ccip

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Imperial Japanese Navy AAR, 1900-1925









This AAR will follow my game playing as Japan with historical resources set to on, and all other realism settings enabled. It uses my own additions to the ship names list. “Perseverance and Determination” was the name of the Japanese naval building program of the start of the 20th century, which increased the size and capability of the Japanese navy - and, among other things, allowed them to successfully take on Russia in the war of 1904-1905. However, in this alternate history, Japan’s naval power has yet to prove itself, and European powers still regard this Asian nation as but another oriental state to exploit in their own ambitions. The empire’s destiny, entrusted to the young Combined Fleet, hangs in the balance…















Year 1900 (Meiji 33)



The Japan of the year 1900 is a bustling, rapidly developing country - but also a nervous one, wary of the threats to its fate. The wise Meiji Emperor Mutsuhito, under whom the old Shogunate was deposed and was replaced by a new constitutional regime, sits on the Chrysanthemum Throne for his 33rd year. In parliament, the civilian faction led by Marquis Ito grapples for influence against the military faction of Field Marshal Yamagata, both seeking to advance the interests of the Kokutai [national polity].







Japan had already proven itself once. The treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 formalized Japan’s triumph in war against China, paving the way to becoming an empire - but the taste of victory was quickly spoiled by Western meddling, as European powers likewise proclaimed their territorial rights in China, leaving Japan no choice but to pull back to avoid provoking a conflict they were not ready for. Now, they are getting ready for that conflict.







The Imperial Japanese Navy in 1900 is still a fledgling force, still in the early phases of the “Perseverance and Determination” building program, meant to shape it into a powerful and modernl force. The navy is led by Viscount Itoh Sukeyuki, an admiral of great experience who, as commander of the Combined Fleet, led the Emperor’s ships to victory over the Chinese in 1895. The Combined Fleet is presently dissolved, but Itoh remains formally in charge of the navy.











Japan’s industry and military are still catching up to Western state of the art - and while they are moving in leaps and bounds, there are still ways to go. Japan must have the best ships it can get - but it is not ready to build those ships. So, Japan turns to Western shipyards - and finds a partner in the all-powerful British Empire, who see Japan as a useful check on rival Russian and German ambitions in Asia. Most of Japan’s ships, as well as their tactical doctrine, is imported from Britain - but keen not to be left far behind, other powers increasingly offer incentives for Japan to buy their ships. The American financiers and industrial magnates seem particularly keen to win the Japanese over.







With most of the obsolete Sino-Japanese War-era ships having been sold or scrapped, the standing Japanese navy at the start of 1900 is a small force, possessing 8 capital ships and 14 fleet torpedo boats.











3 more capital ships - a battleship and two cruisers - are also waiting to be delivered.











The core of the Japanese fleet are its battleships:











The current standing fleet is made up of three modern battleships of the Yashima class: Yashima, Asahi and Fuji; and the one-off flagship Fuso - bigger, tougher, and overall more capable. All four of them were built in British shipyards; however the lucrative contract for the next ship in line was won by the Americans, and is presently being built as the Mikasa: a ship that is smaller than its predecessor, but much leaner and more reliable. Admiral Itoh is waiting impatiently for this ship to complete. The standard speed of the Japanese line is 18kt, with Fuso and Mikasa both designed to go even faster - which makes the Japanese battle squadron among the fastest in the world in 1900.







Next are the cruisers, which had been built domestically, but with a great deal of British and German input:











The Iwate class armored cruisers are tough, economical, but outwardly not very impressive ships - two, the Iwate herself and her sister Asama, are already in service. A third ship, the Tokiwa, should enter the fleet by the end of the year. These make up the core of the navy’s 2nd squadron, whose area of responsibility is the close waters in areas such as the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea - with cramped accommodations, the Iwate class are not meant for distant cruises.





The Izumi and her sister Naniwa are protected cruisers based on German designs, built for utility rather than performance - they are meant to carry out scouting for both of the fleet squadrons; to provide fire support to troops on expeditions in China; and to police and protect shipping in Japanese home waters. The slightly larger and closely-related Unebi, still in construction and not expected to enter service until 1901, is meant to be marginally more capable of taking on other cruisers if the need arises.







Finally, there are the fleet torpedo boats, 14 in total, standardized around the same designed named the Akikaze class.







With its limited shipbuilding capacity, Japan has embraced the concept of torpedo boat warfare, even if it is yet unproven. The Akikazes are some of the largest and most seaworthy torpedo boats in the world, fully capable of escorting Japan’s fleet anywhere it needs to go - though their firepower and performance as fast killer boats are considered quite mediocre. However, they needn’t be: Japan’s doctrine somewhat insidiously envisions them as ambush vessels meant to penetrate enemy anchorages by night, targeting capital ships with torpedoes before fleeing.







***







The year 1900 for Japan goes by quietly enough. While the in-construction ships are awaited, Viscount Itoh returns from inspecting some of the latest British and German ships stationed in the Yellow Sea. He is impressed with what his Western colleagues tell him about modern cruisers now being built in Europe, and sees the days of his meager 21kt ships as numbered. With German assistance, he draws up specifications for the next-generation cruiser - and the largest ship yet to be built in Japan, the Chiyoda:











Some 50 percent larger than the cruisers it follows, the Chiyoda is to be built as the first true fleet cruiser for Japan - but is also quite capable of operating independently, as raider or colonial ship.









1900 remains a year of turmoil in China - Boxer uprisings in disturb order and disrupt the trade that Japan counts on for its present prosperity. As a result, the Japanese navy is active throughout the year, sending troops and reinforcements and providing fire support to troops in China, in cooperation with Western nations. They are grateful for the assistance - but Russia and the US are also wary of the enthusiasm with which Japan seems to treat military intervention in China’s affairs. American financiers are concerned about being cut out from the pacific trade, and tensions with the US grow through 1900 - before rapproachment sets in by the end of the year, as a new government led by Marshal Yamagata assures the US ambassador that Japan only seeks to aid US trade in Asia.











***







Year 1901 (Meiji 34)



Following successes in quelling Chinese uprisings, the Japanese navy celebrates by holding extensive gunnery competitions at Kure and Sasebo in February - which not only improve the effectiveness of our ships, but also draw many notables and curious onlookers who come to observe. The navy’s coffers the following month seem to reflect an improved public interest in naval power. The Japanese battleship Asahi is declared to be champion of the gunnery competition. Meanwhile, the armored cruiser Tokiwa, 3rd and last of the Iwate class, is commissioned and joins the fleet’s 2nd squadron as its flagship.











However, Japan’s navy is not the only one building its strength in the area. As the unrest in China settles down, the focus of imperial interests switches to Korea and Manchuria, where Japan’s interests run directly against Russia’s. The Czar’s policy in Asia for the past few years seems to have gone from opportunistic to aggressive. Following the Western intervention after the treaty of Shimonoseki, Russia unilaterally occupied the Liaotung peninsula on the Yellow Sea, and now looks to secure its hold on Manchuria. Japanese ships close to those shores worry them.







Throughout the year, our intelligence agents report various Russian moves. Among them is news that a new Russian armored cruiser called Varyag had been launched, and it is widely expected to turn up in Port Arthur as Russia seeks to protect their Yellow Sea base and counterbalance the Japanese fleet. These moves do not escape the attention of the Japanese government, and Prime Minister Yamagata, who asks what the navy needs to better deal with this Russian reinforcement. Itoh requests more funding for his building programmes.











The money that is disbursed to the navy is used to work with British shipwrights to create a more powerful ship to operate with our current-generation armored cruisers - which are cramped and hardly state of the art, even if well protected. The resulting approved design is the armored cruiser Yakumo:











Still a very modest ship - it was explicitly designed with a budget limit of 30 million - it introduces a heavier main battery and far better crew accommodations than our present Iwate class.







In May of 1901, our 5th battleship - the Mikasa - finally arrives from the US and gives the Japanese engineers a great deal of insight into American technology. However, it will be a few months before the Mikasa is ready to take her place in the battle line.







In the meantime, the fleet’s general staff consider requirements for our next battleship. Although Mikasa is a lean design, the general opinion is that we could do better. After exploring the options, the IJN orders the follow-up Hatsuse from the Americans:











The Hatsuse it is to be 1,000t heavier than Mikasa, with the weight going into much-improved armor and secondary weapons, while still maintaining 19kt speed. This will be our 6th battleship, which will complete the present building program, leaving us with two battle squadrons of 3 ships each - one 18kt, one 19kt.







By summer, the flames of rebellion once again heat up in China. Once again, seeking to imrpove Japanese prestige, the government orders the best we have - the battleship Asahi - to be sent south to provide fire support against the rebels. The Boxer rebels, however, are hardly our greatest threat from the scenario - because as soon as the Asahi sails, Russians declare our actions to amount to an invasion of China in contravention of treaties, and themselves begin moving their troops in Manchuria and Korea, ostensibly to protect their positions against our threats. It seems they’ve been preparing for this for a while, in any case - they’ve already brought 3 battleships and 4 armored cruisers to the Pacific.







Japan must act. War is declared immediately, but before Russians even receive our diplomatic response, our fleet under the command of Admiral Itoh is already at sea, posed to make a strike against Port Arthur!















(To be continued...)









































The Japan of the year 1900 is a bustling, rapidly developing country - but also a nervous one, wary of the threats to its fate. The wise Meiji Emperor Mutsuhito, under whom the old Shogunate was deposed and was replaced by a new constitutional regime, sits on the Chrysanthemum Throne for his 33rd year. In parliament, the civilian faction led by Marquis Ito grapples for influence against the military faction of Field Marshal Yamagata, both seeking to advance the interests of the[national polity].Japan had already proven itself once. The treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 formalized Japan’s triumph in war against China, paving the way to becoming an empire - but the taste of victory was quickly spoiled by Western meddling, as European powers likewise proclaimed their territorial rights in China, leaving Japan no choice but to pull back to avoid provoking a conflict they were not ready for. Now, they are getting ready for that conflict.The Imperial Japanese Navy in 1900 is still a fledgling force, still in the early phases of the “Perseverance and Determination” building program, meant to shape it into a powerful and modernl force. The navy is led by, an admiral of great experience who, as commander of the Combined Fleet, led the Emperor’s ships to victory over the Chinese in 1895. The Combined Fleet is presently dissolved, but Itoh remains formally in charge of the navy.Japan’s industry and military are still catching up to Western state of the art - and while they are moving in leaps and bounds, there are still ways to go. Japan must have the best ships it can get - but it is not ready to build those ships. So, Japan turns to Western shipyards - and finds a partner in the all-powerful British Empire, who see Japan as a useful check on rival Russian and German ambitions in Asia. Most of Japan’s ships, as well as their tactical doctrine, is imported from Britain - but keen not to be left far behind, other powers increasingly offer incentives for Japan to buy their ships. The American financiers and industrial magnates seem particularly keen to win the Japanese over.With most of the obsolete Sino-Japanese War-era ships having been sold or scrapped, the standing Japanese navy at the start of 1900 is a small force, possessing 8 capital ships and 14 fleet torpedo boats.3 more capital ships - a battleship and two cruisers - are also waiting to be delivered.The core of the Japanese fleet are its battleships:The current standing fleet is made up of three modern battleships of the Yashima class:and; and the one-off flagship- bigger, tougher, and overall more capable. All four of them were built in British shipyards; however the lucrative contract for the next ship in line was won by the Americans, and is presently being built as the: a ship that is smaller than its predecessor, but much leaner and more reliable. Admiral Itoh is waiting impatiently for this ship to complete. The standard speed of the Japanese line is 18kt, with Fuso and Mikasa both designed to go even faster - which makes the Japanese battle squadron among the fastest in the world in 1900.Next are the cruisers, which had been built domestically, but with a great deal of British and German input:The Iwate class armored cruisers are tough, economical, but outwardly not very impressive ships - two, theherself and her sister, are already in service. A third ship, the, should enter the fleet by the end of the year. These make up the core of the navy’s 2nd squadron, whose area of responsibility is the close waters in areas such as the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea - with cramped accommodations, the Iwate class are not meant for distant cruises.Theand her sisterare protected cruisers based on German designs, built for utility rather than performance - they are meant to carry out scouting for both of the fleet squadrons; to provide fire support to troops on expeditions in China; and to police and protect shipping in Japanese home waters. The slightly larger and closely-related, still in construction and not expected to enter service until 1901, is meant to be marginally more capable of taking on other cruisers if the need arises.Finally, there are the fleet torpedo boats, 14 in total, standardized around the same designed named the Akikaze class.With its limited shipbuilding capacity, Japan has embraced the concept of torpedo boat warfare, even if it is yet unproven. The Akikazes are some of the largest and most seaworthy torpedo boats in the world, fully capable of escorting Japan’s fleet anywhere it needs to go - though their firepower and performance as fast killer boats are considered quite mediocre. However, they needn’t be: Japan’s doctrine somewhat insidiously envisions them as ambush vessels meant to penetrate enemy anchorages by night, targeting capital ships with torpedoes before fleeing.***The year 1900 for Japan goes by quietly enough. While the in-construction ships are awaited, Viscount Itoh returns from inspecting some of the latest British and German ships stationed in the Yellow Sea. He is impressed with what his Western colleagues tell him about modern cruisers now being built in Europe, and sees the days of his meager 21kt ships as numbered. With German assistance, he draws up specifications for the next-generation cruiser - and the largest ship yet to be built in Japan, theSome 50 percent larger than the cruisers it follows, the Chiyoda is to be built as the first true fleet cruiser for Japan - but is also quite capable of operating independently, as raider or colonial ship.1900 remains a year of turmoil in China -in disturb order and disrupt the trade that Japan counts on for its present prosperity. As a result, the Japanese navy is active throughout the year, sending troops and reinforcements and providing fire support to troops in China, in cooperation with Western nations. They are grateful for the assistance - but Russia and the US are also wary of the enthusiasm with which Japan seems to treat military intervention in China’s affairs. American financiers are concerned about being cut out from the pacific trade, and tensions with the US grow through 1900 - before rapproachment sets in by the end of the year, as a new government led by Marshal Yamagata assures the US ambassador that Japan only seeks to aid US trade in Asia.***Following successes in quelling Chinese uprisings, the Japanese navy celebrates by holding extensive gunnery competitions at Kure and Sasebo in February - which not only improve the effectiveness of our ships, but also draw many notables and curious onlookers who come to observe. The navy’s coffers the following month seem to reflect an improved public interest in naval power. The Japanese battleship Asahi is declared to be champion of the gunnery competition. Meanwhile, the armored cruiser, 3rd and last of the Iwate class, is commissioned and joins the fleet’s 2nd squadron as its flagship.However, Japan’s navy is not the only one building its strength in the area. As the unrest in China settles down, the focus of imperial interests switches to Korea and Manchuria, where Japan’s interests run directly against Russia’s. The Czar’s policy in Asia for the past few years seems to have gone from opportunistic to aggressive. Following the Western intervention after the treaty of Shimonoseki, Russia unilaterally occupied the Liaotung peninsula on the Yellow Sea, and now looks to secure its hold on Manchuria. Japanese ships close to those shores worry them.Throughout the year, our intelligence agents report various Russian moves. Among them is news that a new Russian armored cruiser calledhad been launched, and it is widely expected to turn up in Port Arthur as Russia seeks to protect their Yellow Sea base and counterbalance the Japanese fleet. These moves do not escape the attention of the Japanese government, and Prime Minister Yamagata, who asks what the navy needs to better deal with this Russian reinforcement. Itoh requests more funding for his building programmes.The money that is disbursed to the navy is used to work with British shipwrights to create a more powerful ship to operate with our current-generation armored cruisers - which are cramped and hardly state of the art, even if well protected. The resulting approved design is the armored cruiserStill a very modest ship - it was explicitly designed with a budget limit of 30 million - it introduces a heavier main battery and far better crew accommodations than our present Iwate class.In May of 1901, our 5th battleship - the- finally arrives from the US and gives the Japanese engineers a great deal of insight into American technology. However, it will be a few months before the Mikasa is ready to take her place in the battle line.In the meantime, the fleet’s general staff consider requirements for our next battleship. Although Mikasa is a lean design, the general opinion is that we could do better. After exploring the options, the IJN orders the follow-upfrom the Americans:The Hatsuse it is to be 1,000t heavier than Mikasa, with the weight going into much-improved armor and secondary weapons, while still maintaining 19kt speed. This will be our 6th battleship, which will complete the present building program, leaving us with two battle squadrons of 3 ships each - one 18kt, one 19kt.By summer, the flames of rebellion once again heat up in China. Once again, seeking to imrpove Japanese prestige, the government orders the best we have - the battleship Asahi - to be sent south to provide fire support against the rebels. The Boxer rebels, however, are hardly our greatest threat from the scenario - because as soon as the Asahi sails, Russians declare our actions to amount to an invasion of China in contravention of treaties, and themselves begin moving their troops in Manchuria and Korea, ostensibly to protect their positions against our threats. It seems they’ve been preparing for this for a while, in any case - they’ve already brought 3 battleships and 4 armored cruisers to the Pacific.Japan must act. War is declared immediately, but before Russians even receive our diplomatic response, our fleet under the command of Admiral Itoh is already at sea, posed to make a strike against

ccip

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Senior Member Perseverance and Determination - Japan AAR Quote Select Post

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Link to Post Back to Top Post by ccip on Battle of Port Arthur 24th July, 1901









At 3:28 local time, the order comes from Admiral Itoh Sukeyuki’s flagship Fuso for the Japanese fleet torpedo boats to move on their mission to enter the Port Arthur anchorage and torpedo the Russian capital ships resting there. It is an entirely new type of attack, but Itoh is willing to take the chances. With the destroyers striking just as dawn approaches, the sun should rise just in time for the Japanese battleship to enter the fray, engaging any Russian ships that sortie and cover the retreating torpedo boats from long distance.







Only three of the Japanese battleships are available - Asahi is committed to the international campaign against Boxer rebels further south; the brand-new Mikasa is still working up and not yet fit for action. Of the cruisers, the Iwate is absent as well, having been detached to Taiwan for colonial guard duty. As a result, the Japanese force numbers 3 Bs, 2 CAs, 2 CLs, and 11 fleet torpedo boats (destroyers). The Russian numbers are not yet known.











The Japanese torpedo boats delay, and by the time they enter the Russian anchorage at Port Arthur, it is already 4:15 in the morning and dawn is beginning to break. Nevertheless, they arrive undetected - if somewhat disorganized, and find the Russians anchored and mostly asleep. What they find are three battleships and two cruisers. The Russian battleships - two of the Dvenadsat’ Apostolov (Twelve Apostles) class and one of the Imperator Pavel I (Emperor Paul I) class are impressive, intimidating ships - some of the most capable in the enemy navy. The seas are dead calm, with a hot, humid July day looming ahead.















Though their targets are in plain sight, amid the confusion the Japanese destroyers fail to launch their torpedoes on the first try and must circle around. By the time they do so, the sun is already rising. The Russians soon begin to realize what is going on, raise steam, and open fire, but it takes them a while to get going. Aboard the Fuso, Itoh orders his battle squadron to speed up and prepare for battle - he has no way of knowing the outcome of the torpedo strike, but once the sun rises, he will bring whatever Russian ships remain for him to face into battle.







Things go better for the torpedo boats on the second attempt. At 5:12, with the sun already showing above the horizon, destroyer Numakaze races back into the Russian anchorage and launches a torpedo at the Pallada-class protected cruiser Venera (Venus). It hits under the ship’s waterline, sending a spray of water into the air. The Venera founders and loses steam, sinking just off the rocky coast about an hour later.





At 5:30, day has now broken and the Japanese fleet is facing the cliffs of Port Arthur, counting the 3 Russian battleships and 1 armored cruiser closing at them, preparing to give battle. Itoh orders the armored cruisers of Rear Admiral Kamimura’s 2nd squadron to form up behind the battleships. The torpedo boats, now also in contact, are ordered to pull back from Port Arthur and reform behind the battle fleet. Not all of them make it - at 5:34, the unfortunate Hokaze gets a little too close to the cruiser Pamyat Azova (Memories of Azov - a name that the Japanese fleet and public would get to know well in the coming months), and receives several hits from 6-inch guns for its efforts, sinking almost immediately.











The Russians briefly cross the Japanese T, scoring the first hit of the fleet battle at 5:43 on the Yashima, and forcing Itoh to turn and cut across their wake. The Russians, realizing that they are about to be cut off from Port Arthur that they’d just left, turn north, but it is too late. Though they are first to score a hit, it is the Japanese that gain the early advantage of cohesion, with their ships soon forming a solid wall between the Russians and their base. After making several feints and attempts to spoke the Japanese, the Russian flagship Imperator Pavel settles on a parallel course to Itoh’s line at a range of about 5,600 yards.













A classic line battle then ensues, with the forces running northward parallel to each other just off the tip of the Liaotung Peninsula, soon leaving the batteries of Port Arthur and the wrecked cruiser Venera behind. Miraculously, the torpedo boat Yakaze, racing to catch up to Itoh’s fleet, finds survivors in the water from her utterly-destroyed sister Hokaze, picking them up before rejoining the fray.











The Russian formation gradually gets looser, while the Japanese remain firm. The trailing Russian battleship, Imperatritsa Ekaterina (Empress Catherine), takes several firm hits from Itoh’s flagship Fuso after 7:00 in the morning, and begins to fall behind her squadron. Seeing an opportunity, Itoh orders his gathered torpedo boats to execute a flottilla attack against it at 7:50. Again, the boats have difficulty launching torpedoes, but are in fact very effective at spooking the battleship and forcing it to break away from its squadron and lose support completely. After repeated attempts, the torpedo boat Akikaze finally manages to torpedo the Empress at 8:30. The ship slows down in the water as the battle moves away from it. Meanwhile, Kamimura’s two armored cruisers thwart a counterattack by Russian torpedo boats, sinking the destroyer Lun in the process.











By now, the battle squadron is slogging it out with the Imperatritsa Ekaterina’s sister, the Battleship “Twelve Apostles”, and taking some heavy hits - but holding up well. The battle intensifies, and by 9:00 in the morning, the Fuso is only 3,000 yards from its opponent. However, the accumulated damage - none of it fatal - gradually grinds down the rate of fire and speed of the Japanese ships, and ammunition for the main guns begins running low. At 9:30, after 4 hours into the fleet battle, Itoh orders his squadron to turn back south and finish off the crippled Imperatritsa Ekaterina, then disengage. She proves a tough ship - at 11:00, she is still afloat as the Japanese fleet approaches her and opens fire, and Itoh orders a second flottilla attack. However, before the destroyers close to torpedo range, she abruptly capsizes and sinks in the Yellow Sea.























For the next two hours, Itoh’s exhausted battleships attempt to re-engage the surviving two Russian battleships, but to no avail - both eventually outmaneuver the Japanese fleet and break through back towards Port Arthur without much further damage. By 1:30pm, Itoh finally sounds general retreat, with his flagship’s main gun ammunition completely exhausted. The battle, however, has been a resounding success!















The Russian performance has not been entirely poor - their gunnery was much more accurate than the Japanese, but thanks to the cohesion and discipline of Itoh’s squadron, the IJN proved far more effective in the end. The flagship Fuso’s performance has been notable - its gunnery was actualy terrible, but it managed to shrug off more hits than any other ship in the battle and had hardly been affected and continued effective command throughout the battle, whereas the Russians lost cohesion quite quickly.











News of the battle quickly circles the world, causing quite a stir among the powers that be - and seething hatred from the Russians, who retreat into Port Arthur to lick their wounds. Japanese troops meanwhile pour into Korea, eager to engage Russians in a land war, with their supply lanes across the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea and Tsushima Straits unobstructed by enemy ships for the moment.









(To be continued...) At 3:28 local time, the order comes from Admiral Itoh Sukeyuki’s flagship Fuso for the Japanese fleet torpedo boats to move on their mission to enter the Port Arthur anchorage and torpedo the Russian capital ships resting there. It is an entirely new type of attack, but Itoh is willing to take the chances. With the destroyers striking just as dawn approaches, the sun should rise just in time for the Japanese battleship to enter the fray, engaging any Russian ships that sortie and cover the retreating torpedo boats from long distance.Only three of the Japanese battleships are available - Asahi is committed to the international campaign against Boxer rebels further south; the brand-new Mikasa is still working up and not yet fit for action. Of the cruisers, the Iwate is absent as well, having been detached to Taiwan for colonial guard duty. As a result, the Japanese force numbers 3 Bs, 2 CAs, 2 CLs, and 11 fleet torpedo boats (destroyers). The Russian numbers are not yet known.The Japanese torpedo boats delay, and by the time they enter the Russian anchorage at Port Arthur, it is already 4:15 in the morning and dawn is beginning to break. Nevertheless, they arrive undetected - if somewhat disorganized, and find the Russians anchored and mostly asleep. What they find are three battleships and two cruisers. The Russian battleships - two of the Dvenadsat’ Apostolov (Twelve Apostles) class and one of the Imperator Pavel I (Emperor Paul I) class are impressive, intimidating ships - some of the most capable in the enemy navy. The seas are dead calm, with a hot, humid July day looming ahead.Though their targets are in plain sight, amid the confusion the Japanese destroyers fail to launch their torpedoes on the first try and must circle around. By the time they do so, the sun is already rising. The Russians soon begin to realize what is going on, raise steam, and open fire, but it takes them a while to get going. Aboard the Fuso, Itoh orders his battle squadron to speed up and prepare for battle - he has no way of knowing the outcome of the torpedo strike, but once the sun rises, he will bring whatever Russian ships remain for him to face into battle.Things go better for the torpedo boats on the second attempt. At 5:12, with the sun already showing above the horizon, destroyer Numakaze races back into the Russian anchorage and launches a torpedo at the Pallada-class protected cruiser Venera (Venus). It hits under the ship’s waterline, sending a spray of water into the air. The Venera founders and loses steam, sinking just off the rocky coast about an hour later.At 5:30, day has now broken and the Japanese fleet is facing the cliffs of Port Arthur, counting the 3 Russian battleships and 1 armored cruiser closing at them, preparing to give battle. Itoh orders the armored cruisers of Rear Admiral Kamimura’s 2nd squadron to form up behind the battleships. The torpedo boats, now also in contact, are ordered to pull back from Port Arthur and reform behind the battle fleet. Not all of them make it - at 5:34, the unfortunate Hokaze gets a little too close to the cruiser Pamyat Azova (Memories of Azov - a name that the Japanese fleet and public would get to know well in the coming months), and receives several hits from 6-inch guns for its efforts, sinking almost immediately.The Russians briefly cross the Japanese T, scoring the first hit of the fleet battle at 5:43 on the Yashima, and forcing Itoh to turn and cut across their wake. The Russians, realizing that they are about to be cut off from Port Arthur that they’d just left, turn north, but it is too late. Though they are first to score a hit, it is the Japanese that gain the early advantage of cohesion, with their ships soon forming a solid wall between the Russians and their base. After making several feints and attempts to spoke the Japanese, the Russian flagship Imperator Pavel settles on a parallel course to Itoh’s line at a range of about 5,600 yards.A classic line battle then ensues, with the forces running northward parallel to each other just off the tip of the Liaotung Peninsula, soon leaving the batteries of Port Arthur and the wrecked cruiser Venera behind. Miraculously, the torpedo boat Yakaze, racing to catch up to Itoh’s fleet, finds survivors in the water from her utterly-destroyed sister Hokaze, picking them up before rejoining the fray.The Russian formation gradually gets looser, while the Japanese remain firm. The trailing Russian battleship, Imperatritsa Ekaterina (Empress Catherine), takes several firm hits from Itoh’s flagship Fuso after 7:00 in the morning, and begins to fall behind her squadron. Seeing an opportunity, Itoh orders his gathered torpedo boats to execute a flottilla attack against it at 7:50. Again, the boats have difficulty launching torpedoes, but are in fact very effective at spooking the battleship and forcing it to break away from its squadron and lose support completely. After repeated attempts, the torpedo boat Akikaze finally manages to torpedo the Empress at 8:30. The ship slows down in the water as the battle moves away from it. Meanwhile, Kamimura’s two armored cruisers thwart a counterattack by Russian torpedo boats, sinking the destroyer Lun in the process.By now, the battle squadron is slogging it out with the Imperatritsa Ekaterina’s sister, the Battleship “Twelve Apostles”, and taking some heavy hits - but holding up well. The battle intensifies, and by 9:00 in the morning, the Fuso is only 3,000 yards from its opponent. However, the accumulated damage - none of it fatal - gradually grinds down the rate of fire and speed of the Japanese ships, and ammunition for the main guns begins running low. At 9:30, after 4 hours into the fleet battle, Itoh orders his squadron to turn back south and finish off the crippled Imperatritsa Ekaterina, then disengage. She proves a tough ship - at 11:00, she is still afloat as the Japanese fleet approaches her and opens fire, and Itoh orders a second flottilla attack. However, before the destroyers close to torpedo range, she abruptly capsizes and sinks in the Yellow Sea.For the next two hours, Itoh’s exhausted battleships attempt to re-engage the surviving two Russian battleships, but to no avail - both eventually outmaneuver the Japanese fleet and break through back towards Port Arthur without much further damage. By 1:30pm, Itoh finally sounds general retreat, with his flagship’s main gun ammunition completely exhausted. The battle, however, has been a resounding success!The Russian performance has not been entirely poor - their gunnery was much more accurate than the Japanese, but thanks to the cohesion and discipline of Itoh’s squadron, the IJN proved far more effective in the end. The flagship Fuso’s performance has been notable - its gunnery was actualy terrible, but it managed to shrug off more hits than any other ship in the battle and had hardly been affected and continued effective command throughout the battle, whereas the Russians lost cohesion quite quickly.News of the battle quickly circles the world, causing quite a stir among the powers that be - and seething hatred from the Russians, who retreat into Port Arthur to lick their wounds. Japanese troops meanwhile pour into Korea, eager to engage Russians in a land war, with their supply lanes across the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea and Tsushima Straits unobstructed by enemy ships for the moment.

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Although the battle of Port Arthur is a resounding victory, Viscount Itoh is not a man to rest on his laurels. Nor is he one to have any illusions - he knows that he has just provoked the Russian bear and that it is now a race against time to get ready for the inevitable Russian reinforcement. The re-established Combined Fleet is in no enviable shape either:











Although the reselient flagship Fuso has been repaired at Sasebo with impressive haste, the two other battleships that were with the squadron, Yashima and Fuji, are both out of action for at least a month with damage. The Mikasa and the new cruiser Unebi are still working up and unready for fighting. The armored cruiser Iwate is still needed more than ever for duty in protecting Taiwan; while the fleet torpedo boats that hadn’t been damaged at Port Arthur must now be committed to coastal patrols and picket duty to monitor Russian activity at Port Arthur, where the surviving ships are presently blockaded.



This leaves Itoh with two battleships, two armored cruisers, two protected cruisers, and no screening vessels with which to conduct the rest of campaigning in the summer. Detaching any of them as raiders against Russian shipping would risk losing them, so that idea is cast aside. Using his precious battleships for patrol duty is also fraught with risk. As a result, Itoh recalls the AC Iwate from Taiwan, to rejoin her two sisters in home waters, where they will operate together as the 2nd squadron under the command of Rear Admiral Kamimura, and bear the main burden of active duty, searching for raiders and denying enemy movement. The smaller CL Izumi is sent to cover Taiwan instead.



The government authorizes wartime spending bills, which Itoh uses to finance his most urgent needs - he orders the construction of small mine cutters of the Kongo Maru class to take over coastal picket duty from the fleet torpedo boats:







These 10 simple ships are expected in service by 1905.





Secondly, with torpedo attack doctrine being fully validated by the Port Arthur success - after all, both major warships sunk there had gone down thanks to torpedoes - he orders a class of new, faster 500t torpedo boats, named after Hokaze - the only one of his ships to be lost in action at Port Arthur:







The Hokaze-class are far more cramped ships with a short operating range than the older boats that conducted the Port Arthur attack, but with much better performance and speed, suitable to operations in the Yellow Sea, where more action is eventually expected.





***



As the summer of 1901 concludes, Japan settles into a state of war. Private shipyards, perhaps encouraged by profits to be made, announce expansions to their docks - making it possible to build ships up to 11,000t, then 12,000t domestically. By the end of August, the Mikasa is ready for duty, and the damaged battleships are repaired, bringing the 1st squadron’s strength to 5 battleships - with the next ship, the Hatsuse, not expected until 1904 at the earliest. Reconaissance of Port Arthur eventually finds that the Russian ships had left it before September - and Itoh next finds them at the more secure Russian anchorage at Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan, which they staunchly refuse to leave even as the Combined Fleet approaches within sight.



In September, war rages on land in Korea, and the navy’s ships are preoccupied chiefly with fire support duties as the Japanese forces advance against the Russians; or with training to improve coordination and tactics. The enemy’s fleet continues to shrink from any possibility of engagement - they do seem to leave anchor occasionally, but flee on contact. In October, they make another sortie through the Tsushima Straits, and return to Port Arthur, which has by now been reinforced - it appears that they are preparing for a winter campaign, and all the Russian ports in the region besides Port Arthur and Dalian freeze over with ice during the cold months.



Worse, the expected Russian naval buildup seems to be already happening. By the end of October, the Japanese attache at Singapore reports sighting 3 Russian battleships and 2 armored cruisers drop anchor, with another 4 battleships possibly having passed by without stopping. Itoh begins to make contingency plans for defending against a possible blockade in the coming months. On the 4th of November, torpedo boats patrolling off Port Arthur return to verify Itoh’s worst fears - they had already sighted masts of as many as 8 battleships stationed in its inner harbour, by now quite secure from torpedo attack. Meanwhile, our espionage reports from abroad also suggest that the Russians are busy laying down auxiliary merchant raiders and minesweepers in their shipyards, while also ordering new battleships in British shipyards. It seems that they are preparing for a long war. Our only new addition in the meantime is the Chiyoda, our most advanced scouting cruiser, which starts working up to combat readiness in December.













As the year draws to a close, the reinfored Russian Pacific fleet at last begins offensive operations against us. In December, their cruisers manage to capture two of our merchant vessels in the Sea of Japan, which had been delivering supplies to our troops in Korea. The armored cruisers of the 2nd squadron are ordered to raise steam and set off in search of these raiders. And so, on December 25th, as much of the Western world celebrates Christmas, Rear Admiral Kamimura’s cruisers sights unknown ships in the Tsushima Straits....





(To be continued...) Although the battle of Port Arthur is a resounding victory, Viscount Itoh is not a man to rest on his laurels. Nor is he one to have any illusions - he knows that he has just provoked the Russian bear and that it is now a race against time to get ready for the inevitable Russian reinforcement. The re-established Combined Fleet is in no enviable shape either:Although the reselient flagship Fuso has been repaired at Sasebo with impressive haste, the two other battleships that were with the squadron, Yashima and Fuji, are both out of action for at least a month with damage. The Mikasa and the new cruiser Unebi are still working up and unready for fighting. The armored cruiser Iwate is still needed more than ever for duty in protecting Taiwan; while the fleet torpedo boats that hadn’t been damaged at Port Arthur must now be committed to coastal patrols and picket duty to monitor Russian activity at Port Arthur, where the surviving ships are presently blockaded.This leaves Itoh with two battleships, two armored cruisers, two protected cruisers, and no screening vessels with which to conduct the rest of campaigning in the summer. Detaching any of them as raiders against Russian shipping would risk losing them, so that idea is cast aside. Using his precious battleships for patrol duty is also fraught with risk. As a result, Itoh recalls the AC Iwate from Taiwan, to rejoin her two sisters in home waters, where they will operate together as the 2nd squadron under the command of Rear Admiral Kamimura, and bear the main burden of active duty, searching for raiders and denying enemy movement. The smaller CL Izumi is sent to cover Taiwan instead.The government authorizes wartime spending bills, which Itoh uses to finance his most urgent needs - he orders the construction of small mine cutters of the Kongo Maru class to take over coastal picket duty from the fleet torpedo boats:These 10 simple ships are expected in service by 1905.Secondly, with torpedo attack doctrine being fully validated by the Port Arthur success - after all, both major warships sunk there had gone down thanks to torpedoes - he orders a class of new, faster 500t torpedo boats, named after Hokaze - the only one of his ships to be lost in action at Port Arthur:The Hokaze-class are far more cramped ships with a short operating range than the older boats that conducted the Port Arthur attack, but with much better performance and speed, suitable to operations in the Yellow Sea, where more action is eventually expected.***As the summer of 1901 concludes, Japan settles into a state of war. Private shipyards, perhaps encouraged by profits to be made, announce expansions to their docks - making it possible to build ships up to 11,000t, then 12,000t domestically. By the end of August, the Mikasa is ready for duty, and the damaged battleships are repaired, bringing the 1st squadron’s strength to 5 battleships - with the next ship, the Hatsuse, not expected until 1904 at the earliest. Reconaissance of Port Arthur eventually finds that the Russian ships had left it before September - and Itoh next finds them at the more secure Russian anchorage at Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan, which they staunchly refuse to leave even as the Combined Fleet approaches within sight.In September, war rages on land in Korea, and the navy’s ships are preoccupied chiefly with fire support duties as the Japanese forces advance against the Russians; or with training to improve coordination and tactics. The enemy’s fleet continues to shrink from any possibility of engagement - they do seem to leave anchor occasionally, but flee on contact. In October, they make another sortie through the Tsushima Straits, and return to Port Arthur, which has by now been reinforced - it appears that they are preparing for a winter campaign, and all the Russian ports in the region besides Port Arthur and Dalian freeze over with ice during the cold months.Worse, the expected Russian naval buildup seems to be already happening. By the end of October, the Japanese attache at Singapore reports sighting 3 Russian battleships and 2 armored cruisers drop anchor, with another 4 battleships possibly having passed by without stopping. Itoh begins to make contingency plans for defending against a possible blockade in the coming months. On the 4th of November, torpedo boats patrolling off Port Arthur return to verify Itoh’s worst fears - they had already sighted masts of as many as 8 battleships stationed in its inner harbour, by now quite secure from torpedo attack. Meanwhile, our espionage reports from abroad also suggest that the Russians are busy laying down auxiliary merchant raiders and minesweepers in their shipyards, while also ordering new battleships in British shipyards. It seems that they are preparing for a long war. Our only new addition in the meantime is the Chiyoda, our most advanced scouting cruiser, which starts working up to combat readiness in December.As the year draws to a close, the reinfored Russian Pacific fleet at last begins offensive operations against us. In December, their cruisers manage to capture two of our merchant vessels in the Sea of Japan, which had been delivering supplies to our troops in Korea. The armored cruisers of the 2nd squadron are ordered to raise steam and set off in search of these raiders. And so, on December 25th, as much of the Western world celebrates Christmas, Rear Admiral Kamimura’s cruisers sights unknown ships in the Tsushima Straits....

phoenix

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Link to Post Back to Top Post by phoenix on One thing I just thought about - I'm not sure whether you're actually designing the ships that have appeared in the designer or whether they're stock in some way. Did you make design choices and depart from history? I'm not so familiar with the historical position that I would know, and as I don't have the game yet I guess I can't tell precisely what's going on when you commission new boats. Could you flag up, do you think, (in future) whether you're commissioning historical copies or branching out from history, and in what way? Sorry if I missed something and these points are obvious anyway to others....

And does the AI stick rigidly to history, or can you end up fighting boats that are not historical?

And - one last tiny query - the map around Port Arthur looks more blocky and less detailed than in RJW - am I right, or merely imagining this? I seem to recall being able to see the horseshoe anchorage at PA in RJW, for example. Has the map changed?



Peter

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The AI is the same AI you'd know from the previous SAI titles - it's pretty good in general and does not like losing ships! One thing that is definitely noticable here early in the game is how difficult it is to get a decisive result from a gun battle - the early predreadnoughts here are even less accurate with their guns than in the historical RJW game.



phoenix said: One thing I just thought about - I'm not sure whether you're actually designing the ships that have appeared in the designer or whether they're stock in some way. Did you make design choices and depart from history? I'm not so familiar with the historical position that I would know, and as I don't have the game yet I guess I can't tell precisely what's going on when you commission new boats. Could you flag up, do you think, (in future) whether you're commissioning historical copies or branching out from history, and in what way? Sorry if I missed something and these points are obvious anyway to others....

And does the AI stick rigidly to history, or can you end up fighting boats that are not historical?

And - one last tiny query - the map around Port Arthur looks more blocky and less detailed than in RJW - am I right, or merely imagining this? I seem to recall being able to see the horseshoe anchorage at PA in RJW, for example. Has the map changed?



Peter

You might've noticed, but the ships aren't historical copies - they're game-generated. The names are the same as used historically, but the ships themselves are a bit different - but I do like that the game starts you off with a navy that isn't quite the historical one but very close and plausible. I started off this game trying to actually build a replica of the Japanese navy in 1900, but it turned out to be a little trickier than I thought (mostly because of the limited funding you start off with). In general, I've actually found that for whichever nation you play, you actually get a better and more balanced navy when you let the game generate it for you than designing every ship yourself. So it's definitely branching out from history from the start - but it says something really good about the way RTW models the world of the time, because despite being dynamically generated, its fleets and battles definitely come off as very plausible. You definitely do fight non-historical designs, and lots of them! As the developers mentioned a few times, RTW is not a historical game and will basically play out dynamically every time, ship designs included.



And you're totally right about Port Arthur being more blocky - I think the world map in RTW is slightly more uniform and low-resolution than the earlier games that were built for specific theaters. I suspect part of the reason is to keep it simple for the AI.





Thank you!The AI is the same AI you'd know from the previous SAI titles - it's pretty good in general and does not like losing ships! One thing that is definitely noticable here early in the game is how difficult it is to get a decisive result from a gun battle - the early predreadnoughts here are even less accurate with their guns than in the historical RJW game.You might've noticed, but the ships aren't historical copies - they're game-generated. The names are the same as used historically, but the ships themselves are a bit different - but I do like that the game starts you off with a navy that isn't quite the historical one but very close and plausible. I started off this game trying to actually build a replica of the Japanese navy in 1900, but it turned out to be a little trickier than I thought (mostly because of the limited funding you start off with). In general, I've actually found that for whichever nation you play, you actually get a better and more balanced navy when you let the game generate it for you than designing every ship yourself. So it's definitely branching out from history from the start - but it says something really good about the way RTW models the world of the time, because despite being dynamically generated, its fleets and battles definitely come off as very plausible. You definitely do fight non-historical designs, and lots of them! As the developers mentioned a few times, RTW is not a historical game and will basically play out dynamically every time, ship designs included.And you're totally right about Port Arthur being more blocky - I think the world map in RTW is slightly more uniform and low-resolution than the earlier games that were built for specific theaters. I suspect part of the reason is to keep it simple for the AI.

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After news of a Russian raid against the Japanese shipping reached Sasebo, commander-in-chief Itoh dispatched the 2nd squadron under rear admiral Kamimura to search for the enemy cruisers and protect shipping in the Straits of Tsushima. The armored cruisers Tokiwa, Iwate and Asama made up the main force, with the light cruisers Naniwa and Unebi posted ahead of them on scouting duty. On the gloomy, windy morning of December 25th, not long after arriving off the port of Busan - one of Japan’s main supply hubs in Korea - Kamimura’s cruisers sight unknown ships approaching from the north.











The first ship is soon identified as a Pallada class cruiser - a fairly unthreatening scouting ship with 4 inch guns only. Japan’s plucky new cruiser Unebi reports the contact back to Kamimura’s ships, then engages, trying to hold up the Pallada until the slower ACs can catch up. Two more Pallada cruisers appear to be present as well - and behind them, there seem to be Russian armored cruisers. Kamimura orders his cruisers to take course towards the anchorage and protective batteries at Busan as a precaution. Suddenly, the trailing Asama spots another ship approaching from the West. Who could that be?











It soon turns out to be the Varyag, one of Russia’s newest ships - a quick but rather lightweight 2nd-rank cruiser, which seems to be separated from the main squadron of two Pamyat Azova-class cruisers, large 1st-rank cruisers. Kamimura, under orders to avoid unneccessary risks, weighs the situation: he cannot engage the whole Russian squadron together, as the enemy ships are more than a match for his. However, the Varyag is cut off - and is too far to be see or exchange signals with the other Russian cruisers. If it can be brought to battle alone, perhaps there is a chance…











Kamimura’s cruisers turn towards the Varyag, and it starts fleeing south through the straits. The other Russian cruisers follow the Japanese force, with the Naniwa and Unebi providing a rear guard and exchanging heavy fire with the Pallada-class ships, interfering with their scouting. By 12:30, the Varyag is pressed against the northern island of Tsushima. Although by now the Varyag’s captain Rudnev can see the two large 1st-tank cruisers approaching to his aid, he has to get out of his predicament before he gets their help, and with Tsushima on one side and Kamimura’s squadron on the others, he has no choice but fight.







At 12:48, Kamimura’s flagship Tokiwa opens fire on the Varyag from 2300 yards, as it tries to clear a bend in the coast. Some of the shells splash down on the rocky shores of Tsushima. The 8-inch guns carried by the Iwate-class ships prove a great advantage - and after a few hits, Varyag loses speed and can no longer get out of range. For the next hour, Rudnev’s ship is pummeled by effective fire. The larger 1st-class cruisers are by now closing from the north and taking shots in an attempt to free Varyag from Kamimura’sgrips, but to no avail.











By 2pm, Varyag is reduced to a smoking hulk next to Tsushima’s coast - but Kamimura does not get the satisfaction of finishing off the cruiser, as his attention switches to eluding the larger pursuing cruisers, now more determined than ever to get to him. But the good fortune of the Kamikaze [divine wind] is with the Japanese once again - as a squall rolls through the straits, reducing visibility and leaving the pursuing Russians blind. Satisfied with the damage he’s done, Kamimura withdraws to Sasebo. By sunset, his squadron is at anchor, and he is reporting to commander in chief Itoh.











Initially, Itoh is angry at the cruiser commander for being far too cautious in the face of a weakened enemy and fleeing from the battle indecisively. But his mind quickly changes after messages from Tsushima indicate that locals saw the Varyag go down in the straits, its survivors picked up by the other Russian ships. Soon, Kamimura is instead praised as a hero for preserving the fleet while destroying a rather modern European-built ship!











Once again, the world press reports a Japanese triumph, which draws curiosity. While the Western powers are none too happy about Japan’s campaigning in Korea under pretext of countering the Russians, in some circles there is a certain amount of sympathy for the Japanese as the plucky underdogs. As the year 1901 ends and the war enters its 6th month, the navy has nothing to apologize for - but the 8-battleship Russian Pacific Fleet, still at anchor at Port Arthur, deeply troubles Itoh...















(To be continued...) After news of a Russian raid against the Japanese shipping reached Sasebo, commander-in-chief Itoh dispatched the 2nd squadron under rear admiral Kamimura to search for the enemy cruisers and protect shipping in the Straits of Tsushima. The armored cruisersandmade up the main force, with the light cruisersandposted ahead of them on scouting duty. On the gloomy, windy morning of December 25th, not long after arriving off the port of Busan - one of Japan’s main supply hubs in Korea - Kamimura’s cruisers sight unknown ships approaching from the north.The first ship is soon identified as aclass cruiser - a fairly unthreatening scouting ship with 4 inch guns only. Japan’s plucky new cruiser Unebi reports the contact back to Kamimura’s ships, then engages, trying to hold up the Pallada until the slower ACs can catch up. Two more Pallada cruisers appear to be present as well - and behind them, there seem to be Russian armored cruisers. Kamimura orders his cruisers to take course towards the anchorage and protective batteries at Busan as a precaution. Suddenly, the trailingspots another ship approaching from the West. Who could that be?It soon turns out to be the, one of Russia’s newest ships - a quick but rather lightweight 2nd-rank cruiser, which seems to be separated from the main squadron of two-class cruisers, large 1st-rank cruisers. Kamimura, under orders to avoid unneccessary risks, weighs the situation: he cannot engage the whole Russian squadron together, as the enemy ships are more than a match for his. However, the Varyag is cut off - and is too far to be see or exchange signals with the other Russian cruisers. If it can be brought to battle alone, perhaps there is a chance…Kamimura’s cruisers turn towards the, and it starts fleeing south through the straits. The other Russian cruisers follow the Japanese force, with theandproviding a rear guard and exchanging heavy fire with the Pallada-class ships, interfering with their scouting. By 12:30, the Varyag is pressed against the northern island of Tsushima. Although by now the Varyag’s captain Rudnev can see the two large 1st-tank cruisers approaching to his aid, he has to get out of his predicament before he gets their help, and with Tsushima on one side and Kamimura’s squadron on the others, he has no choice but fight.At 12:48, Kamimura’s flagshipopens fire on thefrom 2300 yards, as it tries to clear a bend in the coast. Some of the shells splash down on the rocky shores of Tsushima. The 8-inch guns carried by the Iwate-class ships prove a great advantage - and after a few hits, Varyag loses speed and can no longer get out of range. For the next hour, Rudnev’s ship is pummeled by effective fire. The larger 1st-class cruisers are by now closing from the north and taking shots in an attempt to free Varyag from Kamimura’sgrips, but to no avail.By 2pm, Varyag is reduced to a smoking hulk next to Tsushima’s coast - but Kamimura does not get the satisfaction of finishing off the cruiser, as his attention switches to eluding the larger pursuing cruisers, now more determined than ever to get to him. But the good fortune of the[divine wind] is with the Japanese once again - as a squall rolls through the straits, reducing visibility and leaving the pursuing Russians blind. Satisfied with the damage he’s done, Kamimura withdraws to Sasebo. By sunset, his squadron is at anchor, and he is reporting to commander in chief Itoh.Initially, Itoh is angry at the cruiser commander for being far too cautious in the face of a weakened enemy and fleeing from the battle indecisively. But his mind quickly changes after messages from Tsushima indicate that locals saw thego down in the straits, its survivors picked up by the other Russian ships. Soon, Kamimura is instead praised as a hero for preserving the fleet while destroying a rather modern European-built ship!Once again, the world press reports a Japanese triumph, which draws curiosity. While the Western powers are none too happy about Japan’s campaigning in Korea under pretext of countering the Russians, in some circles there is a certain amount of sympathy for the Japanese as the plucky underdogs. As the year 1901 ends and the war enters its 6th month, the navy has nothing to apologize for - but the 8-battleship Russian Pacific Fleet, still at anchor at Port Arthur, deeply troubles Itoh...

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The start of the new year brings unseasonably mild conditions to the region, allowing the Russians to operate further north. The results are immediate - in the days after the triumph over Varyag, other Russian cruisers capture two Japanese merchant ships off northern and eastern Japan. Once again, Kamimura’s cruisers set off to search for the enemy. With a large area to search for the foe, they spread out. It does not take long for the Russians to present themselves, and on January 13th, the cruiser Asama sights two ships running the Soya straits (also known as Laperouse straits) westward in broad daylight.









These turn out to be the same two Pamyat Azova 1st-class cruisers that had unsuccessfully tried to catch up to Varyag’s killers just 3 weeks earlier - while for the Japanese side, only the Asama and the two small cruisers Naniwa and Unebi are in immediate contact. But Captain Yoshioka, commanding, knows that Kamimura’s Tokiwa is not far to the south on patrol, and decides to try and find the admiral before committing to battle, mimicking his superior’s caution from the last battle.He turns out to be in great luck - despite rapidly dropping visibility, the Asama sights Tokiwa, which comes barreling out of a rain squall from the south, with two destroyers in tow. The scales now tip, and Kamimura takes command of the battle. The cruisers are ordered to form up together and take the battle to the arrogant Russians! The danger is not lost on the enemy, however, and they quickly turn and begin fleeing to the north.







At 11:11am, the Asama and Tokiwa score their first hits of what will be a long battle. The fight soon moves to ranges of down to 2,000 yards, with rain and snow squalls gradually worsening. The Russians, though on the defensive and evidently seeking to pull back to their base of Korsakovsk on Sakhalin island, remind the Japanese that they are fighting ships - at about noon, they abruptly turn their broadsides to the Asama and Tokiwa and accept an all-out line battle.







Although the Russians are more heavily armored and larger, the Japanese 8in guns (versus the Russians all-6in configuration) prove more than up to the task. After 3 hours of constant combat, however, ammunition is running low, and neither side seems to be gaining decisive advantage, continuing to fight on at 19-20kt running speed. Kamimura’s last-effort attempt is to send in the two destroyers he brought with him and try to torpedo the Russians…







They respond to the torpedo attack by turning and nearly ramming the Japanese ships, and amid the heavy sea, the torpedo boats cannot launch any torpedoes. In turn, at 3:35 in the afternoon Asama tries to ram the trailing Russian ship Gromoboi, but only receives a full 6in broadside hit at close range for its efforts. Fortunately, the ship is not heavily damaged as a result. Just then, the rain and sleet grows heavy and, in the confusion, the Russian cruisers disappear into the mist.







After 20 minutes of uncertainty, Kamimura’s squadron manages to reestablish contact. It is now flagship Tokiwa’s turn to nearly ram an enemy cruiser, but in the end the two ships merely brush each other’s sides without causing much damage. By 16:30, weather only continues getting worse. Tokiwa’s attending cruisers have strayed to the south and are nowhere to be seen. The light cruisers Unebi and Naniwa fall out of formation shortly thereafter; on the battered Asama, the coal stokers are exhausted after hours of maneuvers and the ship is beginning to lose steam. And now, darkness is beginning to fall at the end of a short winter day…







By 17:15, one Russian ship succeeds at slipping away into the fading light and worsening precipitation, but the trailing Gromoboi still can’t shake its pursuers. Captain Yoshioka’s Asama and rear admiral Kamimura’s Tokiwa both continue to send shells its way. Suddenly, there is an immense “CRASH!” which shudders the hulls of the Japanese ships and lights up the sky. It first seems like a flash of rare winter thunder, but Kamimura quickly realizes that following a salvo from Asama, something went terribly wrong aboard the Russian cruiser Gromoboi, which explodes in a bright shower of flame amid the cold rain that is already turning to sleet and snow. It is quite a terrible sight, and moments later, no more is seen of it. The weather is far too harsh to find any survivors in the water.









Minutes later, complete darkness falls. Kamimura signals to Yoshioka on the Asama to fall back. A hero’s welcome once again awaits them at home.

















(To be continued...)





























The start of the new year brings unseasonably mild conditions to the region, allowing the Russians to operate further north. The results are immediate - in the days after the triumph over, other Russian cruisers capture two Japanese merchant ships off northern and eastern Japan. Once again, Kamimura’s cruisers set off to search for the enemy. With a large area to search for the foe, they spread out. It does not take long for the Russians to present themselves, and on January 13th, the cruisersights two ships running the Soya straits (also known as Laperouse straits) westward in broad daylight.These turn out to be the same two1st-class cruisers that had unsuccessfully tried to catch up to Varyag’s killers just 3 weeks earlier - while for the Japanese side, only theand the two small cruisersandare in immediate contact. But Captain Yoshioka, commanding, knows that Kamimura’s Tokiwa is not far to the south on patrol, and decides to try and find the admiral before committing to battle, mimicking his superior’s caution from the last battle.He turns out to be in great luck - despite rapidly dropping visibility, the Asama sights, which comes barreling out of a rain squall from the south, with two destroyers in tow. The scales now tip, and Kamimura takes command of the battle. The cruisers are ordered to form up together and take the battle to the arrogant Russians! The danger is not lost on the enemy, however, and they quickly turn and begin fleeing to the north.At 11:11am, theandscore their first hits of what will be a long battle. The fight soon moves to ranges of down to 2,000 yards, with rain and snow squalls gradually worsening. The Russians, though on the defensive and evidently seeking to pull back to their base of Korsakovsk on Sakhalin island, remind the Japanese that they are fighting ships - at about noon, they abruptly turn their broadsides to the Asama and Tokiwa and accept an all-out line battle.Although the Russians are more heavily armored and larger, the Japanese 8in guns (versus the Russians all-6in configuration) prove more than up to the task. After 3 hours of constant combat, however, ammunition is running low, and neither side seems to be gaining decisive advantage, continuing to fight on at 19-20kt running speed. Kamimura’s last-effort attempt is to send in the two destroyers he brought with him and try to torpedo the Russians…They respond to the torpedo attack by turning and nearly ramming the Japanese ships, and amid the heavy sea, the torpedo boats cannot launch any torpedoes. In turn, at 3:35 in the afternoontries to ram the trailing Russian ship, but only receives a full 6in broadside hit at close range for its efforts. Fortunately, the ship is not heavily damaged as a result. Just then, the rain and sleet grows heavy and, in the confusion, the Russian cruisers disappear into the mist.After 20 minutes of uncertainty, Kamimura’s squadron manages to reestablish contact. It is now flagship’s turn to nearly ram an enemy cruiser, but in the end the two ships merely brush each other’s sides without causing much damage. By 16:30, weather only continues getting worse. Tokiwa’s attending cruisers have strayed to the south and are nowhere to be seen. The light cruisersUnebi and Naniwa fall out of formation shortly thereafter; on the battered, the coal stokers are exhausted after hours of maneuvers and the ship is beginning to lose steam. And now, darkness is beginning to fall at the end of a short winter day…By 17:15, one Russian ship succeeds at slipping away into the fading light and worsening precipitation, but the trailingstill can’t shake its pursuers. Captain Yoshioka’sand rear admiral Kamimura’sboth continue to send shells its way. Suddenly, there is an immensewhich shudders the hulls of the Japanese ships and lights up the sky. It first seems like a flash of rare winter thunder, but Kamimura quickly realizes that following a salvo from Asama, something went terribly wrong aboard the Russian cruiser Gromoboi, which explodes in a bright shower of flame amid the cold rain that is already turning to sleet and snow. It is quite a terrible sight, and moments later, no more is seen of it. The weather is far too harsh to find any survivors in the water.Minutes later, complete darkness falls. Kamimura signals to Yoshioka on the Asama to fall back. A hero’s welcome once again awaits them at home.

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The course of the war remains slow during the winter - the land campaign is largely at a standstill during the cold months, and the two sides simply build up strength. Our cruiser Chiyoda completes her shakedown, and the wartime minesweepers begin to enter service, albeit with some problems…











The Russians again attempt to raid the Tsushima straits, but retreat upon sighting our ships. With weather at sea continuing to be quite mild for February, Kamimura decides to take to the offensive - and organizes a night-time raid on Vladivostok - among other things, to try out what the new Chiyoda is capable of.











The Japanese cruisers arrive in the dark of night to reconnoiter the area, but run into a whole squadron of small ships outside of harbour and, fearing torpedo attack, pull back. Naniwa, taking the role of rear guard, holds the enemy back and takes a few hits from the Russian cruisers and destroyers. With the surprise factor gone, Kamimura then withdraws.













Meanwhile, the commander of the force in Taiwan, rear admiral Masaji aboard the cruiser Izumi, requests a destroyer to be detached to him to provide additional patrol capacity. Itoh agrees reluctantly.







March 1902







In government, the minister of the navy, Admiral Yamamoto, presses for more funding and makes a strong appeal to the industrialists for more funds for the war. Japan must be united against the foe! Shipyards are expanding capacity, but one doesn’t need many special reminders of the threat from the foe - 3 merchants are lost to Russian raiders off the coast during the preceding month.







On March 14th, while looking for these raiders, captain Yoshioka’s Asama, in company of sister ship Iwate, runs into a pair of unknown ships at the approaches to the Tsugaru straits in northern Japan. The two armored cruisers immediately engage.











1st Battle of the Tsugaru Straits 14th March 1902



It is after 9 in the evening, and already dark when Asama and Iwate make their dash towards the two enemy cruisers, which flee in opposite directions after taking fire. Weighing the chances, captain Yoshioka chooses to pursue the smaller, weaker light cruiser which runs to the north. It turns out to be the Diana, yet another pesky Pallada-class ship. At night-time engagement ranges, it is difficult for it to flee without taking hits - but hitting the enemy in the dark proves difficult. Suddenly, flashes light up to the north!









The startled Yoshioka, however, quickly recognizes rear admiral Kamimura’s callsign being flashed at him - the Tokiwa has unexpectedly arrived into the battle, having observed the gunfire in the darkness from its station deeper in the Tsugaru straits. The unfortunate Russian cruiser is soon providing ample illumination herself - her superstructure is left burning after the three Japanese pummel it with shells.









At 10:37pm, just like the unfortunate Gromoboi in the previous month, the poor Russian cruiser Diana blows up in a sheet of flame after Iwate and Asama puncture her side with their 8in guns and ignite ammunition in the magazines. The larger enemy cruiser Pamyat Azova is nowhere to be found by the Japanese ships - although in the morning, coastal observers report that she’d returned to the area to look for the lost Diana. She was not spotted by the Japanese ships, however.















Despite ample coverage of Japanese exploits in the world press, Western politicians seem to be wary of dealing with Japan due to the war in Russia, perhaps not wanting to offend the Czar too much. As a result, the only nation willing to sell ships to the Japanese navy at the moment is Italy (although the previous orders with US and Britain, for the Hatsuse and Yakumo, will still be filled).







The navy cannot afford a new battleship at the moment - funds are instead focused on training and maintaining the Combined Fleet - but with Kamimura’s ACs having proven themselves decisively so far, it is judged quite wise to order another armored cruiser, Japan’s 5th, to be called Izumo.







In the end, a modified design based on the Italian ship Francesco Ferrucio is chosen, enlarged and equipped specifically for cruiser-hunting. It is by far the smallest and fastest of our ACs - and although it does not have the heavy firepower of the others, its faster-firing 7 inch guns should prove potent for killing off enemy raiders - raiders which continue to trouble Japan presently, taking another 2 merchant ships off the Japanese coast by the end of the month.







(To be continued...)

The course of the war remains slow during the winter - the land campaign is largely at a standstill during the cold months, and the two sides simply build up strength. Our cruisercompletes her shakedown, and the wartime minesweepers begin to enter service, albeit with some problems…The Russians again attempt to raid the Tsushima straits, but retreat upon sighting our ships. With weather at sea continuing to be quite mild for February, Kamimura decides to take to the offensive - and organizes a night-time raid on Vladivostok - among other things, to try out what the newis capable of.The Japanese cruisers arrive in the dark of night to reconnoiter the area, but run into a whole squadron of small ships outside of harbour and, fearing torpedo attack, pull back., taking the role of rear guard, holds the enemy back and takes a few hits from the Russian cruisers and destroyers. With the surprise factor gone, Kamimura then withdraws.Meanwhile, the commander of the force in Taiwan, rear admiral Masaji aboard the cruiser, requests a destroyer to be detached to him to provide additional patrol capacity. Itoh agrees reluctantly.In government, the minister of the navy, Admiral Yamamoto, presses for more funding and makes a strong appeal to the industrialists for more funds for the war. Japan must be united against the foe! Shipyards are expanding capacity, but one doesn’t need many special reminders of the threat from the foe - 3 merchants are lost to Russian raiders off the coast during the preceding month.On March 14th, while looking for these raiders, captain Yoshioka’s, in company of sister ship Iwate, runs into a pair of unknown ships at the approaches to the Tsugaru straits in northern Japan. The two armored cruisers immediately engage.It is after 9 in the evening, and already dark whenandmake their dash towards the two enemy cruisers, which flee in opposite directions after taking fire. Weighing the chances, captain Yoshioka chooses to pursue the smaller, weaker light cruiser which runs to the north. It turns out to be the, yet another pesky Pallada-class ship. At night-time engagement ranges, it is difficult for it to flee without taking hits - but hitting the enemy in the dark proves difficult. Suddenly, flashes light up to the north!The startled Yoshioka, however, quickly recognizes rear admiral Kamimura’s callsign being flashed at him - thehas unexpectedly arrived into the battle, having observed the gunfire in the darkness from its station deeper in the Tsugaru straits. The unfortunate Russian cruiser is soon providing ample illumination herself - her superstructure is left burning after the three Japanese pummel it with shells.At 10:37pm, just like the unfortunate Gromoboi in the previous month, the poor Russian cruiser Diana blows up in a sheet of flame after Iwate and Asama puncture her side with their 8in guns and ignite ammunition in the magazines. The larger enemy cruiser Pamyat Azova is nowhere to be found by the Japanese ships - although in the morning, coastal observers report that she’d returned to the area to look for the lost Diana. She was not spotted by the Japanese ships, however.Despite ample coverage of Japanese exploits in the world press, Western politicians seem to be wary of dealing with Japan due to the war in Russia, perhaps not wanting to offend the Czar too much. As a result, the only nation willing to sell ships to the Japanese navy at the moment is Italy (although the previous orders with US and Britain, for the Hatsuse and Yakumo, will still be filled).The navy cannot afford a new battleship at the moment - funds are instead focused on training and maintaining the Combined Fleet - but with Kamimura’s ACs having proven themselves decisively so far, it is judged quite wise to order another armored cruiser, Japan’s 5th, to be calledIn the end, a modified design based on the Italian shipis chosen, enlarged and equipped specifically for cruiser-hunting. It is by far the smallest and fastest of our ACs - and although it does not have the heavy firepower of the others, its faster-firing 7 inch guns should prove potent for killing off enemy raiders - raiders which continue to trouble Japan presently, taking another 2 merchant ships off the Japanese coast by the end of the month.

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The war has been going badly for Russia, embarrassed by heavy naval defeats. They reach out for peace through neutrals, apparently offering concessions in Korea. Viscount Itoh and the naval minister Yamamoto advise the government most strongly that they should be taken up up on the offer - Itoh does not see good prospects for this conflict in the long term. However, the negotiations falter, while Russian raiders continue their hunt. It is not long before they are once against spotted off the Japanese home shores...







2nd Battle of the Tsugaru Straits 14th April, 1902









Kamimura, aboard the 2nd squadron flagship Tokiwa ,with Iwate in company, is once again guarding the Tsugaru against the Russian raiders. The two ships make a sighting: two 3rd rank Pallada cruisers on the prowl - and behind them, the 1st rank Pamyat Azova, under the command of captain Jessen. Maneuvering in the afternoon sun, the Russians’ large ship accepts battle.











This time, the Russians’ response is not a wild chase with twists and turns - instead, the Pamyat Azova sails as though her crew have stoically resigned to their fate. Initially, they simply observe the Japanese shells falling around them and sail a straight course, but eventually begin firing back. With no maneuvering by either side, it soon becomes a rather straightforward, gentlemanly gunnery duel, with neither side budging - though Japanese having a clear advantage of numbers. The Japanese officers remark with admiration at their enemy’s discipline this time around. Weather, meanwhile, gradually grows overcast.











3 hours later, as dusk approaches, the Russian cruiser finally make their move, seeking to shake off their opponent and escape into the dark after the long artillery exchange. One of the scouting cruisers previously spotted returns to lend the Pamyat Azova a hand. And, shortly before 8 in the evening, as darkness falls, the Russians seem to have succeeded! The large cruiser dodges away and is nowhere to be seen. Even with the Asama arriving from the east to reinforce her two sisters, admiral Kamimura is unable to reestablish contact.











On his return, he is full of praise for the Pamiat Azova’s noble conduct in the battle. Somewhat puzzlingly to the Russians, the Japanese press seem to make heroes out of the Russian crew, who stood honourably in an unequal fight for over 5 hours. The battle at Tsugaru straits was entirely inconclusive - but accounts of an honest fight against an honourable foe capture the Japanese imagination and help with recruitment for the navy.





May 1902







The first Hokaze-class destroyers, built locally, begin to enter service. They, too, turn out to be somewhat overweight, reflecting perhaps the imperfections of Japanese shipbuilding skill at the moment.







Italy, excited by the Japanese order for Izumo and wanting to keep this foreign business, offer to build a 2nd ship of the same class, at even less cost. Thus, cruiser Azuma is ordered. The 6-6 fleet (6 battleships, 6 large cruisers) is now on the books - and will be a reality within 2 years’ time!







Meanwhile, the government sees that despite naval victories, the Russians remain entrenched. The land campaign is going quite well, but will need a much bigger push to topple the Russians and chase them off the Liaotung peninsula. The prime minister asks naval minister Yamamoto whether his navy can forego some of our resources in favour of the army to bring this war to a close. The commander in chief of the Combined Fleet Itoh is loath to give up any resources that are essential to maintaining his fleet - but nonetheless fully agrees to support the army. Although he is confident in his ships, he knows better than anyone that against a Russian navy that is now clearly stronger than his, there is nothing he can do now to bring a decisive end to the war.











And as the summer weather improves and the fighting on land forces the Russians to get more active at sea, Itoh gets just the demonstration he needed to reaffirm his view…



(To be continued...) The war has been going badly for Russia, embarrassed by heavy naval defeats. They reach out for peace through neutrals, apparently offering concessions in Korea. Viscount Itoh and the naval minister Yamamoto advise the government most strongly that they should be taken up up on the offer - Itoh does not see good prospects for this conflict in the long term. However, the negotiations falter, while Russian raiders continue their hunt. It is not long before they are once against spotted off the Japanese home shores...Kamimura, aboard the 2nd squadron flagship,within company, is once again guarding the Tsugaru against the Russian raiders. The two ships make a sighting: two 3rd rankcruisers on the prowl - and behind them, the 1st rank, under the command of captain Jessen. Maneuvering in the afternoon sun, the Russians’ large ship accepts battle.This time, the Russians’ response is not a wild chase with twists and turns - instead, thesails as though her crew have stoically resigned to their fate. Initially, they simply observe the Japanese shells falling around them and sail a straight course, but eventually begin firing back. With no maneuvering by either side, it soon becomes a rather straightforward, gentlemanly gunnery duel, with neither side budging - though Japanese having a clear advantage of numbers. The Japanese officers remark with admiration at their enemy’s discipline this time around. Weather, meanwhile, gradually grows overcast.3 hours later, as dusk approaches, the Russian cruiser finally make their move, seeking to shake off their opponent and escape into the dark after the long artillery exchange. One of the scouting cruisers previously spotted returns to lend the Pamyat Azova a hand. And, shortly before 8 in the evening, as darkness falls, the Russians seem to have succeeded! The large cruiser dodges away and is nowhere to be seen. Even with thearriving from the east to reinforce her two sisters, admiral Kamimura is unable to reestablish contact.On his return, he is full of praise for the’s noble conduct in the battle. Somewhat puzzlingly to the Russians, the Japanese press seem to make heroes out of the Russian crew, who stood honourably in an unequal fight for over 5 hours. The battle at Tsugaru straits was entirely inconclusive - but accounts of an honest fight against an honourable foe capture the Japanese imagination and help with recruitment for the navy.The first-class destroyers, built locally, begin to enter service. They, too, turn out to be somewhat overweight, reflecting perhaps the imperfections of Japanese shipbuilding skill at the moment.Italy, excited by the Japanese order forand wanting to keep this foreign business, offer to build a 2nd ship of the same class, at even less cost. Thus, cruiseris ordered. The 6-6 fleet (6 battleships, 6 large cruisers) is now on the books - and will be a reality within 2 years’ time!Meanwhile, the government sees that despite naval victories, the Russians remain entrenched. The land campaign is going quite well, but will need a much bigger push to topple the Russians and chase them off the Liaotung peninsula. The prime minister asks naval minister Yamamoto whether his navy can forego some of our resources in favour of the army to bring this war to a close. The commander in chief of the Combined Fleet Itoh is loath to give up any resources that are essential to maintaining his fleet - but nonetheless fully agrees to support the army. Although he is confident in his ships, he knows better than anyone that against a Russian navy that is now clearly stronger than his, there is nothing he can do now to bring a decisive end to the war.And as the summer weather improves and the fighting on land forces the Russians to get more active at sea, Itoh gets just the demonstration he needed to reaffirm his view…

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Link to Post Back to Top Post by ccip on Action off Heuksando May 30th, 1902









Alerted to a possible Russian sortie, Itoh sails with the Combined Fleet to a distant blockading position off the tip of the Korean peninsula. Late in the afternoon, Kamimura’s cruisers, screening ahead of the battleship force, signal contact. Once again, Itoh is flying his flag from the Fuso. This time, all 5 of his battleships are ready for action - the 4 British-built stalwarts, as well as the American-made Mikasa, by now as well-integrated into the fleet as the rest of them.













The first contact once again presents the familiar profile of the Pallada class. Kamimura presses forward with his armored cruisers and opens fire - and soon, a line of enemy ships comes into view. Itoh is expecting the worst. However, the enemy line appears to be turning away, still out of sight of Itoh’s main force. Nonetheless, not wanting to be trapped in the Yellow Sea by a potentially stronger force, Itoh orders course south, while Kamimura’s cruisers put pressure on the enemy, who are still sailing away.









With the Russians continue to flee, Itoh cautiously turns west towards them to see if perhaps the Russian force is weaker than expected, but not for long - Kamimura signals to report the Russian line making a 180 degree turn in sequence - it seems they are coming after all. The Japanese scouts are counting 7 battleships in the enemy line. Course south again.

After determining the enemy composition, Itoh signals to Kamimura’s cruisers to fall into his battle line and proceed together towards Heuksando Island. He will not accept battle on these terms - and the approaching sunset should offer them a chance to pull away. Thus begins a run to the south. Kamimura’s cruisers continue to observe the Russian line carefully.











The Russian Imperator Nikolai I class battleships, which arrived from Europe last year and were not encountered by us previously, seem like ships closely similar to our own, and perhaps even slightly better armed. Others are of the familiar Imperator Pavel I and 12 Apostolov class.











At about 6 in the evening, Kamimura’s cruisers, now acting as the rear guard, begin exchanging long-distance fire with the pursuing Russian fleet. At 18:36, his flagship receives a heavy hit from a Russian 12in gun, which showers the deck with splinters. Mercifully, dusk is already falling. Itoh’s main body, having passed the bottleneck at Heuksando island, turns southeast to skirt the tip of Korea and pull away from the pursuit. By 19:20, Russian ships are out of sight in the falling darkness.















It isn’t quite the end of the battle for the cruiser Chiyoda, which had fallen behind while screening for Kamimura’s force, and at 19:40 blunders into the Russian fleet. However, the Russian destroyer she spots fails to identify her and does not open fire until she suddenly finds herself inside the enemy line. After a tense half-hour of dodging all types of ships, the Chiyoda successfully breaks out of the Russian line unharmed, having confused and delayed them in the process. By morning, Itoh’s entire fleet is back at Sasebo.











June 1902



With the naval balance of power now shifting against the Japanese fleet, improvements are being made at home. Private industry expands dock capacity to 13,000t - the prospect of building battleships domestically is slowly becoming more realistic. More fleet torpedo boats of the Hokaze class are commissioned and begin working up.



Russians continue to make insincere moves for peace; yet 3 more merchants are taken by raiders during the month. However, Kamimura’s cruisers remain active and make an unopposed sweep off the Russian port of Vladivostok. On June 17th, Itoh’s Combined Fleet makes a sortie into the Tsushima straits after receiving reports of the Russian fleet’s presence. The Russians were indeed there, but the two fleets fail to encounter each other.











(To be continued…)

Alerted to a possible Russian sortie, Itoh sails with the Combined Fleet to a distant blockading position off the tip of the Korean peninsula. Late in the afternoon, Kamimura’s cruisers, screening ahead of the battleship force, signal contact. Once again, Itoh is flying his flag from the. This time, all 5 of his battleships are ready for action - the 4 British-built stalwarts, as well as the American-made, by now as well-integrated into the fleet as the rest of them.The first contact once again presents the familiar profile of theclass. Kamimura presses forward with his armored cruisers and opens fire - and soon, a line of enemy ships comes into view. Itoh is expecting the worst. However, the enemy line appears to be turning away, still out of sight of Itoh’s main force. Nonetheless, not wanting to be trapped in the Yellow Sea by a potentially stronger force, Itoh orders course south, while Kamimura’s cruisers put pressure on the enemy, who are still sailing away.With the Russians continue to flee, Itoh cautiously turns west towards them to see if perhaps the Russian force is weaker than expected, but not for long - Kamimura signals to report the Russian line making a 180 degree turn in sequence - it seems they are coming after all. The Japanese scouts are counting 7 battleships in the enemy line. Course south again.After determining the enemy composition, Itoh signals to Kamimura’s cruisers to fall into his battle line and proceed together towards Heuksando Island. He will not accept battle on these terms - and the approaching sunset should offer them a chance to pull away. Thus begins a run to the south. Kamimura’s cruisers continue to observe the Russian line carefully.The Russianclass battleships, which arrived from Europe last year and were not encountered by us previously, seem like ships closely similar to our own, and perhaps even slightly better armed. Others are of the familiarandclass.At about 6 in the evening, Kamimura’s cruisers, now acting as the rear guard, begin exchanging long-distance fire with the pursuing Russian fleet. At 18:36, his flagship receives a heavy hit from a Russian 12in gun, which showers the deck with splinters. Mercifully, dusk is already falling. Itoh’s main body, having passed the bottleneck at Heuksando island, turns southeast to skirt the tip of Korea and pull away from the pursuit. By 19:20, Russian ships are out of sight in the falling darkness.It isn’t quite the end of the battle for the cruiser, which had fallen behind while screening for Kamimura’s force, and at 19:40 blunders into the Russian fleet. However, the Russian destroyer she spots fails to identify her and does not open fire until she suddenly finds herself inside the enemy line. After a tense half-hour of dodging all types of ships, the Chiyoda successfully breaks out of the Russian line unharmed, having confused and delayed them in the process. By morning, Itoh’s entire fleet is back at Sasebo.With the naval balance of power now shifting against the Japanese fleet, improvements are being made at home. Private industry expands dock capacity to 13,000t - the prospect of building battleships domestically is slowly becoming more realistic. More fleet torpedo boats of theclass are commissioned and begin working up.Russians continue to make insincere moves for peace; yet 3 more merchants are taken by raiders during the month. However, Kamimura’s cruisers remain active and make an unopposed sweep off the Russian port of Vladivostok. On June 17th, Itoh’s Combined Fleet makes a sortie into the Tsushima straits after receiving reports of the Russian fleet’s presence. The Russians were indeed there, but the two fleets fail to encounter each other.