between the Fourth Siberian and the Tenth Army Corps on the lOth, and with the Twenty-second Divi- sion, First Army Corps, remained on the left bank of the Sha River.
In the Japanese Fourth Army the Tenth Division and three Kobi brigades advanced as far as Manchiafm and Huchiakuchiatzu, the opposing Thirty-seventh Division falling back to the line of heights north of ITamatan, east of Tungshankou and north of Tungshantzu. A detachment from the left of the Fourth Army attacked toward Huan- huatien; otherwise the action of this army against the various positions held by the Tenth Corps was limited to artillery lire.
In the Japanese Second Army the Third Division, rein- forced by a regiment of infantry and one of artillery, turned to the right and attacked Iluanhuatien in conjunction with the left of the Fourth Army. When north of Pachiatzu the flank of the Third Division was attacked by troops of the Tenth (^irps from Lamutun and Wukaontzu. The Third Division was then ordered to attack to the north but night came before the new attack was well developed. At the same time the artillery of the Sixth Division, the front of which had been cleared by the withtlrawal across the Sha of the Seventeenth C^orps, and one of its brigades, with the general reserve at Liutunkou, was ordered to attack Iluanhuatien in conjunction with the left of the Fourth Army. This attack, also, was but slightly developed when night came. The other brigade of the Sixth Division occu])ied Shulingtzu about 11 a. m. and at sunset was confrontiniT the Russians at Lamutun.
90 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
The Foiirtli Division jidvanccd to the line Kihsiaotvm- CUian*2;lingpu and began developing toward Linsliengpu. The First Calvary Brigade concentrated at Sanchiatzu where it repulsed an attack of about 600 Russian calvary.
To close the gap between the Eastern Detachment and the Fourth Siberian Corps, caused by the withdrawal of the latter across the Sha River, General Kuropatkin ordered two regiments of the Second and all the F'irst Siberian Corps to move from east to west.
After withdrawal to the Sha River the Seventeenth Corps occupied a line from Lamutun through Linshengpu to Talientun ; the One hundred and thirty-seventh Regiment was to the west of the railway, with 2 battalions of the One hun- dred and thirty-ninth Regiment as reserve; 14 companies of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Regiment held the line from the railway to Lamutun ; the Thirty-fifth Artillery Brigade was between the railway and a line running from Linshengpu to Ssufangtai; the One hundred and fortieth Regiment was north of Yinkua; the greater part of the Third Division and the Third Artillery Brigade were on the line Ssufangtai-Kuchiatzu.
The various fractions that had been with (Vjlonel Stak- hovich rejoined the Seventeenth Corps during the day.
The first line of the Seventeenth Corps thus prolonged the line held by the Tenth C\)rps, Wukaontzu-Kuchiatzu- Changlingtzu. The Sixth Siberian Corps, which, while being in echelon behind the right flank of the Seventeenth Cor])s, had been a part of the general reserve of the army, was now placed under the orders of the commander of the Western Detachment and ordered to prolong the line of the Seventeenth Corps in echelon westward through Talientun and TIsiaosholuitzu. Dembovski's command was still far- ther to the west, apparently at and near Changtan.
For the next day an offensive movement by the Western Detachment was ordered. The Tenth and Seventeenth Corps w^ere to hold their positions even against assault. The Sixth Siberian (\)rps was to advance against antl capture Ilunlinpu and Reilintai. Lieutenant-General Dem- })ovski was to advance to the line Fuchiachuang-Paoh- siantun-Tahantai.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 91
On Octobor 14 in the J!H)an('S(* First Army i-cinlorcomonts from Saimachi rcaduMl Ilsihoyon, rollowinj:; a similar hoch' that Inul arrived on tho nio;lit ol" tlio l.'Uli and roinl'orcetl the Twoirih Division. Detachments from tho Twelfth and Guards Divisions attacked and carried the height west of Sikou. CJeneral Mishclu>nko's l)rigade and one regiment withdnnv across tlu^ Sha River in front of the Ciuards Di- vision, which advanced and occnpied the hills south of Fengchiaj)u. The FiftcHMith Brigade, Secontl J)ivision, ad- vanced to the heights north of Miaokon and then, after a slight engagement, to Tainshutun, the Russians withdrawing across the Sha Kivcn".
In the afternoon tho Russians began withdrawing from the Chaohsienling region and were followed by the Japanese. The Japanese Twelfth Division niarchedon Ilsiaoshihchiao- tzu, being followed by the Guards Kobi Brigade; the Third Brigade, Second Division, marched on PIsiaopingtaitzu, the Second Cavalry Brigade on PIsiaochiahotzu. Of the oppos- ing Russians the Fifth East Siberian Division was at Pien- niulupu, the First at Yangmulingtzu, the Ninth at Kang- tolishan, the Third Sil)erian Corps at Kaotuling. The Ninth East Siberian Division, followed by one brigade of the Fifth, marched via Hsiaoyangtun to Liushihtaitzu.
The Japanese Fourth Army attacked in the directions of Hsinglungtun and Putsaoyai, subsequently reaching the Sha River.
In the Japanese Second Army one brigade of the Sixth Division, cooperating with the left of tho P\)urth Army, occupied the hill north of Iluanhuatien and then endeavored to carry Santaokangtzu, but was unable to do so before night.
About 3.30 a. m. troops of the Third Division made an unsuccessful attack on Ilouchaishan, held by the Thirty- fourth and One hundred and twenty-third Regiments. About 5 a. m. an unsuccessful attack was made on Wukaontzu. About 6.30 a. m. the Third Division assaulted and, about 7.30 a. m., after very severe fighting, carried Ilouchaishan, thus piercing the line held l)y the Tenth (\)rps, and then Wukaon- tzu, north of which the Japanese captured the second group of the Ninth Artillery Brigade, 23 guns. A detachment of the Third Division continued to and occuj)ied Shahopu about 8 a. m., the portions of the Tenth C^orps in the intrenchments
92 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAE.
Ix'tweon Wukaontzu :i,n(l Lamiitnn withdrawiiiji; to the right bank of the Sha liivor. This Japanese (letaclnnent was brought to a stand at Shahopu by an attack of the Thirty- sixth Regimen *^ which had rejoined the Tenth C-orps from Yinkua that morning.
The Fourth Division repulsed three determined attacks by the Sixth Siberian Corps on Changhnpu, and sent a portion of its right, in cooperation with the Twenty-fourth Brigade, Sixth Division, against Linsliengpu and the hne leading from that village t<j Talientun. The Japanese carried all of Lin- sliengpu but the northern part, and the Russians remaining on the left bank of the Sha River between the railroad and Linsliengpu retired to the right bank. Six companies of Russians made a counter attack onLinshengpu, but could not advance beyond the northern outskirts of the village.
The main .body of the First Cavalry Brigade concentrated at Peilintai, presumably because of Dembovski's advance.
On October 15 the main body of the Japanese First Army was at the Sha River. The Guards Kobi Brigade was ordered to march to Sanchiatzu.
The Fifth Division, which had returned to the Japanese Fourth Army, replaced the troops of the Sixth Division that were between Changlingtzu and Santaokangtzu and, in con- junction with the right of the Third Division, completed the occupation of the remaining territory in that vicinity as far as the Sha River, carrying Lone Tree Hill toward morning of the 16th and capturing 2 guns. The right brigade of the Third Division later attacked North Shahopu and, failing to drive the Russians out, remained facing their opponents, who later withdrew to the line Kuantun-Shanlantzu.
The Japanese Sixth Division concentrated on its left brigade and attacked Lamutun and the line leading from that village to Linsliengpu and thence toward Talientun. After a hard fight the Japanese carried Lamutun about 5 p. m., remaining there for the night. The Japanese Fourth Division extended its left to Wangchuangtzu while continu- ing to hold its position of the 14tli. The Sixth Siberian Corps, facing the Japanese Fourth Division, ])r()longed the Russian line from Talientun through Chitaitzu and San- chiatzu, and Dembovski's detachment occupied the region Fuchiachuanar-Paohsiantun-Yangshulino-tzu.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 93
The First Cavalry Bri<i;a(l(', with oiu* nioimtcd battery, was al tacked by tho Russian cavalry near Litujcntuii, and retired to Tapingclmang at dark.
On October 16 there was no important engagement in front of the Jajxuiese First Army. The Second Japanese Cavalry Brigade, after a skirmish near Kaoluling, retired to Kao- knanchai. The Second Division concentrated near Tain- hsiangtnn. A Knssian detachment fi-om tlie Fiftli Siberian Division crossed the Sha Kivcr and occupied the heights of Waitoushan,
The Nineteenth, Twentieth, and Thirty-sixth East Siberian Regiments, and the Eighty-seventh and Eighty-eighth Regi- ments, First Army Corps, assisted by the fire of the Eighty- sixth Regiment, shortly after sunset assaulted and carried Lone Tree Hill (including the portion called Novgovod Hill), held by Major-General Yamada's brigade, Fifth Division, capturing 14 guns and killing over 1 ,000 Japanese, with a loss to themselves of about 3,000 in killed and wounded. A con- siderable portion of the Russian loss resulted from the fire of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, which was unable to see in the darkness the distance to which the assault had been carried.
The height was named Putilov Hill, in honor of Major- General Putilov, who commanded the Russian forces engaged hi its recapture.
The new line taken up by the Fifth Division extended from near Putsaoyai to Nankangtzu.
Several unsuccessful attacks were made on Linshengpu by detachments from the Russian Seventeenth Corps assisted b}^ its artillery, which about noon turned its fire upon Wang- chuangtzu, held by the left of the Fourth Division, which was then unsuccessfully attacked by a regiment of the Sixth Siberian Corps coming from Sanchiatzu.
The main body of the First Cavalry Brigade was at Hsiao- tai, a detachment reoccupying Litajentun.
On October 17 there was a reconnaissance by a regiment of Russians south of Pienniulupu, wliile the Japanese continued a desultory attack upon Waitoushan. There was no change of positions or important engagement in front of the Japanese Fourth Ai'my until night, when the Japanese made an unsuc- cessful attempt to recapture Putilov Hill. In the Japanese Second Army the Tliird Division was strongly attacked about
94 EPITOME OF THE EUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
11.30 a. m. After the attack, the right wing of the division remained about 600 yards, the left wing about 300 yards, from the Russians on the opposite bank of the vSha River.
About midnight Linshengpu, occupied by the left of the Sixth and right of the Fourth Divisions, was unsuccessfully attacked by about one battalion of Russians. During the day the Fourth Division, giving up Linshengpu to the left of the Sixth Division, occupied a line from Kihsiaotun to the southwest of Wangchuangtzu.
The main body of the First Cavalry Brigade remained at Hsiaotai, detachments occupying Litajentun, Chentanpu, and Heikoutai. The Russians continued intrenching the line through Talientun, Chitaitzu, and Sanchiatzu. Dembovski's detachment moved north to take position in echelon behind the Sixth Siberian Corps.
On October 18 there were some unimportant skirmishes in front of the Japanese First Army, some small attacks in the early morning against the Fourth Army, and an intermittent artillery fire in front of the Second Army, the extreme left of which was attacked about noon by about 500 infantry. The Sixth Siberian Corps occupied the line Ssufangtai-Kuanlinpu. Dembovski's detachment occupied Pienchengtzu.
On October 19 a detachment of the Guards Division drove some Russian cavalry from Shiucliiafan, and was in turn driven out by a detachment of Russian infantry. In front of the Fourth Army there was only an intermittent artillery fire. At night the troops of the Third Division withdrew from South Shahopu, abandoning one of the captured Russian guns, and took up a new position farther south and less threatened by enfilade fire from Putilov Hill. The entire Second Army was subjected to a rather severe fire shortly after sunset, but no attack followed.
On October 20 there were some slight demonstrations by the Russians to the east of Pensihu, a desultory cannonade in front of the Jaj^anese Fourth and Second Armies, especially in the neighborhood of Shahopu, and some harassing of the First Cavalry Brigade, which retired to Litajentun.
The l)attle of Sha River may be said to have terminated on October 20. Engagements of greater or less severity continued to occur almost daily between the opposing arm- ies, which continued with but little change in their relative
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 95
positions to face each other, strengthenin<!: their positions as rapidly as possihk^ with sheher trenches and field works. From Linshengpu the line of separation ran west. The Russians continued to hold Putilov Hill and Waitoushan, both on the left bank of the Sha River, which otherwise above Linshengpu separated the opposing armies. From Pienniulupu, strongly fortified, the Russian line extended northeast and then east for a distance of about 10 miles.
The Japanese reported the capture of 709 prisoners, 45 gims, 37 ammunition wagons, 5,474 rifles, 6,920 rounds of gim amnmnition, 78,000 rounds of small-arm ammunition, and various other articles.
The Russians reported the capture of 9 field and 5 moun- tain guns and various other articles; also the recovery of one of the guns that had been captured from them.
The Japanese reported their loss as 15,879 killed and wounded. The Russians reported their loss as 190 officers and 4,894 men killed, 861 officers and 29,531 men wounded, and 35 officers and 5,838 men missing.
Prior to and coincident with the battle of Sha River there was a demonstration b}" the Russians against Hsienchang, with several resulting skirmishes. The attack began on Oc- tober 7 and continued without much change until about 3 a. m. on the 10th, when the Japanese detachment made an attack and drove the Russians back toward the northeast.
After the battle of Sha River the opposing armies faced each other without material change of positions and without any engagement on a large scale until the battle of Chen- tanpu. There were, however, for sometime almost daily encounters of greater or less magnitude.
On October 27 a portion of the Guards Division assaulted and carried Waitoushan, capturing 2 macliine guns, thus completing the occupation by the Japanese of the left bank of the Sha River in the neighborhood of Pienniulupu.
On November 24 the Japanese from Hsienchang (Ninth Kobi Brigade) attacked a Russian position near Chingho- clien occupied by a portion of Rennenkampf's command. The fighting continued into the night of the 24th, and was renewed on the 25th, 26th, and 27th, when the Japanese with- drew. They were followed and attacked by the Russians about six miles farther south and were again driven back.
96 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
RAID ON YINGKOU.
Early in January, 1905, a force was concentrated, under command of Majoi-General Mishchenko, for a raid around the Japanese left flank.
The composition of the force was as follows :
1. The Ural-Transbaikal Cossack Division. The Ural Brigade contained the Fourth and Fifth Ural Cbssack Regi- ments, each less one sotnia; the Transbaikal Cossack Bri- gade contained the First Chita Cossack Regiment and the First Verkhne-Udinsk Cossack Regiment, less one sotnia.
2. The Caucasus Cavalry Brigade, containing the Second Daghestan Regiment, 5 sotnias of the Terek-Kuban Regi- ment, and 4 machine guns.
3. The Fourth Division of Don Cossacks, containing the Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, and Twenty-sixth Regiments.
4. The Second Independent Dragoon Brigade, containing the Fifty-first and Fifty-second Regiments.
5. Four squadrons from the Maritime Province Dragoons.
6. One sotnia of scouts, drawn from various organizations and under the conuuander of the expedition.
7. Four half sotnias of frontier guards.
8. Four companies of mounted scouts of 100 men each, drawn from the First Siberian Corps.
9. The First and Second Transbaikal Mounted Cossack Batteries, the Twentieth Mounted Battery, one-half of a Frontier Guard mounted battery; total 22 guns.
10. A section of sappers, mounted and attached to head- quarters.
11. The train, comprising 2 ambulances, 1 column of pack litters, and 5 provision columns, containing 1,500 pack animals.
On January 8, 1905, this force moved south frcni Ssu- fangtai in three columns.
The riglit column (Major-General Samsonov) contained 16^ squadrons and sotnias and 10 guns; the center column (Major-General Abramov) contained 16^ sotnias, 4 com- panies of mounted scouts, and 6 guns; the left columii (Major-General Telichev) contained 29 1 sotnias, 6 guns; the convoys, escorted by the First Chita Regiment, followed the center column; tlii'ee detachments of from 35 to 40 men, charged with the destruction of the railway north and south
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 97
of Ilaiclicno- and at Tashihcliiao, were attached to the left cohinm.
On January ]() small detachments of Japanese convoying su])j)ly cohinms were defeated and at night a detachment cut tlu> telegraph lines and slightly damaged the railway- near llaicheng.
On the same day the advance guard occupied Newchwang, from which the Japanese garrison of 1 company and 2 squad- rons withdrew.
On the 11th the Russian columns advanced on Yingkou and made an attack shortly before night, the artillery fire start- ing a conilagration in some of the Japanese storehouses. The attack continued until the arrival by rail of some Japanese infantry from Tashihcliiao, when the Russians retired. On the 1.3th the Russians crossed to the right bank of the Liao River and on the 14th their right column was attacked by a Japanese force and suffered considerable loss. On the 15th the retreating Russians gained contact with the Fourteenth Division, Eighth Corps, that had been sent to their assistance.
During the raid the Russians captured 1 officer, 14 men, and about 500 provision carts. They reported their losses as 39 officers and 331 men killed, wounded, and missing.
BATTLE OF CHENTANPU OR HEIKOUTAI. (Plate XII.)
At the battle of Chentanpu (Sandepu) the Second Russian Army, commanded by General Grippenberg and forming the extreme Russian right, consisted of the Tenth, Eighth, and First (Siberian) Corps; the First, Second, and Fifth Euro- pean Rifle Brigades, forming a Rifle Corps; a mixed force, under Major-General Kossagovski, consisting of two regi- ments of infantry, 22 squadrons, and 2 horse batteries; 8 regi- ments of cavalry and 4 horse batteries under Major-General Mishchenko ; a total of about 84,000. The Tenth and Eighth Corps extended from Yamandapu westward to and across the Hun River, passing south of Shoukuanpu, with the Four- teenth Division, Eighth Corps, on the right bank of the Hun; the First Siberian Corps was west of the Hun River, in the vicinity of Ssufangtai; Kossagovski's command was on its 34526—07 7
98 EPITOME OF THE EUSSO-JAPANESE WAE.
right and Mishclienko's command still farther west at Tahoangchipu, with reconnoitering detachments reaching to the Liao River; the Rifle Corps was in reserve.
The general movement, a wheel to the left with the Tenth Corps as a moving pivot, began on January 24, 1005.
General Mishchenko moved in two columns south to near Mamikai, where he was joined by General Kossagovski, who had marched direct from Ssufangtai. The Japanese outposts in the various villages retired on the approach of the Russians and but little resistance was encountered.
The First Siberian Corps, First Division on the right, advanced to the Hun River. The First Division occupied Huanlotaitzu after a preliminary bombardment, and the Ninth Division occupied Toutaitzu by a night assault ; neither division encountered serious resistance.
The Eighth Corps drove in the Japanese outposts.
On January 25 the batteries with Mishchenko and Kossa- govski bombarded Chitaitzu and Mamikai until night, when the two villages were assaulted and captured by Kossagov- ski's infantry.
In the First Siberian Corps, the First Division captured Toupao and Shihtsia, while the Ninth Division captured Ileikoutai and Erhchiahotzu. The Eighth Corps continued its slow advance to the southward and was joined in the movement by the right of the Tenth Corps.
The Japanese Eighth Division and one Kobi brigade, sent from the Manchurian army reserve, arrived on the night of the 25th at Tatai. Later the Fifth Division from near Yentai and the Second Division and one Kobi brigade from the Jap- anese First Army were sent to reenforce the Japanese left. Major-General Aki3^ama, with the First Cavalr}" Brigade and parts of the divisional cavalry of the Second Army, was near Hsiaopeiho, ha\nng a portion of his command on the right bank of the Ilun River.
On January 26 IMishchenko with his left column continued his advance as far as Ilsiuerhpu, capturing several Aallages. His right column remained facing the Japanese First Cavalry Brigade. Kossagovski's force remained on the Hun River. One of the Rifle Brigades was placed in the first line on the left of the First Siberian Corps.
EPITOME OF THE liUSSO-J APANESE WAR. 99
At 8 a. 111. the Ei(;lith Corps oponeci artillery fire on Cheii- iUiipu; toward iiiidninht the Fourteenth Division assaulted from the west and carried the adjacent villages Baotaitzii and Ilsiaoshiitzii; the Fifteenth Division carried Peitaitzu, and the Tenth (\)rps carried Iluanchi and Ilsinshantun. '^Fiie Japanese set fire to buildings, opened a heavy infantry and machine-gun hre, and made a series of attacks, driving tiie Russians from Baotaitzu and Hsiaoshutzu. One brigade of the First Siberian Corps, that was to move past the north side of Tatai and assault Chentanpu from the south, was attacked and checked by the Kobi brigade of the Tatai force moving from Kuchentzu. The Russian brigade then moved north to near Malengtzu, where it was placed in line by the com- mander of the Eighth Corps.
In the meantime the left wdng of the Tatai force had deployed along the Sumapu-Shihtsia line to attack the P'irst Siberian Corps on the Toupao-Heikoutai line, directing the heaviest attack against Toupao. At the same time the right wing attacked on the Ijaochiao-Sumapu line, but was able to make but little progress.
On January 27 Mshchenko, driving back the opposing Japanese, advanced against and attacked Langtungkou, but was repulsed. Receiving a wound in the knee during this attack, General Mishchenko turned the command of his column over to Major-General Grekov. This attack dis- closed the movements of the Japanese Fifth and Second Di^^sions and one Kobi brigade mo^nng northward toward Heikoutai and Chentanpu.
The Second Division turned west to oppose ^lishchenko's command, and succeeded in reaching a line through Cliin- chiawopeng-Chenshao, where it was brought to a stand. The Fifth Division attacked the Liutiaokou-Hsiuchenghotzu line, from which the Russians were threatening the right and rear of the Eighth Di^asion and the left of the main line at Chentanpu.
The right wing of the Japanese Eighth Division gained a little ground to the north, and its Kobi brigade, from Kuchentzu, then advanced, coming on the line between the two wings of the Eighth Division. The extreme left of the Eighth Divi- sion, enveloped by Kossagovski's command, suffered severely and was driven back from Shihtsia to Sancliienpao. During
100 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
the night of the 27th the Russians continued the attack on the Eighth Division, particularly at Sumapu, which was captured by an assault of the Ninth Division, the Thirty- fourth Regiment entering the village from three sides.
On the other hand the Japanese carried out a succession of strong attacks in the neighborhood of Chentanpu and Heikoutai.
On January 28 the Japanese Fifth Division continued its attack, occupying Liutiaokou at 9.30 a. m. and Ilsiucheng- hotzu about 3 p. m.
The Japanese Eighth Division and its Kobi brigade con- tinued its attack against Heikoutai and Sumapu. At the latter village a detachment of the Thirt3^-fourth Regiment, that had captured the village on the preceding night, remained after the adjacent portions of the Russian line had been driven back, was surrounded, and, after a desperate resistance, surrendered about 200 prisoners. The extreme left of the Japanese Eighth Division recaptured Sliihtsia, from which it had been driven the preceding day. The Japanese Second Division drove back its opponents of General Grekov's cavalry and Kossagovski's infantry and occupied Hsiuerhpu about 3 p. m., and a little later drove the Russians from and occupied Haerhpu.
The Russian forces concerned state that their retrograde movements of the 2Sth were taken up in ol)edience to orders received that day from Manchurian army headcjuarters.
During the day the Russian Tenth Corps carried Hsiao- taitzu and Yapatai.
The Japanese continued their attack during the night and by 9.30 a. m. on the 29th had recaptured Heikoutai, detach- ments continuing to and occupying Toutaitzu and Huanlo- taitzu. The Second Division advanced as far as the Hun River, occupying Chitaitzu and Sanchiapii. Troops from Hsiuchenghotzu crossed the Hun and reached a point 1,000 yards south of Changtan. On the 30th the fighting con- tinued on a smaller scale, the Russians continuing to bom- bard Chentanpu. On the 31st the Japanese attacked and carried Changtanhonan, but were driven out by a counter attack. At noon on February 1 they again carried the village and successfully resisted a counter attack, although the Russians remained in close proximity to the village.
EIMPOMK OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE \VA!{. IQl
Tlic v\osv of the hatth loimd the Russian tr()()])s occiipyin*:; a lino tlir()u<2;h ('hangtaii and Ssufanj^tai, west to the Liao Kivcr.
The Russians reported a loss of 49 officers and 1,()7() men kill(>d, 378 officers and 10,746 men wounded, 25 officers and 1 ,277 men missing, and the capture of about 300 prisoners. The Japanese reported a loss of 842 killed, 8,014 wounded, and r)2() missino;, and the capture of 500 jn'isoners. Both sides sulfered severely from frostbite.
The battle was followed by a quarrel l)etween Generals Grippenber<2^ and Kuropatkin, the former claiminfy that his turning movement was but the part of the general plan in which the Third Army was to follow the development of the turning movement by a vigorous attack on the Japanese center, wiiile the First Army was to join in the general attack as soon as the retrograde movement of the Japanese began, and that the latter general failed to give proper support to the turning movement, successfully begun, by ordering the attack on the Japanese center.
General Kin-opatkin claimed that the turning movement failed through lack of proper concert of action between the corps engaged; that a general attack wovild have resulted only in a waste of ammunition and was rendered inadvisa})le by the intense cold. General Grippenberg proceeded to St. Petersburg and laid his complaint before the Czar, by whom he is said to have been rcj^rimanded.
BATTLE OF MUKDEN. (Plato XIII.)
After the battle of Chentanpu the opposing armies re- mained facing each other without serious engagement until the battle of Mukden. There were, however, almost daily skirmishes of greater or less severity.
At the beginning of the battle the composition and arrangement from right to left of the Russian Manchurian army, commanded by General Kuropatkin, with Lieutenant- General Sakharov as chief of staff, were as follows:
I. Second Army, General Kaulbars; chief of staff, Lieu- tenant-General Ruzski.
(a) West Detachment, Rennenkampf: The Ural-trans- baikal Cossack Division (Rennenkampf followed by Grekov),
102 EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-.TAPANESE WAR.
composed of the First Brigade, containino; the Fourtli and Fifth Ural; the Second Brigade, containing the First Ver- khne-Udinsk and First Chita; the Caucacus Brigade, con- taining the Second Daghestan and Second Terek-Kuban; 2 batteries of horse artillery, and 4 machine guns.
A mixed brigade (Kossagovski), containing the Two hun- dred and fifteenth and Two hundred and forty-first Regi- ments drawn from the Fifth Siberian Corps.
(h) The Rifle Corps (Kutnievich) : First Division, con- taining First, Second, Third, and Fourth Regiments, and 3 batteries; Second Division, containing Fifth, Sixth, wSeventh, and Eighth Regiments, and 3 batteries; Fifth Division, con- taining Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twen- tieth Regiments, and 3 batteries; one-third of the First Orenburg Cossack Regiment from the Tenth Corps.
(c) The Eighth Corps (Milov) : Fourteenth Infantry Division (Rusanov), containing Fifty-third to Fifty-sixth Regiments, and the Twenty-ninth Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries; Fifteenth Infantry Division (Ivanov), containing Fifty-seventh to Sixtieth Regiments, and the Forty-first Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries; one-third of the First Oren- burg Cossack Regiment from the Tenth Corps; the Twelfth Sapper Battalion.
(d) The Tenth Corps (Tserpitski) : Ninth Infantry Divi- sion (Ilerschelmann), containing Thirty-third, Thirty-fifth, and Thirty-sixth Regiments, and the Ninth Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries; Thirty-first Infantry Division (Man), con- taining One hundred and twenty-first to One hundred and twenty-fourth Regiments, and the Thirty-first Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries; one-third of the First Orenburg Cos- sack Regiment; Ninth and Tenth East Siberian Mountain Batteries; Sixth Sapper Battalion.
{(') The First Siberian Corps (Gerngross) : First East Siberian Rifle Division (Gerngross), containing the First to Fourth Regiments, and the First East Siberian Artillery Brigade of 4 batteries; Ninth East Siberian Rifle Division (Kondratovich), containing the Thirty-third to Thirty-sixth Regiments, and Ninth East Siberian Artillery Brigade of 4 batteries; Second Brigade, Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Regiments, of the Sixth East Siberian Rifle Division; the
EPITOME OF TUK KUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 103
Primorski l)ra<:;()()n R(^o;iin(Mit ; the First Kast Sihorian Sapper Battalion.
II. The Tliird Army, General liilderlin*^ in temporary command; chief of stafi", Lientenant-General Martson:
(a) The Fifth SilxM-ian Corps (Dembovski): F'ifty-fourth Infantry Division (Artamanov), containino; Two hundred and thirteenth, Two hundred and fourtecntli, and Two hun- dred and sixteenth Regiments, and the Twenty-ei<i;htli Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries ; Sixty-first Infantry Division (Podmalniuk), containino; Two hundred and forty-second, Two hundred and forty-third, and Tw^o luuidred and forty- fourtli Regiments, and tlie Fortieth Artillery Brigade of G batteries; Thirty-fourth Regiment from the Tenth Corps; two-thirds the Argunsk Cossack Regiment; Fifth East Siberian Sapper Battalion.
(J)) The Seventeenth Corps (Selimanov temporarily) : Third Infantry Division (Orlov), containing Ninth to Twelfth Regiments, and the Third Artillery Brigade of G batteries; Thirty-fiftli Infantry Division (Dobrzhinski), con- taining One hundred and thirty-seventh to One hundred and fortieth Regiments, and the Thirty-fifth Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries; the Pifty-first and Fifty-second Dragoon Regi- ments; Seventeenth Sapper Battalion.
(c) The Sixth Siberian Corps (Sobolev) : Fifty-fifth Infan- try Division (Laiming), containing Two hundred and seven- teenth to Two hundred and twentieth Regiments, and the Tenth Artillery Brigade of G batteries ; Tenth Orenburg Cos- sack Regiment; Sixth Sapper Battalion.
III. First Ai'my, General Linevich; chief of staff, Lieu- tenant-General Kharkevich.
(a) First Corps (Meyendorf ) : Twenty-second Infantry Division (Kutnievich, with rifle corps), containing Eighty- sixth, Eighty-seventh, and Eighty-eighth Regiments, and Seventh Artillery Brigade of 4 batteries; Thirty-seventh Infantry Division, containing One hundred and forty-fifth. One hundred and forty-seventh, and One hundred and forty- eighth Regiments, and the Forty-third Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries; Second Brigade, Nineteenth and Twentieth Regiments, of the Fifth East Siberian Rifle Division, and 3 Transbaikal horse batteries; one-half of the Second Ver- khne-Udinsk Cossack Regiment; First Sapper Battalion.
104 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
(b) Fourth Siberian Corps (Zarubaiev) : Second Infantry Division (Levestan), containing Fifth to Eighth Regiments, and First Siberian Artillery Brigade of 4 batteries; Third Infantry Division (Kossovich), containing Ninth to Twelfth Regiments, and 2 batteries of the Twenty-sixth Artillery Brigade; two-thirds of the Seventh Siberian Cossack Regi- ment; Fourth East Siberian Sapper Battalion.
(c) Second Siberian Corps (Zasulich) : Fifth East Siberian Rifle Division (Alexiev, with P]astern Detachment), contain- ing Seventeenth and Eighteenth Regiments and Fifth East Siberian Artillery Brigade of 4 batteries; First Siberian In- fantry Division (Morosov), containing First to Fourth Regi- ments and the Sixth East Siberian Artillery Brigade of 3f batteries, one-third of the Seventh East vSiberian Cossack Regiment and the Fifth and Seventh East Siberian Mountain Batteries; Second East Siberian Sapper Battalion.
(d) Third Siberian Corps (Ivanov, Kashtalinski tempora- ril}^ : Third East Siberian Rifle Division (Kashtalinski), con- taining Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Regiments and the Third East Siberian Artillery Brigade of 4 batteries; Two hundred and eighty-fourth Regiment from the Seventy-first Infantry Division; the Siberian Cossack Division (Samsonov), containing Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth Regiments and the Third, Fourth, and Sixth East Siberian Mountain Batteries.
(e) East Detachment (Alexiev, then Rennenkampf) : The First Brigade, Twenty-first and Twenty-second Regiments of the Sixth East Siberian Rifle Division (Danilov) ; Ninth East Siberian Rifle Regiment, Two hundred and eighty-first and Two hundred and eighty-second Regiments of the Seventy- first Infantry Division (Eck) ; the Transbaikal Cossack Di- vision (Baumgarten), containing the Second Chita, the Sec- ond Nerchinsk, the Second Argunsk, the F'ourth Transbaikal Horse Battery, 8 machine guns, and 1 Transbaikal Cossack battalion; 4 batteries from the Twenty-sixth Artillery Bri- gade and 1 battery from the Eleventh East Siberian Artillery Brigade. A flank detachment (Major-General Maslov), con- taining the Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth Siberian Re- serve Battalions, 2 squadrons, and 2 guns, was at Ilsingking.
A flying detachment (Colonel Madritov), containing 1 Transbaikal Cossack battalion, 5 squadrons drawn from the Amur, Argunsk, and Ussuri Cossack Regiments, the
KIMTOMK OF TIIK RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 105
Ei^lilli Kast Siberian Alouutain liatfeiy of 4 guns, was at Tunghuahsicn.
IV. (ienoral rcsorve.
(a) vSixtoentli Corps (Topornin) : Twenty-fiftli Infantry Di- vision (Pncvski), containing Ninety-seven tli to One hun- (Irodtli Koginionts and the Twenty-fiftli Artillery Jirigade of () batteries: tlie First Brigade, One liundred and sixty-first and ()n(> luindnMl and sixty-second Regiments of the Forty- first I)i\ision (Birger), and 'A ])atteries of the Forty-fifth Ar- tillery lirigade; Sixteenth Sa])])er Battalion.
(/>) Th(> Seventy-second Division (Tii])an-AIirza-Baranov- ski) from tlie Sixth Siberian Corps, containing the Two liun- dred and eighty-fifth to Two hundred and eighty-eighth Regi- ments and the Sixth Artillery Brigade of 6 batteries; One liundred and forty-sixth Regiment from the First Corps; one- third of the Amur Cossack Regiment.
The Second Brigade of Birger's division, the Don Cossack Division, the Ussuri Cossack Regiment, and 1 Frontier Guard regiment were sent north shortly l)efore the battle to guard the railway.
The Ninth and Tenth Rifle Regiments arrived during the battle.
There were about 250 heavy guns and 88 machine guns distributed along the line, the heavy guns lieing concentrated almost entirely near the railway and opposite Chentanpu and Litajentun.
The total force taking part in the early stages of the battle is taken at 370 battalions, 127 squadrons and sotnias, 1,192 field and mountain guns, 250 heavy guns, and 88 machine guns.
The total effective strength is estimated at 375,000.
The composition and order from right to left of the Japa- nese Manchurian army, commanded by Field Marshal Oyama, with General Kodania as chief of staff, were as follows:
1. Fifth Army, General Kawamura: chief of stafl', Major- General Uchiyama.
(a) Eleventh Division (Samejima), composed of Tenth Brigade, containing Twenty-second and Forty-fourth Regi- ments, and Twenty-second Brigade, containing Twelfth and Forty-third Regiments, Eleventh Cavalry Regiment, and Eleventh Artillery Regiment.
106 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
(/;) The Second, Fourth, and Ninth Ko])i Brio;ades, con- taining 14 or 20 l)attaHons.
Total, 26 or 32 battahons, 3 squadrons, and 36 guns.
II. First Army, General Kuroki; chief of staff, Major-Gen- eral Fujii.
(a) Guards (Asada), composed of the First Brigade, con- taining the First and Second Regiments; the Second Brigade, containing the Third and Fourth Regiments; the Guards Cavalry Regiment, and Guards Artillery Regiment.
(b) Second Division (Nishishima), composed of the Third Brigade, containing the Fourth and Twenty-ninth Regiments; the Fifteenth Brigade, containing the Sixteenth and Thirtieth Regiments (the Sixteenth Regiment was at army headquar- ters) ; the Twelfth Cavalry Regiment, and Twelfth Artillerj' Regiment.
(c) Twelfth Division (Inouye), composed of the Twelfth Brigade, containing the Fourteenth and Forty-seventh Regi- ments; the Twenty- third Brigade, containing the Twenty- fourth and Forty-sixth Regiments; the Twelfth Cavalry Regi- ment, and Twelfth Artiller}^ Regiment.
(d) Three Kobi brigades, with their cavalry and artillery.
(e) Five foot batteries.
Total, 52 battalions, 10 squadrons, and 152 guns.
III. Fourth Army, General Nodzu; chief of staff, Major- General I^yikaza.
(a) Sixth Division (Okubo), composed of the Eleventh Brigade, containing the Thirteenth and Forty-fifth Regi- ments; the Twenty-fourth Brigade, containing the Twenty- third and Forty-eighth Regiments; the Sixth Cavalry Regi- ment, and Sixth Artillery Regiment.
(b) Tenth Division (Ando), composed of the Eighth Brigade, containing the Tenth and Fortieth Regiments; the Twentieth Brigade, containing the Twentieth and Thirty- ninth Regiments; the Tenth Cavalry Regiment, and the Tenth Artillery Regiment.
(c) Eleventh and Twelfth Kobi Brigades with their cav- alry and artillery.
(d) First Artillery Brigade, containing the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Regiments.
(e) Two regiments of 15 cm. mortars.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 1()7
Total, '.V2 or 'MS battalions, 7 or S sciuadroiis, ISO or l'.)2 tjiins, 48 inortars.
IV. Second Army, General Oku; chief of staff, Major- General Osako:
(a) Fourth Division (Tsiisamoto), composed of the Seventh Brigade, containmg the Eiglith and Thirty-seventli Regi- ments; the Nineteenth Brigade, containing the Ninth and Thirty-eightli Regiments; the Fourth Cavalry Regiment, and Fourth Artillery Regiment.
(h) Fifth Division (Kigoshi), composed of the Nintli Brig- ade, containing the Eleventh and Forty-first Regiments; the Twenty-first Brigade, containing the Twenty-first and Forty- second Regiments; the Fifth Cavalry Regiment, and the Fifth Artillery Regiment.
(c) Eighth Division (Tatsumi), composed of the Fourth Brigade, containing the Fifth and Thirty-first Regiments; the Sixteenth Brigade, containing the Seventeenth and Thirty- second Regiments; the Eighth Cavalry Regiment, Eighth Artillery Regiment, and a battery of Russian guns.
(d) Eighth and Eleventh Kobi Brigades.
(e) First Cavalry Brigade (Akiyama), Thirteenth and Fourteenth Regiments.
(f) Heavy Artillery Brigade (Saisho), containing 6 bat- teries of four 15 cm. guns each, 4 batteries of six 12 cm. guns each, and 1 battery of Russian quick-fire guns.
(g) Thirteenth Regiment of Field Artillery.
Total, 44 or 48 battalions, 15 squadrons, 212 or 214 guns.
V. Third Army, General Nogi; chief of staff, Major-General Matsunago :
(a) First Division (Yda), composed of the First Brigade, containing the First and Fifteenth Regiments; the Second Brigade, containing the Second and Third Regiments; the First Cavalry Regiment, and First Artillery Regiment.
(/>) Seventh Division (Oseho), composed of the Thirteen tli Brigade, containing the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Regiments; the Fourteenth Brigade, containing the Twenty- seventh and Twenty-eighth Regiments; the Seventh Cavalry Regiment, and Seventh Artillery Regiment.
(c) Ninth Division (Oshima II), composed of the Sixth Brigade, containing the Seventh and Thirty-fifth Regiments;
lOcS EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
the Eighteenth Brigade, eontaiuing the Nineteenth and Thirty-sixth Regiments; the Ninth Cavahy Regiment, and Ninth Artillery Regiment.
{d) Fifteenth Kobi Brigade.
{e) Second Cavalry Brigade (Tamiira), Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments.
(f) Second Artillery Brigade (Nagata), containing the Six- teenth, Seventeenth, and Eighteenth Regiments.
VI. General reserve:
(r/) Third Division (Okiibo) , composed of the Fifth Brigade, containing the Sixth and Thirty-third Regiments; the Seven- teenth Brigade, containing the Eighteenth and Thirty-fourth Regiments; the Third Cavalry Regiment, and Third Artillery Regiment.
(6) The First, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Kobi Brigades.
Total, 24 or 30 battalions, 3 squadrons, 36 guns.
Each division has a pioneer battalion with the same numerical designation as the division.
The total numljer of machine gims attached to the various organizations is estimated at 200.
The number of unplaced organizations and of those that arrived during the battle, as well as the number of unorgan- ized reserves at hand to replace losses in battle, are unknown.
The total effective strength is estimated at 325,000 °'.
"The total troops mol)ilized by Japan during the entire war consisted of the 13 old and 4 new divisions, 12 Kobi brigades, the 2 independent brigades of artillery, the 2 independent brigades of cavalry, and the organizations of heavy field and siege artillery taken from the 21 battalions of coast artillery raised to war strength.
The 4 new divisions, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth, were composed mainly of recruits, though containing men from the Kobi, Kokumin, and Hoju (conscript reserves).
The Japanese division has a combatant strength in round numbers of 14,000: ration strength, 20,000.
In round numbers this gives a total of 485, 000
to which must be added of the Hoju, on the lines of communi- cation - 200, 000
Sick removed to Japan 281, 587
Killed 43, 219
Disappeared 5, 081
Total 1, 014, 887
The Kobi troops usvially formed l)rigades of 3 regiments of 2 battalions each, 1 battery and 1 squadron.
EPITOMK OK TIIK RUSSO-JAPANESE WAH. 109
Tlio 'roinioka DetaclHucnt consistetl of the Eiglith Kobi lirigade and the following from the Fourth Division: Three- battalions of infantry, 1 section of cavalry, 1 battalion of artillery, and the battery of Russian guns.
The greater part of the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Cavalfy Regimemts were attached to the First Cav- alry Brigade, forming the Akiyama Detachment.
The main Russian position extended from Ssufangtai through Changtan, Lingshenpu, Shahopu, Fengchiatun, and I^ienniulupu to Kaotuling. At Shahopu it crossed to the left bank of the Sha River, recrossing to the right bank at Taslian. There was also an advanced portion of the line south of the Sha, reaching from opposite Fengchiapu to Yanghsintun. Otherwise, from Linshengpu eastward the main position followed the high ground on the right bank of the Sha River.
From the vicinity of Laishengpu a line of prepared posi- tions ran north through Erhtaitzu, Machiapu, Yangshihtun, Xiidisiiitun, and then northeast across the Hsinmintun high- way in the neighborhood of Houtai.
In the rear of the main line was a line of connected works constituting bridgeheads, on the left bank of the Hun, cov- ering the crossings from about 2 miles west of the railway bridge to the vicinity of Yankuantun. On the right bank of the Hun a prepared line extended from Fuling to Fushim.
From the Hun River eastward to Pienniulupu the main Japanese position ran parallel to and practically in contact with the Russian line; both lines passing through the same village of Linshengpu. The left flank was strengthened by preparing for defense the villages, on the right bank of the Hun, extending southward to west of Hsiaopeiho.
About 2 miles east of Pienniulupu the line turned back and ran in an irregular curve to the Pensihu region.
Like the Russians the Japanese had prepared successive positions in rear of the main line.
Just prior to the battle the positions in the Russian army of the various organizations were as follow^s:
In the Second Army General Rennenkampf's cavalry was to the west of Ssufangtai, Kossagovski's brigade at Ssufang- tai, the rifle corps from near Ssufangtai to astride the Hun at Changtan, the Eighth Corps opposite Chentanpu, Tenth
110 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Corps north of Litajentun, and the First Si!)crian Corps in reserve on the right bank of the Hun, opposite Tawangkampu.
In the Third Army the Fifth Siberian Corps, less one brigade, was near Tahentun, the Seventeenth Corps on the railway, and the Fifty-fifth Division, Sixth Siberian Corps, at Shahopu,
In the First Army, the First Corps was at Putilov Hill, the Fourth Siberian Corps was at Erhtaokou, the Second Siberian Corps held the line from Fengchiapu to Kangtolishan, and the Third Siberian Corps held the remainder of the line to Kaotuling.
In the Eastern Detachment, General Eck, with 10^ bat- talions, 11 sotnias, and 24 guns, was in the neighborhood of Chinghochen; General Liubavin, with 2 J battalions, 4 sotnias, and G guns, was near Kaolingtzu; General Maslov, with 4 battalions, 1 sotnia, and 2 guns, was at Hsingking.
General Baumgarten, with 1 battalion, 18 squadrons, 30 guns, and 8 machine guns, connected the Chinghochen Detacti- ment with the left of the Third Siberian Corps.
In the general reserve the Sixteenth Corps was at Peitapu, the Seventy-second Division near Hsiaochentun, the One hundred and forty-sixth Regiment at Huanshan.
In the Japanese army the positions were as follows:
The Fifth Army was in the Saimachi-IIsienchang region.
In the First Army the Twelfth Division was at Shang- pingtaitzu, the Guards opposite Yanghsintun, the Second Division near Tsaichiatun in reserve.
In the Fourth Army the Tenth Division was opposite Tashan, the Sixth Division was on the Mandarin road, its left extending to southwest of Linshengpu.
In the Second Army the Tomioka Detachment held the line from southwest of Linshengpu to Hsiaotai, the Fourth Division from Hsiaotai to Chentanpu, the Fifth Division from Chentanpu to Malengtzu, the Eighth Division from Malengtzu through Erhchiahotzu to Huanlotaitzu, the \ Akiyama Detachment at Sanchiatzu, Mamikai, and farther
south on the right bank of the Hun.
C The Third Army had finished its concentration south of the
I Taitzu on February 19, and the Ninth Division was at Tasha-
ling, the Seventh Division at Iluangniwa, the First Division
near Hsiaopeiho, the Second Cavalry Brigade on line with
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. HI
the left of the Akiyania Dctaclinicnt, the Second Artillery Briijiule and tlic infantry reserve were near the Seventli Division.
On Fehrnary 19 the Japanese Fifth Army moved forward in two colnmns. On the 22d, after skirmishing witli small Russian detachments, it occupied the villages on the left bank of the TaitzAi River in preparation for an attack on the Rus- sian positions at Chinghochen.
On February 21 the Second Ja})anese I3ivision marched to Weiningying and sent advance troops to the line Sanchiatzu- Kaochiaj)utzii, the Russian outposts being on the line Shin- kailing-Peihunling-IIouchiahotzu. On the 24tli the Third Brigade moved to Kaokuanchai, the opposing Cossacks, under Baumgarten, withdrawing before the advance.
It was reported that false information had been conveyed to Russian headquarters that the Japanese reserves in the Yentai region had moved east.
On Februar}^ 23 the left column of the Fifth Army attacked the Russian positions near Chinghochen, but was repulsed. The attack was renew^ed on the 24th and, in conjunction with the occupation of Chingtoukou by the right column, caused the positions to be evacuated toward evening. The Russian troops retired along the roads leading toward Fushun.
On the 24th, after consultation with General Kuropatkin," General Kaulbars recalled the order for his army to attack the next day. General Kuropatkin decided to reenforce his left, and to that end ordered that the First Siberian Corps proceed by forced march to Changsamutun, the attached brigade of the Sixth East Siberian Rifle Division by rail to Fushun, the Second Brigade of the Seventy-second Division to Shihuichen, the One hundred and forty-sixth Regiment to Yingpan. General Rennenkampf was sent to take command of the Chinghochen detachment and all other troops arriving in that region.
General Grekov succeeded Rennenkampf in command of the cavalry on the Russian right. General Grekov' s cavalry was divided into two wings. The right (Pavlov) contained 15 sotnias and 12 guns of horse artillery; the left (Eichholz) con- tained 17 sotnias and 6 guns of horse artillery.
Kossagovski's brigade was withdrawn from the West Detachment to the general reserve of the Second Army, and later joined on the Rifle Corps at Ssufangtai.
112 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
On February 25 tlic Japanese Fifth Army engaged the advance gviards of the Chingliochen Detacliment, and advanced, the right cohiinn to Hsichuanhng, the left to Tahng.
In the Japanese First Army the Second Division concen- trated on the Third Brigade at Kaokuanchai, and, its left connecting with the right of the Twelfth Division and its right being at Yangtianshan, began developing the ground toward Kaotiiling. The Twelfth Brigade moved to the Sha River north of Tahopu, and the Fifth Kobi Brigade, Twelfth Division, to Tabekou. A battalion of the Guards made an unsuccessful night attack on Yanghsintun.
On February 26 the columns of the Japanese Fifth Army reached Yulingkou and Shanlunkou, respectively, after slight skirmishing with the Russian rear guards.
In the Japanese First Army the Second Division moved against the line Kaotiding-Hsikouling-Peitalinkoiding. The Fifteenth Brigade attacked the positions at Ilsikouling and Peitalinkouling, which were held by a force of about three battalions and a portion of the Siberian Cossack Division, but did not make much progress. The Third Brigade advanced and sent a detachment to occupy Wanfiding. The Fifth Kobi Brigade, Twelfth Division, occupied the heights south of Sungshutsuitzu. There was an exchange of artillery fire between the Guards and the opposing Rus- sians south of Fengchiapu.
At night the Russians made small attacks, v/est of the railway, near Wangchuangtzu, Paotzuyen, Yapatai, and Hsiaoshutzu.
On February 27 the two columns of the Japanese Fifth Army were checked at strongly occupied positions near Tita and Wupainiulu, the troops in the first being under Danilov, in the second under Rennenkampf in person.
In the Japanese First Army the Fifteenth Brigade, threatened by the Two hundred and eighty-fourth Regiment, wSeventy-first Division, in the hills east of Peitalinkouling and the arrival of a regiment of infantry at Shopu, suspended its intended attack on Kaotuling from the east and took up a defensive position, in which it continued without serious engagement until March 5. The right of the line from Peitalinkoulino; was bent back facing the east. The Third
EPITOME OF THE KUSSO- JAPANESE WAR. 113
l^ritiiKlc altiickcd and carried a Jvussian icdoid)! ciist of Wanfulinji;. The Twelfth Division engaged in artillery lire, while the (liiards continued the exchange of artillery fire.
The Fourth Army began to lire against Putilov Hill and Novgorod Hill (just east of Putilov Hill).
In order to divert attention from the movements of the Japanese Third Army, the artillery of the Second, excepting the heavy guns, fired slowly from 8 to 9 a. m. and from noon to 1 p. m. The Fifth Division sent one regiment to Ku- chentzu, the Eighth Division sent one to Hsiaotientzu to join the reserve of the Second iii'my, whose headquarters were now at Koutzuyen.
On this day the Japanese Third Army began its general turning movement. The Ninth Division movetl to the line Mamikai-Houfangtaitzu (west of Mamikai), the Seventh IXvision to Lokonto-vSojushi, the First Division to Mashan- chiatzu-Kalima, the artillery brigade and infantry reserve to Wuchiakangtzu, the Second Cavalry Brigade to Kualingteh, on the right bank of the Liao River. The Russian cavalry observed but did not resist this advance.
The First Siberian Corps arrived south of Shihuicheng.
On the night of the 27th a force from the Seventeenth Corps attacked and carried the railway bridge over the Sha River. It was, however, recaptured by the Japanese on the next day.
On February 28 the two columns of the Japanese Fifth Ai'my began a series of determined and costly attacks against the positions of Tita and Wupainiulu. The right column made no ])rogress. The left column carried the heights north- east of Tiupingtai and those northwest of Wupainiulu, and at night made an attack on the main position on the height south of Machuntun, where it was repulsed.
In front of the Japanese First and Fourth Armies there was but little change from the conditions of the preceding day.
In the Japanese iSecond Army General Akiyama advanced from Sanchiatzu (6 miles east of Mamikai), driving back the opposing cavalry and infantry outposts, and occupied the two villages (Chien and Hon) of IVIahulingtzu with the First Cav- alry Brigade, and Huanlotaitzu, Toutaitzu, and Hsiaohenwai with the attaclied troops. The artillery of the Eightli Divi- sion assisted this movement by bombarding Toutaitzu and Abihulingtzu.
;u.";2G— 07 8
114 EPITOME OF THE IIUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Ill the Ja])anese Third Army the Ninth Division, which was to have occupied the hne Ssufant::tai-(^hangchiwopen<!;, haHed at Tsuyutai because of the vigorous defense of Ssufangtai. The Seventh Division advanced to Tahoangchipu, the First Division to Chentzukou, the vSecond Cavalry Brigade to Yang- langchiapu, the artillery brigade and infantry reserve to Tatzuying.
General Kuropatkin sent the Twenty-fifth Division, Six- teenth Corps, toward Shalingpu and ordered Birger's brigade to march toward Hsinmintun so as to arrive at Kuliuhochen the next day.
On March 1 the Fifth Army made but little progress in the attacks on the positions at Tita and south ot Machuntun.
In the Japanese First Army the Third Brigade, after hard fighting, carried two more redoubts on the heights north of Wanfuling. The Twelfth Brigade attacked the height northeast of Tungkou and was repulsed.
The Guards made a slight advance in two parts of their line near to and below Pienniulupu, and, in the early morning completed a night attack by which they captured a Russian trench on the heights north of Minchia^^i, repulsing the Rus- sian counter attacks.
The Fourth Army continued its artillery fire, to which the Russians energetically replied.
In the Japanese Second Army the artillery of the Fifth Division opened fire against Lichiawopeng and Changtanho- nan at 7.30 a. m., and the division advanced an hour later. The artillery of the Fourth Division, from near Yapatai, opened fire on Peitaitzu, Huanchi, and Hsinshantun, while Ilayashi's brigade. Fourth Division, advancing past the west side of Chentanpu attacked a redoubt about 300 yards west of Peitaitzu. The Eighth Division crossed its main force to the right bank of the Hun and deployed against the Changtan- Nienyupao line, the artillery coming into action from near Toutaitzu. General Akiyama arrived at Toutaitzu with the the main portion of his command and opened artillery fire against Nienyupao at 9 a. m. The attack was carried on during the day and into the night, but the Japanese failed to carry any portion of the Russian line.
In the Japanese Third Army the Ninth Division, which was to attack Ssufangtai as soon as the Seventh and First Divi-
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 115
sioiis had roacluMl Suchiaan, opened iirc from the soutlioast at iioou. Tlie artillery brlii;ade advanced to Suchiaan, fired on and drove back the oj)i)osin(2; cavalry. A part of tlie l)ri<j:;a(le then took position at 'ra})inji;chiiang and opened lire on Ssufano;tai. In spit(> of the cross fire thus obtained the Russians held Ssufaniitai until ni,2;ht and then retired to the northeast. The Ninth Division made a night attaclc but found the village deserted.
By nlglit the Seventli Division had reached TTuoshih- kangt/Ai, the First Division Ilichiawotzu (5 miles northwest of Huosliihkangtzu), the cavalry brigade Tamingtun, the artillery brigade and infantry reserve Yuchiatai (3 miles northwest of Suchiaan).
On the evening of this day the First Cavalry Brigade was detached from the Second Army and sent to join the Third Army, thus giving the latter a full division of cavalry. Gen- eral Kuropatkin sent General Shatilov with a composite division, drawn from the Tenth Corps, to reenforce the Twent3-fifth Division, Sixteenth Corps, near Shalingpu. The First Siberian Corps, now with the First Army, was ordered to proceed to Peitapu, and then to near Mukden as part of the general reserve.
To replace the Sixteenth Corps (Birger's brigade and the Twenty-fifth Division) in the general reserve the Eighth Corps was ordered withdrawn, the positions vacated by its withdrawal to be occupied by troops of the Rifle Corps. The withdrawal from Ssufangtai and vicinity of Kossagovski's brigade and portions of the rifle corps on the night of March 1 , disarranged this plan and greatly increased the difficulties of the Eighth Corps on the next day. "^i / ^
On ]\larch 2 there was no material change in the conditions "^ ^^ in front of the Fifth Army.
The First Siberian Corps reached Shahotzu in its retiu-n to the west. One-half of the Seventy-second Division remained in the front line north of Kaotuling, the other half was placed in reserve at Shihuichen.
In the Japanese First Army the Third Brigade captured 2 redoubts east of the Impan-Kaotuling road, but was re- pulsed with heavy loss in an assault on the third redoubt. The Twelfth Division continued the attack on the heights northeast of Tungkou and north of Chinghichai, captured the
116 EPITOME OK THE RUSSO-.TAPANESK WAR.
first position and failed in the attack on the second. The Guards began operations against the Russian position south of the Sha lliver in the vicinity of Fengchiapu.
The Japanese Fourth Army began a series of small attacks to prevent the opposing forces l)eing withdrawn to reenforce other portions of the line. The most important of these attacks was against Putilov Hill, from the vicinity of which the Russians made an unsuccessful night attack.
In the Japanese Second Army, Hayashi's brigade stormed the redoubt west of Peitaitzu, was driven out, made a second assault, which was repulsed, and finally carried the redou])t at 4.30 a. m., after very severe fighting.
The Fifth Division, which had suffered severely on the preceding day, observed the beginning of the Russian with- drawal, attacked the rear guards at Changtanhonan and Lichiawopeng, securing possession at 5.30 and 7.30 a. m., respectively, and followed the Jiussians as far as Chiutsai- hotzu.
The main body of the Eighth Division, finding Changtan and Nienyupao deserted, advanced through the towns and followed up the bank of the Hun. The remainder of the division crossed the Hun and joined the main body. The Fifth, the Eighth, and the Kobi regiments of cavalry, from the Akiyama Detachment, were attached to the Eighth Division, which advanced to Hochuangtzu and by sunset occupied Wanchutai and Hsiaoliputzu.
The troops of the Fourth Division that were in reserve near Yapatai, observing the evacuation of Huanchi, attacked and carried Hsinshantun at 2.30 p. m.; Hayashi's brigade, after having captured the redoul)t west of Peitaitzu, attacked Kuchiatzu, which was carried about 6 p. m. The Thirteenth Regiment of Artillery assisted by bombarding from a position taken up west of Peitaitzu. From the same position it assisted a regiment and battery of the Fifth Division in carry- ing Shoukuanpu at 5 p. m. After taking Kuchiatzu Hay- ashi's brigade carried Erhtaitzu at 7 p. m. The troops of the Fourth Division that were occupying the line near Litajentun advanced against and carried Fuchiachuang at midnight.
In the Japanese Third Army the Ninth Division advanced to Ilsiaotaitzu. A mixed division, containing the Two hun- dred and fifteenth^ Two hundred and forty-first, Fifty-fourth,
EPITOME OF THE UTSSO-.I A PANESE WAR. 117
and Sixtictli Kc^iiKcnts, that had Ixmmi I'onncd foi- tli(> ])ur- posc of an advance via wShalino;pii, was placed under command of Major-General Golembatovski, a })ri^ade commander in the Fifteentli Division, inoved soutlieast from 8huan<!:sliutiin and drove the Japanese l)ack from Peihosa and Sathaisa, thus <>:reatly aidinj^; the Russian Eio;hth Corps in its retreat from territory in wliicli it was bein^ attacked (m three sides, and aHowin*!; it to reach the designated line, Tontaitzu-Hsintaitzu.
The Japanese Seventh and First Divisions reached their destinations, the vicinity of Shalino;])u and Lamuho, respec- tively, about noon without havino; met resistance. From these positions the Seventh Division was ordered to the line Tachuinosuitzu-Tatzupu, the First Division to the line Chano;- chiafano;-IIsiniulu. The Second Cavalry Brigade reached Chinchiatai, the artillery brigade and infantry reserve reached Shalingpu by 6 p. m., the First Cavalry Brigade arrived and was posted at Panchiatai to close the gap between the Ninth and Seventh Divisions.
Lieutenant-General Topornin, with the Twenty-fifth Rus-- sian- Division (Lieutenant-General Pnevski) and a mixed di\asion from the Tenth Corps (Major-General Shatilov), at- tacked Shalingpu about 5 p. m. The cross fire from the Seventh and First Divisions repulsed the attack. The Rus- sians, though losing heavily, continued to hold the villages in their vicinity, repulsing the attacks of the Japanese.
On account of the progress of the Japanese following the Rifle Corps and Kossagovski's brigade on the right bank of the Ilun, a slight change was made in the Russian plan of withdrawal of the Second Army, which was ordered to occupy the line Tusampu, Changsupu, Sualpu, with reserve at Suhupu and advance troops at Tawankampu. The Tenth Corps was to march on Sualpu. In the Eighth Corps the Fifteenth Division was to act as rear guard of the Second Army and withdraw along the left bank of the Ilun. The mixed division under General Golembatovski was to act as rear guard on the right bank of the Hun, keeping abreast of the Fifteenth Division. A mixed division of three regiments from the Seventeenth Corps was sent under command of Major-General De Witt to strengthen the Russian force act- ing against Shalingpu. A -detachment of 8] battalions and 24 guns from the Rifle Corps was sent, under Major-General
118 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
C'hiiriii, (luriiifi; the night of March 2 to reenforce the troops ill this same region, where (ieneral Kaulbars took command in person about 9 a. m. on the 3d, leaving General Launitz in command in the Siihupu region.
On March 3 the Japanese Fifth Army was still held in check l>y the Russians.
In the First Army the Twelfth Division continued its attack, but was iniable to make any material progress. The Second Guards Brigade crossed the Sha River on the night of the 2d -3d and seized the heights north of Housung- mupiitzu and Tangchiatun. It then attacked the main posi- tion unsuccessfully, but maintained its own position on the right bank of the Sha River and repulsed the Russian attacks that were made on the night of the 3d.
The Russians made an attack from in front of Fengchiapu, but were repulsed.
There was no change in the conditions in front of the Fourth Army.
In the Japanese Second Army a force from the Tomioka Detachment mad6 an unsuccessful attack on Tamuchinyen. The right of the Fourth Division, strengthened by the Thirty-fourth Infantry from the Third Division, advanced to Peilintai; the left of the Fourth Division moved forward from East Hsiaohantai. By night the division formed a line from Sanchiatzu, through Ilsiaokao, to Hoanchi. The Fifth Division advanced from Shoukuanpu to a line from west of Inerhpu to Suliandampu, skirmishing with the Rus- sian rear guard at Tontaitzu. The Eighth Division marched up both banks of the Hun, from Wanchutai and Hsiaoliputzu, the right column recrossing the river below Litapu to Waichiapu.
In the Third Army there was no change of position by the Seventh and First Divisions. The Ninth Division, relieved by the Eighth Division, Second Army, moved to Linchiatai.
General Topornin, with his force of 32 battalions, again attacked Shalingpu. The Japanese First Artillery Brigade and infantry reserve had now deployed near this village, adding their fire to that of the Seventh and First Divisions. The Russians lost heavily, particularly in the right colunm, Twenty-lifth Division, under Lieutenant-General Pnevski. General Kaulbars arrived about 9 a. m. and directed the
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. HQ
withdrawal of the attackiiii,^ I'oi'cc. 'I'lic li'oops of the Twonty-lifth Division were hahed near Yukuantun, those of the Tenth Corps, near lluankutien. De Witt's dctacli- ment, lU battalions, was occupying the line Maknantzii- Houtai.
On the extreme left the Japanese Second Cavalry Brio;ade came into contact near Tafangshen with Biro:er's l)rii2;ade, retirino- from (he TTsinmintun region, supported l)y about 25 s(|uadrons of Russian cavalry. Two battalions were sent from the First Division to reenforce the Second Cavalry Brigade which, concluding that it was confronted by an offensive operation, took up a defensive position. In the evening the Russians withdrew, no severe fighting having occurred. Birger proceeded to Ilushihtai station with his main body; a detachment separated from the main body and reached the Midvden station.
The first Siberian Corps arrived at Mukden station in the afternoon.
Because of the disa;ster-a4-Sh*ltngpur4lie-^RussiaB:--plairwas still further modified. Twenty-four battalions of the Second Army were to be left astride the llun River in the M'kchiapu position, with a rear guard at Suhupu. The remainder of / the Second Army was to be concentrated, on the fortified/ line west of Mukden, in readiness to talve the offensive against V the Japanese Third Army. The right of the Third Army was to be withdrawn so as^ to run from Linshengpu through/ Laishengpu. '
To carry out this plan. General Launitz ordered parts of the Tenth, Eighth, and Rifle Corps to march in two columns through Machiapu to Shatotzu, the trains crossing to the right bank of the Hun by way of the railway bridge. The Fifteentli Division, General Ivanov, on the left bank and Golembatovski's detachment on the right bank of the Hun, were to remain in position. General Tolmachev, command- ing a portion of General Grekov's cavalry was to protect the right flank of this line.
The resulting movements were carried on (hu-ing the night and were still in progress on the 4th. ^
General Golembatovski apparently found himself unable \ to hold his portion of the line on the 3d and withdrew pre- ^ maturely. General Ivanov, because of this withdrawal, |
120 EPITOME OF TIIK lUTSSO-.TAPANESE WAR.
(locidod it was not practicable to occupy ('haii*i;suj)u, but fell ))ack at once to Tatai without occupying Suhupu. The latter village was occupied by a Japanese i)arty about 11 p. ni., and General Ivanov then extended his right to the Hun River at Erhtait/Ai, in order to bar the further approach of the Japanese against the right flank of the Ilussian Third Army.
On March 4 the Japanese Fifth Army, finding its(>lf unable to advance, desisted from attacking, though remaining in contact with its opponents. The left of the right column was vigorously attacked by the Russians who were reenforced by the arrival of the Eighty-fifth Regiment.
In the Japanese First Army the Fifteenth Brigade left the Thirty-ninth Kobi Regiment between Hsikouling and Peita- linkouling and concentrated the remaining troops near Houchiayu. The Twelfth Brigade was drawn back to north of Tabekou and concentrated on the remainder of the Twelfth Division, which then attacked and carried the first Russian position north of Pienniulupu. The Japanese also carried a trench near Housungmuputzu, thus improving the situation of their troops in that vicinity.
There was no change in the conditions in front of the Fourth Army, to which the Tomioka Detachment and the Fourth Division were transferred at noon. The Fourth Division captured Hsiaosholuitzu and Laishengpu, repulsing three attempts to recapture the latter. At the time of the capture of Hsiaosholuitzu the left of the Tomioka Detach- ment moved forward and captured Tamuchinyen. The opposing Fifth Siberian Corps mthdrew to the line Suchiatun- Peitaitzu-Pechentzu.
The right of the Fifth Division, after repulsing an attack, advanced and occupied Inerhpu. The remainder of the division assembled at Changsupu. The artillery of the divi- sion, from between Suhupu and Suliandampu, assisted the advance of the Eighth Division on the opposite bank of the Hun. Later, the Fifth Division, leaving one detachment at Suhupu and one at Changsupu, crossed the Hun and pro- ceeded against Hsiaoshatotzu.
The Eighth Division occupied Hiatzu, Hsiaoyushupu, and Tayushupu, and the advance troops took up a position from Yulinpu to Nienkuantun in which they were subjected to
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. ] 21
infantry and ai-tillorv (ire I'lom '^'angshihtun, Ilsiaoshatotzu, and Macliiapu.
The lirst line of tlie Fifth ])ivisi()n then advanced against the portion of the hne between the old railway bridge and Hsiaoshatotzu, being assisted l)y the fire of the Fifth Artil- lery Regiment from east of Taynshnpu. The attack suffered severely and made no ])rogress.
The Third Division, in the Japanese Manchiirian army reserve, was added to the Second Army and by sunset had reached Tuinandou and Ilsiaochingsuitzu. The headquar- ters of the Second Army moved to Waichiapu, its general reserve to Suliandampu.
In the Japanese Third Army the Ninth Division was directed to march on Mukden station, the Seventh Division on the north Tombs, and the First Division on Chengitun. The Seventh Division reached Fentai and sent one regiment to attack Likuanpu, but this attack was not pressed. The First Di\asion reached Tashihchiao without opposition. The First Cavalry Brigade joined the Second, and the Cav- alry Division, accompanied by 2 batteries and 6 machine guns, reached Chienshentaitzu.
On March 5 the Japanese Fifteenth Brigade, attacking from the direction of Menyaputzu, drove back the troops of the Two hundred and eighty-fourth Regiment and occupied a Hne through Tungkouling.
In the Japanese Fourth Army the Tenth Division occupied Liuchiangtun and advanced its line slightly in front of Shahopu. The Tomioka Detachment and the Fourth Divi- sion advanced to the lines west Ilanchengtzu, Wenshinpu, Tatzuin, and Ilsiaosuchiapu, Tasuchiapu, Pechentzu, respec- tively. This advance was facilitated by the shifting of posi- tions in the Seventeenth Corps (weakened by the mixed division that had been drawn from it) by which the Third Division stood at right angles to the Fifth Siberian Corps, along the railway facing west while the Thirty-fifth Division still fronted south. The commander of the Seventeenth Corps, in order to close the gap that had resulted from bend- ing back the Fifth Siberian Corps on the fourth directed, at 9 p. m. of that day, that his corps should swing back to the railway, facing west. About 11 ]). m. he issued a second order to hold a position, facing south, to the rear of the old
122
KPTTOMK OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
line. Dufini;' tlie iii<j,lil tlio Thii'd Division had carr'iod out the first, 1111(1 the Thirty-fifth Division had carried out the second order.
The result of the day's li(i;htiii*;' was that in the ]{ussian Third Army the Fifth Siberian Corps occupied a line from Pechentzu to Suchiatun; the Seventeenth Corps, from Suchiatiin along the railway to Ilanchengtzu and thence to Kuantnn; the Sixth Siberian Corps extended from Kuantun in the shape of a bastion front facing Shanlant7Ai ; the reserve of about 10 l)attalions was near Shanhotun. At this time the Third Army contained about 64 battalions, 208 guns, and 18 mortars. Near Erhtaitzu was a detachment, Colonel Kuz- netzov, belonging to the Second Army, but transferred on this day to the Third Army,
The formation of the Russian troops west of Mukden at this period, and the Russian plan are shown in the following >^ order of General Kaulbars, commanding the Second Russian ', Army:
\ Mukden Station,
1905, March 5—12.45 a. m. Information has been received that in the neighborhood of the viHage of Sanpulio a Japanese column has appeared, consisting of cavalry and infantry. The object of the army is to drive the enemy westward to beyond the line of the old railway (as far as Machiapu, East Kuchiatzu, Hsiniiilu), advancing so as to envelop the enemy's flank.
Continue scouting. Examine the entire region between the railway and the road to Hsinmintun.
Aim: To determine the direction of enemy's march and the number of his troops. Other cavalry to con- tinue its work in the rear and on the flanks of the enemy. . Infantry. To assemble at 8 a. m. on the line
1. Right rolumn: General Gem- IIsiaochiatun-Houtai. To press the gross; l.st Siberian Corps; mixed enemy's left flank, enveloping and division, 17th Corps; mixed di- driving it to the west, vision, 10th Corps; the 147th Samara Regiment (49 battalions, 115 -guns).
For that purpose: A. Cavalry.
Colonel Vovonov; Primorski Dra- goon Regiment.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR, 123
2. Center (■(iluinn; (icneral To- To remain in position nnlil llie pornin; 25tli Infantry Division infinenee of Uie enveloping action of (IG battalions, 48 guns). the right column becomes evident,
and until the enemy withdraws l)c- hind the line Jahen-Yuchiatun; then advance west in the direction Chang- shihtun-Makuantzu .
3. Left column: General Tserpit- To firmly hold positions occupied; ski; five infantry regiments to advance simultaneously witii the (5()th, 121st, 122d, 215th, and 25th Division, pivoting on Machiapu. 33d); 5th, 7th, 8th Rifle Regi- Aim: To occupy the line of the old ments, 5th Rifle Brigade (34 railway from the General Dem])ov- battalions, 72 field, 17 old pat- ski's positions to the village of Kuch- tern guns, 12 mortars). iatzu, inclusive; prepare the line for
firm defense.
4. General reserve: General Han- To take position near the village of enfeld; 55th and 241st Regi- Lidvuantun.
ments (8 battalions). 6. Region for assembling trains: Of the right and center columns, north of Mukden l)etween the railway and the ]\Iandarin road; of the left column, between the railway and Mukden north of the Hsinmintun road .
6. Hospitals and parks: As ordered by commanders of columns.
7. Substitutes in case of emergency: General Ruzski, General von der Launitz.
8. Reports to be sent to village Houtai (village with a tower) on the Hsinmintun road.
Ill the Japanese Second Army at 4 a. m. the Fifth Division / resumed its attack toward Hsiaoshatotzu. Its advance was/ covered by the fire of the battahon of field and heavy guns,j posted north of Tsuichiapu, and the Fifth Artillery Regi-1 ment, posted southeast of Tayushupu, and reached the old^ railway embankment. Here it came under the infantry fire of the Russians holding Machiapu and was repulsed. The right of the Eighth Division, attacking with three battalions from the direction of Yulinpu, joined on the left of the Fifth Division. The main force of the Eighth Division attacked Yangshihtun. Both attacks failed, as did a third attack made about 2 p. m. The Third Division moved from Ta- chingtsuitzu to relieve the Ninth Division and during the night occupied Changshihtun and Suimintun.
The Ninth Division then withdrew to take up a position between the Seventh and First Divisions. Otherwise there was no important movement in the Japanese Third Army.
During the afternoon the First Siberian Corps, less 8 bat-
124 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
talioiis of the Niiitli Division wliicli had l)C('n sent to Shatotzu to aid (lie (roops holding the line at and near Machiapn, had advanced with but little opposition to the line Taochiaotun, Tachiatzu-Ta fanhsintun.
On March 6 the Japanese Fifteenth Brigade made a slight advance beyond Tungkouling. Otherwise conditions in front of the Japanese First Army did not change materially. The Rnssians made an nnsnccessful night attack on the Japanese near Tangchiatun.
The Fourth Army continued its operations west of the Mandarin road, attacking Shahopu, east Hanchenztzu, Suchiatun, Peitaitzu and Erhtaitzu.
The offensive movement begun by the Russian Second Army on tlie preceding day was to be continued according to the following order issued by General Kaulbars shortly before midnight of the .'ith-Gth:
The enemy is concentrating his forces (three divisions) in the angle between the Hun and tlio old railway line. Farther to the north toward the Hsinmintun road have been seen infantry and artillery, numbers not ascertained. Northeast of the Hsinmintun road small detachments of cavalry are in front of our positions.
To-morrow the army will continue the movement to occupy the line Shalingpu-Tehsiangyintzu-Lianchiapu, including the sand hills between Linminhuantzu and Tehsiangyintzu, observing also the action of the enemy to the north and northwest.
To that end: 1. Colonel ZapolshVs detachment is to march from Santaitzu at daybreak, go to Tashihchiao, and bar the Hsinmintun road.
2. General Ge.rmjross^s (let achvient: (a) The mixed division of the Seventeenth Corps (De Witt, from near Tafanhsintun), two regiments to go to Tashih- chiao and remain until the arrival of Colonel Zapolski's detachment, then to move on Jahen, Yangchiahung, Chienchiahung, Lanshantai; three regiments to go to Hohuntai, Yuchiatun, Houmintun, Chienmintun, Koulintai. {h) The First Siberian Corps, to march at daybreak: Nine bat- talions from ('hinsotun to move on Likuanpu, Changshihtun; nine battal- ions from Sanchiafin to move on Yukuantun, Nienkuantun; the sand hills to 1)0 fortified when taken.
?>. General TserpitsH's detachment to hold fast the position (between Machiapu and Yangshihtun) occupied and support by fire the detachment of General Gerngross; simultaneously with attack of latter detachment on Changshihtun, Nienkuantun, occupy Yulinpu and later the old railway line.
4. General Herschehnann' s detachment to hold fast the position (on hoth banks of Hun at Machiapu) occuj^ied.
5. General Topornin, general reserve (Twenty-fifth Infantry Division and Second Brigade of the Thirty-first Infantry Division), to remain in posi- tions (from Yangshihtun to Niuhsintun) occupied and aid by fire the advance of the First Siberian Corps.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAli. 125
(1. During llic lulvance all four columns to aid cacli oilier willi lire and bayonet, striving to take the enemy in flank.
7. General Birger's detachment to remain near Ilushililai station and ])ro- tcct Mukden from the nortli.
8. Trains of second and third categories to tak(> posit ion east of the railway.
9. Reserve of flying artillery parks to take i)()sition at J.anyutun.
10. Reports to be sent to Houtai.
11. In case of emergency, next in command General Ruzski and General von der Launitz.
The advance of General Tserj)itski's portion of the Hne (from Machiapu to Yangshihtun) was anticipated by the renewal and intensification of the attack by the Japanese Fifth and Eighth Divisions on ]\Iachiapu, Hsiaoshatotzii, and Yangshihtun. As on the preceding day, the Russian infantry in Machiapu was able to bring flank and even reverse fire on that portion of the Japanese line that succeeded in reacliing the old railway embankment. The greater part of the fire of the Japanese battalion of field and heavy guns north of Tsuichiapu and of the Fifth Ai'tillery Regiment of mountain guns, southeast of Tayushupu, was concentrated on Machiapu and Hsiaoshatotzu, and the infantry of the F'ifth Division made a determined but unsuccessful assault. Toward even- ing the Twenty-first Brigade, F^ifth Division, now on the left bank of the Ilun, was detached and ordered to join the Third Division.
The Eighth Division attacked as on the preceding day. Its heavy guns took position north of Hsiaoyushupu, its field guns crossed the railway embankment and opened fire against Yangshihtun. The right of the division, at Yulinpu,made an unsuccessful assault, losing heavily. It was assisted by the Thirteenth Artillery Regiment, which had rejoined the Eighth from the Fourth Division and had taken position east of Tsaochiatun. The left of the Eighth Division also made an unsuccessful assault.
The Tliird Division sent two battalions to a line about 800 yards east of Changshihtun, the divisional artillery to north- east of Changshihtun and the Twenty-first Brigade to Likuanpu. Its attack was not pressed.
The Second Army headquarters were at Ilsifanpu, the general reserve of two battalions at Tsaochiatun, where it was joined by one battalion of the Thirty-fourth Regiment, Third Division, returning from duty with the Fourth Division.
126 EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Goiieral Gemgross moved iigaiiist Tashihcliiao as ordered. The time was opportune, for there was a <:;aj) on tlie left of the Japanese Seventh Division at Tashihchiao, caused l)y the march north to Pinghipu-Koushihyang of the First Division, which had not been ck>sed by the expected arrival of the Ninth Division. By 11 a. m. tlie advance of this attack had ])enetrated nearly to Tasliihchiao. The right flank guard of the advance, Colonel Lesh, carried Chuanwanchiao about 10 a. m., the Japanese detachment retreating to Tiutsiahuan. This village was then unsuccessfully attacked l)y Colonel Lesh assisted by other troops from General De Witt's cohumi. The Japanese Third Army reserves, from Mashanchiatzu, and a battalion from the left of the Seventh Division succeeded in holding the attack in check until the Nmth Division began to arrive. About 3 p. m. the attack was repulsed after losing heavily, and General Gemgross ordered a suspension of the forward movement, thus concluding the last important offen- sive movement undertaken by the Russian army, and pre- sumably causmg the decision to withdraw from the Sha to the Ilun River.
The Japanese Cavalry Division was checked by the oppos- ing cavalry in the vicinity of Erhtaitzu.
The Second Brigade of the Thirty-first Division, Tenth Corps, in the reserve of General Kaulbar's army was brought, toward evening, from the left bank of the Ilun to Lukuantun m response to reports sent by General Tserpitski regarding the severe attacks mad6 on his line between Machiapu and Yangshihtun.
A detachment of 4 battalions, 8 guns, and 1 scout company, under Colonel Tsikovich, was sent by General Kuropatkin from his reserves to reconnoiter northwest through Santaitzu. The Tenth Rifle Regiment, which had arrived by rail, was added, and the detachment, under command of Colonel Misse- vich, of the Tenth Regiment, was first ordered to hold the line Tachiatun-Santaitzu-Yuanchentun and then sent about 4 p. m. to Makuantzu for the defense of the Niuhsintun- Makuantzu district.
- On March 7 the left of the Japanese Fifth Army made a slight advance, establishing communication on the heights north of Tuchiaputzu with the Fifteenth Brigade, which had been brousjht to a halt after a slight advance.
EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 127
'Flic Russians iiiadc an attack a<j;a'msl the lu'i(j;lits north of Tan<^chiatun and ()iu> a<i;anist the Tenth Division, both of which were luisuccessful.
East Ilanehengtzu was carried, al)out 1 1 a. m., ])y tlie Sixth Division and the Tomioka Detachment after an engagement that liad continued from the evening of the prececUng (hiy. In carrying out this attack the Sixtli Division concentrated on its k'ft, and the resulting ga]) on its right was closed by inserting the Third Keserve Brigade opposite Sliahopu.
The attem{)t to carry the attack on east Ilancliengtzu to Kaolitun was repulsed. The Fourth Division attacked Ilsiaokushinpu, but did not make any headway imtil the next day.
In the Japanese Second Army the Fifth Division remained stationary. The Eighth Division nuide a night attack, the right advancing from southeast of Yulinpu, the left advancing from north of Nienkuantun against Yangshihtun. The attack failed and the troops taking part retired to their origi- nal positions. The Third Division made an attack before dawn, in which the Fifth Brigade, General Nambo, carried Ynkuantun, held by troops of the Twenty-fifth Division. Desperate fighting for the possession of this village continued throughout the day, and at night the remnants of the Fifth Brigade, about 1,000 men, many of whom were wounded, withdrew to their old line. The desperate fighting caused reinforcements aggregating 4 battalions and 2 heavy batteries to be sent to the Japanese Third Division and 16 battalions to the opposing Russians. In Japanese accounts the scene of this fighting is frequently placed at Likuanpu. The Russian losses in recapturing the village were 141 officers and 5.343 men killed and wounded.
The"Jirpanese Third^Arnfiy^^vvas now charged with breaking through the defense between Chengitun and the nortli Tombs. Two and one-half brigades of reserves from the Manchurian army headquarters were added and assigned to the different divisions accorcling to emergency. The Seventh Division was to march on the north Tombs, the Ninth Division on Yunsontun, and the First Division on Chengitun.
The Seventh Division carried Chuanwanchiao, held by Colonel Lesh, and attacked Tafanhsintun, carrying the latter village at niirhtfall. The Ninth Division, assisted
128 EPITOME (!F THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
by the Second Artillery Brigade, after an engagement lasting all day, carried Chaoluiatun, held by Colonel Zapolski with the Ninth Rifle lleginient and the newly arrived One hundred and forty-seventh Infantry Regiment, with heavy losses on both sides. The detachments of Colonels Lesh and Zapolski were both reenforced by troops from the First Siberian Corps. Colonel Zapolski's detachment halted at Tachiatzii. The Japanese First Division reached the line Siutaitzu-Chengitim, from which its artillery damaged the railway slightly.
/ The Japanese Cavalry Division was on the line Tashmtun- / Lichiaputzu after failing in an effort to cut the railway at
> Hushihtai.
At 1 p. m. on the 7th General Kuropatkin issued an order for withdrawal in which it was directed that:
1. The Third Army to occupy the fortifications of the tete de pont from the Hun to redoubt No. 5 east of Muchiapu, inclusive, detailing 16 battalions to the strategic reserve at Mukden.
2. The First Army to occupy the Fuling and Fushun positions, its right on redoubt No. 5. The detachments of Generals Danilov and Maslov to cover the roads leading from the line Fushun-Yingpan to Tiehling. The First Array to detail 24 battalions to the strategic reserve at Mukden.
3. The Second Army and corps temporarily attached to same to cover this movement, holding back the enemy on the line of the villages Yuanchentun- Chaohuatun-Yukuantun-Yangshihtun-Shatotzu, holding enemy back on the right of this line to the utmost limit.
******* 5. The troops of the Third and First Armies to withdraw their main forces during the night of the 7th-8th quite secretly leaving on their positions strong rear guards which are to retreat only when pressed by the enemy, -holding him back as long as possible.
Early on the 8th Colonel Borisov was sent to Tsuerhtun with the 5{* battalions and 8 guns belonging to the Fourth Siberian Corps and held in reserve by General Kuropatkin, thus forming a nucleus for the detachment formed and placed under command of General Milov. General Herschelmann and his 16 battalions were taken from General Kaulbars, ordered to remain in reserve at the disposition of General Kuropatkin, and then ordered to Tsuerhtun to report to General ]\Iilov. To this detachment under General ISIilov were to be added the 40 battalions and 14 batteries detached from the First Army and the 16 battalions detacned from the Third Army. It was to clear and hold the ground north
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 129
and west from Tsiierhtiin so as to protect the railway and be ready for an energetic offensive that was to be executed on March 9.
General Milov was available for the command of this detachment because of his own corps, th(> Eighth, having since March .3 been disti'ibuted among the various detach- ments that had been formed.
By morning of March 8 the withdrawal of the Russian First i\jrmy was well under way. The withdrawal was announced by the flames from burning supplies, and the opposing Japanese took up the pursuit. The prepared roads leading from the })ositions back to the Ilun facilitated the withdrawal, which was accomplished with but few rear- guard actions and slight losses in personnel. By daylight the Russian Second Army, which lost heavily in materiel, had occupied its new positions with the 46 battalions remain- ing after detacliing the 16 battalions to the strategic reserve.
The Japanese Fourth Army, except the Tomioka Detach- ment and the Fourth Division, which were transferred back to the Second Army, moved forward in pursuit. The detach- ment was ordered to hold the line from Suchiatun to Erhtaitzu, the Fourth Division to cross to the right bank of the Hun. The troops, however, were more or less disorgan- ized by the fighting of the preceding day and but one battalion, of the Thirty-seventh Infantry, had joined the Second Army reserve at sunset.
The Russians had withdrawn all but a small rear guard from Machiapu during the night of the 7th. On the morning of March 8 the right of the Japanese Fifth Division, on the left bank of the Hun, advanced through Erhtaitzu and, by evening, occupied Machiapu. The left of the Fifth Division, which had drawn back behind the old railway embankment during the night, advanced to west of Hsiaoshatotzu, which was stili held in force. This advance was assisted by the mountain guns of the division from a position near the railway embankment.
The Japanese Third Division failed to make any progress, its action consisting principally of artillery fire.
In the Japanese Third Army the Ninth Division had a village at the junction of the railway and the Santaitzu road 34526—07 9
130 EPFTOME OK THK KUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
as ()])j('cliv(>, the Seventh Division luul Kinchiaualzu, tlie First Division iiad Yunsontun.
One l)rioade of the Seventh Division attacked Ilsiaofan- hsintun and was repulsed with lieavy h)ss. Tiie otiier })ri- gade and the attached reserves made several unsuccessful attacks on llsiaochiatun. The Ninth Division captured Tachiatzu, about 1 p. ni., after severe fighting in whicli the Russian commander, Colonel Zapolski, was killed. The First Division attacked the Yuanchentun-Santaitzu line but, after hard fighting, was brought to a stand about (iUO yards from the opposing line.
The opposing cavalry divisions engaged each other, both mounted and dismounted, in the vicinity of llousliintun.
^n, March 9 the movements of both armies were influ- enced by a violent gale and accompanying dust storm.
On the south front the general line of separation was the Hun River, with the exception of a small area in front of the Guards at Kiusan and of the bridge heads, covering the crossings south of Mukden, still held by troops from the Russian Third Army.
From Fushun northeast toward Yingpan were the detach- ments of Rennenkampf, Danilov and Maslov; from Fushun west to Tayingtin were troops of the Third and Second Siberian Corps; from Kiusan west through Fiding to redoubt No. 5, at Muchiapu, were troops of the Fourth Siberian and First Army Corps; a total of 106 battalions after detaching 40 battalions to tlie strategic reserve.
The right column of the Japanese Fifth Army pursued in the direction of Yingpan. The advance guard of the left column reached Fushun but withdrew because of the strength with which the prepared positions north of the Fushun- Kapukai line were occupied.
In the Jaj^anese First Army the right column of the Twelfth Division (Twenty-third Brigade) was on the left bank of the Hun, opposite Holungtien. The left column (Twelfth Brigade) occupied the heights northeast of Taying- tin and west of Hsiaotai with one regiment, having pene- trated the gap in the line between Kiusan and Tayingtin. The Guards reached the vicinity of Huanchiakou, sending the cavalry regiment and one battalion to Hushinpu. ■ The Guards Reserve Brigade was at Tayingtin, The Second
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAK. 131
Division arrived at the Hun and occupied the l)ridges at Fushun and Kapnkai.
In the Jai)ane.se Fourth Army the reserve reached Yan- kuantun, the Tenth Division reached Wandaintun. The Sixth Division, leaving a detachment at Wanshitun, moved to in front of the bridge heads in the vicinity of Changhutun.
In the Japanese Second Army the Toniioka Detachment extended to the left so as to cover the ground held by the Fourth Division, which concentrated at Macliiapu and sent one brigade across the Tlun to attack toward Tajui, aiding the Fifth Division. The hitter liad, by a night attack, ap- proached close to Shatotzu, where it was checked and suffer- ing severely from a cross fire. The attack of the Fourth Division and the fire of its artillery from near Takushinpu relieved the situation.
The Eighth Division, leaving 5 battalions at Nienkuantun ' and Yulinpu, withdrew behind the old railway embankment and marched to Fentai, via Lanshantai and Jahen, to take / the place of the Seventh Division. The Third Division' extended its left by dispatching 2 battalions of infantry and 1 of artillery to near Fentai. The action of the Third Division was confined mainly to artillery fire.
In the Japanese Third Army the Ninth Division was withdrawn and seilt to the left of the First Division. The Seventh Division moved to its left, occupied the ground vacated by the Ninth Division, and attacked the Hne San- jtaitzu-Tachiatun but was repulsed. The First Division, having been repulsed in a night attack on the line Santaitzu- Yuanchentun, was attacked from the north by General Herschelmann and Colonel Borisov and the left forced back to Chengitun, with the exception of a small party of Japanese wlio^ reached Santaitzu and barricaded themselves in some fanzas on 4.he noTtheast-ed^e— of the village, repulsing all efforts to dislodge them. The reserves of the Japanese First Division checked this counter attack about 1 p. m. and another detachment from the First Division again attacked Yuanchentun at 2 p. m. At 6 p. m. the Russians again advanced and drove the left of the First Division back to Chengitun, where it was enabled to make a stand by the arrival of a brioade from the general reserve.
132 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
The Xintli Division, from Taochiatun, attacked toward Ilsiaocliiaotzu with its main Ixxly and Ilushihtai with a dotacliment. The main Ixxly reached Kuoshantun; tlie detachment reached Waishutzu.
Tlie o])posino; cavalry divisions were still in the vicinity of Tashintun and Iloushintun.
General Kuropatkin decided to retreat to Tiehling and ordered that durino; the night the armies retreat to a line through Hushihtai station, Puho, and farther east; the Third Army to withdraw from the bridgeheads, using the Mandarin road without entering Mukden; the Second Army to cover the retreat of the Third Army from the west and then to retreat along the railway in succession from its left flank; the First Army to cover the retreat of the Third Army with its right corps and to withdraw, covering the roads leading from the line Fuling-Fushun-Yingpan toward Tieh- ling.
At the time this order was issued General Kuropatkin had received no infonnation regarding the piercing of the line at Kiusan, and intended to make a vigorous attack westward with the detachment of General Milov and thus further facilitate the withdrawal of the Third and Second Armies.
In the withdrawal the 14 battalions and 47 guns remain- ing with the Sixth Siberian Corps were to follow the road, running practically parallel to the Mandarin road, from Muchiapu to Lienhuachi; the Fifth Siberian and Seventeenth Corps, 31 battalions and 120 guns, w^ere to follow the Man- darin road, the first passing west, the second east of Mukden, after passing which the Seventeenth Corps was to form the rear guard of the Third Army. In the Second Army General Tserpitski wath his 45 battalions and 164 guns was to move from Lanyutun to east of the railway and then through Yuanchentun, Tsuerhtun, and Kuchentzu, keeping abreast the Third Army ; the Twenth-fif th Division and First Siberian Corps, 52 1 battalions and 144 guns, were to move through Wasia along the west side of the railway mthout crossing the same, the Twenty-fifth Division leading and the First Siberian Corps following successively from its left flank. The rear guards of the three columns of the Second Army were to maintain connection. General Launitz, reenforced
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-.TAPANESK WAR. 133
to 46 battalions and IIS f<uns, was to cover the withdrawal by holdino^ the Tacbiatun-Santaitzii-'^'uanclu'Dtini line, drive the Japanese hs^iK to the line 'racliiatzu-Knoehitun and withdraw to Hushihtai by detaehnients from his left llaid':.
On March 10 the left column of the Jai)an(>se Fifth Army and the Second Division, First Army, attacked the positions north of Fushun, Kapukai, and Tita, occupied by rear guards of the Russian First Army. These rear guards offered such resistance that the entire day was occupied by the .fapanese in reaching a line through Manyutsuantzu. The Twelfth Division carried the line northeast of Holungtien and com- pleted the occupation of the Hushinpu region. The Guards carried the positions on the heights northwest of Kiusan and followed the retreating rear guard to, and displaced it from, the line Pinglaotzu-Talingtzu, from where the artillery of the Japanese advance guard fired u])on the retreating columns passing north along the railway and Tiehling road.
In the Japanese Fourth Army the Tenth Division carried the positions north of Tichiafang and east of Fuling and followed the rear guard to a line from east of Kuanchiakou to Tsaochiakou, where it was brcr.ght to a stand by a coun- ter attack. About 11a. m. it occupied the heights north of Tsaochiakou and fired on the retreating columns on the Tiehling road. The reserve of the Tenth Division, which at midnight had crossed the Hun northeast of Yankuantun, drove back a Russian force from near Sanehiatzu and Mao- chiatun and advanced to a line from northeast of Yulingpu to Erhtaitzu, where it was brought to a stand by the Seventeenth Corps retiring in front of the Japanese Sixth Division, which at midnight had crossed the Hun southwest of Yankuantini, and had overtaken a portion of the Seventeenth Corps at a point east of Mukden.
In the Japanese Second Army, as the Russians succes- sively withdrew from south to north from their positions, the Fourth, Fifth, and Third Divisions advanced and drove off the opposing rear guards. The Fourth and Fifth Divi- sions reached points southwest and west of Mukden by nightfall, portions of both divisions entering the city about 7 p. m.
The Eighth Division, about noon, advanced to a line from Chinsotun through Tapingchuang to Hsiaochiatun and, at
134 EPITOME OK THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
ni<^ht, with tho main body, occupiod the bills on wbicb ibc nortb Tom])s arc sitiiatod.
In the Japanese Third Army the Seventh ] )ivisi()n had made a nio:ht attack on the Santaitzu-Tachiatun line, in which 4 battalions succeeded in enterinj^ the walled inclosure of the north Tombs. The remainder of the attacking force was repulsed, tbus leavino; the 4 battalions isolated until toward evening, when Tachiatun was linally carried by the remain- der of the Seventh Division.
The First Division carried Santaitzu about ,5 p. m. and Yuanchentun a little later. The Ninth Division, assisted by the Second Artillery Brigade, carried Tungchangshan shortly after noon. The detachment in front of Waishiitzu made an unsuccessful attack on and withstood a counter attack from Hushihtai.
General Milov succeeded in holding a line west of the rail- way, running from Waishutzu through Ilsiaochiaotzu to Yuanchentun, until the main bodies of the troops from the southwest had cleared the narrow space that still separated the Japanese First and Fourth Armies on the east from the Third Army on the west. The troops under General Milov had been reinforced during the day by various fractions from the retreating columns.
The battle of Mukden proper came to an end with the 10th of March, although many scattered detachments of Russians surrendered to the Japanese at a later date, and the pursuit did not end until Tiehling had been occupied on March 16.
As a result of the battle the Japanese captured 66 guns, 62,200 rifles, 277,700 rounds of artillery ammunition, 26,640,000 rounds of rifle ammunition, the tramways that had been used to supply the Russian positions, and various quantities of supplies that had been abandoned by the Russians.
The Japanese reported their losses at about 50,000 killed and wounded. The Russians reported 273 officers and 8,626 men killed, 1,576 officers and 49,426 men wounded and 336 officers and 31,253 men missing, making a total of 2,185 officers and 89,305 men. Of the missing Russians, about 20,000 were made prisoners; the remainder properly belongs to the killed.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 135
Tlio Japanose forces that pursued the Russians were ])i-iii- eipally from the left cohiinn of the Fifth Army, the Secoud and Twelfth Divisions of the Fu'st Army, and, for a short dis- tance, the Eit:;hth Division of the Second Army.
The Russian rear guard took position at the Fan River; troops from the First Army on the right flank, and the divi- sions of General Mishchenko, who had now returned to duty, on the left. On JMarch 14 the Japanese Second and Twelfth Divisions attacked this position. The advance troops suf- fered a repulse, but, with the arrival of reinforcements, the position was carried, and the pursuit continued through Tiehling, which w^as captured on March 15 after but slight resistance.
The Russian army occupied a position, through Fenghua and Ssupingkai, perpendicular to the railway, the left detach- ment at Heilungcheng.
The Japanese occupied a position through Fakumen, Changtufu, and Kaiyuan, the right detachment in the vicinity of Hsingking.
Contact between the two armies w^as regained and daily skirmishes, of greater or less severity, continued without any important change of position on the part of either combatant until an armistice between the opposing armies was entered into on September 14, 1905.
NAVAL OPERATIONS.
On February 6, 1904, Vice-Admiral Togo left Sasebo, con- V05dng the transports Tairen, Otaru, and Heijo, carrying troops of the Tw^elfth Division to Chemulpo.
The fleet rendezvoused off Mokpo on the 7th, and Rear Admiral Uryu, with the Fourth Division, was detached to convoy the transports to Chemulpo, while the main fleet pro- ceeded to the vicinity of the Elliott Islands. From this ren- dezvous one flotilla of torpedo boats and destroyers was sent to Talienwan Bay, another to Port Arthur, with orders to blow up the Russian vessels. The Talienwan flotilla found no Russian vessels and returned to the rendezvous. The other flotilla found the greater part of the Russian squadron lying outside the harbor of Port Arthur. The torpedo boats
136 EPITOME OE THE TUTSSO- JAPANESE WAR.
advanced and discharged torjx'does, strikin^i; the Czarevicli, Retvizan, and Palldda. All three vessels were seriously injured, but were subsequently repaired by the liussians.
Rear Admiral Uryu's division arrived off Chemulpo on the afternoon of Fe})ruary S. The f'Jiiyoda, which liad l)een lyino; in Chemulpo Harbor since the preceding December, left on the 7th, about 11.30 p. m., and joined the Japanese division.
The Russian cruiser Varyag and gunboat Koryetz were also lying in the harbor. The latter steamed out on approach of the Japanese division and fired a shot, said by the Russians to have been accidental, and the Japanese replied })y 'dis- charging two torpedoes, both ineffective. The Koryetz then returned to the harbor.
When the landing of troops from the transports was com- pleted the Japanese transports and division steamed outside the harbor, and Rear Admiral Uryri demanded of the com- mander of the Russian vessels that they leave the harbor before noon of February 9 under penalty of being attacked in the harbor; such attack not to take place before 4 p. m., February 9, 1904.
The notice was also conveyed to the foreign warships in the harbor by the Japanese consul at Chemulpo.
About noon the Russian vessels steamed out, and, after an engagement of about thirty-five minutes, returned to the harbor, where the Koryetz was blown up by her commander, and the Varyag burned the same evening. The Russian transport Sungari, lying in the harbor, was burned to prevent capture by the Japanese.
The Japanese suffered no casualties. The Russians had about 100 killed and wounded. The wounded and other survivors were temporarily received on British, French, and Italian war ships.
Besides the torpedo-boat flotilla the Japanese division consisted of the Asama, Chiyoda, Naniwa, Takashiho, AJcashi, and Niltaka.
On the morning of the 9th Admiral Togo approached Port Arthur with his squadron and engaged the Russian ships and batteries at long range for about two hours. As a result of this engagement, the Poltava, Diana, Askold, and Novilc were injured. The Russians lost 10 men killed and 2 officers and 44 men wounded. The Japanese lost 4 killed and 54 wounded.
EPTTOMK OF THE RUSS^O-JAPAN KSK WAR. 1,37
;; odiccrs Ix'iiii:,' killed ;iii(l I I (iHlccts and cadets w Diinded. S('^•(M•al (»r the Ja])aiiose vossois wcrc^ slfuck, bill none seriously' danuiiiod.
The Ja])an('s(' licet, in addition to the destroyers and tor- pe(h) ])()ats, contained the battle shijjs A.saJti, Mlhim, Ilat- svsc, S/iHi-isliinKi, Fuji, Y(wlntria, the armored cruisers Tokiwa Azuma, Iwate, YaJcumo, Idzumo, the protc'ctcd cmisers Taka- s(igo, C/iltosc, YostJirno, luif^agi, and the dispatch boat Tafsutd. The Russian licet, under \"ice-Adniiral Stark, in addition to the destroyers and torjiedo l)()ats, contained the battle ships Retvizan, Sevastopol, Czarrvich, Poltava, Petrojxivlovsk, Peres- vlet, Pobieda, tlie armored cruiser Bayan, the protected cruisers Askold, Diana, Pallada, Novik, Boyarin, and gunboats Bohfv, Otvazlmi, Gremiasliclii, Dzhizhit, Pashoinik, and (lilyak.
On February 11 tlie Vladivostok s(piadron, consisting of tlu^ (rfoiriohoi, Hossia, Purik, and Bogatir, lired on the Japa- nese steamers Naganura Maru (700 tons) and the Zensho Mam (2()() tons) in the vicinity of the Tsugaru Straits. The latter vessel escaped; the former was sunk, two of her crew being drowned.
On February 12 the Russian torpedo transport Yenisei struck a mine which she had just laid in Talienwan Ba}^, and sank ; 4 officers and 92 men were lost. The Boyarin in endeavoring to aid the Yenisei also struck a mine and subse- quently sank from her injuries.
On the night of February 13 the fourth torpedo-boat flotilhi, consisting of the Murasame, Ilarusame, Asagiri, and Hayatori, under Commander Nagai, was dispatched against the Russian vessels at Port Arthur. The vessels of the flotilla were separated by stress of weather, and two failed to reach Port Arthur. The Asagiri arrived near the entrance about 8 a. m. (m the 14th, was fired on, discharged a torpedo and retired. The Hayatori did likewise about 5 a. m. Neither torpedo was effective.
On February 16 the armored cruisers Nisshin and Kasuga (formerly Moreno and Pivadavia, each of 7,770 tons dis- placement and launched in 1903 and 1902, respectively, at Sestri Ponente, Italy), purchased by the Japanese from the Argentine Re])ublic shortly before the outbreak of the war, arrived at Yokosuka.
138 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
FIRST ATTEMPT TO BLOCK PORT ARTHUR.
The P^irst and Tliird Scjiiiulrons made an unsuccessful attempt on the inornino; <>r Fcht nary 24 to block Port Arthur. Five steamers, the TcnsJiln Maru (2,942 tons), llohoku Maru (2,766 tons), JinseM Maru (2,,331 tons), Buyo Maru (1,163 tons), and Bushu Maru (1,249 tons), loaded with artificial stone and manned by 77 volunteer officers and crew, were to be taken to the entrance and there sunk by being blown up.' A torpedo-boat flotilla composed of the Murakumo, Yugiri, Shiranui, and Kagero, under command of Captain Mano, was to reconnoiter and destroy the Russian ships. The torpedo boats Tlayahusa, Kasasagi, Manazuru, Chidori, and Tsuhanu w^re to pick up the crews of the sunken vessels.
About 2.30 a. m. the Russian searchlights revealed the presence of the Japanese vessels, which were fired upon by the fortifications and the Retvizan, which was still lying- beached near the entrance to the harbor, under Golden Hill. The Russian guard ship was driven back l)y the torpedo-boat flotilla. The Tenshin Maru grounded on the east coast of Laotiehshan in endeavoring to avoid the Russian search- lights and after being more or less damaged by fire. The steering gear of the Bushu Maru was struck and the vessel grounded not far from the Tenshin Maru, and was then blown up by the crew. The Buyo Maru was so seriously damaged that she sank l)efore reaching the harbor entrance. The IloJcohu Maru and Jinsen Maru reached the entrance and were successfully blown up, the former near the light- house on Tiger's Tail, the latter under Golden Hill, near the Retvizan.
. With the exception of three men slightly wounded, the crews of the vessels were uninjured and all safely picked up, after having taken to their boats, by the destroyers. The .last of them were not picked up until the afternoon. One man was killed on one of the destroyers.
On February 24 the First and Third Scpiadrons approached Port Arthur and engaged in an exchange of long-range fire with the Bayan, AsJcold, and Novik lying outside the harbor, and into which they withdrew. During this engagement the Second (Armored Cruiser) S([uadron, under Vice-Admiral Kamimura, discovered and chased two Russian destroyers
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR, 139
iioar Livoliclislian, coininii- from a wostorly clircdioii. One of the destroyers escaped; the otlier, the Viivch'delni, was driven into I'lu'eon Vnxx and destroyed.
On February 19 Admiral Makarov left St. Petershiirji;, to supersede A(hniral Stark in eoniniand of the Russian fleet at Port Arthur'.
On March (1 th(^ .Ijipanese Armored Cruiser Squadron (7 ships) l)ond)arded Vladivostok from a rani2;e of about o nules, but received no reply from the fortifications.
On the 0th the Russians sank two vessels — the Ilarhin and the Ilnilar — outside the entrance to the harbor, for the pur- pose of deran<!:ing any subsequent attempt to block Port x\rthur. Two other vessels were simk later for the same ]>urpose.
Durin<^ the early morning of March 10 a flotilla of Japanese destroyers, commanded by Captain Asai, laid mines outside Port Arthur Harb(n\ At the same time a second flotilla encountered 6 Russian torpedo-boat destroyers and a severe engagement at short range ensued. Considerable damage resulted on both sides. The Russian destroyer Siereguschi was finally taken in tow by the Japanese destroyer Sazanand, but the towline parted and the former sank.
The Bayan and Novik steamed out to the assistance of the StereguscJii, but returned to the harbor on the approach of the Japanese fleet, which engaged in a long-range fire with the fortifications.
In the engagement between the destroyers the Japanese lost 9 killed and 12 wounded. The Russians lost 3 killed, 34 wounded, and 4 captured on the StereguscJii.
On March 16 a Russian destroyer — the Skori — while search- ing for mines near Port Arthur struck one and was lost.
On the night of March 21-22 two flotillas of Japanese destroyers laid mines in the outer harbor of Port Arthur. The main squadron arrived off the harbor on the morning of the 22d, a portion of the fleet having proceeded to Pigeon Bay, and a long-range fire w^as exchanged with the fortifica- tions, a portion of the fire being indirect and over the Lao- tiehshan. The Russians on land had 5 killed, 9 wounded, and 1 accidentally injured.
140 EPITOME OF TTFE TtlTRSO-.TAPANESE WAR.
SECOND ATTEMl'T 'l'( ) BLOCK I'OUT AKTIfUR.
On March 27, a])oiit '.] a. n\., the Ja|)aiiose made a second atteni])! to l)l()ck Port Arthur, sendin<i- 4 vessels to be sunk m tlie clianiiel, under the protection of the destroyers Shira- Icuma, Kasumi, Asashio, Akolsuk.%, Ikazuchi, Ake})ono, Ohoro, Inazuma, Usugumo, Sazanarni, Shinonome, and the tor- pedo l)oats Karigane, Aotaka, Ilato, Tsubanu, 'Kasasagi, and Manazuru.
Tlie CJiiyo Mara (1,746 tons) anchored about one-half cham from shore, on the western side of Golden Hill, and blew herself up. The Fuk'ui Maru (1,294 tons) advanced a little farther past the port side of the Chiyo Maru, was struck by a Russian torpedo and then blew herself up. The Yaltil^o Maru passed the port side of the Fulvui Maru, an- chored, and blew herself up. The Yoneyama Maru (2,693 tons) collided with a Russian destroyer, then passed between the Chiyo Maru and Fuhii Maru and reached the middle of the fairway, where she was struck by a Russian torpedo, blown up and sunk, the momentum driving her over to the left shore.
Among the crews of the blocking vessels there were killed 1 officer (Commander Hiure on the FuJcui Maru) and 3 men; wounded, 3 officers and 6 men.
The Russian destroyer Silini in engagement with the Japanese destroyers, had 7 killed and 13 wounded, stranded on the rocks near Golden Hill, but was taken into the harbor.
On ]\Iarch 30 the commander of the AMtsushima accompa- nied the Japanese consul-general at Shanghai in the inspec- tion of the arms removed from the Russian gunboat Mand- zJi,ur, which had been in that port since the outbreak of the war and from which the vital parts of machinery had been removed on March 28.
During the early morning of Aprd 13 the Japanese mine ship Koryu Maru succeeded in laying some mines near the entrance to Port Arthur, l)eing accompanied by the fourth and fifth destroyer flotillas and the fourteejith torpedo-boat flotilla. At dawn the second destrojer flotilla discovered the Russian destroyer Straslini, which had become separated from her own flotilla during the night while cruising outside the port, and after a short engagement sank her. A second
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 141
Russian destroyer, comino; from the direction of Laotiehshan, was attacked, bnt escape^] into tlie har})or.
The Bityan approached and picked up as niaiiy of tlic Strashni\s crew as possible, nt tlie same time returning the fire of tlie destroyers and (he Japanese Third Sfjiiadron, which liad arrived ofT Port Arthur about 8 a. m. The No- vik, Askold, Diana, PetropavlovsJc, Pobieda, and Poltava joined the Baynn and followed the slowly retirhig Third Sipiadron about 15 miles to the southeast. The Japanese First Squadron, whicli was concealed in the fog about 30 miles of!" and had l)een called by wireless telegraphy, ar- rived. The Russian fleet then retired toward the harbor. About 8.30 p. m. the Petroparlovsl: struck two of the mines laid })y the Koryu Maru the preceding night; the explosion extended to the boilers and magazines, and the vessel broke in two and sank. Her complement was 650, and only about 6 officers and 30 sailors escaped. A^ice-Admiral Makarov, Rear- Admiral Molas, and Captain Jakovlev were among the killed; the Grand Duke Cyril was among those who escaped. The Pobieda, while endeavoring to rescue the survivors of the Petropavlovsk, also struck one of the mines and was seri- ously injured. She succeeded in reaching the harbor, how- ever, and was subsequently repaired.
On the night of April 25 the Kinsliu Maru, which had the preceding day carried a company of Japanese infantry from Gensan to Iwon, and again had the company on board, was torpedoed and sunk by a vessel of the Vladivostok squadron. Those troops on board which had not taken advantage of the one hour granted to leave the vessel, thus becoming prisoners, were lost.
Vice-Admiral Kamimura's (armored cruiser) squadron, after searching for the survivors of the Kinsliu Maru, ap- proached Vladivostok and fired on two Russian torpedo boats, which retired to the harbor, and the fortifications. The latter returned the fire. No loss was reported on either side.
In the latter part of April the Russian destroyer Beschumni, while searching for mines, struck one and was seriously dam- aged. She succeeded in returning to port, and was subse- quently repaired.
142 EPTTOMK OK TllK KUSSO-J APA^'ESE WAR.
THIRD ATTEMPT TO BLOCK PORT ARTHUR.
About 2 a. 111. on May 3 the Japanese made a third attempt to block the entrance to Port Arthur. The vessels actually sunk consisted of the Tatoini Maru (1,953 tons), Sagami Maru (1,926 tons), Mikawa Maru (1,967 tons), Sakaru Maru {2, 97 S ions), Odaru Maru{2,5^7 tons) , Asa gao Maru {2,4^4: tons) Aikoku Maru (1,781 tons), and Yedo Maru (1,724 tons). Four other vessels, the Fusan Maru, Nagato Maru, SMbata, Maru, and Kokura Maru were also to be sunk, but received the signal of recall during the night after the fleet was scattered by storm and did not proceed to the entrance.
The convoy of the blocking vessels, under Commander Mineo Hayashi, consisted of the gunboat Akagi (Commander Hideshin Fujimoto), gunboat Chokai (Commander Danjiro Iwamura), the second destroyer flotilla (Commander Ichiro Ishida), the third destroyer flotilla (Commander Mitsukane Tsuchiya), the fourth destroyer flotilla (Commander Gun- kichi Nagai), the fifth destroyer flotilla (Commander Gan- jiro Mano), the ninth torpedo-boat flotilla (Lieutenant-Com- mander Michisuke Olaki), and the fourteenth torpedo-boat flotilla minus the Kasasagi and Manazuru and plus torpedo boats Nos. 67 and 70 (Commander Yoshimaru Sakurai). Of the eight steamers, five, the Mikawa, Tatomi, Yedo, Odaru, and Sagami, reached the entrance, the Mikawa penetrating be- yond the boom that had been stretched. The Asagao was sunk near the shore of Golden Hill; the Sakaru and Aikoku sank before reaching the entrance. The latter three were probably sunk by Russian mines, torpedoes, and fire, while the first five were probably sunk by their own crews as well as from injuries inflicted by the Russians.
Of the crews of these steamers the Japanese reported 5 killed, 88 missing, and 23 wounded, while 41 were rescued uninjured. The entire crew of the Sakaru, Odaru, Asagao, and Sagami were reported as killed or missing.
The Russians reported that they rescued 30 Japanese, among whom were 2 officers severely wounded.
The Japanese torpedo boat No. 67 had her boiler damaged by shells, in addition to 3 of her crew being wounded, but was towed out of danger by torpedo boat No. 70. The de- stroyer Aotaka had her engine on the port side damaged
KIMTOMK OF TlIK lU^SSO-.l A l>.\ \ KSK WAR. 143
and 1 man killed. 'The dcstroyci' J/<i i/ahiisd had 1 man killed.
A division of the Third S(|ua(lron, Kcar-Admii-al Dcwa in command, arrived off the harbor about 6 a. m.; a division of the P^irst Stjuadron, I^ear- Admiral Nasliiha in connnand and Vice-Admiral To*:;o also {)resent, arrived at U a. m. Both divisions covered the action of tlie destroyers and torjx'do boats, searching:; for the survivors throu<!jliout the day.
The total value of the 17 vessels used by the Japanese in the three attempts to block Port Arthur is given as o, 000, 000 yen.
On May 1-, while endeavoring to destroy a Russian mine in Kerr Bay, the Japanese torpedo boat No. 48 was sunk by its unexpected explosion, 14 of the crew losing their lives.
The Third Sc^uadron continued the search for mines in that locality, and on the 14th, when about to end the search for that day, a mine exploded under the stern of the dispatch boat Mhjako, which sank in twenty-three minutes. Of the crew, 2 were killed, 1 severely wounded, and 21 slightly wounded.
During this searching for mines the various vessels of the squadron occasionally bombarded points on land, some of which were occupied by Russians who were opposing the searching for mines. No casualties seem to have resulted on either side.
On May 14, during the absence of the blockading vessels, the Russians laid mines off Port Arthur in the path in which the blockading vessels usually cruised. The blockading vessels returned on May 15; the Ilatsuse struck one of the mines and, about thirty minutes later, struck a second mine which exploded the magazine, sinking the vessel almost im- mediately. About 300 of her complement of 741 were saved. A destroyer flotilla emerged from Port Arthur, but was repulsed by the other Japanese vessels. The Yashima also struck a mine, was taken in tow, but sank before reach- ing a place of safety.
On the same day the Kasuga collided with the Yoshino, in a dense fog at sea near the Shantung promontor}-, striking her on the port side near the stern. The Yoshino quickly sank, only about 90 of her complement of 360 being saved.
144 EPITOME OF TfiE EUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
On May 16 and 17 a division of the Third Scjuadron, Rear- Admiral Togo commanding, reconnoitered tlu^ coast near Kaiping, firing at some Russian tr()o])s near the shore, then proceeded to Chinchou Bay, dragged for mines and entered the bay, the gunboats proceeding to the head of the bay and firing on the railway bridges, buildings, and one military train which was passing. On the 17th, also, the destroyer Akatsuhi, while engaged in the blockade of Port Arthur, struck a mine and sank. The gunboat OsMma was sunk in a collision on the 18th while cruising in Liaotung Bay, cooper- ating with the army.
On May 20 a gunboat detachment and several torpedo-boat and destroyer flotillas approached close to tlie harbor of Port Arthur to reconnoiter and plant mines. Tn the firing that ensued several of the vessels were struck, but none seriously damaged. The destroyer AkatsuJci was struck by a shell which killed her commander, Lieutenant Naojira Suyetsuga, and 24 sailors.
On May 20 the Russian cruiser Bogatir struck a rock at the entrance to Vladivostok Harbor. She was afterwards floated, repaired, and held at Vladivostok ready for use.
On May 26 four gimboats and a torpedo-boat flotilla assisted the Japanese Second Army in the attack on Nan- shan from Chinchou Bay. The gunboats AJcagi and Chokai with the first torpedo-boat flotilla approached the shore and engaged in the morning. A shell grazed the Chohii, wound- ing Lieutenant Kohno, killing 2 men, and wounding 2. A little later the gunboats Tsukushi and Heiyen approached, after soundings had been taken by a detachment of torpedo boats, and joined in the bombardment, but withdrew about 11a. m. on account of the ebbing tide.
The Akagi and Chokai and a part of the torpedo-boat flo- tilla remained, taking part in the battle until the end. A shell exploded on the side of the Chokai, killing Commander M. Hayashi and wounding Lieutenant M. Sato and 3 men.
Reporting on the battle of Nanshan, General Oku said: "In concluding this report we profoundly thank the navy for its invaluable assistance,"
During the same battle the Russian gunboat Boher bom- barded the Japanese left flank from Talienwan Bay, causing serious loss.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR, 145
Oil the iiiijjlit of May _?(), while reconnoitoriiig the coast of Laotichsliaii, the Russian destroyer Vnimatelni ran on the rocks and was h)st.
On the 7th and the Stli of June a division of the Third Squaih'on honiharch'd various points on tlie coast near Kai- j)iu^, (list url)in<; some (h'tachnients of Russian troops. On the 13th the mine-laying ship Taihoku Maru, by the unexpected exj)h)sion of a mine she was hiyin<ii:, lost 1!) killed and 17 wounded.
On June 15 the Vladivostok scjuadron, Rossia, Kurik, and Groniohoi, encountered several Japanese transports and uierchantmen near Okinoshima Island, sank the Izami Maru and Hitachi Maru and disa])led the Sado Maru. The Hita- chi Maru liad on board about 1,095 of the Guards Kobi reserves and a mercantile crew of 120. Of those on board the 2 vessels 77 Japanese were made prisoners. Of the crew of the Hitachi 17 out of 102 were picked up either by the Sado or by boats sent out for that purpose. The greater part of the troops on board were killed by the Russian fire, or were drowned.
Of the Sado Maru 8 were made prisoners, 83 escaped, and 29 were lost. Many jumped overboard, thinking the vessel was sinking, and subsecpiently regained the Sado after the Russian vessels had withdrawn. Of the Izami Maru 47 were made prisoners and 37 were lost.
The Japanese Second Squadron, Vice-Admiral Kamimura commanding, searched the waters near Okinoshima for several days, but was unable to discover the Vladivostok squadron except w'th the scout boat Tsushima.
On June 23 the Russian fleet made a sortie from Port Arthur. Repairs had been made to such an extent that the following vessels took part: Bayan, Diana, AsJcold, Sevasto- pol, Poltava, Peresviet, Pohieda, Eetvizan, Czarevich, Pallada, Gremiashchi, Otvazhni, Gardamak, Vsadnik, and 13 torpedo boats.
The fleet began emerging in the early morning, and the Japanese destroyers, on guard off the harbor, notified the various detachments of their fleet, wdiich soon began to appear from various directions.
After emerging from the entrance the Russian fleet anchored until about 2 p. m., when it got under way, preceded by tend- 34526—07 10
1.46 EPITOMIC OK TTTE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
ers and torpedo boats (lraj2;^i]i^ for mines, w]uch was opposed by the Japanese torpedo l)()ats.
The Russian fleet continued on a southerly course until nearly sunset and then turned toward Port Artlnu'. The Japanese fleet had completed its concentration, and at about 9.30 p. ni. the fourteenth torpedo-boat flotilla, followed by the fifth made an attack on the rear of the Russian fleet when the latter was about 5 miles from Port Arthur. The Russian vessels did not attempt to enter at night, but anchored just outside the harbor, where they were attacked by torpedo boats several times during the night.
The Sevastopol either struck a mine or was struck by a tor- pedo. The best evidence is that it was a torpedo fired from the Shirakumo, Lieutenant-Commander Wakabayashi com- manding, which succeeded in approaching closely by making a detour under cover of Yenchang promontory.
Early the next morning all the Russian vessels, including the Sevastopol, steamed or were towed into the harbor.
The Shirakumo was struck by a shell that caused a fire, killed 3 men and wounded f officer and 2 men. The Chidori was struck in her aft engine room by a shell which did not explode. A cadet on board No. 53 was wounded. Nos. 64 and 66 were struck by shells, but not seriously injured.
On the night of June 27 the twelfth torpedo-boat flotilla, Lieutenant-Commander Yamada commanding, attacked and claimed to have sunk the Russian patrol ship at Port Arthur, and also a Russian destro3^er in the ensuing fight. The loss of these vessels was not verified. The Japanese lost 14 killed and 3 wounded.
On June 30 a Russian torpedo-boat flotilla with the trans- port Lena made a reconnoissance of the port of Gensan, sank a Japanese steamer and sailing vessel and fired on the Japa- nese settlement and troops, wounding 2 Japanese and 2 Kore- ans. Some of the shells started conflagrations which were, however, soon extinguished.
On July 1, at 6.20 p. m., the Japanese Second Squadron, Vice- Admiral Kamimura commanding, sighted the Vladivo- stok squadron, Vice-Admiral Bezobrazov commanding, as it was about to pass south through the eastern channel of Tsu- shima Straits. The Russian squadron turned to the north- east, followed by the Japanese scjuadron, whose torpedo-boat
EPITOMK OK I'ln-: HrSSO-.IAI'ANKSK WAIt. 147
(lolilhi closed to witliiu a (li.stancc of about 2 Juilcs, and was lircd oil by the Russian vessels. At about 8.50 p. m. the Kiissiau vessels extinguished all lights and eluded tlieir j)ur- suers.
On July 5 the Japanese gunboat Kaimon struck a Russian mine olT Dalny and sank; her coniinander, Conunander Takahashi, a paymaster, gunner, and 19 sailors w ere lost.
In the early morning of July 9 the sixth torpedo-boat flo- tilla under Lieutenant-Commander Uchida, approached the entrance of Port Arthur, and No. 58, Lieutenant Nakanmda commanding, discharged a torpedo, which was not effective, at the Asl'old. Nos. 58 and 59 of the Japanese flotilla each had 1 man wounded by the Russian fire.
On July 9, about 7 a. m., the Russian vessels Bayan, Diana, PaUada, Poltava, Novik, 2 gunboats, and 7 destroyers came out of Port Arthur, preceded by a number of vessels drag- ging for mines. The Japanese torpedo-boat flotilla fired on them to retard the searching for mines, and was followed by a portion of the Third Squadron which also exclianged shots with the Bayan about 2 p. m. About 4 p. m. the Russian vessels returned to the harbor. There was 1 sailor wounded on the Japanese destroyer Asashio.
In the early morning of July 1 1 the Japanese sixth torpedo- boat flotilla again approached the entrance to Port Arthur and endeavored to torpedo the Russian patrol boat. Nos. 57 and 59 both discharged torpedoes, but without effect.
On July 15 the Bayan, flying the flag of Rear- Admiral Reitzenstein, Retvizan, Askold, Novik, the gunboats Otvazlmi, Oremiashchi, and Gilyak, and a torpedo-boat flotilla enfiladed the left of the Japanese line near Port Arthur and then re- turned to the harbor.
On July 20 the Rossia, Gromohoi, and Rurik, under Rear- Admiral Zhissen, passed through the Tsugaru Straits for the east coast of Japan to harass Japanese shipping, draw the blockading squadron away from Port Arthur, and thus allow the Russian squadron to quit Port Arthur and reach Vladivostok.
The raid resulted in considerable injury to the Japanese coasting trade. In addition, the German steamer Arabia was seized 100 miles oft' Yokohama on July 22, and sent as prize to Vladivotsok on account of having in cargo contra-
148 EPITOME OF THE KUSSO- JAPANESE WAR.
hand consisliiig of railway material and flour destined for Ja{)an.
On July 23 tfie Knight Commander, an English ship, stopped after the Russian vessels had fired 4 guns. She was carrying to Japan o,5()() to 4, ()()() tons of cargo, mostly rail- way material. Stating that she was engaged in the trans- portation of contraband of war and that her coal capacity was so short they could not send her to Vladivostok without danger to themselves, the Russian took over her crew and papers and then sank her.
On July 24 the German steamer TJiea was overhauled and sunk, being regarded by the Russians as a prize, as stipulated in the law.
On July 26 the Bayan, Pallada, and Novik opened fire against the left of the Japanese line near Port Arthur. The Matsushima, Itsukushima, Chiyoda, two other second-class cruisers, and a torpedo-boat flotilla approached the Russian ships, which, after a short engagement, returned to the harbor.
On July 30 the Russian Vladivostok scpiadron retired west- ward through the Tsugaru Straits, reporting they had seen at about 3 p. m. a cruiser, 6 torpedo boats, a sail ship, and a coast defense ship of the Saiyen type, that these ships were far back of the squadron and retired about 5 p. m.
During the raid the squadron sank the Japanese steamer Rakasliima Maru, and the sailing vessels Jizai, Fuhushige, Hokusei, and Kyuho.
In the meantime the Russian volunteer fleet steamers Petershurg and Smolensk passed through the Bosphorus on July 4 and 6, respectively, were raised to the rank of Russian second-class cruisers, and searched several neutral vessels, including the British steamers Malacca, Formosa, and Ardova, and the German steamers Prim Heinrich, Scandia, and Halsatia.
The Malacca was seized as prize on the claim that she was carrying war material. The British Government, however, stated such material belonged to itself. After diplomatic correspondence the Malacca was released and searches and seizures by the Petershurg and Smolensk ceased.
On July 24, at about 3 a. m., the fourteenth torpedo-boat flotilla and gunboats Nos. 10 and 11, commanded by Lieu- tenant Shozo Kuwajima and accompanied by torpedo boats
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-.TAPAXESE WAR. 149
sent by tht' Afihisa and Fuji, attacked tliree Russian d est rov- ers in Takhe Bay, wliere they were p;nardino; the riglit Hank of the Port Arthur defenses.
The torpedo })oats sent from the battle ships torpe(h)ed the Burnkov and Boevoi. The BuraJiOV was sunk and the Boer>oi \erj seriously damaged, but managed to reach Port Arthur.
On July 26, while dragging for mines near Lungwangtang (Swansons Point), one of the Japanese gunboats got the clear- ing rope entangled in her propeller, began drifting toward Yenchang promontory, and was fired upon by the fortifica- tions and attacked by one or more Russian torpedo boats that steamed up and discharged torpedoes. Commander Hirose, commanding the clearing party, approached on another gun- boat and towed the disabled vessel out of danger. Com- mander Hirose, Lieutenant Kamura, and 9 men were wounded and 3 men were killed.
On July 26, while cruising off Port Arthur, the Japanese cruiser CMyoda struck a mine, but was towed to Dalny.
On July 27, while returning to Port Arthur from a recon- naissance, the Russian cruiser Bay an struck a mine near the entrance, but was towed into the harbor.
On August 2 the Russian gunboat Sivucli, wliich had retired up the Liao River on the approach of the Japanese, was destroyed to prevent her falling into their hands.
During the afternoon of August 5 fourteen Russian de- stroyers emerged from Port Arthur and separated into three divisions; the first, of four vessels, steamed southwest; the second, of seven, steamed south; the third, of three, steamed toward Yenchang promontory. After an exchange of fire with two Japanese destroyers, Akegono and Ohoro, commanded, respectively, by Commanders Kusumi Masao and Takemura Bungo, and the Ucazuchi, Commander Shinohara Rishichi, the Russian destroyers returned to the harbor. There were apparently no casualties on either side.
On August 9, 15 cm. shells from a Japanese shore battery struck both the Retvizan and Peresviet while at anchor in the west port. The former was damaged considerably, the latter but slightly. Both took part in the sortie of the following day.
150 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
At about 5 a. m., Aiio;ust 10, the Kussiaii licet of Czarevich (lla(i;Hliij) of Rear Admiral Wito;eft), Retvizan, Pohieda, Peresviet (fla<;slii]) of Hear Admiral Prince Oukhtomski, commanding battleship division), Se/vastoyol, Poltava, Askold (lla,<;sliij) of Rear Admiral Reitzenstein, commanding cruiser division), Diana, Pallada, Novih, 8 destroyers and the hos- pital ship Mongolia, began emerging from Port Arthur, all being out about 8 a. m.
The Japanese torpedo boats on watch about 6 miles out were soon reinforced, the Yakuma, Kasagi, Talcasago, and Chitose appearing about 15 miles to the southwest; the Milcasa, Asaki, Fujii, and Sldkisliima appearing about 12 miles to the south and being joined by the Nisshin and Kasuga about 10 miles to the southeast. A httle later the Akashi, Suma, Izum.i, Akitsushima, Yayeyama, and Asama joined the other Japanese vessels.
The Russians claimed that the Japanese torpedo boats, of which a total of 30 took part in the engagement, steamed ahead of the Russian column sowing floating mines. The Japanese denied using any mines on this occasion.
After proceeding south about 10 miles the Russian fleet turned to the east and was attacked by the Japanese, about 1 p. m., at a point about 30 miles from Port Arthur. The Russian fleet then turned toward Shantung. The engage- ment continued intermittently until after sunset, being heaviest from about 4 to 4.30 j>. m., and again from 7 to 8 p. m., by which time the range between the leading ships of the opposing fleets was reduced to about 5,000 yards.
At about 8 p. m. the steering gear of the Czarevich became disabled, causing the vessel to turn sharply to port. She was followed by the Retvizan and a portion of the other vessels. The cause of the Czarevich turning to port was soon dis- covered and considerable confusion resulted in the Russian fleet. During the confusion the Japanese vessels ranged ahead. The main portion of the Russian fleet, except the Czarevich, Diana, Askold, and Novik, turned to starboard and headed for Port Arthur, the vessels separating.
The Japanese suft'ered a loss of 70 killed, inchiding 10 offi- cers, and 158 wounded, including 13 officers. On August 12 Admiral Togo reported that the damage to his ships had been provisionally repaired.
EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 151
Tiio Russians lost 21 ofFioors and ;?24 mow killod and wounded. Among the killed was Admiral \Vit<i;eft, com- mandinti; tli(> Russian fleet.
On Au<;iis( H the Retvizan, Sevastopol, Peresviet, Poltava, Pohieda, Pallada, and the hospital shij) Mongolia returned to Port Arthur, the first four badly damaged. Three torpedo boats also returned to Port Arthur.
The Czarevicli and 3 destroyers went to Kiao Chow; the Asl-old and the destroyer Grozovoi to Shanghai; the Diana, to Saigon: all were subsequently disarmed. One destroyer, the Burnl, went ashore near Weihaiwei. The Novih went to Kiao Chow, but cleared from the port and endeavored to reach Vladivostok.
On the night of August 10 the Russian destroyer Ryeshi- telni left Port Arthur for Chefoo with dispatches. She was discovered the next day by the Japanese destroyers Asashio and Kasumi, under Commander Fujimoto. At 3 a. m. on the 12th Lieutenant Terashima with a detail of 10 men was sent on board to inform the Russian commander that since he had been in the port more than twenty-four hours he must issue from the harbor or surrender. During the ensuing discussion the Russian commander gave orders to blow up the vessel, seized Lieutenant Terashima, and jumj^ed over- board. There was a struggle between the Russian and Japanese sailors, an explosion occurred in the hold, and the vessel, which had been disarmed in part, was towed out of the harbor by the Japanese at 5.15 a. m.
A protest was lodged with the Chinese Government by Russia and China demanded the return of the Ryeshitelni. Japan declined to accede to the demand, claiming that the harbor of Chefoo was not properh" neutral territory since the Russian consulate operated a system of wireless telegraj^hy with Port Arthur, that the harbor had been converted into belligerent territory by the entry of the Ryeshitelni, that the vessel had not been disarmed at the time of Lieutenant Terashima's visit, and that the crew of the Ryeshitelni began hostilitiesl
On August 11, while bombarding the left of the Japanese Third Army near Lungwantang, the Russian gunboats Gilyalc and Otvazhni were attacked and driven back to Port Ai'thur by the Japanese gunboats Maya and Ahagi.
152 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
On August 14 at dawn Vice-Adniiral Kaniimura, with the armored cruisers Mzumo, Twate, Azuma, and JbHwa, sighted the VlacHvostok Squadron under Admiral Zhissen, and con- sisting of the RuriJi', Rossia, and Oromohoi, about 20 miles off Ulsan, southeastern Korea, proceeding toward Port Arthur. The Russian fleet turned northward and firing began about 5.30 a. m. The RuriJc was struck by a shell which wrecked the steering gear and left the vessel unmanageable. The other two vessels turned back several times to cover the RuriJc and allow repair of her steering gear. The attempt failed, the RuriJc began sinking by the stern, and the other two vessels steamed northward. The Naniwa and Talca- sJiiJio, which had now arrived, continued the engagement with the RuriJc, and Admiral Kamimura with the other vessels pursued the Rossia and Oromohoi for about two hours and then turned back.
In the meantime the RuriJc had sunk and the survivors were being picked up by the Naniwa and TaJcasJdJio, assisted by the NiitaJca, TsusJiima, CJiiyoda, and a torpedo boat flotilla, which had arrived on the scene. The Mzumo also returned in time to assist in the rescue.
Of the officers and crew of the RuriJc 437 were picked up uninjured, 176 were picked up wounded. Her complement was 768. On the other two Russian vessels there were 140 killed and 313 wounded.
The Japanese casualties were 45 killed and 65 wounded. Admiral Kamimura reported the damage to his ships as slight. The Iwate went to Sasebo for re])airs and re)>laced one of her heavy guns.
The Rossia and Grotnohoi succeeded in reaching Vladi- vostok, although seriously injured. The Rossia was struck by 11 shells below and near the water line, the Oromohoi by 5. Each lost about half of its complement of officers and many sailors in killed and wounded.
On August 20 the Novik, which went to Kiao Chow after the naval engagement of August 10 and then sailed for Vladi- vostok, passing to the east of Japan, and the TsusJiinia engaged each other for about one hour near Korsakov, Sak- halin. After the engagement the Novil' proceeded to the anchorage and the TsusJiima drew off for repairs, having
EPITOME OF THE RI^SSO-.TAPAXESE n'AR. 153
boen struck by a shell in the hunkers and so l)a(lly daniaj^ed as to list.
The CJiitosr arrived toward evening and on the 21st pro- ceeded to Korsakov. The Novilc was found beached and her crew was abandoning lier. The CJiitose fired on her for nearly an hour, approaching to a1)out 2,500 meters.
A subsecpient examination by the Japanese found the Novik listed to starboard about 30°, bow submerged except the fore deck, upper deck awash more than knee-deep.
On August 23 the Sevastopol, while outside the harbor bombarding the left flank of the Japanese Third Army, struck a mine and was towed back into Port Arthur.
On August 24 the Russiaii destroyer Vunoslivni struck a mine and sank about 2 miles off Laotiehshan; a second destroyer struck a mine about the same time but was towed back into Port Arthur.
On September 3 the Japanese destroyer Hayatori, wlule engaged in the blockade of Port Arthur, struck a mine and sank.
On September 11 the Russian transport Lena, which had been converted into a cruiser with an armament of 23 guns and a complement of 16 officers and 488 men, under command of Captain Berlinski, entered San Francisco Harbor after thirty-one days out from Vladivostok. She was subse- quently disarmed and her crew interned vmtil the end of the war.
On September 18 the Japanese coast defense vessel Heiyen struck a mine in Pigeon Bay and sank; but 4 out of her com- plement of 289 were saved.
During the month of September the Japanese cruiser OtavM, 3,048 tons displacement, 18 guns armament, and maximum speed of 21 knots, was completed.
On the night of October 21 the Baltic Fleet, or Second Pacific Squadron, while passing over the Dogger Banks in the North Sea, fired on boats of the Hull fishing fleet, sinking the Crane, killing the captain and mate and wounding the remainder of the crew, 6 in number.
The Russian admiral reported he was attacked by two strange torpedo boats and that the firing was produced by such attack. The fishermen claimed no vessels other than
154 EPITOME OF TIIR RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
the Kiissian and lishijig- boats were in that vicinity. After several days of excited correspondence the two governments agreed to submit the matter to an international commission of inquiry composed of five naval officers of high rank.
The composition and organization of the Second Pacific Squadron, commanded by Vice-Admiral Rozhestvenski, were as follows:
First battleship division : Kniaz-Suvarov (flying the flag of Admiral Rozhestvenski, in immediate command of this divi- sion), Emperor Alexander III, Borodino, and Orel.
Second battleship division: Oslabya (flying the flag of Rear- Admiral Felkersham, commanding the division), Sissoi VeliH, Navarin, and the armored cruiser Admiral NaMimov.
Cruiser division: Dmitri Donskoi (flying the flag of Rear- Admiral Enquist, in command of the division), Aurora, Svietlana, Almaz, Zhemtchug, Kuban, Vral, and Terelc.
First flotilla of destroyers: (Captain Shamov in command) Bodri, Buini, Bistri, Bezupreshchni.
Second flotilla of destroyers: (Captain Baranov in com- mand) Brain, Biedovi, Blestiashchi.
Division of military transports and auxiliary ships.
Military transports: Kamtchatka (repair ship) and Anadir.
Auxiliary ships : Korea, Malaya, J/e^^or (condensing plant), Kitai, Kniaz-Gortchakov, Jupiter, Mercury, Vladimir, Voronezh, Ta7nbov, Yaroslav, Kiev (flying the flag of Captain Radlov, in command of the division), and Orel (hospital ship).
The fleet proceeded in two sections, the first, under Rozhestvenski and composed of the heavier draft vessels, proceeding via the Cape of Good Hope, the second, under Felkersham, proceeding via the Suez Canal, and rendezvoused at Nossi Be, northeast of Madagascar, where it was joined by a complementary division which passed the Suez Canal in January, 1905. This division, j)rovisionally under the com- mand of Captain Dobrotvorski, composed of the cruisers Oleg, Izumrud, Don, Rion {Smolensk), and Dneiper iPeters- hurg) and the destroyers Grozni, Gromki, Prozorlivi, Pronzi- telni, and Pritki, was distributed among the divisions of the Second Squadron.
The transport Irtish passed through the Suez Canal on January 2(S, 1905, to join the Second Squadron.
I
EPITOME OF TlIK RTSSO-.T APANKSF. WAU. 155
Jjiitcr the* squudroii \\ tis a<:;;un n'oiilorcc'd in the neighhor- hood of Kaniranh Bay, Cochin China, by the first division of the Third Sejuiuhon, wlncli left T^il)au Fehniary 15, IDOo, and was composed of Kmperof Nicolas I, squach'on battleship (flying the flag of Rear-Adniiral Nebogatov, in command of the division); Admiral Seniarin, General- Admiral Apraxin, Admiral Ushakov (armored guardships) ; Vladimir- Mono- macJi (armored cruiser) ; Russ (sea tug) ; Zenia (repair ship) ; Ocean (transport); Kostroma (hospital ship).
On Novemlxn- 6, 1904, the Japanese gunboat Atago was wrecked on a submerged rock in the Gulf of Pcchili.
On Novem})er 16 the Russian destroyer Rastoropni entered Chefoo with despatches from Port Arthur. The crew was landed and the vessel blo\\ai up by her commander.
On November 30 the Japanese cruiser Saiyen struck a mme, while cooperating with the Third Ai'uiy at Port Ai'thur, and sank. Of her complement of 16 officers and 213 men, the commander, Captain Tajima, and 38 others were lost.
On December 12 the Sevastopol, which had anchored out- side the harbor at Port Arthur, was attacked by Japanese torpedo boats. All other battleships and cruisers in Port Ai'thur had been so badly damaged, either by the Japanese heavy siege guns and naval batteries or intentionally by the Russians, as to be helpless. In the early morning of the 13th the attack was renewed, and one Japanese torpedo boat was struck by a shell and so badly damaged that she was towed away by one of her comrades. A third attack was made about 6 a. m. The torpedoes launched by the Japanese, while exploding, did not produce their full effect on account of torpedo nets and other defensive means employed by the Sevastopol. There were three Japanese casualties in the attack at 6 a. m., 3 torpedo boats receiving one shot each.
On Deceml^er 12 the Japanese protected cruiser Takasago struck a mine off the entrance to Pechili Gulf and sank. But 133 of her complement of 500 w^ere saved by the Otawa, which arrived shortly after the Takasago sank.
On December 15 the Japanese torpedo boats agam attacked the Sevastopol, also the coast defense vessel OtvazTini and the torpedo-boat destroyers, losing 3 killed and 3 wounded. It was reported unofficially that the Japanese lost a torpedo boat in these attacks on the Sevastopol.
156 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
On the night of December 16 tlie Japanese torpedo boats torpedoed and destroyed a llussian destroyer near the Sevastopol.
On the 22d Achniral Togo reported that the Sevastopol was so badly (Lamaged that she could not, under the condi- tions existing in Port Arthur, be repaired. On the same day he reported that he had arranged to withdraw the combmed fleet from before Port Arthur, having arranged for a closer watch to prevent ships running the blockade and to watch the remnant of the Russian scpiadron, consisting of the Otvazhni and several torpedo-boat destroyers.
On January 2, 1905, four Russian destroyers, the Slcori, Stratni, Vlastni, and Serrliti, arrived at Chefoo from Port Arthur, and were disarmed. Two others, the Smirli and Boilci, went to Kiao Chow, where they also were disarmed.
All war vessels remaining in the harbor were blown up b}^ the Russians prior to capitidation. The Sevastopol and Otvazhni were towed into deep water and sunk.
About March 16, 1905, Admiral Rozhestvenski left Nossi Be and proceetled to Kamranh Bay; passing Singapore April 8 and arriving April 12. The length of his stay at the latter place was made the subject of a diplomatic protest by Japan to the French Government.
On April 22 he left Kamranh Bay with the greater part of his vessels, the remainder sailmg on the 25th, and rendez- voused in the vicinity of Saddle Islands, off Shanghai, where he was joined on May 10 by Admiral Nebogatov's division, which had passed Port Said on March 24, and Singapore on ^Iay5. Leaving at Saddle Islands and neigh- borhood the greater part of the transports and colliers with the converted cruisers Don, Kuban, Terek, Bion (Smolensk) , and Dneiper {Petersburg), Admiral Rozhestvenski proceeded north with the following:
First battle-ship division: Kniaz Suvarov (flying the Admiral's flag). Emperor Alexander III, Borodino, and Orel.
Second battle-ship division: Oslahya (flying the flag of Rear-Admiral Felkersham), Sissoi Veliki, Navarin, and Admiral NakJiimov.
Third battle-ship division: Emperor Nicolas I (flying the flag of Rear- Admiral Nebogatov), G eneral- Admiral A praxin, Admiral Seniavin, and AdTniral Ushakov.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE \V\ll. 157
Cruiser division: Ol(</ (llyiii^^ the lla<i of Jlear-Admiral Enqiiist), Aurora, Vladimir Monomacli, Dmitri Donskoi.
Li<,dit cruiser division; Svietlana (flying tlie fla^; of Captain Sclu'iiie), Almaz, Ural, ZJierntcliug, and Izurnrud.
The torpedo boats and destroyers: Bodri, Buni, Bravi, B(2Uj>reshchni, Blestiashchi, Bistri, Biedovi, Grozni, and (rromki.
Transports: Kamtchatka, Anadir, Irtish, and Korea.
Sea tu(i;s: Buss and Swir.
Hospital slii|)s: Oni and Kostroma.
En route from Satldle Islands to the Sea of Japan the first and second divisions of the Russian fleet formed the starboard colimm, the third and fourth divisions formed the port column, the vessels of the light cruiser division were used as scouts, the transports, tugs, and hospital ships followed in and in rear of the interval between the columns.
On May 27, while approaching the eastern channel of the Straits of Korea, the Russian fleet detected, at about 7 a. m., oft" to the right, the Izumi; the Dmitri Donskoi fired on the Izum,i, which returned the fire and vanished in the fog.
This vessel was the left Mdng scout of the inner cordon, consisting of the Third (Vice-Admiral Kataoka's cruiser) Squadron preceded by scouts. The first (battle ship) divi- sion, the second (armored cruiser) division, and the fourth (Yice-Admiral Uryu's detachment) division, because of the receipt of a wireless message from one of the advanced scouts, the Shinano Maru, at 5 a. m., of the approach and course of the Russian fleet, rendezvoused with the torpedo- boat flotillas, about noon, at a point about 10 miles north of Okinoshima.
At this time the paper organization of the Japanese fleet was as follows:
Commantler of fleet and First Squadron, Admiral Togo, with Vice-Admiral Kato as chief of staiT. The First Squad- ron contained the first and third divisions:
The first division, A ice-Admiral Misu, contained the battle-ships Mikasa, Shikishima, Fuji, Asalii, and the armored cruisers Kasuga and NissJiin.
The third division, Vice-Admiral Dewa, contained the protected cruisers Kasagi, Chitose, Niitaka, Otawa, and
158 EPITOMK OF THE KUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
Tatsuta. It seems to have acted more or lesa independently of the First Squadron and was called the Dewa Detachment.
The Second Squadron, Vice-Admiral Kamimura, contained the second and fourtli divisions:
The second division, Rear-Admiral Shimamiira, contained the armored cruisers Idzumo, Adzuma, Tokiwa, Yakumo, Asama, and Iwate.
The fourtli division, Vice-Admiral Uryu, contained the protected cruisers Naniwa, TaJcashiho, Tsushima, Akashi, and Chihaya.
The Third Squadron, Vice-Admiral Kataoka, contained the fifth and sixth divisions:
The fifth divsion, Rear-Admiral Takeomi, contained the armored cruiser Ohiyoda, the protected cruisers ItsuJcushima, Matsusliima, and Hashidate, and the coast -defense sliip Chinyen.
The sixth division, Rear-Admiral Togo, contained the protected cruisers Izumi, AMtsushijna, Suma, and Yayetjama. It seems to have operated more or less independently of the Third Squadron and was called the Togo Detachment.
There was a seventh division, Rear-Admiral Yamada, con- taining the coast-defense ship Fusoo, and the gunboats Banjo, Cliiokai, Vji, Maya, Tsukuslii, Ahagi, and Sumida.
There were 21 destroyers divided into five divisions, the division commanders being Captains Fujimoto and Yajima and Commanders Yosliijima, Suzuki, and Hirose.
There were in the neighborhood of 60 torpedo boats, usually in groups of four, whose commanders were Lieutenants Fukuda, Kawase, Fusimota, Otaki, Wakagagashi, Aoyama, Kawada, Seko, Kondo, Matsuoka, Kubo, Ogawa, Sakamoto, Narutomi, Wada, Ibari, and Otaki.
There was also a special squadron, Rear-Admiral Ogura, containing the following auxiliary cruisers that had been called in from the merchant marine : America Maru, Nippon Maru, Ilonglcong Maru, Yawata Maru, Shinano Maru, Bingo Maru, Sado Maru, Tainan Maru, Taichin Maru, Daijin Maru, Haijo Maru, Fleijo Maru, MansTiu Maru, Koryo Maru, and Kasuga Maru.
Shortly after 10 a. m. the Russians saw off to the westward Vice-Admiral Dewa's detachment sailino- toward the entrance
EPTTOMK OK 11 IK KUSSO-JAPANESE WAIJ. 159
t)f (lie strait as tlioii^'li to intersect the course of tlie Kussiau fleet. Shortly after 11 a. in. Felkersham's division opened fire airainst these vessels, which went about and disappeared in the fo^:;.
At 1.20 p. m. the Russians again saw to port some of the vess(ds of theKataoka squadron and Dewa and Togo detacli- nients, now sailing northeast to effect a junction with the main Japanese fleet near Okinoshinia.
The Russian fl(>et had approached the straits in two columns, hut at 11.40 a. m. formed into single column, the first battleship division leading and follow^ed by the second and third battlesliij^ divisions and then the cruiser division, while to the right were the transports and scouts accom- panied by the light cruiser division. At noon the course was changed to nortli 23° east and the leading division fell off a little to starboard and then held itself in column.
At 1.40 p. m. the Russians sighted the Japanese main fleet. At 2.05 p. m. the leading Japanese vessel turned to port and the first division, followed b}" the second, advanced obliquely against the head of the Russian column. The Third Squad- ron and the Dewa and the Togo detachments, which had now reached the Japanese main fleet, steamed south to attack the Russian rear.
The sky was clear, the horizon foggy, a moderately strong breeze was blowing from the southwest, and the sea was suf- ficiently high to interfere with the maneuvers of the torpedo boats.
At 2. OS p. m. the Russians at 8,500 meters opened fire, which was returned a little later by the Japanese wdien the range had been reduced to 6,000 meters.
The Russian transports fell off to starboard, leaving the cruisers on their left and the scouts behind them. The head of the Russian column gradually fell off to starboard, thus causing the fleet to maneuver on the arc of a circle within which were the transports and destroyers.
The second Japanese division came on to the arc of the outer circle on which their first division was maneuvering and with it concentrated their fire on the leading Russian vessels and those flying Admirals' flags, using high explosive shells at first and then armor-piercing projectiles.
160 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
At 3.10 p. lu. the Oddhijd turned turtle and sank. The greater part of the officers and crew were taken off by de- stroyers before the vessel sank.
The Kniaz Suvarov was unmanageable at tliis time, and in endeavoring to protect tliis vessel the other Russian vessels fell into more or less confusion. The Japanese first division had by tliis time forged ahead of the Russian column, led by the Borodino, heading nearly southeast. Thinking the Rus- sian vessels had headed north to pass in rear of the second division, the vessels of the first division turned 16 points to the left and steamed nearly northwest, the Nisshin leading. The second division also went about and followed the first division.
Up to this time the most important damage to the Japan- ese fleet had been inflicted on the Asama, which was com- pelled to leave the Ime of battle by injuries to the steering gear and the entrance of water. After effecting temporary repairs the Asama rejoined the firing line.
The Shiranui, of the Hirose flotilla, and the Asahiwo, of the Suzuki flotilla, were both severely injured while attempting to torpedo the Kniaz Suvarov at about 3.40 and 4.55 p. m., respectively, but were saved from sinking. One of the torpe- does discharged in the latter attack struck the Suvarov on the port side near the stern, causing a list of about 10°.
The Suvarov was, however, in a helpless condition before this attack. Admiral Rozhestvenski, wounded, and some of the members of his staff were transferred about 3.30 p. m. to the Buini, one of the boats which had received the crew of the Oslahya. The command of the fleet was then transferred to Vice-Admiral Nebogatov.
At about 4.40 p. m., havmg agam gone about and while steaming nearly southeast, the Japanese first and second divi- sions lost sight of the Russian armored vessels and steamed south, the second division leading, firing on special service vessels and scouts. At 5.30 p. m. the first division went about and steamed north, while the second division steamed to the southwest and took part in the action against the Rus- sian cruiser squadrons and service ships.
About 5.40 p. m, the first division sank the ZJral, continued northward and came into action against six of the Russian armor clads steaming to the northeast. The first division.
EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPAXE.SE WAU. H)l
stcaiiiliii; parallel to and i'astcr than (hcsc vessels, caiisecl the latter to jijradiially turn to the north and then to tlie north- west, and nearly west, the Bowdlno leadlji<j:.
To the left ol" the Russian armor elads were tiie (fl((i, A urom, Dniifri Donskol, and Vladir.iir Monoinach; to the left of these W(M-e the remaining; transj)orts eseorted by the Svietlana and AliiKiz; the destroyers, the Zhenitchurj, and the huinrud were still farther to the left.
About 7.20 ]). ni. the Borodino, on whicli a serious fire had broken out, settletl to starboanl and sank, a])])arently from the explosion of the niagazuie. About the same time the Ahxander III, which had horn compelled to leave the line of battle some time before, also sank.
At sunset, about 7.35 p. m., the Japanese first division drew ofl' to the east to allow the tor]:)edo-boat flotillas, which were apjiroaching from three sides, to attack during the night.
Durmg this time the cruiser squadron and special-service ships of the Russians had been engaged with that portion of the Japanese fleet which had steamed south on receipt of the battle orders at 2 p. m. The Dewa and the Uryii detach- ments, keeping m touch, at 2.45 p. m. opened fire against the Russian criuser squadron while steammg parallel to and in the opposite direction, made a detour across the rear and steamed ])arallel to and in the same du-ection as the Russian vessels. This maneuver was repeated several times.
About 4.20 p. m. the Ur}m detachment sank the Irtish and a little later disabled the Kamtchatka. At about this time the Third Squadron joined the Dewa and the Uryu detach- ments in the attack.
At 4.40 p. m. four Russian armor clads joined from the north with the cruiser squadron and with it inflicted consid- erable damage on the Japanese vessels.
Vice-Admiral Dewa had at that time transferred to Vice- Admiral Uryu all his vessels except the Kasagi and the Clii- tose, and with these two vessels ran into the quiet waters of Aburadani Bay. Vice-Admiral Dewa came out the same evenmg on the Chitose, but the Kasagi was too badly damaged to take any part in the fighting on the next day.
At 5.10 p. m. the Naniwa, flagship of the Uryu detachment, was hit below the water line and compelled to retire for repairs.
34526—07- 11
162 EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-J APANESE WAR.
At 5.30 p. m. the Japanese second divisioji joined in this attack on the Russian cruiser squadron and four armor dads which had joined at 4.40 p. m.
During this fighting the Dewa and Uryu detachments con- centrated their fire principally on the transports, the Sviet- lana, the Almaz, and the Ural. The crew of the Ural was by order from the Svietlana transferred to the Korea prior to the sinkmg of the Ural by the first division at 5.40 p. m.
The Svietlana, struck below the water line, fell out of the line but subsequently regained her place. The Dmitri Don- skoi and Vladimir Monomach several times left the line to protect the transports.
As the cruiser squadron continued to give way it uncovered the Kniaz Suvarov and the repair ship Kamtchatka, both dis- abled. The Togo detachment sank the Kamtchatlca at 7.10 p. m., and the Fujimoto destroyer flotilla twice torpedoed the Suvarov, which sank at 7.20 p. m.
About this time the Japanese squadrons and detachments received the wireless message from the Tatsuta giving Admiral Togo's order to assemble at Ullondo Island, and steamed away to the northeast.
At the time of withdrawal of the various Japanese squad- rons the course of the Russian fleet was north 23° west. The various Japanese torpedo-boat flotillas which had ren- dezvoused in Miura Bay (Tsushima) prior to the engagement, taking shelter from the high sea, attacked the Russian vessels at 8.15 p. m., the Fujimoto destroyer flotilla against the head of the armor-clad column from the north, the Yajima de- stroyer flotilla and the Kawase torpedo-boat flotilla from the northeast, the Yoshijima destroyer flotilla against the rear from the east, the Hirose (Juntaro) destroyer flotilla from the southeast. The torpedo-boat flotillas under Fukuda, Otaki, Kondo, Aoyama, and Kawada pursued from the south both the armor-clad column and the cruisers steaming parallel with and to the left rear of the armor clads.
On the approach of the flotillas the Russian armor clads turned 8 points to port, so as to lessen the distance separating them from the cruisers. The latter also turned to port and the Oleg, Aurora, and Zhemtchug continued to the south, while the others, with the armor clads, again turned to port and proceeded in an eastern direction.
EPITOME OK THE KUSSO-.J AFANESE WAR. KjlJ
The lii'e ol" the llolihiis was aided by the I'acl that their ap- ]) roach compelled the Russian vessels to use their search- lijj;lits, thus l){>trayiii<:; their location and facilitatin<^ the use ol" the searchlights of the ilotillas.
The Sissoi VeliJci, Admiral Nakhimov, and \ladimir Mono- much were torpedoed and rendered helpless. On the side of the Japanese, torpedo boat No. 6;) (connnander's boat) of the Fukuda llotilla, No. 34 (commander's boat) of the Aoj^ama Hot ilia, and No. 35 of the Kawada flotilla, were suidv by ^\xr\ lire; their crews were saved l)y their companion boats, the Karigane, No. 31, No. 62, and others. The destroyers Ilar- usame, Akatsukl, Jlazuchi, and Yugiri and torpedo boats Sagi, Nos. 33 and G8 were so badly damaged by gun hre and collisions that they were temporarily compelled to withdraw from the fight.
At 2 a. m. on the 2Sth the Suzuki flotilla torpedoed and sank the Navarin.
At dawn on the 2Sth the Japanese first and second divisions were about 20 miles south of Ullondo Island when the Third Squadron, from a pomt about 60 miles farther south, re- ported the presence of Russian ships to the east. These ships proved to be the battle ships Orel and Emperor Nicolas I, the coast-defense ships General-Admiral Apraxin and Ad- nilral Seniavin, and the cruiser Izumrud, Admiral Nebogatov commanding. The first and second divisions approached from the west; the Third Squadron and the Uryu detachment approached from the south. At 10.30 a. m. the Russian ves- sels were surrovmded at a point 8 miles south of Takeshima (Liancourt Rocks) . The Izumrud escaped ; the others surren- dered. The Orel was taken to Maizuru, the Nicolas I, Apraxin, and Seniavin to Sasebo. The four vessels in the order given were renamed Iwami, Iki, Okinoshima, and Minoshima.
The Izumrud, after escaping, proceeded north, and at 1.30 a. m. on May 30, wdiile entering Vladimir Bay, ran on a reef, where she was blown up by her commander, Captain Versen, after the crew had landed.
At 7 a. m,, wliile proceeding northw^ard, the Uryu detach- ment discovered the Svietlana and the destroyer Bistri off to the west. A section containing the Otawa and Niikihi, under command of Captain Arima, was sent in pursuit and an engagement ensued, lasting about one hour. At 11.06 a. m.
104 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
the Svietlana sank oil" Cliekuryon Bay. The Niitaka, in cooperation with the destroyer Murakumo, continued in pur- suit of the Bistri, which ran a<ii;roiind and was destroyed in a small bay about 5 miles north of Cliekuryon Bay.
The survivors from the two Russian vessels were taken on board the Japanese special service ships America Maru and Kasuga Maru.
The Japanese destroyer Shiranui and the special service ship Sado Maru, at a point about 5 miles east of Kotosaki, Tsushima, discovered the Admiral NaJchimov at 5.30 a. m. on May 28, and a little later the Vladimir Monomach, both in a sinking condition. After the crews had been removed the vessels sank, about 10 a. m.
The GromTci appeared in this neighborhood, was pursued by the Shiranui and torpedo boat No. 63, and captured off Ulsan in a sinking condition at 11.30 a. m. She sank at 12.43 p. m., the crew having been previously removed.
The special-service ships Shinano Maru, Tainan Maru, and Yawata Maru, at a point about 30 miles northeast of Karaski, Tsushima, discovered the Sissoi Veliki m a sinking condition. The vessel sank at 11.05 a. m., the survivors being rescued.
The Admiral TJshakov was pursued from near the place of Admiral Nebogatov's sm-render by the Iwate and Yalxumo and suiils; a little after 5 p. m.; about 300 survivors were rescued.
The Dmitri Donskoi, steaming north, was discovered and followed by the Uryu detachment at 5 p. m. She was headed at a point some 30 miles south of Ullondo Island at 7 p. m. by the Otawa, the Niitaka, and the destroyers Asaglri, Shirakumo, and FuhuJci. The firing continued until dark, when the destroyers attacked. Although seriously damaged, the Dmitri Donskoi escaped from her pursuers. Toward morning of the 29th her crew was landed on Ullondo Island and the vessel sunk by opening tlie Kingston valves. The survivors were taken on board the Kasuga and Fuhuki.
The Buini, after having transferred Admiral Rozhestven- ski and staff to the Biedovi, and about 200 survivors of the Oslahya to the Dmitri Donskoi, sank.
The Biedovi, with Admiral Rozhestvenski and staff, was captured by the destroyers Sazanami and Kagero about 40 miles southwest of Ullondo Island about 4.45 p. m.
EPITOME OF TITE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. 105
Of the roniainiiit:; Russian torpedo l)oats the (irozni reached Vladivostok on May 29, the Bravi on the .31st. Tlie Bodrl and Blestiafihchi escaped south iii conij)any. About 5 a. m. May 28, the crew of the Blestiashchi, which was no lonjjer manat^^eable, was transferred to the Bodri and the former vessel sunk b}^ openinj:; the Kingston valves. The Bodri, after exhaust ing her water and fuel, was j^icked up in latitude 32° 22' N., longitude 112° 42' E., by the British merchant vessel Kueling and towed into Wusung, where she was ijiterned. The Bezwpreshclini was missing.
The Aurora, Oleg, and Zhemtchug , Rear Admiral Enquist commanding, arrived on June 3 at Manila, where they were interned.
The Almaz reached Vladivostok on May 29.
The transport Korea and the sea tug Swir reached Wusung on Ma}^ 30, and were interned, as were six other transports that had gone into that port from the vicinity of Saddle Islands.
The Anadir escaped and on June 28 arrived at Diego Suarez with a portion of the survivors of the Zlral.
The Kostroma and Orel were taken to Sasebo by the Japa- nese on suspicion of violation of some of the provisions of The Hague Conference. The first was afterwards released, the second was confiscated.
Tlie Russian casualties were 191 officers and 4,500 men killed and woimded and 6,143 captured.
The Japanese reported their total casualties for this engage- ment as 116 oilicers and men killed, 538 wounded; their total naval casualties for the war, 221 officers and 1,782 men killed, 170 officers and 1,497 men wounded, making a total of 2,003 killed and 1,667 wounded.
Early in June the Dneiper {Petersburg) transferred to the Dutch steamer Flores in the Straits of Malacca 41 of the Chinese crew and the mails of the British steamer >S'. Kilda, captured by the Dneiper with contraband on board in the China Sea on June 4 and sunk the next day. The European oflicers of the ship were retained by the Dneiper.
On June 5 the Terel' sank the British vessel Il'liona, about 150 miles north of Hongkong, transferring the crew to the Dutch vessel PerlaJc.
166 EPITOME OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.
On June 22 the Terel: similarly sank the Danish vessel Princess Marie. A few days later the Terek was disarmed and interned at Batavia.
On May 30 the Don sank the German steamer Tetartos in the North China Sea on the charge of carryhig contraband, consisting of railroad timber and sleepers. The crew of the Tetartos was landed at Batavia.
OPERATIONS IN KOREA AND SAKHALIN.
In Korea the Japanese, early in 1905, began the concentra- tion of the Sixth Army under General Hasegawa. The prin- cipal forces landed at Gensan and operated north along the coast in the direction of and against the Russian Adadivostok army under General Kasbeck, that had sent expeditions into and occupied northern Korea.
By June the advance of General Hasegawa was in contact with the Russian forces and several engagements of greater or less severity, none of wliich reached a magnitude to merit the designation of battle, occured. On July 24 the Japanese dislodged the Russians from and occupied Puryang and Puku. The advent of the rainy season and the sessions of the peace conference at Portsmouth suspended serious operations on the part of these two opposing armies.
On July 7 another Japanese force landed near Korsakovsk, capital of Sakhalin, and occupied the town, the Russian garrison withdrawing after having blown up the coast-defense guns and burned the government buildings. General Ilare- guchi commanded the Japanese forces operating in tliis region; General Liapunov commanded the Russian troops.
With the aid of the fleet and transports, the Japanese j^ro- ceeded to various points on the island, overpowered the small Russian garrisons, and occupied the important villages with- out any very serious engagements. The bulk of the Russian garrison, 70 officers and 3,200 men, surrendered July 31. The final skirmish did not take place until September 1, 1905, but four days before the treaty of i:)eace was signed.
PORTSMOUTH CONFERENCE.
On the initiative of President Roosevelt, plenipotentiaries were appointed by the two nations, Baron Konuiro and Mr. Takaliira by Japan, Count Witte and Baron Rosen by Russia, to meet and discuss terms of peace.
EPITOME OF THE KUSSO-J APANESE WAR. 167
The conference assembled at Portsmouth, N. II., Au<!;iist 29. The treaty was signed Septemper 5 and ratifications were exchanged November 25, 1905.
By the terms of the treaty Russia recognized the i)aramoimt interest of Japan in Korea, transferred to Japan tbe Chinese East Siberian Railway south of Changchun (Kuanchengtzu), that part of Saklialin south of fiftieth parallel, and the Russian Liaotung lease, covering an area of about 500 scpuire miles, containing Port Arthur and Dalny (Tairen). Japanese subjects were granted certain fishing privileges along the Siberian littoral. Manchuria was returned to Cliina, and the troops of Russia and Japan, in excess of 15 men per kilometer of railway as guards for the same, were to be withdrawn within eiirhteen months.
^
I !'o
I N 1 ) F. X
Page.
Admiral Nakhiiiiov, doslniclion of Ifi I
Admiral Fshukov, destruction of 1(1 1
Akatsuki, loss of 1-M
Ak'xander III, destruction of Kil
Ahnaz, arrival of, at Vladivostok 105
Anadir, arrival of, at Diego Suarez 105
Anju:
Cossack attack on 12
Japanese advance on 5
Anping:
Arrangement of Russian forces defending 57
Withdrawal of Russian forces defending GO
Atago, loss of 155
Battle of Sha River:
Capture of Russian guns in 87, 88, 91
Japanese plan at 84
Withdrawal of Russian left in 88
Biedovi, capture of 164
Buini, sinking of 164
Burakov, destruction of 149
Bistri, destruction of 164
Bober, at battle of Nanshan 144
Bodri, internment of, at Wusung 165
Bogatir, injured on rock 144
Borodino, destruction of 161
Bravi, arrival of, at' Vladivostok 165
Chefoo, disarmament of Russian destroyers at 156
Chemulpo, naval engagement near 136
('hengju, skirmish at 5
Chentanpu :
Arrival of Jajianese troo])s at l)attle of 98
Battle of 97
Losses at battle of 101
Russian troops at battle of 97
Chinampo, landing of Japanese at 5
( "hinghochen, l>eginning of Japanese attack on, in the liattle of
Mukden Ill
( 'zarevich, disarmament of 151
Dalny, occupation of, by Japanese 22
169
170 INDEX.
Page.
Diana, disarmament of 151
Dmitri Donskoi, sinking of 164
Dogger Banks episode 153
Entehniulu:
Capture of, by Japanese in l)at tic of Sha River 85
Recapture of, by Russians in 1 tattle of Sha River 85
Erhlungshan Fort:
Attack on 34
Capture of, l)y Japanese 39
Fenghuangcheng, advance from, of First Japanese Army 45
Fenshuiling, capture of, by Japanese 43
Gromki, sinking of 164
Grozni, arrival of, at Vladivostok 165
Grozovoi, disarmament 151
Hachimakiyama, capture of, l>y Japanese 33
Haicheng, advance on, of Second Japanese Army 55
Hatsuse, loss of 143
Hayatori, loss of 153
Heikoutai, battle of 97
Heiyen, loss of 153
Hitachi Maru, loss of 145
Hospital ships, disposition of Russian 165
Hsiaokushan, capture of, by Japanese 27
Hsienchang, occupation of, by Japanese 45
Hsihoyen, battle of 48
Ilungshaling, Japanese attack on 58
Ikhona, sinking of 165
Irtish, destruction of 161
Itzushan Fort, attack on, by Japanese 30
Izami Maru, loss of 145
Izumrud, loss of 163
Japanese Eleventh Division, landing of 22
Japanese Fifth Division, landing of 15
Japanese First Army:
Landing of 3
Organization of 3
Japanese First Cavalry Brigade, landing of 15
Japanese Fourth Army:
Composition of 43
Landing of 43
Japanese Ninth Division, landing of 26
Japanese Second Army, landing of 13
Japanese Seventh Division, arrival at Port Arthur 36
Japanese Third Army, composition of, on the Kuant\mgP(>ninsula.. 22
Japanese torpedo boats, destruction of, in battle of Sea of Japan 163
Japanese troops, total mobilized during war 108
Kaimon, loss of 147
INDEX. 171
Kai|)ing: Page.
1 )cinonstrati()n near, l)y Roar- Admiral Toujo 1-1
Losses at and near 21
Occupation of, l)y Japanese 20
Kamranh Bay, Russian fleet at 150
Kamtcliatka, destruction of 102
Kantashan, advance on, by Japanese 28
ICasuga, arrival of, in Japan 137
Keller, Lieutenaiit-( U'ueral, death of 55
Kenchuangt/.u. skirmish at 55
Kensan:
Attack on, by Russians 24
Capture of, by Japanese 23
Kiao Chow, disarmament of Russian destroyers at 150
Kilda, sinking of 105
Kinshu Maru, destruction of 141
Kiusan, ])enetration of gap in Russian line at, (hu'iiig ])attl(' of
Mukden 130
Knight Commander, sinking of 148
Korea, operations in northern 100
Korietz, destruction of 3
Kuantung Peninsula, operations on 22
Kuroki, Russian plan against army of at, Liaoyang 72
Kuropatkin Fort, attack on, by Japanese 31
Lantzushan:
Action of Zaraisk Regiment at 59
Arrangement of Russian forces defending 58
Lena, disarmament of 153
Liaoyang:
Advance of Japanese armies upon 60
Arrangement of Russian troops in advanced position of 01
Battle of 58
Bridges across Taitzu River near 71
Composition of forces at battle of 50
Losses at battle of 78
Withdrawal of main Russian force to right 1)ank of the Taitzu
River 09
Liushutun, occupation of, by Japanese 22
Machine guns, use of, with Japanese cavalry at l)attle of Sha River. . 86
Makarov, Vice-Admiral, death of 141
Malacca, seizure of 148
Mandzhur, disarmament of 140
Manila, arrival of Russian cruisers at 165
Manjuyama:
Capture of by Japanese 73
Russian attack on 75
Mishchenko, Cossack Brigade of 0
Miyako, loss of 143
172 INDEX.
Moticnling: Page.
First attack on, by Russians 45
Occupation of, l^y Japanese 45
Second attack on, by Russians 47
Mukden:
Battle of 101
Composition of troops at battle of 101
Concentration of Japanese Third Army at battle of 110
Concentration of Russian troops north of town to hold l)ack Japa- nese Third Army 128
Dispatch of Russian reserve to left flank in l^attle of Ill
Losses at battle of 134
Prepared positions at battle of 109
Russian orders for offensive movement against Japanese Third
Army in battle of 122, 124
Naganura Maru, destruction of 137
Kanshan :
Battle of 15
Japanese troops at battle of 15
Japanese vessels at battle of 15, 144
Losses at battle of 16
Russian force at and near 14
Navarin, destruction of 163
Nebogatov, surrender of vessels of 163
Nisshin, arrival of, in Japan 137
Novik, destruction of 152
174 Meter Hill, capture of, by Japanese 29
Orlov, defeat of, near Liaoyang 74
Oshima, loss of 144
Otvazhni, sinking of 156
Oyama, departure of, from Tokyo 46
Panling Pass, occupation of, by Japanese 50
Panlungshan forts:
Capture of, by Japanese 29
Russian vsortie against 30
Petersburg, passage of, through Bosphorus 148
Petropavlovsk, loss of 141
Peresviet, set on fire by Japanese artillery 33
P. fort (Ichinohe), capture of, by Japanese 35
Phyangyang, occupation of, ])y Japanese 4
Plate I. Battle of the Yalu. (At end of volume.)
Plate II. Battle of Nanshan. (At end of volume.
Plate III. Battle of Telissu. (At end of volume.)
Plate IV. Battle of Kaiping. (At end of volume.)
Plate V. Kuantung Peninsula. (At end of volume.)
Plate VI. Battle of Fenshuiling. (At end of volume.)
Plate VII. Battles of Motienling and Yangtzuling. (At end of volume.)
Vlate VIII. Battles of Hsihoyen and Yushulingtzu. (At end of volume.)
Plate IX. Russian position south of Tashihchiao. (At end of volume.)
INDEX. 173
Page. PlaU' X. Battle of Liaoyang. (At end of volume.) Plate XI. Ikittlo of Sha River. (At end of volume.) Plate XII. Battle of ('hentani)U. (At end of volume.) Plate XII I. Battle of Mukden. (At end of volume. ) Plate XIV. Strategic map of i)art of Korea and Manchuria. (At end
of volume.) Port Arthur:
Capture of railway l)ridge near, by Japanese 33
Captures at , 1 )y Japanese 42
Composition of Japanese troops acting against 22
Composition of Third Ja])anes(! Army at 41
Damage to Russian vessels by gun fire 33
Description of defensive Avorks 28
Effect of Japanese artillery fire again.st 3(5
First attempt to block 138
First attack on Russian fleet at 135
First bombardment of, by Japanese fleet 136
General assault by Japanese 35
General attack on, by Japanese 29
General attack by Japanese on the Sungshushan, Erhlungshan,
and Tungchikuanshan forts 37
Japanese demand for surrender of 29
Naval engagement near, on August 10, 1904 150
Progress of siege works against 31, 34
Sortie of Russian fleet from 145
Russian losses at 41
Russian troops in 40
Second attempt to block 140
Second general attack by Japanese in campaign against 26
Surrender of 39
Third attempt to block 142
Use of wooden guns to throw grenades 33
Portsmouth, treaty of 167
Princess Marie, sinking of 166
Pulantien:
Cutting railway at, by Japanese 13
Repair of railway bridge at, by Russians 14
PutilovHill:
Capture of, by Japanese 92
Recapture of, by Russians 93
Rennenkampf, composition of Cossack division of 46
Rastoropni, destruction of 155
Rurik, destruction of 152
Russian Second Pacific Squadron, composition of 154
Russian Third Pacific Squadron, first division of 155
Ryeshitelni, capture of ■- 151
Saddle Islands, Russian fleet at 156
Saiyen, destruction of 155
Sakhalin, operations in 166
174 INDEX.
Sea of Japan: Page.
Coinposilion of fleets at naval battle of 156
Naval battle of 157
Sevastopol, sinking of 156
Shalingpu, attack on, by liussians in battle of Mukden 117, 118
Sha River:
Battle of 79
Composition of forces at Ijattle of , . . . 80
Disj^osition of Russian Seventeenth Corps on stream in battle of 90
Losses in battle of 95
Russian 2)lan at l)attle of 81
Shuisliihying redoul)ts, attack on, by Japanese 31
Seoul, occupation of, by Japanese 4
Shihli River, disposition of Russian troops on, in battle of Sha River. . 85
Shoushanpu, advance of Japanese on 63
Sissoi Veliki, destruction of 164
Sivuch, destruction of 149
Skori, loss of 139
Smolensk, passage of, through Bosphorus 148
Ssufangtai, occupation of, by Japanese in battle of Mukden 114
Stackelberg, retrograde movement near Yentai mines 77
Stereguschi, loss of 139
Strashni, destruction of 140
Sungshushan Fort, attack of. by Japanese 34
Sungshushan, capture of fort, by Japanese 39
Sungshushan supporting battery, attack on, by Japanese 37
Suvarov, destruction of 162
Svietlana, destruction of 164
Taihoku Maru, loss on, by explosion of mine 145
Taitzu River, crossing of, by Japanese at battle of Liaoyang 67
Takasago, loss of 155
Takushan, capture of, by Japanese 27
Tashihchiao :
Advance on, by Japanese Second Army 50
Battle of 50
Composition of forces in battle of 50
Losses at battle of 51
Telissu:
Battle of 18
Concentration and composition of Russian force at 17
Japanese cavalry at battle of 19
Losses at battle of 20
Temple Hill, capture of, by Japanese in battle of Sha liivcr 84
Terek, disarmament of, at Batavia 166
Tetartos, sinking of 166
Thea, sinking of 148
Tomucheng:
Battle of 52
Skirmish south of 46
INDEX. 175
I'ago.
Tor{)t'(l( I l)()at No. IS, lutss of I43
Tsuckou, Japanese attack on. 1 59
Tungchikuanshan :
Assault on nortli fort l>y .hipancsc 3(j
Attack on north fort of, by Japanese 30
Attack on north and east forts by Japanese 70
Capture of nortli fort I)y Japanese 38
North fort mined by Japanese 35
203 Meter Hill:
Attack on, by Japanese 32
Capture of, by Japanese 37
Ural, destruction of 1 (jO
Varyag, destruction of 3
Vladimir ^lonomach, destruction of Ifil
Vladivostok, l)ombardment of 139-141
Vladivostok squadron :
Engagement t)f, with squadron of Vice- Admiral Kaniinuu-a 1.52
Raid by 147
Vnimatelni, loss of 145
Vnuchitelni, destruction of 139
Vunoslivni, loss of 153
Wangtai-, capture of, by Japanese 39
Weiningying, crossing by Russians of Taitzu River near, in tlie battle
of Sha River 82
Wiju:
Advance on, by Japanese First Army 6
Arrival of Japanese advance guard at 6
Arrival of Japanese howitzers at 6
Russian forces near 6
Wusung, internment at, of Russian vessels 1G5
Yalu River:
Bat tie at 7
Distribution of Russian troops at battle of 9
Japanese bridges built over 7, 9
Losses at battle of 12
Yangtzuling, battle of 53
Yashima, loss of 143
Yenisei, loss of 137
Yingkou, raid on 96
Yoshino, loss of 143
Yukuantun, fighting at, in ))attle of Mukden 127
Yushulingtzu, battle of 53
Zikov, Major-General, observation of Japanese Second Army by 13
o
4-
WAR DEPARTMENT : : OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Second (Military Information) Division, General Staff, No. 12
Influence of the Experience of the
Siege of Port Arthur upon the
Construction of Modern
Fortresses
By A. VON SCHWARTZ
Professor at tfie Nicholas Academy of the General Staff St. Petersburg
TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN
IN THE SECOND (MILITARY INFORMATION) DIVISION
GENERAL STAFF
JUNE 30, 1908
WASHINGTON : .- GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : : 1908
War Department.
Document No. .314.
Offlc^" of The Chief of Staff,
Influence of the Experience of the Siege of Port Arthur upon the Construction of Modern Fortresses.
On this lino of forts the battles for the defense of the fortress must be fouiLiht ; here the artillery and infantry must offer a de- cisive resistance to the enemy. — Engineering Defense of the Countri/, hn l\. Vdichko.
PREFACE.
It is tho duty of every person to publish all of the valuable iuforniatiou which he has acquired by experience in war.
The great length of the siege of Port Arthur allowed the engineers who were in the fortress to get an insight, imder service conditions, into many problems of fortress construc- tion. As one of these engineers, I have decided to give here all the information which I had the opportunity to collect. My notes are undoubtedly incomplete, as it is possible that many things haA^e been overlooked.
I hope that this work, done to the best of my ability, will be useful to those w^ho devote themselves to the study and construction of fortifications.
TRANSLATOR'S NOTE.
In the translation, the Russian designations of the de- fensive works, where numerals and letters were used, have been retained. Russian names have as far as possible been translated into English. As many of the fortifications and topographical features about Port Arthur are better known under designations applied to them by the Japanese and by military observers and correspondents, the following table has been prepared to connect these features with their sev- eral names, and a map of the Kuangtung Peninsula using the more familiar names has been added.
The designations used for the various defensive works en- able them to be readily located, as they are numbered and lettered, according to their class, from right to left or contra- clockwise around the fortress. The following classification indicates the nature of the works: Forts (permanent), re- doubts (more or less temporary), fortifications, lunettes, capo- niers, and batteries (seacoast and land). This classification, based on the project for the fortress, does not always indicate the relative importance of the works at the time of the siege. for, as w^ill be seen, most of the forts, uncompleted at the out- break of the war, were really only temporary works during the siege, while Redoubt No. 3, called temporary, w^as in fact as strong as most of the forts. It is generally rated as a fort by other writers.
Some explanation is necessary in regard to the term '" caponier " which is extensively used by the author, and has been retained for convenience in the translation. In addition to the usually understood use of the term, as a portion of the main work projecting into the ditch from which a flanking fire on the ditch may be obtained, the author in his discus- sion of rear (gorge) caponiers, contemplates the use of cer- tain '• intermediate rear caponiers " not only to afford flank- ing fire on the gorge ditches, but also on the intermediate
b TRANSLATOR S NOTE.
interval to the next fort. In further extension of this idea of flanking the intervals between forts, he uses the term '* caponier " to designate certain intermediate temporary works, constructed for the purpose of supporting the inter- vals by flanking fire. The word " fortification," for want of a better term, has been used to designate four small numbered redoubts on the main line of defense in order to distinguish them from other redoubts on the main line.
Tithlc (if orrcNiJoinliiii/ iiiiiik -i of irorlcs diid f( (tfiin s.
Text. Japanese or otiicr drsij^natioii.
Fort No. 1 Pai-yin-sliiin, Old l"oit.
fTung-cbi-kuan-sliau, Xdrlli. Fort No. II {^^ ^. „ ,
[North Keo-kuan.
Fort No. Ill Frlunj,'sLian, Urlungshan.
Fort No, IV Itziislinii.
Fort No. V T.^-.vaii.u-l<tni, Noilh.
Redoubt No. 1 On Twin I'cak.
^ , , ,, ^ fTnng-cbi-kuan-sLian, .Scnitbeast.
Redoubt No. 2 , J.^, ., . ,- i
iSoutbeast Kee-kuan.
Redoubt No. 3 Sung-shu-sban.
Redoubt No. 4 Ta-antzu-sban.
Redoubt No. 5 Hsitaiyangkou.
Takbe Redoubt Southeast Redoubt.
Caponier No. 1 Pai-yiu-sbau, New Fort.
Battery A Pai-yin-shan, North.
„ ^ fTuug-chi-kuan-shan, East.
Battery B J, Ti' i •
|East Kee-kuan.
Kuropatkin Lunette Battery Q.
Caponier No. li Battery P.
Fortification No. 1 East Paulun.^sban.
Fortification No. 2 AVest Panlungsban.
Caponier No. '.i Battery (J.
Letters Battery Battery R.
Small Eagle Nest Battery M.
Eagle Nest Wangtai, Van tai. TA'antai.
Redoubts Battery Battery H.
Wolf Battery Ro. Battery.
Mound Battery Tungshushan Annexed Battery.
Aqueduct Redoubt Fort Kuroi>atkin.
Idol Redoubt Shui-shih-ying Redoubt.
Battery C Ilsiao-an-tzu-shan.
Battery I) ( Saitper) Hsiao-an-tzu-shau.
Division Hill Long Ridge.
Long Hill Naniakayama.
Flat Hill Asakayania.
Wolf Ridge Feug-huang-shan.
TABLK OF CONTKNTS.
Pane. ('llAl'TlOK I 11
riaii of iiKxltTii fortresses in Russia and al)road — Kt'atuics of modern land fortresses.
C'lIAl'TKK II 15
The plan of the fortress of Port Arthur — The main line of defense — Advanced works — The central enceinte — Colonel Ve- lichko's plan — General scheme of the land defenses.
Chaptkk III 29
Condition of the fortress at the bejitinning of the war — En- gineering work done during mobilization — Necessity for plan of action in case of unexpected mobilization — Military roads — Condition of the fortress at the beginning of the invest- ment— Armaments and forces of the belligerents — Comments — l^abor and transportation employed during mobilization.
CnAPTKK IV 48
Importance of advanced positions — Importance of constant observatioTi of the intervals between forts and of provision for covering the intervals with rifle fire as demonstrated by the first great assault — Intermediate rear caponiers.
Ch after V 76
Length of the intervals between forts — Filling in the intervals between forts and the role of the central enceinte — Bombproof shelters for the garrisons of the intervals — Masking of the de- fenses.
Chapter VI 95
Permanent and temporary emplacements — Magazines — For- tress communications — Searchlights — The telephone and the telegraph.
Chapter VII 122
Garrison for a modern fortress — Infantry — Engineer troops.
Chapter VIII 132
Details of the construction of forts — Large caliber guns in forts — Necessity for turrets for observation and galleries for the infantry — Sheltered communications in forts — Shelters for coun- ter-assault guns — Armament of the fort — Casemates for the garrisons of forts and communications of forts with the rest of the fortress — Shelter for the men on duty — Telephones and signals — Thickness of concrete walls — Ditches and other obsta- cles— Counterscarp galleries — The installation of searchlights in the forts and the illumination of the ditches — Covered pas- sages— The garrison of the fort — The parade of the fort — The masking of forts.
Chapter IX ](i4
Project for a fcjrtress — I'roject for an intermediate redoubt for one company.
Chapter X 171
Conclusion.
I)
LIST OF PLATES.
( In pocket. )
Plate 1. Plan of Port Arthur showing defenses and siege works. II. ■ Plan for filling the intervals between forts.
III. Sector of fortress showing the intermediate works, roads, rail-
roads, and masking of position.
IV. Disposition of batteries. V. Fortress telephone lines.
VI. Disposition of searchlights.
VII. Fort No. III.
VIII. Project for a fortress.
IX. Project for a redoubt for one company.
X. Details of project for redoubt for one company.
XI. Map of the Kuangtung Peninsula. 10
CHAPTER I.
PLANS OF MODERN LAND FORTRESSES IN RUSSIA AND ABROAD— FEATURES OF MODERN LAND FORTRESSES.
I'LAXS OF MUDKKX LAM) lORTRESSES IN lU SSIA AND ABROAD.
The modern land fortress has two separate parts, the enceinte and the periphery. In the center of the protected area is located the defended city surrounded by an enceinte (wall) ; along the periphery are erected separate fortifica- tions, forts with batteries between them. The forts, the intervals between them, and the batteries form a fi<yhting line, while the enceinte plays the role of a reserve, a last posi- tion. In the space between the line of forts and the enceinte are magazines and the lines of communication between the fig'hting line and the city. This is the form adopted by all \ nations; the fortresses of different nations differing only in ' the details of the design of the forts, the length of the inter- vals between them, the disposition of the batteries, etc.
This plan is not the project of an individual, but is a natural and gradual development of the idea embodied in the most ancient fortresses. The design of a fortress de- [)ends entirel}^ upon the means of destruction possessed by the enemy. Hence, the degree of civilization of a nation and the spirit of the times play here a most important part. The history of fortification teaches us that in each epoch the defense has endeavored to adopt such a design as would enable the works to withstand the means of destruction of that epoch. We see that the following factors have the greatest influence upon the design of fortresses: (1) The development of artillery; (2) the increase of population and of the size of armies and garrisons; and (3) the advance of civilization, as shown more particularly by the improvement of the means of communication and by various inventions used in the arts of war. Under the influence of these factors the fortresses of the nineteenth century consisted of sepa-
11
12 * FEATURES OF MODERN LAND FORTRESSES.
rat\ works (bastions, etc., for points of support) joined by a ramj^c^rl, built almost immediately on the confines of the city. ,,Vlthough the idea oi pla*"'" ■• the works in a more advanced position was advocatr ' re than fifty years ago, an example was necessary to ^ its adoption. Sebasto-
poi afforded the example.
After SeLastopol the engineers of all countries endeavored to place arojnid the defended city a line of works at a suffi- cient distarce to protect it from bombardment, the old ram- parts being maintained in the old fortresses. In recent fortresses, in addition to the outer w^orks, fortifications of the second line or the so-called central works were erected. This is the type of all large land fortresses in Russia and abroad. The general form being adopted, it is necessary to vary the details to suit the locality,
FEATURES OF MODERN LAND FORTRESSES.
We see that modern fortresses have the following features :
1. The works have the general form of a circle.
2. Forts are scattered along the circumference of this circle.
3. The forts are the points of support on the fighting line.
4. The interval between the forts is from If to 4f miles.
5. Permanent and temporary batteries, trenches, etc., are placed in the intervals.
6. The foregoing works constitute the fighting line.
7. Along this line and between it and the enciente run lines of communication consisting of roads and railways.
8. In the center of the circle lies the city.
9. The city is surrounded by an enceinte consisting of a series of points of support with a rampart and a ditch run- ning between them.
10. Powder magazines are placed at various points be- tween the enceinte and the line of forts.
11. Within the enceinte are the main magazines and the depots of supplies.
12. The di'^tance between the forts and the enceinte varies from I to 3;^ des.
FEATURES OF MODERN LAND FORTRESF o ^6
The first feature of this plan, the circle is the fi'^il de- vel()|)nieiit of the most ancient t\ pe of fortiiicalion, t .j quad- rangle. In the evohiti of fortification, the i)()lyov,n suc- ceeded the quadrangle ; -as itself followed hv the circle, the most perfect form, i' excludes almost entirely long- range enfilade fire and ves a position without fianks. Flank attacks are thus rei lered impossible.
]Moreover, forts placed on the arc of a circle a fiord greater facilities for mutual support than Avhen pla ed on the straight side of a polygon. The forts are, in fact, points of support so arranged that the intervals between them can not be taken, if the defense be well conducted, until the forts are captured. The distance between these forts, which constitute the artillery and ijifantry positions of the defense, is deter- mined by the facilities for mutual support.
For quick and convenient communication the outer line is ccmnected by roads and railways with the city, the depots, magazines, and reserves. The outer line must secure the cit}'^, situated at the center of the circle, from bombardment. The distance between the outer line and the city is determined by the range of siege guns. At the present time this distance should not be less than 6 miles. To prevent the enemy from swarming into the city on the heels of the defeated garrisons of the outer line, the city is surrounded by an enceinte consist- ing of a rampart with a ditch and points of support, in rear of which are the main magazines and depots of supplies.
The foregoing plan constitutes, so to speak, the skeleton or framework of the fortress. All the above-described works are erected in time of peace. Upon mobilization, the inter- vals are furnished with temporary earthworks, batteries for fortress artillery, trenches, etc. The fighting position for artillery and infantry, which does not exist in time of peace, is now prepared.
The following characteristics may be pointed out with reference to the design and preparation of this position by foreign nations :
1. The French propose to establish groups of fortifications in the intervals,
•2. The Germans prefer separate permanen*^ '^)rtificati()ns with separate field fortifications alongside of se.
14 FEATURES OF MODERN LAND FORTRESSES.
3. Somewhat to the rear of this line and immediately in front of the belt road, the Germans erect in time of peace a row of bombproof quarters for the infantry garrison.
4. Both the French and the Germans erect several perma- nent batteries in the intervals, the Germans having the so- called fort batteries, i. e., batteries outside of the forts but close to them.
5. The guns in the forts are mounted in turrets.
6. Underground telephones are used for communication.
7. All the plans coincide in the following particulars:
a. The intervals between the forts may be furnished with temporary works during mobilization.
b. The main defense of the intervals is based upon the cross-fire of the forts.
Thus we see that in planning a fortress it is found neces- sary to secure the city by the erection oif an uninterrupted enceinte with points of support. Less attention has been given to the forts on the outer line, and no thought whatever to the preparation of the ground on which the fight will take place. The Germans alone have given these neglected features some consideration, but far less than they deserve.
CHAPTER II.
( 8oe I'lales 1 ;uul XI.)
THE PLAN OF THE FORTRESS OF PORT ARTHUR— THE MAIN LINE OF DEFENSE— ADVANCED WORKS— THE CENTRAL ENCEINTE- COLONEL VELICHKO'S PLAN— GENERAL SCHEME OF THE LAND DEFENSES.
THE PLAN OF THE FORTRESS OF PORT ARTHUR.
Before describing the fortress of Port Arthur we shall speak of it under the following heads: 1, The plan; 2, what had been done before the war; 3, the condition of the fortress during mobilization and during the siege. The third item will undoubtedly be the most interesting, but it is necessary to consider the other two.
One of the persons best acquainted with the history of the fortifications, M. TimchenkoTluban, in describing the for- tress in his book, A Few Words on Port Arthur, divides all the works into two parts — the central enceinte and the outer line.
The project of this fortress is presented as follows in his detailed description :
According to the project, the defeusive works of Port Arthur were to consist of a row of coast batteries, a line of land fortifications on the advanced heights, and the central enceinte near the old city and surrounding it. The armament of the fortress was to consist of 541 guns and 40 machine guns, 64 of the guns being held in reserve.
THE MAIN LINE OF DEFENSE.
The line of land fortifications, which were to be armed with 237 guns, could be divided into three fronts, the northeast, the north, and the west.
The northeast front, bounded on the right by Fort No. I and on the left by Battery B, was to include one permanent fort (No. I), two redoubts (Nos. 1 and 2) of a lighter type, but of concrete, described in the project as "temporary," two permanent batteries (A and B). one separate open intermediate caponier, one rear fortification (on Great Hill), and three batteries which were to be erected during the period of mobilization. These works, with the exception of the three 44461—08 2 15
16 THE MAIN LINE OF DEFENSE.
batteries, which were to l)e arined witli guns from the reserve, were to be armed with 52 guus and 12 machine guns, distributed as follows : (1) Twenty-eight light field guns and four machine guns to defend the city against assault and to fire in the zone immediately in front; (2) eighteen G-iuch guns (eight of G,SG2 pounds and ten of 4,334 pounds) to oppose the investing batteries, and (3) six 57-mm. rapid-fire caponier guus and eight machine guus for the defense of the ditches. On this front were two and one-half companies of infantry in addition to guard troops, battery supports, and local reserves. The length of this front from the flanking fortifications of the adjoining land front to the nearest coast battery was about 3 miles.
Fort No. I was well placed; it covered with its fire the slopes of Siaokushan and Takushan and the approaches to Dragon Kidge and flanked the ravines between these hills. Four G-inch (G,SG2 pounds) guns, mounted on coast platforms in this fort, the so-called Round Battery, could fire upon the bay of Takhe.
The caponier was intended to flank the approaches to the works on this front.
The batteries to be ei'ected during mobilization on the heights in rear of the open caponier were intended to cover with their fire the slopes of Siaokushan and the ravine in front of Fort No. 1.
Redoubt No. 1, which was to be erected on Danger Hill, was a rear point of support.
Battery A, armed with six 6-inch guus of 4,334 pounds each, cov- ered with its fire the upper part of the valley of the river Takhe and the summits of Siaokushan and Takushan and flanked the distant approaches to Fort No. II.
liedoubt No. 2, which served to connect Forts No. I and No. II, could not be defended by its own fire on account of the conformation of the ground, but could fire on the approaches to Batteries A and B, which, in their turn, could fire on the approaches to the redoubt. For this purpose it was the intention to increase the armament of Battery A by two light field guns and that of Battery B by four light field guus.
Battery B, armed with four 6-inch guns of G,SG2 pounds, as well as the battery which was to be erected during mobilization in its rear, could fire along the front against the approaches to the nearest intermediate works of the nol'theast and north fronts.
The work on Great Hill to be erected in rear of the northeast front opposite its center was almost secure from assault, owing to- the na- tui'e of the ground. It could cover the retreat from the first line in the direction of the enceinte.
The main approaches to the northeast front ran along two ravines, plainly marked on the terrain; one on the right between Siaokushan and Takushan ; the other on the left extending north of Takushan. All the works proposed in the project were well located for covering these ravines. The fire of twenty-two guns could be concentrated on them, not including the works which were to be erected during mobilization.
THE MAIN LINE OF DEFENSE. 17
The north front, bomulod on the rijilit by Fort Xo. II and on the loft 1)}' Redoubt No. 'A, was to include two peruianont forts (Nos. II and III), two works of .1 lij^htor t.vi>o ( Kajrli" Nest and IJedoubt No. .3), two temporary fortillcations (Nos. 1 and 2), and sevi'u batteries wliich were to be l)uilt durlnj: nioliilization. Excludlnfj; tlie seven l)at- teries, tliese worivs were to mount sixty-two guns, as follows: Thirty- six lijrht field guns to meet infantry attack in front, six (J-inch guns to oppose the investing batteries, and twenty-four 57-millimeter iai)id- lire caponier guns to Hank the ditches. These works were to be Miauned by four and one-half comi)aules of infantry in addition to the guard troops, the battery supports, and the local reserves. The length of this front was about 89 miles.
Fort No. II. which was to be erected on the site of an old Chinese fortification, could fire on the approaches to the right flank and to the center of the north front, the rear approaches to Siaokushan, and the immediate vicinity of the village of Palichjuan.
Eagle Nest on the high hill of Wautai, in rear and to 'the east of Fort No. II conmuinded a wide view and had an excellent range for its 6-inch gnus, all of the bays being in full view. The two ra- vines running from Wantai to the south and west could not be cov- ered effectively from this work.
Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2, which were to be erected on the site of old Chinese earthworks, were to connect Forts Nos. II and III. They were necessary on account of the broken ground.
The valley of the River Lun-he was under the fire of a battery of 0-inch guns in Fort No. III. The rear caponier of this work could fire on the approaches to Fort No. II and to Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2, and the region around the village of Shuishlying. It was the inten- tion to prepare a site for a horse battery on an adjacent hill on ac- count of a large ravine which could not be reached from these works. Redoubt No. 3 was to serve as a support to Fort No. Ill in case it were attacked from the Great Mandarin road. This work could fire on the approaches to Forts Nos. Ill and IV, and the river valleys near the two villages of Sikou.
The seven batteries which were to be erected during mobilization, and armed from the fortress artillery reserve, were to oppose the in- vesting siege batteries.
The opinion was general that the approaches to the north front, and especially to Fort No. Ill, could not be covered effectively by the fire of the works on this front and that an energetic enemy nught bi-eak through the line from the direction of the Great Mandarin road. It was thought that these defects could be removed entirely by the erection of Fort P,- a strong work, the details of which will be given later.
The west front, bounded on the right by Fort No. IV and on the left by Fortification No. 4. was to include three permanent forts (Nos. IV, V, and VI), two works of a lighter type (Redoubts Nos. 4 and 5), three temporary works (Fortifications Nos. 3 and 4 and a lunette), four permanent batteries (C, D, E, and the ''Salt" Battery) aucl seven
18 THE MAIN LINE OF DEFENSE.
batteries to he erected duriii,c: mobilization. Kxflndin.o; the seven batteries, it was the iutention to mount 110 guns and 4 machine guns, iis follows: Sixty-one light field guns to meet infantry attack in front, thirty G-inch (twelve of G,8G2 pounds and eighteen of 4,334 pounds) to oppose the investing batteries and to fire on Pigeon Bay and the waters between Tiger Peninsula and the coast ridge of Liao- teshan, and twenty-eight 57-millimeter guns and four machine guns to flank the ditches. These works were manned l\v six companies of infantry in addition to fortress guards, battery supports, and local reserves. The length of the western front was TJ miles.
Fort No. IV could support effectively the neighboring forts and fire into the river valleys near Sikou, Shuishiying, and Pach- lunshan. The end faces of this work were near the abrupt sl*pe of a rock 1S5 feet high and therefore its nearest approaches were to be defended by flanking fire from trenches to be dug along the sides of the fort. Batteries C and D (the Sapper) with ten 6-incli guns in permanent emplacements could fire into the valley of the river I^un-he and upon the approaches to Redoubt No. 3 and to Forts Nos. Ill and IV. In general, they could flank the approaches to the line of defense to the right and left of these batteries. The site of the Sapper l)uttery was well chosen to attain this end.
Redoubt No. 4, and the adjacent " barbette " battei-y with eight 6-inch guns of 4,334 pounds, had an excellent field of fire along the front and against the approaches to Fort No. V.
Fort No. V could fire with moderate effect upon the approaches to Fort No. IV and Snipe Hill (site of Redoubt No. 5) and with less effect along their front. Its position would be bad if 203-Meter Hill, which conunanded it, were captured. Two strong batteries were to be built during mobilization to support Fort No. V,
Battery E, with six G-inch guns of 6,SG2 pounds in permanent emplacements and three batteries to be built during mobilization, marked on the plan between Battery E and Fort No. VI, were to fire into the valley running to Pigeon Bay and to support Forts No. V and No. VI.
Redoubt No. ">, which was to be erected on Snipe Hill, was con- sidered to be very important on account of its position, which closed the break to the Western B.asin. The possession of this work would enable the enemy to enfilade our entire western position. Its value to the enemy, the ease with which it could be approached through a wide valley, and the lack of support from other permanent works caused No. 5 to be given strong means of self-defense.
The temporary lunette and Fortification No. 3 were considered as rear points of support closing the approaches to the new cit.v from the west.
P'ort No. VI and Fortification No. 4 were to prevent the enemy from breaking through from the direction of Pigeon Bay to Tiger Peninsula. Salt Battery, armed with six G-inch guns of G,SG2 pounds on seacoast platforms, could fire ui)on the water area in the sector between the ri^ge of Liaoteshan and Tiger Head, the beat-h near
ADVANCED WORKS. 19
the AMllagre of Bnlantze, Tiger Isthmus, tho valloy iMiniiinjc In IMgooii Bay, and tlie approaches to Fort No. VI.
The west front was considered wealc, even wlien tlie !>lan was hcin^ made, on account of tlie want of mutual sujtport between its coni- lioiient parts and the proximity of commandinf; heights at short range from its northwestern side. Such were the works of the main lint' of defense.
ADVANCED WORKS.
The defects of the outer line of land defenses in the plan deter- mined upon by the authorities, brought about the project of strength- ening this line, immediately after the change of view on Port Arthur which took place in financial and diplomatic circles, a view so erro- neous, as was shown bj- subsequent events, that it is useless to discuss it. It was decided to strengthen the defenses by occupying Takushan and by erecting a group of works in front of the northwestern angle of the fortress.
- A strong point of support was to be erected on the summit of Takushan and also a battery with six light guns. From this point it was possible to fire upon the approaches to the center of our north front and into the entire upper part of the valley of the river Takhe. The main object, however, of occupying Takushan was to prevent the enemy from occupying this height, which was only 1^ iinles from our line of defense and which commanded all the adjacent region. However, it was not thought that the occupation of Taku- shan by the enemy would have decisive results, as its far side was abrupt, almost inaccessible, where even mules and donkeys could not ascend. Guns could not be taken to the summit except singly and by hand and only on the side toward the fortress.
In front of the northwest angle of the fortress two permanent forts (P and D)," one work of a lighter type on 174-Meter Hill, and two separate batteries in permanent emplacements (F and the Horse Battery) were to be built; also seven batteries were to be erected here during mobilization. The permanent works were to mount sixty-eight guns and four machine guns apportioned as follows : Twenty-four light field guns and four machine guns to meet infantry attack in front, eight G-inch guns of G,SG2 pounds, and ten 4.2-iuch guns to fire upon the more distant approaches and landing places, and twenty- six 57-mm. rapid-fire caponier guns to flank the ditches.
Fort P could fire upon the village of Shuishiyiiig and all the approaches to Fort No. III. It thus filled the gap previously men- tioned as being a weak point in the center of the north front; for it served to prevent the enemy from breaking through in the direc- tion of the Great Mandarin road. Moreover, communication between
" These works as such were not built and are not shown on maps. From what follows here and elsewhere it may be inferred that Fort P was to have been at the eastern end of Pachlunshau Ridge, Fort D at the western end of Pachlunchan Ridge. Battery F on Deaths Head Hill, and the Horse Battery on Long Hill. — Tr,
20 THE CENTRAL ENCEINTE.
Fort P and the central parts of the fortress was easy on account of the configuration of the ground ; retreat from the fort could be con- sidered as secure ; and two batteries which were to be built during mobilization to the left of the fort on heights absolutely inaccessible from the front (Fox Hill) would render it impossible for the enemy to occupy Fort P even if it should be evacuated by the defense. Hence the construction of Fort P, strongly provided with means of self-defense, was to begin immediately after the approval of the plan of the fortress, the question of obtaining credit being the main factor in the problem.
Battery F was intended to fire into tljree valleys extending from its front, one being in front of the battery and the other two to the left.
Fort D was to fire into the entire valley of Pigeon P.ay and upon the approaches to Battery F, Redoubt No. 3, and Fort No. V, the main reliance being placed upon a battery of four 6-inch guns which was to be installed within the fort. The great strength of Fort D precluded the possibility of the enemy's occupying 203-Meter Hill which was so vital to the defense of the entire fortress and especially to the defense of the city and harbor.
The work on 174-Meter Hill could fire into Pigeon Bay valley and upon the approaches to T'ort D and Battery F. It could also prevent the eneiny from occupying 203-Meter Hill.
The Horse Battery was to fire into' the ravine below Battery F and the village of Tatungkou, while the batteries to be erected during mobilization wei'e to oppose the investing batteries.
THE CENTRAL ENCEINTE.
The enceinte, which was to be built around the Old City, was to con- sist of a continuous line of parapets and ditches. Along this line, especially at the salient angles, several lunettes and four redoubts were to be erected. The armament was to consist of four 4.2-inch and twenty-four light field guns in the redoubts, and twenty-four machine guns which were to be placed elsewhere along the line intended es- pecially for the flank defense of the ditches. The total length of the enceinte was to be 4| miles.
The enceinte, as has been stated, was to secure the vital parts of the nucleus against attacks of the enemy, who might break through into the interior of the fortress after the tall of the forts of th<» outer line, such attacks being made by detachments sacrificed by the enemy in order to destroy the supplies of the fortress and the depot of the fleet before the reserves could be concentrated against them. The enceinte was never considered as a citadel for the garrison in which it could oppose the attack after the fall of the forts. This was precluded by the commanding heights in front, from which even the banquettes of the enceinte could be seen. Especially was this the case from Great Hill and Danger Hill and the position in the vicinity of the left flank of Obelisk Hill, the occupation of which by the
COLONEL VELICIIKO'S PLAN. ' 21
enemy would allow liini to bring a tlankins and. in i5ome cases, a reverse tin- a.iruinst the left half of tlie euci'lnte.
In conclusion we shall add that the batteries to be erected during mobilization were to be armed with guns from the fortress artillery reserve, consisting of sixteen 4.2-inch guns and 0-inch guns of G,SO-' pounds, twenty-four light guns, and twenty-four G-inch Held mortars, and also from guns left over after the rearmament of the field artil- lery of the Ivuangtung detachment.
The defense of I'ort Arthur was thus to depend upon the construc- tion of 22 ■l)ermament seacoast batteries," 8 i)ernianent forts, 9 per- manent land batteries. !) semipermanent redoubts, t) temporarj^ works (including the 4 redoubts of the enceinte), 24 batteries to be con- structed during mobilization, and about 4 miles of continuous enceinte. Port Arthur might have l)een transformed into a fortress of great passive strength by the construction of these fortifications, but by a methodical construction only, which should have lasted live years, and for which sufficient and regularly allotted sums should have been forthcoming.
COLONEL A'ELICHKO's PLAN.
According to the opinion of Colonel Velichko, who was sent to Port Arthur in 1899 to revise and improve the plan for its fortification, the terrain influenced the strength and character of the works in a manner almost unprecedented. " Snch relief, such pecidiarities of soil and terrain, had never been encountered around any of our fortresses. The extreme irregularity of the ground, the rows of isolated conical peaks dividing a number of ridges with abrupt sides, compelled us to erect a great number of works in order to obtain cross fire and mutual support and visibility. Moreover, a great num- ber of deep ravines intersecting the positions made additional batteries, mtrenchments. and caponiers necessary. The im- possibility of developing a sufficiently strong frontal fire (the zones of fire being small on account of many dead spaces formed by the steep sides of ridges) rendered it necessary to l^rovide many flank defenses and, in places, a second line of defense. As the greater part of the slopes could not be covered by the fire of the works on their summits, skirmishers had to be advanced to the military crest in front of the forts, which thus served as keeps. The configuration of the ground made it possible to place the so-called intermediate batteries some-
"As may be seen later, the author is mistaken. There were to be 25 seacoast batteries. (See p. 22.)
22 COLONEL VELICHKO'S PLAN.
what in rear of the main line of works, either openly or masked, on ridges and summits commandino- the first line. The terrain, the size of the gun platforms, and the rocky nature of the soil had a great influence upon the distribution of the armament.
Thus the main line of defense consisted of a line of trenches, a line of forts or points of support, and a line of intermediate batteries."
According to the plan of Colonel Velichko,'^ approved by the minister of war, the coast defenses of Port Arthur were to consist of twenty- five seacoast batteries armed with one hundred and forty guns.
{a) Salt Battery on Salt Mountain covered the waters within the sector between Liaoteshan and Tigers Head, and the beach near the village of Buladze and Tiger Isthmus. With guns having an all-around fire it was possible also to cover Pigeon Bay, the valley of Sia-dze-goii. the approaches to Fort No. V, the ravine on the right of Fort No. VI, and the approaches to the left of Fort No. V. Being both a sea- coast and a land battery it formed a link between the coast and the land defenses.
{h) Battery No. 1 (B No. 1 on map), under Tiger Head, was to prevent landings on Tiger Isthmus and flank the ap- proaches to the intrenchments crowning the end of Tiger Peninsula.
(c) Battery No. 2 (Tiger Head Battery), with guns hav- ing an all-around fire, covered the inner part of the western basin and Pigeon Bay and supported the land batteries of the left flank of the fortress.
{d) Battery No. 3 (Rapid-Fire Terrace Battery) covered the beach of Tiger Isthmus.
{e) Battery No. 4 (West Tiger Battery) covered the east coast of Liaoteshan.
(/) Battery No. 5 (Middle Tiger Battery), with guns having an all-around fire, covered Pigeon Bay and supported the left flank of the land defenses.
{g) Batteries Nos. 6 and 7 ((iireat Tiger Batteries) covered the sea, the inner roadstead, Pigeon Bay, and the entire left flank of the land defenses.
" Report of Colonel Velicliko. ^ Now inajor-seneral (1907).
COLONEL VELICHKO'S PLAN. 23
(h) Battery No. 8 (East Tiger Battery) covered the ex- treme left sector adjacent to Flat Cape.
(/) Battery Xo. 0 (Long Range Battery) had an ex- cellent field of fire from Electric Cliff through 1130° to the right.
(y) Battery No. 10 (Artillery B on map), with guns having an all-around fire, coA'ered the water in the sector between the village of Tsnntzatun and the base of Golden Hill, the inner basins, and the estuary of the Lunhe.
(/.) Battery No. 11 (Southern Quail Battery, on Quail Hill), with guns having an all-around fire, covered the base of Golden Hill, the entrance, and the western basin, the rear slopes of the ridges on the left flank, the southwestern and southeastern slopes of Great Hill and Danger Hill, the valley of the river Tauchen, the rear slopes of Dragon Ividge, and the greater part of the enceinte.
(?) Battery No. 12 (Artillery Town Battery) was for use against small vessels, torpedo boats, etc., which might at- tempt to break into the basin.
{m) Battery No. 13 (Golden Hill Battery), with guns having an all-around fire, covered the sea south of the bat- tery, part of the western basin, and the rear slopes of the land defenses.
(n) Battery No. 14 (Foot of Golden Hill Battery) covered the waters near the entrance.
(o) Battery No. 15 (Electric Battery) covered the dead space in front of the batteries on Tiger Peninsula.
(p) Battery No. 16 (Camp Battery) covered the sea in the sector between Southern Cross and Electric Cliff.
(q) Battery No. 17 (Rifles Battery) on the summit of Two-horn Hill covered the sea to the right of Southern Cross.
{)') Battery No. 18 (Flat Cape Battery) was for service against torpedo boats seeking to enter the basin and com- manded the beach to Electric Cliff.
(s) Battery No. 19 (Northern Cross Battery) in the de- ])ression between the second and third summits north of Western Cross Hill, with guns having an all-around fire, covered Takhe Bay, the P'lat Cape Batteries, and the bat- teries in its rear.
24 COLONEL VELICHKO^S PLAN.
{t) Battery No. 20 (Western Cross Battery) near the western slope of Central Cross Hill covered the sector be- tween the Southern Cross and the Electric Cliff Batteries.
{v) Battery Long (Middle Cross Battery) covered Takhe Bay and part of the terrain in front of Battery No. 20.
(y) Battery No. 21 (Southern Cross Battery) covered Takhe Bay and part of the sea in front of it.
{w) Battery No. 22 covered the valley east of Cross Hill and the landing at Miaotun.
{y) Round Battery situated within Fort No. 1, like Salt Battery, served as a link between the seacoast and land de- fenses.. It was on a hill 280 feet in height and covered Takhe Bay, the slopes of Siaokushan and Takushan, and flanked the valley of the river Taklie and the approaches to Dragon Ridge.
These two batteries are not given on the plan of the for- tress of Port Arthur which was approved by the Emperor/'
The line of land defenses of the fortress, according to the plan of Colonel Velichko, was to consist of 6 permanent forts. 7 temporary redoubts, 1 intermediate battery, 4 fortifications, and 4 batteries in permanent emplacements.
(«) Fort No. I, a permanent work on a rocky spur of Dragon Ridge 420 feet high, for a garrison of one company.
(h) A permanent emplacement for 4 light guns f op flank defense, in the form of an open caponier, one-third mile north of Fort No. I.
(c) Redoubt No. 1, for one-half company, elevation 569 feet, temporary, on Danger Hill, a spur extending out per- pendicularly from Danger Ridge. This work was to be a rear point of support.
{d) Permanent Battery A was to cover with its fire the Takhe Valley and the sunmiits of Takushan and Siaokushan and to flank the approaches to Fort No. II.
(e) Redoubt No. 2, for one company, formed a link be- tween Forts Nos. I and II.
(/) Permanent Battery B covered the approaches to the nearest works, and the slopes of Tsiaoshan, Takushan, and Siaokushan.
« In addition to the twenty-five coast batteries there were to be two stations for firing Whitehead torpedoes for the defense of the en- trance.
COLONEL VKLTC'IIKO S PLAN, 25
{g) Fort No. II. pcM-ninnonl. for one company, on a .salient hill oSn feet in heioht about 4.'i00 feet north of Redoubt No. 2. It had an excellent held of (ire against the approaches to the i'i^h( and center of the northern section of the de- fensive line.
{h) Ea^le Nest (Wan^tai). a temporary work on a peak ()10 feet hi<2:h. It had an all-around fire, and from it all of the bays were visible.
(/) Fortification No. 1, a temporary fieldwork for one company and 4 li<>ht guns, served to connect Forts Nos. II and III.
( /') Fortification No. 2 was of the same size and character as Fortification No. 1 and served the same purpose.
{k) Fort No. Ill, a permanent work for one company, 5,()00 feet from Fort No. II, closed the valley of the Lunhe to the enemy.
{I) Redoubt No. 3, a temporary work for one company, on a spur of Dragon Ridge 350 feet in height and 2.100 feet from Fort No. Ill, commanded the Lunhe Valley and served as a support to Fort No. Ill against attack from the Great Mandarin road.
{m) Fort No. IV, a permanent work for one company, on Caponier Hill, elevation about 490 feet, covered with its fire Pachlunshan and the valleys of Tsirgoii (Hsikon) and Lunhe and gave excellent support to the neighboring works. Tavo permanent batteries were erected under cover of this fort.
{n) Battery C, on Tooth Hill, elevation 560 feet, covered the Lunhe Valley, and the approaches to Redoubt No. 3, and Forts Nos. Ill and IV.
(o) Batter}'^ D (Sapper Battery), on the left of Battery C, covered the approaches on both flanks of Fort No. IV.
(/>) Redoubt No. 4. a temporary work for one company, covered very effectually the approaches to Fort No. V and closed the exit from the Shibantoii Valley to the western basin. This work, now a part of the outer line, will become a point of support in the enceinte when the new city is ex- tended.
{q) Fort No. V, a permanent work for one company, on the summit of Hawks Hill near Yanshigoii. It was the
26 COLONEL VELICHKO S PLAN.
key to the west front and would support a row of batteries which were to be erected on the left to cover the entire valley and Pigeon Bay.
(r) Battery E, the only permanent work among those mentioned in the preceding paragraph which were to be erected to cover Pigeon Bay.
(s) Redoubt No. 5, a temporary work on Snipe Hill, w^as intended as a strong support to the neighboring works and to prevent the enemy from breaking through to the western basin near the salt factory.
(t) Fortification Xo. 3. for one company and four guns, formed the left of the position on Hawdvs Hill.
(u) Fort No. VI, a permanent work for one company 2f miles to the left of Fort No. V. It was the last fort on this flank of the line and was intended to prevent the enemy from breaking through to Tiger Peninsula.
(v) Fortification No. 4, on White Wolf Hill, was to close Tiger Isthmus in case of a landing in the Liaoteshan dis- trict or a turning movement by the Liaoteshan Mountains.
(w) A temporary work on Great Hill in rear of the first line, for a lialf company and six light guns. The command- ing positions of Great Hill and Danger Hill gave them great importance in the defense of the northeast and east sections.
In addition to the above mentioned forts, redoubts, and batteries, a series of intermediate batteries was to be erected.
The following works were to be constructed later accord- ing to the accepted plan :
1. Two permanent forts, one on Pachlunshan, Fort P, and the other to the east of the village of Tatunkou, near 1T4-Meter Hill, Fort D. 2. A temporary work, Angle Re- doubt, on 174-Meter Hill (Angle Hill). 3. A permanent battery (F) on the northwest summit of Yaoshan above the Tsirho Valley. 4. xA.n advanced w^ork of a temporary type on Takushan.
This group of fortifications, being in touch with the main line, was to prevent the investment of the northwestern side of the fortress. As it was only 2 miles from Louisa Bay and had an excellent field of fire over the valley of this bay, it rendered a flanking movement from the north against the left of the fortress impossible.
GENERAL SCHEME OF THE LAND DEFENSES. '2 1
The nucleus of the fortress was to be defended against open attack bv an uninterrui)tcd enceinte, consistino: of 4 redoubts on the most important and connnai-ding points, connected by a sort of cremaillere, partly bastioned and partly polyijonal, with ditches steeply coimterscarped and a glacis. l*ai't of the line Avas provided with head cover.
" Everything in the line of construction," says Colonel Yelichko in his report, " nnist be completed in time of peace, not only forts, but temporary redoubts, fortifications, bat- teries, infantry entrenchments, and obstacles."
GENERAL SCHEME OF THE LAND DEFENSES.
Leaving aside the part of the project referring to sea- coast defense, let us examine the front of the land defenses in a general way.
The line of forts followed pretty closely the arc of a circle, described around the port as a center, with a radius of 2^ miles, the end forts, Nos. 1 and 6, being 3 miles from the center. In front of this line there were permanent works on Takushan, Pachlunshan, 203-Meter Hill, and 174- Meter Hill at distances of 3g, 4, 5, and 4| miles from the center.
The enceinte enclosed the old cit}'', running along its out- skirts at a distance varying from f to If miles from its center. According to the author of the project, it was to serve only against sudden attack and not as a citadel for the defense.
The distance between the forts on the main line varied from 1^ to 2f miles. The gorges of Redoubts Xos. 2 and 3 were joined by a parapet, wdiich had been constructed by the Chinese. It was known during the siege as the Chinese wall.
The selection of the main line at such a short distance from the city was determined by the size of the garrison and by the lack of a good position at a more suitable distance. Colonel Velichko was well aware that this line would not secure the city against bombardment, but the occupation of the hills in front of the line would go far toward remedying this defect. The possession of these points would render the attack of the city very difficult and would force the enemy to place his siege batteries farther out, thus safeguarding.
28 GENERAL SCHEME OF THE LAND DEFENSES.
in a great mensiiro, the city from honibardment. Hence the worlvs in front of the line were to be strongly fortified.
The only thing which was not foreseen in the project was the necessity of fortifying Liaoteshan. The great impor- tance of this ridge as a flanking position covering the left was clearly shown clnring the siege of the west front. The project, therefore, as a whole was rational, if w^e take into consideration the official information on the numbers and arinament of the Japanese army, which served as its basis. / Unfortunately a few circumstances prevented the com- plete execution of the plan." As a result, when war broke /A , I out, the following works only were ready, namely, the en- ,^ I \ ceinte, one fort, one redoubt, and three permanent batteries. Of the remaining five forts, three were finished in the rough, the fourth w-as just begun, and the fifth was traced. None of the advanced points were fortified.
The Japanese invested the fortress with means of attack far in excess of that which our ministry of w^ar had given them credit for possessing and which had, of necessity, formed the basis of our plan of defense. Thus, in addition to the ordinary 6-inch guns, the besieging army w^as supplied with G-inch and 8-inch howitzers, 11 -inch mortars, and 6-inch naval guns with a range of 8 miles. When the siege began it was recognized that a distance varying from 4f to 5 miles from the forts to the city was insufficient, as the Japanese, having established their 6-inch naval gun battery at a dis- tance of 1 mile from 174-Meter Hill (5 miles from the center) could bombard not only the cit}^, but even the port. The fact that the walls of the fortress casemates were penetrated by 11-inch mortar projectiles shows the necessity in comput- ing the thickness of walls to consider the largest projectile in existence and of using a factor of safety so as to give a re- serve of resistance, computing, for example, not for two hits but for three.
« Tlie.aim of this work does not allow us to give these reasons here, lu view of the great interest connected with them, they will be given a large space in a worli, " The Defense of Port Arthur," which I have undertaken in collaboration with Captain Ronianovski, of the Great General StafC.
CHAPTER III.
(Sci> rintcs I and Nil.)
CONDITION OF THE FORTRESS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR- ENGINEERING WORK DONE DURING MOBILIZATION— NECES- SITY FOR PLAN OF ACTION IN CASE OF UNEXPECTED MOBILI- ZATION—MILITARY ROADS— CONDITION OF THE FORTRESS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INVESTMENT — ARMAMENTS AND FORCES OF THE BELLIGERENTS— COMMENTS— LABOR AND TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYED DURING MOBILIZATION.
At the booiiinini>; of the war the hind front of the fortress was ill the foHowing condition : On the right flank Fort Xo. I was unfinished. In the interior of this work was a round con- crete emphiceinent for four 6-inch guns. The fort was on the summit of a hill and had a bastion-shaped face. Its cen- tral part, the curtain, was not built, and the glacis was not graded. To the left of the fort and a little to the front of it was an open caponier (No. 1), intended to cover the .ap- proaches to the fort and to Battery A, situated to the left of the caponier. In rear of Battery A, on the nearest height, was an old Chinese work called " Eedoubt No. 2." The old Chinese wall, already half destroyed, joined this work to Bat- tery B, which had four G-inch guns. From Batter}^ B the Chinese wall was divided into two parts. One ran along the summit of an advanced ridge and formed the so-called •' Kuropatkin Lunette " and joined Fort No. II, while the other ran along the foot of Eagle Nest in the direction of Fort No. III. ^
jNIuch work had been done on Fort No. II, but the para- pets and the glacis were not graded; the second story of the two-storied casemates were not floored; the entrances were not protected by gratings; there were no stairways, and the outer walls were not covered with earth; the coun- terscarp gallery was unfinished; and there was no covered' passage between this gallery and the casemates. In the interval between Fort No. II and Fort No. Ill were old Chinese fortifications consisting of high parapets without ditches. One of these works near Fort No. Ill was named Fortification No. 2; another, quadrangular in shape, near
29
30 CONDITION OF FOETRESS AT BEGINNING OF WAR.
Fort No. II, was named Fortification No. 1. From Fortifi- cation No. 2 a section of the Chinese wall ran along the ridge which extended from Small Eagle Nest to Fort No. III. • Fort No. Ill (see PL VII) was only half finished. It had a deep outer ditch, cut in the rock. The flanking ditches, which were tolerably deep at the front angles, became grad- ually shallow toward the gorge angles, where the depth was between 2 and 5 feet. The ramparts, formed of material taken out of the ditches, was a mass of irregularly shaped stones. In the fort there were permanent emplacements for fom- G-inch guns. In rear of these emplacements, under the ram- parts closing the gorge, were concrete casements for the gar- rison. Close to these casemates was a gorge caponier for the support of the intervals.
Owing to a defect in the plan, tliis caponier could fire on the right against the approaches to the Chinese wall, but not against the approaches to Fortification No. 2. The gorge ditch on the right was cut in the rock. On the left this ditch ran through a fill made of earth. Both angles were likewise made of earth. The slopes were unrevetted and were constantly crumbling away. Part of the earth was thrown on the glacis, thus increasing the dead space in the vicinity of the fort. Flanking casemates were constructed in the angles of the ditch. The casemate in the right angle was connected by a covered passage with the shelter for the coun- ter-assault guns in the interior of the fort somewhat in rear of the outer breastworks. T4ie other casemate had no cov- ered communication with the fort. The only means of com- munication possible was along the bottom of a ditch on the left.
Fort No. Ill was connected by the Chinese wall with the gorge of Redoubt No. 3, from which its was separated by a deep ravine with steep sides, in some places almost perpen- dicular. This work was in the following condition: The casemates were finished : the ditch, whose bottom was to be stepped, was unfinished ; there were no breastworks, and no glacis; and for hundreds of feet around the work there were piles of stones and earth which formed a vast dead space in front of the work. The last section of the Chinese wall ran from the left angle of this work across the Kurgan Hill and descended along its militarv crest to the railwav line.
b
ENGI^:EERIXG work DI'RTXG mobtlizatiox. 31
The enceinto aloni:- the outskirts of tlic city was parallel to the outer line of Avorks. It started at roast Hatterv No. IS, and inclosed the old city on the east, north, and northwest, where it terminated at the foot of Quail llill. It consisted of 4 redoubts connected by a ditch and a i)arapet. The ditch was l-t feet deep and i2s feet wide. The parapet was 14 feet high and i^l feet wide and was unfinished in places.
The northwest front beaan on the west side of the Cossack Place d'Arnies. Here we find Fort No. IV. which was almost completed. It was on a high steep hill, was without ditches. and consisted' onh" of escarpments. To its right, and somewhat in rear, on the summits of neighboring heights. Avere Battery C (Tooth Battery), which was completed, and the Sapper Battery. To the left of the fort, in the interval between it and Fort No. V, was Eedoiibt No. 4, which was completed.
Fort No. Y was scarcely begun when the war broke out. It was only a shapeless heap of stones. The front and two flanking ditches had been excavated. The stones which had been taken out of the ditches were to be used to make breast- works. At the angles, excavations had been made for tAvo posterns. Likewise the interior had been excavated to form the terreplein.
In the interval between Forts Nos. V and VI Avere Re- doubt No. 5, which was nearly finished, and Battery E. which Avas only about half finished. Construction on Fort No. VI had not been begun. The trace had, indeed, been made as Avell as a slight excavation in the rocky ground at the gorge.
ENGIXEERIXG AVORK DOXE DURIXG MOBILIZATIOX.
Such Avas the condition of the Avorks a*: the beginning of the Avar. Great efforts Avere noAv made to place the fortress in readiness for defense. The engineering Avork done Avith this end in vieAV Avas as folloAvs: Forts Nos. I, II, and III and Redoubts Nos. 3 and 5 were hastih^ completed and measures were taken for the defense of Fort No. V. InterA\als were filled in by means of temporary fortifications and intrench- ments, and temporary emplacements Avere constructed.
At Fort No. I the curtain was graded, and the glacis, the gorge, and the bombproof shelters Avere completed. 44461—08 3
32 ENGINEERING WORK DURING MOBILIZATION.
At Fort No, II the ramparts and the gUicis were i^raded, a section of the counterscarp gallery was finished, and the sec- ond stoi\y of the casemates was floored ; but there was not suf- ficient time to construct covered passages from the barracks to the counterscarp gallery and to the interior of the fort. The portion of the counterscarp near the left of the gorge was roughly revetted. The parapets above the gorge case- mates were not covered with earth. Traverses had been made along the parapets; also embrasures protected by over- head cover.
At Fort No. Ill the ramparts and glacis were graded, the interior walls being revetted with cement barrels; the coun- terscarp walls of the gorge were revetted with stones; a rear traverse was constructed along the entire left flank; trans- versal traverses were constructed along all the faces; em- brasures and bombproof shelters Avere made ; and the gorge was finished, its interior walls being revetted with cement barrels. The rough stone revetment of the rear supporting walls of the gorge was changed to a revetment of stones em- liedded in cement, with steps for descent from the terreplein through the open caponier into the ditch.
An armor-plated observation tower was erected in the battery in the center of the fort. Openings in the direc- tion of the right flank were covered by high traverses. In rear of the battery behind the traverse and somewhat to the right a large bombproof shelter was provided for the ar- tillerymen. Six feet of earth was placed above the shelter for the guns and 5 feet above the covered passage and gorge casemates.
At each of the four angles of the fort two 57-mm. guns were placed on wooden platforms and a gun of the same cali- ber was placed in each of the flanking casemates. The case- mates and the entrances into the ditch from the passage lead- ing to the barracks were provided with iron doors five- eighths of an inch thick. Sliutters of iron plate, five-eighths of an inch thick, with loopholes for firing, were placed in the barrack windows.
Shields were manufactured for the three counter-assault guns for protection against shrapnel and shell fragments. The fort was connected by telephone with the central elec- trical station and the nearest observation station on Rocky
ENGINEERIiS:(l WOUK DritlXtJ MOBILIZATION. 33
Ridge, where an armor-plated shelter was provided. In order to cover the dead sjjaee in front of the fort a circidar trench was made at the foot of the glacis; it was provided with embrasures, screens, and three excellent bombpioof shelters.
To the right of the fort, in rear of the nearest height. Caponier Xo. 3 for two field guns was erected, covered in front by a trench.
The fort was surrounded b}^ a row of simple wire entangle- ment and an electric fence. In tiie right casemate an elec- trical station was established for the fence. The installa- tion of a pipe for the flow of rain water from the terreplein to the ditch was begun but not finished.
At Redoubt No. 3 work was begun on February 10. The wooden molds were removed from the embrasures by cutting and burning; shutters covered with Russian felt were fixed to all the windows; gratings, windows, and stoves were placed in the casemates later, and the entrances from the barracks into the gorge ditch were filled with sand bags. On the first day breastworks were constructed of stones for firing in the lying position, being improved later for firing in the kneel- ing position and ultimately for firing in the standing posi- tion. The interior wall of the breastworks were reyetted with cement barrels filled with stones.
In February hundreds of cubic yards of soft earth were brought on donkev^s. Work was begun on deepening the ditches, leyeling the bottom, and steepening the scarp. At first the counterscarp was lined with stones bedded in cement, but after a few days an order came from the chief engi- neer of the fortress directing that the revetment be made simply of stones. At the same time the grading of the ter- rain was begim, the glacis was constructed at the front, and thousands of cubic yards of stone and grayel were excavated. Bomb-proof shelter was proyided at the same time for the kitchen, the cooks, and the bread storeroom.
Two bombproof shelters for officers were constructed in March. In April two 6-inch Canet guns were mounted in rear of the gorge, barbettes Avere erected for the field guns which were to be used as counter-assault guns and for ma- chine guns, and trayerses were erected in front of the exit from the postern gate and in front of the kitchen. Addi- tional embrasures and trayerses were made in June, and
34 ENGINEERING WORK DURING MOBILIZATION.
head cover was provided. A Schwartz observation turret was erected, sand bags filled with cement mstead of stone being used for want of time. The fort was surrounded by an ordinary wire fence; fougasses w^ere placed in the ravines to the right and left ; and an electric fence was built in front.
At Fort Xo. lY, Avhich was almost completed, a corduroy road was yet to be covered with earth ; the exits of the pos- terns leading into the ditch were to be securely closed ; the section of the outer ditch on the left flank was to be deep- ened; and windows and doors were needed in the casemates.
At Redoubt No. 4, which was almost completed, the en- trances to the gorge were unfinished ; obstacles were needed to prevent entrance to the ditch from the caponier; a wide trench on the glacis opposite the caponier was to be filled in, as the field of fire from the trench was limited and the enemy could take cover in it before crossing the ditch; and wincloM's and doors were required in the casemates.
At Battery E doors and windows Avere required in the casemates. The batter}^ was littered with all kinds of debris, and much time was lost in carrying it awa3^ On or near the breastworks were about 2,000 cubic yards of stone, 400 cubic yards of sand, 1,000 barrels of cement, a large amount of lumber, and a concrete plant, all of which had to be carted away. As the platforms were read}^, the six 0-inch guns could be mounted. Of the seven traverses only two epaulments and the central traverse were ready. The uncom- pleted traverses were transformed into bombproof shelters made of 12-inch beams covered with 3 or 4 feet of earth. There were a few quarters in the battery, but casemates for the garrison, kitchens, latrines, etc., had to be constructed. All these buildings were placed on the right, below the l)at- tery. It was necessary to paint some of the new shining cor- rugated roofs in order to mask them.
Redoubt No. 5 at the beginning of the war was about half finished ; the earth and concrete works w^ere completed, but casemates, caponiers, posterns, etc., were not covered with earth; and the interior of the work was filled with material dug up to install drainage. There Avere no window frames, windows, nor shutters in the casemates, but a few of the armor-plated doors were in place. There were neither bunks nor stoves. As the aarrison had to liVe in the fort, it
ENGINEERING WORK DURING MOBILIZATION. .'>.")
was necessary to construct kitchens, storeroom-, officers' quar- ters, and lati'ines. which for economic considerations had not been inchided in the concrete casemates. The principal worlc consisted in transporting matei'ial for the manufactnre of concrete for the emphicenient of <i-uns. Comuuniications were established in the interior of the fort, and the entrance to the fort was closed by a heavy wooden gate with barri- cades placed in front of it.
"Work on Fort Xo. VI was begun in October, 1903. At the beginning of the war the constrnctor had only leveled the surface and made a small depression in the gorge. Hence ordinary rifle intrenchments were made here, joined by cov- ered passages, while shelters were constrncted of beams covered with earth from 7 to 10 feet in thickness.
An immense amount of work remained to be done on Fort Xo. V. Enormous shapeless heaps of stone covered the site selected for the parapets and impeded the work greatly. It was a serious problem to determine where to l^lace the parapets. The impossibility of removing the debris in time made it necessary to advance them to the front, where the glacis should have been. They were constructed of stone, the inner side being revetted with cement barrels taken from Battery E and filled with stone. Earth was being carted away at the same time and as much as possible of it was heaped on top of the breastworks. The IDOsterns were made of frames constructed of beams. The frames were covered with two layers of beams, over which was placed a layer of stones covered with cement. Over this was placed a layer of sheet iron one-half inch thick and a layer of pebbles from 2 to 3 feet thick. From the side of the ditch a stone curtain or screen was erected. The posterns served as quarters for the garrison. Four buildings of con- struction similar to the posterns were erected within the fort and a fifth in the gorge.
Open caponiers with screens and embrasures were con- structed to cover the lateral ditches. The parapets were then begun. The lateral faces were divided from the front face by depressions; loopholes were made for small arms and embrasures for guns; and two 6-inch Canet, two 75- nnn., and six field guns were mounted. A strong, substantial ma""aziiie was constructed in rear of the front face from
36 PLAN OF ACTION IN CASE OF MOBILIZATION.
Chinese beams, covered Avith stones, over whicli cement was ])onre(l. A roof of corriiiialed iron Avas placed over the whole. Quarters for officers were constructed in the interior of the fort from Chinese beams, covered with stones. Close to the right flank a small magazine for projectiles for the Canet guns Avas constructed of earth and stone.
Such Avere the additions made to each of the forts. A hostile descent on the peninsula Avas daily expected. Hence the Avork Avas done Avith feverish haste and with no sem- blance of order and the quality suffered in consequence. The intervals betAveen the forts were filled Avith redoubts and entrenchments having obstacles in front of them.
After May 13 the trenches Avere provided Avith loopholes, l)ombproofs, and Avire entanglements, and fougasses and naval mines Avere placed in the ravines. The front from Fort Xo. II to Fort Xo. IV Avas covered Avith an electric fence consisting of five insulated Avires carrying a current of 3,000 Aolts. Temporarj' emplacements for ninety-two fortress guns Avere constructed on the summits of the hills in rear of the trenches.
NECESSITY FOR PLAN OF ACTION IN CASE OF UNEXPECTED ^MOBILIZATION.
A month had elapsed since the declaration of Avar and the enemy had not yet appeared. A greater calm prevailed and the situation Avas vieAved with more deliberation. It Avas found necessary to occupy and fortify some adA^anced positions, but no carefully considered plan Avas folloAved, and the vieAvs of the higher authorities prevailed. Hence Avork on the position at the aqueduct Avas begun in accordance Avith the desires of Adjutant-General Kuropatkin, although the position on Takushan Avas of far greater importance. The Idol Redoubt Avas begun to satisfy the wishes of General Stoessel. The Viceroy expressed his fears of a descent in Pigeon Bay under the fortress, and obstinately demanded the fortification of the coast of this bay. The commandant of the fortress insisted that 203-Meter Hill should be fortified, Avhile General Fock insisted upon the fortification of 174- Meter Hill. In short, there Avas a chaos of conflicting opin- ions for Avant of a settled plan in case of mobilization. AAlien the secondary points Avere Avell fortified the most important
MILITARY ROADS. dJ
lK)ints liad not been touchetl. Nor -would thoy lia\i' liccii fortified had not General Kondratchcnko insisted \i\Hm it.
At the beginning of May fortifications were begun (in Flat and Division hills and on the ridge of Pachlnnshan. The works on Takushan and Siaokushan were not l)egun until June. Here, where the first blow fell, the solid roolc precluded the jiossibility of doing anything of iuipurtancc in a short time.
In conclusion we may say that it is necessar3\ when tiic construction of a fortress is undertaken, to forui a })lan of ac- tion in case of unexpected mobilization, in which shall bf laid down the sequence of work, beginning with the most important and ending with the least important. There was no such plan at Port Arthur, and hence the great- est disorder resulted. Forts were hastily completed, ad- vanced positions were fortified, temporary batteries were erected, and the intervals were filled with intrenchments and redoubts. Three important factors were lost from view :
(1) The construction of roads for lateral and radial com- munication concealed from the enemy.
(2) The establishment of a convenient, durable, and pro- tected telephone system.
(3) The placing of the enceinte in a defensible condition.
MILITARY ROADS.
The greater part of the well-constructed military roads were laid out in full view of the enemy, and were therefore useless. This was so evident, even during mobilization, that they were called ''death roads;" but other Toads were not provided. The many overhead telephone lines, though they continued in service until the end, were often shattered in the midst of battle, and became useless when most needed. The enceinte, Avith its deej) ditch and thick ramparts, should have served as an excellent keep, but as it had neither bomb- proofs nor traverses it was useless for this purpose.
CONDITION OF THE FORTRESS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INVEST3IENT.
At the beginning of the investment, July 17, 1901, the land front was in the following condition :
Coast battery Xo. 22 (four (')-inch Canet guns), constructed durin"' moblization, was intrenched on the side of Takhe Bav.
38 CONDITION OF FORTEESS AT BEGINNING OF INVESTMENT.
At a distance of 1,400 feet from it the line of intrenchments joined Takhe Redoubt and ran along the ridge to Fort No.
1. Signal Hill, on the shore of Takhe Bay, in front of this line, was internched and armed with two small Baranovski guns.
To the right of Fort No. I was a battery of small guns covering the approaches to the fort from the right and a similar battery was constructed on the left. The fort itself had concrete emplacements for four 6-inch guns. Four 57-mm and three machine guns formed the armament to repel assault. Trenches ran to the left up to Caponier No. 1 (four light guns), in rear of which w^ere emplacements for two 57-mm guns. The trenches ran from the caponier in a broken line along the ridge to Battery A, which had em- placements for six 6-inch guns. In rear of this section of the line were Redoubt No. 1 on Danger Hill and temporary emplacements on Dragon Ridge for two 6-inch Canet guns.
There were fortified positions in advance of this front. On Takushan were emplacements for three field guns sur- rounded, at the base of the hill, by trenches and wire en- tanglements. A new road had been constructed from the front to the hill ; and, betweenTakushan and the main line, on Height 22, were emplacements for two field guns to cover the Nameless River and the Dalny road. The garrison of Takushan consisted of two companies. On Siaokushan were trenches descending to the right along the ridge with wire entanglements in front.
The old Chinese wall ran from Battery A to Redoubt No.
2, an old Chinese work armed with four light field and two naval 5T-mm. guns, and thence to Battery B, which was armed with four 6-inch guns. This battery was defended by two tiers of intrenchments. In the interval between Battery B and Redoubt No. 2 were emplacements for two guns to repel assault. On a height in rear of the Chinese wall, some- what to the south of Battery B, were temporary emplace- ments (Letters Battery) for two 15-mm. Krupp guns. On the left of Battery B the Chinese wall divided. One branch ran to Kuropatkin's Lunette (four 6-inch mortars) on a small height and continued to Fort No. II. In the ravine in front of the wall, between the lunette and Battery B, there was a small height which was occupied and armed with two light guns
COXDTTTOX OF FORTRESS AT BEGIXXTXO OF TXVESTMf'.XT. 39
to rover the approaclios to Fort Xo. II and liallcrv I). Vovi No. II was garrisoned by one company. Its arniaiucnt con- sisted of four light, four 57-mm., and two niadiine guns. The other branch of the Chinese wall ran along the foot of Small Eagle Xest, on the summit of which were emplace- ments for three 4.2-inch guns. To the left of Small Eagle Xest was an emplacement for one Armstrong 21-cm. gun.
Below these batteries near the Chinese wall were placed four 5T-mm. caponier guns taken from the casemates of Fort Xo. II. In the ravine, between Small P^agle Xest and Eagle X^est, emplacements were constructed at the beginning of the siege for two rapid-fire field guns to repel assault. On the summit of Eagle Nest were emplacements for two 6- inch Canet guns. At the foot of Eagle Nest on a height in front of the Chinese wall was Caponier No. 2 for four field guns. On two adjacent heights to the left w^ere two transformed Chinese works, Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2. In rear of these heights behind the Chinese wall on the front slope of the height in rear w^ere temporary emplacements for three G-inch guns (Redoubts Battery). On the rear slope of this height, somewhat to the left of Redoubts Battery, were Avell-concealed emplacements for four 9-inch mortars (Wolf Battery). On a small hill in the interval between Fortifica- tion No. 2 and Fort No. Ill was Caponier No. 3 for two light guns communicating by a zigzag covered passage with the Chinese wall. Emplacements for two light guns were at the point where this covered passage joined the wall.
Fort No. III. The garrison consisted of one company ; the armament of four G-inch, three light, eight 57-mm., and two machine guns. From the left angle of the fort, the Chinese wall ran across a deep ravine to Redoubt No. 3. The ravine was covered by the fire of two guns in the Ravine Battery. At the point where the wall joined the gorge ditch of Redoubt No. 3, two 57-mm. guns w^ere emplaced. The garrison of the redoubt consisted of one company and the armament of two G-inch Canet. five light, and two machine guns. From this work the wall ran around Mound Battery to the railway line. At the point were it left Redoubt No. 3, two light field guns were emplaced in rear of the wall to cover the deep ditch in front. Somewhat to the left of the two field guns were four 57-mm. guns. ^Nlound Battery, which was well concealed,
40 CONDITION OF FORTRESS AT BEGINNING OF INVESTMENT.
mounted fonr 4.2-inch and four 75-mm. guns, and four G-inch mortars. Near the phice where the wall crossed the railway were two small hills. On one of these the Cossack Lunette was erected ; on the other were emplacements for two small Baranovski guns.
In rear of this line were the following batteries: On Great Hill, four light guns Avith an observation station for battery commanders; on Quail Hill, two 6-inch Canet guns and one siege gun ; at the Powder Eedoubt of the enceinte, tw^o 4.2-inch guns: on the other redoubts of the enceinte, three 87-mm. and two 57-mm, guns with shields, and four light guns.
There w^as an observation station on the summit of Eocky Ividge to the right of P'ort Xo. III. The approaches to the redoubts and trenches were obstructed l)y wire entanglements generally in one line, but in })laces in two or three lines. All the ravines between the fortifications in the intervals were mined. From Battery A to the left to the front and along the entire front ran an electric fence.
The above-described section of the fortress constituted the east and northeast fronts. A military road served for com- munication between the works on this front and the cit3^ It started from the south gate of the enceinte, ran by Battery No. 19, along the foot and in front of Dragon Kidge, and along the rear of Danger Hill, and approached the front line near Redoubt Xo. 2. Here it divided into two branches. One branch ran along the rear of the east front. The other ran in rear of the northeast front as far as Mound Batter}^ where it turned south, ran past the arsenal, and reentered the city through the northeastern gate. Another road started from the central gate of the enceinte and divided into two branches in the new Chinese city. One branch ran west of the new city along a well-concealed valley to Fort No. Ill, wdiile the other ran northeast along a ravine past Great and Spur hills to Redoubt Xo. 2 and Letters Battery.
It is necessary to mention the auxiliary means of defense. Searchlights were installed on Battery Xo. 22, on Forts Xos. I, II, and III, on the Chinese wall, in the interval between Fort Xo. Ill and Caponier Xo. 3, and on Mound Battery. Current was supplied by dynamos placed in ordinary buildings partly bombproof. All of the searchlights except that at Fort Xo. Ill could be moved on trucks over railwavs. Dressing sta-
CONDITION OF FORTRESS AT BEGINNING OF INVESTMENT. 41
tions for the wounded were established in tlio vicinity of Battery A, in the ravine in rear of Fort No. Ill, and on tlio road leading from this fort to the new Chinese city.
The enceinte, as has been said, consists of cremaillere and polygonal fronts joining four redoubts. Notwithstanding the fact that the ditch was wide and deep and the ramparts high and thick, it had some very serious defects. Owing to a defectiA-e plan the greater part of the enceinte would, after the fall of the outer line, be subjected to enfilade and reverse fire; the redoubts were scarcely large enough to hold a half com- pany each; there Avas neither fireproof nor b()ml)proof shel- ter nor traverses along the entire line ; and the height of the breastworks was from 3 to 3^ feet, which, without enabling the men to fire standing, prevented them from firing in the kneeling position. In the old city, in rear of the enceinte, were the Red Cross and military hospitals, the depots of supplies, and the headquarters of the fortress. Communica- tion was carried on by means of telephones, semaphores, and orderlies, furnished by one sotnia " of cossacks and a com- mand of cyclists. Headquarters was connected by telephone with chiefs of fronts, and chiefs of fronts with commanders of forts, batteries, and other works, and regimental com- manders. The batteries were in communication between themselves and with observation stations. Unfortunately, the system was not sufficiently developed, and all wires were overhead.
The line of permanent works began at the arsenal by a line of intrenchments which crossed the Cossack place and terminated at Cemetery Redoubt. In front of this line of in- trenchments were obstacles consisting of a ditch filled with water, chevaux-de-frise, fougasses, and wire entanglements. Cemetery Hill, on which Cemetery Battery was located with six 75-mm. guns. Cemetery Redoubt, and emplacements for a battery of l.^-inch guns, was surrounded by trenches. On Tootii Hill, to the left of Cemetery Hill, was Battery C (emplacement for four 6-inch guns). Somewhat below Bat- tery C were emplacements for four G-inch mortars, and some- what to the left was the Sa]:>per Battery (emplacements for four G-incii guns). Both hills were surrounded by one tier
« The fighting strength of the sotnia is 4 otiicers and about 150 men. — Tr.
42 CONDITION OF FORTRESS AT BEGINNING OF INVESTMENT,
and in some places by two tiers of trenches. Fort No. IV was in front of these hills on a very high and steep height. Its garrison consisted of one company and its armament of four light, four 75-nmi., and two machine guns. To the left of the fort were emplacements for four 0-inch mortars and two light guns. There were advanced fortified positions all along this entire front.
The river Lunhe was closed by the so-called aqueduct posi- tion, consisting of Aqueduct Redoubt (Fort Kuropatkin) and Idol Redoubt and a line of trenches. Two emplacements for field guns were constructed in the intrenchment between the redoubts. Most of the construction on Idol Redoubt was done in time of peace. During mobilization two lunettes had been constructed in its rear. Pachlunshan Ridge was occu- pied and fortified with two lunettes and a battery to support Idol Redoubt. All these w^orks were surrounded in front by a trench. The Chinese wall began again at Battery D and ran along Redoubt Xo. 4. The garrison of this work consisted of one company; the armament, of four 6-inch, eight light, and two machine guns. The interval between Redoubt No. 4 and Fort No. V was defended by two rows and in some places by three rows of trenches and fieldworks.
The garrison of Fort No. V consisted of one company; its armament, of two 6-inch Canet, two T5-mm., five light, two Baranovski, and two machine guns. There Avere tem- porary emplacements for four 75-mm. guns (Pigeon Bat- tery) on a height in rear of Fort No. V. There were also emplacements for two light guns alongside the fort and for four light guns somewhat to the left of it. A little farther south were permanent emplacements (Battery E) for four 6-inch and two light guns. Redoubt No. 5 had four 4.2-inch, four light, four Baranovski, and tAvo machine guns. The interval between Redoubt No. 5 and the site of Fort No. VI was filled with a series of intrenchments, lunettes, and field batteries, in front of which were wire entanglements and trous-de-loup. In the trenches on the site of Fort No. VI were four 4.2-inch and four light guns. Its garrison con- sisted of one company. From Fort No. VI the trenches ran across Salt Hill, where a redoubt was constructed and joined the seacoast battery, the so-called " "VMiite Wolf," on the left flank of the land front. In front of the interval between
ARMAMENTS AND F(1RCKS OF I'.KT.IJCKliKXTS. 43
Forts Nos. IV and \' a i2-i'oiii) ol' liciohi^ \\a> ()ccin)i('(l. of Aviiich 174-Moter Hill and Division Hill were I'orlilied.
The Avoi-ks between Ivedoubl No. 4 and White AVolf Bat- tery constituted the west front. ii03-Meter Hill, command- ing this section, was very weakly fortified. On its sunniiit were enii)lacenients for three G-inch auns. surrounded some- what lower by an unbroken trench and wire entanglements. On the three summits of Liaoteshan were constructed three sets of emplacements for G-inch guns. Small sections of rifle trenches were constructed on the shore of Pigeon Bay. All the permanent works on the front were in the imme- diate vicinity of the new city, almost on its outskirts. A road ran through the new city, with branches to Battery E, Re- doubt Xo. 4, Fort No. IV, Eedoubt No. 5, and Fort No. Y.
AR3IAMENTS AND FORCES OF THE BELLIGERENTS.
The armament of the land front consisted of the follow- ing guns, mortars, and machine guns:
21-fiu, guns : 2
1.5-cm. Krupp gnus 2
!>-iiicIi gnus S
G-iucli guns, of G,SG2 pounds .3.3
6-inch guns, of 4,.334 pounds 34
4.2-incli guns 24
Light guns 3,55
57-mm. guns 27
6-inch field mortars 22
Machine guns : 48
S7-mm. guns S
Total - 36g
There were SI.") guns and mortars and 48 machine guns. In addition to the foregoing the folloAving naval guns were installed on the land front :
6-inch Canet guns 14
6-inch short guns 2
120-nmi. guns 1
JJ-pounder guns 1
75-inm. guns 28
47-mni. guns 22
37-mm. guns 17
Total " 81
"Note the error in addition here (should be 85), which occurs in the original. — Tr.
44 COMMENTS.
The total armament of the hand front consisted of 39G guns and mortars and 48 machine guns. There was, moreover, a mobile reserve consisting of 4 batteries of rapid-fire field artillery of the F'ourth Brigade, 3 batteries of the Seventh Di- vision, and 1 battery of 57-mm. guns, a total of GO guns. Hence there were 456 guns in the fortress.
The garrison of the fortress consisted of 9 rifle regiments of 3 battalions each, 2 companies of frontier guards of the Kuangtung naval brigade, 1 company of sappers, 1 railway compam^, 1 mining company, and 1 sotnia of cossacks. At the time of the investment the garrison consisted of 27,000 bayonets.
The besieging army consisted of 3 divisions and 2 brigades with their field artillery, one artillery regiment per division, each regiment consisting of 4 eight-gun batteries. Thus in six regiments there were 6 X 32 = 192 guns.
The siege park consisted of lOG guns and mortars, as fol- lows : "'
120-mni. guns G6
G-inch guns 22
s-incli guns 2
ll-inch mortars 10
106
In addition to the foregoing there was a number of 6-incii, 12-pounder, and 4.7-inch naval guns and mountain artillery. The total number of hostile guns was not less than 300. These guns were well placed on the opposite slopes of the ridges and were well masked.
Such were the forces of the belligerents.
"^,^ COMMENTS.
Having shown the condition of the fortress for resistance, we shall now make the following comments :
1. The right of the outer line w^as carried too far to the rear, thus bringing it too near the enceinte. It would have been of great advantage to have rested the right on Siao- kushan and Signal hills and to have included Takushan in
"According to certain information tlie artillery consisted chiefly of liowitzers.
COMMENTS. 45
the main line. Thus tiic front would li;i\c Ix-cu shorter mikI stronger.
'2. Takushan and Siat)kushan hills were poorly i'ortitied, with fatal results.
3. The forts were at a distance of 2 to 2^ miles from the center of the city on the east front and f mile on the west front. These distances Avere too small and alhnved the city to be bombarded, not only with big guns, but Avith field and mountain guns.
4. Of the six forts one was completed, three were half finished, one was marked only by a ditch, and one was not yet begim.
5. Numerous ditches and ravines cutting the intervals between the forts were not covered by fire in any way.
G. Some of the forts were so situated as to be invisible from adjacent forts. Hence they were incapable of mutual support.
7. The intervals between the forts ^xere filled by intrench- ments and old Chinese fortifications, from which a grazing fire could not be delivered. They were not sufficiently secure against assault and were ill adapted to resist artillery fire.
8. There were no rear caponiers in the forts. The open gorge caponiers were not rationally constructed.
9. On account of the unfinished state of the forts and re- doubts tlie}^ were surrounded by dead zones, with the excep- tion of Eedoubt Xo. 3.
10. Guns of various caliber were placed in the same work.
11. Shelters for guns to repulse assaults were insufficient in number.
12. In some of the casemates of the forts there were no Hanking guns. This is one manifestation of the general neglect of flank defense for the ditches.
13. The concrete walls of the casemates were only 3 feet thick.
14. The temporary emplacements for large-caliber guns were all erected on the summits of hills and could easily be seen from a distance.
15. The mortars were insufficient in number and most of the guns were of an obsolete type.
16. The forts, redoubts, and batteries were not masked and could easily be seen from a distance.
46 LABOR AND TRANSPORTATION DURING MOBILIZATION.
17. The roads nlono- the fortress front and back to the city were too much exj)osed to tlie view of the enemy.
18. There were no other means of connnanication, such as permanent and field raihvays.
19. There was not a sufficient number of observation sta- tions in the intervals and in the rear.
20. Xo preparations had been made for safe and secure observation. The turrets constructed for this purpose in some of the works afforded protection only against shrapnel and shell fragments.
21. The telephonic comminiications for the control of artillery fire were not independent, but were a part of the general system, and were therefore ver}^ defective.
22. The telephone system was entirely above ground, the wires being strung on posts.
23. There were only fifteen searchlights, twelve of which Avere stationary.
24. The apparatus for wireless telegraphy had been in- stalled but was not used.
25. There were no balloons in the fortress.
26. The stores of the engineers were limited as to instru- ments and material and were still more depleted by sending part of them to the army before the beginning of the siege.
LABOR AND TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYED DURING MOBILIZATION.
The completion of the forts, the construction of tem- porary batteries, and the filling in of the intervals lasted five and one-half months.
The lack of cfficial reports, unfortunately, does not allow us to give exact information as to the number of workmen employed during this time on the different positions, the amount of material expended, and the number of vehicles used for carrying the material. But in view of the great im- portance of such information under similar conditions we shall give such information as we possess. Three-fourths of the Seventh Division — about 8,000 men daily — were detailed to the works during February and ]\Iarch. During April and May this n.umber was decreased to 2.000. After JMay 15 the Fifth Regiment was added, thus giving 1.000 more per day. In June and July about one-fourth of the force was at work
LABOR AND TRANSPORTATION DURING MOBILIZATION. 47
on the positions — that is to say. not nioi-c than :').()()() incii l^er day. About ('),()()() Chinese were daily employed on the works, which was e(piivalent to the addition of 4,0UU liu.s- sians.
Thus 1-2.000 men were employed daily <hn'ino: February and March, giving (51)xl2,000) seven hundred and eight thousand workdays. During April and up to May 15, about 10,000 men were employed daily, giving four fundred and sixty thousand workdays. During one-third of ]May, June, and July, about 8,000 men were employed daily, giving four bundled and eighty-eight thousand workdays. Thus one million six hundred and fifty-six thousand days' labor Avere expended upon the works, or one hundred and eighteen thou- sand two hundred and eighty-six days per mile, assuming that the line of defense extended 14 miles.
For a modern fortress with a perimeter of 27 miles and a garrison of 40.000 men, 1,4{)() men per mile should be detailed to complete the works in seventy-nine days, or 1,000 men per mile to complete them in one hundred and eighteen days.
One hundred and fifty two-wheeled vehicles were furnished dail}^ by the Seventh Division, and about 80 Chinese arbas were employed; a total equivalent in carrying capacity to 200 two- wheeled vehicles. 444G1— OS i
CHAPTER IV.
(See I'lates I iuul XI.)
IMPORTANCE OF ADVANCED POSITIONS— IMPORTANCE OF CON- STANT OBSERVATION OF THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS AND OF PROVISION FOR COVERING THE INTERVALS WITH RIFLE FIRE AS DEMONSTRATED BY THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT— INTER- MEDIATE REAR CAPONIERS.
Having- described the fortress in its three stages of devel- opment, commented upon some of its peculiar features, and compared the forces of the belligerents, we shall now de- scribe certain actions which demonstrated the importance of the ditferent works and exposed defects in the methods of fortification generally accepted in Russia.
On July 30, 1904, the troops were driven within the works and the siege began. The enemy having forced us to evac- uate Feng-huang-shan occupied it himself and immediately began to fortify it.
The line of investment ran along the summits of this ridge and extended almost parallel to our north and north- east fronts. In the beginning it formed very nearly a ^raight line parallel to our center and at a considerable I distance from our flanks. The works on Takushan pre- vented the enemy from apj^roaching our right flank while those on 17-t-Meter Hill held him at a considerable dis- tance from our left. Hence the imj^ortance of these posi- tions was immediately perceived. It became clear that as long as Takushan and ITi-Meter Hill were in our hands ': we could maintain possession of Takhe Bay, Pigeon Bay, and the entire plain between the shore of Pigeon Bay and the works on our west front. It was also evident that until 1T4-Meter Hill was captured the investment of the west front was impossible. The great tactical importance of these two hills did not escape the Japanese. In addition to other advantages offered by their possession, these hills were of I still greater importance to the Japanese, as the Russian batteries on their summits prevented the Japanese from 1 constructing advanced siege batteries. ^ 48
ADVANCKO POSITIONS. 49
Hence, in order to estnhli^li a close investment and to util- ize c()nnnan(lin<>- positions for sieo(> |)atteries, the enemy had to take Taknshan and lT4-Met(M- Ilill. Before undertakino- decisive movements he awaited the concentration of his army, the comjiletion of arraiiacments to secnre his line of investment, and tlie constrnction of batteries behind Fen<^- hnanjishan. Xot nntil Augnst 9 did he begin to attack our advanced positions. The result of numerous obstinate at- tacks Avas the capture of Taknshan and Siaokushan; 174- Meter Hill still held out. It prevented the enemy from ex- tending his line of investment to our left, but the capture of Taknshan enabled him to attack our right.
The importance of advanced positions has often been dis- cussed at home and abroad. Only a short time ago Mr. Timchenko-Kuban, in his pamphlet, A Few Words on Port Arthur, in speaking about planning fortresses, endeavored to explain the role of advanced positions and the importance of the struggle for their possession. He said :
Some have called attention to the fact that the siege of Port Arthur showed in a definite manner the importance of advaneed positions and the part which such positions played in prolonging the resistance of the fortress and have shown the necessity of including within the defensive lines the greatest possible number of advanced positions. Others have not agreed with this view. They do not believe in a departure from what have been considered the fundamental principles of fortress warfare by giving too much importance to advanced posi- tions. They maintain that such positions, hastily constructed and occupied at the expense of men and material and incapable of offering sufficient resistance to the enemy, lead to the useless sacrifice of part of the fortress artillery and garrison. Bearing in mind the chief func- tion of fortifications — that of supplying a lack of men by the use of works — I. am inclined to think tljat they are right.
Laying before us two diametrically opposite views, Mr. Timchenko-Rnban leans toward the second and does not deem it advantageous to use advanced positions.
SomeAvhat further lie says :
The advanced positions played a secondary part at Port Arthur. The greatest resistance was offered by the line of forts.
On the f olloAving page he concludes :
If we add to the above that Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2, included in the perimeter of the fortress, were taken l^y the attack on August 22, we see clearly how erroneous were our suppositions with regard to the role of advanced positions and advanced fortifications.
50 ADVANCED POSITIONS.
I do not concur in the opinion of the author. I shall now attempt to give some information which will throw light upon this question.
In planning a fortress care is taken to place the works at points which are capable of defense and which have a special tactical importance. If the fortress be situated in a plain and if the forts be placed so as to command a level terrain which may be easily observed and covered by fire, it is nat- ural that the entire defense should devolve upon the line of forts. But such cases are extremely rare. The terrain in front of fortresses is generally hilly and broken.
In front of the fortresses there are positions consisting of sei^arate hills or of groups of hills. According to their rela- tive situation, height, adaptability for defense, and distance from the fortress, some of these positions assume, during the siege of the fortress, great importance both for the attack and the defense. Because of economic considerations no per- manent fortifications are constructed on these heights during peace; but they are occupied during mobilization, the works constructed being, for want of time, of a temporary charac- ter called " advanced fortified positions."
Such was the case at Port Arthur. It was remarked at the time the works were building that the terrain in front of the line of forts was so broken by all kinds of ravines, ditches, canyons, and hills that at a distance of two-thirds of a mile from the fortress there were areas which could not be reached by fire. Such a conformation of the terrain was very fa- vorable to the enemy, enabling him to concentrate his troops in security behind ridges and in ravines close to the fortress and convenient for assault.
In front of our line of forts at distances varying from 1 to 1^^ miles were commanding positions at Takushan, Siao- kushan, 171-Meter Hill, and ;203-Meter Hill. These heights were appreciated at their true value by Colonel A^elichko, who decided to occupy them with permanent fortifications, but economy stood in the vi'ay. They were forgotten and remem- bered only a short time before the siege began.
Takushan commanded all the forts and redoubts on the east front. From its summit could be seen not only the forts but all the roads between the forts and those running back to the enceinte, the temporary batteries in rear, the enceinte.
ADVANCED POSITIONS. 51
the city itself, part of the harbor, and the vos.sel.s in the roadstead. It also served the enemy iis an excellent shield to cover his position in rear of its northeast slope. It was impossible to see what was taking- place there from a single fort or redonbt.
The possession of this hill enabled the defense to follow the distant movements of attacking parties and harass them ; to force the siege batteries to take np distant positions and thus to save the city in a great measure from bombard- ment : and to bring a flank and reverse fire upon all storming parties assailing the east front, thus precluding the possi- bility of assault on this front.
The possession of this hill by the enemy enabled him to observe not only the entire area in rear of the forts of the east front, but all our movements and changes of position and some of the vessels in the inner bay; to correct by ob- servation his fire against our forts and batteries, so that even 11-inch shells struck our guns at the second shot ; and to secure the flank of the line of investment and facilitate storming the east front.
From the foregoing comparative statements it is easy to understand the great value of this hill both to the attack and the defense. Hence the obstinacy of the Japanese in trying to capture it and the determination of our commandant to re- tain it. But it is hard to comprehend the indifference to its importance, the lack of appreciation of its value, and the languor in fortifying it while danger was yet afar off.
The war began February 6. It was not until June 19 that work on Takushan was begun, it having been decided to place there two companies and eight guns. The natural solid rock impeded the work and very little had been done when the Japanese appeared before the fortress.
The fortress was invested July 30. Not until August '2 did we decide to construct two closed works on Takushan and Siaokushan. Engineer Rashevski was ordered to com- plete tlie work as quickly as possible. He began most ener- getically, but the Japanese understood too well the impor- tance of these hills. They impeded the work by shrapnel fire and five days later began a series of attacks. They took the hills August 9. If Takushan had been appreciated at its just value and fortified in time, it would not have been
52 ADVA^'CED roSITIONS.
taken so quicklj^ nor so easily', if we may judge by our ex- perience near the aqueduct.
During the first Aveek of the investment the Japanese erected siege batteries behind Fenghuangshan, where they were comparatively safe from molestation. They could not begin such batteries in the vicinity of Takushan until the hill was captured; nor would they risk an assault on the eastern front before taking Takushan, although they fully realized that a day lost by them was a day gained by us. The}^ com- pleted their batteries on Takushan on August IG. With a good observation station on this hill for fire control and for general purposes, they could now operate against our east front with all the advantages possessed by the umpire in a game of kriegspiel.
On August 22 they took Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2 by assault. With the assistance of the captured works they be- gan operations against Forts Nos. II and III. Could they have threatened a single one of these works with a hostile garrison in their rear on Takushan? Certainly they could not. How is it possible, then, to maintain seriously that ad- vanced positions lead to the useless sacrifice of part of the fortress artillery and garrison? It is necessary, indeed, that such positions be really fortified positions — not mere naked hills. In occupying them the chief function of forti- fications should not be forgotten — that of compensating for a lack of men by the use of works. The blood of the defenders should not compensate for the lack of works.
The enormous importance of Takushan Avas realized by Colonel Yelichko, Avho proposed to erect here a strong point of support. This Avas not done for reasons over Avhich he had no control. His idea Avas misunderstood, unappreciated, for- gotten. The period of mobilization Avas so long that a strong temporary fortification with substantial obstacles might have been erected. The general features of the hill, the steepness of the slope toAvard the enemy, Avere A^ery favorable. But nothing commensurate Avith the importance of the place Avas clone toAvard fortifying the hill ; for it must be admitted that Avhat might have been Avell done in hve months, could not, in this instance, be done at all in one. This shoAvs again that not only the intervals between the forts, but important ad- vanced ])ositions should be fortified in time of peace. Taku-
ADVANCED POSITIONS. 53
shall fell early and led to a useless sacriticf of incii and material only because it had not been fortified.
The history of 208-Meter Hill illustrates our \ie\v of the value of advanced positions. The works here were more ex- tensive than those on Taknshan, and they were manned l)v the heroic Fifth Reo^imeiit. They withstood repeated furious as- saults for four months and eaii-cd a loss of 20,000 men. The importance of the hill was realized by both sides; no efforts were spared to capture it, and the greatest obstinacy was dis- plaved in its defense. \When at last it fell, on December 5, the weary, heartbroken Kondratchenko said, " This is the be- o-inning of the end." Three days later the remnants of the Pacific squadron were resting on the bottom of the sea, and a month later the fortress had fallen.
The position at the Aqueduct, much better fortified than the others, held out to the end. The position on Pachlun- shan remained partly in our hands until the end, and, with that on Division Hill, prevented the enemy from executing his skillful maneuver of 1894: against the Chinese. It is impossible to limit the application of the principles of fortress warfare to a line of forts. The use of advanced positions is not contrary to these principles, but forms a most essential part of them. The essential feature of fortress warfare consists in the use of all possible means to prolong the defense, yielding the ground inch In' inch ; hence the endeavor to take advantage of important advanced positions adapted to defense, is the only means to carry out the cardinal principle of fortress warfare.
It may be urged that the use of advanced positions at Port Arthur was unavoidable on account of the unfinished condition of its fortifications. Let us suppose, however, that the for- tress were completed according to the project. Would there have been any necessity to occupy advanced positions? If Ave examine the map of the Kuangtung Peninsula, the most striking feature which arrests the eye is the long ridge of Fenghuangshan extending at a distance of 1-^ to 2 miles in front of the line of forts. It is high and rather steep. A great valley, 7 niiles wide, extends beyond it.
Along this valley run the principal roads to Port Arthur, and only through this valley could a siege train l)e taken to Port Arthur. Here only was it possible for the besiegers
54 ADVANCED POSITIONS.
to establish their great depots, camps, and lines of supply. All that takes place in the valley is hidden from the view of the fortress by Fenghuangshan. The occupation of this ridge by the enemy secured his entire front. The for- tress could not, therefore, interfere in any way while the enemy was bringing up supplies and concentrating to attack. On the other hand, if we had had long-range rapid-fire guns on this ridge, the enemy could easily have been kept out of the valley and deprived of the use of the bays of Ten Ships and Yenhentzu. He would have been compelled to concen- trate against our right flank in a hilly locality without roads or level space to assemble his men and munitions of war," The construction of railways in such a locality would have been very difficult and the transportation of mortars quite impossible. Would the siege have been successful under such circumstances? We think not.
It will be granted that the condition of the fortress was such that Fenghuangshan could not be occupied ; but it would have been imperative to occupy it as an advanced position, had the fortress been completed.
It has been asserted that the use of advanced positions has been condemned by the majority of those who have been qualified to express an opinion. Such is not the case. Let us recall how this idea was spread in the eighteenth cen- tury by Carnot, the "organizer of victories;'' let us recall Carnot's operations at Antwerp in 1814, Davout's at Ham- burg in 1813, and 1814, and Rapp's at Danzig in 1813, and the more recent seiges of Sebastopol and Belfort. Todleben, who, at the beginning of the seige of Sebastopol had not occupied the advanced positions on the Kilen-balka Heights, in front of the Malakhoff Mound and on the shore of Quar- antine Bay, realized their importance during the siege and insisted upon occupying them. At Belfort advanced posi- tions, even with weak garrisons, played an important role.
These examples prove that the defense should not be lim- ited to a passive resistence within the fortress. It is a fatal mistake to await patiently the enemy's attack, allowing him to occupy advantageous positions and to make preparations
n This view was expi'essed by General Fock before the iuvestmeiit. It was confirmed during the siege.
THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT. 00
for assault. It is wise to impede his movements at a distance from the fortress and make each step in advance more and more difficult for him. In addition to other advantajives, the active defense of a fortress, which consists chiefly in opposing the enemy in advanced positions, helps to maintain the spirit of the garrison which is a very important element in war.
Of course it is impossible to occupy and defend every hill in front of fortified works. Onl}^ those positions should be occupied which may be of importance during the siege on account of their situation, adaptability for defense, height, and distance from the fortress. Hills which have these advantages should be occupied, fortified, and defended.
-•
IMPORTANCE OF CONSTANT OBSERVATION OF THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS AND OF PROVISION FOR COVERING THE INTER- VALS WITH RIFLE FIRE AS DEMONSTRATED BY THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT.
After taking Takushan the enemy attacked 1T4:-Meter Hill, and, after a series of attacks, succeeded, on August 15, in tak- ing the approaches. The attack on the hill itself show^ed the impossibility of quickly constructing siege batteries and investing the fortress from the west; 174-Meter Hill must first be taken. It was difficult to foresee the result of another attack, although it was only a question of time when the hill must fall. In the meanwhile Marshal Oyama began to ad- vance against General Kuropatkin, but his forces were not sufficient to inflict a decisive defeat upon our Manchurian army. Hence Marshal Oyama demanded of General Xogi the speedy capture of Port Arthur. Actuated on the one hand by the desire to march to the support of Oyama, and on the other by the example of 1804, when he had success- fully stormed Port Arthur with his brigade. General Nogi decided to assault the fortress according to the plan recom- mended by the Bavarian General Sauer.
AVe find in the interesting book of David James" a de- tailed and exact desci-iptitsn'of this "ent^pris^j^ which is here inserted. ^^~^^^
'^ The siege of Port Artliur, l)y David II. James, Loudon, T. Fisher Uuwin, 1905, pp. 67-90.— Tr.
56 THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT.
Roughly, the plan of assault was as follows: Wantai (Eagle Nest),° in the center of the north-eastern sector, was the objective. From Wantai it was proposed to drive in a wedge between the east- ern fortifications, and take the Erhlung (Fort No. Ill) and Sungshu (Redoubt No. 3) forts in reverse. This accomplished, the captured ground was to serve as the basis of a general movement against the town. An overwhelming rush was to carry the secondary line of eastern defenses, to swamp the garrison and reduce the rest of the position by storm. There was a good deal of rush necessary for the successful carrying out of this plan, and success depended largely on the suddenness and daring of the scheme. The preceding operations, it will be remembered, took the form of a demonstration against the west by the first division. This feint attack was made with a two- fold object : first, to create a diversion, and delude the garrison into the belief that the Japanese were following in detail the successful operations against the Chinese in 18U4 ; and, secondly, to allow the ninth division to steal thtf ground necessary for frontally attacking the Panlungs ^ (the first obstacles en route to Wantai). (In fact, under this ruse the ground was actually occupied by the ninth divison pre- vious to the 19th of August.) On the 19th of August the disposition of the investing force was as follows: —
RUjht Wing. — First division (First and Second Brigades, Tokio, regiments 1, 15, 2, 3), from the northern shores of Louisa Bay in an almost straight line to the foothills a quarter of a mile north of Sueishi village.
Center. — Ninth division (sixth and eighteenth brigades, Kaua- zawa, regiments 7, 35, 19, 36), from north of the Sueishi village curv- ing over the valley and crossing the railway at a point half a mile due east of the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2) and northwest of Ta-ku-shan,
Left Wing. — Eleventh division (tenth and twenty-second brigades, Shikoku, regiments 12, 43, 22, 44), a line from the east coast — paral- lel to the eastern fortifications at a distance of 1,000 yards— to the foothills of Ta-ku-sban.
General Reserves. — Two independent brigades, 18,000 of second re- serves (six regiments, 1, 15, 16, 30, 38, 9), under direct orders of (ieneral Nogi.
These infantry reserves were bivouacked in groups upon terraces cut in the reverse slopes of the hill, where they were absolutely safe from shell fire. General Nogi was in touch by a perfect system of telephone wires with all branches of troops, while the hospital serv- ice was directed similarly by General Ochai. Ammunition columns,
" The English author's place-names and spelling have not been altered. Names used in this publication have been inserted in paren- theses or added in footnotes, where they differ from thc^se used by thu English author. — Tr.
^ Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2. — Tk.
THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT 57
comnilssary depots, pioneer corps, engineers, sappers, imd auxiliary arms were in direct conmiunieation with headquarters, as also the naval detachment, while wireless conmiunieation was maintained from Dalny and Shaio-ping-tao with the hlockadiui: squadron under Ad- miral Togo.
The bulk of the artillery, including the siege park, was emi)laced upcm a semicircular Tine extending from the east coast to the western plain near Louisa Bay: the center of this artilk-ry line was a mile and a half to the north of the Erhlung (Fort No. Ill) hills, and zig- zagged at irregular distances to the east and west. The artillei-y was not evenly distributed, for the majority of howitzer batteries were sci'eened in the Feng-Iiwang-shans.
About 300 pieces of cannon in all were ranged against the fortifi- cations, and included 15- and 12-centimetre howitzers (ten batteries of these), 9-centimetre howitzers, and some old 21-centimetre howit- zers captured at Nanshan, 4.7 and 12-pounder naval guns, 6-inch siege guns, and mountain artillery batteries.
Two uaval 0-inch guns were brought up from Dalny, but were not emplaced in time for the first assault.
All guns were beautifully emplaced, the battery positions on the reverse slopes of the hills splendidly concealed and masked on the tiauks by sandbags and mounds artificially blended with the hillside. The units of the batteries were in subdivisions of the emplacement, and traverses of sand bags protected the working numbers of the gnu detachments.
From the siege park a heavy concentration of direct fire upon the eastern forts was possible, but the presence of the north and central hills prevented similar fire being brought to bear on Tai- yang-kou, etc.
The artillery commander. General Teshiuia, directed the battery fire from Observation Hill (center Feug-hwang-shaus), from which point a systematic network of telephone wires connected up subordi- nate artillery observation points and the balloon section ojierating in the rear." The Japanese took every precaution to insure suc- cess, and made the utmost of a favourable position for attack. From the highest to the lowest, from general to private, all obeyed with cheerful cooperation the word of General Nogi, who was in supreme undisputed control of the operations from skirmishes to concentrated artillery fire.
The hopes of the troops ran high on the ISth of August when the gun crews rested from their drill and commenced to prod the Rus- sian fortifications with sighting shots, and early the next morning to open a general bombardment of the entire line.
The hopes of other less important individuals went up with a bound the next day, for the Pen Brigade (war correspondents) were accorded an interview with the commander-in-chief, General Baron
"A very important indication of the excellent manner in which the artillerv fire was conducted and the communications were organized.
58 THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT.
Nof^i, jit Shwang-tai-kou, and aftt'r a kindly welcome we're cbeer- fully informed that "you have come just in time to see the close of a successful canipaij-'n," " and, inidcr an escort of otticial interpreters (whose qualification for this position was misinterpretation of j^eneral orders and qualities of irritation), were marcluMl to tlu; firing line. Feng-liwang-shan was allotted as an observation post, and from this point I will describe tlie events of the first few days.
The Japanese artillery were now (9 a. m., liJth August) busily en- gaged covering an attack on 174 Metre Hill by the right wing of the first division. Divisional artillery had moved up, and were lending general support to this attack, while a couple of batteries of howitzers were engaging the garrison of I-tzu-shan (Fort No. IV). Shortly afterwards the division artillery opened up with shrai)nel on 174 Metre, and bubbling wreaths of smoke were floating over the hill when the infantry of the 15th Itegiment could be made out skirmishing over the slopes with fixed bayonets. At this time a rattle of musketry announced the volleys of the defenders ; the line of Japanese bayonets thinned and retired to cover. An astonishing general rapid fire had now been developed by the entire siege park, to which the Russians returned a slow, spasmodic reply, making indifferent practice. There was now evidence of infantry movement in our immediate front, in the Sueishi valley. A detachment of the right wing of the first divi- sion were endeavouring to work into the Sueishi village, and main- taining a sharp exchange of rifie fire with the Russian outposts in this part of the field. Farther west the 15th Regiment made an assault on 174, but, being smai'tly shrapneled, were again forced to retire. A brigade of reserves was at this time dispatched to reenforce the right wing, and in the afternoon the artillery concentrated on the eastern forts and succeeded in silencing the two Panlungs (Fortifica- tions Nos. 1 and 2) and "P" fortification (Caponier No. 2). A fur- ther attempt to storm 174 was made at two in the afternoon, and they had gained the glacis entanglements before the Russians on the left flank (from the hills* south-east of 174), opened up a murderous rifle and machine-gun fire, which the Japanese artillery, being unable to silence, little clusters of the 15th were quickly bolting for cover, smartly shraimeled as they made for shelter. This was, however, not the main attacking force, and the glasses failed to locate them, for they were pressing the attack all afternoon, and a heavy fire was maintained till evening from the direction of the west of the hill. The Russians slowly awakened more cannon, and commenced searching in the foothills for the howitzer batteries, but met with no success. On the other hand, the Japanese practice appeared to be steadily improv- ing and bearing fruit, for the eastern line was now smothered in a dense black cloud of earth and smoke, and by twilight scarcely a shot was fired from the Russian line, save in the west, where small-arm
"Note the confidence of the Japanese commander in the success of the enterprise. * Long Hill.— Te.
THE FIHST (iHEAT ASSAULT. 50
lire broke out afresh. The day, one of brilliant simslilne. was Ijiit tiie
eiirtain raiser, the preliniiiiary practice of the orchestra of .•'.(mi j.'iiiis.
**♦***♦
Long before daylight we were afoot and tranii)ing bade to tlie fir- ing line. The .Japanese had maintained their geiwral howitzer fire throughout the night, and we were not a little anxious to ascertain the changes in the position of the infantry. The hills were already ringing with echoes when we siiread ourselves over the roclcy sum- mit of Feng-hwang-shan aud swung anxious eyes over the position. The citadel was bathed in all the glory of morning sunshine, and from behind the fortified ridges rose the lazy curling smoke of morn- ing fires, drifting in wreaths to the slcy. Signal Hags fluttering in the halyards on (Jolden Hill; a couple of slim torpedo boats slip- ping into the harbour from night patrol ; in the West I'ort a tug slowly steaming uj) to a sheer-legged pontoon alongside of which lay a many-funneled torpedo boat — apart from this there was a heavy silence brooding over the fortifications.
In the lines of the invaders there was ceaseless activity. The over- night bombardment had enabled a field battery" to establish itself a few hundred yards to the north-east of the P^rhlung lunette (Aqueduct Redoubt). Infantry were already picking their way through the water courses, and ammunition was being passed along to the Japanese infantry hidden in the l)roken ground of the valley. All morning the artillery pecked away at the forts in a busy manner, with less rapidity and better practice than on the previous day. Shortly before noon the right of the artillery concentrated on 174 Metre Hill, and the 15th IJegiment developed its attack from ground won overnight, the sappers having destroyed the entanglements by cutting the stakes (the wire having previously i-esisted all the efforts of the pioneers with sheers). •
' The artillery ceased its fire on 174 Metre Hill, when the Japanese infantry negotiating the obstacle stormed the trenches.
4: :{: ^ 4: 4: ^: 4:
The vigilance of the garrison and the havoc wrought by the ma- chine guns, aided by the clever handling of the searchlight when the Japanese reached the entanglements, defeated the attempts of the Japanese to gain the ground necessary for developing the assault. At 8 o'clock in the morning a small force rushed and carried the "P" fortification (Caponier No. 2) at the point of the bayonet, but were quickly shelled out, and forced to retire with the other troops. The attacks on "Q" fortification (Kuropatkin Lunette) were easily checked, and the infantry operating in this work were unmercifully handled in the morning before the Japanese artillery could smother the Russian fire and cover their retirement. The lines of stretchers, with their burdens of torn flesh passing through the shady kowliang fields all morning, were conclusive evidence of the hard night's work.
"This was made possible by the high kaoliang in the fields.
60 THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT.
At tlio railway station of Cliaii^'-liug-tsii " (tlie supply hospital for Dalny) I counted a battalion of severely wounded men brought in from a coui»Ie of rej^imeuts of the nintli division, and this before ten o'clock in the morning.
KIsewhere in the field hospitals and dressing stations there were overflows of wounded men, waiting in silent groui)S for attendance. It had been a night of discovery, and of very unpleasant discovery, for the Japanese, who still desired to storm Port Arthur.
The morning was given over to the artillery, and especially the naval brigade, which kept up a furious direct fire on the Panlungs (Fortifications Xos. 1 and 2). During the afternoon a detachment of pioneers, about half a company strong, carried out demonstrations against the entanglements, fixing nooses around the stakes by which many of the posts were hauled down.
Others, rushing up to the entanglements, fell down and feigned death, then crawling under the wires turned over on their backs, and, manipulating sheers, succeeded in cutting gaps in the obstacle. But the Russians soon discovered this ruse, and commenced a systematic slaughter of all wounded or seeming wounded lying anywhere in the vicinity of the entanglements. And many innocent Tommies were drilled full of holes to make sure that they were not shamming death for strategical purposes.
The Sueishi lunettes (Idol Redoubt and two lunettes) were pep- pered with shrapnel during the afternoon, and the Russians re- taliated by shelling the village. The naval brigade was located soon after midday from its peculiarly short barking report, and the tars stuck manfully to their guns, although they were hopelessly out- classed in metal by the Russian 11-inch howitzers. Before sunset the Japanese opened a rapid fire, which was smartly replied to, and a terrific cannoiyide closed a practically uneventful day.
On the afternoon of August 21, General Xogi ordered a brigade of reserves to support the ninth division, and the plan of assault to be advanced another stage after moonset in the early hours of the morning of the 22nd of August. Soon after midnight the Russians switched on their searchlights, and it was evident that no part of the line was seriously threatened by immediate capture. From 2.30 a. m. the Japanese attack was developed with redoubled fury along the entire front of the center and left wing. The fighting was fiercest in the vicinity of the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2) and the lines of entanglements hedging in " P," "Q" (Caponier No. 2 and Kuropatkin Lunette), and North fort (Fort No. II). For the first time since the opening of the assault the attacks were pressed, but, meeting the decimating volleys of the concealed enemy, were beaten back at every point. Fresh troops were continually added to the firing line, and desperate efforts made to effect the capture of the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2) ; but insufficient lanes had been cut in the entanglements, and the troops were frightfully mauled
" Seven and one-fourth miles from Port Arthur.
THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT. 61
while cuttiiifr fresh jtaths 1hrnn.i.'h those ohstaeles. Luckily llio (•allies of the mines were IocmIimI ami cut hefnrc use could be iiuide of them by the garrison; but the (h'\ilisli ulilily of the searchlights was again demonstrated by the skilful niaiuier in which Ihey wen- manipulated in locating the masses of Jjtpanesc for the general tire of the garrist)n. Despite the disadvantages, the attack was per- sistently presse<l until ."i a. m., when, linding that no advantage had been obtained, the shattered columns were withdrawn to the cover of the many ravines and dongas rmming at right angles to the Kus- sian line.
The Fir.st Division cooperated in the attack just ix-fore dawn, and were able to advance their tiring line and cover the moving of the divisional artillery to the slojics about a iniU> to llic uoiMh-west of 1-tzu-shan (Fort No. IV).
The .Japanese fleet was also in active cooi)eration throughout the night, lending supitort from off the south-east of Ta-ku-shan. Two battalions of reserves were disi»atched to the ninth division at day- light, when the artillery immediately opened a heavy concentrated tire on the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2), and, succeednig in squashing the Russian fire, enabled the broken battalions to re-form for continuing the night attack against these two fortifications. The 7th Regiment of the ninth division had been allotted the task of capturing the semi-permanents. and had been all night under arms striving to make some impression, but with no success. General Nogi, seriously refiecting ui)on the nnexiiected strength developed by the opposition, summoned a council <>t divisional commanders to head- quarters to reconsider the plan of attack. During the absence of General Oshima (commanding the ninth division), the commander of the 7th Regiment, Colonel Ouchi, together with his battalion leaders and junior ofiicers, forwarded a request to be allowed to innne- diately proceed with the attack on the Panlungs (Fortifications Xos. 1 and 2). Their wish being granted, the artillery redoubled its fire, and, when the belching mouths had smothered the defenses of the Slate Dragons with a deluge of shell and shrapnel, the gallant 7th attacked. With deliberate courage they worked up over the broken ground in a disjointed frontal attack, the companies cleverly converging on the position as if on manoeuvres. When a battalion or more had developed a strong firing line they w-ere caught by a furious cross fire from East Panlung (Fortification No. 1) and North fort (Fort No. II). Volley after volley was poured into them from the enceinte wall, and the tiring line literally mowed down by a sustaiutnl scythe of rifle fire, which quickly forced them to break ground and retire. It was now about eleven o'clock, and a small j tarty of this daring force, stubbornly maintaining its position, effected a lodgment in the dip of ground between the East Panlung (Fortification No. 1) and " P '' fortification (Caponier No. 2)."
o This show's clearly the existence of dead areas around the works.
62 THE FIRST GREAT ASSAULT,
This party then set about reconiioitriuj,' the position, and a vol- unteor, armod with a canister of dynamite, crawled up to the very breastworks of the redoul)t, and, affixing tlie charge, managed to destroy one of the machine-gun shelters before being discovered and killed. This raised the hopes of the little party, and was repeated again with equal success. The rest of the regiment now renewed the attack and doubled back hi squads of thirty and forty, making for the shelter of the depression, where the little party had established itself. Full two l)attalions reached this cover and overflowetl the shelter it afforded. The Russians then brought a cf)uple of machine guns to bear on them, and the force, smarting under the lash of this fire, wavered, and, breaking from the unfriendly shelter, were dart- ing individually back over the glacis when an officer, reckless of life, leapt up from cover, dashed for the redoubt, and firmly planted the regimental colours before paying the penalty of his heroism. The effect of this self-sacrifice was momentous and dramatically tragical, for his lead was quickly followed by others, who kept the colours fly- ing at the sacrifice of their lives. But the fluttering colours had been seen ; the men ceased running, and joining the struggling mass of humanity, forced the standard nearer the redoubt. Bayonets flashed in the sunlight as the line of steel, not to be denied, surged over the breastworks and dashed at the waiting foe. A wild, bloody melee followed, and the cold steel of Japanese bayonets won the day as the fort changed hands. But it was not over. The garrisons in the West Panlung (Fortification No. 2) and North fort (Fort No. II) enfiladed the 7th Regiment in the captured works, who tena- ciously held on, striving to re-create the defenses in the battered work, while the Japanese artillery, with increasing desperation, plied round after round into the forts. It was a critical time, and the 7th grimly waited with rapidly thinning i-anks for relief. It came from an unexpected quarter. Two companies of reserves (de- tached to cover the operations of the 7th Regiment), seeing the dilemma of that force, asked for permission to attempt the capture of the West Panlung (Fortification No. 2), which at this time, set on fire by the Japanese shelling, was burning fiercely. The permission being obtained, these two companies made a spirited rush for the burning redoubt, and dashed into the flames. The suddenness of this daring attack threw the garrison into confusion, and the Japanese, making the utmost of the opportunity, were quickly masters of the situation.
This immediately relieved the tension on the 7th Regiment ; but although it was now five o'clock, the dislodged garrisons, refusing to vacate the position altogether, maintained a heavy rifle fire on the lost works. But no human force or hellish agency was able to make the gallant 7th budge from their own. The slopes of the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2) were like shambles, and the Russians continued to pour in hailstorms of shrapnel; but what had been won by the self-sacrificing devotion of one of the bravest regi-
NOGt's plan FOI! rilK ASRAFT/r. (')'.]
iiiciits tliat i'\(M' tixcd liayoiicls was hcydiul rccapl nrc Al i-Ncniiiir llir r.illi KcuiniiMit nf llic iiiiilh divisidu driuuiisl ralf;! a^'aiiisl tlic Mi'liliiiiL.' Liiiu>tle ( l'"(>i'l Xi). Ill I. and niidcf cover of tlio diversion sup- ports wore rushed up to the itattalionloss Till, ruder cover of dai-U- ness they were twice des]terate]y coiuilcr-attackcd i)y the liussiaus, juul fierce fiybtiug was lu^cessary to inaintaiu liohl on tlie captured jtosition. But a continual stream of su|iports was dribbled into tin- tiriuj; line, and tlie jrround secureiv Jield despite fraidic shelliiif,' and desperate assaults on the part of the ejected pirrisous. A battalion of reserves was added to the couunand of General Osliinia, and the nij^ht passed without further attcMupts beiuir made to advance the j,'eneral plan of assault. 'I'he \v;iy had been cleai'ed to Wantai (Kajrle Nest) at a terrible sacrifice, and the "division" that was to l>e sacri- ficed in the storminjj; operation was almost already out of action. The spirit of the ti'ooi»s was excellent, and one and all were ready to doidile the sacrifice if the end could be broui^ht in sifjht. P>ut there were elements in the struggle that they could not eliminate by self-sacrifice, and, but for the national desire, the assault would most surely have been abandoned: but. as it was. the woi'd had gorte out, and Port Arthur was to be stormed at any price. So fierce was the fighting after the 20th that no atteuii)ts were made to l)enetit by the (Jeneva Convention and use the Red Cross flag. The wt>unded were allowed to lie for days under the blistering sun with- out succour, and left slowly to perish on the reeking, shambled slopes. Tnder cover of night rescue parties did go out to gather some of these unfortunate wounded, but, being forced to crawl ovei- the ground, had to fasten ropes around the legs of the wounded and haul them over the uneven ground, thus inflicting terrible torture on the suffering and almost insane men. Men with just a spark of life in them were brought to the dressing stations with their ])odies crawl- ing with maggots from their decayed wounds; and scenes more horri- ble— but I refrain from further reference to the awful condition of the Japanese wounded.
From the foregoing quotation we see that General Xogi's ])hui was as follows:
1. To concentrate a strong artillery fire along the entire front of the fortress, but chiefly against the interval between Forts Xos. II and III.
2. To maintain this fire until our fortifications were de- stroyed and our artillery silenced, three days being consid- ered sufficient for this purpose.
3. Simultaneously with the oj^ening of fire, to begin a series of demonstrations against the north front and against the western and the extreme eastern flanks.
4. Under cover of these attacks and of the artillery fire, the division selected for the main attack was to occupy its
4-1401— OS .")
64 TELEPHONE MESSAGES.
position and bcfjin the attack when it should berome evident that the Japanese artillery fire had accomplished its purpose.
5. The object of the main attack was to break through the line between Forts Nos. II and III, capturing the works in this interval, and to take possession of Eagle Xest.
6. Having thus divided the northeast front into two halves, to attack the intermediate batteries and Forts Nos. II and III from the rear, and fortify the captured positions.
7. By a final operation to drive the Russians behind the central enceinte and to storm the city.
The following measures were taken to execute this plan :
1. Three hundred siege guns were provided to destroy the Russian fortifications and silence their batteries.
2. A division was detailed to make each separate attack.
3. Each division had its divisional artillery to support its attack.
4. A strong reserve of six regiments under the direct con- trol of the commander in chief was to support the main attack and strike the final blow.
5. The squadron was to support the attack by operating against the flanks.
6. The siege artillery was to fire against the forts, bat- teries, and intermediate fortifications.
7. Sappers were detailed to accompany the advance de- tachments to remove obstacles.
8. The movements of troops and the concentration of fire were controlled by an excellent telephone system connecting the batteries and the headquarters of the detachments with the observation stations.
The assailants were favored by the unfinished condition of the Russian fortifications and the fact that these works were absolutely unmasked, by the villages and gardens which had not been destroyed in the vicinity of the fortifications, and by the broken terrain and large dead spaces in the vallej'^ of the Lunhe and in the immediate vicinity of the works.
In order to give as full a picture of the battle as possible we give here the following official telephone messages:
1. To the Staff, Seventh Division, 7.40 a. m. August 19 :
At 5 a. m. the Japanese began to fire from Fengliuangslian against Fort No. Ill and Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2."
'^ The attack of 174-Meter Hill began at the same time.
TELEPHONE MHSkSACKS. C)^)
'2. To the Stall'. Scxciilli l)i\i>i<)ii. 11.05 u. ni., Aii'nisl I'.i: Uodoubt No. 1 completely deslioyiMl to-d.-iy liy hoiiiliMnliiiciil. All
1li«' irmis except one daniiif^ed. 'I'lirec lMiiiil»iir(»<)f slicllers dcslruyi'd.
Tliree men killed and twenty woiiiidcd. Al INnM .\n. Ill :ill the |;iri:r
{runs are daiuajied. Gorbatovski, (ieiieral.
;>. To the Chief of the Seventh Division, 7.85 p. m., Aii- ^•u.-t 19:
The coniniandant of Fortification No. 2. ("'aiHaiii Kniglik, reiiorts" nuiveuients of troops iii several coluiiins in k.ioliaiij,' and ravines in tho direction of the villatre of Dapolich.jnaii. The cartridge niairazine at Fort No. Ill has been set on lire by hostile shot.
4. To the Stair, 7.40 p. in.. Aui>-ust 19:
At 7 p. ni. attack by two or uKtre .J;ip;incs(> battalions on Aqnednct Redoubt ceased/' It api)ears that the assault has been repulsed by the aid of the artillery. The situ.it ion of the company is critical. The .Japanese have taken the ditch and surround the redoubt. Can the company retreat V Seraenhoft", Colonel.^
5. To Colonel Semenhoir. 7..")0 p. m.. Auijiist 19:
It is not possible to retreat from Aqueduct Redoubt. Send two bat- teries of field artillery to fire against the approaches to the redoubt. Smirnoff, Lieutenant General.
(>. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 6.15 p. m., Ali- enist 19 :
Slielters of Aqueduct Redoubt are entirely destroyed according to tlie report of the company commander, and the men are firing above the shelters. Two companies have been sent as reinforcements.
7. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 6.15 p. in., Au- gust 20 :
The enemy is firing furiously against the two fortifications, especially against No. 1 and the batteries connected with it. At this moment itreaches are being made in the Chinese wall. Field artillery is to be seen in the kaoliang and in rear of it considerable detachments of infantry. I believe that the enemy will attack the fortification to-d:iy. (Jorbatovski, Major General.
" In addition to this report on the movements of the enemy there was another from the armored observation station on Rocky Hill close to Fort No. III.
^ Demonstration against the northern front. These movements were not seen from Forts Nos. II and III.
'"This message, as well as messages (» and s, shows clearly the inex- j'ediency of filling in the intervals between the forts with temi)orary fortifications so easily destroyed.
66 TELEPHONE MESSAGES.
8. To Major General (lorbatovski. August 21:
AH the men who have been sent to the eiitreuchmeiits of Fortiliea- tion No. 1 have been killed. Impossible to hold out. We are avpaiting orders. Sokolovski, Fourteenth East-Siberian Rifles, and Krivoru- chenko, Captain, Sixteenth East-Siberian KiJics.
In forwardinj; this report to the fortress staff, I wish to add that all the local reserves liave been exhausted and that I can send no help to the fortifications. Gorbatovski, Major General.
9. August 21 :
The valley in the vicinity of the new maj^azine is under heavy (ire. The reserves will be worn out by night if kept under fire all day. General Fock.
10. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 4.40 a. m., Au- gust 21 :
The enemy is attacliiug the east front, the first shots having been heard at 4 a. m. Main attaclv appears to be directed against the two fortifications. Gorbatovski, Major General.
11. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 8.40 a. m., Au- gust 21 :
It is apparent that the enemy is advancing in great force between Forts Nos. II and III. The lack of artillery and of bombproofs ren- ders the situation very trying. The reserves are being exhausted, only four companies remaining. The men are firm, but suffer terrildy from shell, shrapnel, and machine gun fire, Gorbatovski, Major General.
12. At 0.15 a. m., August 21 :
The lack of artillery i-cnders the situation very dangerous. I ear- nestly request you to support us with field batteries. (Jorbatovski, Major General.
13. At 0.45 a. m.. August 21:
The ranks are thinning with frightful rapidity. Am expending my last reserves. Gorbatovski.
14. From Fort No. I to Getieral Suiiruoff at 10.40 a. m., August 21 :
The enemy is crossing the valley through which railway passes, and moving partly against the left flank of the Third Company, Twenty- fifth Kegiment, but chiefly against Dapalichwan. Fort No. I is under fire. Artillery should fire against closed columns. They are preparing to assault. The reserve must be brought closer. Stoessel.
15. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 11 a. m., Au- gust 21 :
I consider situation very serious. Tlie forts and redoubts are all destroyed, and an enormous number of the defenders are hors de
TELEPHONE MESSAGES. ()7
■•onihat. Tho nrtillory is silencpd. The siiiall t:niis an* nlniust all <laiiin',itHl, tho icsorves arc oxhaustoil, and liclp is (IcniaiKJcd uti all siilcs. 'I'licic arc fdiiipaiiics \vitlin\it ;i man in ranks. Tin- iufscnl Inll ill till' tiriiij: iudifates preparation and concentration of tlic ciu'iny to storm. (lorbatovski, Major General.
I have reiid the report. If they break tlirou^'h a K^neral reserve must be formed and all the marines must be brought from the treiielu's. stoessel, Lieutenant General.
16. To General Fock, 12 jioon, Auoust 21 :
I would request that you give instructions for the advance of two battalions of the Fourteenth Reiiimeiit to Magazine A in the valley between Great Hill and the works. Smirnoff, Major (Jeneral.
17. To the ConiniiUKlant of the Fortress, 12.25 p. m.. Au- jriist 21 :
Instructions for the advance of two battalions to the reserve were jriven by me immediately upon receipt of your order. I deem it my duty to rei)ort that the jioint to which the reserve has been ordered has been under shrapnel tire throughout the entire night. I likewise expect the Japanese to attack during the night, hence I would like to have fresh and not worn out reserves. At the present luoment tlit^ Japanese are acting strictly according to the pi-ecept of Saner. Tlic reserves of General Gorbatovski are sufhcient to serve as a bait for them. Fock. Major General.
18. To the Coniinanclant of the Fortress. 4.4.") ]x m.. Au- gust 21 :
The situation is unchanged ; it is not worse. Unfortunately I must report that four rapid-tire guns, which were being taken to Kiu-o- liatkin Lunette, did not reach their destination, having fallen under strong shell fiie. There is a telephone station here; the line is broken; it has been repaired several timeo; but is again out of order. After dark we will do all we can to place the guns in position. The enemy concentrated against the fortifications in great force at a dis- tance between 200 and 000 paces from them, especially against No. L (lorbatovski, INIajor (Tcneral.
19. To the Cominaiuhint of the Fortress. .^.lO a. in.. Au- gust 22:
At .3.30 a. m. hot tiring took place near Fortitication Xo. 1 : at the present moment the enemy is pouring shiapiu'l into it. Gorbatovski, ^lajor (ieneral.
20. To the Coiuiiiaii(hiiit of the F()rtres.s. (> a. in.. Au- gust 22 :
The enemy is firing everywhere with shrapnel and at Fortification No. 1 with small arms. Two comi»aiiies of the Fourteenth Kegiment. which I held as local reserves, have been sent, at the reipiest of Gen-
68 TELEPHONE MESSAGEa.
enil Fock, to join the ki'IhtuI reserve. In addition to the marines, I liuve only one company of rifles, which was sent to R on account of the precarious condition of affairs at that iioiiit. Do not compre- hend movement of enemy's troops. (Jorltatovski, .Major General.
21. To the Comniandant of the Fortress, 9.20 a. m., Au- gust 2'2 :
There are small parties of the enemy in folds in the ground in front of the fortifications firing against the fortifications. Along the entire line the enemy is firing slowly with shrapnel and sheW. Gorbatovski, Major General.
22. To the Commandant of tlie Fortress, 11.25 a. m., Au- gust 22 :
At 10.30 a. m. the enemy concentrated all his artillery fire on For- tifications Xos. 1 and 2 and sent several columns to the attack. He drove the weak garrison out of Xo. 1, but could not hold it long. Our rifles retook it and were in their turn supported by all the ma- rine companies. At tliis moment the fortification is in our hands, but is again under hot artillery fire. We are answering with mortars and two rapid-fire guns. I wish to testify to the courage of the marines and rifles. The combat continues, and tlie reserves are exhausted with the exception of one battalion of the Fourteenth Regiment. Gor- batovski, Major General.
23. To Lieutenant Colonel Poklad, from Fort Xo. II, at 12.20 p. m., Augtist 22 :
The fort has no defenders. Only forty men are left. All the guns and two' machine guns are damaged and the breastworks are de- stroyed. The hostile artillery is firing against the fort from the land ; also from the sea with high-explosive shell. Infantry in large num- bers is concealed in the nearest ravines. Kwatz, Second Captain.
In forwarding this report to his excellency Major General Gorl)a- tovski, I have the honor to report that I have no reserve. Fushkar- ski, Lieutenant Colonel.
24. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 1 p. m., Au- gust 22 :
I have no reserve. All is expended. There remains only a half company of marines. TJLie loss in officers is great. Fortification No. 1 has four times changed hands. At this moment one part of it is occupied by our men and the other by the .Japanese. Both fortifi- cations are under a terrific fire, and the men begin to show fatigue. The loss in the rank and file is likewise great. Gorbatovski, Major General.
25. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 1.40 p. m., Au- gust 22 :
The losses are enormous in the rank and file and among the officers. I have no reserve. The smallest effort on the part of the Japanese
TELEPHONE MESSAGES. 69
may result in their bronkint: through ovoii to tlio riiinoso wall, lor we liave no one to defeiid it. I earnestly re(iiiest you to plaee a reserve at uiy (lisposiliou. Corh.itovski, Major Ceneral.
2(). To the Start" from Tooth Battery, 1.45 p. m., Au- iUMist 22:
We have nobody for observation. All the olliccrs are wounded. The chief of i^roup-sectors is bruised and wounded. Send an ofli- i-er for observation.
27. To the Commandant of the Fortress, 4.30 p. m., Aii- o-ust 22 :
I report to your excellency that the condition of affairs is critical. After the combat tliere remained in each unit only a few men almost without otiicers. Although the fortilications may be considered to be in our hands, we have in fact no men to occupy tliem, for we liave uo companies either in the fighting line or in the reserve except l)itiful remnants and tliree companies of the Fourteenth Regiment. With such poor remains which have not yet been re-formed In an orderly manner, it will be impossible to withstand even the weakest attack, whicli may be expected at any moment. I do not consider it possible for me to leave m5' position for personal report to your excellency. Hence I beg of you that you would either find it con- venient to come up to Rocky Ridge, where I deem your presence indispensable on the field of battle, or give me permission to rei)ort to you. Gorbatovski, Major General.
28. To the Commandant of the Fortress, August 22 :
I have to report that Fortifications Xo. 1 and No. 2 are in the hands of the Japanese. They are therefore near the Chinese Wall. In the interior of the position men are falling, and the weak remnants of the defenders are melting away every hour. I consider defense impossible, not only with what remains, but with much greater forces. Until the fortifications are retaken the Japanese may be expected to break through at any moment. Gorbatovski, Major General.
29. To the Commandant of the Fortress, August 22 :
Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2 are evacuated. Our men have retreated beyond the Chinese wall. They were driven out by a strong ar- tillery cross fire. Almost all the defenders were killed, and the Japanese occupied the fortifications. Six times our forces were sent to retake the fortifications and recaptured them, but the Japanese again killed off the defenders by a hotter fire. It is impossible to keep the fortifications. P'^ort \o. Ill liolds out. but there are only forty men in it. The Japanese are in considerable numbers under the glacis. Prepax-ed scaling ladders may be seen. It is evident that the fort is going to be stormed to-uight. All the guns iu the fort are
70 THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS.
(laniayed. Tlic mm at the iiiacliinc .miiis arc all killed, and there is nobody to fire tlieiii. I'oklad. ("ohmel.
30. To the Staff of the Fortress, O.Or) p. in., August 22:
The Aqueduct Redoubt i-oports that Fortification No. 2 is occupied by two battalions of Jai)anese. Fort No. II is not occupied, but there are about three Japanese regiments near the breastworks, and in tlieir rear reenforcenients may be seen. Seminoff. Colonel.
31. To the Chief of Staff, 6.16 p. m., August 22:
The battalion of the Fourteenth Kej^iment holds the defile near the magazine." Dmitrevski, colonel.
On the morning of August 19 the Japanese opened a vig- orous artillery fire against the principal point of attack, the interval between Forts Nos. II and III, and the adjacent ,. communications. In order to mask their intentions, they / opened a heavy fire against the rest of the line and against the city and began to storm 1T4-Meter Hill and the north- west front. To capture the intermediate fortifications, the dismantling of the forts and the silencing of their artillery was a necessary preliminary. Deprived of the support of the forts, isolated and greatly damaged by a strong hostile fire, these fortifications could hardly offer serious resistance. This result was all the more probable as these fortifications were old transformed Chinese works without outer ditches. The Japanese plan in regard to the intermediate fortifications was not without excellent foundation, however senseless was their attempt to take Fort No. II by open assault.
Havine- p-iven a general view of the great assault, we shall now examine it in detail in order to obtain instructive data which will serve as a basis for comment upon desirable changes in the theory of fortress defense in general and the construction of forts and smaller works in particular.
The demonstrations against the north and northwest fronts were successful in that they led us to believe that these fronts were the objects of the main attack and caused us to send the major part of our reserve to reenforce them with General Kondratchenko at its head. This end Avas attained by bringing as strong a fire against these fronts as against the real points to be attacked and by the simultaneous ap-
" Alas, it came too late. This shows clearly the necessity of having shelter for the troops near the fighting line.
THE INTEKVALS BETW El•:^■ !'()U IS. i I
pearance of the stoniiini:- coluinns of tlu' First Division. The moveiiieiits of the other divisions were more ciiiifcnlcl and Avere not discovered so soon.
The artillery fire eoncvntratcd a<j:ainst Forts Nos. II and III was so stron*; in the afternoon of the first day that their artillery was silenced as reported in inessaii'e No. 'J, as wa-< also the fire of some of the other batteries. This was due in part to thuna<>:e done to the guns, hut mainly to the fact that the personnel could not serve the «j,uiis placed in full view of the enemy and fired at from all sides. The success of the fFapanese was due to the unwise location of our guns. The fire, which was begun in the morning, was continued until (■) p. m. About 12,400 projectiles were fired at Fort Xo. Ill, at the rate of 200 per hour or 3;^ per minute. At Battery B ('•00 six-inch projectiles fell, being at the rate of one project- ile per minute. The number of large-caliber projectiles was one-third or one-fourth the number of smaller projectiles from mountain and field guns. Hence the batteries received as many projectiles as the forts— that is, three or four per minute. Half of the projectiles were percussion shells, the rest shrapnel. The destruction of the forts and batteries proceeded simultaneously with the destruction of the men exposed in the open. It was impossible -to serve the guns continuously under such a fire without having all of the gun- ners killed in one day. Some of the batteries therefore fired at great intervals, while the forts and certain batteries were (pute silent," the gunners remaining in the shelters and case- mates.
The jrarrisons of the forts had been concentrated since morning in the gorge casemates. There was one armored tower with a cupola for observation at Fort Xo, III, on the left flank of the G-inch gun battery. This cupola was con- structed of iron five-eighths of an inch thick, upon a stone foundation bedded in cement on the parapet of the battery, commanding it only by G feet. An artilleryman observed the hostile fire and the movements of the hostile troops from this post; but it was impossible to observe the move- ments of the enemy in the immediate vicinity of the forts, as
" The artillerymen now beiiiui to speak al)Out tlie desirability of liav- ing shields at the guns for protection against shrapnel.
72 THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS.
the battery on wliicli the tower was situated was in the interior of the fort. In order to observe the approaches to the forts and the intervals, volunteers went out upon the parapets of the fort. They hid in rear of the traverses and observed through the embrasures under cover of the shrapnel screens. But the fire was so strong that three of the five volunteers were put hors de combat before noon. Then the number of volunteers decreased markedly, and it may be said that, beginning with noon of August 19, observation from the forts was very unsatisfactory. Generally it was possible only during short intervals of five to ten minutes, when the enemy's fire slackened for some reason. Corporal Yakimoff, Private Chaplinski of the Rifles, and two or three others then jumped to the breastworks and observed the terrain around the fort.
While the garrisons of the forts sought shelter in the casemates from the artillery fire, the Japanese division de- tailed for the assault advanced one by one, in Indian file, in small groups through the ravines, the thick kaoliang, and ditches, and occupied the nearest villages, ready for assault. We saw nothing of this, knew nothing, suspected nothing. Xone of the observation stations discovered the advance of the Japanese on August 19 and 20. This subdued condition of the garrison, forced to hide deep in the interior of the casemates, continued during the remaining days of the bom- bardment, and when, on August 22, the Japanese approached Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2 and began to storm them, increas- ing the fire against the forts, all observation at the forts had ceased. This is Avhy the garrisons of the forts not only did not support the intervals, but did not know when the fortifi- cations were taken.
We were greatly astonished in the fort at a distance of 500 paces from the captured works when the chief of the detach- ment sent us a note ordering us to open fire against our own fortification. Thinking it a mistake, the commandant sent for an explanation. Alas, it soon came !
The interval between Forts Nos. II and III was thus de- prived of support by rifle fire from the two forts by an un- interrupted artillery fire against the forts. This fire de- prived us of both eyes and hands. We conclude that it is absolutely necessary to provide forts with means to observe
interm?:dtate rear caponiers. 73
without mte^FiMiptimi aiul to sujjport the interval-; at tin- proper time under the heaviest artillery lire The Hr-t oh- ject nuiy be attained by the erection of several ai-nioi-ed ob- servation to^ve^s at various points about the fort: the second, by the erection alon<; the parapets of concrete galleries with loopholes for small arms or by several turrets for nuu-hine guns. We wish to emphasize our conviction that forts will not support the intervals between them if the riflemen when firing are Avithout secure shelter against shrai)n(^l and shell fragments. With a few slight alterations I believe that the galleries for infantry. pro]iosed by Col. A. P. Shoshin would answer this purpose.
TNTEKMKDIAl'E l.'EAK CAPOMIERS.
The irrational construction of open-gorge caponiers at Forts Nos. II and III, and their faulty disposition rendered them useless as intermediate rear caponiers for flanking fire on the adjacent intervals. The assault of August 22, that which took place on the night of August 23-24:, together with the following considerations, clearly show the value of these caponiers if well placed and properly constructed. In con- .structing them it is desirable to place the embrasures so as to be able to direct the fire against the glacis in rear of the fort to which they belong, and also against the glacis of the neighboring forts some 1.200 to 1,400 yards distant. Thus constructed rear caponiers ma}^ assist the forts until the last moment and the dead space in the interval will be negligible.
In speaking of the great importance of rear caponiers. Ave revert instinctively to the assault on the Chinese wall during the night of August 23-24, and the important Avork which fell to the lot of Fort No. Ill upon its right flank in repuls- ing this assault. The fact is that, on account of the unfinished state of the fort, instead of there being traA'erses to cover the angle of the gorge from fire from the front, there were large heaps of earth covering completely the tAvo guns Avhich Avere to be used in repulsing assault, one a field gun in the angle, the other a 37-mm. gun on a platform. When, during the night of August 23-24, the Japanese began to advance from Fortifications Xos. 1 and 2 to the Chinese wall, the commandajit of the fort ordered the nearest searchlight to direct its beam upon them and the battery connnander opened
74 INTERMEDIATE REAR CAPONIERS.
fire from the machine guns, two field guns, one :5T-mm. gun, and the 37-mm. gun of the gorge caponier. This fire at very sho»t range was very deadly. General Kondriitcliciilco stated that the fort destroyed about 3,000 Japanese.
It wull readily be understood that such effective support of the interval could only be given because, on account of tho darkness, the Japanese could not concentrate a strong artil- lery fire against the fort, and thus beat down its fire. During all the next daj's assaults on the works in the vicinity of the fort, our artillery intended to oppose assault o]ierated very feebly. Taking advantage of the unfinished condition of the gorge ditch, at the angles of which the depth Avas only 3^ feet, we prepared the gorge caponier of the fort as a rear caponier and fired from it on the glacis of Eedoubt Xo. 3 and Fortifica- tion So. '2 W'ith the 37-mm. gmis. This defense of the inter- vals and of the neighboring fortifications was primitive, but it caused so much havoc to the Japanese that they determined to destroy the caponier. For this purpose they fired upon it for a long time with H-inch shells from l)oth sides and succeeded in breaching the left face wall. Not until Decem- ber 28 did they succeed in damaging the right face wall and destroying the embrasures. But Captain Dobroff, of the En- gineers, succeeded in removing the fallen mass of earth by breaking it up under the hottest fire with small charges of pyroxilin. These examples show the advantages of firing against the intervals from well constructed caponiers and how baneful they are to the attack.
While leasing the defense of the intervals npon the prin- ciple of mutual support from the flanks of forts and rear caponiers, it is' wrong to construct rear caponiers only. The siege showed the great importance of small, open caponiers, constructed to the right and left of the forts. The fact is that there Avill always be some ravine or ditch in front of a fort suited to the enemy's purposes which it will be impos- sible to fill and difficult to cover with fire from otlier forts at long range. If the terrain will permit, open intermediate caponiers should be constructed at short distances from snch ditches. The importance of such works is shown l)y the his- tory of Caponier Xo. 3. About 200 paces to the right of P^ort No. Ill, on a level with its end face, was a small height, separated from the fort by a deep ditch. Observing that
in'ii:k.mi;i)[ate hear capoxiehs. 75
Iho nearest ap])roaclies to the foit could he covered hy lire from this height, 1 soarjK'd il.-^ rear shjpe and constructed eniphicements for two field guns. One of them was for (he support of the fort; the other for the support of Forti- fication No. 2. The battery was protected in front hy in- fantry entrenchments and a wire entanglement. According (o reports of eye-witnesses during the storming of Fortifi- cation No. 2 on August 22, the caponier, firing one gun to the right, did much damage to the Japanese and prevented them from turning the fortification by the left. It likewise prevented the Japanese from attacking Fort Xo. III. In its turn, being near the fort, it Avas always supported by the fire of the fort. In order to capture it, the Japanese had to undertake siege operations lasting one and one-half months. Only after having taken this caponier, which, after all, was merely a temporary field work, did the Jap- anese begin the nearer approaches to Fort Xo. III.
CHAPTER Y.
(See Plates I, II, III. and \III.)
LENGTH OF THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS— FILLING IN THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS AND THE ROLE OF THE CENTRAL ENCEINTE— BOMBPROOF SHELTERS FOR THE GARRISONS OF THE INTERVALS— MASKING OF THE DEFENSES.
The oxainination of plans of variou.^ fortresses, Russian and foreign, shows us that the intervals Ijetween forts vary greatly, not only in different fortresses, but even in the same fortress. Generally they vary, according to the terrain, betAveen 1^ and 2| miles, although in some forts there are intervals of 3^, 4, 4|, and even ^)^^ miles. Hence the ques- tion. What distance ought to be accepted as the normal? Tt may be that a distance of IJ miles is too small and 5^ miles should be taken. Perhaps 5-^ miles is too great and 1;^ miles is correct ; or perhaps an interval of '21 to 3^ miles should be adopted.
Let us return to the plan of the fortress of Port Artlmi'. The intervals between the forts were as follows:
Mile.
1. From Coast Battery No. 22 to Fort NO. I 1
2. From Fort No. I to Fort No. II 2$
3. From Fort No. II to Fort No. Ill , Ik
4. From Fort No. Ill to Fort No. IV 2^
.5. From Fort No. IV to Fort No. V 2
u. From Fort No. V to site for Fort No. VI .3i
The intervals varied here between 1 and 3 A mile.-.
The principal attack was directed against the interval between Forts Nos, II and III. As compared to other in- tervals it was almost the strongest as regards fortifications on account of the defensive parapet constructed by the Chi- nese, known as the Chinese wall. Forts Xos. II and III Avere on heights somewhat advanced from Dragon Ridge. Between the forts were four heights separated from each other by deep ravines, the two central heights being higher than the other two. They were almost equal in height to Fort No. II and somewhat higher than Fort No. III. Works constructed on these heights by the Chinese and 7G
LENGTH OF THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS. 77
transformed by us into fortifications of hip;li profile almosit entirely concealed the forts from each other. As the forts were not visible from each other, they c(Mild not oivc each other mutual support. The sites for the forts were well chosen, but in filling in the interval between them the neces- sity for mutual support should have received more consid- ♦»ration. In place of Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2, permanent works should have been constructed capable of filling the gap and supporting the forts.
The early capture of Fortifications Xos. 1 and 2 does not allow us to say how far they might have fulfilled this object. We can give the following facts in regard to cases where forts supported works in adjacent intervals:
1. Fort Xo. Ill often supported very effectively the neigh- boring works. Redoubt Xo. 3 and Caponier Xo. 3, distant 459 paces." It supported the Aqueduct Redoubt and Idol Redoubt very feebly at a distance of 2,550 paces.
2. Fort Xo. II supported Caponier Xo. 2, distant 450 paces; and Kuropatkin Lunette, distant 350 paces. Its aid Avas ineffective at greater distances.
3. Redoubt Xo. 3 supported Fort Xo. Ill at a distance of 300 paces and, with its artillery fire, the Aqueduct Re- doubt at a distance of 1-^ miles.
4. Fort Xo. lY effectively supported Redoubt Xo. 3 with fire from its 75-mm. naval guns at a distance of If miles.
5. Redoubt Xo. 3 and the Mound Battery were supported effectively from the trenches on Cossack Place with rifle and artillery fire at a distance of 1,500 paces.
G. Kuropatkin Lunette su^Dported Battery B with rifle fire at a distance of 600 paces.
7. The Liaoteshan position supported 203-Meter Hill with ()-inch Canet gims at a distance of 4 miles, but only in the daytime.
Thus we see that mutual support by rifle fire was effective at a distance of 600 paces in broken ground and 1.500 i)aces in open ground. During night attacks support was given at almost equal ranges; for, with a searchlight 24 in. in diameter, targets were clearly visible at ranges from 600 to 800 paces, and with a searchlight 30 to 36 in. in diameter
« The Russian pace = 2.S inches, or 2^ feet.— Tr.
/O LENGTH OF THE INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS,
the tai-oct was visible al distances from 1.'200 to 1,500 paces. After luucli discussiou we came to the conchision at Port Arthur that the tiiial rule in the repulse of an attack fell always to the infantry, the role of the artillery being second- ary. This was due to the fact that the assailants approached the works by single files and small groups and not in column. Under such conditions shrapnel is of no avail, Avhile rifle* fire and bayonets are decisive. Rapid-fire artillery has un- doubtedly been and will be of great advantage, but only at distances Avhere small groups of men are clearly visible to the commander and pointer.
We think that the principal line of defense of modern for- tresses— the line of forts — may be compared to the enceintes of the old fortresses. During the period of stone ramparts the role of the forts Avas played by the towers, erected at a distance of twice the flight of an arrow, flanking the ap- proaches to the forts. With earthen ramparts this role was l)layed by the bastions. The distance betAveen them was de- termined by the range of case shot. But these ranges did not exceed the limit of the vision of men. Hence the dis- tances betAveen toAvers and bastions depended in no Avay upon the question of the A^isibility of the target. The range of the gun is no longer the controlling factor, EA^'erything depends npon A^sual poAver. The defense of the intervals can not, therefore, be based only upon shrapnel fire from rear ditch caponiers. In determining the distances betAveen forts Ave must be guided not by the range of artillery, but by the ability of man to see clearly by daA', and by night Avith the aid of searchlights. Assuming that, AA^ith a searchlight 30 to 36 in. in diameter, an etfectiAe fire can be maintained at ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 paces, we see that intervals should not exceed 3,000 paces, or 7.000 feet — 14 miles. With such interA^als each fort should haA^e the support of rifle fire from intermediate Avorks and of artillery fire from the rear cap- oniers of the neighboring forts. During the day neighboring forts will be able to support each other Avith rifle fire.
In locating forts and redoubts Ave must therefore be guided by the folloAving rules:
1. The forts and I'edoubts should l)e clearly visible from each other by day and also during the night Avitli the aid of searchlisfhts.
INTERVALS BETWEEN FORTS.
2. The distance between them shouhl be such that nuitual support may be given with rifle lire botli by day and by night.
3. If there is to be a j^ermanent redoubt between the forts, the distance between the forts must not exceed \\ miles.
4. In case no intermediate redoubts are to be built the dis- tance between the forts must not exceed two-thirds of a mile.
J'lLMXG IX THE INTEinALS IU:TA\1:EX forts AXD it IE KnEK OK THE CEXTRAL EXCEIXTE.
After the siege of Sebastopol the plan of fortresses was changed from a closed polygon into a circle of scattered inde- pendent fortifications. The time-honored principle of the closed work was cast aside. For the stubborn defense of a separate work, it has always been held that it should be closed. The same jjrinciple applied for ages to the fortress. In the decade which followed Sebastopol this eternal prin- ciple Jsvaj diregarded, and fortresses were constructed con- sisting of from ten to^ twelve separate warks with intervals bet^veen-tTiem somewhat like wide gates in the interior of the-oM fortress. But the principle of the closed^ work was fotmded too deeply to be rejected so easily. It was now , agreed that the intervals should be fortified during mobiliza- f tion with entrenchments and other temporary works. But as j these were to be constructed only at the beginning of military ' operations, it was decided to maintain the central enceintes,' iiiJhe old fortresses forjlefense against sudden attack, andl to construct enceintes in new fortresses.
The objectjxf the enceinte was to protect the stores and magazines. For this purpose permanent works were con- ^ ^ structed, but for the security of the fighting line temporary works were deemed sufficient, as though the vital parts of a fortress were the stores of powder and other supplies, and not the line of forts and batteries, against the capture of which by sudden attack no steps were taken in time of peace. . ^Hence we see that the principle of _the_closed work was not's,^ entirety diseaFdedphirrTr was altered in its appFicatibrr.- It / was retained where it was not vitally necessary and rejected where it was absolutely indispensable.
It is, indeed, difficult to see why the center of the fortressTV ' I Avith its magazines and offices, is the vital part ; it is difficult ' ■±4461— OS 6
80 ATTACK ON FORTIFICATIONS NOS. I AND II.
to comprehend the reasoning of those wlio regard the capture of the supplies as a fatality and the capture of two or three forts as a secondary matter. The fall of the forts seals the fate of the fortress, howcA^er great may be the quantity of supplies within the enceinte. The supreme efforts of the de- fense should be concentrated not upon. ±lie defenses in rear, but upon the fighting line. We see, however, that the exactly opposite rule has been follow^ed, as a result of financial con- siderations. It was thought permanent works for -the^ de^ fense of the intervals would cost too much, and that this defense could be prcnided for by cross fire from the forts and intermediate Avorks, supplemented by the frontal fire from entrenchments. During the last "fifty years those who have planned and built fortresses have been guided by these con- siderations. Such views prevailed in the construction of all rnodern fortresses, including that of Port Arthur.
During the last twenty yenvti a few voices have been raised in protest. Two plans have been suggested: The first, to reconcile the principle of the closed work with economic ' conditions by constructing permanent, continuous parapets and concrete casemates; the second, to construct separate permanent works in the intervals. Both propositions were made by llussian engineers in 1890; the first by Colonel Velichko, the second by Lieutenant Colonel Prussak. Both projects caused heated discussions; they were defended by some and attacked by others. An interchange of opinions took place in the Engineering Journal and thus the matter ended. In the higher engineering spheres these projects did not receive special notice and they were never tried. To illus- trate the effect which the adoption oi these projects would have had upon the defense of Port Arthur, let us take the assaults of the 22d of August and of the night of the 23d and 24th of the same month. It has been made clear that the interval between Forts Nos. II and III had a parapet connecting the gorges of these forts. On heights in front of this parapet, at distances between 300 and 400 paces, were four works absolutely independent of each other. Dur- ing the assault of August 22 the two central works, Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2, fell into the hands of the enemy. Their capture w^as due, leaving aside consideration of their extremel}^ unsatisfactory condition for defense, to
1k
ATTACK OX FORTIFICATIONS NOS. I AND IT. St
the lack ot" support from the forts on iiccoiiiit of the adxaiicfd j)ositi()iis of the fortifications and to the hicU of sustained coninuinication with the forts. The two other Avorks, Capo- niers Nos. '2 and 3, remained in our hands only on accoinit of their proximity to the forts. IIavin<i- taken the centi'al works, the Japanese decided to finish their operations a«!,ainst that front l\v breakinii' throuiih the intrenchments, captniinii- Ea<>:le Xest, attackino- the forts and intermediate batteries from the rear, and stormino; the city. The sortie during the night for the recapture of the lost fortifications frnstrated the Japanese plan, but, in itself, was unsuccessful. As soon as it was over the Japanese endeavored to take the offensive again and advance against the enceinte.
The English correspondent. David James, writes as follows :
On the morning of the 2orcl of August the remnants of the Tth Regiment sallied out from the East Panlung (L^ortifieation No. 1) and worked up toward Wantai (Eagle Xest). Tliey were unmercifully handled, and had to crouch in shell holes for cover, where they lay all day, monuments of plucky determination carried too far."
It must be inferred that this sortie was nothing but a reconnaissance of the enceinte. On - the following niglit the Japanese stormed it. The assault is described by Mr. James as follows:
They had penetrated deeply into the heart of the enemy's territory ; the thin edge of a wedge that could not be hanunered in. Through the day, on account of a lack of anmumition, the .Japanese artillery were strangely inactive, and apart from the action of the Tth Regiment, there was no infantry work. Meanwhile the plan of the Japanese commander da\Yned upon the defenders, and they were not slow to act, for General Krondrachenko planned a countei*- niove. which, though not successfully carried out in detail, frustratwl the rush tactic^s of the Japanese and held them in check for many months. The inactivity of the Japanese on the 23rd allowed ani])le time for developing these plans. Briefly stated, the idea was to coun- ter attack the Japanese before they got their battalions moving for the great assault, and then, after throwing the Japanese lines into disorder, retire and contest the ground in front of the position the Japanese were intending to assault. The sortie was to move out in three colums, one from the direction of " Q " fortification (Knro- patkin Lunette), a second from the Ehrlung fort (Fort No. Ill), and
" James, p. 90,
82 ATTACK ON FORTIFICATIONS NOS. I AND II.
the third ceiitriil coluiiin from W'autai ( Ktigle Nest), It will l>f seen later how this was carried out, and iu what details it failed.
* * * « « * *
As it was evident tliat the j^'reat assaidt would take detinite shape that uight, a couple of us (deciding to join the actual firing line), iu the singularly quiet evening that passed, slipped out of camp unnoticed. It was then a little after eleven o'clock, and hardly had we got clear of Feng-hw^ang-shan than a faint rattling of ritle fire came from the foot of Wantai (Eagle Nest). No less than seven searchlights were flashing from the fortifications, and three of these converged on the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2). The rifle tire steadily increased, and the quiet searchlights swung down to where the regiments of the ninth and eleventh divisions were wait- ing to attack. A few minutes later the rays of light commenced work- ing up and down the slopes of the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and ll), and Eussian rifle fire working down the slope of Wantai (Eagle Nest) could be distinctly heard above the general rattle of musketry. The Japanese reserved their fire for a few minutes, and the Russians, eontiiiuing their unchecked advance behind the rays of the searchlights, quickly drove the wasted remnants of the 7th Kegiment into the East Tanluug (Fortification No. 1). Then the Japanese opened up with a sickening burr of musketry, which momentarily halted the Russians. SuL)ported by a heavy machine gun and artillery fire from "Q" fortification (Kuropatkin Lunette), the wings of the sortie now joined the center, and working up a heavy fire bore down on the Panlungs (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2). Star-shells bursting in rapid confusion over the Japanese troops aided in the w'ork of the sortie and hampered the movements of the Japanese. Beneath the Panlungs the main body of the besieg- ers were gathered, waiting to make their attack, and these quickly developed a firing line and joined issue with the garrisons of the Panlungs. The Russian force now split up into two bodies and at- tempted to carry out Krondrachenko's plan of enveloping the lost semi-permanents. One force made a desperate attempt to descend to the west of the West Panlung (Fortification No. 2), while the other made an equally determined effort to work down between the East I'anlung (Fortification No. 1) and north fort (Fort No. II). Their object was to join forces between the two Panlungs, and then, by falling back on them, annihilate the garrisons and effect a re- capture. Here the sortie failed, for the main body of Japanese were now well up and pouring in a hot fire upon them ; and the two Rus- sian forces, forced to give way, retired to the enceinte, where, sup- ported by the fire from all the fortifications in the neighbourhood, they made a determined stand. Volley now answered volley, and all the seven searchlights were busy flashing in the faces of the Jap- anese infantry. A regular fury of firing filled the air as the Japanese assumed the offensive and attacked the enceinte beneath Wantai. The firing remained stationary for a while until the Japanese brought up their machine guns and quick-firers and commenced pounding
I
TKiiSl^^'^ toY^H^.W, UiJ!
J ^flA^/ /^
ATTACK ON FORTIFICATION^ NOS. I AND II. 83
;iwny at tlio dovoi'ly hidden cniiutcriiarls of llio iMicniy. Thon a donhlo itui'i'iiii,' of niachiiic ,mms and a diaihlc cdilioii of tt'rror-strik- iu,:,' lioiii-poiiiiii.i; was Iicai'd .dioxc llic coni imious I'onr of iimski'try. The awful hissing of hullots, the bewil(U'i'ins fury of the volleys. the thrillinji jilay of machine suns, and the hum of human eries all sounded in the distance like tlic rush of a hurricane through a leafy forest. And when this medley of noises had merged into a monoto- nous screech, high above the awful battle noise came the thrilling sound of soldiers" voices raised in soldiers' cheers. Three h>ng B.in- zais then busied the hills with echoes, and announced the fact that the Russians were br(>aking ground and retiring. Slowly they re- lii-i'd, helped back to tlieii' lines by the dazzling glare of the silent searchlights and llu^ noisy, wicked deviltry of the concealed machine guns.
The Japanese w^re. however, smartly held at the enceinle. and for ;5 time their advance stopped by cross tire from the lotteries on either tiank of Wantai (Eagle Nest). This moment was selected by the tenth brigade of the eleventh division for making an attack on "Q" fortification (Kuroitatkin Lunette) to create a diversion in favour of the troops halted at the enceinte. They had scarcely got moving before they were unma'sked by star-shells, and under the glare of a couple of searchlights subjected to a terrific fire from tht> Keekwan south fort (Battery B) and west battery, and this. coui>led with the tire of "Q" (Kuropatkin Lunette), soon broke u]) tlieir attack."
Further he says :
From now on — although the only probable result of continuing the unprotected assault in full sight of a concealed enemy was a repulse — the general assault was vigorously developed and became intensely impressive, for a wonderful scene was now enacted. General Nogi's plans — delayed by the sortie — were now set in motion, and the ninth and eleventh divisions made the attempt to drive in the wedge and reach the summit of Wantai (Eagle Nest). Against almost un- precedented methods of warfare and unnamable odds, the Japanese infantry, displaying most wonderful courage, went steadfastly to work, to do or die. Isolated bands gained footing and crouclu'd in agonising suspense, waiting to gather enough force to warrant a rush for the trenches, and in their isolation were found by the light of star- shells and pounced on by the glaring searchlight for the decimating fire of hidden machine guns and riflemen. Some, heedless of life, by strenuous bravery gained the trenches, only to be riddled by bullets and clubbed by rifles. It was cruelly impressive to listen in the cool of the morning to the shrieking shell, tapping of pom-poms, and whirls of machine gun fire, to see in the grim darkness the flashes of artil- lery and the sparks of rifles, and the pale fliclcering of particles of star-shells and the dazzling glare of searchlights, and to know that it
"" JsTTnes. ]ii i. 00-05.
84 ATTACK ON CHINESE WALL.
was all slanffhter, a butchery of wHlinf: nion vainly niassacrod for tlio sake of a national sentiment that could nut wait for reveniie. Dawn was lonjr, long in couiinj;, and tlie tijjhtinj-' slowly, so slowly, subsided, like a disappointed child sobbinj; itself to sleep. Six hours of carnage were over, ami those wlio watched and did not light could but imag- ine what had hapijened. Soon over the scene of strife came the blood-red beams of the rising sun, struggling through the morning mist heavily laden with drifting smoke, and ere it cleared the Jap- anese artillery screeclied out in wild defiance and ushered in another day of carnage. The great assault was over, the great assault that failed, and the wonderful concentrated artillery fire that followed was but the afterniiith.
(Quickly working from either end of the eastern fort ridge, tin- artillery fire met midway in the line at Wantai above the I'anlungs, which were now covered with clouds of shrapnel- from the Russian artillery, which had early responded to the Japanese fire. The con- centrated fire worked backwards and forwards along the whole line, until, in an hour, so accurate was the shelling that the line of eastern fortifications were smothered in clouds of earth and smoke raised by the bursting sliells. The preponderance of Japanese fire early made itself felt, and by the devastation of this terrible cannonade the Rus- sian gunners were overpowered and silenced, for it was the result of the fifteen days' range-finding practice of their enemy. Under cover of this artillery fire the Ja[)anese infantry made a last attempt to reach Wantai (Eagle Nest), but, directly they got moving, the Russian guns in the west opened a heavy shell fire which crushed the life out of the attack, and forced the responsible commanders to realize the hopelessness of persisting in the assault; and the Jap- anese, beaten, but by no means defeated, retired beyond the enceinte, and were only able to claim, as the result of four days' continual fighting, the two semi-permanents of Pauluug (Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2).«
These descriptions, however, do not give a complete pic- ture of the storniino-.
The affair was in reality as follows:
About 10 p. m. on August 23 the Japanese began to assault the entire east front from Fort No. Ill to Battery B. The main attack was directed against the section of the Chinese wall between Caponiers Nos. 2 and 3. Elsewhere the attack was in the nature of a demonstration to conceal the real point of attack. Having assembled considerable forces in Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2, the Japanese rushed the Chinese wall. They were seen in time and a hot fire was opened upon them. The rapid-fire field artillery and Fort No. Ill opened a deadly fire against them, but the dis-
« James, pp. 07-99.
f^
ATTACK ON ClflNESE WAT.L. 85
tancG was so short that the Japanese were able to reach the wall. A bayonet ti«>ht took place here. Owin^ to their ^reat numerical superiority, the Japanese succeeded in breakino- throuoh the line. They appeared on the slopes of Redoubts Battery and Eagle Nest, and broke through the wall near the angle where part of it branches off toward Fortification No. 1, Being much damaged by bombardment, this place was favorable for assault. It was impossible for them to break through elsewhere. Two comj^anies of the reserve, coming up at that moment, repulsed the Japanese. One company advanced from Wolf Battery, the other from Ivedoubts Battery and Eagle Nest. Advancing from three directions, they destroyed all who had entered the breach. At 11.30 p. m. the assault w^as over. Desiring to get posses- sion of the wall and Eagle Nest at any price, and fully alive to the immense importance of this operation, the Jap- anese repeated the attack at 2 a. m. The garrison had now been reenforced, and the Japanese could not break through. After an hour the assault was finally repulsed. From this we see (1) that isolated works, situated in the middle of intervals without conr.ection with the forts, fall at the first blow; (2) that without a defensive parapet between the intermediate batteries and the works these batteries 'would have been just as easily taken; and (3) that three attacks against the wall were repulsed by small forces.
From the foregoing we believe we may safely affirm that only the existence of the Chinese Avail saved the fortress from falling in August. It may be said that an entrance was made. True, but at this point the wall was Ioav (4^ to 5 feet), and it had been breached by projectiles. Where it was sufficiently high and in good condition no breaches were made. This shows, nevertheless, that a ])arapet without a ditch does not entirely secure an interval against assault. Hence it is not sufficient to supply the intervals Avith para- l^ets, which are so easily surmounted. Although a parapet without a ditch gives good results, the only safe way to se- cure the intervals against assault is by constructing a parapet with a ditch, the ditch being the most important feature, as it is crossed with difficulty.
I must, hoAvever, remark that the Chinese Avail played an important role only by accident. In the beginning of the
86 ATTACK OJSr CHINESE WALL.
siege it was not considered of any importance whatsoever. The entire defense of the intervals was to be made on the line of forts. Earth was taken from the wall to fill sandbags for the nearest batteries. It grew thinner day by day and would soon have disappeared in places. It had no bomb- proofs, no embrasures, no garrison. One company was sta- tioned in the vicinity of Fort No. Ill, and tAvo shelters had been constructed for it.
On August 17, while riding alon^ the line with General Kondratchenko, I invited his attention to the importance of this position. He thereupon ordered General Gorbatovski to send two more companies to the interval between Forts Nos. II and III. The section engineer was ordered to construct shelters for them. The bombardment of the 19th to the 22d of August interfered vcith this construction, and when the attack on the wall began it was, indeed, in a very precarious condition. Nevertheless, its higli profile (8 to 12 feet), the excellent adaptation of the terrain to defense, the lack of dead areas immediately in front, the abrupt inner side of the breastworks which afforded excellent shelter for the in- fantry, and the good communication with the forts, enabled the wall to fulfill its purpose. It i)revented the enemy from breaking through on a wide front, taking the batteries, at- tacking the forts from the rear, and storming the city. Had there .been no Chinese wall, the Japanese divisions would have broken through along the entire front, 1^ miles in width. It would not only have been impossible to stop them with two companies, but even two regiments would not have been sufficient. The following may be alleged in support of the assertion that the fortress would have fallen on the night of the 23d of August had the enemy succeeded in breaking through the wall :
1. Inforuiation that the Japanese had broken through the Chinese wall and of their appearance on Redoubts Bat- ter}' spread rapidly along the entire northeast front and created a panic. The connnandant of Fort No. Ill prepared for the defense of tlie gorge and burnt the gorge bridge.
2. There was virtually no second line of defense as yet, its entire garrison consisting of only one company of marines.
3. From the main reserve, which consisted of two battalions of the Thirteenth Ivegiment and two battalions of the P'our- teenth, onlv the tAvo battalions of the Fourteenth could have
ROLK OF THE ENCEINTE. S7
been sent into action, as the Thirteenth .was stationed in ilii. New Eni'opean City at a distance of .").', miles.
4. There was no o-arrison whatever in the ceiiir;!! enceinte. There were only three sentinels near the pite>. and two monntain and two obsolete field <2:nns in the r'edonbts.
There is therefore no donbt that, if the Japanese had been snccessful in their ert'orts to bi'eak thron«ih the wall, they conld have entered the city that ni_<>ht. There wonld have been little resistance at the enceinte and the operation wonld lia\'e been without risk. But such a course would not have been necessary or desirable. The Japanese Avould have made a series of attacks from the rear upon the intermediate bat- teries, thrown back the garrisons of the remaining-, sections of the wall, cut off Forts Xos. I and II from communica- tion with the fortress, taken possession of seacoast batteries Xos. 19, 20, and 2*2 without opposition, and occupied Dragon Ridge. By morning they would have held in their hands the entire northeast and east fronts of the Xew Chinese City.
If we consider the natural weakness of the enceinte at I*()rt Arthur and its defenseless condition, we see clearly the difficult position in which the fortress would have been placed. It would have changed hands without further slaitghter. But if there had been a sufficient garrison and an adequate arma- ment properly placed, it Avould have surely fulfilled its func- tion as a second line of defense, and the fall of the fortress would have been postponed for several months.
The role of the enceinte is very important, indeed, as a citadel, as a last place for resistance, but not as a mere means of protecting the stores and headquarters of the fortress from sudden attack.
Having determined the role of the enceinte, it is necessary* to decide which is more important, the fighting line or its enceinte. Preference should certainly be given to the fight- ing line, for it is here that the fate of the fortress is decided. If this be true, it is evident that the first line must be stronger in every respect than the second.'' The first line
"Let us recall the words of Colonel Velichko: "On this line of forts the battles for the defense of the fortress must bo fouirlit : here the artillei-y and infantry must offer a decisive resistance to the eneniv."
88 BOMBPKOOF SHELTERS.
must be permanent, Avliilo the second may be temporary — not the reverse, accor(lin<>" to the rule followed to-day. In conclusion Ave maintain:
1. The necessity of ap])lying the principle of the closed Avork to the fighting position.
2. That it is necessary that the intervals between the forts be supplied with permanent works.
3. That the enceinte of the city, the function of which is to serve as the last line of defense, should be so constructed as to cover the first line Avith its fire. In time of peace it may consist only of points of support. During mobilization its intervals must be supplied Avith intrenchments and obstacles. The points of support being less important than the forts of the first line may be smaller. They may have thinner con- crete walls, a smaller number of shelters, no rear caponiers, no galleries for the infantry.
After the fall of the main line of forts the eneni}" Avill begin to attack the city. It is probable, howeA^er, that the attack of the first line, on account of its duration and stub- bornness, Avill have exhausted the forces and means of the assailants, so that he Avill not undertake a sIoav methodical attack upon the city. It is probable, too, that, as the end approaches, the operations will become more intense and that the assailants will attempt to take the last position by open assault. It would be preceded by a bombardment Avhich Avould necessitate bombproofs for the garrison.
It is desirable, therefore, to have at least one concrete casemate in each interval between the points of support of the second line. Such a casemate should be large enough to accommodate tAvo companies during the Avar. These shordd be supplemented by solid bombproof shelters con- structed by the reserves and by the inhabitants of the city who labor much more willingly on the enceinte than on the "advanced works.
BOMBPROOF SHELTERS FOR THE GARRISONS OF THE INTERVALS.
If AA'e accept the conclusion " as to the necessity of erecting during peace, in the intervals betAveen the forts, permanent Avorks and connecting parapets, Ave close the door which other-
« See rules or locating forts and redoubts, pp. 78, 79 ; also remarks l)p. 84-8S.— Tr.
BOMBPROOF SllELTEHS. 89
wise would remain wide open and invite the ciieinv to enter. AVe can now be sure that the eross fire of two fort> and one redoubt erected in accordance with this princii)le, reenforced by strong frontal fire from the parapets, wonld render an attempt to break throu<j:h between two forts ;i most liopeh'ss enter])rise. The enemy woukl undoubtedly ai)i)reciate the difticuhy of such an operation and would either desist from the attempt and beo:in sie<re operations, or would endeavor to open a way for himself by a heavy bombardment. The aim of such a bombardment woidd be the destruction of the ])arapet at several points, as well as the obstructions, the (•a})oniers covering the ditches, the shelters, aiul the traverses. In short, he would try to make it impossil)le for infantry to remain in the trenches.
We saw examples of such pitiless bombardments at Port Arthur duriui!; the second half of October and in Xovember and December. As we have already remarked, our defensive parapet, the Chinese wall, did not answer at the bei>innino- of the siege the requirements of such works. Only when its true role had been clearly defined — that is, after August -H^ — was a great number of troops concentrated here, the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Regiments and one battalion each from the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments. The troops occupied sec- tions assigned to them. l)ut there were no shelters. Not until the troops arrived was the erection of shelters begun. As a great numljer of shelters were needed, it Avas necessary to re- sort to the simplest form. Excavations were made under the firing banquette of the parapet and covered with boards or sheet iron and a thin layer of earth. Loopholes were constructed along the tiring line and traverses of sand bags were erected on the banquette. Two weeks were neces- sary for this work. Not until the middle of September was work begun on better shelters for the infantry. For this pur- pose deep ditches were dug in rear of the banquette and bomb- proof shelters were built of thick beams covered with a layer of 3i to 5 feet of earth. Some of these shelters were covered in addition with 1^ to 2^ feet of stones and with sheet iron five-eighths of an inch thick.
Such shelters stood the fall of G-inch shells, but were de- stroyed by 11 -inch projectiles. These shelters were completed by the middle of Xovember. We could never have finished
00 BOMBPROOF SHELTERS.
thoin had not the Japanese allowed us to work without firing at us. After the shelters were finished the enemy began to fire (hiily against the Chinese \vi\ll and the shelters in rear, r These bombardments w'roughl great damage. It was neces-' sary to make repairs every night requiring an enormous ex- penditure of labor and material. P"ew vehicles were avail- able and there were few men free from service. Neverthe- less the shelters w^ere repaired and breaches in the wall itself vrere filled with sand bags. But in November, when the garrison had been decreased b}^ inore thaiTtAvo-tHiY'ds, and the daily bombardments were followed by nightly •y/ cannonades, further repairs became almost impossible^and ■* the defense here was in a most precariouS~T?cmrlit-ioft; — Otif daily losses increased considerably ai:d most of ^he_^iel- \ ters^'ere destroyed^ The enemy, liaving brought his guns ancl lTiTnTng~apparatusTo close range, bombarded the wall day and night. By the middle of .December the exhaustion and the .strain of the garrison had reached the extreme limit. It now became aj^parent to all that parapets without bomb- proof slielters for the garrison were utterly insufficient. Concrete bombproof casemates should, therefore, be built at the same time that the parapets are built." In the imme- diate vicinity of the fighting line there should be casemates for the men on duty and their officers, and, somewhat far- ther in rear, for the reliefs oif duty. The first should be under the traverses; the second, about 50 paces in rear, under cover of folds in the ground. How many casemates are necessary? For an interval of 1^ miles at Port Arthur, one regiment of three battalions was detailed. During the assaults reserves were brought up. One-third of the force w^as detailed daily for duty — that is, one battalion of four companies. The men of the battalion on duty remained in the shelters during the day, with sentinels on the parapets. During the night they were reenforced by one battalion. This battalion remained in the shelters, the men being dressed, while the first battalion was on the parapets. The third battalion passed the night in its shelters in rear, with per- mission to undress.
« This Avas proposed by Colonel Velichko, of the P^ngiiieers, in his hook, Study of the Latest Methods of Siege and Defense of Land
Fortresses, 1S90.
BOMiunjooF siTKi/rr.Hs. 01
Thus Ave see that caseniates for four coiniiaiiies on a <.\:w footiiiir sii'e lU'ccssai'v for the ti'oops on duly. IvtMiuMiilu'rinLT that the space allotttMi to one company in lime of peace will sullice for two companies (hiring- a siciie. four casemates, each for tlie accomnuxhition of a half company during i)eace, .-houkl he elected under the parajjet in each interval of 1.', miles at distances of 1.0.")0 to 1.400 feet from each other. One of the other two hattalions will always be on duty. Addi- tional casemates should, therefore, be constructed in rear for the accommodation of four companies during a siege. Foi- this purpose two casemates, each for the acconnnodation of one company in time of peace or two companies during a siege, should be constructed. Therefore, for each interval four casemates for one-half company each and two casemates for one company each during peace should be constructed. On level terrain easily observed by the enemy casemates Avill be required for sectional reserves, but on broken terrain such casemates will not be necessary.
At Port Arthur the reserves did not suifer in ordinary shel- ters. It is also difficult to foresee in advance where the re- serves should be placed. During a siege this question is easily solved and the reserves may be placed at points little exposed to fire.
The foregoing remarks have been made with reference to the front which is most likely to be assailed by the enenw. In every fortress there are intervals the attack of which, in view of local conditions, is absolutely impossible. In such intervals it will not be necessary to construct casemates. In intervals where attack is possible but less probable a smaller number Avill suffice.
The timely construction of intrenchments and casemates is especially necessary for fortresses where their construc- tion in time of mobilization is quite impossible or diffi- cult, as, for example, on mar.shy or rocky ground. There are fortresses on sites where surface water in abundance. is struck at a depth of 1 foot. Trenches and shelters can not be constructed here during mobilization. There are likewise fortresses so near the frontier that the period of mobilization will be very short, perhaps only a few days, during which the defense Avill not be able to do anything on the main line. In such cases the permanent fortitication of
})2 MASKING THE DEFENSES.
the intervals and the construction of concrete casemates are extremely necessary.
^lASKlN'C OF TIIK 1)KFENSP:S.
Success in the attack of a fortress depends in a great measure upon abilitj^ to observe hits and the effect of tire, the movements of the garrison, transportation, changes of posi- tion of guns, the construction of works; in short, success in attack depends uj^on ability to observe the life of the fortrest^. The defense naturally seeks to conceal everything from the enemy. Port Arthur had, from this point of view, many negative as well as positive features; unfortunately the posi- tive were due solely to the natural conditions of the locality, while the negative were not corrected in any way by art. The forts, intermediate redoubts, trenches, most of the bat- teries, and the wire entanglements were clearly visil)le from afar, even to the naked eye. This was due mainly to the fact that no measures had been taken to mask them. Even from the summit of Fenghuangshan, 3.^ miles away, the fort-^ could be' observed as if the^^ lay on the palm of one's hand. All the fortifications were erected on the summits of hills, on the green slopes of which the bright yellow clay of the para- ]5ets and breastworks Avere very conspicuous. As the area of each fort was quite large, these yellow spots presented excellent targets, and there was no difficulty whatever in getting the range. The good features of the fortress were due to the fact that immediately in rear of the forts was the high Dragon Ridge concealing from the enemy the entire interval between the line of forts and the city and masking all our movements. Alive to the importance of observation, the Japanese spared no efforts to get possession of points in the vicinity of the forts commanding Dragon Ridge. Hence their energetic attacks on Takushan, which I have al- ready mentioned. After their success at this point they were able to observe part of the harbor and the area between the line of forts and the city. The w^ar vessels had to change their stations immediately, the part of the harl)or Jinder ob- servation being forbidden ground. Fortunately, some parts of the harbor could not be observed from Takushan, and the reserve could remain unobserved in ordinary shelters. As it was impossible to observe the left flank of the northeast front
I
MASKING THE DEFENSES. 93
from Takiisliaii, tlic Japaiiosc cMvctod a second ohstn-vation staliou on l*achlunslian. From Ikto the road to the New Chinese City. was clearly visible. Whenever a man was seen on this road, the observer informed the nearest battery of 47 nun. onns, indicated the s(juare by telephone, and a salvo from two, three, or fonr guns was directed against that one man. The Russians were soon compelled to abandon this road and to establish zigzag ways of connnunication. Am- munition, water, food, and other material were transported only during the night. We have already iclated the fate of our squadron when "iOI^-Meter Hill fell. Henceforth traffic ill the New City became very difficult.
All this shows the imi)ortance to both sides of obsiMvation of the fortress, the possibility of aid to the attack and injury to the defense. The etforts of the assailants to get a view of the interior are as great as those of the defense to effect con- cealment. Unfortunately during a siege the defense is lim- ited in its efforts to the construction of covered ways of communication. To provide safe communications along the entire front of a fortress would require so much labor that the task could never be performed by the garrison. Hence means of concealment must be provided in time of peace. The only way to do this, we think, is to plant trees in such a way as to mask the fighting line and the interior of the fortress.
On broken terrain it Avill be sufficient to mask the fighting- position only: on level terrain it will be necessary to mask part of the ground in rear in addition to the fighting line. One belt of trees should run in front of the parapet, and others in rear, the number and width of the belts being determined by the view obtainable from the nearest com- manding heights. The first belt should run continuously along the entire perimeter of the fortress. In some for- tresses efforts to secure concealment have been made most unwisely by planting trees on the glacis of the forts, the in- tervals being left without a single tree. Is this not a good means to indicate to the enemy the exact positions of the forts? An uninterrupted belt of trees, on the contrary, will conceal the forts entirely and give no indication whatsoever of their position. Only a part of the area in rear of the Avorks will be masked bv this belt. Hence other belts will
I
94 MASKING THE DEFENSES.
be necessary. In some cases belts parallel to the outer line may be necessary ; in other cases it may be sufficient to plant trees at particular places only. The trees should not inter- fere in any case with the fire of the second line against the first.
Shrubs should never be used along the outer line, as they will interfere with the fire of the defense and afford conceal- ment to hostile parties creeping up to our lines before an at- tack.
It is desirable to use trees having trunks from 3 to 5 inches in diameter planted in regular rows, the lower branches being cut off. Thus a good screen Avill be obtained and the firing capacity of the works will remain unimpaired. In very broken terrain there will scarcely be any necessity to plant trees. The works may be masked Ijy covering them with turf, or in case there should be no turf near the works, by painting them the prevailing color of the locality." The composition used for this purpose at Port Arthur gave excellent results.
"The advantages of this me^ns are the rapklity with which the worlv may be done, the small number of workmen required, cheapness, and adaptability to all kinds of terrain. Paint is not washed off by the rain, it can not be carried off by the wind, and it is easy to obtain the shale of the locality.
I
CHAPTER VI.
(See Plates I. II. 111. IV, V, VI. and VIII.)
PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EMPLACEMENTS— MAGAZINES- FORTRESS COMMUNICATIONS— SEARCH-LIGHTS— THE TELEPHONE AND THE TELEGRAPH.
PERMANENT AND TE.AIPORARY EMPLACEMENTS.
Up to the present time fortress nuns have l)een fired at hifjh unifies, the guns being concealed behind parapets. The par- apets, however, being situated on the tops of hills or on their front .slopes were plainly' visible. Moreover, the positions of the batteries were further disclosed by the muzzles of the guns when elevated for firing. Hence, the position of each battery was very quickly and easily determined by the enemy, who then had no difficulty in finding the range. Most of our permanent and temporary batteries at Port Arthur were constructed in this manner.
The permanent concrete emplacements at Port Arthur were as follows: Battery A, for six 6-inch guns; Battery B, for four G-inch guns on Durlacher seacoast carriages ; Tooth Battery, for four G-inch guns; Sapper Battery, for four 6-inch guns; Battery E, for six 6-inch guns.
All these were erected on summits of hills and were clearly visible at a distance of 3^ miles.
The following temporary emplacements constructed during mobilization Avere open to the same criticism : Letters Bat- tery, for two 15-cm. Krupp guns; Small Eagle Xest, for three •i.2-inch guns; Eagle Xest, for two 6-inch Canet guns; Redoubts Battery, for three 6-incli guns on high carriages. There were other batteries on summits of hills (Redoubts Battery was on the slope), which were not so noticeable because they were sunk in the ground. The Jap- anese siege guns were all placed according to modern artil- lery ideas on the rear slopes of hills for the purpose of using indirect fire. Thus, while our batteries were clearly visible to the enemy, who could follow the operations not only of each 44461—08 7 95
96 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EMPLACEMENTS.
battery, but of each particular o;iin. we remained utterly ig- norant as to the location of his batteries and the number of his guns. This difference rendered the situation of the bellig- erents very unequal. While the Japanese fired with little chance for error against well-defined targets, we knew not where to answer. As a result, there was either a damaged gun or carriage in each of the above-mentioned batteries at the end of the first day's bombardment." At night it was possible to determine the position of the howitzer batteries by the flashes and to injure them somewhat on the following days. It took fifteen daj^s to locate the other batteries.'^ We then began to fire at definite not supposititious targets and the conditions confronting the belligerents became a little less unequal. We had lost many guns.*^ The lesson was severe and was not forgotten.
When the direction of the attack became evident and it Avas necessary to strengthen the artillery on the assailed front, ten 75-mm. and two 120-mm. guns taken from the war vessels, as well as several 47-mm. and two 6-inch reserve guns, were placed on Seacoast Ridge and on Spur Hill well con- cealed from the enemy. The naval guns were placed on the rear slope of the ridge and the 6-inch guns on the front slope of Spur Hill. As they were invisible to the enemy, he never did them the slightest injury, no matter how fierce his fire, as he could not observe its effect. These batteries re- mained uninjured until the end of the siege.
At the present time the correct position for batteries is not only clear, but there is scarcely a person who would now select any other than a completely concealed position for firing against invisible targets. Such being the case, why should we build peramnent concrete emplacements?
Oui^ temporary earth emplacements and their shelters were sufficient to withstand ()-inch projectiles, but they suffered much more than the concrete emplacements. Shelters against 8-inch projectiles may also be lightly constructed.
« These ideas were modern for the Russian artillery, although they had been put in practice by other nations for ten years. Indeed, thej' were followed in some of the liussian fortresses, as, for example, at Novogeorgievsk. See telephone message No. 2, p. 65.
^The Siege of Port Arthur, David H. James.
Tort No. Ill, 2 guns: Kedoubts Battery, 1; Eagle Nest, 2; Small Eagle Nest, 1 ; Battery B, 1 ; Letters Battery, one magazine blown up.
PERMANENT AND TEMPoHARV KM IM.ACEMENTS. 1)7
Both typos ftuH'orod (^qunlly from ll-iiu-h inortni- projortilos. Itiit (he repair of the concrete einphiceiiieiits was much iiKH-e, (lilliciilt than that of the temporary em])hicements. Cei-- tainly. l)v usin<j:; sufficient concrete, we may secure immiinitv a<rainst destruction and peneti-ation. a thina' we can not attain for a teni|)orary eartli emi)lacement. hut the thickenin<j: of concrete wails will demand a ureat deal of excavation and will complicate the construction of (he emplacements and increase the expense.
Would it not be better to cease constructing- concrete em- jdacements and to build only eartli emplacements!' The number of these may be greatly increased. Let part of them be unarmed. This will enable us, after the enemy has found the range of a battery, to mount its guns in another emplace- ment.
Before finally deciding upon this question, another ques- tion closely connected with it must be considered. Artillery and engineer officers, who have not seen Avar, insist upon having a few batteries placed in the open for reconnoiter- ing purposes and to oppose hostile sapping. Tt would ap- pear that belief in the necessity of such batteries'exists only because these persons do not realize that it is possible to bring a rapid and effective fire to bear from a concealed battery against a moving target. We think such belief is founded wholly in error, and that to install guns in the open, even in concrete emplacements, is equivalent to committing them to absolute destruction in a very short time. It will then be necessary to resort to indirect fire from concealed batteries. At Port Arthur the role of reconnoitering fell at first upon the following long-range batteries: Letters Battery, with two 15-cm. Krupp guns; Eagle Xest, with two 6-inch Canet guns, and Redoubt Xo. 3, with two 0-inch Canet guns placed openly on the hilltops.
All the guns of these batteries Avere damaged in August and September, and then the role of reconnoitering batteries devolved upon the li2-inch guns of the battle ships firing from the harbor, the 12-cm. guns on Seacoast Ridge using indirect fire, and one 6-inch gun placed near INIound Bat- tery. The ships fired at a distance of 7 or 8 miles, while the batteries fired at distances varying from 4f to 5-J miles,
98 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EMPLACEMENTS.
the |)()iiit.s of observation l)eiii<>- at Eai^le Nest and on (ireat Hill.
It must be said that the firing of the ()-inch, 12-cm.. and Tr)-inni. guns, corrected from Eagle Nest, was very effect- ive. Even in the last stages of the siege no need was felt for battery reconnoitering guns. Sapping at long range may also be successfully opposed by meap.s of indirect fire. At short ranges, mortars in concealed positions should mainly be relied upon. As to batteries which are to oppose assaults, it is true that it is desirable for greater rapidity of fire that the pointer see the target. Such batteries must, therefore, be concealed immediately in rear of the crest and must not be exposed to view until the moment for the assault arrives. We shall speak about them more in detail later.
We have thus come to the conclusion that all of the bat- teries in a fortress must be concealed from the view of the enenw. Not a single battery should be exposed to view. We must not forget that the best guaranty of success for the oifense lies in ability to see, and for the defense, in con- cealment. If it be possible to conceal our guns in rear of a hill, we must do so. If all our batteries are to be concealed, are not concrete emplacements unnecessary? If, as is true, temporary emj^lacements for concealed batteries passed through such a prolonged and obstinate siege as that of Port Arthur without essential injury, would it not be well to discard the use of concrete around such emplacements except for the construction of small casemates for the gunners ?
Such a change we think desirable. Injuries to earthen parapets or traverses may easily be repaired, but an fl- inch projectile penetrating a casemate will place hors de comljat the greater part of the men if not all of them.'' Good concrete casemates Avill preserve the men during the severest bombardment. In such casemates they will be much safer than in the casemated traverses of the concrete emplace- ments. A small part of such casemates may be divided otf for the officers, kitchens, storerooms, latrines, etc. While
"The following are instances of losses caused by single projectiles: (1) The (letachnient commander and 4 men; (2) 5 men; and (3) the detachment commander and IS men.
I
PERMANENT AND TKM l'( )I:aI; V KM fl.ACEM F.NTS. !)!)
WO think that coiicivtc (r:i\crM-s -liould 1k> discanlcd. we (let'in it of the utmost importance to jirovidc a mimlu'i- ol" emplacements with concrete casemates. In or(h'i- to conceal such casemates effectively iVom hre. it was j'(.ini<l necessary to construct them under the parapets, with exits to the 'nuis. Traverses should be constructed between the iruns dui-in;L'' the period of mobilization. How many such l)atteries will be necessary in an interval?
The solution of this question depends upon the numlu'r of siege guns which the enemy may bring against the for- tress and the time required for him to bring his ai-tillerv to bear. The number of the enemy's siege guns multi|)lied by l.\ will give approximately the number of guns required for the fortress, while the enemy's delay in opening fire measures the interval at our disposal for the construction of temporary emplacements, and, consequently, the munber of temporary emplacements that may be constructed. Em- placements which can not be constructed during mobiliza- tion must be constructed in time of peace. The relative number of concrete and earthen emi)lacements must be de- termined by the nature of the terrain. The more level and open the terrain, the greater will be the number of concrete emplacements required. This question will not admit of a general solution, but must be solved for each fortress sep- arately and for each of its intervals.
Where shall the batteries be placed and what measures shall be taken to safeguard them against assault? The siege of Port Arthur has thrown much light upon these questions. Taking into consideration the plan of the for- tress in general and of the intervals between Forts Xos. I, II, and III in particular, we see that these batteries Avere often on the line of forts (concrete batteries included), a few somewhat in front of the line, and others consideral)ly in rear. The emplacements for these batteries were mostly constructed during mobilization and during the siege. The following batteries were on the line of forts: The batteries in Fortifications Xos. 1 and 2, Caponier Xo, 2, and Kuro- patkin Lunette. Battery B, Battery A, and the batteries in Fort X^o. I and Fort Xo. III. ,^
Of these seven batteries, four were mounted in permanent emplacements and three in temjiorary enq)lacement>. I)nr-
100 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EMPLACEMENTS.
inir tlic first ^reat assault Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2 were taken, with their guns; Caponier No. 2 was talven in October; while Kuropatkin Lunette and Battery B were sevei'al times taken by open assault and retaken. These batteries, as well as those in Fortifications Xos. 1 and 2, had no other protec- tion against assault than breastworks and wire entangle- ments, with the exception of Battery B, which had two rows of trenches in front of it.
These examples clearly indicate a faulty disposition. The batteries should be farther to the rear, so that the enemy may not be able to attack them before he has taken possession of the entire interval. The batteries intended to oppose the enemy's artillery — that is, the intermediate batteries — are the mainstay of the fortress, and should be protected by all possi- ble means against capture. The liability of these batteries to capture is shown by the examples here given. This lia- bility was early recognized by liussian and foreign engineers, and many projects were proposed to protect them." Outer ditches were suggested with flanking defenses and artificial obstacles, as well as gorge barracks, machine guns, and in- fantry garrisons. In this way a battery w^as to be trans- formed into a fort. Strange as it may appear, the term battery was still retained to describe such a work.
When an infantry garrison is detailed for the protection of such a battery it is taken from the reserve, and thus the reserve is weakened. Is this wise, in view of the inactivity of the garrison of such a battery, unless the particular battery be assaulted? If these projects be adopted, we shall see forts, redoubts, and batteries — that is to say, a lot of sep- arate works — along the entire interval, each protected from assault, but in a most unpractical manner; for the security from capture of independent fortifications does not preclude the enemy from breaking through between them in many places.
All these measures are directed only against small de- tachments, on the supposition that the small garrison of the battery will be able to hold out until the arrival of the reserve. Admitting the possibility of small detachments breaking through, we take no measures against them bv
" Such were the projects of Colonel ^'elichko, Colonel Buynitski, OMptnin Ilyasheff. the French C;iiit;iin Snndier. etc.
PERMAiSrENT AND TEMPORARY EMPLACEMENTS. 101
luisbandiiio- an aiiiple reserve, but seek only to rendei- the assault of each i)articular position difficult. "We for<r<'t entirely that a sensible enemy Avill never detail a company to Ijreak throufjh an interval, nor a battalion, nor even a regi- ment, but a division at least. Is not this equivalent to let- ting the thief enter the house and hiding from him after- wards by locking the cupboard? Is it not better to bar the doors and windows? AVould it not be better to avoid use- less expenditures for the transformation of batteries into forts and devote the funds allotted for this purpose to the construction of a permanent parapet ? Not one of the bat- teries in rear of such a parapet would need any other measure of protection. The batteries would be safe and would re- main batteries, and it would not be necessary to transform them into forts and detail special garrisons for them.
The folloAving batteries in temporary emplacements in rear of the Chinese wall held out to the end of the siege protected only by the wall : Mound Battery, Redoubts Battery, Kavine Battery, Wolf Battery, the Mortar Battery, Eagle Xest, Small Eagle Xest, Letters Battery, Spur Hill, the batteries on Seacoast Ridge and Dragon Ridge, and others. It is true that during the night of August 23 the Japanese almost succeeded in reaching the parapets of Redoubts Battery: but this happened only because the Chinese. wall was espe- cially weak at the point breached, was of low profile at this point, and had no ditch, all of which speaks in favor of l)ermanent parapets.
How many guns should there be in each battery? ]\Iany artillerymen who took part in the defense insist that all batteries should consist of four guns. They believe such a grouping of the guns is better than any other for secur- ing unity of command and concentration of fire. They say that these ends will be defeated by decreasing the number of guns per battery and increasing the number of batteries. I believe that this opinion arises from the fact that auxiliary apjDaratus such as telephones, heliographs, etc., were not used extensively by the defense. If a fortress be well sup- plied with such auxiliaries, these objections will fall to the ground. Personally, I believe in two-gun batteries. By decreasing the number of guns per battery by one-half, the area of thebatterv is decreased in like proportion, and conse-
102 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EMPLACEMENTS.
quently the probability of hits is docreaseih On the other hand, the number of batteries is (h)ubled."
As to unity of command, I do not believe that it will be impaired in the least. It is onl}^ necessary to have a large network of telephones. In firing against an invisible tar- get the battery commander will not be at his battery, but at the observation station. Will it make much difference to him whether his orders be transmitted to one battery or to two ? The Japanese scattered their guns by fours, twos, and even by ones, but succeeded wonderfully well in concentrat- ing their fire against a common target. They attained unity of command by a vast network of telephones. It is there- fore desirable, in my opinion, to have two-gun batteries, but in order to be able to fire salvos of four guns a few four- gun batteries may be retained. I believe that such batteries should be supplied with concrete casemates. Temporary batteries constructed between them should have two guns.
The number of batteries would thus be greatly increased, but there will always be ample room for them. They must not be arranged in a narrow line parallel to the line of forts, as in the project of the Austrian engineer. Captain Malchev- ski von Tarnava,^ but should be scattered over the entire area between the fighting line and the enceinte. It is desir- able to arrange them as follows: (1) Mortar and recon- noitering batteries near the line of forts, (2) howitzer bat- teries, and (3) other batteries. It is also desirable to com- bine the batteries into groups of four or five under a com- mander provided with an ol)servation station. Batteries to repulse assaults should be placed along the parapet. In hilly localities the}^ should be immediately in rear of the parapet on heights affording facilities for firing over the parapet at visible targets. The guns should be kept con- cealed and should be run out for firing only at the moment of the assault.
" In bis pamplilet entitled " Diary of an Engineer," the author says : " I favor increasing tlie number of batteries in the intervals and decreasing the number of guns per battery. It would then benefit the enemy very little to concentrate the fire of two or three of his batteries upon one of ours. This will necessarily result in his scattering his fire, which will, therefore, be weaker and less effect- ive, and the combat will be upon more equal terms."
^ Beitriige zum Studium der Befestigu'iu'sfrage.
MAGAZINES. 103
MA(iAZIM:S.
The stereotyped ])l;iii of nri'Mn^^in^- the ])()\v(Icr ina^a/.iin's of a fortress is as follows:
{(/) Service (or expense) mapiziiics at tlic l)atteri('>. with a capacity for one day's supph^
{h) A line of supply nia<i:azines ahont l."200 yards in icar of the first line, with a capacity for three days"- su])ply.
((■) A line of sector magazines in I'car of the supply inajrazines, each magazine havinf!; a capacity for four days' supph' for tlie fjuns of the sector.
(d) The central magazines, which contain the entire re- serve sup])ly.
It was thought that one day's supply at the batteries wouhl be sufficient for immediate use. Each line was to be replen- ished from the line innnediately in rear. Before a projectile reached the muzzle of the gun it was loaded in a wagon or other vehicle, transported, and unloaded four times. It was prepared and filled in the laboratory and then taken to the central nuigazine, whence it passed successively through the sector and supply magazines to the service magazines at the batteries. This required nnich time and labor and a great deal of transportation.
But this was not the greatest objection. One day's supply in the service magazines is utterly inadequate to the require- ments of artillery duels lasting several days." AMiile the main part of the enemy's artillery fires upon the batteries of the defense in order to destroy them, a part of his artillery fires upon the communications leading to the batteries in order to prevent the replenishment of sujiplies. Railway trains are subjected to shell fire, hand carts to shra2)nel fire. Such were the methods of the Japanese at Port Arthur.
Xotwithstanding conditions of the terrain favorable to connnunication v\-ith the line of batteries, it was impossible to furni.sh annnunition during bombardments to the bat- teries even from the supply magazines on account of the great distance of these magazines from the batteries. In such cases the defense has two lines of conduct which it
'-As, for instance, the bonibartUnent from August 10 to August 22 and tlie bombardments of 20.3-Meter Hill from September 10 to Sep- tember 2.3 and Xoveniber 28 to Decemhpr .^.
104 MAGAZINES.
may pursue. It may fire slowly so as to make one day's sup- 2)ly last tAvo days or three days, or it n^aj expend all in one day and cease firing. Both courses are very favorable to the attack and inifavoi'able to the defense.
In order to avoid this the service magazines should contain at least three days' supply of ammunition ; and the supply magazines sliould contain anmiunition for five days and should be so near the first line that ammunition may be brought up during intervals in firing.
Thus we would have on these two lines, one at the bat- teries and the other very close to them, an eight-days' supply of ammunition, an amount equal to the greatest probable emergency."
It is evident that the third line, under the circumstances, is useless, for it is immaterial whether the ammunition be brought to the second line from the central magazines or from the sector magazines. To save time, men, and trans- portation, all of the rest of the ammunition should be kept in the central magazines.
Thus the magazines of a fortress should be arranged as follows :
1. A service magazine at each battery containing a three- days' supply of ammunition for the battery.
2. A line of supply magazines (one for every three, four, or five batteries) 200 to 350 yards in rear of the batteries containing a five-days' supply.
3. In rear of the enceinte, the laboratories and the central magazines containing the entire reserve supply. The serv- ice magazines for the second line of defense should contain ammunition for three days, which should be replenished di- rectly from the central magazines.
An additional reason for the adoption of the plan here suggested is to be found in the defenseless condition of the sector magazines. Lying between the fighting line and the enceinte they might easily be captured by the enemy and destroyed if he succeeded in breaking through the outer line, thus increasing his triumph and Aveakening our strength.
« Notwithstanding circumstances highly favorable to the Japanese, such as the railway and two surface roads from Daluy and transpor- tation by sea, they were unable to accumulate more than six days" supply of ammunition in November. In' August they had only three days" supply. They thus explain their unsuccessful attacks.
FORTRESS COMMUNICATIONS. 105
FOKTKKSS ( ( I M M I N I( A TK )N S.
The communications in fortressfs connoctinfr tlio forts und hattories of the main line with each otlier and with the enceinte are intended to facilitate and quicken, durini; mo- bilization and afterwards, the movements of trooi)s, the transportation and distribution of anununition, and the trans])ortation of guns and various materials for the repair of damages in the forts and batteries of the fighting line. Xo changes are needed in plans for fortress connnunica- tions proposed in Colonel Velichko's work. Everybody knows that he initiated the use of railways in our fortresses, for, according to his opinion, successful artillery duels and a stubborn defense are impossible in modern fortresses Avith- out a network of railways."
As a jDroof of the great necessitj- for railways, Colonel Velichko states that the amount of artillery freight to be forwarded to the fighting line is about 72,000,000 pounds. This collossal amount, according to Colonel Velichko, can be transported in a short time only by means of a railwa}' with steam traction. In addition to the vast amount of freight to be transported, railways are necessary .to avoid the maintenance of an immense number of horses, which other- wise would be necessary.
The experience at Port Arthur, while it confirms the gen- eral idea of Colonel Velichko, enables us to supplement his work. In addition to artillery freight it is necessary to carry a great amount of engineering material required dur- ing mobilization and during the entire siege. In addition to armament and supplies for the batteries, it is also necessary to put the intervals and forts in a state of defense. Although Count Todleben has said that, " in order that it be possible to make use of the greater part of the infantry for the stubborn defense of the area situated to the front it is necessary that the defense be first of all an artillery defense,'' it should be re- membered that at Sebastopol the construction of the points of support and defensive walls was simultaneous with the erection and armament of the batteries. If we take into con- sideration that an energetic enemy will first of all attempt to take the fortress by open assault, there can be no doubt ujjon
" Fortresses and Fortress Itaihvnys.
106 FORTRESS COMMUNICATIONS.
this point. It Avill be clear that while 2)reparing for the ar- tillery defense it ^\i\\ be necessary to prepare at the same time for infantry defense. These remarks have special reference to fortresses without permanent parapets in the intervals. Even if permanent parapets be provided it will be necessary to brinof a larjje amount of material for such Avork on the intervals as can not and should not be done in time of peace, as for instance:
1. The erection of observation stations for the comman- dant of the fortress, two or three for the chief of artillery, and others for constant observation.
2. The erection on the fighting- line of shelters, traverses, embrasures, and overhead cover.
3. The preparation of artificial obstacles, such as wire entanglements, barricades, and mines.
4. The installment of a network of telephones for the conduct of artillery fire.
5. The placing of the forts and redoubts in a defensive condition.
('). The construction of temporary batteries and magazines.
7. The clearing of the terrain in front of the fortress.
Taking into consideration that the mobilization period for frontier fortresses is always very short, it wall be seen that this work must be executed in the shortest time possible, perhaps in a few days. In order to do so it will l)e necessary to transport hastily a vast amount of material, such as limber, beams, boards, poles, concrete, cement, gravel, sand, sand bags, ware, fougasse bombs, mines, etc.
In Port Arthur about 12,000,000 pounds of freight of this class was carried. The length of the line of defense was 12 miles. A modern land fortress has a line of defense of 27 to 40 miles, which increases the amount of engineering freight to 25,000,000 and even to 30,000,000 pounds.
If we assume that the period of mobilization will last ten daj^s, it will then be necessary to transport daily about 3,600,000 pounds of freight. Assuming the carrying capacity of army two-wdieeled vehicles to be 900 pounds and that a horse can make two round trips daily to the positions (20 to 24 miles), about 1,000 vehicles and 2,000 horses would be required. This vast amount of transportation will be necessary for the engineer material alone. Ex]:)erience at Port Arthur shows
\
FORTRESS COM!\rrN'I(\TI()XS. 1 ( >7
that the (k'iii:iii(l thiriiiii' the .sieiie for tin- t raiisporlaliou of material is vvvy ^i-eat." For the repair of tin- main line of defense diirina' ti^■e months almost twice a^ much material was expiMuled as during the five months of mol»ili- zation when it Avas put in a state of defense. Durini:; a sie<j:e. material mnst be transported chiefly at ni^ht, I)i»tween 8 j). m. and 1 or -2 a. m. — that is, durino- five or six hours. Hence, if the period of the siege is four times as long as that of mol)i- lization (or forty days). 2,000 horses and 1.000 carts will be necessary every night. Thus we see what a vast amount of transiwrtation is recpiired by the engineers.
This ti'ansportation should be especially i)rovided for the engineers or otherwise it mnst l)e taken from the artillery, to the great disadvantage of the artillery defense. As the artil- lery manifestly will not consent to this, it will be necessary to provide the engineers with their own transportation, allowing a wide margin for horses killed and wounded. It would be most inconvenient to keep so many horses in time of peace and" hardly possible to procure them during mobilization. Thus fortresses will generally have an utterly inadequate number of horses for the transportation of artillery and engi- neer material, as was the case at Port Arthur, where we were often compelled to neglect necessary defensive w^orks, not on account of lack of material, but because it was impossible to transport it to the points where it was needed.
While the success in the artillery duel depends not only upon the number of guns, but also upon the number of pro- jectiles delivered to the guns, the entire defense of the fort- ress and its duration depend greatly on the repair of dam- ages by the engineers. It is necessary to have transportation for the needed material.
The adoption of the plan for the arrangement of the magazines of a fortress herein proposed insures a supply of ammunition for eight days, which will enable the defense to maintain a prolonged artillery duel. The position of the second line of magazines in close proximity to the batteries permits the replenishment of the service maga-
" lu the defense of Sebastopol, 240,000 gabions, 130.000 fasciues, 1.000.000 saiicl bags— a total weiglit not less than 21.04li tons — were expended. The weight of beams, boards, briclv. and stone has not been fomputed, but it was undoubtedly very great.
108 FOETftESS COMMUNICATIONS.
zinos by means of wagonettes, handcarts, stretchers, etc. In fact it ahnost obviates the necessity of using other means of transportation Avhich may be utilized for the transporta- tion of annnunition from the central magazines to the supply magazines. The engineers are in a different position. It will ahvays be necessary to bring engineer material from the central depots, as the establishment of intermediate depots would be unwise on account of the great danger of their l)eing destroyed. Thus the engineer material will have to be transported from G to 10 miles every night from the center of the fortress. The quantity of material which has been found necessary during sieges in the past must be greatly increased for sieges in the future, as the attack will bring much more powerful guns to bear than did the Japanese at Port Arthur.
It is reported that one of the nations of western Europe is manufacturing 12-inch howitzers. We do not know the weight of the bursting charge, but it wdll certainly be far greater than that of the Japanese 11-inch mortars. In pro- portion as the destructive effect of the projectile is increased, the damage to the works and the necessary repairs will be increased.
The foregoing considerations, as well as the necessity so signally showm at Port Arthur of concentrating rapidly the greatest possible number of guns on an assailed front, for which an energetic commandant will not hesitate to strip an unassailed front, and the urgent need for rapid transpor- tation for reserves from one front to another, leads us to con- sider the question of communcations as one of great impor- tance, indeed as of no less importance than the proper ar- rangements for the defense of the intervals between the forts and the correct disposition of the artillery emplacements.
Unfortunately this element of defense was sadly neg- lected at Port Arthur. There were no railways, no met- aled roads — only surface roads. Owing to the rocky soil and the excellent construction of these roads they answered well the purpose of metaled roads. But, as I have already remarked, all the roads had one great defect — they were not sufficiently masked. ]\Iany sections ran on slopes or crossed high passes clearly visible to the enemy. All such places were constantly observed by the enemy and the use of the
FORTRESS COMMUN RATIONS. 109
roads rrrcw more and more danfrproiis as the liostilo troops approached our lines. As early as Aiifriisl it was iicccssarv to abandon some of the loads mid iiiaUc dcloms.
When the Japanese reaelied the «>lacis of the forts in Oc- tober, communication by day, even by means of a sinj^le man, was at an end. Covered passages were then made through the passes for men on foot, and ravines Avere used for connnu- nication. Material and supplies could be transported only l)y night. Understanding the moral importance of cutting off communication with the fighting line, the Japanese took all possible measures to render this communication as diffi- cult and dangerous as possible. During the day they care- fully observed all roads and whenever a single man ap- peared they opened upon him by salvo with field guns and even with 4T-nnn. guns. During the night they recognized the apiH-oach of trains by the noise of the vehicles and, guided by the sound, opened fire.
Hence the first requirement to be considered in the con- struction of fortress roads and railways is that they be con- cealed. An unmasked road is a death trap.
In order to mask the communications, attempts at short- ening them must be abandoned. In most fortresses, roads and railways radiate from the center in long, straight lines in order to shorten them, but such roads are exposed to enfilade fire. Eoads may easily be masked in a hilly country by tak- ing advantage of defiles, turning mountains by the rear, and digging tunnels through passes. On a level terrain the task is more difficult. Nevertheless they must be concealed. As an excellent means we would advocate the planting of trees; but trees should not he planted in narrow lines on either side of a road, as such an arrangement would only render the road conspicuous. They should not be planted regu- larly, but in sejoarate woods, groups, orchards, scattered in such a manner as to conceal the road entirely from com- manding heights, and even from balloons.
There were no railways in Port Arthur, but the need for them was greatly felt during the siege, especially toward the end, when most of the horses had been killed or eaten. But I am convinced that the use of steam traction would have been of doubtful benefit. The enemy fired at our vehicles during the night, locating them by the noise. It
110 SEARCHLIGHTS.
would be still easier for him to locate a train with a puffing engine having sparks flying out of its smokestack. Hence it would be well to use electric or some other power, which would be free from noise and sparks.
It would also be advantageous to have a supply of hf)rse carts and handcarts, which could be used where movements by rail may be impossible. They would be very useful in a fortress situated on a level site.
Our views may be summarized as follows :
1. Narrow-gauge railways are necessary in addition to a vast network of metaled roads.
2. There should be t"\vo classes of railways, permanent railways constructed during peace and portable railways to be laid during mobilization. There should be a permanent belt road. It should run in rear of the batteries immediately behind the magazines, where the road and the trains will be well protected. The portable railways should run from the belt line to some of the forts and to all of the magazines and thence to the batteries.
3. Locomotives should be replaced by some form of trac- tion which does not generate noise, smoke, or sparks.
4. Noiseless automobiles should be used on the roads to transport heavy loads.
5. Long, straight sections should be avoided and the roads should be completely masked.
SEARCHLIGHTS.
During the siege of Port Arthur the searchlights played a secondary part. This was due to lack of practice in handling them and to the small number of searchlights available. The siege, however, showed the great importance of search- lights to the defense. We believe that the searchlight will be as indispensable in the siege warfare of the future as the siege gini, the rifle, and the spade.
The role of the searchlight in the defense begins with the first day of the siege and ends with the last. During the early period searchlights impede and embarrass the enemy in moving his troops and in constructing works along the line of investment. Searchlights can not now interfere with the construction of emplacements for siege batteries, as they are all placed on rear slopes or behind screens, and therefore
I
SEAKCllLIGHTS. Ill
under cover; but intrenohments and other works on heights may be reached by searclilights, and work here may begreativ hampered at night. The general duties to be performed by searchlights may l)e sunniiarized as follows:
1. By lighting distant areas, to embarrass the movements of larger bodies of hostile troops and disclose the transporta- tion of freight and the movements of trains, as well as work in progress on the line of investment.
2. By lighting the nearest approaches to hamper mining and sapping work and disclose the approach of assaulting detachments.
3. By forming lighted zones to impede the Avork of hostile searchlights.
It will readily be understood that it would be xery unwise to have one standard searchlight for these three purposes. More poAverful searchlights are needed for lighting distant areas than for observing near approaches, while special searchlights are necessary to combat hostile searchlights. It is therefore desirable to have searchlights of two or three ditferent diameters. Searchlights for distant lighting and for neutralizing the effect of the hostile searchlights must be on the forts. In addition, there must be searchlights in the caponiers of the forts and near them to light the approaches to the intervals from the flanks.
The guns in intermediate caponiers are effective at night in covering the approaches to the neighboring fort and inter- vals only when the gunners can see the target clearl3^ This is possible with a strong light directed against the point which is being assaulted. In order to use a counter-assault battery effectively a searchlight must be at the immediate disposition of the battery commander. Searchlights should therefore form part of the equipment of intermediate capo- niers. There should be complete harmony in the operations of the searchlight and the caponier guns. Such light should illuminate the glacis of the neighboring forts and the near- est approaches to these forts and to the intervals. The searchlight will be useless without the fire of its l)attery and the guns are useless at night without searchlights, while the greatest advantage is ol)tained from the combined action of the two. The searchlights may be termed the eyes of the caponier.
444<)1— 08 8
112 SEARCHLIGHTS,
As they have a more limited field of operation than the searchlights for distant lightine:, the caponier searchlights may he of a smaller diameter — say from 24 to 32 inches.
In order to impede the night work of the assailants, each interval of Ifj miles between the forts should have four searchlights,'* each intermediate redoubt having one. As they will be required to light a limited area between the first parallel and the works, not more than 1;^ miles wide, they may be still smaller than the other searchlights — that is, be- tween 16 and 21 inches. Thus the plan for the disposition of searchlights on the main line of defense would be as fol- lows:
1. At each fort a strong searchlight for distant lighting, with a diameter between 36 and 15 inches.
2. A similar searchlight at each intermediate redoubt.
3. At each rear intermediate* caponier of the forts two searchlights with a diameter from 21 to 32 inches to flank the intervals. If not close to the caponiers, they should be connected with them by telephone.
1. Four projectors with a diameter from 16 to 21 inches in the intervals between the forts to light the nearest ap- proaches to the intervals.
5. In case there is a second line of defense, which must be placed so that the first line can be seen from the second and covered by its fire, searchlights must be provided for the second line to light the first line in case the enemy breaks through it. A few very strong searchlights are needed here, capable of giving good illumination at about 3 miles. As previously stated, searchlights for flanking the intervals may be located in the caponiers, special embrasures being provided for them. Sometimes local conditions are such that the best effect is secured when the light comes from one side and not from the caponier itself, in which case it should be placed on a flank at such a distance as will give the best effect.
It is difficult to lay down rules for the installation of searchlights, as everything depends upon local conditions.
'^We recommend four searcbliglits for each interval iu order that it be possible, in case a searchliiilit should be damaged at one of the forts or in the intermediate redoubt, to light the approaches from two Kides.
SEAIiCMLlGHTS. 113
Sometimes it 'will be best to eonstnict u special capoinei- for the searchlight; sometimes it should be placed on one of the flanks of the fort or above the caponier. One condition is in- dispensable. AVhen the searchlight is not placed in n con- crete casemate, but in a light-armored cupola or in the open, it must be movable, in order that, by changing its posi- tion, the enemy may be impeded in finding its range. In such cases the searchlight may be placed on trucks and moved over rails, as was done at Fort Xo. III. If the searchlight for flanking the intervals is not placed in the caponier itself, it must be connected with the caponier commander b}" tele- phone, who can thus direct it to cease lighting or throw its beam from one j^lace to another or seek a new target.
Searchlights placed in the intervals between the forts must be still more portable, for their function is to impede work which takes place in a direction that can not be flanked. It will be necessary to change the position of such lights quite often. To this end they must be light in weight and inde- jiendent of the point where the current for them is generated. While searchlights may and even must be uncovered, the apparatus which supplies them with current must be in pro- tected positions. For the searchlights at the forts, dynamos ma}^ be installed in the forts. For other lights, djaiamos may be placed in the nearest concrete casemate, from which cables may branch oif to each of the searchlights ; but such a method of procedure has an essential defect, for the cable, in order that the searchlight may be moved from place to place, can not be buried. Although this defect may be remedied to a considerable extent by laying a cable along the entire inter- val, yet it would be desirable to avoid this dependence of the searchlight on the apparatus by inventing a searchlight carrying its own generator.
The great moral influence of searchlights was often felt by us at Port Arthur. As soon as a light i-eached our lines we Avere immediately forced to stop work. During the first days the Japanese did not notice our working parties on account of the great distance of their searchlights (about 3 J miles). Their lights, after remaining upon our works for a few mo- ments, would glide off and we would continue our labor. Later on they su.cceeded in finding our Avorking parties. Tliev would then hold their lights on our men and open fire.
114 SEARCHLIGHTS,
AVe had to have recourse to a ruse. Stoppin<^ work at the point disclosed we began it at another point, and when this, too, was discovered, wo resumed work at the former place. Nevertheless, on account of the small number and the great distance of the Japanese searchlights they interfered with us but little.
To our great regret we have little information regarding the inconvenience caused by our searchlights to the Japanese working parties. As to the advantages derived from search- lights by the defenders in repulsing assaults, I would invite attention to the case previously narrated, where I was an eyewitness. I also select the following extracts from Mr. James's Siege of Port Arthur:
The vigilance of the garrison and the havoc wrought by the ma- chine gnns, aided by the clever handling of the searchlight when the Japanese reached the entanglements, defeated the attempts of the Japanese to gain the ground necessary for developing the assault."
Further on he saj^s:
The devilish utility of the searchlights was again demonstrated by the skillful manner in wliich they were manipulated in locating the masses of Japanese for the general fire of the garrison.?"
A little further still he says:
A faint rattling of rifle fire came from the foot of Wantai (Eagle Nest). No less than seven searchlights were flashing from the fortifications, and three of these converged on the Panlungs (For- tifications Nos. 1 and 2). The rifle fire steadily increased, and the quiet searchlights swung down to where the regiments of the ninth and eleventh divisions were waiting to attack. A few minutes later the rays of light commenced working up and down the slopes of the Panlungs, and Russian rifle fire working down the slope of Wantai could be distinctly heard above the general rattle of musketry. The Japanese reserved their fire for a few minutes, and the Russians, con- tniuing their unchecked advance behind the rays of the searchlights, quiclvly drove the wasted remnants of the 7th Regiment into the East Panlung.f
Again :
They had scarcely got moving before they were unmasked by star- shells, and under the glare of a couple of searchlights subjected to a terrific fire from the Keekwau south fort (Battery B) and west battery, and this, coupled with the fire of " Q " (Kuropatkin Lunette) sf)on broke up their attack.''
«. James, p. 80. '' Il»id., p. 02.
* Ibid., p. 84. » Ibid., p. 05.
y
^o//
SEARCHLIGHTS. 115
They were pounced on liy the ^'l.iriii;.' >c,iiilili^,'lil I'm- llie deciuiu- liiiiLi fire of liidden iiincliinc ,L,'niis :iih1 ritlcnieii."
In the coui'so of his hook the author fr(M|iieiitly rotnnis <o this suhject, whieh seems to have made a deep uupi-osion upon him. lie assigns the i)hice of hoiioi- to seaichlights as means of defense. Our space will not permit us to give all of his pertinent references to searchlights, hut there are two more which we can not forhear to <|uote.
In his description of the storming of Idol liedouht he says: But all that darkness might have given to the assaulters was sneaked away by the light of the searchlights — a cool, quiet light that aided but one side and hampered the other.*
According to the author the following incident took })lace at the storming of Rocky Kedouht on August 24: /^
In the west the first division commenced some pi'etty artillery practice on the western searchlights, and shells so frequently blanked the face of the lights that we were not suriirised to see two lights die out. By this time the moon had set, and the change giving the searchlights greater power, they were now etflciently employed in the east, where firing broke out afresh. Over in the west, between the Sueishi Valley and the hill 174 metre, many star-shells were falling f j J /^ iu pretty confusion and lighting up the blackness of early morning. A detachment of the left wing of the first division, taking advan- tage of the absence of the two powei-ful searchlights in that part of the field, were advancing iu skirmishing order, and making their presence felt by the Russian outposts, when suddenly the extin- guished searchlights reflashed, swung over the sky, and right down on the now perplexed and illuminated ranks of the Japanese infan- try. The next act was truly tragedy. Xo sooner had the search- lights converged on them than from I-tzu-shan (Fort No. 4), An-tzu- shau (Redoubt No. 4), and the approximate ridges roared sinnilta- ueous salvos of fortress artillery, and from concealetl infantry a long volley of rifle fire. The extinguishing of the searchlights had been a Muscovite trap, which the .Japanese stuml)led into, and now the searchlights kept crossing and recrossing each other's rays in a l)ewildering manner, and it needed all the strenuous efforts of the artillery to extricate the advanced Japanese. Then all became sig- nificantly silent in the west.*^
We have given this testimony of an eyewitness to show the absolute necessity of providing fortresses with search- lights in great numbers, and to counteract the opinion of those wdio may think that we are too enthusiastic in advo- cating the general adoption of searchlights.
" .Tames, p. !)7. '' Ibid., p. 121. '' Ibid., p. 0(i.
'""%
116 THE TELEPHONE AND THE TELEGEAPH.
THE TELEPHONE AND THE JEEECajAPII.
Each of the elements of defense of a modern fortress is so important that it is difficuh to say which is most impor- tant. In saying that the line of forts, redoubts, and bat- teries ijlays a most important role, it must be understood that without adequate communication between these works them- selves and between the works and the enceinte they will not be able to fulfill the part expected of them. Thus com- munications are not less important than forts and batteries. But even with most excellent roads, the works will perform their function most imperfectly if unprovided with such ap- pliances as will enable their operations to be combined. The maximum strength of the defense may be developed only by the faultless cooperation of the different works.
Thus it may be necessary to concentrate the fire of the batteries on a certain target, it may be necessary to change target quickly, or to assign batteries to different targets, or to order one fort to support another, or to order 'the re- serves to hurry to a distant point. We shall not undertake to enumerate all the cases where it may be necessary to send orders quickly to distant points.
The value of such apparatus as will insure the prompt transmission of the orders of commanders is recognized Avillingly by everybody, yet in man}^ fortresses the provi- sion of such apparatus is neglected. Thus at Port Arthur there was none at all in time of peace and the network of telephones had to be laid hurriedly during mobilization. It is easy to understand that a hastily established telejihone system will not operate regularlj^ and uninterruptedly as is necessary and desirable. We then saw clearly the neces- sity of installing an adequate telephone system in time of peace equal to the demands that may be made upon it in war.
The first essential is that there be two practically inde- pendent systems. The first system should connect the works with each other and with the commandant. This system should be installed simultaneously with the construction of the fortress. The other system should be for the service of the artillery, its principal object being to enable the chief of artillery to conduct the fire of his batteries. A part of
THE TELEPHONE AND THE TELEGRAPH. 117
this system connecting the hatterie.-- in icniponiiv cniplacc- inents can. of course, l)e instalh'd only when these hatteries are constructed; that is, during mobilization.
The second essential is that these conuuiniications should fimction Avithout interruption during the heaviest hom- bardments. This can be attained by the establishment oi' iniderground connection and by wireless telegraphy.
The necessity for two separate telephone systems and for uninterrupted connection was fully demonstrated at l*ort Ar- thur, Avhere a vast telephone network was established. The liead(|uarters of the fortress was connected with a central station, wdiicli in turn was connected with section central stations. These section central stations were con- nected with the head(iuarters of the detachments; which, in their turn, were connected with the various works. The chief of artiller}^ had no special telephone system at his disposal, but had to use the general fortress system. This system lia<l to serve for the transmission of the orders of the staif of the fortified sector, the instructions of the commandant and other authorities in command, and the numerous reports of the de- tachment statfs, forts, batteries, observation stations, etc. The large number of telephones in use led to the establishment of many intermediate central stations.
In order to transmit an order to a fort or batter}', it was necessary to call up several central stations. The connection demanded was often busy, and much time was lost in waiting. As a consequence, orders frequently arrived Avhen they had become useless. At the appearance of a moving target the observation stations were ordered to report to the chief of artillery for orders, but" when the order " such or such bat- tery open fire " was received, the target had often disap- peared or had gotten beyond the range of the batter}'. Dur- ing battle the control of the fire of the batteries was well- nigh impracticable for the chief of artillery, as reports, or- ders, and instructions were received in great numbers from all sides just at the time when it was necessary to issue orders and instructions. It was on account of this circumstance that it was rarely possible to concentrate the fire of as large a num- ber of guns as the Japanese. Whenever this was possible it was not on account of the fire control being concentrated in the hands of one chief, but because of the activitv of in-
,<\^*^ i cation
118 THE TELEPHONE AND THE TELEGRAPH.
dependent chiefs of sections and battery commanders. The Japanese were able to concentrate their fire in such an excel- lent way by means of a well-organized system of communi-
We find the follow^ing statement in Mr. James's liook in re- gard to this fact :
From the siege park a heavy concentration of direct fire upon the eastern forts was possible. * * * The artillery conniiander, Gen- eral Teshima, directed the battery tire from Observation Hill (center Feng-hwang-shans), from which point a systematic network of tele- l)hone wires connected np snbordinate artillery observation points and the balloon section operating in the rear.**
Somewhat before these lines we read :
General Xogi was in touch by a perfect system of telephone wires with all branches of troops, while the hospital service was directed similarly by General Ochai. Ammunition columns, commissary depots, pioneer corps, engineers, sai)pers, and auxiliary arms were in direct communication with headquarters, as also the naval detachment, while wireless communication was maintained from Dalny and Sliaio-piug- tao with the blockading squadron under Admiral Togo.*
The author explains in another part of his book that there were two separate observation stations for the commander of the Japanese army and for the chief of artillery, so that they were able to make observations and to transmit orders inde- pendently of each other. We find the same statement in Mr. Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett's book,« who indicates the points, where these stations were established, in the plan appended to his work.
In the same book we read interesting information concern- ing the fact that the Japanese storming columns were suj)- plied with telephones which connected them with the divi- sional statf on the one hand and with the batteries on the other, thus enabling the artillery to support the columns, to cease firing at the opportune moment, to change target, to correct its fire, etc.
Thus the Japanese by a proper use of the telephone could conduct operations harmoniously during assaults, as well as during bombardments. To this fact much of their success
" James, p. 70.
6 Ibid., p. G9.
" Port Arthur, the Siege and Capitulation, by Ellis Ashmead-P.art- lett. 2d ed. Edinburgh and London, W. Blackwood & Sons. 1900, p. 163.
THE TELEPHONE AND THE TELE(;RAPII. lltl
must 1)0 a(tril)nle(]. Their uiulortakiiij^ would Iimxc Itci'ii more difficult had we made a judicious use of the siiuu- means.
The defense has the advantage of being able to establish its connnunications in time of peace. It can use all the newest technical appliances, which the attacking jiarty can not always have at hand. "Wireless telegraphy has ri'ached such a state of perfection that its use for communication in a fortress is not only desirable but necessary. But as the use of wireless telegraphy may be hampered by its use in the hostile army, it should not be the chief or only means of communication. Other means, such as the ordinary tele- graph and the telephone, are necessary.
"We have already said that it is absolutely necessary for the communications in a fortress to function Avithout inter- ruption during bombardment. This end may be attained by using underground connection for the telephone, the ca- bles being buried deep in the soil. All of the defenders of Port Arthur concur in the opinion that overhead Avires must be discarded, but opinion is divided as to the best method of laying the underground lines. Some maintain that the cables should be laid so deep that they may be safe from the largest projectiles. To repair defects they recom- mend that manholes be provided at distances of about 150 to 200 feet. Others maintain that deep trenches are not neces- sary, that projectiles Avould rarely hit the cables if buried in shallow trenches, and that it will be sufficient to secure the lines from shell fragments by burying them in trenches at a depth of 1 to U feet.
I have come to the following conclusions as a result of my experience at Port Arthur :
1. All overhead telei:>hone lines in a fortress must be replaced by underground connections.
2. The underground telephone system of a fortress may be divided into two parts — one within the area of constant artillery fire and the other outside of this area.
3. Part of the telephones situated within the area of constant artillery fire must be secured entirely from injury, and the cables must therefore be buried as deeply as possible, while the other part nearer to the enceinte and liable only to chance hits, may be secured only against shell fragments and concussion from shells bursting in the vicinity.
120 THE TELEPKOXE AND THE TELEGRAPH.
4. Cables buried at a depth of 1 foot often refused to work, notably at Fort No. III. When the cable was exam- ined it was found that it had not been damaged by project- iles. It still refused to work. On further examination it was ascertained that the cable had been injured by water, connection with the earth being thus established. The cable was then placed in a triangular trough made of thin boards, and the line worked perfectly. As this may always happen, it is desirable to place the cables in such troughs."
5. To insure uninterrupted service it is necessary to have a double connection between each important point and the headquarters of the detachment commander to whom it is subordinate, in order that one line may be available if the other is damaged.
In general, the plan of fortress telephones, according to our opinion, should be as follows (see PL V) :
1. The headquarters of the fortress should be connected with the chiefs of detachments, the observation stations of the chief of artillery and of the commandant, and the indi- vidual forts,
2. The central stations of headquarters of detachments should be connected with each other, with the central stations of sections, and the observation stations of the detachments.
3. The central station at section headquarters should be connected with the forts and other works of the section.
4. The central observation station should be connected with fortress headquarters, the commandant's observation stations, and the observation stations of the chiefs of groups who should be connected with the batteries of their groups.
Such a system will enable the commandant to direct the general course of operations, the chief of artillery to control the fire of the batteries, and the chiefs of detachments to di- rect the operations of the forts and othei works and the troops in the intervals.
The forts may communicate directly with fortress head- quarters.
Metallic connection and underground cables will secure the uninterrupted working of the lines.
° This applies to temporary Hues. In permanent lines tlie cables should be laid in conduits of more durable material.
i
TH.E TELEPHONE AND THE TELEGRAPH. 121
The followino- lines need iioi onlinai'ily hr di-cplv laid:
1. Those connecting' fortress lie:id(|ii:ii-ier> with the coni- luandant's observation stations.
2. Those connecting fortress hea(h|uarlers and detach- ment headquarters.
3. Those connecting the observation stations of the chief of artillery Avith fortress headquarters and the artillery observation stations.
The detachment and section heachjuarters are compara- tively secure, and therefore their cables need not be deeply laid. Certain sections of the artillery network should be securely laid; but as these cables must be laid during mo- bilization, much will depend upon the time available. The lines connecting the forts with each other and with section headquarters should be laid securely during peace.
A railwav telegraph line is likewise necessary, connecting the railway stations and fortress headquarters. The same measures should be used for its security as for telephone lines.
AVireless telegraphy may be used to connect the fortress with other cities situated without the lines of the blockading army, to connect a 'Coast fortress with the fleet, to connect fortress headquarters yvith the advanced fortified positions, and to connect the fortress with isolated works.
Various means of signaling, such as the heliograph and the semaphore, may be of great service to the defense, but these systems require much peace training for the personnel, which must be well acquainted with the terrain, for other- wise little w^ill be accomplished.
CHAPTER VII.
(See riatp I.)
GARRISON FOR A MODERN FORTRESS— INFANTRY— ENGINEER
TROOPS.
Ill Chapter III we gave the reasons why the line of forts at Port Arthur was so close to the city. An important rea- son lay in the necessity of making the line of defense corre- spond with the small garrison.
This garrison was fixed at 11,300 men. The length of the line of forts was only 10 miles. Thus there were 1,130 men per mile of perimeter. This figure is approximately the same as that adopted in Germany (1,100) in the allotment of garrisons to fortresses; but the Germans have additional mobile troops for the active defense of positions. It is evi- dent that after the investment these troops will form part of the garrison, thus increasing it to a considerable extent. It was evident at Port Arthur before the beginning of the siege that it would be necessary to occupy a few^ advanced po- sitions for the successful defense of the fortress. If the fortress were not to be reenforced, it w^ould be necessary to scatter 11,300 men over 14 miles, giving only 807 men per mile. With such a garrison a successful defense was hopeless. It would have been necessary then to desist from the defense of the advanced positions, but the importance of these posi- tions was so great, as previously stated in Chapter IV, that it was impossible to think of a protracted defense without them.
Colonel Velichko's comments are very apposite upon this question. "It is impossible to decide defense questions wisely," said he, " when your superiors say to you, ' this city is very important and we shall assign a garrison of 25,000 men to defend it. Construct a fortress here to be manned by 25,000 men. That port is less important, and we shall assign only 8,000 men to defend it. Construct a fortress there to fit a garrison of 8,000 men.' " 122
y
^
GARRISON OF PORT ARTIirR.
12n
But luck smiled unt'XiH'cttnlly on Port Arthur. At the last niouient the garrison was increased considerahly by chance. When the investment began it consisted of 41,01G men, of which 34.50:^ Avere combatants lit for duty, 4.180 noncom- batants. and ■2.r)'24 sick in the hospitals." If we add to this the Kuangtn.n<; naval brioade of 8,500 men. other small de- tachments, and 13 companies of citizens — li.noo men, we find that the garrison consisted of about 50.000 men, more than four times the garrison originally intended. Let ns see how this garris(m was distributed and liow it answered the needs of the defense.
At the time of the investment the gan-isoii was distributed as follows:
1. For the defense of the seacoast l)atteries, H battalions.
2. For the occupation of the advanced positions and the line of forts, 25| battalions.
3. General reserve, 7| battalions.
4. For the enceinte, 13 companies of volunteers and 1 rifle company.
One question immediately suggests itself. AVith such a large garrison why was it not possible to detail a larger re- serve? Seven and one-fourth battalions were less than one- sixth of the entire strength.
We find the detailed distribution of the garrison in the orders of the commandant of July 30. 1904. It is as follows :
Disixisition of the f/arrison of the fortrcsft of Port Artliur (.Yo. 2)
Jul 11 11. lOO.'i.
For the defense of the fortress the troojis are assigned as follows: ^
1. Seacoast Front.
a. Western section.
(Lieutenant Colonel Stolnikoff. )
2Ttli East Siberian Rifles, 1 com-
liany. 28tli East Siheriaii liitlps, 1 coui-
liany. Kuanirtuni: Naval Brigade, 1 com- pany.
Total. 5 battalion.
To defend Tiger Peninsula from the barrael<s of the 27th East Siberian Rifle Regiment to Tigers Tail, inclusive.
r/
« Official data.
* The units of the advant-ed detachment shall dci-upy tlie points designated in the disposition, after evacuating the advanced positions on Fenghuaiigshan.
124
GARRISON OF POET ARTHUR.
b. Eastern ■scclidit. (Lieutenant Colonel X'eiiritski. ( Knaugtunj; Naval Brigade, 4 eciii- panies.
Total, 1 battalion.
2. Land Front.
(Major General Kondratchen'ko.)
a. First section.
(Major General Gorbatovski.) 25tli and 2Gtli East Siberian
Ritles, 0 battalions. 15tli and IGtli East Siberian
Rifles, 6 battalions. 28th East Siberian Rifles, 1 bat- talion, od and Ttli reserve battalions, 2
battalions. Knangtung Naval Brigade, 2 com-''
panies. Frontier Guards, 2 companies Railway Battalion, 1 company. 1st battery, 4tli East Siberian
Artillery Brigade, 8 guns. 1st battery, 7tli East Siberian
Artillery Brigade, 8 guns. 57-mm. rapid-fire field battery, (i
guns. 2 independent batteries, S guns.
Total, 16i battalions and 30 guns.
b. Second section. (Major General Tserpitski.) oth East Siberian Rifles, 3 bat- talions. 27tli East Siberian Rifles, 2 J l)at-
talions. 28th East Siberian Rifles, IJ bat- talions. Kuangtung Naval Brigade, 1 bat- talion. Mining Company. Mixed company of the 11th and • 12th P:ast ' Siberian Rifles, 1
company. 4th East Siberian Artillery Bri- gade, 16 guns.
Total, 9 battalions and K". guns.
T(i defend the section from Golden Hill t(. liattery No. 22, inclusive.
To defend the section from Cross Hill to Fort No. V, inclusive, including all forts, redoubts, batteries, and trenches on this line of defense, and to occupy the advanced posts at Siaoku- shan, Takushan, the Aqueduct, Idol Redoubt, Miaoshan, and Pachlunshan.
To defend the section from Fort No. y to White Wolf, including all the forts, redoubts, batteries, and trenches on this line of de- fense, and to occupy the ad- vanced posts on Division Hill, 20.3-Meter Hill, 174-Meter Hill, and Liaoteshan.
GARRISON OF PORT ARTHUR.
125
3. General Ivkservk.
(Major (Joiiornl Fock.)
l.Jtli and 14tli East Siberian
liitles, G battalions. 4tli Reserve Battalion. 7th East SibiTJaii Artillery I>i-
visioii, 1<> t;uns. 4th East Sii)c'riau Artillery Bri-
^^adc, s mins. Kiianj;tun,sj; Sapper Coniiiaiiy. 4th Sotnia of the First Verkhnen- dinsk Cossack Resiment.
Total, 7i battalions, 24 guns, and 1 sotnia. .
To occniiy Old City and New City : In tlie Old City: tlic 1411i East Siberian Rifle ReKiiueiit and 2 italteries of the 7th East Sibe- liaii Artillery Division near the barracks of t^ie 10th Kej,'iineiit. In tlie New City: the i:]th East Siberian Ritle RefjinuMit, tlie Itli Reserv(> Battalion, and 1 battery of the 4th East Siberian Artillery Iirij,'ade near the bar- racks of the 11th Regiment. The sapper company will be dis- tributed along the entire line of defense.
To defend the Central Enceinte from Redoubt No. 1 to the railway station.
4. Central Enceinte. t Lieutenant Colonel DuA'ernois.) 12 comi>anies of volunteers. Port Arthur Foot Company. Detachments of the 9th and 10th East Siberian Rifles, 1 company. Total, 14 companies.
."). Reports will be sent to fortress headquarters.
The small reserve was divided into two parts, so that there was one regiment each in the old and new cities, at a distance of G miles from each other. The line of forts was likewise weakly occupied. Thus, on General Gorbatovski's section, ]:>etween Cross Hill (B. Xo. 19) and Fort No. V, after de- tailing twelve companies to garrison Taktishan, Siao- kushan, the Aqueduct position, Idol Redoubt, and Pach- lunshan, and one company each to seventeen forts and re- doubts, onl}^ thirty-six companies remained for the defense of 8 miles of interval, which gave four and one-half companies per mile, without local reserves.
AVhen active operations began, the disposition of the troops was immediately changed, as it was found that four and one-half companies per mile of interval were utterly insuffi- cient. The Thirteenth Regiment reenforced the interval between Forts Xos. II and III, and part of the Twenty- eighth Regiment the interval between Forts Nos. T and TI. When it became evident that the main attack would be made
126 GARRISON OF PORT ARTHUR.
against the interval between Forts Nos. II and III, one bat- talion of the Fourteenth Regiment reenforced the Twenty- eighth.*
On the fourth day of the bombardment, there remained in the fortress only two battalions of the reserve. About noon it was found that a break might be made in the interval, and 1,500 men were taken from the vessels and formed into a naval brigade. This force w'as sufficient to hold the line, but it was not strong enough to retake the re- doubts. It now became evident that the garrison was hardly adequate to hold the fortress and far too small to keep the advanced positions and even two fortifications in the center of the interval.
At the beginning of the attacks two battalions each of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth regiments and two companies each from the Fifteenth and Sixteenth regiments, in all five battalions, or twenty companies, were concentrated to defend \\ miles of interval — or about fifteen companies per mile.'' Seven companies formed a local reserve for the entire front of 1 miles. This garrison was sufficient for passive defense, but it was necessary to desist from sorties in masses. The_
/ ararrison melted like wax from constant losses and bv Novem-
/ c> - — -^
ber very few companies had more than 60 or TO men. Unm- ' \ terrupted work exhausted the men and bred disease. It w^as 7 impossible to relieve the men at the front to let them rest, I which had fatal consequences, as exhaustion brought aBbut (jloss of spirit and the thought of surrender.
Toward the end of the siege there remained about 5,000 men in good health in the fortress and only about 12,000 men fit for fighting. The number of men put hors de combat was 20.000, more than twice the normal garrison of 11,300 men." One of the main causes of the failure of the defense is to be found in the inadequate garrison during the latter part of the siege and the complete exhaustion of the men.
Hence we come to the conclusion that one of the most im- portant requirements for the successful defense of a for-
"At tlie same time attacks were made against the west front, and it was tlierefore impossible to weaken tlie garrison there.
* The company at that time connted from 120 to 150 bayonets.
'^ Twelve thousand liilled and 14,000 sick and wounded in the hos- pitals.
INFANTRY IN MODERN FORTRESS. 127
tress is that the garrison bo larcre enou*]:h so that a relief may rest occasionally for a short interval.
How large must the garrison of a modern fortress be under these circumstances? To answer this (|ues(ion ;i> fully as possible we shall divide the entire garrison into its component parts, according to tlie arms of the service, and we shall be guided by experience gained at Port Arthur.
INFANTKY.
This arm was the most numerous. It consisted of nine regi- ments of rifles, three reserve battalions, two companies of frontier guards, one mixed company of rifles, the Kuangtung Xaval Brigade, and a landing force from the ships. In the beginning of the siege the entire infantry force amounted to 29,000 men. The number gradually decreased to 17,000 on November 15. During November the fortress withstood a series of assaults, and the garrison was still able to struggle on with success. By December 15 it was seen than it was impossible to continue to hold 203-Meter Hill for want of men. Only 13,897 men remained, a minimum number for the defense of the line of forts. AVe shall take this number as a basis to determine the necessary strength of the garrison.
Taking the official disposition of tlie troops, we find that 4,755 men were concentrated along the assailed front of 2?^ miles, and 7,730 men on the unassailed front of 10;^ miles.
The reserve of the attacked front consisted of 40G men: the reserve of the unattacked front of 496 men, and the gen- eral reserve of 510 men.
Consequently there were 2,038 men per mile on the at- tacked front, or 1.16 per yard.
On the unattacked fronts there were 725 men per mile, or 0.41 man per yard.
Duty was performed as follows:
One-third of the men Avere on duty, one-third were repair- ing damages, and the remainder were divided into two sec- tions, one of which rested without undressing while the other rested undressed.
Half of the reserve was detailed every night for urgent work. Thus the men at the front slept every third day and the men of the reserve every other day. But as a night sel-
444<;i— OS 9
128 INFANTRY IN MODERN FORTRESS.
rl
dom passed without an alarm, it was impossible to sleep throughout the entire night. This told both on the plivsical and mental condition of the troops, and it was clearly^ seen that for further stubborn defense doul)le the number of men \ was necessary in order to give the relief a complete rest.
Taking the figures just deduced and assuming the radius of a fortress to be G miles, let us now compute the required strength of the garrison. The .circumference of the fortress will be 37§ miles, the number of forts 23, and hrimbef of in- termediate redoubts 23. Let us assume that the attack is di- rected against 3 forts, 2 redoubts, and 2 intervals, the total extent being 2f miles.
There would be 1.16 men per yard on the attacked front and 0.41 man on the unattacked fronts. Consequently we will have in our example: 1, on the attacked front, 5,000 men; 2, on the unattacked front, 20,800 men; total, 25,800 men.*
To afford rest to the men it is necessary to double this num- ber, and we therefore obtain 25,800X2 = 51,600 men.
We have seen how insignificant were the general and local reserves, which consisted of less than one-tenth of the entire force. In consequence of this in December it was impos- sible to support the positions energetically when assaults were directed against them, and they had to be evacuated. This demonstrates the necessity of having a reserve of at least one-fourth of the force on the fighting line — that is, one- fourth of 51,600, or 12,900 men.
We thus obtain a total of 51,600+12,900=64,500 men. But during the five months of the siege the infantry garrison incurred a loss of more than 50 per cent, as it numbered 29,000 men at the beginning of the siege and only 13,897 in November. Having computed the garrison necessary at the end of the fifth month, without taking account of losses, we must double the figure obtained and we thus arrive at the required strength of the garrison — 64,500X2=129,000 men.
This is not an overestimate. Such great numbers are required on account of the great losses in modern fortress warfare and the necessity for rest, without which a stubborn
"The author's figures all through this calculation are very rough, his approximations reducing the total from 30,5r)S to that given. 25,800.— Tr.
f
INFANTRY IN MODERN FORTRESS. 121)
resistance is impossible. AVe arc conviiiccd of this hv the followino; plan for the disposition of such :i «r:nri<f)n at I he he^innino- of the siege:
(Jarrison for 2.3 forts, 400 mcu ciicli. .iiid l'.". r('il(iiil)ts, L'oo
iiKMi each ., „ 14.0(K>
(iarrison for the intervals of tlio attacked front .5, 0<)0
(larrison foi- tlu' intervals of tiio nnattackcd fi-ont 20,800
Local reserves 12, flOO
General reserves 70, 300
120,000
Aftei' ii\-e months' siege with .")() pei- cent of losses:
Garrison of forts necessarily the same 14,000
Garrison of the intervals of the attacked front _ ."». 000
(Jarrison of the intervals of the miattacked front 20,800
Local reserves 12, 000
General reserve 11, 800
Losses 04. ."jOO
120, 000
The general reserve is snch that a relief can be given only every third day. Hence after one or two months this reserve will have melted away and then there will be no rest what- ever. We do not increase the number, however, as having had a rest every second day at the beginning of the siege and every third day later on, the garrison would be al^le to hold out three months even under the conditions at Port Arthur. But it is clear that 129.000 is not an overestimate, but rather an underestimate.
Let us see now how the construction of a parapet between the forts would atfect the infantry garrison. For the de- fense of permanent works fewer troops suffice than for a combat in the open. Hence the construction of a para]jet permits a decrease in the garrison. To develop sufficient fire, it would not be necessary to detail more than 0.642 men per yard of the attacked front and 0.214 men per yard of the unattacked fronts. We thus obtain :
1.760X0.642X 2§= 3,rMX)inenl
1.700X .214X.35 =1.3.000 men P^^^^'' ^^^"^'^^ '"^"•
This number must be doubled to aft'ord rest for the men: hence IH.OOOX 2= 82,000 men.
'■■/n^i.
130 ENGINEER TROOPS IN MODERN FORTRESS.
The reserve may be decreased, as the ditches are obstacles against assault. Hence we will take the reserve at one-fifth, or G,400 men. 32,000 -f 0,400=38,400 men. Donblinir this number in view of losses, we see that the infantry garrison should number 76,800 men.
If we distribute this garrison on the positions according to the above-mentioned plans, Ave shall have —
At the beginning of the siege :
Garrison of the forts :; 14, OCMJ
Garrison of the intervals of tlie attaclved front 3,000
Garrison of the intervals of the unattackecl fronts 1.3,000
Local reserves G, 400
General reserve , 40, 400
7(1 800 After five months' siege :
Garrison of the forts 14, 0(tO
Garrison of the intervals of the attacked front 3,000
Garrison of the intervals of the nnattacked fronts 13,000
Local reserves G, 400
General reserves 2, 000
Losses - 38, 400
76, SOO
The general reserve of 2,000 men does not allow the men on duty to be relieved. Hence in order to have a rest at least every third day it is necessary to add at least 3,000 or 4,000 men. The infantry garrison should therefore number about 80,000 men. Thus permanent works in the intervals will enable us to decrease the garrison by about 50.000 men.
ENGINEER TROOPS.
The siege of Port Arthur has shown the necessity of the following engineer troops :
1. At each fort and at each intermediate redoubt, one section of sappers with two officers to repair damages, and at attacked forts, in addition to the preceding, one platoon of miners w^ith four officers for mining work.
2. On nnattacked fronts, one section per interval to repair damages.
3. On attacked fronts, one section per interval to repair damages.
ENGINEER TROOPS IN MODERN FORTRESS. 131
4. At the ivsorvo of the altMckod fi'ont :
a. One platoon per interval for emergency work.
h. One eonipany for eonntei'-approarh work.
c. Three platoons of miners.
Applying- these rules to our fortress, we would require:
1. At the 'l-\ forts, '28 sections.
2. For unattacked intervals. 21 sections.
3. For attacked intervals:
id) Sections 2
(h) Platoons (reserve) 2
(c) Companies (reserve) .2
Total nunilier of sapper sections 46
Platoons 2
Companies 2
Total of sapper comi)aiiles S
Miners for 3 forts — platoons 3
Miners for 2 intermediate redoubts — platoons 2
Reserve — platoons 3
Total miners — platoons " 8
ov 2 companies.
Increasing the number of sappers 25 per cent in view of losses and for unforeseen work (second line of defense, roads, etc.), we find that ten companies or two and one-half battal- ions are required.
There Avill be about 130 miles of railway for the operation of which not less than one battalion of the railway troops will be necessary. One battalion of telegraph troops and a balloon section for three stations will also be required.
->tn/f
° ^%e-R«sslan sappei'-company oonsistsJu-K-ar of i oflicers and 251 J men. Aj_)!atoou is understood to be i of a company and a section A a C_ U^ platoon. With this assumption, the total number of sapper companies [ in the table.,should_be_Sa. — Tr. j
CHAPTER VIII."
(See Plates Y, YI, and YII.)
DETAILS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF FORTS— LARGE CALIBER GUNS IN FORTS— NECESSITY FOR TURRETS FOR OBSERVATION AND GALLERIES FOR THE INFANTRY— SHELTERED COMMUNICA- TIONS IN FORTS— SHELTERS FOR COUNTER-ASSAULT GUNS- ARMAMENT OF THE FORT— CASEMATES FOR THE GARRISONS ■ OF FORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS OF FORTS WITH THE REST OF THE FORTRESS— SHELTER FOR THE MEN ON DUTY— TELE- PHONES AND SIGNALS— THICKNESS OF CONCRETE WALLS- DITCHES AND OTHER OBSTACLES— COUNTERSCARP GALLER- IES—THE INSTALLATION OF SEARCHLIGHTS IN THE FORTS AND THE ILLUMINATION OF THE DITCHES— COVERED PAS- SAGES—THE GARRISON OF THE FORT— THE PARADE OF THE FORT— THE MASKING OF FORTS.
DETAILS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF FORTS.
A fort, as a point of support, must fulfill the following- requirements :
1. That all attacks upon it be rendered as difficult as possible.
2. That it be able, unaided, to repulse attacks upon it.
3. That it be able to defend the intervals to the right and left of it.
Unless a fort fulfills these three requirements, it can not be considered as a useful factor in the defense.
Forts are now built of such strength that open assault is a hopeless undertaking. Hence we are led to believe that the enemy will not attempt to storm them but will attack the intervals between them. Such was the course pursued by the Japanese at Port Arthur. The intervals must there- fore be strengthened, and there are many who advocate per- manent fortification for them. If this be adopted, if the fire of rear caponiers be widely utilized, as well as the flank- ing fire from the forts, the capture of an interval will become a most difficult feat, and it will probably lead the enemy to attack the fort instead of the interval.
" This chapter is talien from my essay " Notes on fortification from the siege of Port Arthur," written in the fortress and publlslied in No. 0 of the Engineering Journal for 1005. The essay is here revised and amplified. 1.32
DETAILS OP THE CONSTRUCTION OF FORTS. l.')3
In former times the attack was first directed against tin- salient anfrles; bastions were constructed and the attack was directed against the curtain; ditches were dug in tVoiit of the curtain and the attack was directed against the bastions.
Forts are rightly called '" points of support," IxH-ause sorties, advances, and other operations can not be made with- out their assistance.
The fall of a redoubt in an interval does not involve the fall of an important part of the Uiain lighting ])ositioM. It is otherwise when a fort is taken. Port Arthur affords excellent examples of the two cases. In August — that is. at the very beginning of the siege — the Japanese took Fortifi- cations Nos. I and II in the interval between Forts Nos, II and III. This was, indeed, a great misfortune to us. but. nevertheless, the remaining part of the position held out four months, with the assistance of the Chinese wall. On December 28 Fort No. Ill was taken, and on the very night l)art of the position was evacuated by ns. When, three days later. Redoubt No. 3 was taken (a fort, in reality), the entire position had to be abandoned, and we had to go to the sec- ond line of defense.
The permanent fortification of the intervals decreases the importance of the forts to a certain extent, for it is quite possible that with a permanent parapet it would not be necessary to evacuate the line after the fall of a fort. But even with permanent parapets, forts will play a very impor- tant part in the defense as a protection for the parapet, for until the forts are taken it will be very difficult to reach the parapet.
We therefore believe that permanent parapets in the inter- vals between forts will change the point of attack from the interval to the fort. Hence it will be necessary with per- manent parai:>ets to strengthen the forts further in order that they may be able to meet fully the three requirements of a fort.
In order to render the attack upon a fort as difficult as possible, and to enable it to resist attacks unaided, it should have —
1. Effective obstacles against assault that can be well covered with fire.
134 DETAILS or THE CONSTRUCTION OF FORTS.
2. Outworks to cover the approaches, so constructed that it should 1)6 impossible to destroy them by bombardment or by progressive attacks.
3. Bombproof shelters sufficient for the garrison and for the counter-assault guns.
The third condition demands the construction in a fort of shelters for observation not only to the front, but also to the flanks of the fort, and for uninterrupted artillery and infantry support of the neighboring intervals and redoubts, even under the hottest fire. For artiller}' such shelter is already provided in the shape of rear caponiers, but armored turrets for observation and firing galleries for the infantry must be provided.
I do not understand why we construct sheltered caponiers for the guns and allow the infantry to fire without cover. Is it possible that fragments of projectiles and shrapnel are found to be less dangerous for infantry than for guns? Is the disabling of one gun more important than that of ten infantrymen? Is it the intention to give preference to ar- tillery defense over infantry defense? We certainly think not. It is unwise to exalt either the gun or the rifle at the expense of the other. Success is to be attained by the wise cooperation of the two principal weapons of defense — the rifle and the gun.
The erection of rear caponiers for the guns in the forts marked an epoch in fortress warfare. Add sheltered gal- leries for the infantry and machine guns and you will make the fort impregnable.
As a point of support, to guard the interval and prevent it from being taken, the fort must be supplied with a proper garrison and armament to fulfill its purpose. The artillery duel therefore no longer forms a pai't of its role, and guns of large caliber to oppose the batteries of the enemy are un- necessary. To mount large-caliber guns in it and to enter into combat with the siege batteries will invite the enemy's fire and subject it to all the disagreeable consequences. At_ /Port Arthur large caliber guns were placed in all the forts, / and they took part in firing against the siege batteries. .Jk ) In answering them, the artillery of fTie attack fulfilled three Cf^^' ( objects at the same time: It fired at a battery, it damaged ^ ^ a fort, and it caused great losses, in the infantry garrison.
1%J^
DETAILS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF FORTS. 1 .'if)
In order to destroy a l)atlery, the <>iiiis luiist he striicU. for Avliich a lar^e iiuinher of projectiles is necessary. When several thousand projectiles are fired at a fort containin^f a battery, only a few hit the battery. The greater miinix'i- fall on the i:)ai-apets and into the parade, causinjj: damage and loss of life. The battery can continue its work by replacing damaged guns, but the damage done to the fort, though it may in great measure be repaired during the night, in- creases all the time, ai:d the fort may be brought to such a state that at the moment of the assault it will no longer be in a conditicm to fulfill its function. To bring about this end is the aim of the attack. Why play into the enemy's hands?
If a large caliber battery has not been placed in a fort, but outside of it, the enemy will have to divide his fire and direct part of it against the fort and part against the battery. The number of projectiles falling in the fort will l)e snuiller, and the damage and losses will be less.
To keep the fort intact until the assault is the great ob- ject of the defense. Now if the fort begins to show its hand before the proper time by firing, for example, at moving trains, it will immediately draw the enemy's fire. It would appear, therefore, that reconnoitering guns should not be mounted in forts. Such guns may well be placed in the vicinity of the fort, wdiere they can fulfill their function with success. They are much safer outside the fort than within, because they may be better concealed, and safety lies in con- cealment. That such is really the case is shown by telephone message No. 2, sent only four hours after the beginning of the first bombardment, which says : '' At Fort No. Ill all the large guns are damaged."
In order to come to a conclusion as to the changes which are desirable in our forts, w^e shall uoav describe one of the Port Arthur forts and invite attention to defects which be- came evident during the siege."
«The appended sketch of Fort No. Ill, brouglit from Port Arthur, has no notes on it. The lack of a full sketch does not allow us to cor- rect this defect, iloreover, as may be seen from the description, the true condition of the fort in detail does liot correspond with the sketch.
136 FORT NO. III.
Fort No. Ill was built on the summit of a hill at the end of a spur projectin<i: almost perpendicularly from Dragon Kidge. The summit of this hill is separated from the ridge by a small saddleback. It pi-esented an area sufficient for the construction of the entire fort. However, probably on account of the desire to improve the condition for firing against the front sloi)es of the hill, the fort was placed some- what to the rear, and hence part of the gorge ditch had to be made in a fill.
The fort consisted of a front face, two flanks, and a gorge, which was somewhat broken in the center. The front ditch, 28 feet wide and 21 feet deep, was cut entirely through solid rock, its sides being almost vertical, but the flank ditches were unfinished. They were deep at the angles of the front face, but reached the ground level in the gorge, having at the gorge angles a depth of only G feet. The gorge ditch Avas 21 feet deep at its middle part, but was shallow at the angles.
The ditches were defended from casemates in the counter- scarp in the angles of the front face. In the right angle were two casemates with embrasures on different levels, because the bottom of the flank ditch was 7 feet lower than the bottom of the front ditch. Access to these casemates was gained through the postern. It was the intention to construct a gal- lery from the center of the postern to the left casemate, but work had only commenced upon it at the beginning of the siege and the only communication with the left casemate was through the left flank ditch.
The postern ended in the parade in a bombproof casemate consisting of two parts, one designed for use as a magazine, the other as a shelter for the counter-assault guns.
This shelter was separated from the ditch by the main rampart 35 feet thick. This rampart consisted of the natural solid rock, which was covered with 2 or 3 feet of earth during mobilization. In the center of the parade, adjoining its flank, were concrete emplacements for four 6-inch guns. In order to fire over the front rampart an elevated position was necessary, and the emplacements were therefore placed on the summit of the hill. The battery parapet consisted of solid rock, which was covered during mobilization with earth. The front rampart of the fort should have been lowered. This, however, had not been done when war broke out and
FORT NO. III. 137
it was impossible to do so (Iiiiin<2- iho pcM'iod of iiiol.iliza- tion, as stones and <>:ravel, du*;- out of tlu> front ditch, had been thrown out foi-ward, and, thus increasin<_r the hci^dit of the glacis, had made at the same time a dead area ill front to a distance of [.'200 ])aces from tlie fort. Hence, only the <.daeis and the a])proaclies Ix'vond l.iiOO ])ac('s couhl be fired upon from the infantry breastworks. To haxc cut down the ram])arts would liave inci'eased the dead aj-ea in front of the fort.
It was considered advisable to leave the rampart as it was for covering the glacis and to cut down the glacis as much as possible and i:)lace entrenchments at its base to cover the dead area in front. To enable the infantry to remain at their breastworks when the battery was fii-ing a small ditch was cut in the rock, which enabled the men to lire in a sitting position.
The gorge was immediately in rear of the ])attery, a case- mate for the garrison being under the gorge parapet. This casemate was finished and consisted of a long corridor 9 feet wide and 12 feet high. It had windows 2 feet 4 inches by 3 feet (> inches which looked into the gorge ditch. There was one exit into the parade through the postern, covered by a grating. The casemate was parallel to the front face and its exit could be covered with fire from the right and left. The exit was protected by thick traverses on both sides. The gorge parapet was erected during mobilization, and, in order to complete the work more rapidly, its inner face was revetted with cement barrels filled with stones. In the gorge ditch the gorge caponier adjoined the casemate. Through the upper part of the caponier there was an open- ing affording communication from the interior of the fort to the rear by means of a small bridge thrown across the ditch. This upper part of the caponier was arranged for flanking the approaches on the left to Redoubt No. 3 and on the right to Fortification No. 2, and for this reason the entire platform of the caponier w^as surounded by i^arapets 3 feet high.
The left flank of the fort w^as clearly visible from the summit of Takushan. AVlien the enemy occui)ied this hill he could count men standing on the banquette of this face. It was necessary to i)rovide cover, therefore, and having in-
138 FORT NO, III.
creased the width of the banquette, a rear traverse \yas erected along the entire flank. On the right flank, which was en- filaded from Fenghnangshan, transverse traverses "were con- structed at intervals of 14 feet. Along the entire firing line embrasures of sand bags were constructed. After the batth^ of Xanshan, in which the advantage of light shelters against shrapnel was demonstrated, we began to construct such shelters in the forts. Orders w^ere therefore given to cover the interval between the breastwork on the left flank and the rear traverse with boards and a layer of earth 2 feet thick and the intervals in a similar way on the right flank. Thus a kind of gallery was constructed on each flank.
The following measures were taken to destroy the dead area surrounding the fort :
1. The glacis was cut down on the right and in front.
2. A trench was dug in front at the base of the glacis.
3. A trench w^as begun on the glacis along the entire left flank.
The glacis was cut dow'n on the right flank, which per- mitted the bottom of the ravine to be covered by the fire from the breastworks on this flank. It was impossible to cut off the entire glacis from the front face, and only part of it was removed. The base was surrounded by a heavy intrench- ment. The right of this intrenchment ran close to the ditch above the casemate, while the left ran along the entire left flank to the Chinese wall. Only thus was it possible to cover the approaches nearest to the fort. At each of the four salient angles of the forts were barbettes, each barbette mounting two counter-assault guns. However, there was a shelter for tw^o guns only. The exit from this shelter to the right bar- bette, which was covered by a grating, could be enfiladed at right angles from the right. The possibility of this struck the commander before the beginning of the siege, and he had it covered by a traverse made of sand bags.
The exit toward the left barbette was 12 feet below the platform of the barbette, and the ramp to the barbette was very steep. Drills in the middle of June, before the begin- ing of the siege, showed that it would be very difficult to run the gun from the shelter to the barbette. Consequently, taking advantage of the abrupt rocky face of the banquette
FORT NO. III. i;^{>
slope, a platform was made and the coiinter-assaiilt <.niii was kept here luujer cover of the I'oclv.
Tlie <>-or<2:e was almost on a level with the front face, hut the rear part of the parade, between the }x<n-*^v and the hat- ter}', was from 2 to 3^ feet higher than the fi'ont |)ai'( he- tween the breastwork and the battery. Hence rain watei- from the entire ])arade ran to the front, and, havini; no ontlet, flowed through the shelter and thence through the postern to the casemate and inundated the lower storj' and drove the inmates into the ditch through the narrow em- brasures. The ti'ouble was serious. The casemate was built for one company on a jieace footing. The company on a war footing had not sufficient room and occupied the shelters and the postern. There were no shelters for the officers, no storerooms, no kitchen. The officers were, there- fore, quartered in the flanking casemates and the magazine.. In the covered passage to the casemate barrels with water and the tAvo remaining counter-assault guns were placed. Here also tlie storeroom for mines and hand grenades was estab- lished, and one corner of the casemate was partitioned off for a kitchen.
When the garrison was increased in view of the impend- ing attack a row of sleeping shelves was added. The over- crowding and the closeness of the atmosphere were terrible. The casemate was without means of ventilation and was lighted by kerosene lamps, which produced soot and stench and thus aggravated the conditions. There were no latrines near the casemate, and the gorge ditch of the caponier, at the end where no firing was taking place at the time, was used by the men. There was an exit from the casemate into the ditch in the direction of Fortification No. 2, but there was no exit to the rear from the ditch. We felt grateful toward the Japanese when they made a breach in the gorge counterscarp and thus transformed it into a convenient exit. A telephone was established in the casemate, connected by an overhead line with the headquarters of the section and with the general line. Such was the condition of the fort at the beginning of the siege. It held out for five months and suffered assaults and all the consequences of progressive attacks.
140 LAEGE CALIBER GUNS IN FORTS.
The following discussion and conclusions are based upon experience gained at this fort.
LARGE CALIBEP. (iUNS IN FORTS.
As soon as the first bombardment began at G a. m. on Au- gust 19, the 6-inch battery in the fort began to reply. Its open and elevated situation, its well-defined position in the center of the fort, and its visibility from afar soon brought about such a condition that General Gorbatovski, command- ing the east front, telephoned at 10 a. m. to the commandant, "All the guns in Fort No. Ill are damaged.'' The battery was silenced, but the enemy continued to bombard it. Grenades and shell were fired alternately with shrapnel. It was evident that the enemy had decided not only to prevent the battery from opening fire again but to destroy it.
The Japanese fired very accurately, and seldom, indeed, Avas a bad shot observed from the fort. Eveiy shot which fell short hit either the scarp, the parapet, or the parade, destrojdng embrasures and screens and wounding and killing the men. Every shot which went over was caught by the gorge. When a projectile hit a barrel the stones which filled it flew in all directions like the spray of a fountain. It was seen at once what harm may be done to a fort by having a silent battery in it serving as a target. We now came to the conclusion that the mounting of large cali- ber guns in a fort for use against the siege guns of the enemy is a fatal error.
The guns which were damaged during the first bombard- ment were re[)aired and the battery continued in service until the end. Often when a moving target w^as seen at a distance, as, for example, a train, cavalry, or an infantry column, the battery was ordered to open fire against it. But as soon as the muzzles of our guns were elevated the enemy saAV them, and by the time we had fired a few shots he had an- swered with an overwhelming fire. The battery was quickly silenced, not only without having injured its target, but with- out having found the range. This led to the conclusion that reconnoitering guns should not be mounted in forts, and when mounted elsewhere should use indirect fire. Indirect fire is slow and ineffective only when there has been a lack of practice in time of peace. If the personnel has been prop-
SHELTERED COMMUNICATIONS. 141
erly trained, it may be used with oivat eU'ecl. just as tliou-rli the target were well in view from the guns.
The first desirable change is the removal of large calibei- guns from the forts.
NECKSSITY FOH TIKIJKTS KOR OBSKRVATIOX AM) <;AIJ j:i{ir,S TOR TIIK IX FAN TRY.
^^'e have already stated in Chapter I\' that when the Ja[)a- uese columns advanced to storm the fortress none of the forts discovered the movement in time. It has also been stated that the garrison of Fort No. Ill did not know when an adjacent fortification was taken and gave it no sui)])ort. Fort Xo. II, which attempted to assist the fortification, soon had 310 out of 350 of its garrison disabled, and its five guns and two machine guns damaged. In the same chapter we also stated our second conclusioiij to wit, the necessity, in forts, of turrets for observation, concrete galleries for the infantry, and machine guns and concrete caponiers.
SHELTERED COMMUNICATIONS IN FORTS.
The garrison of the fort was divided into two parts: One platoon was placed in the shelter for the counter-assault guns, under the front face, and three platoons were placed in the gorge casemate. Here also the commandant of the fort had his headquarters. The shelter and the casemate were connected by telephone, but this connection was soon interrupted. The only communication between the separate parts of the garrison was across the parade, a distance of 120 paces.
During a bombardment the men on duty had to go to the casemate for food and orders, and to the ditch. JMany were killed or wounded on the very first day. The sur- vivors preferred to suffer hunger, and abstained from going to the ditch until the end of the bombardment. Such ab- normal conditions lasted during each of the bombardments, when the casemate in the gorge and the shelter in the front part of the fort became, so to speak, two islands without any communication. When the enemy approached and oc- cupied the glacis, communication even in time of lulls grcAV impossible and a covered passage had to be provided by zig- zags through the parade. Shells and mines destroyed tlie
142 SHELTERS FOE COUNTER-ASSAULT GUNS.
zigzag every day and it was very difficult to repair and deepen it through the rock.
We now saw the need of a safe covered passage between the gorge casemate and the shelter for the men on duty at the front face.
SHELTERS FOR COUNTER-ASSAULT GUNS.
The artillery armanent of the forts, which must consist of field guns only, is divided into two parts: The armament of the rear caponier, which is used to defend the intervals and support the neighboring forts, and the counter-assault guns, which are used chiefly to repulse assault against the fort and the adjacent works. These guns are supposed to be kept in special casemates or shelters until the assault, whence they are run to the barbettes when the enemy is near. These barbettes are at the salient angles of the fort.
It has been said that Fort Xo. Ill had l)ut one shelter for two guns, erected in the center of the front face. The exits were at a distance of 88 feet from the l^arbette. The elevation of the barbette platforms above the exits from the shelters was 12 feet. This elevation and the great distance of the barbettes from the shelters made it very difficult to run the guns to the barbettes. In fair weather 10 men Avere necessary for this work, and from two to two and one-half minutes were required. In rainy weather, from 16 to 20 men were necessary and three minutes were required. To remain such a length of time under fire meant the loss of all the gun- ners. This is why from the very first days of the bombard- ment the artillerymen declined to return the guns to the shel- ter. The guns were, therefore, left in the open, and the shelter was occupied by the infantry. This shelter had another great defect. The exit was enfiladed from the direction of Takushan and was even visible from its summit. When we saw this we screened it with a traverse. On the first day a bomb fell in a corner of the exit and another knocked down part of the tra- verse, and we hastened to close this exit. There were similar hits in other forts, accompanied by casualties. Such exits are always filled with men on account of the overcrowding and bad air in the casemates and the impossibility of going to the parade for a breath of fresh air. Thus 50 men were
ABMAMEJsT OF THE FORT. 143
at one time put hors de combat at one of the forts and 7 ai another time. Hence ^Ye came to the coiichision tliat tlic exits of slielters for counter-assault <^-uns should be as near the barbettes as possible and at the smallest possible distance beloAY the terreplein of the barbette.
In the construction of shelters and casemates the following rule must be strictly observed : The possibility of the enemy's reaching the exits of covered passages by oblique fire must l)e carefully considered and these exits must be made absolutely safe from all fire. If this rule is not observed, the covered jiassage, however useful in itself, will become a death trap.
ARMAMENT OF THE FORT.
We have already said that the armament of a fort should be limited to that required to repulse assault and that such artillery should not go into action until the enemy is near at hand. The guns should open fire at the instant the enemy rushes forward in force to the assault, the last shot being fired as the mass mounts the breastworks. Thus the time of opera- tion for these guns is ver}^ short. In order for them to inflict great losses, they must fire many shots in a short time, and must perforce be rapid-fire guns. The old field guns, used b}' us for this purpose, were unequal to their task. All such guns should be replaced by rapid-fire guns. Although they are habitually kept in shelters, counter-assault gmis are run up to the barbettes for action, and their position in action thus soon becomes known to the enemy who will endeavor to avoid them.
The assault on Fort No. Ill on October 29 furnishes an excellent example. The Japanese, having occupied and crowned the glacis and having taken possession of the coun- terscarp galleries, did not storm the front face where we had four counter-assault guns, but attacked the left flank of the fort notwithstanding the fact that it was supported from Redoubt No. 3.
It is very difficult to change the position of guns at the moment of assault, as in storming the breastworks the enemy fires at the interior of the fort. It is therefore very desir- able to have, in addition to rapid-fire and machine guns for use at definite places, some mobile machine guns, which may be taken quickly to the breastworks or elsewhere. 44461— OS 10
^{^
144 CASEMATES.
The opinions of defenders of the fortress vary with regard to machine guns as weapons to repulse assault. Some main- tain that the counter-assault guns should be entirely replaced by machine guns, while others hold the opposite view. There is no doubt as to the fact that the machine gun is a poAverful weapon to repulse assaults, but the weapon opposed to it is no less powerful and simple. During the assaults on Redoubt No. 3 the Japanese carried along with them bags, shields, and breastplates, and, covered by these, crept for- ward. The machine gun could do nothing against enemies thus j^rotected, while case or shell would have been very effective.
It would be unwise, we think, to discard the counter- assault gun, but when the enemy appears on the breastworks, the role of this gun is at an end, at which time the fire of a o-reat number of machine guns is decisive.
Sentinels may be provided with machine guns to great ad- vantage, as was demonstrated at Fort No. III. Machine / guns are also excellent for flanking ditches, but their' great - est use is in the defense of the intervals.
The small 37-mm. guns taken from the ships were also very effective. The}^ were j)laced on the lateral faces and were nsed for firing at single men and groups at ranges of about 1^ miles. At such ranges rifles and machine guns are inef- fective and 3-inch projectiles ought not to be expended for such purposes. On the other hand ammunition for 37-mm. guns is easily and cheaply supplied, and their fire is effective at such ranges.
CASEMATES FOR THE GARRISONS OF FORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS or FORTS WITH THE REST OF THE FORTRESS.
The casemate for the garrison was located under the gorge rampart. It is difficult to find a better place in a fort, as far as security from projectiles is concerned. But such casemates as we had at Port Arthur should not be tolerated. Except that they Avere secure, nothing good can be said of them. They were narrow, small, dark, close, ill ventilated, without officers' quarters, storerooms, or latrines, without cov- ered passages, either with the front face or to the rear, and with oidy one exit into the parade and one into the ditch.
COVERED J>ASSAGES. 145
The unsanitary features caused various diseases; the lack ol" officers' quarters compelled the ollicers to occupy the jjassa'^! iu the ^orge caponier among the guns; the hick of store- rooms forced us to store food supplies, ammunition, hand grenades, pyroxilin, and Whitehead torpedijes under ihe men's bunks and to till the covered passages with barrels of water; the lack of latrines caused great hardship; and the want of safe communication with the rear of the fort and with the front face caused many useless wounds and deaths. The fact that the casemates had but one opening into the parade and one into the ditch needs no comment. It was responsible for the loss of Kedoubt No. 3 on December ol, when one of the exits was closed by the enemy's fire and the other Avas closed as the result of an explosion. Thus the garrison could not get out to meet the assault; the work Avas quickly taken and the garrison made prisoners.
Some of the engiueers say that this example should not be quoted, as the destruction of the exit into the gallery was the result of the chance explosion of the small grenades stored near the exit. The cause of the explosion is imma- terial. The fact remains that the exit w^as blocked and there w^as no other, and the redoubt w^as deprived of its defenders. Unless these defects are eliminated casemates have no right to the name and are only a kind of shelter. Casemates should be provided with two covered passages into the parade, an underground communication with the shelter of the front face and flanks, two open exits into the ditch, and one underground passage from the rear of the fort to the nearest natural cover.
"When the enemy is assaulting a fort he attempts not only to overwhelm the fort Avith fire, but also to prevent reserves from reaching the fort. Hence, Avhen storming columns approach, the fire is directed to the center of the fort and to its communications wdth the fortress.
On August 22 General Kondratchenko, while on a rocky ridge about 300 paces from Fort No. Ill, sent me a note at 11 a. m. by his orderly, but the fire against the fort and along the road in the rear Avas so fierce that the orderly could not reach the fort and brought the note to me only at 4 p. m. No supplies could reach the forts during such firing, and Ave Avere absolutely cut off from the rest of the troops. Reserves
146 SHELTER FOR -THE MEN ON DUTY.
sent to the forts never reached them intact. Thus during the assauh on Fort No. II, onl}^ a little more than half of the reenforcements sent, reached the fort, and a similar fate befell the men sent to Fort No. III.
A covered passage was constructed in October from the gorge ditch of Fort No. Ill to the nearest hill and onh^ by means of this passage was communication possible with the fortress; but water could not be brought to the fort until Captain Debroff, of the engineers, laid pipes through this passage. The isolated condition of the fort had a most de- pressing influence upon the garrison, while the artillery often remained without ammunition, the engineers without mate- rials, and the entire garrison without bread and water.
It must be added to this that the only opening into the ditch was at that time no longer practicable. Communication between the casemate and the covered passage on the other side of the gorge ditch was effected by creeping through a small window of the casemate. It was then necessary to run across the ditch, which was covered by fire from Japanese trenches on the glacis of Redoubt No. 3, and climb up the destroyed counterscarp to get to Captain Dobroff's passage. This illustrates clearly how valuable would have been an underground passage under the bottom of the ditch to the rear. Having safe communication with the fortress, the garrison would not have felt isolated from the reserve, the spirits of the men would have been raised, their strength revived, and the defense would have been prolonged.
SHELTER FOR THE INIEX ON DUTY.
In order to have the men as near as possible to the firing line, the garrison of the fort was divided into two parts; three platoons were in the casemate and one occupied the magazine and the shelter for the counter-assault ginis. Thus the shelter for the guns served also as shelter for the platoon on duty. Not having been designed for this purpose, however, it had none of the conveniences required for an inhabited place — no Avindow, no door, no stoves, no ven- tilation, no latrine. It consisted of a dark cell, with one exit covered by a grating. At the other end of the shelter was the entrance to the flankina" casemate. There was a continual
TELEPH()^M■:S AND SIGNALS. 147
draft, which iimdc the hunj)s smoke and hroufrht sickness and colds.
The shelter for the men on duty shoidd he constructed especially for the purpose and should fulfill all the re(|uiie- meiits for gorge casemates, from whicli it should dill'ei- onlv in size. This shelter should l)e ])laced at the middle of t he- front face. It should have an exit into the parade and should be connected by galleries with the shelter for ilie counter-assault guns. In these galleries there should he manholes from place to place to enable the men to run (juickly from the shelter and climb out upon the infantry banquette. In order that these openings should not take up any room on the firing line, light slides in grooves should be i^rovided to cover them.
A small cut is made in the concrete j^arapets for the elbow, and separate shields against shrapnel and bullets are affixed for each man by means of hinges. The shield is kept down habitually and is raised during firing, Avhen it is held in position b}' a support. The openings from the galleries likewise furnish egress into the parade. In order that frag- ments of projectiles may not get into these openings, they should be closed by sliding doors. The dimensions of the galleries are 6 by 2 feet.
TELEPHONES AND SIGNALS.
We have alreadj' spoken of the necessity- of turrets for double sentinels for observation to the front and flanks. If the enemy appears in small numbers, the sentinel on duty should be able to drive him back by machine-gun fire. When large forces appear the sentinel should immediately notify the commandant. He can not leave his post for this purpose, nor can he send the other sentinel, as he would almost inevitabh" be killed on the wa}'. Great assistance may be derived in such cases from the use of telephones con- necting the observation stations with the fort, and from electric bells connecting the observation stations. As soon as a sentinel observes movements of the eneni}" he should be able to attract the attention of the other sentinels by means of the electric bell and to advise the fort commander by telephone. It was our own fault that we failed to utilize these simple but very useful aids. At Port Arthur one
148 THICKNESS OF CONCRETE WALLS.
sentinel was stationed on the breastworks under cover of traverses to observe through an embrasure, while a second sentinel observed the first from a secure place near the case- mate, delivered at the casemate information which he re- ceived, and reported the fact in case the sentinel was killed or wounded. There were instances when both sentinels were killed and the fort remained without observers. The enemy managed to take advantage of these intervals, even when they were very short. To fulfill its purposes, observation must be uninterrupted and the results must be reported without delay. This necessitates bombproof turrets for the sentinels and secure telephonic communications.
Thus each fort must have its own telephone system. It is superfluous to say that this system must be installed in time of peace and that it should be absolutely secure from injury. Four or five telephones should be placed in the casemate, with wires branching off to the posts of observation, the shel- ter for the men on duty, and to the rear caponiers.
Each fort should also be connected by telephone with the neighboring forts and with section headquarters. This line must also be absolutely secure from injury.
Fort No. Ill was connected with the fortress by an over- head line which was damaged a countless number of times — and always at the most important moment — during an assault. The fort was also connected with the mining station in front by a telephone cable laid underground at a depth from 1 to 1^ feet, but the cable refused to work on rainy days on account of defective insulation.
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE AVALLS.
The walls of concrete casemates, shelters for counter-assault guns, flanking caponiers, and other casemated buildings of forts at Port Arthur were 3 feet thick. They were built to resist 6-inch howitzer shells, and they successfully stood the test. I had an opportunity upon more than one occasion to observe the effect of such hits. In most cases when a 6-inch shell hit a wall and exploded, it made a depression 3 or 4 inches deep, having a diameter of about 1^ feet. In striking upon a roof it made a funnel-shaped hole 4 or 5 inches deep and about 1| feet in diameter. If a second projectile hit in
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE WALLS. ]49
the samo place, it deepened the hole by 1 to li inches, in- creased the diameter to -2 feet, and broke otf a piece of con- crete on the inside from 1 to U inches thick. There were cases where several shells hit in the same place. Each time the damage was increased, and after sevei-al hits cracks appeared on the inside. The holes made by the projectiles on the roof and on the sides were easily repaired duriiiir the night.
'J'he greatest damage was done l)y shells hitting the angles of buildings. Large pieces of concrete were broken oti", 3^ feet long and 1^ to 2 feet wide. It was impossible to cover such places with concrete, for, before the concrete had time to set it would be broken otf by projectiles striking in the same place or at other points. The destruction of concrete structures began at the corners and was completed by the gradual increase of this damage. A layer of earth of 4|- to 5 feet entirely secured concrete structures against injurj^ from 6-inch howitzer projectiles.
Matters changed, however, when the 11-inch mortars ap- peared on the scene. The projectiles from these mortars penetrated roofs 3 feet thick, and there were cases where roofs were perforated by these projectiles without their exploding. Many engineers attribute this to the bad quality- of the concrete. As I did not construct the Port Arthur forts and had no occasion to test the concrete used, I can not give a positive opinion upon this question. Yet it seems to me that such is not the case. If the concrete roofs resisted G-inch shells, for which they were built, the concrete must have been of good quality. If they could not withstand the impact of 11- inch shells which did not explode, this must have been due to the lack of thickness of the walls and not to the poor quality of the concrete.
The resistance of concrete is similar to that of armor, the thickness of which must be increased with the increase of the diameter of the projectile used to attack it. In the case under consideration the diameter of the projec- tile was almost doubled, and the weight of the bursting charge was increased while the thickness of the concrete wall remained the same. Naturally the wall must be pene- trated. To resist the larger projectile the thickness must be increased. How much should it be increased i It woidd
150 THICKNESS OF CONCRETE WALLS.
appear sufficient to double it ; but experience at Port Artliur showed that with a thickness of 5 feet and two hits in the same place there remained a layer of only about 1^ feet of concrete. This layer was not solid and was easily perforated by a third projectile. These facts and the possible appear- ance of still larger projectiles with greater bursting charges lead us to recommend that concrete w^alls be built to resist the maximum effect of three 11 -inch projectiles striking in the same place. This would require a thickness of 9 feet. Such a great thickness may appear unnecessary at first sight, but it should not be decreased, because it will not always be possible to cover the concrete with earth.
The influence of a layer of earth in increasing the resist- ance to 11-inch projectiles was very great, as may be seen from the following examples :
1. At Fort No. Ill a layer of earth 3 feet thick was placed over the concrete traverse of a battery. An 11-inch projectile struck it, exploded, and made a hole 9 inches deep in the con- crete and a hair crack on the inside of the traverse.
2. The roof of the postern and the covered passage to the casemate consisted of 5 feet of concrete. It was covered with a layer of earth 3^ feet thick, over which was a layer of gravel and cobblestones 1^ feet thick. This roof was fre- quently struck by 11-inch projectiles, which made funnel- shaped holes in the top layer only. The concrete remained intact until the la^t day of the siege. The holes were quickly filled after each hit. Upon one occasion an 11-inch pro- jectile struck the roof and was followed by a 6-inch pro- jectile in the same place. The concrete did not suffer.
3. A concrete roof was covered with 5 feet of clay, each layer of 1 foot being thoroughly tamped. Several 6-inch projectiles struck this roof without affecting the concrete.
These examples show clearly that a layer of earth not only absorbs the force of impact of the projectile, but weakens the effect of the explosion. It was also made clear that with a thickness of 5 feet of clay the clay did not have a tamping effect on the explosion of the shell. Observation on other hits in layers of 14 feet of clay did not show any tamping effect.
Hence it would appear that the proposed thickness of 9 feet for concrete walls may be somewhat decreased ; but neverthe-
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE WALLS. 151
less o-reat dano-er is incurred in (lerroasin<r i(. We liavc already iiieiuioned in Chapter VT tlial (ici-inaiiy has con- structed 12-inch howitzers and another counlrv is re- ported to be constructino- iS-inch howitzers. What mon- strous bursting charges their i)rojectiles will have I Must we not anticipate the progress of artillery? Must we not l)e pre- pared to o])pose due resistance to such projectiles? Is it not better and cheaper to construct at once than to recon- struct, add. and reform later? AVe nuist not forget that the Germans say with reference to their howitzers, '' AVir Averden alles vertobacken " (AVe will upset everything). They prob- ably have good reason to say so. The constrtuction of bomb- proof shelters must be based upon definite information. AA"e have already made it apparent that sufficient informa- tion is available for this purpose.
It seems strange that the thickness of roofs varies accord- ing to the character of the building. Thus the roofs of magazines are thicker than the roofs of casemates, which in turn are thicker than the roofs of shelters, posterns, and cov- ered passages. Are the constructors guided by the size of the arch or the importance of the building? The arch depends upon the type of the building. There are casemates 18 feet wide and other 9 feet wide, the thickness of the roofs being the same." As to the relative importance of build- ings, I do not understand why a magazine should be more im- portant than a casemate, or why a casemate should be more important than the postern and covered passages. If the roof of the magazine is perforated, several rounds of am- munition may be destroyed; if the roof of- the casemate is perforated, the greater part, if not the entire garrison, will be killed or wounded; if the covered passages be destroyed, the garrison will be confined to the casemates, and this may happen even with two outlets.
We do not consider the postern and the covered passages as secondary appurtenances to the casemates. They are as important as the casemates themselves. The following facts should not be forgotten : Each magazine and each casemate has a thick covering of earth on top and in rear; the cov- ered passages are generall}' near the surface and often have no covering of earth, and the layer on the postern grad-
" Such \A'as the case in many buildings in I'ort Arthur.
152 DITCHES AND OTHER OBSTACLES.
iially decreases as it approaches the covered passages. Tak- ing- this into consideration, it Avoidd appear more rational to increase the thickness of the walls of the postern rather than to decrease it. The walls of shelters for counter-assault guns and rear caponiers should also be made thicker. We believe that the successful defense of the intervals and of the forts rests with the artillery and the infantry. Should we, in order to save a thousand roubles, decrease the thickness of walls b}^ 1 to li feet and risk the loss of the garrison?
We conclude that the so-called bombproof shelters in forts should be bombproof in fact ; that they are all of equal im- portance ; that no one should be made strong at the expense of the others; and that therefore the thickness of their walls should be everywhere the same. In order that the:se w^alls meet not only present requirements, but afford adequate pro- tection ten years hence, they should be at least 9 feet thick.
DITCHES A XI) OTHER OBSTACLES.
It has been said at the beginning of this chapter that in order that a fort may be capable of fulfilling its role as a point of support, it should have sufficiently strong obstacles against assault. The siege of Port Arthur showed clearly that the best obstacles, the most difficult to surmount, are deep, wide ditches with abrupt sides. If such ditches have a flanking defense, it will be so difficult to cross them that the enemy will scarcely attempt it. The Japanese did not attempt to cross them.
On August 21 everything was ready to assault Fort No. II. The ladders, anchors, etc., were prepared, and three regiments with these accessories were hid in the dead area at the foot of the glacis. The commander of the Twenty- sixth Regiment reported this fact to the commandant of the fortress. Only 40 defenders remained in the fort. The Japanese would not risk an assault during dajdight and awaited darkness. But they did not assault at night and retired at 8 p. m., leaving their ladders behind. According to rejiort, they retreated because they had received information through their scouts that there were caponiers in the ditch. We believe this explanation, as the operation could not have been a demonstration, for the preparations for assault were too oreat.
DITCHES AND OTHKIt ()I5STA(_L1:.S, 1 T).'!
Tho Japanoso oxplaiii llioir rctiral In- allcfrin^- that tlicii' ladders were (oo sliort to span the ditch. Thoe ladders were 21 feet long, widie the ditch was 28 feet wide. I'.nt thev were long enough to reach the bottom of the ditch, whicji Ma> onl}^ I7i feet deep. The Japanese did net dare do this, hut preferred to spend two months on progressive attacks in order to be able to destroy the flanking capoiders and take possession of the ditch. It would appear that with the caponiers destroyed and the counterscarp surmounted there remained but a trifle to be done to scale the scarp and take the fort. But the rocky scarp served its purpose. Repeated efforts to reach the breastworks by means of the ladders placed against the scarp met with failure, and the Japanese had to spend two months more in mining through solid it)ck to complete the passage of the ditch. The difficnlty of crossing / a ditch was shown when the .Taiwanese in storming Aqueduct/ Redoubt reached the ditch, which was neither deep nor covered by fire, but could not scale the earthen scarp and were repidsed in the night by sixteen of the relief on duty.
These facts speak in favor of ditches, and it is evident that the wider and deeper the ditch, and the steeper its sides, the more serious will such an obstacle be to the storming party. Hence we believe that modern (jerman fortresses with small triangular ditches and sloping scarps Avould not be capable of offering formidable resistance.
By chance Fort No. Ill had very nearly vertical scarps and counterscarps almost as steep, thanks to the solid rock. In most of the European fortresses the concrete counterscarp is almost vertical, fences being substituted for the scarps. Is this wise? During the first bombardment of Fort Xo. Ill we frequently observed the Japanese firing against the scarp with 6-inch howitzers. They probably did not know that it was a monolith and were trying to destro}^ it. In the nnddle of the scarp a small depression had been made, which was afterwards filled with earth and stones. JNlany pro- jectiles struck here, but during a month they only succeeded in breaking the depression down about 2^ feet at the top.
It seemed to us, then, that if the scarp had consisted of earth with a fence it would have been easy to destroy it. Each shell would have reduced the slope aiul when the counterscarp had fallen into the hands of the Japanese the
154 COUNTERSCARP GALLERIES.
linal destruction of the fence and capture of the fort would not have been difficuh. Such ditches would offer only half the resistance offered by the ditches at Port Arthur. The determination of the best type of scarp is a most important problem. In my opinion we should return to the vertical concrete scarp. The enemy will endeavor to destroy it by curved fire, which it must therefore be constructed to with- stand. Economy might be considered by constructing it in offsets thick at the top and thin at the bottom. For pro- tection against fire the ditch should be limited in width to 35 feet and the glacis should be as high as possible, or the ditch might be dug by offsets, making it deeper at the scarp than at the coiniterscarp. Thus the half of the ditch next the scarp might be 31^ feet, the other half being only 21 feet.
COUNTERSCARP GALLERIES.
One of the most important i)rol>lems raised by the siege of Port Arthur is that of flanking ditches. The opinions of the defenders of the fortress and of engineers who were not at the seat of war vary greatly, and many controversies have arisen. Some assert that the counterscarp galleries did not fire a single shot and that, in general, the siege has ]:)roved that such galleries are utterly useless; others assert that the siege proved the great importance of these flank- ing galleries. ^Mio is right? Should the flanking galler- ies be retained, and if retained should they remain unaltered, or should they be replaced by the old type of caponiers and half-caponiers near the scarp? To solve this mooted ques- tion it is necessary to determine what may be expected of the different types of flanking defenses and what will be required of them.
It has been stated that the counterscarp galleries of Fort No. II played an important role on i\.ugust 22, forcing the Japanese to desist from the assault. The same results would have been accomplished by caponiers constructed in the ditch. The usefulness of the counterscarp galleries was not affected by the appearance of 11-inch mortars, but such would not have been the case with caponiers in the ditch. When we consider the accurate firing of the mortars which hit the target at the second shot (a gun at Fort No. Ill and a casemate at Fort No. II, on October 1), it is easy to see that
COUNTERSCARP GALLERIES. 155
Ihese half-caponiers would very (|uickly become uiiteiial)!*'. AVe had an excellent example in the case of the ^^or^^c caponier of Fort Xo. III. It is true that nuich time wm- required to silence this caponier, hut exci-y iior^c caponiei- is better covered than the caponier at the middle of the front face and the half-caponiers on the flanks. The com plete security of counterscarp galleries fi-om the effects of shell fire is a feature AA^hich should not be overlooked. 'J'hose who oppose counterscarp galleries nuiintain that the Japanese easily took possession of such galleries by explod- ing bursting charges over them and that the ditches thus remained without defense.
The fact that these galleries were so easily taken was our OAvn fault. Thus, the first damage to the counterscarp gal- lery of P'ort Xo. II was not caused by a Japanese shell, as is asserted by some, nor Avas it because the rear Avail of the gal- lery Avas exposed to vicAv by a small landslip. It Avas the result of the explosion of one of our OAvn camoufiets, Avhich laid bare the rear Avail." This suggested the idea to. the Japanese of leaving their gallery and bloAving in the ex- posed gallery from above.
At the counterscarp galleries of Fort Xo. Ill, conditions Avere not better. . It has already been mentioned that there Avas a trench at the foot of the glacis of this fort. The right flank of this trench near the ditch Avas immecliateh^ above the roof of the gallery. After they had taken this trench the Japanese AA'ere able to reach the roof of the gallery easil3\ About tAvo Aveeks before they took the trench orders had been given, in vieAv of the approach of the Japanese to the crest of the glacis, to make a countermining galkny from' the counterscarp gallery. It must be observed that the coun- terscarp gallery had been covered Avith a lav'er of gravel. In order to make the mining gallery it Avas necessary to cut a hole through the concrete rear Avail and excavate the gallery in the gravel. Much graA^el fell into the excaA'ation from' aboA^e and Avas carried out. The upper part of the counter-
" " On the contrary, part of the rear concrete wall of the counter- scarp gallery was bare, which betrayed its presence to the Japanese and presented a convenient point of attack for further mining wai'- fare." The Fight for Port Arthur, appendix to Streffleur's Militiirische Zeitschrift, page 149.
156 COUNTEKSCAKP GALLERIES.
scarp gallery was thus exi)osed to view. Here again we ex- posed to the Japanese that which should have been concealed.
It is true that Ave would have gained only two or three nights had this not happened, but it is equally true that little energy was displayed in the defense of the galleries. This was due in great measure to the fact that little importance Avas attached to the galleries Avhen the fort Avas building. At the beginning of the siege there Avere no guns in these galleries, the 57-mm. guns intended for them haA^ng been placed on the Chinese Avail. In order to complete the equip- ment of the gallery of Fort No. Ill, we had to beg three 37-mm. guns from the marines.
Another example of the contempt in which, the counter- scarp galleries Avere held may be found at Redoubt No. Ill, where it was preferred to cover them with stones and cement rather than to lead out countermines from them. Is there any Avonder that the garrisons defended them Aveakly?
It is alleged that the counterscarp galleries did not fire a single shot. This was because they completely fulfilled their purpose Avhile they Avere in our hands Avithout being required to fire. The enemy feared them and would not ex- pose himself to their fire. He decided to take possession of them by a slow but sure process, thus preventing them from firing, after which he Avould be free to storm the forts. If fortress Avarfare be a struggle for time, the "counterscarp galleries should be given credit for having kept off the enemy for two months and not for having failed to fulfill the end for Avhich they were built.
The counterscarp galleries might certainly have been held longer and been more useful to the defense if more care had been gi\"en to their construction and if adequate measures had been taken for their defense. Little Avas done to fulfill these ends. A concrete Avork was sunk into the ground ; the men sitting in it could see nothing; the garrison in the fort took little thought of it and did little to defend it ; and noAv Ave say that counterscarp galleries are Avorthless. Such an opinion can be formed only in ignorance by men Avho do not comprehend Avhat j-eally took place. The ])r()blem is so simple that there should be no ground for contention. It is clear that half-caponiers, adjoining the scarp, and head capo- niers may be subjected not only to enfilade and curved fire, but to direct fire, and may be quickly demolished. It
SEARCHLIGHTS IX FORTS. 157
is equally clear that fialleries in the counterscarp are jjro- tected from fire. The a(lvanta<^e lies on tiie -^i(l«' of the counterscarp galler3\ As to the ease Avith wliich counter- scarp <>:alleries may be mined, it may be said that, if coun- ter mines have to be laid for the defense of counterscarp ji:alleries, they must also be laid for the defense of the capo- niers, which may be mined almost as easily as the <;alleries. It is onl}' necessary to capture the crest of the glacis, sink a shaft into the ditcli. and diive a gallery across it.
For the mining defense of caponiers adjoining the scarp, it is necessary to dig a special gallery in the counterscarp. For the counterscarp galleries this work is easier, the con- struction of a countermining system being simpler and cheaper.
AVe therefore come to the conclusion that the defense of ditches must remain such as it was at Port Arthur, and that in constructing counterscarp galleries, galleries for counter- mining should also be constructed.
The interior dimensions of the connterscarp galleries were satisfactory. The front wall, which is not exposed to fire, need not be over 3 feet thick, but the thickness of the roof and of the rear wall should be increased to 9 feet, as two or three men can always creep unnoticed to the counterscarp even in the early period of an attack, place a dynamite cart- ridge of 50 or 60 pounds over the gallery and explode it. With 9 feet of concrete such an explosion will haA^e no effect. To bring a larger charge wotdd require such a large detach- ment that it would not be able to approach the gallery un- noticed.
THE INSTALLATION OF SEARCHLIGHTS IN THE FORTS AND THE ILLUMINATION OF THE DITCHES.
A special chapter has been devoted to searchlights. We proposed three searchlights for each fort, one lai-ge light in the fort itself and two small lights for the rear cajionier.
It is impossible to specify the exact point at which the large searchlight should be placed. This depends in each case on the type of the fort and the configuration of the ter- rain. The first requirement for the large searchlight is that, in lighting the terrain around the fort, it shcmld not illumi- nate the fort itself. This end mav l)e attained bv various
158 ILLUMINATION OF DITCHES.
appliances. The second requirement is that ranging by the enemy on the searclilight should Ije rendered difficult by making it mobile, so that its place may be changed fre- quently. The infantry banquette, where it may be covered and where its ra3^s do not fall on the fort, appears to be the best place for it.
The location for the dynamo depends upon the location of the searchlight. The dynamo may be placed in the shelter for the men on duty, or in one of the flanking galleries. It is desirable that the illuminated arc be as near 180° as possi- ble, so as to be able to light up not only the terrain in front, but also the approaches to the adjacent forts.
The purpose, location, and operation of the searchlights for intermediate caponiers have already been discussed in Chapter VI, page 111.
The question of lighting the ditches has raised a contro- versy^ among the defenders of Port Arthur like that raised by counterscarp galleries. Some hold that the ditches should be lighted every night, while others maintain the opposite opinion. According to my personal observation this ques- tion should be decided as follows : In keeping the ditches constantly lighted we provide in a way for their immediate security, but we enable all who approach the top of the coun- terscarp to observe the ditch easily, and thus assist them to reconnoiter it and determine its width and depth, and the position of the counterscarp galleries, sentinels, etc. More- over, the constant lighting of the ditches discloses the posi- tion of the fort from afar, for it is impossible to illuminate the ditches so that the enemy can not see the light from a great distance.
From this point of view, the constant lighting of the ditches is harmful. On the other hand, it is very desirable to be able to illuminate them at the moment the enemy en- ters them, so that the garrison can take in the full situation and the guns and machine guns operate with effect against the ladders and groups of the storming parties. The great necessity for this was shown at Fort No. Ill during the Oc- tober assaults, when it was necessary to throw into the ditch burning sheaves of straw soaked in kerosene. Brilliant ilhmiination at the opportune moment has a great moral effect ; it encourages the garrison and spreads panic among
GARRISON OF THE FORT. 15!)
the assailants. Ditches shouhl therefore he liLf^litod (liiriiM-- assaults, hut not constantly. Moreover, the}' shouhl he lighted from a counterscarp gallery, and a special enihrasure should be made for this purpose.
COVERED PASSAGES.
Nothing proves better the necessity for the strictest service of security in the defense of forts than the history of the capture of the counterscari) galleries of Forts Nos. II and III.
The fact that the enemy could approach the very top of the counterscarp unnoticed and measure the ditch of Fort Xo. II and that nobody hindered him from putting bursting charges under the walls of the flanking casemates of the tAvo forts and exploding them (this was done twice at Fort Xo. Ill) would appear to indicate clearly either that the security service of the forts in general and of the flanking casemates in 23articular Avas not of the best or that there was no watch whatever. Such criticism is unwarranted. The sentinels Avere stationed on the banquettes of the parapets and ob- served throtigh the embrasures. On dark nights thej^ could see nothing that was taking place in front at a distance of more than 40 or 50 paces, the width of the parapets and part of the glacis, and the enemy, taking advantage of the holes in the glacis plowed up by projectiles, coidd reach the top unnoticed.
It was impossible to place other sentinels nearer to the glacis, as there was no shelter for them. As early as August we saw the necessity for covered communications. The ex- plosions luider the Avails of the counterscarp galleries, in October, confirmed us still more in this opinion and also confirmed the truth of Vauban's dictum that " covered com- munications are the eyes and the ears of a fort."
THE GARRISON OF THE FORT.
What should be the garrison of a fort? All the forts...of Port Arthur Avere constructed for one company each, 200 strong. During the first period of the defense only one com- paiiy Avas assigned to each fort but the garrisons of some' forts far exceeded 200jnfiiu__Thus the company stationed at 444G1— OS 11
160 GARRISON OF THE FORT.
Fort No. Ill consisted of 350 men, but even this number was
insufficient.
One-fourth of the garrison of this fort was detailed every
night for security service, one-fourth for duty, and one-fourth \ to repair damages, while the other fourth rested. At least jV_80 men were necessary for security service and the number
fj detailed for this duty was never smaller." To repair damages / 40 men were detailed until midnight and 40 after midnight. r / V To distribute the work equally, the garrison should have four A I reliefs of 80 men each plus a certain number for interior serv- / ice. Hence 350 men are required at the lowest estimate. We I must also bear in mind that the garrison will suffer losses from the beginning of the siege. It will therefore be de- sirable to have in each fort tw^o companies of -200 men each, or 400 men in all.
Assuming the firing line of the front face to be 280 feet in length and of the lateral faces 280 feet, and assuming 1 man for every 7 feet of parapet, we find that 80 men are re- quired; adding one-fourth for the reserve, we see that 100 men are required for one relief. There should be four reliefs and the entire garrison should consist of 400 men. Such a garrison is necessary during the first part of the siege. Dur- ing the period close to the assault, when the enemy is near the glacis and has his reserves in the second parallel, i. e., nearer to his advance troops than our reserves are from the fort, the garrison should be increased by at least one com- pany so that it would number GOO men. Such Avere the meas- ures required for the defense of the forts at Port Arthur. The failure to recognize the necessities of the case had imme- diate and fatal consequences for Fort No. II.
The entire garrison must be stationed in bombproof shel- ters. With the construction in forts of a separate shelter for the men on duty and of infantry galleries, in addition to the casemate, it will be possible tt) shelter tlie entire gar- rison. The gorge casemate should accommodate one com- pany. It should have tw^o exits, a separate room for the officers, a kitchen, and a storeroom. The height of the case- mate should be such that a second tier of sleeping shelves may be added in time of mobilization, so as to accommodate an additional company.
THE PARADE OF THE FORT. Kil
TIIK I'AHADi: OK 11 IK KOHT,
Wo have nlroady spoken of the elevated l)attery in per- manent eniphu-enients at Fort No. III. We have also spoken of the injury done by the fire drawn by this battery. But there was one exceHent feature connected with it. The battery parapet stopped manv a projectik^ which would have fallen into the covered passage to the casemate. Althou<rh this passage Avas covered with earth on the side exposed to fire, yet the constant fall of large projectiles would i)robably have destroyed it and blocked the exit. When it l)ecame evi- dent that the enemy was going to blow up the rauii)art this battery was utilized as a retrenchment for a second line of defense in the fort. The concrete of the emplacement was much damaged, however, and the trench constructed in solid rock in front was shallow, and the retrenchment could not hold out long. If better constructed, it might have been of great use.
The value of a retrenchment as a rear traverse with regai'd to the gorge became apparent. The gorge constitutes a de- fensive position against attack from the rear of the fort. Having sent troops to the rear of a fort to assault the gorge, the enemy will prepare for the assault by shrapnel fire from his batteries in front of the fort against the un- protected rear of the troops lining the gorge parapet. This Avas so evident at Port Arthur that it was decided that the infantry parapet of the gorge of Redoubt No. 8 should not be manned. A trench was dug on the gorge rampart 14 feet from the crest, so that the men Avere protected from the rear. A similar trench was dug on the left flank of the gorge of Fort Xo. Ill Avhen the rear tra Averse Avas destroyed.
We conclude, therefore, that the gorge of the fort should be loAver than the face and flanks and that it should be coA'ered by a traverse as high as the front face or a little higher. This traverse will coAer the rear of the gorge and serve as a retrenchment for firing against the parade in front of it. BetAveen the retrenchment and the flanks, passages should be left, and a traverse should be constructed from the center of the retrenchment to the front face as a protection against enfilade fire and to localize the effects of shell burst- ing in the parade.
162 MASKING OF FORTS.
THP: MASKIX(! OI" foiits.
We have already said that measures to conceal the fort should be taken while it is under construction, as a fort Avhich is not masked at the time it is building: will never be completely masked. The means required to conceal it later will be different from what would be required during its construction. In the past no effort has been made to leave the configuration of the terrain as little al- tered as possible. Care was taken that the parapets should be of sufficient height and thickness and that a spacious parade should l)e formed in the interior allowing free movements unhampered by traverses, etc. The plan was begun by determining a theoretical and in most cases horizontal area as a basis to form the necessary number of mounds and depressions. Thus the site of the fort lost its primitive shape.
Tlie parapets of the forts had to be higher than the sur- rounding terrain. If we add that the firing lines of the forts were always strictly horizontal, a configuration never met in nature, except in the case of water areas, it will readily be understood that forts could not be concealed by the nu)st skillful use of turf. The slopes of the ramparts, presenting plane surfaces, were often joined directly to sharp ridges, easily detected by the shadows formed by the sunlight at various times during the day. The use of soft, rounded connections between the slopes was utterly ignored.
The system of fort construction must, therefore, be funda- mentally altered. The site on which the fort is to be con- structed should not have its configuration changed. A most irregular trace will sometimes be the result; the faces will be of different heights; the ditches may not be parallel to the ramparts; while the firing line, traverses, and retrench- ments will have a wavy shape corresponding to the relief of the site, etc. The fort, however, if it conforms to the terrain, will not be easily detected and ranging will be difficult. The construction, moreover, will not suffer. The ramparts, traverses, and retrenchments will in many cases consist of the natural soil which is more solid and resistant than arti- ficial earth construction. Mounds and depressions may be joined to each other and harmonized by the use of soft,
MASKING OF FORTS. . 163
I'ound connections conntiMfcitinii- nature. It shonld not he forgotten that tlu' cost of cartli construction in a fort gen- erally forms only from 10 to 15 per cent of the entire expen- diture. These measures, in addition to affording excellent I'oncealment, will give great solidity to the ramparts and a better cover for the gorge, and will localize the effects of shell fragments.
Such measures are possible only in a hilly region, but in the construction of forts on level terrain it is equally' desirable to nuisk them better than formerly. It is advisable to avoid a regulation height for ramparts, which in each case should not exceed the height required for firing, the depth of the [)arade being increased by excavation if necessary.
It Avill be difficult, under any circumstances, to secure entire concealment by such methods and it will therefore be neces- sary to plant trees. They should be planted not only in front but also in rear of the works, so that the trees in front may not stand out in bold relief against the sky. This measure will to a great extent prevent the enemy from determining the site of the works. Trees should l)e ])lanted not only in the immediate vicinity of the forts but along the entire front.
CHAPTER IX.
(See Plates V, VII, VIII, IX, and X.)
PROJECT FOR A FORTRESS— PROJECT FOR AN INTERMEDIATE RE- DOUBT FOR ONE COMPANY.
The following plan for a fortress is suggested. It con- tains a resume of all that has been said.«
In order to protect the nucleus of the fortress from bom- bardment the line of forts has been advanced to (> miles from the city. On account of local conditions, however, the dis- tance from the city varies between 5^ and 6f miles. The perimeter of the fortress is 35^ miles. The distance between the forts does not exceed 1^ miles. The distance between forts and intermediate redoubts varies between one-half and five-sixths of a mile.
In view of the local conditions some of the intermediate caponiers are located without reference to the forts. The intervals between the forts are equipped partly with para- pets and ditches and partly with a parapet onl3^ The parapet and ditch is used on comparatively unbroken ter- rain, the parapet only, on very broken terrain. The para- pets are on the line of forts in places, but are generally about 120 yards in rear of the forts, passages being left on each side of the forts and interjnediate redoubts for sorties and for troops entering or leaving the fortress. These pas- sages are narrow, not exceeding from 50 to 60 yards, for the narrower the passage the more easily it may be defended, and, moreover, troops never leave or enter a fortress on a wide front. It is better to have numerous narrow passages rather than a few wide passages. The firing banquette of the parapet is greatly widened in places to form positions for counter-assault guns.
The ditches in front of the parapet have a flanking defense from 57-min. and machine guns mounted in caponiers in
"A section of the fortress is sliown in PI. VIII. 164
PROJECT FOK A rOKTHEbtt. 165
tho ditches or in mol)ilc armored turrets placed in the ditches or in the open. The ditches are ])rotected by a <rlacis with a covered way for sentinels.
Tniniediatcly in i-ear of the parapets arc cascinated traverses for the troops on (hity in the intervals, each inter- val of 1;\ miles bein^ equipped with four half-company con- crete ca.semates. About 120 yards in rear of the ])arapets, covered by folds in the <i;Tound, are two one-company concrete casemates for each interval.
In rear of the company casemates, but as near to them as possible, there is a metaled road protected by accidents of the terrain. >vith branches to the forts and ivdoubts. Con- tinuous belts of trees run alono- the <::lacis and at its foot around the entire fortress. Roads and casemates should be masked in the same Avay if the terrain is open and the i)ara- pets do not afford concealment. The foreooini^ measures are necessary for the preparation of the infantry fighting posi- tion.
The road forms the outer limit of the artillery position. The batteries are distributed from this line to the center of the fortress. Close to the forts are the reconnoitering bat- teries and the mortar batteries, a little farther in rear the howitzer batteries, and still farther in rear the re- maining long-range batteries of 6-inch Canet, G-inch, and 4.-2-inch guns. Each battery has from two to four guns. In time of peace the sites for the batteries are marked. Small concrete casemates are constructed for the gunners and maga- zines for a three days' supply of ammunition. Three or four batteries form a fire command. On the elevated points of the artillery position permanent observation stations arc built for the fire commanders. They are constructed of con- crete or are armored turrets. The batteries of each fire com- mand are connected with each other and with the fire com- mander's station by underground telephone. Fire com- manders' stations are connected by telephone with the obser- vation station of the commander of the fortress artillery.
Each fire command has a magazine with sufficient annnu- nition for five days, located from 350 to 4.')0 yards in rear of the batteries, in a well-concealed position. It is connected with the batteries by a portable raihvay. AVell concealed in rear of the artillery position runs the main Ihie of the fortress
166 PROJECT FOR A REDOUBT.
railwa}^, connected by radiating branches with the magazines and depots in the city and by branches of portable railway with all the magazines, with each front of the fortress, and with the metaled road.
All batteries, magazines, observation stations, roads, and railways are carefully concealed from the observation of the enemy. Xo expenditure can be too great to secure conceal- ment, so well will it be repaid in time of siege.
The second line of defense is from 2 to 2f miles in rear of the first line of forts. It consists only of forts as points of supports, the intervals between the forts being fortified during mobilization by trenches and temporary works. Here greater economy may be exercised. The forts may be from 1^ to 2 miles from each other. The parapets need not be constructed in time of peace, but it would be desirable to have a one-company concrete casemate in each interval. In establishing the second line one imperative requirement must be observed. The first line must be effectiveh' covered every- where by the fire of the second.
A permanent observation station for the commandant is shown on Height 95.« This station is connected by under- ground telephone with the detachment headquarters. De- tachment headquarters are likewise connected with sec- tion headquarters, which in turn are connected with the forts and redoubts. Metallic circuits are used and the sys- tem is independent of the artillery telephone system.
Three searchlights are placed in each fort, one on each redoubt and four in each interval between the forts. The smaller details are not shown in the plan.
PROJECT FOR AN INTERMEDIATE REDOUBT FOR ONE COMPANY.
The plan here proposed for an intermediate redoubt is based upon experience gained at the siege of Port Arthur.
The parade, in order to defilade it effectively, is sunk 21 feet ; the ramparts are partly built up and consist in part of undisturbed natural soil. The work is somewhat elongated in depth, as it is constructed to conform to the terrain. As may be seen from Plate IX, the casemates for the garrison are under the gorge rampart. The separate casemates have
" This height is not shown in the sketch. — Tr.
PROJECT FOR A RKD(JUI3T. Kh
windows lookin«>: into the goi<i^e ditoli and doors opening; into ii rear covered passage. This passage coinniunioates with the gallei'V under the retrenolunent througli an underground passage, with the infantry galleries on the faces, the scarp gallery, the gorge ditch, the counterscarp gallery by a pas- sage under the gorge ditch, and with the passage running to the rear of the redoubt.
The gallery under the retrenchment has exits into the parade between the gorge rampart and the retrenchment, and between the front face and the retrenchment. It com- municates with the shelter under the front face for the men on duty and with the infantry galleries on the flanks.
The shelter for the men on duty is a two-storied casement. The detachment occupies the lower story, while the upper serves as a shelter for the counter-assault guns. The lower story is connected with the passage to the scarp and counter- scarp galleries.
The parai^ets on the front face are cut in the natural soil.
The flanks of the fort gradually decrease in height from the angles with the front face of the gorge, which is 14 feet lower than the front face. Being covered, also, by the rear traverse, the gorge is thus protected from accurate fire from the front. The rear traverse is prepared for infantry de- fense and serves as a retrenchment, the necessity for which was demonstrated at all the forts and redoubts, attacked at Port Arthur. This retrenchment serves, moreover, as a background for the parapets in front, which will thus be less clearly defined than against the clear background of the sky.
The traverse running from the retrenchment to the front face is a protection against flank fire and localizes the effects of shell bursting in the parade.
Two barbettes for four counter-assault 57-mm. rapid-fire guns each are erected at the angles of the front face. These guns are kept in shelters close to the barbettes. The eleva- tion of the barbettes above the platform in front of the shel- ters is only 8 feet. The slope is one- fifth, which allows the guns to be run quickly into position for firing. A whip may be used for this purpose, the block being secured in the barbette.
168 PROJECT FOR A REDOUBT.
In the shelter for the guns there are separate rooms for officers and for the gunners, a small magazine, and a latrine. The detachment on duty, which consists of a platoon, is <|uartered in the loAver story. The men mount by a stairway to the upper story and emerge through four exits on the banquette. The lower story communicates directly with the flank galleries and the gorge casemates.
On account of the impossibility, so signally shown at Port Arthur, of supporting the intervals between the forts by rifle fire from the flanks of the forts when the forts are sub- jected to artillery fire, it is necessary to construct special pro- tection for the firing lines on the flanks. Concrete or ar- mored galleries serve this purpose. Among those who did not take part in the war and see the advantages of such gal- leries in practice, our celebrated engineer, A. P. Shoshin, alone shares our opinion on this question. He constructed such a gallery in 1905.
His gallery, however, can be used only on the front face, as it is open in rear and affords no protection against enfilade and reverse fire when placed on the flanks. The galleries which we propose are closed altogether. They are covered at the top with 4-inch steel armor which, according to Gen- eral Durlacher's tables, can not be penetrated by 11-inch mortar shells at a range of 3^ miles. The gallery is divided every 10|^ feet by 2-inch concrete traverses, which serve to localize the effects of gases and shell fragments in case the armor should be pierced. Moreover, this allows the armor to be placed in sections and fastened to the traverses and to the rear wall of the gallery.
Two or three reserve plates are provided to cover dam- aged places temporarily and to replace broken plates. The gallery is provided with ventilators at the top. To provide additional protection in rear the gallery extends 7 feet in front of the banquette, which permits a layer of earth to be placed in rear and an infantry parapet to be placed on top. The parapet may be used by the reserves, especially at ^ night, when the enemy can not fire effectively with his artil- lery. Traverses should be built on the banquette during mobilization. The men will be covered from the front by shields, as shown in profile 8, Plate X.
PROJECT FOR A REDOUBT. 1(19
Til the ffoi'ae iinirles ctf the unlU'iies are arniore<l turrets for iiiiichine iruns. soiiiewlial advanced, so as to increase the arc of fii-c. A covered passaire leads from these jjorj^e aiiirh's to the covered jtassaffe or corrider in rear of the liorge casemates. There are ten casemates for the men, an officers* quarters, a kitchen, and two hitrines for ten persons each. Larire recesses may be formed in the rear wall of the corridor for the storage of su])plies.
Almost Avithout exception the Port Arthur forts were absolutely cut oti' from the foi"ti'ess durinii" bombardments and assaults. The approaches near the forts were fired upon by the enemy, and it Avas impossible to reach the forts. TTence the reserves could not reach them in time to reen- force the garrisons. This occurred not once, but frequoiitly. It is therefore of the utmost importance to have safe com- munication from the fort to the nearest place in its rear i-apable of covering movements of troops, such as a depres- sion, ravine, wood, or hill. The defenders of Port Arthur are almost unanimous in favor of such communications. An underground gallery for this purpose is shown leading to the rear from the central casemate.
For the transportation of heavy articles ramps are made in the counterscarj) and the scarp of the gorge ditch.
On account of the properties of the soil (sand) and for the purpose of increasing the obstacles to assaults, the scarp and counterscarp are made of concrete in the shape of galleries. The flanking casemates are in the counterscarp. Each flank- ing casemate has one 57-mm. and a machine gun and an em- brasure for lighting the ditch. The flanking casemates and the counterscarp galleries are protected by a countermine system running 100 feet to the front. The gallery in the scarp is protected in the same way. but here the countermine system runs 14 feet below the first system. The gorge coun- terscarp need not be i:e vetted.
Observation maj' be made from two turrets placed on the ramparts of the front face for this purpose, from the nui- chine-gun turrets, and from the firing galleries. The gorge ditch is flanked by four machine guns in the caponier adjoining the casemates. Embrasures are provided for lighting.
The thickness of the concrete in all constructions is *,> feet with the exception of the shelter for the counter-assault guns
170 PROJECT FOR A REDOUBT.
Avhere reeiiforced concrete 7 aiicl 7^ feet is used and for the underground passage from the casemates, the location of ^Yhich is difficult to find. Where reenforcecl concrete- is used the thickness of the Avails may be considerably decreased.
The opinion formerly held that the defense of the intervals could be effected by the cross fire of artillery from points of supports, brought about the proposition to construct in the forts, rear intermediate caponiers ■' and casemated flanks.'' It was thought that the forts would be capable of giving each other such a strong mutual support that something like a •' fire curtain " would be formed in front of the interval, Avhich the enemy would be unable to penetrate. But doubt arose as to the reliability of such defense. Among various propositions for strengthening the defense of the intervals, that of General Todleben, developed by Colonel Velichko, and hiter the proposition of Lieutenant-Colonel Prussak, favored the permanent fortification of intervals. In Chapter IV, I spoke of these propositions, and stated that the first days of the attack shoAved that the expectation of basing the defense of the intervals exclusively on the fire of the forts Avas A'isionary.
It Avas found that it Avas impossible to combine the in- fantry fire of the forts with the fire of the rear caponiers, that forts can not give infantry fire support during the day, and that the operations of the rear caponiers are greatly ham- pered by broken terrain. In the night the infantry could fire Avhile the fire of the caponiers could not be utilized to advantage. Searchlights afforded some assistance, but little in broken ground. Without the expenditure of enormous amounts of ammunition modern conditions are such that forts can not support the intervals by infantry fire under the fire AAdiich may be concentrated upon them. It Avas proA'ed that trenches and temporary works can not Avithstand the onrush of an energetic attack. It Avas proved, too, that the enemy can, by skillful demonstrations, easily deflect re- serves from the point where they haA'e decided to break through, and that the reserves shoidd not, therefore, be re- lied upon to preA'ent the enemy from penetrating into the fortress.
"Colonel X'elicliko. ''Colonel Prnssak.
CHAPTER X.
(See riate I.) CONCLUSION.
In summarizinof all that has been said upon the many ques- tions raised bv the siege, we come to the conclusion that the siege of Port Arthur, in addition to affording information on other topics, showed decisiA'ely that the fate of a modern fortress is decided on the line of forts. This was clear be- fore the siege. Port Arthur only confirmed it. The for- tress succumbed the day after the line of forts fell. This demonstrates the secondary importance of enceintes and in- termediate lines of defense and shows the line of forts to be the main fighting line, the vital part of the fortress.
Having taken as an epigraph for our work the Avords of Colonel Velichko. '' On this line of forts the battles for the defense of the fortress must be fought ; here the artillery and infantry must offer a decisive resistance to the eneni}^," and fully sharing his conviction, we have considered, in as detailed a manner as possible, the measures necessary to enable the garrison to offer this decisive resistance to the enemy.
One of the proposed measures was the erection of perma- nent Avorks in the intervals between the forts — i. e.. the con- struction of sections of permanent parapets with ditches. This solution is not new. It has been proposed many times: it has given rise to many discussions; and will doubtless be the subject of many a future controversy. I am convinced, however, that I am more favorably circumstanced than my jDredecessors. for I am able to base my proposition not upon theory alone, but upon experience in war. It is possible, indeed, that I have failed to understand the questions in- volved and have made incorrect deductions.
Let us tr}' to sift the matter. The quotation from Colonel Velichko shows clearly the importance which he attaches to the line of forts. Deciding here to make a most energetic resistance on this line, he has sought the means by which for- tifications may assist the artillery and infantry most effec- tually.
171
/
172 • CONCLI'SION,
BiisiiiiT all (lecliictioii.s upon examples from the assaults at Port Arthur, ^Ye have said that the idea of defending the intervals with the aid of the cross fire of forts, correct in itself, can not be relied upon alone, but needs an essential and indispensable supplement in the form of permanent ])arapets and ditches between the forts. Only thus is it pos- sible to put into practice the fine conception contained in our epigraph.
Our conclusion is based upon the important part played by the Chinese wall during the assault in the night of August 23-24, when, owing to its existence, a small reserve of two companies succeeded in preventing the enemy from breaking through on a wide front. We would invite attention to the importance of this Avail during the rest of the siege.
The first consequence of this unsuccessful assault was a radical change in the enem^-'s plan of attack. A council convoked on the following day by (leneral Nogi came to the iniwelcome but definite conclusion that it was impossible to break through the interval, however desirable it might be to do so, and that the fortress could lie taken only by regular siege operations.
On the morning of August 20 the first siege works, consist- ing of long covered communications from the captured works, Fortifications Xos. 1 and 2. back to the Japanese lines, were begun, and on the 31st the direction of the first parallel was clearly defined. After this, approaches were begun from the first parallel to Forts Xos. TI and III and to Caponiers Nos. 2 and 3.
The failure to break through inspired such awe in the J"ap- iinese for the Chinese wall that e\en after capturing the caponiers, the last remaining work> in the interval between the forts, they did not assault it again, but continued siege operations, not only against the forts, but against the Avall itself. Having approached it to within a distance of 15 to 30 paces, they began mining operations against it in De- cember."
""The successful repulse of this fe.irfn] attack gave the Russians more than four months, because it forced the enemy to retreat. * * * rndoubtedly this was the greatest success which could be <»btained in a struggle with so bold and determined an enemy." Die Kiimpfe um I'ort Arthur.
CONCLUSION. 173
The tliird important benefit unined from the Chinese Wiiil was that it enabled a small <i;arrison to hold a wide extent of front, and thus released a lai'ii'e part of the general reserve for the defense of such important positions as 174-Meter Hill. Undoubtedly it was only the existence of the Chinese wall that curbed the impulse of the Japanese for decisive action, made them resort to the slow operations of a siege, and enabled us to gain four months and hold 174-Meter Hill until December. This was so evident during the siege that there was no difference among the defenders as to the value of the Chinese wall to the defense.
Having demonstja^ed-thF actual possibility of breaking through intervals betAveen forts, having shown that trenches and temporary works are not sufficient for the defense of the intervals, and^ having supported our conclusions by descrip- tions of combats and a series of official telephone messages, we proposed to strengthen the intervals by premanent forti- fications. We are firmly convinced that a different solution of this problem is impossible.
One question remains: Should all the intervals be fur- nished with permanent fortifications? The answer to this question depends upon the nature and purpose of a fortress.
The purpose of a fortress is, according to Professor Eng- man, " to detain around it the greatest possible number of hostile troops for the longest possible time with the smallest possible garrison." In a later edition of his work this defini- tion is somewhat altered and reads:
The purpose of a fortress is to enable the smallest possible garrison to defend a given strategic point for the longest possible period, detain- ing around it the greatest possible number of hostile troops.
In the last edition, published this year and edited by Colonel Zubareff, this definition has undergone another change —
The purpose of a fortress is to defend a given strategic point with the smallest possible garrison for the longest possible period against numerically superior forces of the enemy.
Thus within a period of ten years the definition has under- gone a series of changes. The only cause is to be found in the want of clearness in the meaning of the term " fortress." That this is the case may be seen if we examine the definition in the essay of 1895. This definition is conditional, non-
174
CONCLUSION,
committal. We do not receivt' a clear conception of the pur- pose of a fortress, but only the vague images — " the greatest possible number," " the longest possible time," " the smallest j)ossible garrison." All is "■ possible " and nothing more. Not a word is said about stubborn defense or the holding of what is being defended, as if the entire sense lies in the ex- pression " detain around." It is evident that the author of the definition perceived its vagueness. He formulated it somewhat differently in the next edition; but the vagueness still existed, although somewhat diminished. The definition was still conditional.
The third form of the definition is clearer than the others, but even there " j^ossible " is used twice. Lastly, according to the definition of Colonel Yelichko, the purpose of a for- tress is " the protection of important strategic points on the main theater of war for the purpose of assisting as much as possible the defensive as well as the offensive operations (maneuvering) of the field armies." " This definition is more definite than the others, but it is conditional. The exasper- ating " possible " remains, and the definition is made more obscure by the addition of the word " maneuvering." This term called for a further definition which we forbear to quote.
Fortresses have existed since the most ancient times and will ever continue to exist for one purpose only, the " stub- born defense of a given point." The shape of fortresses has changed, as well as their dimensions, armaments, garrisons, and outAvorks, but their purpose can not change. The " point " and the " fortress " must not be confounded. The value of a point may change. To-day it is important for political reasons; to-morrow its political importance may have passed away and it may have only a commercial im- portance; later, its strategic importance ma}^ be recognized, etc. The value of the point depends on various circum- stances, but the object of its fortifications Avill always be the same. Only with a change in the importance of the point can the shape and extent of the fortifications be changed.
We therefore arrive at the folloAving definition : " The purpose of a fortress is to assist in the stubborn defense of a given point until the end of the war."
"Yelichko
Tho EuifiiH'crinL' Dc^fcnse of the Country."
CONCLUSION. 175
The iniportaiice of the point from a striite<ric point of view detennines the influence of the fortress upon events. Thus the fortress may jirotect a crossing, secure a line of communications, or shelter an army. Dependin*: ui)on the importance of the point, a forti-ess is built so as to fulfill its i)roi)er role, and this is attained cither by dimensions or armament. This importance may l)e seen lono- in advance or only during the course of a campaign. Fortresses, accord- ingly, are built either during peace or in time of war, and although one and the same purpose is served, namely, de- fense, the stubbornness of the defense will va^3^
In the course of the same campaign the strategic impor- tance of a point may vary, but the purpose of the fortress remains the same. Let us take the case of Liaoyang. At the beginning of the war it served as a point for the deploy- ment of the army. A temporary fortress was erected. When the lines of advance of the Japanese became clearly defined in August, 1904, Liaoyang became important as a [)osition to prevent their further advance, but its fortifica- tions had still the same purpose — stubborn defense, resist- ance, protection. Undoubtedly the fortifications enabled (xeneral Kuropatkin to maneuver with his main forces against Kuroki, but this was only of an accidental and sec- ondary importance, w'hile the essential purpose of the fortress remained unchanged.
There are many historical examples of the use of fortresses for such strategic purposes, from which we may see that fortresses have often assisted armies to maneuver. But these examples prove that this use of fortresses was rarely fore- seen, and that in most cases it was acci(;lental and always secondary. The principal thing which was, is, and ever shall be demanded of a fortress is the stubborn defense until the end of the war of a point which the country has found necessary to hold and has fortified for this purpose. It is this purpose which must be considered in the planning and construction of fortresses. This is the indispensable require- ment calling for their erection and is the whole object of their existence.
It is not alone for the rational construction of fortresses that it is necessary to have a clear conception of their pur- pose. It is equally important that the commandants defend- 444G1— OS 12
176 CONCLUSION.
ino- them bo thoroiifjlily poiiotratod by this idea, and that they adopt no other. If Marshal liazaiiio had <ri'asped this idea, if he had imderstood clearly the pui-pose of the fortress Avhich he connnniid(Ml. he woidd never have said that once Paris \vas bh)cka(led, INIetz had phiyed ont its role, that it was no longer necessary, and could be surrendered. So also with Port Arthur. Tt could not be inferred, when the con- centration of Kuropatkin's army had been completed, that the role of Port Arthur was at an end.
General Leer has said that " to name a thing right is to un- derstand it right." As the correctness of action depends upon correctness of understanding, we shall paraphrase General Leer's aphorism as follows : " To name a thing right is to un- derstand it right and to use it right." Therefore it is most important that those who construct and those who command fortresses should understand once and for all that the pur- pose of a fortress is " to assist in the stubborn defense of a given point until the end of the war." Then only will for- tresses be properly constructed and properly defended.
Bearing in mind the purpose of a fortress and remember- ing that the fate of a fortress is decided on the line of forts, we come to the conclusion that it is necessary to construct permanent works in the intervals between the forts. These works must consist of a ditch covered by fire, boomproof shelters for the garrison of the intervals, and parapets for the infantry and the counter-assault artillery. As the para- pets will sometimes serve as a screen for the batteries in the rear, no definite dimensions can be prescribed for them. In some places high massive earthworks will be required, and in others, trenches sunk into the ground. All depends upon the requirements for effective fire, screening, and concealment.
In answer to the question as to what intervals should be fortified, we would say that they should all be fortified ac- cording to the necessities in each case. All, however, can not be well fortified without great expenditure of funds. Some intervals will have good natural obstacles, so that artificial obstacles will not be required, and some will be intersected by deep rocky ravines, where the construction of a ditch would require deep cuts and high fills. Here sections of parapets should suffice. Every fortress and every interval requires a different solution. The necessity for active -de-
COXCLUyiON. 177
fense requirina" sorties must bo considered and passao-es must be left for this purixjsc. The entrance of a tiehl army into the fortress must also be considered. For this a <»'reater number of passa<2:es is recpiired. In fortresses where no ma- neuvering is to be expected these passages sliould be few in number; in fortresses where armies will assemble or advance or retreat there should be many passages.
The construction of such passages will not violate the principle of the closed work and need not interfere with the fortification of the intervals. These passages will corre- •^pond to the gates of ancient fortresses. They may be closed easily at the last moment, nor will it be necessary for this purpose to use such a great force of laborers as is required to fortif}' the intervals during mobilization. The question as to the most probable point to be attacked must not be solved in advance, except in cases where, on account of local condi- tions, some of the intervals can not be attacked. It nnist be assumed that each front which does not present any insur- mountable obstacles may be attacked. The intentions of the enemy can not be discovered in advance, and an assumption that one front is more liable than another to attack is always without foundation and nearly always erroneous. This was .shown at Port Arthur, where it was assumed that the \vest and not the east front would be attacked.
It has already been said that the purpose of a fortress is stubborn defense until the end of the war. The commandant should be imbued with this idea and should be given inde- pendent command.
When the purpose of a fortress is clear to the commandants of fortresses, there is no need for commanders of fortified regions, who will only violate unity of will and authority. The great size of modern armies renders the fortification of one strategic point (as, for instance. Port Arthur) of small importance in the development of military operations in ireneral. At present it is necessary to have an extensive sys- tem of fortified places between which field armies may op- erate absolutely independent of the fortresses. With their flanks and rears secured by fortresses, armies that have not had sufficient time to mobilize may oppose numerically su- perior forces without fear of being cut off or defeated. Armies must not take refuire in fortresses; but thev may
178 CONCLUSION.
pass through them, take advantage of crossings, and use them as supports to secure their flanks or centers. Had the system of fortifications of the entire Knangtung Peninsuhi been adequately prepared, it would have [)layed a different role in the late campaign and would have protected Port Ar- thur and the fleet until the end of the Avar. The fortifica- tions at Liaoyang Avould also have played a different part, if, in addition to Liaoyang, the Yantay mines and the crossing below Liaoyang had been equally well fortified.
With this I close my investigation. Many may fail to agree with my solution of the questions here presented, but 1 console myself with the hope that my work Avill evoke dis- cussion of these questions by my comrades in arms and by others interested in this branch of military science. May the Lord assist their competence and love of country to an early solution of the questions involved, so that the comment of Frederick the Great may not be applied to Russian fortresses : "In spite of so much labor and such terrible appliances, mod- ern fortresses are not impregnable.''
I wish to record my profound gratitude to those of my comrades in the defense of Port Arthur who have assisted me in matters pertaining to their special branches; in particu- lar I wish to mention Major General Stolnikoff, Lieutenant Colonel Gobiato, and Captain Vysokikh, of the Artillery; Colonel Krestinski and Captains Rodionoff and Dobroff, of the Engineers, and Captain Romanovski, of the General Staff.
St. Petersburg, Septemher^ 1906.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION.
1. Personal iiiipivssioiis ivt-eived during tlu- siege of Port Arthur.
2. Intel-change of opinions with many of the defenders of the fortress.
3. Official data, telephone messages, reports, accounts, information on the disposition of troops, diaries, etc.
-1. Literary works:
The Siege of I'ort Arthur, by David IT. James.
A Few Words on Port Arthur, by Timchenko-Ruban.
The Passion Days of Port Arthur, by P. Lai-enko.
P.eitriige zum Stndium der Bestigungsfrage, by MalczevsUi
von Tarnawa, Vienna, 1000. Fortresses and Fortress Railways, by K. Velichko. (,'ompendinni of Articles, 1X78-1800, by C. Cni. The Engineering Defense of the Country, by K. A'elichko. Study of the Latest Methods of Siege and Defense of Land
Fortresses, by K. Velichko. Modern Condition of Fortitication, by N. Buynitiski, lOd.'J. Articles of X. Prussak and P. Klokacheff in the P^ngineering
Journal for 1800-1000. Experience of the Fighting Value of Fortresses, by E. Meiss-
ner. History of Fortress Warfare, by G. Miller. I'ort Arthur — Siege and Capitulation, by E. Ashmead-Bartlett. Beihefte zu Strotflers Osterreichische MilitJir-Zeitschrift, Die
Kiimpfe um Port Arthur.
170
I]S"DEX.
Advanced positions, 38, -12, V22: iiuiMn-taiice of. 4S-r»r); at Port Ar- tbur, reason for occupyiuu, 27.
Advanced works, at Port Arthur, I'.t; see also Advanced jiositioiis.
Anchor, 17>'2.
Antwerp, siege of, 54.
Armament, of forts, 142 ; of Japanese beslesinjr army, 2S, 43 ; of Port Arthur, in, 43; of rear caponiers, 142.
Armor-plated doors, see Doors.
Artillery, duels of, 103, 107, 134; effect of fire of, on concrete, 148; tire of, 71. 72, 77; in forts, 142; freight of, in a fortress, 105; im- portance of, in repulsing attack, 78; Japanese, how emplaced, 57; range of, no longer controlling factor in locating forts, 78; trans- portation for, 107; see Forts, cross fire of, and Armaments.
Ashmead-P.artlett, E., quoted, 118.
Automobiles, use of, in fortresses, 110.
Balloons, 40.
Barbettes, for counter-assault guns, 138, 167.
Barricades, 100.
Batteries, fort, so-called, 14; location of, in model fortress, 95, 165; number of guns in, 101; permanent, in Intervals in French and (ierman fortresses, 14 ; see Emplacements and Seacoast batteries.
Bayonets, use of, 85.
Bazaine, Marshal, 170.
Belfort, siege of, 54.
Bells, electric, 147.
Bombproofs. in German fortresses, 14; see Shelters.
Cables, electric light, 113.
Caponier, author's use of term, 5; concrete in forts, 141; for ditch defense, 152-154, 104; fire of, 132; of model fortress, 164; gorge, 45, 73, 137 ; for guns, 134 ; rear, 45 ; rear, armament of, 142 ; inter- mediate rear, 73; searchlights for. 111, 112; for searchlights, 113.
Caponiers Nos. 2 and 3, 74, 81, 84, 100. 172.
Carnot, uses advanced positions at Antwerp, 54.
Casemates, for garrisons of batteries, 105; for garrison of forts, 137, 139, 144, 100, 165; for garrison of intervals, 88, 90, 165; roofs of, 151 ; for second line of defense, 166 ; in model redoubt, 166, 167 ; see Bombproofs, Counterscarp galleries, and Shelters.
Cavalr.v, in garrison of Port Arthur, 41, 44. 125.
Central Enceinte, condition at begiiming of war. 31 ; delay in i)lacliig in defensil)le condition, 37 ; not to serve as keep, 37 ; length of, and worlds. 20, 27 ; position and i)uri)Ose, 27 ; see Enceinte.
181
182 INDEX.
Clievaux-de-frise, 41,
Chinese wall, 27, 29, 30, 65, G9, 78, 7(>, 84, .S5, 80, 89, 9(i, lol, 133, 138,
156, 173 ; position of, 38, 39. Closed work, 79, 88.
Commandant of fortress, duty of, 175.
Commandant of tlie fortress of Port Arthur, insists upon fortification of 203-Meter Hill, 30.
Commander, flre, see Fire connnander.
Commander of fortified region, 177.
Command, fire, see Fire command.
Communications, of fort with rest of fortress, 144; fortress, 105; sheltered, in forts, 141 ; see Covered passages.
Concealment, of guns, 44 : of emplacements, forts, redoubts, and bat- teries, 45, 04, 92 ; of model fort, 102 ; in model fortress, 100 ; of rail- ways, 110 ; of roads, 37, 108, 109 ; see Covered passages, Communi- cations, Faint, and Trees.
Concrete, reenforced, 170; walls, see Concrete walls.
Cossacks, in garrison of Port Arthur, 41, 44, 125.
Council of war, 01, 172.
Counter-assault guns, 73, 98, 102, 138, 139 ; barbettes for, 167 ; machine guns as, 143; should be rapid-fire guns, 145; in model redoubt, 107; searchlights for. 111; shelters for, 45, 134, 130, 138, 141, 142, 168; walls for shelter of. 152.
Countermining, 155, 157, 169; see Mines and Mining.
Counterscarps, 153, 169.
Counterscarp galleries, 136, 154, 159, 169.
Cover, overhead, see Overhead cover.
Covered passages, 109; in model redoubt, 167. 169; in forts, 141, 143, 144-146, 159 ; see Concealment, Commimications, and Trees.
Cyclists, 41.
Danzig, siege of, 54.
Davout, Marshal, uses advanced positions at Hamburg, 54.
Dead zones, spaces, areas, etc., 45, 64, 73, 74, 86, 137.
Demonstrations, to deflect reserves, 70, 170.
Disease, in besieged places, 126, 145.
Ditches, around forts and redoubts, 100, 1.36. 1.37, 1.52: illumination of,
157, 169; wet, 41; see Counterscarp galleries :ind Parajiets. Dobroff, Captain, 74, 146, 178.
Doors, armor-plated, 34. Dragon Ridge, 92, 101. Drainage, in forts, 139.
Dressing stations, 40; see Hospitals and Hospital service. Duels, artillery, see Artillery duels. Dynamite, 157.
Dynamos, location of, 113, 158.
Eagle Nest, 25, .56. 63, 64, 81. 82, 8.3, 84, 8.5, 95, 98, 101, 114. Earth, layer of. effect on shell bursts, 149, 150; cost of earth con- struction in foi'ts, 163. East front, at Port Arthur, 15, ,38-40, 06, 84.
INDEX. 188
Klhow roRts, soo Small anns.
Electric bells, see Bells.
Electi'ic fence, 33, 3().
Embrasures, 106: use of, for observation, HS.
Emplacements, for guns, 95.
Enceinte, delinition of term, 13 ; necessity of, in modern fortress, 14 : role of, 79, 87; of secondary importance. 171; see Central Enceintt> and Second line of defense.
Engineering material, 10r>.
Engineers, transportation for, 107, 108.
Entanglements, wire, 33, 3(5, 38, 41, 00, 70, 02. 106; se(> obstacles.
Entrenchments, see Trenches.
Exits, to covered passages, shelters, etc., in forts, 137, 13S, Uii. 144. 145, 160; lack of, caused loss of Redoubt. No. 3, 145.
Fence, electric, see Electric fence.
Fenghuangsban, 49, 52, 58, 64, 92. 123; imi)ortance of, 53-54, 138.
Field of tire, in front of line of forts. 14. 106.
Fighting line, importance of, 87, 171 : see Line of forts.
Fire conuiiand, 1(>5.
Fire commander, 165.
Fire control, 57, 102, 116, 117, 120.
Flanking guns, see Guns flanking.
Fock, General, 54, 66, 67, 68.
Forces, of the belligex'ents, 43.
Fort, armament of, 142, 143; details of construction of. 132; guns in. 65, 134, 136, 140; masking of, 162; parade of. 161; searchlights for. 112.
Forts, cross fire of, 14, 45, 77, 89, 170, 172; intervals between, see In- tervals between forts ; line of, see I^ine of forts.
Fort D, 19, 20, 26.
Fort P, 19, 26.
Fort No. II, condition of at beginning of war. 29; description of, 25: 39; great losses at, 141; work done on during mobilization, .32; other references, 61, 63, 65, 70, 71. 7(5. 77. 146. 152, 154. 1.59, 160, 172.
Fort No. Ill, condition of at beginning of war, .30; armament and gar- rison, 39-10; description of. 25. 135; ditches at, 1.53; effect of capture of, 133; searchlights at, 113: work done on, during mobilization, 32: other references, 63, 64, 65, 69, 71, 75, 76, 77, 81, 86, 99, 135, 140, 141. 142, 143, 145, 146, 148, 154, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 172.
Fortification, explanation of use of term to designate a class of redoubt, 6.
Fortifications, permanent, in the interval between forts, 13.
Fortifications Nos. 1 and 2, description of. 25: other references. 17, 29. 30, 39, 49, 52, 56, 58, 60, 61. 62. 64-69. 72. 73, 77, 80, 81. 82, 84. 99, 100, 114, 133, 137, 139, 172.
Fortified region, commanders of, not needed, 177.
Forti-esses, communications of, see Communication ; definition of, 173 : duty of commandant of, 175; garrison for. 122; model fortress, 164: modern land, plans of, in Russia and abroad, 11. 12.
Fortress. Port Arthur, see Port .Vrthur.
184 INDEX.
Fougasses, 3G, 41.
Frederick the Great, quoted, 178.
Front, see East front, North front, and West front.
Oalleries, counterscarp, see Counterscarp galleries; countermining. 155; for infantry, SS, 134, 141, IGO, IGS; for machine guns, 141.
(Jarrison, of a model fort, 159; of a modern fortress, 127; of Tort Arthur, 122, 123.
Geneva Convention, benefit of, disregai'ded, 03.
Gorbatovski, Major General, 65-69, 125, 140".
Gorge, of forts, 139, 161.
(rreat Mandarin road, danger of enemy breaking through in direction of, 19.
Grenades, hand. 145.
Ground, nature of, at Port Arthur, see Soil.
Guns, flanking, 45; large caliber in forts, 65, 134, 136, 140; of various caliber in same work, 45; see Naval guns, Reconnoitering guns. Counter-assault guns, Machine guns, Howitzers, and Mortars.
Hamburg, siege of, 54.
Hand grenades, see Grenades.
Heliograph, 100, 121. X Horse Battery, 19.
Horses, use of in fortresses, 105, 107, 109, 110.
Hospitals, 41 ; sick in, at Port Arthur, 123.
Hospital service, Japanese, 56, 60, 63.
Howitzers, 44, 57, 58, 59, 96, 102, 108, 151; S-inch, 28; 11-inch. Rus- sian, 60; position in model fortress, 165; see also Mortars.
Idol Redoubt, work on, begun, 36.
Indirect fire, 44, 57, 71, 96, 140.
Infantry, fire of, not effective from forts when subject to artillery fire, 73, 168, 170; galleries for, see Galleries for the infantry; gar- rison of, for fortress, 127 ; garrison of, for forts, redoubts, and bat- teries, 100; importance of, in repulsing attack, 78, 105, 106.
Intermediate rear cari)oniers, see Carponiers.
Intermediate redoubts, see Redoubts.
Intervals between forts, 73, 75, 88, 91, 99; defense of, 14; how filled at Port Arthur, 45 ; constant observation of, 55 ; temporary forti- fications in, 65 ; effect of permanent works in, 133 ; length of, 7(i ; in model fortress, 164; method of filling in, 79, 171, 173, 176; prob- able point of attack. 132; searchlights for, 112, 113.
Interval between Forts Nos. II and III, 63, 64, 66, 70, 76, 80, 84. 88, 99, and 125.
James, David H., quoted, 55, 81, 114, 118.
Kaoliang, 59, 65, 72.
Kerosene, use of, to illuminate ditches, 1.58 ; lamps in casemates, 139.
Kondratchenko, General, 53, 70, 74, 81, 82, 83, 145; insists upon forti- fication of important points, 37.
Kuangtung Naval P.rigade, see Naval brigade.
Kuroki. General, 175.
Kuropatkiu, General, desires Aqueduct position fortified. .'>6, 175.
INDEX. 185
liabor, enii,)lo.ve(l lUiriiij:; luobilization, -!(!.
LiKldt^rs, scaliiit;, see Scaiiiif; ladders.
Lamps, kcroseiu', in casoiiiatcs, l.'t'J.
Land iniiu's, soo Mines.
I.atrin<'s, in batteries, MS; in forts. i;!;i, 141. 144. 14.". 14t', ; in iii(,d,.i ri'doubt, lOU.
Leer, General, aphorism of. ITii.
Liaoyann, 17^, 178.
Line of defense, main, see Line of forts.
Lin*' of forts, 3, 78, ST. 171; at I'ort Artliiir. lo, 24. 27; distance of, from r<n-t Arthur, 4r>: pirrison of, at Port Arthur. 123; length of, at INtrt Arthur, 122; men on. pei- mile, at Port Arthur. 122.
Looi)h<)les, 32, 30, 73, 89.
Losses, at Port Arthur, ]2(J; in the siej^e of a modern fortress*, 129, 130.
Machine guns, 15, 39, 42, 43, 02, 00, 08, 70, 74, 82, 100. 114, 115; as counter-assault guns, 143-144; in Central Enceinte, 20; for ditch de- fense, 144, 104, 109; galleries for, 141; for defense of intervals, 144; limits of range, 144 ; for sentinels, 144, 147 ; turrets for, in model redonl)t, 100.
.ALagazines, 12, 1(>3, 100. 107: for tire commands. 105: in forts. 130; in model fortress, 105; roofs of, 151.
Main line of defense, see Line of forts.
Masking of defenses, etc., see Concealment.
Material, engineering, see Engineering material.
Messages, telephone, 04.
Metz, siege of. 170.
Military roads, see 1 toads.
Miners. 1.71.
Mines, land, 100, 141.
Mining, 90, 1.50, 157, 172.
Mines, naval, use of, in front of trenches, 30.
Mobilization, necessity for plan in ease of unexpected mobilization, 30.
Motars, 08, 102; 0-inch field, 43; 11-inch, 28. 44, 74, 89, 97, 98; effect of pro.iectiles on concrete, 149-150; ineffective against counterscari> galleries. 1.54 ; at Port Arthur, insufficient in number and of obsolete type, 45; position in model fortress, 105; see Howitzers.
^Mountain artillery, 44, 4.5.
Nanshan. .57: value of light shelters against shniimel demonstrated at, 1.38.
Naval Brigade, Kuangtung. 123, 124, 120. 127.
Naval guns, 43, 57, 90.
Naval mines, see Mines.
Navy, .Jai)anese. cooperation of. in land attack, 01, 04.
Night wf>rk in a besieged fortress, 112.
Nogi, (Jeneral, .50-04, 83, 118; decides to assault Port Arthur. ,55; plan to capture Port Arthur, 03; sunnnons council of war to reconsider plan of attack, 01, 172.
North front, at Port Arthur, limits of and works on. 17, 38-40. 03.
Observation, in foi-ts. 148; general discussion of. 71, 93; in model redoubt, 109; ))ersonnel for, (>9.
186 INDEX.
Observation station, 32, 40, 4(>, 72, 'M, U8, lUG ; of chief of artillery. ".7, 106, 118; for commandant, 10G, 118, 100; telephones for sentinels in, 147.
Observation tower, 73; at Fort No. Ill, 32, 71.
Observation Inrret, 141, 148; how constructed at Port Artliur, 4(i; in model redoubt, 109; see Schwartz observation turret.
Obstacles, 38-41, (i4, 100, lOO, 133, 152; see Electric fence and En- tanglements.
One hundred and seveuty-four Meter Hill (174-Meter Hill), 27. 28. 43, 49, 58, 59, 64, 70, 115, 124, 173; fortification of, demanded by (Jen- eral Foek, 30; importance of, 48; neglected, 50; taken, o."..
Outworks to forts, 134,
0\erhead cover, 100.
Overhead telephone lines, see Telephone lines.
Oyama, Marshal, demands capture of Port Arthur. 55.
Pachlunshan, 27, 37, 93, 124 ; importance of, 53.
Paint, use of, for concealing works, 94.
Parade, of fort, 101 ; of redoubt, 160.
Parapets in intervals with and without ditches, 85, 133; effect of, in allowing decrease of garrison, 129; ditch defense for, 104: in model fortress, 104, 170.
Paris, siege of, 170.
Park, siege, see Siege park.
Passages, covered, see Covered passages; in parapets, for troops, 164, 177.
Pebbles, use of, in parapets and for revetments, see Stones.
Pigeon Bay, fortitication of, 30, 43.
Port Arthur, fortress of, plan and armament, 15, 43; condition of, at the beginning of the investment, 37; condition at the beginning of the war, 29; garrison of, 122, 123; object of defense of. 170; Col- onel Velichko's plan for fortifying, 21.
Positions, advanced, see Advanced positions.
Postern, in f<jrt, 35, 130 ; roofs of, 151.
Pyroxylin, 74, 145.
Railways, fortress, 40, 103, 105, 109, 110, 131; belt, 110; electric. 110; portable, 105; none at Port Arthur, 108; steam, 109. 11(».
Railway troops, 131.
Ramparts, at Fort No. Ill, thickness of. 130,
Ramps, for counter-assault guns, 138; in model redouitts. ic.'.t.
Rapid-tire guns, 08, 78, 84,
Rapp, General, uses advanced positions at Danzig. 54.
Reconnoitering guns, 97, 102; in model fortress, 105; should not be mounted in forts, 135, 140.
Red Cross, 41, 03.
Redoubt, intermediate, 79; importance of, 1.33; model. 100; search- lights foi-, 112.
Redoubt No. 3, description of, 25; condition at beginning of war. ;>0: cause of loss of, 145; effect of capture of, 133; other references, 143, 144, 140, 150, 101.
Reenforced concrete, see Concrete.
INDEX. 187
lioserves, GO, 07, GS, Gl), SG, 88, 'JO, !)1, 101, IL'.!. TJ.'., IJf,. lL!7-i;;u. itr,,
170. KetreiRliments, 101, 107.
lit'vetuients. ceiiieiit barn'ls tilled with stDiics. :;;;, 140; sec s,iuil l»a.i.'s. Kitlo tire, 72, 77, 78, 79; see Sniiill anus.
lioads, military, 37, oS-4o, 4(5, 108-110; in hkuIcI lortress. Hi.".. Salvo fire. 100. Sand bags, 80, 89, 138, 1-14.
Sai)i)ers, G4, 12.j, 130-131 ; streugtli of Itnssian sapjier coinpaiiy, 131. Sapping, 98, 172; see Mining.
Sauer, Bavarian general, plan to assault fortress. ,").".. \u. Scaling ladders, 09, 152-153. Scarps, 153; concrete, 154, 109. Schwartz observation tnri'et, 34. Sentinels, 147, 148, 159; covered way for, 105. Seacoast batteries, at Port Arthur, number and description. 21, 22. Searchlights, 40, 40, 01, 73, 77, 78, 82, 83, 110, 170; installation ..f, in
forts, 157 ; in model fortress, 16G. Sebastopol, siege of, 54, 79, 105, 107. Second line of defense, 86, 87 ; in model fortress, 100; searchlights for.
112. Semai)hores, 41, 121.
Shell, GO. 08, 71, 84. 140, 141; high explosive, 08. Shells, star, see Star shells. Shelter, bombproof, 33, 30, 05, 00, 70, 72, SO, 88, 89, 90, 100, 134, 100;
for counter-assault guns, 45, 134, 130, 138 ; for observation, 134 ; for
officers, 139, 145; against shrapnel, 138. Shields, for counter-assault guns, 32; In forts against shrapnel and
rifle bullets, 147, 108; for garrison of interAals, 88: for guns, 71;
for personal protection, 144. Shoshin, Col. A. P., 7.3, 168.
Shrapnel, 00, 08, 71, 78, 140; value of light shelter against, 138. Shrubs, use of, for concealment, 94. Shutters, iron plate, 32. Siege park of Japanese, 44, Sleeping shelves, in casemates, 139, 160. Small arms, limits of range, 144 ; elbow rests for, 147 ; fire of. see Rifle
fire. Smirnoff, General, 00. Soil, nature of, at l^)rt Arthur, 108, 136. Sotnia, strength of, 41. Star shells, 82, 83, 114.
Station, observation, see Observation station and Observation tower. Stoessel, General, desires construction of Idol Redoubt begun, 36. Stones, use of, in para])ets and for revetments, 33, 35, 36, 89, 140, 156. Storerooms in forts, 145, 160. Straw, use of, to illuminate ditches, 158.
Takushan, 27, 55, 92, 124, 125 ; condition of, at beginning of the in- vestment and garrison. 38; importance of, 48, 50-52, 137. 142;
poorly fortified, 45; position at, neglected, 36, 37, 50; reason for oc-
188 INDEX.
I'upyiii};, 1!>: sliuuld b;ivi' bei'u iiichulcd in lu.-iiii liiu', 44; slopes of,
covered by fire of Fort >'o. I, 10, and of r.attery A, liattery I?, and
Round Battery, 24; taken, 49. Telegrajjb, use of, in fortress, 116, 119, 121. Telephone luessages, 04. Telephones, 41, 04, 93, 101, 110; artillery, 40, 102, TOO, 110, 117, 120,
160; in forts, 139, 141, 147; .Japanese, .50, .57, 04, 102, 118; metallic
conuection, 120, 121, 10(»; neirleoted at I'oi't Arthur, 37; overhead,
37, 46, 07, 119, 148; for sentinels in forts, 147; underground, 14,
119, 120, 105, 166. I'eshima, General, 57. Tiuichenko-Ruban, M., quoted, 15, 49. Todleben. General, 105, 170.
Torpedoes, Whitehead, see Whitehead torpedoes.
Tower, ol)servation, see Observation tower and Obsorvation stations. Transportation, employed durin.ir mobilization. 40. loi; -. for eugiueers,
107, 108. Travei'ses, between guns, 99; at exits, 100, 137, 138, 142; in tuodel
fort, 101; in model redoubt, 107, 108. Trees, planting of. 93, 109, 103, 165. Trenches, .3S-13, 75, 91; at Fort No. Ill, 138, 1.5.5, 161 : can not stand
onrush of energetic attack, 170, 173; two tier.s of. 41. I'rous-de-loup, 42. Turf, use of, for concealment, 94. Turret, observation, see Schwartz observation turret. Turrets, for guns in forts, 14; for machine guns, 105, 169; s^^e Ob- servation turrets. Two hundred and three Meter Hill (20.3-Meter Hill), 27, 77, 03, 103,
124, 127: fortification of, insisted upon by the comniandatit, 30;
losses inflicted on enemy, 53; position at, neglected, 50; weakly held
at beginning of investment, 43. \'auban, dictum of, 159. Velichko, K.. quoted, 3,. 27, 80, 90, 100, 10,5, 122, 170. 171. 174; i>iaa for
fortifying Port Arthur. 21 ; views upon difficulties of fortifyiug Port
Arthur, 21, 50. \'isibility 1)etween forts. 45, 77, 78. Wall, Chinese, see Chinese wall. Walls, concrete, thickness of, 28, 45, 88, 97, 148, 109. Water for forts, 145, 140. West front, limits of and works on, 17. Whitehead torpedoes, stations at Port Arthur for firing, 24 ; presence
of, in land forts, 145. Wire entanglements, see Entanglements. Wireless telegraphy, 117, 119, 121; .Japanese system, 57, 118; system
installed at Port Arthur but not used. 46, Work, closed, see Closed work ; night, see Night work, AVorks, advanced, see Advanced works and Advanced positions.
o
*\
m
University of California
SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY
305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 • Box 951388
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388
Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed.
Library
iped below.
Form L9-Series 444
fm
0 t
UC SOUTHERN Ht I, HirjAI I KIHAfiY f ACII IIY
AA 000 110 037 9
3 1158 00537 1579
???i{
vK?;!-*
U
m
ir
iiiiiiiiiil'^
W'
m
w
' ^ i^.' m 'l^ i
'* ^' i ^- '-'' ^'' -'■■"
.j^\i«^ a'^'i^'ir*
% .,11;^
fsip A- til ?*f ^■'- ;*:' r%
^' W
f^"f^'"'mf-if
k
I r .r r ir i^' i^
|
■' ]■■ |
|
|
■ i:,_ ■ ^ |
|
|
■ ■ ■■ ■ ■■■ ■1 ■ ■ |
|
|
s |
■ ■ ■ |